"He doesn’t know either?” said Mask grimly. Mikai had been the last they called, after no one else knew where Rini was, either.

            Moon knew Mask didn’t need a response; he had seen the answer on her face, but she shook her head anyway.

            Mask swore beneath his breath and readjusted his hold on Moon in preparation for jumping another main street, but before he could push off –

            “Your Highness.”

            Tuxedo Mask started, losing his balance. He and Moon went rolling down the peaked roof, scrambling for a hold. He jammed a rose into a tile and seized Moon by her back bow with the other hand. Their motion was arrested with a loud, sharp wrench of his shoulder.

            “Oops.” The cloaked being floated down to be level with Moon’s face. She inhaled sharply and leaned back. “I startled you.”

            Mask heaved, managing to yank Moon up onto the roof, slightly behind him. A stream of profanity and fire hissed out of his mouth at the being that had nearly snatched Rini away on New Year’s.

            The same circular shield as that time flickered as the fire hit it and steamed off harmlessly. Mask scrabbled precariously to his booted feet on the sloped tiles. His cane blade slid from his sleeve. Moon stayed in a crouch, one hand gripping the tile for balance, the other holding her crystal sword, the edge of which was sparkling faintly.

            “Enough of that,” said the thing, two eyes glowing from beneath its rippling hood. “I’m here to help you.”

            “Are you the one who took Rini?” Moon demanded. The tiara stone at her brow glowed as brightly as the thing’s eyes.

            “Would that I was,” it said. “But no, little Rini took herself, and Prince Diamond with her.”

            Moon stiffened.

            “Where?” Mask demanded.