Before anything, I'd like to thank all my readers and reviewers for all their great reviews and helpful advice and criticism. It 's all been a pleasure hearing from all of you! In a few days, it will officially be my fifth month on . Everything is happening beyond any of my expectations. Again, thank you very much! Your continuous support means so much to me!

Special thanks to:

Kiina – Hey! Hope ya read this. For one thing, you should know you helped stick the idea for this into my head!

djphantom – Yo dj! Here's your BAAAAAD influence on me working again!

L DyFiCtIoN - If you hadn't gone and read that very first chapter of NtOO, I don't think I'd have been able to do this! Thanks for starting me off on the right note!

A*a*a*K*I – Even if I haven't figured out your name yet, I will always love your reviews! They make me smile a lot! Hope one day, you'll become an author on FF.N too! Yes, a million cheers to more Kai!

Frozen Blaze – My great idea-maker! Thanks for all the wacky ideas that helped me continue on – and for alerting me to the need to change my rating on BSoC.

Pink Devil – Though I think I like the Corps less and less, you are an inspiration to continue with everything!

Lady AA-Chan – You haven't read in a while, but I just want to let you know I still remember each and every one of your reviews. God-sent, they are! Thank you for all the support.

Seighart – Last mentioned, but never the least! You've been a great pal! Though you don't agree on my new cup-of-tea, you're always there cheering me on!

My thanks said, I give you the story!

Halloween Havoc

^^^ Kai's POV ^^^

What exactly was the point to all this? I was standing in the middle of a room full of people with music blaring into my ears and I was being bumped and jostled every few minutes.

"Hey, lighten up, will you, Kai?" Rei's light-sounding voice sounded very close to my ear. It was a welcome change to all the noise. He smiled somewhat sympathetically as the sleeve of his silken robe slipped off his shoulder again. "This isn't going to kill you, you know."

"Who said I'm going to die?" I smirked at him, adjusting my belt. "Besides, you don't look to relaxed yourself." He looked at me a bit guiltily.

One thing I forgot to mention about this little gathering: It was a Halloween party. Yes, we were all standing in one of the many ballrooms at Robert's mansion, looking – in my opinion – like fools. The only reason I'd bothered come was that Rei, as well as Kenny and Tyson had practically forced me to come. That's how I came to be wearing this ridiculous musketeer costume, complete with a huge plumed hat and fake rapier. At least I'd talked Rei out of having me wear a fake moustache! Standing right beside me, Rei was dressed in a nice ancient Chinese emperor's robe. He was frequently holding up the skirts and adjusting his crown. Watching him in his discomfort made me want to seek out Kenny and Tyson and drag them out of there. This was too much. My personal annoyance was one thing – Rei's was something totally different.

"Let's find Tyson and Kenny and get out of here," I whispered into Rei's ear. He simply nodded gratefully. The look in his amber eyes spoke volumes.

Again, someone jostled me, this time a stupid jerk in a red devil's costume. Just where were those two brats? Speak of the devil – there they were!

^^^ Tyson's POV ^^^

"What a great party! Too bad Max isn't here!" I yelled over the music. "Come on Kenny! I wanna get over to the buffet table again!"

"But we've been there seven times already!" Kenny protested, laughing.

It was then that I turned and saw –

Uh-oh. Kenny and I were so dead! Kai was standing a few feet away, scowling. Rei was standing – as usual – at his side. Even that wasn't a comfort! Rei himself didn't look too happy. I toyed with my toy parrot nervously. My pirate's bandana suddenly became drenched in cold sweat.

"How do we get out of this one, Tyson?" Kenny squeaked as Kai and Rei came towards us. He looked around for some way to escape. His wizard's hat slipped over his glasses and he almost tripped over his robe. I really wished Max were here! We really could have used his help getting out of this mess!

"How about we make a run for it?" I asked, backing away.

Kenny pushed his hat off his glasses. "Sounds good to me!"

"Tyson, Kenny, there you are!"

