The subway pulls to a complete stop and the doors slide open. A heavy mist seems to be coating the ground, as if the earth itself was giving an omen to the night’s festivities ahead. It would seem only you and a couple other familiar faces seemed to be getting off at this stop. The sun was close to gone, the sky darkened by clouds; casting dusks eerie light. Dim lights flickered, snow drifted softly down around old lamps. This part of the station was old, very old. The sound of hoof beats clattered closer and closer, a mournful toll of a bell accompanied the eerie sound. Slowly a large carriage came into view, towed by two large black horses bridled all in black leather. Each had a large black blanket with a purple cross and black ornate feathers on their heads. The carriage somehow was even stranger and creepier then the horses…It was an old long Victorian carriage lacquered in black and was distinctly very much so a hearse. No doubt about it the creepy thing was a hearse, it had old lanterns hanging on each corner, along with a long stretch of fogged glass. At least you could tell inside was heated..

As the carriage pulled to a stop a man dressed in a long black cloak stepped off the coach mans seat, he took his hat off and bowed to the group. He then gestured with a white gloved hand to the carriage; which he opened so the group could pile in. Inside the hearse was obviously redone, dark purple velvet lined to lines of long benches on either side of the hearse. Small lamps also gave the carriage a dim illumination, although the dim illumination gave shape to the cobwebs that adorned the corners. But it was warm, creepy but warm.

This was Sophia’s first time at the Himuro mansion. It definitely lived up to her mental image. Besides having normal sleepover preparations, her backpack also included a canister of salt, smudging materials, and a toe tag invitation. She was originally sure that ghosts wouldn’t appear, but since the whole youma fight, she was a lot less sure. Some fear takes over as she hears horses galloping towards them all.

However, Sophia breathes a sigh of relief as the carriage comes into sight. “I half expected a headless horseman,” she says. She does sort of a half-curtsey to the carriage driver and says a Thank you before entering the carriage.

As she sits in the hearse carriage, she oddly starts to feel a little better. The fact that she was going to ride to a mansion in a carriage like some kind of fairytale princess seemed to win over the fact that the carriage was a hearse. In fact, this fairytale princess view of things made her downright giddy. “Alright, this is actually sort of cool. I wonder if Valdis has a ton of horses…” she says looking towards the front of the carriage.

Amarissa had arrived right on time and stepping off the train, she looked around at the dark and eerie settings. It was chilly, as usual, but she had dressed warmly and appropriate for the atmosphere, or so she thought anyway. Of course, she also had a backpack. Amarissa had packed it with normal over night stuff, which for her included a sketch pad and her pencils. The toe tag had been tied to the outside zipper.

Ditching her normal light palette of whites, lavender,and blues, Amarissa instead was in black and silver. She wore a black shirt, the sleeves having a piece that wrapped around her middle fingers. It was a V neck, showing off cleavage that normally couldn't be seen, the edge of the V and sleeves were embroidered in silver thread. Her coat was also black, reaching her ankles and flaring a bit. The sleeves draped open a little, the collar was folded down and added distinguished look. Jeans, flat soled black boots, and her silver heart shaped locket completed the look.

Her eyebrows rose in surprise as the horse drawn hearse pulled into view. Laughing a little, she climbed in after Sophia and only then did she turn to greet her. "Good evening, Sophia. I'm glad you got invited too, Valdis worries me sometimes. Though, I have to agree that this is kinda neat. In a dark and creepy sort of way. I wonder who else is coming?" Amarissa said quietly as she pulled her hair forward and over her shoulder. The silver-white strands had been pulled up in an elaborate half ponytail, tied with a black bow that had a crescent moon pendant.

Rosaline did not take subway. Instead she had arranged for her family’s chauffer to drive her to the specified location. As they were driving, she noticed a girl she somewhat recognized wearing a Juuban High School uniform who had a toe tag invitation sticking out of her bag; however she had been walking in the completely opposite direction. Deciding it would only be polite, Rosaline asked for the car to be pulled over and get her driver to retrieve the girl, who seemed very confused.

