The Party of the Century (Open)

Everything was above satisfactory, the people who made the decorations had delivered exactly what Valentino had ordered. The large two story house in Xianchang was lit up by hundreds of traditional red Xing lanterns. They were each hand painted and made out of a very thin paper that was only made in Xing. There was an entire wall that was lined with tables that had every dish on top of them that you could imagine, a pyramid of champagne nearing the ceiling. He had ordered champagne even though Valentino much prefers wine, but this party wasnt about him... okay, it was. But even so, he would at least make his guests happy. This was the party of the century after all! There were people everywhere, and from all walks of life, they were having a good time; and so was he. Valentino smiled as he leaned on the ornately carved wood railing of the mezzanine that overlooked the first floor where people were mingling and dancing and having fun. As always, he had a glass of red wine in his hand.

"W-why the hell am I here again?" She wondered as she looked around confused.

Peyton had come to Xing to find her old xingese martial arts teacher. Not attend some big fancy party where she didn't understand anyone! She sighed and pulled at her dress. She hated dresses, she always felt like she looked awkward in them. There were also too many people for her tastes. Good god, her social anxiety was pretty bad right now. She mostly tried to act like a wall flower and be ignored. Just until her friend was finished partying. Then she could go.

Dear god, why did she have to be cursed this way. Why was she so weird and stupid looking and everyone else had their attractive faces? She mentally face palmed and ate something from the food table. She wasn't sure what it was. Tasted good though. She usually liked Xingese food. Yes, the food could distract her while she had to suffer through.

Colors flooded her eyes. Beautiful dresses of all shapes and fabrics were sights to behold and adore. Lian couldn't help but blush at the beauty of it all. People mingled and giggled, speaking of days and comments on things she just had yet to understand. Dances weren't something Lian went to a lot to and the only reason she HAD gone to this one was because Mr. Farese had wanted her to come. Being soft spoken and shy as she was, she couldn't resist and tell the man no. Besides, as a medic, she needed to stay near him anyways, to make sure he was okay and not passing out from his wound. It had been a while though, since the injury had happened, but that didn't stop the young Xingese woman from worrying. Her only regret, was that she had to wear some sort of heel, which mixed with her natural clumsiness, allowed her to slip down one flight of stairs and land firmly on her rear.

She groaned a bit in response. Today was not going to end too well. Oh well, if Valentino was happy, she could bear a little pain. The fabric of her own dress was a blue made light enough that the similar color in her eyes was brought out, but the pale lilac would always linger and give an odd fight for dominant color. The short dress was made by one of her elderly friends in appreciation for SOMETHING Lian had done for her, but honestly she couldn't recall what. A small tie in the back laced up to her shoulder blades, managing to cover the scars of her past, though barely and reached around to hug her shoulders. White straps leaked into white fronts trimmed in silver and blue, holding low on her bosoms, but not enough to be considered skimpy. Lian was far too conservative for that and her 'friends' all knew that. The only reason for a shorter dress that hung at her knees was they also knew her lack of good coordination that a long dress would only worsen.

After rubbing out the pain if only just a little, she would straighten her posture and try again. Her hands grasped a rail for dear life, as if the world would end if she let go and slowly, she placed the open-toed shoe onto the next step. One.. two... She held her breath as it landed straight on, though a bit wobbly. The next step was easier and slowly, she managed to reach the bottom of them where everywhere was. What happened next was simple. Lian found a wall and stood against it, staring on and just watching the others. If she couldn't walk down stairs, how would anyone expect her to dance? Nevertheless, she'd at least made it for him, whether he saw her or not. Her eyes closed and slowly, she swayed to the tune of the music, adoring the spectacle.

