Doreen wasn't a shabby dancer, either- all those years of color guard had paid off. But Frogman seemed to have two left fins. He just sort of stood there, bopping to the music and occasionally twirling Doreen. Frogman, aware of his disability, was glaring at UPChuck. UPChuck was having a grand old time. And Dream had turned out to be a great dancer, even when she wasn1t drunk!

The other couple were doing rather better. The man, Mateo, was an excellent jitterbugger, and his partner, K.C., was just as good. Mateo Teal was actually a well-known actor in the Newshregsburg district. He had had supporting roles (usually under Jens Herrkauf or Esteban E. Room) in about a dozen long-running shows. Usually in comedic dancing parts, Mateo had worked with a number of choreographers from Calypso Beach. One of them, Jenni Daka, had recommended the Club Contest as a way to showcase his talents. Refusing to work without K.C., he had entered in the couples category. K.C. Chanel was an aspiring news anchor, taking on minor roles in plays to support herself while waiting for her break into television. It looked like it would be a close call between UPChuck & Dream and Mateo & K.C.

The song ended, along with the couples competition. Myskalogy launched into an original song, Maera Bop, their entry in the band competition. The Trenchcoats had decided not to compete ("After all," said Marianna, "there are two Flashers on the judging panel this year"), so the competition was between Myskalogy, Shoebox, and a pop band called Arnold. Arnold had played earlier, a bouncy song about a girl, reminiscent of 1950's rock, with close harmonies and a strong backbeat.

Half of Arnold were girls themselves- the drummer and keyboardist- who mostly contributed backups. All four were rather good-looking, but were a gimmick band dressed like geeks from the '50's. Thick-rimmed glasses, bowties, and suspenders, the girls in plaid skirts and the guys in plaid pants. Scary, but it was good music! They had also played a few Elvis (Presley and Costello) for the dance competition.

Marianna found herself wishing to hear something by Paul McCartney. Sure, some of the music being played (and danced to) tonight was really, really good. But Mari had her loyalties. She glanced down at the i.d. bracelet on her right wrist- an almost-exact replica of the one Paul wore. Yes, it was an Obsession. But it couldn't be harmful- could it?

Now Myskalogy was leaving the stage. The emcee, Mika, took the stage. "This concludes the band competition," s/he said. Mikel/ Mikaela McDonald, called Mika for simplicity, was in full drag, a vision in pink. Pink sequined dress, pink feather boa, pink spike heels, pink wig. "Now, our reigning Dancin' Queen, Daniela DeSka, will take the floor in the ska and disco dancing competition!" A cheer rose from the crowd. Suki Leilani Kyoko had descended from her cage and was preparing to dance circles around Daniela, who was now directly under the disco ball (what a surprise...).

Daniela's support from her audience had diminished since she had threatened Marianna. The DJ began playing Dancin' Queen. Lucky for Daniela, her dancing skills hadn't diminished, and the judges were actually judging based on talent. Princesses Coli and Teff were also dancing; they might tie for second in the ska competition. Suki was entered in the disco competition, and would probably place second, winning second overall. She had already won the rock/general competition earlier this evening, although that hadn't been announced yet.

Despite the new category system, there was a lack of fresh blood in the dance competition. Daniela would win again, with Suki in second. Dream and UPChuck looked to be certain winners in the couples/ traditional category, a surprise to Marianna. She hadn't expected Dream to go near the dance competition, after last year's fiasco. When Dream and UPChuck had disappeared in the middle of last week, she knew something was up. Luckily, it was an entry into the dance competition.

An hour later, as the clock tower in Layla:) town chimed midnight, the winners were announced. As Mikaela said each name, it appeared on a screen behind her (uh... him... uh... it...). "The votes have been totaled, and now, for the winners!...