”Do not worry; I am also an attendee of Valdis’ sleepover. We can travel there together.” She had intended for this to ease the girl’s fears but for some reason this statement only made it worse.

The car arrived soon enough, and Rosaline exited once the door was opened for her. Underneath her black jacket, she wore a simply blue bubble dress with silver embroidery around the neckline, sleeves, and waist. Due to the cold, she also wore black leggings along with white heeled boots. Her long pink hair was done in a side braid with a silver ribbon woven in as well. Although Rosaline had never been to one of these so called ‘sleepovers’ before, she had done her research and brought a bag with items she believed she was supposed to bring.

Looking at the carriage, Rosaline gave a nod of approval. She was no expert at aesthetics, but the design did seem to fit the theme of the night. Rosaline somewhat recognized one of the other girls that was there, she was the other one that had tagged along with Valdis during afternoon rehearsal about a week ago. The others she did not know. Gracefully she slid into the carriage giving a nod of acknowledgement to the two other girls.

”Good evening.” If anybody was a fan of The Sirens then they would recognize Rosaline as the band’s bass player.

Yuki thought she had successfully managed to avoid tonight’s “sleepover”. At first she thought just saying no to Sophia via text would be enough, however her face paled when she noticed the invitation in her shoe locker. It was even designed as a toe tag! The idea of ghosts and haunting spirits terrified the girl, and there was no way she was ever planning on setting foot in the Himuro Mansion, let alone spend an entire night there.

Somehow she managed to sneak off of campus without being seen, but when Yuki was quickly on her way home, a car pulled over and she was practically kidnapped. She recognized the girl in the car as one of the band members in Valdis’ band. When Rosaline told her she was also headed to the sleepover, Yuki’s face turned as pale as a sheet as a wave of pure dread washed over her.

”Uh no that's okay….I’ll walk….” However Rosaline did not seem to get the hint and the car continued onwards.

When the car got there, Yuki reluctantly stepped out. She was still wearing her white school uniform along with a red jacket, black scarf, and black gloves. All she had with her was her school bag, but that didn’t seem to bother her. Just being here seemed to terrify the poor girl. To make matters even worse, it seemed she was expected to get into a creepy looking carriage that seemed to awfully resemble a coffin.

”No way….” Yuki contemplated simply running. However she wasn’t sure exactly where she was, and being alone in this creepy place did not seem very favorable either. When Rosaline entered the carriage, Yuki simply stood outside.

There was no way she was getting in that thing.

As Yuki and Rosaline get into the carriage a familiar voice calls out “Hold that carriage!” Though the voice is made less familiar by the falsetto being used. Kouko darts into the carriage at a speed to make some track runners jealous and turns to the other occupants panting.

“Sor—HOLY CRAP!” Kousuke says but then switches back to the falsetto. “I mean, oh my, what are you two doing here?” He asks. Kouko was wearing a full length fur coat along with a long black wig, and poorly applied makeup. Kousuke wasn’t a particularly convincing crossdresser, but he might pass a cursory inspection.

“Well I didn’t expect to see the two of you here.” Laughs Kouko as ‘she’ takes a seat in the carriage.

Killian had the tag and just sighed and knew that he had to do something convincing. But figured what the hell and just go crazy for this. So he quickly had gotten a few things and when he got home changed his hair style and read something for quick on how to change your voice a bit. Grabbing a bag and something else with him "Aya lets go" as red fox came up to him and rubbed up against him.

He desided if he had to go in looking like a female. Then just go all out on the matter as long as it did not get out. Kail would be fine on the matter. The red head doned a gothic lolita styled dress and did some small makeup here and there. The dress its self was mostly red and black. Fitting with his knight color sceem. It had a equal amounts frills and lace. He applied some lip gloss and when Kail stood in the mirror it surprised him on the fact that he looked female. He puts a leash on Aya his pet fox and a messenger bag and slipped out of the house before his parents would even see him.