Xing... Xing... He was in Xing? HOW THE HELL HAD HE GOTTEN TO XING!?!? Bronze really couldn't understand... The last thing he remembered was doing... Something in Gelemort and now well... Now he was close to two thousand miles away...How had that happened? Lizard men? Aliens? LIZARD LIKE ALIENS!?!?! The questions where endless and some of said questions Bronze was to buzzed to even consider at that moment. Buzzed? When the hell had he last indulged? And more to the point what on?! Not that it really mattered but still no self respecting druggy wanted to forget what he was high on... And Bronzes was a self respecting druggy. Now all that being set aside he really had to wonder how he had shown up in the middle of a fucking dance party with out realizing it!! Also of some what lesser importance was weather he was invited to or crashing said party... And if he was crashing it why? He looked around the dance floor, his body already starting to sway to the music and stumbled a step or two away from the major center of activity.

Finally he looked at him self and let out what could have been the loudest gasp of surprise this side of Creta... Why in all the hells was he wearing a female Aurgese high school uniform? The skirt of a pleated affair that went to mid thigh, the blouse was blue and white and for what ever reason had a bow wrapped around his mid riff. But what really pulled it all together was the crown(Read tiara) he had found safely nestled in his long brown hair. Apparently what ever he had taken turned him into something of a cross dresser, and a not very successful one at that. He searched his memory then for any inkling of what had happened these past few days and came up with... Nadda. It was all a haze filled blur. The general let out a sigh and as his chest expanded he felt something press into his chest... Some sort of bag was nestled in what would be considered his "cleavage". Reaching down his shirt in a rather unlady like fashion he managed to withdraw a tiny bag filled with even smaller white pills... And of course he couldn't tell exactly what they where...

He slowly walked over to the wall, his steps a tad wobbly in the four inch stilettos he wore upon his amazingly dainty feet and collapsed into an empty seat, his eyes still locked on the bag with the tiny, harmless looking pills. He was thousands of miles away from home, he was wearing woman's clothing, and he could remember nothing of how he had gotten there... All (he could assume) because he had taken a few of these little guys... A smile crossed over the mans face and he let out a little laugh. It must have been one hell of a time!!

Hmmmmmmmmm... Captain Kelly, Captain Kelly, what are you doing at a party like this...? The thoughts lingered in his mind as he wondered why he was even here. Among PEOPLE, no less... He stuck out like a sore thumb, to make matters worse; a middle-aged, admittedly out-of-shape guy with strange hair, in a casual suit. Nooooooo, he deeeeeeefiniiiitely fit in. Fit into the sixties, maybe. And who were these people!? As far as he could tell, with the exception of Lian, everybody was essentially a weirdo hipster, probably wearing womens' clothing and looking lost and confused, but acting like they knew what was going on, almost. AND SURE ENOUGH!? THERE WAS A GUY. DOING THAT. WHEN HE WALKED IN. Yeesh, he knew it was a bad choice.

Ehh, at least his job gave him some information. He practically had a dossier for half the people present, at least. The creepy crossdrsser looked like Bronze Degan, General of Gelemort, and he'd probably come with their host, who appeared to be one Valentino Farese, a royal guard, also Gelemortian. Then there were a fistful of other officials, a fistful of random civilians he knew nothing about, and he and Lian. He was tempted to go talk to her, but at the same time, his gut was roaring rather badly, and he had to eat something, despite the fact that he'd rather avoid everyone present.

In the end, however, hunger won, and he hit the food court. Grabbing a plate, he piled on a few egg rolls and some Mandarin Chicken, because Mandarin Chicken is the BEST chicken, ever, always. Stepping back, after drawing a pair of chopsticks from his coat pocket, (he was never without) he leaned into the wall, trying to hide out from the rest of the party. Well, it didn't work that way, apparently, as he noticed some red-head, Amestrian by the looks of her, back away from the food court, apparently as awkwardly as he had. With a silent sigh, he figured he'd have to talk to her, since nobody liked to be bored to death at a party.