Saved! Oliver squeezed his way through the crowds with Enrique, Johnny, and even Robert in tow. The four of them were dressed like some of those people from old stories. Er . . . Except for Johnny. What was he? A knight. He certainly sounded like one. I think he was wearing real armor! It was VERY noisy! Oliver looked like one of those musician guys – what were they called? Pards? Or was it bards? I forgot. All I knew is that he had some sort of weird-shaped guitar. Enrique looked like Romeo – that suited him! – And Robert – well, he was Robert, frowning in his black, high-necked coat, grouchy as usual.

"How do you find the party so far?" Oliver asked, grabbing hold of my arm and Kenny's, dragging us along behind him.

Enrique managed to find himself a couple of girls again and his arms were slung around them. "Found any dance partners?"

Kenny turned red. "Er . . . No," I replied, also coloring a bit. "Hey, thanks for saving us!"

"Did you two manage to get yourselves in trouble again?" Robert asked, his voice a bit bored.

Johnny smirked and glanced behind us. "I would say they almost did. Robert, look who's not pleased to see them getting away."

Robert, Enrique, and Oliver turned. Okay, this was hell. They started laughing. "Kai is pissed!" Enrique snorted. "Hey, catch up with you guys later, okay?" He turned to his two little 'friends'. "Shall we?" He led the girls off onto the dance floor. What kind of guy was he? Really wish Max were here! He was the only one I was interested in dancing with. Too bad his folks wouldn't let him come. Poor Max. He didn't know what he was missing. He didn't know how much I missed him.

"I suppose your teammates' discontent will end after a while," Oliver said, smiling. "The White Tigers just got here!"

"Really? Rei should be happy," Kenny piped up. "He hasn't seen them in a while."

Phew! What a relief! At least Rei would be occupied. As for Kai . . . I could always pray he'd be busy! "Hey Robert, where'd you come up with the idea for this party?"

"Yeah, I didn't think you were in to social gatherings," Kenny commented as we got to a table.

"Humph!" Robert looked away. What was his problem? As I said, GROUCH!

Oliver laughed. "Actually, I talked him into letting us have the party here."

Now why didn't I think about Oliver before? "Should have known!" I laughed. "Robert here wouldn't really have wanted this, would you, Robert?" The grouch ignored me. >_
"It was a good idea though," Oliver gestured around at the room. "It really didn't take much decorating to get this place fixed up!"

Johnny started to laugh. "Face it Robert. Your mansion was decorated for Halloween when it was built!" His armor creaked as he moved.

"I don't think I'd care to stay here any longer. The company, I think, has turned a trifle . . . stale." Robert started to stalk off. "I'm going to get a drink."

"Hey, I was just kidding! Wait up!" Johnny yelled, running after Robert. Ack! Ouch! That costume – if it was a costume – was REALLY noisy!

"Excuse me. I think I'll have to go and calm Robert down," Oliver apologized, and ran off after Robert and Johnny.

"What do we do now, Kenny?" I asked, turning to the Chief. "We got away from Kai and Rei."

"How about we – "

"Yo, Tyson!" Huh? Who was that? He looked familiar . . .

"Alien!" Kenny yelled in fright, falling backwards and hitting his head on someone's club. He fainted.

^^^ Unknown POV ^^^

It was dark. There was no sign of any other living being. It was impossible to see more than a foot away in the seemingly unending nightfall. The clouds had obscured the moon from view and there was only an occasionally glimpse of the stars. The sound of thunder was heard in the distance.

The huge gate creaked open, but there was no one around to open it.

A cloak rustled in the dark.

^^^ Rei's POV ^^^

This was my only consolation. It was really one of my stupidest decisions to attend the Majestics' party. But then, all that didn't matter now. So what if I was wearing a very heavy, hot robe and a crown that kept falling off? The crown could be taken off and the robe was easily pulled back up. At least I had this . . .

I was sitting in a secluded corner of a balcony with Kai's arms around me. We were sitting out in the dark, perfectly content to just be in each other's company. Kai didn't speak at all. The music from the party seemed less irritating outside. It was almost a perfect night.