They get on the subway and go through without any problems as most pervy men kept away due to the pet he was carrying. Once out of the subway Kail spots the carriage and it made him sweat drop a bit. "Excuse me coming in" Kail said with a tone that would make most people do a double check. To see if it was male or female. He gets in along with Aya and takes a seat.

The man was silent through all; he just waited until all the …victims were on board. Then he slowly shut the door just giving the slightest ghost of a smile. He stepped up into the driver’s seat and took the reins; clucking the horses into motion. The carriage lurched forward and began winding its way up the road. After a few minutes the carriage took a turn off the main road and began a climb through a heavily wooded area. The way was lit periodically by old paper lanterns, but it did little to break the dense fog. It was about a twenty minute ride up to the mansion.

When they finally arrived the old carriage pulled up a long circular driveway and stopped in front of a large wall with a tall wooden gate. The driver hopped down and opened the door for the …guests.

”The young mistress waits for you in the receiving hall.”

It was the first he spoke and the last as he went and unlocked a door within the large wooden gates, allowing entry to a long stair way that lead up the hill. With yet more trees, still blocking the view of the entire mansion. Though there was a soft glow at the end, the only indication that something was up there. After an eerie hike up another gate blocked the way, however once tested would be unlocked. Revealing the first large part of the Himuro Mansion. Within the second gates the grounds open up, revealing large flat lands with what use to be grand cherry trees. The first building they came up to was large and obviously a couple stories high. Very traditional, it was maintained but still very very old. Traditional lanterns lit the outside, giving them a view of a second large building further off to the side, attached by a long narrow walk way. But there was little time before two large oak doors were opened to reveal a large open room. In the middle stood Valdis, a ghost of a smile spread on delicate pink lips. She was dressed in a light pink kimono, covered by a deep purple haori for extra warmth. The obi around her waist was also purple. Her hair was done up in a side bun by a white ribbon, which twirled around long strands that cascaded from the bun. Her feet were unexpectedly bare, creating a more lax appearance on the traditional wear. She bowed to her guests in a graceful gesture and then motioned to seven neatly lined up packages on the floor.

”Welcome to the Himuro Mansion; please remove your shoes and fallow me. You can leave your things at the entrance; they’ll be taken to where we’ll be sleeping tonight. Although I do ask that each of you take a package. I’ve prepared a few things for your stay. I’ll first lead you to the bathrooms to get ready, then we’ll be joining my father for dinner…after which he’s insisted I give a tour of this side of the mansion…After which we’ll be heading to the older part of the mansion where we’ll be spending the rest of our evening.”

Each of the packages would contain one yukata, obi, haori, and tobi socks, a flash light, and a blanket. The area they would take their shoes off was right near the door. Then there was a small step up onto the tatami matted floor. Taking a closer look at the entry way it was quite ornate. The walls were either an off white, or a rice paper divider painted with beautiful…if not somewhat gruesome murals. There was also art work hung on the walls. To the corner was a fire pit that was unlit, but had pillows surrounding it, making it a nice place for one to sit if they did choose. A small miniature rock garden sat upon a pedestal directly behind Valdis. The room was also well lit, a surprisingly un spooky entrance.

Answering Amarissa’s question, “Yuki was invited, but whether she will show up or not, I don’t know. I don’t know about any others. So it might be sort of quiet night in a large haunted mansion… I would have been fine with a normal slumber party, but I came prepared.” As she says the last part, she brings out the canister of salt. As if on cue, Yuki and three new faces join the group. “Yuki, so did you decide to join us. I brought salt and smudging equipment,” she says. Eventually, she recognizes one of the other people as the bassist of The Sirens. She can’t help but wonder if more celebrities will pop up. The one with the fox seemed to fit the image of The Sirens fairly well, but definitely wasn’t a band member. And Sophia was unsure about the gender of the other one, but that didn’t matter much. “My name is Sophia. I don’t think we have met before,” she says to all three of them. She points to the fox, “So cute! Is she friendly? What is her name?”