Problem being, his Amestrian kinda sucked... Eh, he'd try. Walking up, he grinned an awkward smile on that scarred to shreds tear-inducing face, and gave a brief wave. "Halloo!" Erm... Maybe his Amestrian was a little worse than he thought...? Bah, no matter. "I name are Captain Kelly, you call I Kelly, though. How are you name? Good party, ne?" Eh, what could go wrong, given this WONDERFUL greeting? Well, at least the two most awkward people present could feel a bit less awkward about the party, and more awkward about one another? Meh...

What a raving success this party was! It seemed to him that everyone was having a good time, and at least trying the food. The sounds of happy conversations, laughter and dance music filled the night air. It was strange, even though Valentino was a traditional dancer, he absolutely ADORED the more modern music. The fusion of technology and artist was really interesting to him. If they can make a robot sing music, maybe I could find myself with a robot dance partner pretty soon he thought to himself quietly. Valentino took a sip of wine, savoring it as it rolled over his tongue and warmed his throat as it slid down. Refreshing. Some strange figure caught his eye, upon closer inspection it looked to be some Aeruguese school girl. Valentino began to make his way over to tell her that this wasnt the place for a young lady such as herself because there are many men here who would take advantage of her.

As Valentino walked down the stairs he became more and more aware that the "school girl" was actually a guy. As he got even closer he found that that guy was actually Bronze Degan. The Bronze Degan, General of Gelemorte... Valentino took out his phone and took a picture, hoping he wouldnt see with all of the commotion around him. This was hilarious!!! I mean really!? A schoolgirl outfit? What was this guy thinking!? As Valentino got within earshot, which was probably around 3 feet due to the intensity of the music he smiled and said "Hello there General! What brings you to my humble party? So glad you could make it!, Valentino's crimson eyes were full of joy.

Even though he was making conversation with his friend, he was still wondering where Lian was, wondering if she had decided to come after all. Valentino shrugged, he would find her soon if she was here, she would no doubt cause some sort of fifteen people pile up, she was clumsy like that, but its what made her so stunning.

"What?" Peyton quirked an eyebrow.

She hadn't understood a since thing the weird man had just said. Although she knew she shouldn't be judging based upon looks, she couldn't help it. His hair was crazier then hers, and she was born like this! He looked to be in his late thirties, early forties. She wasn't sure. The man was a bit plump too. Seriously what was going on with that hair? She sighed and looked at the strange man again. He probably didn't speak Amestrian all too well. But at least he tried. She'd probably get out of this conversation pretty quick, since this just felt awkward.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" She asked politely, hoping not to hurt the man's feelings in any way by making him think she was insulting him. Geez, talking to people was pretty hard sometimes. You never know what may or may not set them off.

As she waited for the strange man to come up with a reply in broken Amestrian, her eyes darted around the room. Her friend seemed to have run off. Great. Now she was stuck here until she could find another ride. The walk back to her hotel was long and almost dangerous since it was night, so no she refused to walk it. She'd rather not get mugged tonight. All Peyton wanted was to just go back to her hotel. She loathed parties. She never had fun and just sat around the entire time watching everyone talk.

Lian stood on the wall for a while until she found a pang of loneliness hit her hard. Just standing around let the nightmares recur behind her eyes. She needed to- to occupy herself somehow. She couldn't be alone, she hated being alone. So, as she watched the other people laugh, dance and giggle, Lian tried to gain the courage to find some company, but everyone looked so busy. So, she decided to seek out the only person she recognized. Naturally, Kelly was there, so Lian followed up to his spot and a soft hand touched his arm. It wasn't an attention touch, but more like someone trying to find a string support to stand on wobbly legs. So many people were around, and then they all stopped and stared at a man in a beautiful dress. Lian peered curiously over, before her feet moved her to the buffet table.

Behind the table a bored looking woman stared hard at some man. Obviously, she wanted to go and join the fun, so Lian found her opportunity. "Miss, would you like to go dance? I-I'll stay here in your place." The woman gave Lian an odd and admittedly excited look before speaking quietly.

"Are you sure? I mean, it's not fun back here." Her body was moving before Lian could even reply. Lian simply laughed and gave a nod, before the woman waved her thanks and darted into the crowd.