"Well, what do you think now?" I asked Kai, poking at him playfully in the rib. "This evening wasn't a total disaster, was it?"

"It was – earlier," Kai said in a husky voice. "Now, I'm not so sure . . ."

"Really," I lowered my voice down to a mere purr. "What would it take to convince you that everything's better?"

Kai leaned in close to me. I could smell the faint scent of his cologne. "Maybe . . . this . . ." His lips covered mine.

The feeling was unexpected. I'd kissed Kai before, but not this seriously. His kiss was a bit tentative at first, as if he was unsure how to proceed. Gradually however, it became more serious and more demanding. Ours had been a teasing, probing relationship. We'd only gotten together a few weeks ago. But now, it looked like Kai was ready and willing to move on to something more. I was eager to meet his demands.

When we finally broke away, I was gasping for breath. "Kai . . . I . . ." He held a finger to my lips.

"You don't have to speak. I guess I went too far." His eyes were hidden in the shadows.

I lifted his chin and gazed into his glorious crimson eyes. "You don't have to apologize at all, my love." I kissed him lightly on the lips. "We might as well go inside now. Everyone might start looking for us."

As we were about to stand up, someone reached down and ruffled our hair.

"Gary? What are you doing here?" I asked, starting to turn red. Sure enough, my old friend had managed to sneak up to us and had probably seen the entire thing. He was dressed as a caveman – complete with a huge fake club.

"Nice – You two should be in the movies." Lee was standing at the glass entrance to the balcony, watching in amusement. Perfect. Just perfect, Lee. My friend was dressed like a ninja warrior, all in a dark blue costume.

"Lee," Kai acknowledged calmly, though a rosy blush was creeping up his neck.

"And here's the camera!" Green-haired and grinning impishly, Kevin popped his head from behind Lee, pretending he was holding a camera. Huh? What on the planet did he think he was doing? And dressed like some crazy magician, at that? HE even had a top hat and a wand.

Every magician had to have a rabbit, so that meant . . .

"Rei?" Mariah, dressed in a frilly pink dress and rabbit ears, had walked over to Lee and shock registered on her face. Then she smirked. "Caught in the act? Wrong timing then!" She laughed that silvery laugh of hers. So, she was really over our breakup two months ago.

Kai finally lost it and blushed to the roots of his hair. It started to rain.

Lee laughed. "Come on you two lovebirds. Your friend with the glasses fainted."

^^^ Unknown POV ^^^

It had started to drizzle. The cloaked figure moved faster, not wanting to become wet. Up the steep driveway it went. Too late, the rain came pouring down hard.

Moving into the shadowy shade of the roofed main entrance to the manor, the figure flexing its fingers as it reached for the doorbell – and bared its fangs.

^^^ Kenny's POV ^^^

"He's coming to!"

What had happened? The last thing I remembered was talking to Tyson and then . . .

I opened my eyes to find dozens of pairs of eyes staring down at me. I seemed to be lying on a couch. Near my head stood Tyson and Rei. Oliver, Enrique and his girls, Johnny, and Robert were on my other side. It seemed like the Demolition Boys and White Tigers had arrived. Tala was standing nearby with Bryan, Spencer, and Ian. Kai was quietly talking with Tala. Lee, Mariah, Kevin, and Gary were standing near the other end of the couch. Huh? Emily – she looked beautiful! –, Steve, and Eddie form the All Starz were there as well. And so was . . . "An alien! Help! We're going to be abducted!" I fainted again.

^^^ Tyson's POV ^^^

Poor Kenny. What was his problem? "Hey, what happened to him?"

Tala smirked and walked over, His huge Pumpkin head under one arm and his black riding cape rustling as he moved. "It would appear that your little spectacled friend was afraid of this, Tyson." He went where the All Starz were standing and pulled off Michael's mask.