When they get to their destination, Sophia takes time to take in her surroundings. The mansion was beautiful even if a bit creepy. However, getting over that, she could see why someone would want to live here. “Wow. I can’t even begin to imagine living in a place like this… It is huge,” she says with a sort of wide smile.

Upon finally reaching Valdis, the pale pink yukata surprises Sophia a bit. It wasn’t anything like what Valdis normally wore to school. She takes off her shoes before giving up her pack for this new one. She takes a peek inside to see everyone will be dressing similarly tonight. And she is thankful that her yukata doesn’t have little mice on it or something. And she would be wearing something nice at least for dinner with the President. “Thanks for this and having us over,” she says, “These are really nice. I mean, everything here is really amazing.”

Finally, the memory of where she was sets in what she the murals. Alright, so maybe everything wasn’t that nice and amazing. However, those eventually come to pass, and she finds herself in the fairytale vision of a mansion yet again.

Nobody had forced her into the carriage and Yuki took that as her cue to quickly creep away. However, just as she was slowly turning around to head back towards the subway, the creepy silent man had come up behind her and in a moment of panic Yuki jumped into the carriage...and look of dread washing over her face as she realized her mistake. The doors quickly shut now that everyone was inside.

There was no getting off now.

Sitting down, Yuki looked around. Seeing Sophie made her feel a little bit better, but the girl didn’t seem all that scared. ”I certainly didn’t choose to come,” she replied to Sophie’s comment. However, Yuki was glad to see that she had brought salt and other supplies, though wondered if it would be enough. From the look on her face, one would have thought that Yuki was readying herself for a journey straight into hell.

Amarissa she recognized from being in their class today, and Rosaline was of course the one who kidnapped her here. The girl with the fox Yuki did not recognize and the other one…she stared for a moment.

”…..Archer-senpai!? What are you doing here….” Even though this was more like a night of terror than a normal sleepover, she still didn’t expect any boys to show up. Though then again, that was probably why he was dressed the way he was, however unconvincing.

When they actually arrived to the mansion, Yuki cautiously followed everyone else in. Upon entering however, she visibly relaxes a little bit. The place didn’t seem so bad…maybe it wasn’t actually haunted or so she hoped. Valdis too surprised her, her current appearance gave girl a beauty and grace Yuki hadn’t noticed before. When Valdis mentioned the packages Yuki looked over at them. ”Pardon the intrusion,” Yuki spoke as she took off her shoes and placed her bag down before walking over to them.

”Wait we all get one?” She peered into one of them, wondering if she could pull off a more feminine look for a change. ”Yes, thank you,” she added after Sophie, picking up one of the packages. Maybe this sleepover wasn’t going to be so bad.

Rosaline silently examined the current group. Having never been to a sleepover before she was not aware of the gender expectations, and therefore seemed somewhat puzzled by the two male’s choice in outfit. She supposed it was simply a personal choice and one of them did manage to appear convincingly female. The other however, whom she was surprised to discover was the boy she met at the coffee shop, would need some work.

”Do not worry. I can adjust your hair and makeup when we arrive to make you more convincing.”

This was the first time Rosaline had ever been around people she didn’t know in such a setting. Although one would never know the girl might actually be nervous, as her face appeared blank and uninterested.

” To those who have not met me, my name is Rosaline Ishida. I hope we can get along and enjoy a pleasant evening,” she spoke in a soft, formal tone.

When they arrived, Rosaline took a good look around. This was the first time she had ever been to Valdis’ home. ”Thank you for your hospitality…pardon me,” she spoke before taking off her shoes and entering. ”This is quite thoughtful of you. If I had known, I would have brought my own yukata.” she spoke, picking up one of the packages. She examined some of the murals with an indifferent expression before turning back to Valdis, waiting on the others.