Lian was oddly more comfortable behind the table. The occasional group came by, grabbing tarts and food of the like. Naturally some servers would be almost waltzing across the floor with trays and the like. She knew she was far from coordinated enough to do that sort of help. Instead, Lian helped give napkins out. Meanwhile, people were gawking at the man in a dress. What was wrong with that? Lian had seen weirder in her days as a medic, but she could kind of see the intrigue from the STYLE of dress. The man looked obviously confused and for a moment Lian could relate. Nevertheless, she simply stood there as people muttered.

"Hello there General! What brings you to my humble party? So glad you could make it! Humble...Party? Yes. YES! He was at a party wasn't he? The green eyed general glanced around, and spotted the man who had spoken to him... He looked like someone that was for sure, but Bronze couldn't be sure if he knew him or not. Not as he was at least, though the other mans words did make it seem like they knew each other. "Do... Do you know how i got here?... I cant seem to remember..." He scratched his head, an action that would have looked good if he had been wearing anything other then what he was. "Last thing i remember is... being home and the next thing i know poof im here... in Xing? I honestly dont even know anymore." His hands dropped to his side and he fingered the bag with the mystery pills, the answer of course was held with in those tiny but potent tablets, Bronze was more then sure of that.

...Figured... With a slight sigh, Kelly shook his head, before looking back up at the woman, a poor attempt at a smile on his face. Trial number two, a little more carefully said, and expressed a little better with hand motions, as if he was playing a really talkative version of charades. "I... Are name... Captain Kelly. What... Are you name is? Sorry of Amestrian bad; Xingese and Creig. " Letting out another sigh as he finished speaking, he shrugged wearily, as if to say "Hey, I tried?" and gave the girl a look, as he waited for her to respond. She had some bright red hair, quite possibly a hotter red than anyone in Carraig; said a lot, considering his mother'd had locks that Mars envied. But, aside from that, she wasn't ugly, the opposite, rather. Probably had a lot of boys all up in her business a lot, or so he'd have thought at a glance. However, it seemed as if she was alone. Odd. But it didn't concern him much, so meh.

Thankfully, the awkwardness was interrupted by a tap on the arm. Turning to look over his shoulder, he turned back to the woman, and gave a half-hearted smile and a wave, before walking off in search of the person who'd touched his arm. Seeing Lian walk away from where he once had stood told him it was likely her hat had tapped his arm, but he didn't mind, nor did he go to see why. In fact, he decided it would be best to grab something to drink, to wash down his light snack. And, of course, by something to drink, he referred to large amounts of the supplied champagne. Personally, he'd have taken some Scotch or a spot of Absinthe, but hey, a bottle or six of champ couldn't hurt, eh? Snatching up two of the bottles, not bothering to pour them into a glass, he tipped back the first bottle, in his somewhat graceless chugging of liquids. About a third of the bottle vanished in a gulp or two, as Kelly found somewhere to sit nearby, so as to survey the people present. Speaking with a rather weary, almost cynical smile, he spoke, "Cheers, to a night of getting blitzed and forgetting I ever endured such an awkward affair as this!~"

"Do... Do you know how i got here?... I cant seem to remember..." Bronze asked, his face showing how truly disoriented he was. What happened to him? Hmmmm, I feel like I should help him but i dont know how... No matter, things always right themselves in the end! Valentino thought to himself as Bronze scratched his head. "Last thing i remember is... being home and the next thing i know poof im here... in Xing? I honestly dont even know anymore." the general added. Hmmm, quite a perdicament indeed. "Im glad that you showed up here of all the places, please, make yourself comfortable, whats mine is yours my friend. I will help you figure out what happened to you later, but first, enjoy the party! I have a very special guest tonight and I mustn't keep her waiting, if youll excuse me. Valentino said with a smile. He touched the general on the shoulder gently and made his way through the throng of dancing people.

