Everyone gathered at the stage area as awards were given with every act put on by the contestants. The audience was just finishing a series of cheers as a man at the front held up a microphone and directed the attention of the room to Manzer and his young companion.

The young girl struck a pose and yelled out the phrase "Water Dragon!" at which point Manzer simply let out a roar as previously advised by the girl.

Manzer's roar was nothing compared to that of the crowd's after seeing this act. "First Prize!" declared the man with the mike.

The cheering was so loud it could be heard in the hallway outside. "What's all the noise about?" Lunar exclaimed as he and Warlock reached the auditorium entrance.

"Hey boys, wait up!"

The two warriors turned to see Stardust and Orpheus behind them. Lunar felt relief as the group was finally coming together to deal with the crisis. He then did a head count and became momentarily confused. "Uh, where's Pendula?" "Huh?!" replied a puzzled Orpheus. "Right behind us!" finished Stardust as the two senshi separated and she pointed to a struggling Pendula now in full view.

Warlock took one look at the senshi and grew extremely agitated. "Pendula, I don't suppose you'd be able to tell me what happened to three of my credit cards?"

Pendula saw the fuming warrior and began to panic. She paused for a moment, frantically trying to think up a lie Warlock would swallow. "Um, are you sure Stardust didn't take them while flirting with you? You know how distracting she can be." Pendula's concentration on holding her look of innocence didn't keep her from noticing the cold stares coming right at her from Warlock and now, Stardust.

Lunar tried desperately to turn the group's focus back to the emergency. "Uh, guys, Manzer!" Orpheus helped to reinforce the moon warrior's concerns with an inquiry. "Oh yes, where _is_ Manzer?" Seeing he finally had the attention of the entire group, Lunar replied. "I left him behind the auditorium. But with the amount of activity presently going on in there, we better find him. FAST!"

The group nodded to each other and proceeded making their way through the congested doorway. But not before Warlock and Stardust shot two piercing looks at Pendula and gave her a simultaneous warning. "We'll settle _this_ later!"

**************

Manzer felt overwhelmed as everyone around him congratulated him on winning. The head of the masquerade approached the dragon and asked casually,

"Wonderful costume sir! Uh, where do I pin the ribbon?"

Manzer gulped in discomfort at the thought of being pierced by a ribbon pin. "Um, er, I'll just hold on to it for now if you don't mind." the dragon replied nervously. No sooner did he take the ribbon than the dragon found himself bombarded with questions. Not wanting to blow his cover, Manzer tried to avoid any long answers.

One teenage boy tapped the dragon from behind. "What's the costume made of? How did you get the materials? How long did it take you to make it? It must be hard to breath in there!"

The boy was spitting out question after question at such great speed that Manzer felt dizzy. "Uh, I didn't plan it!" was all he could say as he thought to himself *Where are you guys? HELP!!*

************

Just then, the others were busy fighting their way through the crowds and trying to stay together. Stardust felt someone brush up against her and she dropped her bag. "Oops!" She looked up to see a tall man bending down to retrieve the spilt package. "Gomen nassai. Are you alright? I know, it's pretty crowded in here." Stardust smiled at the man before her. He spoke at least some of her native tongue and this intrigued her.

She was about to thank him for his help when she heard a familiar voice behind her. "Coming through!" Stardust glanced over as Cathy passed by her attempting to enter the auditorium. Cathy saw the two and smiled. Hey, how's it going? We met in the art room remember?" She then addressed the man and spoke with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Hey Ryouga! See ya inside!"

As Cathy sped away Stardust turned to face the man, her smile widening. "So _you're_ Ryouga!" The senshi smiled as she once again took to her hobby of flirting. The man stood fiddling with her bag as his brow grew moist with sweat. "Uh, I, er that is. I'm not..., it's only a nickname!" he protested as the senshi leaned over tickling his neck.

***********

Just then the rest of the group caught sight of Stardust and Lunar fought his way over to the pair to retrieve her. "Stardust, we don't have time for this! We have to find Manzer, NOW!"

Stardust ceased her flirting and replying with only "Hmph!" took her bag and ran up ahead to where Warlock was standing.

The man who had been her latest victim turned to Lunar. "Arigato! That was awkward." Lunar chuckled in response trying to hide his embarrassment. "No problem! Sorry 'bout that sir. She's encouragable around guys!" The man smiled and let out a small sigh.

"Call me David. I think I saw you in the gaming room earlier. Your friend sure gave our gaming head a run for his money. Quite a crowd huh?" Lunar turned a deep red and looked in the direction of the rest of the group. Even though he'd stopped to chat, they weren't far ahead.

"Yes, well, right now we're trying to find the way out of here ." David extended a pointed finger trying to effectively direct Lunar's attention. He then proceeded to give a detailed explanation of how to reach the far doors currently hidden from view. Lunar listened carefully, committing every instruction to memory.

"Thanks! So, what made Stardust choose you for her latest target?" Lunar asked. David blushed slightly. "She overheard me being addressed by my nickname. It's Ryouga!" Lunar cringed slightly. *Oh great! Can this guy's directions be trusted?*

"What's wrong?" asked David.

*Oh well, have to go on faith sometime. Besides, it's my fault she targeted this guy!* Lunar finished his thought and let out an apologetic reply. "Nothing. Thank you again for your help."

He then brought the escape route to the group's attention and they slowly made their way towards the front to rescue Manzer. The uneasy dragon let out a sigh of relief at the sight of Lunar who waved to make his presence known

. "Hey big guy! What're you doing out here? Hasn't anyone noticed there's a dragon in the auditorium?!"

Manzer gave Lunar the evil eye then sighed. "It's a long story. Where are the others?"

Lunar paused at the question, then looked behind him only to see the three senshi, Stardust in particular staring in awe at Warlock who found himself surrounded by five girls all dressed in Sailor Venus costumes. The girls protested in unison "Hey security guard, SHE stole my act for the masquerade!"

Warlock acquired a sweat drop the size of Tokyo on his brow. Lunar face faulted at the sight and said to Manzer "Let's just get outta here!" to which Both Warlock and Stardust replied "My thoughts exactly!", though for different reasons.

End Part 6