Amarissa's mouth fell open in a very un-characteristic way, in obvious surprise, as she recognized Kousuke. Then she quickly covered her mouth, suppressing a giggle and only slightly failing. "Oh goodness. What are you doing here?" she asked, still smiling as she watched everyone else climb into the carriage. "Good evening, everyone. Hello Rosaline and...?" she trails off as she gives Kail a questioning look, "it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Amarissa Hiroshi," her tone is also formal and polite.

She turned to look out the window as the carriage began to move. The landscape here was beautiful, in an eerie sort of way because of the endless winter. She could only imagine what it was like in the spring and made a mental note to ask Valdis if she could come paint here. The carriage came to a stop and Amarissa stepped out slowly, still taking everything in. She was quiet as they entered, following behind the others as they were escorted in.

Amarissa's eyes widened as she took in the indoor surroundings. The Himuro's certainly had an interesting taste. Finally, she looks up to see Valdis. More shock shows on her face. The girl wasn't all doom and goth for once and actually looked rather nice. Amarissa listened intently to the plan, nodding in silent approval and smiling. "Pardon me," she said as she took off her own shoes and set her things aside with the others, then moved forward to pick up her parcel, idly wondering what color the clothing would be. "Thank you so much for inviting me, Valdis." she said in a polite tone with a small bow of her head. "This place is beautiful. It would make for wonderful paintings," she added in a slightly wistful tone, the look on her face suggesting a bit of heartbreak and at odds with her demeanor.

Kousuke feels the stairs from all of the girls on him and he lets out a sigh. “Not very convincing huh? I’ve never done something like this before, can one of you get me to look passable?” He asks as he fusses with the outfit a bit. Though when Yuki asks him what he’s doing here he lets out an amused laugh.

“Well I got invited to come so I decided ‘why not?’ Though Takamora, you don’t need to call me by my last name, Kousuke will do fine, or Kou.” He admits with a grin, though then he turns to Rosaline. “Oh, Rosaline, you’re here too? Does that mean you know Queen of Darkness?” He inquires curiously; he hadn’t expected to see her here.

Finally settling down he takes stock of everyone else who shows up, and when Killian enters he smiles. “Oh good, someone else, I was worried I was gonna be the only guy. Though, this seems rather natural on you? Is this a hobby?” Kousuke’s face held no judgment or any form of malice, it had been a pure and honest question.

When they arrive at the mansion Kousuke looks around, appropriately impressed by all of the finery. He wished he could transform and go running around, but they would present several problems. "So the Dark Lady appears, and the plot thinkens." he chuckles to himself, he was in an odd mood today, the stress must be getting to him.

Though when she hands him his package Kousuke turns to Ama and Rosa with a pleading look on his face. "Umm, not for nothing but can one of you help me ummm, do this decently? I'm afraid I'm not to familiar with the whole, becoming a woman thing." he admits.

Kail was very calm and had Aya in his lap and made sure that he was sitting like a lady would. He had a lot of things stuffed into his bag including several treats for his loving pet. But he looked at each of the girls. A few saw through him the others did not and the other male was not convinced. But right now Sophia asked him about Aya and had to respond. "Her name is Aya and she is very friendly" he said still using the female tone. But when the guy speaks up about his attire.

This was not in the script and Kail was sweting bullets. Although it seemed that the Aya would answer for him. It turned to Kousuke and she just growled slightly. As if to say shut up now, your upsetting my master. But the big reveal if he pulled the wool from over there eyes would be slightly priceless. Valdis had rubbed off on him and had to think quickly for now. "Look there will be some explanations but for now I was forced to come. I rather look convincing then get thrown in jail by daddy dearist. I am sure you were forced to come as well" he said dropping the female tone.

Sophia would know who it was after Kail's voice dropped. "If this gets out I will have swift justice in store. And not in the physical sense as the pen is mightier then the sword" he said. And the look on Kail's face was not one of amusement. He just hoped that the rest of the evening would be better. And just watched the rest of the others until they got to the mansion. Kail had to chuckle a bit at Valdis's introduction. But then the mentioning of the dinner with her father.

