Suspicious Ticket is Suspicious

How did I get here? Um... do we really have to go over this? Okay... okay, maybe it is better to talk about it.

It all started when I had this weird feeling, like something was off. Nothing in particular had triggered it, but I felt like I was missing something crucial going on and I didn't like it.

Then, while we were preparing to end the school day, and were collecting our stuff at our lockers I heard Akane complaining to one of her friends.

"This is such a stupid idea. Why do they want me to go to a dumb costume ball?" Akane said.

"Costume ball?" I asked curiously. I had a sneaky suspicion who the 'they' was, so this was a matter of top importance.

"Yeah," Akane said, turning to me and showing me a ticket. "Dad gave me this ticket and said I should go, but why should I? I'm not into that sort of thing."

I looked the ticket over. It has a large number 6 and a depiction of two face masks along with an address. At that moment I remembered seeing a very similar ticket earlier that day on Ranma's desk. It had the same color, number and picture. I knew it! This was a scheme of the parents to set Ranma and Akane up on a date. But, it seems they hadn't let Akane in on it and probably not Ranma either since he hadn't even mentioned it, or seemed nervous.

"Say, if you're not interested, I'll take it," I suggested.

"Hmh? I guess, sure, here," Akane said and handed over the ticket. "It's not for a few days so you should have time to get a costume."

"Thanks," I said, and thanked her again in my head for not picking up on the obvious. Ranma honey would now be at this costume party with me as his partner instead of Akane. A free date and some alone time with Ranma! This was going to be great!

XXXXX

Two days later I arrived at the party. It was a full costume affair, including masks. Myself, I'd opted for something a bit more feminine than I usually go with, that of a fairy. Of course, as I arrived I came to realize my task might be a bit harder than I expected. Naturally I couldn't go with Ranma from the Tendos, so I had to come on my own, but that meant I didn't know what Ranma was dressed as.

Actually it was at that point that I realized I hadn't even confirmed Ranma was coming. Perhaps he had backed out too. Still, I was here, had the costume rented, and had a ticket, so I figured I might was well go in and try my luck. I was confident I could pick Ranma out of the crowd eventually.

The party itself was being held in a high rise I'd never been to before. It was rather well to do, which was surprising, but I paid that little mind. I found the doorman checking tickets and handed over my ticket. He looked it over and wordlessly nodded, allowing me to pass, returning it to me. Then I took an elevator with several other guests, and exited into a lounge like area.

Wow, didn't know they had places like this in Nerima. The entire room was teaming with people all around. Several bars were handing out drinks and the various guests were laughing and socializing. I feel like I stepped into a movie.

I looked around though the guests trying to find Ranma. As I did, I started noticing things. For starters, this floor had a really weird setup. There were couches and cushioned benches all around, far more than you'd normally see. All around the perimeter were these odd glass enclosures too. It was all giving me a very off putting feeling.

Another thing was that while a few guests were indeed heavily made up like I was, most were minimally dressed up, simply wearing head masks. It made me feel a little out of place. Even more so, most of these people looked like business and high end types, WAY outside Akane's league.

With my search coming up empty and this feeling of unease growing I was considering leaving when a gong sounded, drawing everyone's attention to a central raised platform. A man took the stage followed by a woman and another man who stood behind him, and he raised a glass to the crowd.

"Greetings, everyone! Welcome once more to the grand ball!"

The crowd return the greeting in kind, making Ukyo feel even more out of place lacking a drink to raise a toast.

"I know you all have been waiting eagerly for our return, and know that we have prepared everything you could need," the man continued and the crowd began to shuffle about. "So now, drink, dine, and make merry, for tonight there are no limits! Let your desires out for all to see and indulge till you can indulge no more!"

That... doesn't sound right. Just as I thought this I also took uncomfortable notice of something else. The crowd was now neatly divided into pairs, or soon to be pairs, and my solitary self was drawing increasing attention. Oh shit!

There was no easy escape or way to divert attention. I was in about the middle of the room, and all the exits were far away. Just as I was considering making a run for the nearest one the host called out.

"You there! Where is your escort?"

Double shit! He was clearly talking to me, his eyes locked onto me. With his question, any eyes that weren't on me before now were. I desperately just wanted to disappear right now, but I couldn't.