Valentino's height was a clear advantage at this point, he was able to see over the tops of most people's heads. However, finding the one special woman was surprisingly hard, considering she was shorter than everyone. Valentino walked through the dance floor craning his neck in an attempt to catch a glimpse of her. However to no avail. He sighed as he made his way over to the large table and got a glass of champagne, although it wasnt wine, Valentino didnt feel like going back upstairs go get himself another glass. As he was walking towards the tower of champagne he could see her behind it, sitting at a table.

Thats why I couldnt see her! She sat down, I wonder if it is because she fell already.. Hmmm. Valentino grabbed two glasses instead of one from the tower and made his way over to the table where Lian was with a smile on his face. Each step was more of a glide, the champagne in the glass didnt so much as quiver. Lian was in the most beautiful of dresses, a blue so soft it brought out her eyes. Nice low cu- No! He wouldnt think that way! Valentino couldnt see the rest of the dress because of the table but he imagined it was stunning. Valentino smiled and set her glass of champagne on the table said, "Im so glad you could make it! Are you enjoying the festivities? His crimson eyes became softer, more caring. Lian had that sort of effect on him, she was changing him slowly. And he liked it.

She watched as the strange green haired man just walked away. Well, it's to be expected. She was an awkward person to talk to. He'd probably either gave up on trying to communicate, or just couldn't bear to converse with her any longer. Peyton sighed and tugged at her dress again, just wanting this night to end.

Peyton watched boredly as people danced, their bodies swaying with the beat of the music. Usually if someone was bored at a party they'd probably just go dance. But that's another problem here, Peyton couldn't dance either. She just looked flat-out ridiculous when she tried. Plus if she danced for too long her stump would get sore anyways. So, Peyton believed it was best to leave the dancing to others.

Peyton just absolutely loathed the party and herself. Why did she let her friend convince her to come? Why was she still here? Why was she wearing this dress? Why did was she the only one who looked stupid here? Why couldn't she just be like everybody else? Why did she have to lose her leg!?

These questions running through her mind only caused frustration. Her social anxiety was getting her worked up and it was difficult to cool down. She looked around to find a bathroom or door, Peyton had to escape. She didn't want to break down in cry and front of all these people. That would be really embarrassing.

(OOC: oh wow I just made this really emotional, why? XD)

"Im so glad you could make it! Are you enjoying the festivities?" A familiar voice reached her ears. Slowly her bluish purple eyes rose to meet the form of a face to go along. Instantly she recognized him, that smile and the height of which he towered, especially with her sitting down. A glass was placed before her, offering a beverage to her in such a delicate glass. She felt hesitance as her hand reached to touch the beautifully sculpted figure before her. Just a whiff and she knew it would be bitter, but it was rude to NOT take what was being given to you, especially at a party. She was his guest and to make him feel like a good host, she took a deep breath and held her breath.

It burnt as it went down. Though it wasn't her first time 'tasting' alcohol, it would have been the first time she drank all she was given in one go. Maybe getting it done and over with would make it taste better? She sure hoped so. The empty container was placed back on the table and Lian smiled shyly, nervously at the man. She disliked bitter things, so instantly after, she scooped a bit of 'punch' from a bowl and into the glass. Poor clueless Lian. Her eyes avoided his, shy and adverted. "I-I uhm.. It's nice." She stammered while tasting the punch and nearly spitting out. Instead she made a grimace. That tasted almost as bad as the clear stuff. THAT WASN'T juice. Setting it down instantly, she coughed and covered her mouth. Maybe it was an acquired taste?

"Uhm.." What was she thinking? She lost track of her own words. "How's your wound?" Finally she remembered how to speak again. Her concern as a doctor preceded everything else. After all, that was the main reason she came. Dances and the like, weren't really her gig on a normal day. In fact, despite how good Lian was with communicating with others, she found it difficult to be in large groups of people. She debated for a moment, before pulling to her feet. She needed to look at it probably, but she felt kind of light. Her body shifted, nearly falling in the heels once again, but she caught herself. Well, that was kind of awkward.