Well that made him feel a bit better but at the same time terrorfied if that man found out. "Valdis......karma will come back sooner or later" he said softly and goes off to get ready with the package in hand. And Aya following after him and stands outside the door guarding him.

Valdis looked around the room with a slightly bored expression, she supposed this side of the house was ‘nice’ for some. Personally she had more fun on the older side of the mansion; she felt right at home in the creepy factor that it had.

”Yes I do suppose this section of the mansion is nice; it’s been updated to accommodate modern living. The other side of the mansion is as it was hundreds of years ago; although its been maintained to a certain point….”

Meaning it was structurally sound; otherwise the servants refused to go to that section of the mansion.

”The servants avoid that area…since it used to be designated for something else”

Valdis turned to pushy cat and almost purred; the cat looked as though she ate a bad mouse. Though she was visibly relaxing now; suddenly the fact her Dad had insisted having dinner and a tour before setting her loose on them didn’t seem so bothersome. False sense of security...brilliant…She would have to tell him that much later. As Rosa appeared Valdis grinned and glided over with arms open wide.

”Ro Sa Chan!”

She hugged the pink haired girl and tugged a piece of her hair.

”If you did that I wouldn’t get to dress my favorite toy; plus I don’t know who the possible victim might be tonight but they have to look their best right?”

She released the girl; as Ama spoke, Valdis couldn’t help but nod in agreement.

”I’m sure if you want to do some paintings here Daddy wouldn’t be against it. We’ll make arrangements for it at a later date yes?”

When she saw the boys how ever Val couldn’t hold back a snort as she covered her mouth with her hands, holding back a very loud stream of giggles. Well this certainly was creative… They were warned her daddy was expecting just girls...Although Valdis respect for them defiantly went up a couple points. Once she got her giggles under relative control she spoke but could not keep the mirth from her voice.

”I do have to say…I think I like you two a little more now…Killy chan I must say your quite good at this…”

Val went over and gave him a big hug similar to the one she had given Rosa; she then looked over at the pink maiden, a devious grin on her face.

”He may give you run for your money Rosa chan”

She chuckles and released him as she motioned for the rest to fallow her. Valdis lead them through a sliding rice paper door into a narrow hallway, obviously built in the past for house hold servants to pass unseen by the main occupants. She led them through and off shoot into a grander hallway, to one side there were wooden sliding doors, to the other was actually a magnificent glass wall which looked out into what would have been a lovely Japanese garden. In warmer times the hallway would have actually been outside; but that was no longer practical. Val paused and motioned to a door.

”Your welcome to use my room to change; there is a bathroom in there as well.”

Val raised a eyebrow as Kail walked by and whispered something about kharma, stopping him for a moment by placing her hand on his shoulder. She leaned in close to him with a grin, knowing this had to be a comment regarding the supper arrangements. Her voice as equally as soft as his.

”Deliciously evil I know, sadly I cannot take the credit for this wondrous series of circumstances. Dinner was Daddys idea. So put on a sweet smile, Daddy likes the nice girls”

She released him and went to Aya happily scratching behind the fox’s ears while looking up to the rest of the group.

”Rosa chan could you help …I don’t know what you’re going by…..with his…its make up? Your better at that then I am. I don’t do well with transforming living things.”
As they each walked into Vals room they would see it was quite large, and done up in a more western style. She had off white carpets which contrasted greatly to the dark black gothic furniture. She had a large black flat screen tv off to the back right corner, and a large black canopy bed with deep purple and black bedding. The walls were a light lavender with black shear curtains draped along them creating a soft earie feel. Old fashion lamps adorned the walls giving the room a dim glow. Off to another side of the room was a large black desk, equally as ornate as the rest of her furniture. Although it was lined with odd jars and upon closer look things were floating in them. Above the desk tiered shelving held books, assorted animal skeletons, amber encased specimens, and other odd nick naks. If you looked down at the desk you’d also find odd wooden dolls…almost perfect miniature replicas of all the sleep over guests… A couple were unfinished but were still in the works.