"Uh... I seem to have lost him," I said lamely.

"Come here," he ordered.

I swallowed nervously. Now there were whispers around me. The feeling of this situation was unbearable so I did as bidden if only to bring the situation to an end that much quicker.

"Your ticket," he requested, and I handed it over. He looked it over intently, and then looked me up and down. "Where did you acquire this ticket?"

"I... A friend gave it to me," I admitted.

"A friend you say. And you assumed it was valid for yourself as well?" he asked seriously.

God damn it let me out of here! "Well... I... yes."

More whispers travelled through the crowd. Oh bloody hell! Just let this night be over!

"Take off your mask," he ordered.

I hesitated. This mask was the one thing keeping my identity a secret, and there were so many people here. Still, **** to be free of this, I obliged and removed it.

The man regarded me a moment and shook his head. "Truly disappointing. This is a private affair, and we take that very seriously."

"I didn't mean-"

He cut me off with a raised hand. "Your intentions are irrelevant. You are not a member, and thus your word is worthless. As such, I must now decide what to do with you for this invasion of our event."

Invasion! This is not good at all.

"Number 1, a moment please," a familiar voice said suddenly. I looked around and found it was the woman on the platform and she had come up to the host. He took a step back and leaned in, having an exchange of whispers.

"I see," he said after a moment. "It seems number 2 has taken an interest in you. So then, if you please her, I will see fit to forget this matter."

"Please her?" I echoed in confusion as the woman in question joined me and took me by the arm.

"Yes. You can be my escort for the night," she said, and I finally recognized the voice. It was Akane's.

What is going on?! Still with so many eyes still on me, I felt an overwhelming need to just play along. "Okay."

"Very good. I leave her to you, number 2," the host, the apparent number 1, said and then turned back to the crowd, raising his drink once more. "Be at ease all, and take your time! Let this not sully the night!"

The incident apparently dealt with, the crowd finally broke up, giving me a bit of relief as Akane led me away. "Akane, what is going on?" I whispered as she led on.

"Oh, haven't you figured it out yet?" she asked as she took me to one of the odd glass enclosures I noticed earlier. As she did I started noticing what was beginning around me. In the adjacent enclosures, a couple was in each. One was engaged in what could only be described as aggressive foreplay. The others were already going to the next phase.

I paled as I came to realize. "W...wa... waitwaitwait!" I blurt out as Akane closed the door behind me and took a seat on the large cushioned bench in the enclosure. "I didn't... I can't..."

"Do you want me to call back number 1?" Akane asked.

"No!" I reflexively responded. Wait, why did she bring me in here? "What's going on?"

Akane giggled. "Oh Ukyo, you still haven't figured it out," she said then leaned forward. "I played you."

This was all a trap... Akane's trap, and I walked into it like an idiot! Still, she can't hold me here, I can leave... I looked around the room, and in the few moments of our talk the situation had already grown far more intense. All around me couples were engaged in all manner of love making, from the preamble, right up to the main event. I could feel my face burning red from being in the midst of this. However, worse, I knew if I left now, everyone in this room would hold it against me.

Then I grasped the full nature of this trap and felt an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. Retreat may have been technically possible, but I couldn't possibly go through with it. I had to get through this night without drawing any further ire. It was the only way!

I looked back at Akane who had undone her dress top and let it fall away, revealing her underwear beneath. "Shall we get started?" she asked.

I swallowed nervously. This being Akane's trap was one thing, but facing Akane now presenting herself before me in such a manner was something wholly different. Still, if I had to be with anyone in a situation like this, it could be a whole lot worse than being with Akane. Looking about one last time and seeing a few skeptical eyes gazing upon me through the glass, I steeled myself and reluctantly nodded.

"Fine, but I-"

"Oh, don't worry, I can help you along," Akane said and immediately set to work removing my clothes. As she did so I realized yet another point to this whole situation, everyone could see me. There was no privacy here at all. Sure, most were rather preoccupied, but still.

I can't believe I'm doing this! Akane finished with my costume, revealing my underwear and chest wrappings underneath. She looked at the wrapping with a smile and shook her head before untying them, revealing my naked breasts. I couldn't even muster the will power to complain, only feebly covering my nakedness with my hands. Akane gave me little time to adjust, though and quickly pulled down my panties, leaving me totally naked before her, and everyone.

