Kyla couldn't have experienced a happier moment. Not only did Rayken not reject her kiss, he also said he liked her. What better thing could happen right now? Well, one thing, but right now, she was content with what she had. All she needed was him to do exactly what he was doing, and keep on doing it. Don't change a thing.

Blushing lightly as he leaned in and kissed her forehead, she nodded in agreement to his suggestion. It was probably about time for them to arrive anyway. Letting his hand slide down her shoulder, making her shiver a little at the sensation that sparked within her, she watched him go. She gave herself a moment to calm down before following after, returning to her seat.

It wasn't long before the flight attendant made note that they would be arriving at their destination soon. Now would've been a good time to finish getting ready. Prompted by this, she got back up, brought her stuff with her, and, after suggesting that Raye join her so that they could help each other out and make things go by quicker, she returned to the large airplane bathroom to change and finish putting on her make-up.

While that was going on and the females of the group got ready in private, the males used the rest of the space for themselves. Ryan, already ready since before the flight started, had little else to do except sit there. He had found ways to busy himself throughout the flight by watching the personal television screen and going through various movie selections and other old shows that used to be popular back in the day.

He continued to do whatever he could to occupy his time, though this time he went about reviewing the profiles that Arden had given them. Looking over the pictures of these delegates and politicians and bigwigs, Ryan found himself not all that particularly interested in any of them. ...Well, except maybe this Nikolaos Caracciolo. He stood out a bit. Now... whether that was a good thing or a bad thing, it was hard to say. But Ryan had a feeling he would have to keep an eye out for this man.


When at last the girls and Gwen came back, fully dressed and prepped for tonight's event, the boys and Arden were also prepared as well. Everyone wore their finest, dawning their own specific gowns or suits they specially ordered and had made to their liking. It became obvious rather quickly that certain people were pairing up as "couples" for the ball, while others were left to linger on their own.

Being one of the latter, Ryan wasn't all that disturbed or disappointed by that. If anything, it would allow him better mobility at the ball. So long as no one approached him. And so long as he didn't run into anyone he didn't want to me. Like people from his past. That would suck.

Well, no point worrying about it now just yet.

The flight attendant announced their arrival and asked everyone stay still until they made a complete stop. Coming down was a little rough, but over all okay. When the plane finally stopped and it was made certain that they could get up and leave, Ryan automatically looked to Arden and Gwen for instruction.

Getting the go-ahead, he was up and out of his seat without a moment wasted, easily strolling out of the plane and onto the stairs that led them down. Just like The Castle, this place was underground too. Only this time, it wasn't some gymnasium or whatever that greeted them. No, it was much more grand. And they weren't the only people there this time around. Dozens of other "guests" were arriving for tonight's event.

Great.


Kyla stood by Rayken as she stood up from her chair. She lightly put her hand in his, smiling up at him. "Now or never," she said, a little nervous as they made their way down from the plane as well. Taking a deep breath, she tried to keep herself calm and relaxed. She noticed the crowd of guests making their way toward a particular entrance in the distance.

"...I take it we're supposed to follow?" she looked at him to see if he agreed, then back at the others. Maybe they thought the same as well.

She was about to take a step when someone approached them. Or rather, approached Gwen and the Colonel, stealing the latter away from his date to talk about something in private. Kyla glanced at Raye in wonder, hoping nothing bad was happening. Would the Colonel and Gwen have to leave them? On their own?

Kyla lingered long enough to see what the result would be. If they were going to be left alone, maybe they---meaning her and the other ELITES---shouldn't separate. At least not until they figured out what was going on exactly at the ball. Not like she was hoping for the worst, but hey, it never hurt to be a little careful, especially nowadays.

Scion had spent some time talking with Raye through the whole trip. Perhaps it was just what they needed in order to overcome past tensions. After some time however they landed. Underground again now. A strange thing he though. Why stay underground? Wasn't the purpose of this to get them out there? Who was Scion to judge though.

He followed Ryan off the plane and waited until everyone was out. Then when it seemed like they should move on, Arden and Gwen were pulled aside and away from them. What was going on? What were they to do now? Just as he was going to speak a voice called out to them. It wasn't familiar but it was harsh.

"Well if it isn't Arden's merry band of morons."

Scion turned to look at someone about their age standing there. "Who the hell are you? What makes you think your better then us?"

The male could only laugh. "Oh please. You don't even know? Your the bottom of the barrel. Your nothings to anyone here. Poor fools. You don't even know how useless you are."

Raye had been having a pleasant enough conversation with Scion during the flight. She had noticed Rayken and Kyla were missing for some time and saw Rayken slip out of the bathroom a blush on his cheeks. She had wanted to ask him about it but decided it was better left unsaid. She had occupied herself doing her nails and toenails and just making herself look better in general.

Nearing the end of the trip, her and Kyla went to the bathroom and changed into their gowns and did each other's hair and make up. It was nice to have a girl on girl moment for a bit. Kyla was the first true friend that Raye had found. She looked in the mirror at the both of them and gasped. They looked amazing and Raye was pretty sure that everyone at the ball would love them.

As the landing gear bumped onto the runway, Raye slipped her shoes on and watched everyone else start shifting and preparing to get off. She noted that they were attending this ball underground as well. She shrugged, all this secrecy didn't bother her as much as most people. She followed the others off the plane and noticed Gwen and Arden being pulled aside. It didn't worry her much because they were important people here. She just didn't want to get ditched. Arden was her date, through and through.

Raye watched as a male approached them and said something rude to Scion. She didn't know who he was but figured that it was better to ignore him than pick a fight right away. Raye could hear the anger rising in Scion's voice and went over and stood next to him. She put a hand on his shoulder and leaned in, "Don't pick a fight right away. You never know who has powers here." She figured that she better take her own advice as well.