"What's wrong with my costume?" Michael objected in his all-American voice. He was dressed in a neon blue space suit with a cape and even a mask – a mask with three eyeballs and rows of jagged teeth. "I thought we were supposed to come in our scariest getups!"

"It appeared to be too much for Kenny," Emily said, closing her eyes and shaking her head as she adjusted her conical princess' hat. Duh! Did she really think we needed to be told? >-
"Well, what now?" Rei asked. "He has fainted again."

"We go on with the party, of course. One of Robert's servants can care for him," Enrique said matter-of-factly.

"It would seem to be the best course," Kai agreed.

The lights went dead. The music stopped. The other people started calling out in alarm.

Robert raised his voice to be heard over the chatter. "The power should be back on in a moment or so. Remain calm!"

Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

"Ahhh!" Okay! Now I was really scared! Help! Robert's mansion looked really creepy without light. Maybe Oliver and Enrique had been wrong to pick the place for a party. My knees started trembling.

"I'll get it," Oliver said as cheerfully as possible. I heard him start to move off towards the doors. "Ow! I hit my head on something."

"We'll come with you," Enrique volunteered and he, Robert and Johnny – how could it be anyone else? Robert was already as dark as the surroundings and Johnny was still making a LOT of noise.

"Wait! I'll come too!" Mariah and Emily said at the same time, their voices trembling.

"Ouch!"

"Hey!"

"That was my wand!"

"You hit my foot!"

"My hat fell off!" Everyone seemed to be getting themselves hurt in the dark.

"This isn't working," I heard Kai say. "Everyone, stop moving already. Rei, Tyson, Michael, Emily, Bryan, Tala, Mariah, Eddie, Lee, Spencer, and I will co with you four. Steve, Ian, Gary, and Kevin, you stay here to hold the peace."

Leave it to Kai to take charge in someone else's house. -_-;;;

It seemed like a good idea so we all followed the clanking of Johnny's armor down the stairs and into the main hallway. Hah! Finally, that whatever-it-really-was-called thing Johnny was wearing was useful. Michael surprised us too. His costume was glow-in-the-dark. We were able to get down the stairs okay.

The doorbell rang again.

We had reached the door. There was a shadowy figure outside, we saw through the glass in the door.

^^^ Unknown ^^^

Why were they just staring? Why didn't they open the door? I was very tired. Above all, I was HUNGRY.

Lightning flashed. Then, I saw him. A young boy in a pirate costume with messy midnight-glue hair and dark blue eyes.

I smiled, baring my fangs – Just as lightning flashed again and someone opened the door.

^^^ Tyson's POV ^^^

Okay, This was freaking me out. "O-Oliver, just g-get the door!"

In the dark, I saw Oliver nod – at least I thought that was Oliver.

He reached for the door. Lightning flashed.

Outside stood a cloaked figure. I couldn't really see whom it was, but that was soon fixed. Lightning seemed to have a mind of it's own. It flashed again. I wish it didn't. Outside, stood a boy. One with very pale skin. But I couldn't see most of his face. I was too busy staring at the great big fangs sticking out of his mouth!

"VAMPIRE!" we all cried out, scrambling out of the way. Oliver was too shocked to close the door. He stood there trembling like a leaf.

"Close the door, you stupid Frenchman!" Bryan yelled from somewhere.

"Vait. Don't vo!" the vampire said, stepping into the mansion.

Shit! I fell. The vampire descended upon me.

"Sdop vat!" it commanded.

"Ack! Don't bite me! I swear, I don't taste all that good! I'm full of calories!" It was the end. Good-bye, world! Good-bye, Max!

The lights came on.

Wait. Blonde hair. Freckles. Light blue eyes. Wearing a black cloak and fake fangs. "MAX!"

He pulled out his fangs and grinned sheepishly at us.

"Er . . . Heheh . . . Um . . . Happy Halloween?" he said.

We all just stared at each other for a while and started laughing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

End! Okay! Hahah! Scared you? Hope so! Maybe I just freaked you out for a while – maybe not. -_-;;;;

Happy Halloween everyone!

~Ruriko Minamino~