While I struggled to endure my embarrassment, Akane removed her final pieces of clothing, save the mask, and then took me by the hips, gently urging me forward. My last bit of hope was this was a trick, and proof of that was us both being women. Such a thought was ruthlessly crushed as I remembered nearly immediately seeing several same sex couples about the room. No, this was exactly what it seemed and exactly as serious as it seemed. Defeated, I eased down onto the bench with her.

I was practically paralyzed at first, and Akane took advantage, pressing her lips against mine and invading my mouth with her tongue. I could feel her one hand behind me, tracing down my spine, and the other gently pushed aside my one hand still covering my right breast. With the obstacle removed, Akane began massaging the mound of my flesh in her hand as she continued kissing me.

It was about now that I finally realized just how aroused I was. I could feel the moisture between my legs, and could feel my breathing change. When Akane finished her kiss, I felt a pang of disappointment, but she quickly diverted down and began licking my exposed nipple. By this point my guard of my left breast had long failed and I was simply using my arms to support myself. Akane took advantage by moving her massage to it now, running her thumb in circles over the tip, endlessly.

The moment was consuming me. For just a moment, I forgot where I was and simply enjoyed the contact, gazing emptily into space so I could savor it. Then it eased and Akane pulled back, bringing me out of my daze.

"Your turn," Akane directed and lay back on the bench, beckoning me forward. I took in several long breathes, but then decided to discard any further reservation and just commit. I crawled onto the bench over her and pressed my lips against hers, now invading her mouth with my own tongue. Our tongues dueled within as I mirrored Akane's earlier breast massage. This was hardly satisfactory, though. I could not simply copy her. So I soon suspended that and went lower, soon finding her wet opening. Akane arched her leg slightly with the contact, but soon relaxed as I began stimulating it.

More than a minute passed and I had to break the kiss for a breath, but Akane quick seized my head with both hands and **** me back into it, although it was now a sloppy affair. This too broke up and we both took a breather, gazing at each other. It was a brief respite and Akane quickly pushed me to the side and rolled over, effectively switching relative positions between us.

Reflexively I tried to close my legs together but found Akane's own knee already between them. Akane looked down to note my action and smiled, bring her own hand down to my vagina before leaning over me. "You really got into this quick," she quietly commented as she plunged her fingers into my sex.

I gasped, but couldn't argue, and honestly, right now I didn't care. I wanted more. I also realized Akane's position left her just as exposed as me. So, I lifted my one leg and as expected it soon came into contact with her dripping sex. Akane let out a squeak of surprise at my move, affording me an opening, and I rolled her back to the side, leaving us both on our sides. We paused a moment there, considering each other.

Akane acted first, shifting her position to further expose herself to me. After a second of confusion I realized her intent and mirrored her action and we brought our bodies together. The contact was exciting and Akane quickly led on rotating her hips gentle to rub our lower lips against each other. I soon reciprocated and we both lay half back, simply enjoying the sensations as they grew. I didn't know how long we continued like that, but at last the flame within me burst and I cried out as I orgasmed.

Akane had climaxed quickly after and the experience left me spent as I simple lay back and stare at the ceiling. I don't know how long I lay there, but when a gong sounded, I returned to the moment.

Akane was already standing up. "You did well, for your first time. I hope you can keep up," she said. I looked at her in confusion as she left the enclosure. However, just as she did a new woman entered.

Wait, what?! How long is this going to go on?! I had little time to consider this as my new partner of the evening dove right in.

The gong sounded many more times that night, so many times that I honestly lost all track. The final gong was particularly harrowing as it was the finale and I found myself with not just one partner, but two. By the end, I was so exhausted, mentally and physically, I could hardly recall what happened in the end.

I lay in my enclosure, unable to muster the strength to move, until the door opened and the host entered. "Well, seems you were committed after all." I could only blankly stare back on him. "Number 2 asked that I give this to you. It's a junior membership. You were quite the hot topic tonight. I do hope you return, if only to allay any lingering suspicions. First nights can be quite taxing, so I'll call you a taxi." The man laid a card on a table nearby and departed.

With great effort I rose to a sitting position and took the card. It was a simple one, with the same mask picture as the ticket, but not much else. I regarded it for a moment, but then quickly realized the room was now mostly empty. Feeling suddenly self-conscious, I rapidly recovered my clothes and redressed.

The host waited for me at the elevator, giving me one last nod but then said, "Oh one last thing, remember the 1st rule: we don't talk about the grand ball. I'm sure you understand."

"R... right," I replied.

"Very good. You'll find your taxi at the front. Don't worry, the fee has been covered. Have a wonderful evening," he said with a smile and gestured to the now open elevator. I bowed and departed with haste, indeed finding a ride at the front. Honestly, was I more cautious and less exhausted, I should probably have skipped it, but fortunately it was nothing weird, and did indeed drop me off at my restaurant without any need for payment.

Only when I reached my door did I realize I hadn't told him where my home was. That creepy thought on my mind, I entered to find Akane waiting. "Hey, Ukyo, how was it?"

Free of all the eyes of the crowd, I finally found some strength to be angry. "What the hell do you mean, how was it?! You trick me into some crazy, messed up, weird... orgy! What the hell?!"

Akane chuckled at my anger. "And you looked to be having such a great time too."

"That's... that's beside the point! You tricked me!"

Akane's smile faded. "Yes, but only because you were intent on tricking me."

"What?" I asked reflexively, but the instant I asked I knew she knew.

"You knew Ranma had a ticket too. You knew what it was about, or what you thought it was about, and you didn't even bring it up. No, you thought to take advantage of the situation so you could get a date with Ranma, didn't you?" Akane asked.

Yep, she's got me pegged. I couldn't argue the point as it was true. "It wasn't real," I feebly countered.

"Maybe, but you didn't know that. You chose to take advantage of it. I was just a step ahead of you this time."

I looked away. "How did you even set this up?"

"Oh, I've made a few powerful connections lately," Akane answered.

"Does Ranma know?"

"Ranma... haven't figured that part out either huh?" Akane commented to my confusion, but waved off the matter. "Enough about that, you got my membership I assume."

"Uh, yeah," I said as I pulled it out.

"Good. That's a junior membership tied to mine, which is a senior one, so you're clear to attend any event with me," Akane explained. "That one tonight was one of the bigger ones, but there are all kinds."

I looked down at the membership and paled slightly. "I'll have to attend others now, right."

"You don't HAVE to," Akane responded, but smiled. "Of course, you did make quite the scene, and there are a lot of powerful people in the group. By the way, you should have refused to remove your mask. That's a basic rule. So long as the event hasn't started, masks are absolute. You could have just left when he asked. Awkward, but not nearly as troublesome."

Fuck!

"Another absolute is you must always have an escort. Male, female, doesn't matter, but you need one or you can't participate. Apparently they have had a few people try to exploit things in the past."

"Right... and don't talk about it."

"Right, that too," Akane confirmed. "Well, you can talk about it with other known members, but no one else. The tickets are for newbies who don't know."

"They lead people into that without knowing?!" I exclaimed, but of course they do. I was proof positive of this! "Fuck me!" I said as I collapsed onto a stool.

"Sorry, had my fill for the night," Akane joked and I glared at her. "You should get some rest. The next event should be in about a week."

"Wait, so soon?!" I exclaimed in a panic.

"Yes, we're in the season now, so got several big events back to back. That isn't even getting into the more intimate ones, but really, you should get some sleep. You were real busy from what I saw."

"You were watching?" I asked with a blush.

"Oh yes. Active involvement is great, but I also love watching, and you put on quite the show. Think you were the most popular one on the floor."

Seriously?! Just how many women was I with? Actually, I don't even want to know.

As I succumb to my embarrassment, Akane got up. "Seeya," she said in parting, leaving me alone in my restaurant.

Minutes ticked by as I considered my predicament when I finally recalled Akane's earlier remark about Ranma. Wait, does that mean he's involved in this group too? Come to think of it, there was a guy on stage behind the host too who came on with Akane. He had the right kind of build... oh my god! He would have seen everything! He may have even helped Akane set it up!

No, no, I can't be sure. Damn it all, that's even worse.

With that unpleasant thought on my mind I headed up to my bed and passed out, pleading with the universe to make this all a very exciting twisted dream. Such was not to be though.