I love this story. I gave up homework for this.. Y U NO REVIEW? Lol its okay cuz this story makes me happy 3 love you all, my bunnies! Toodle snip!

"Here we are at the docks. This is the name of your boat, Mademoiselle." I nodded to the driver and climbed out of the coach. It was odd that father had not come with me, but part of me didn't mind. He could have easily hurt me, even in public. I hoped he wasn't like that with mother.

"Ciel Pont," I said quietly. "I'm travelling on the Ciel Pont. What an odd name for a ship… Heaven Bridge." I shrugged off the thought and began to look for the ship among the dock's hustle and bustle.

"You there! You there!" I heard someone with a strange accent shout behind me. I kept walking until a hand came in contact with my shoulder.

"You, miss. I know you!" I turned to face whoever falsely accused me of someone else's identity.

The person gasped, and I echoed the noise. The man standing behind me was bald and strange, with black tattoos all over his face.

"Apologies, but you must be- you must be related to the Vicomte de Chagny, no?" I smiled politely at this question and nodded.

"Indeed- I'm trying to find my ship, you see." I held out the slip of paper and he took it and laughed.

"Miss you've been cheated, there is no Ciel Pont here today. You must mean the Bateau du Masque Fleurs, the big one up there." He gestured to a large ship close by.

"Really? My father must have written down the wrong ship, that's all. And this Flower Mask Boat will take me to-"

"Indeed it will, Miss. Come with me, I happen to be travelling on that ship too!" The strange man picked up my bags and began walking towards the ship. I quickly ran after him, graciously taking my bags back. He looked at me for a couple seconds, sighed, and then returned to leading my way through the dense crowds at the French port.

We reached the ship he helped me find my single room, and then bid me goodnight. As I sat on the bed alone, I had a moment of extreme fear. I didn't even know where I was going! Father had simply promised that there would be a coach waiting for me when I arrived. For now, I could only hope that I would receive such things.

The week on the ship passed rather quickly. During the days I would wander about, feeling the salty air fly through my long hair. At lunch I would dine with the tattooed man, and in the afternoon's I would play the violin or piano in the bars for some extra money. One night they even let me sing, which was glorious. I had limited vocal training since Father hated music, but at church I would observe the choir and play the organs and violas when no one was around. I couldn't understand how father couldn't see the beauty in music that I clearly saw.

As the land came into my vision, I gasped and turned to my companion.

"America? My father has sent me to America for boarding school? It must have cost a fortune. At least my English is good," I said. The man looked confused for a moment, and then produced a toothy grin and a creepy nod. I didn't find it alarming, but rather cocked my head to the side and smiled. We then got our luggage and exited the ship.

America was so different. Everyone was screaming, people dressed in darker colors with less extravagance, and I felt out of place with my practically royal looking French gowns.

People gasped as I walked down the gang plank.

"My God, is that her?"

"Could it be, after all these years?"

"No, I never remembered her to be this beautiful. Four years doesn't magically make someone gorgeous, buddy!"

I blushed and ducked my head down, trying to get closer to my tattooed friend. But he was nowhere to be seen. I whispered a swear word under my breath and then continued into the crowd.

Pictures were taken, questions asked, and when I reached the end of the throng of people, I was reunited with my one companion.

"Monsieur, who do they mistake me for?" He stared at me for a moment as though I was insane, but the look quickly passed.

"Perhaps you look like somebody famous. I don't have an idea what they are talking about, Miss de Chagny." I nodded and continued walking, but then stopped short.

"I don't know your name." I stood right in front of him, staring up into his two dark eyes that were highlighted by his many black tattoos.

"The mighty Squelch, at your service," He bowed a little and I couldn't help but hold back a smile.

"The young Jade Isabelle, daughter of the Vicomte de Chagny." I blushed at the sound of my name. "But of course, Monsieur Squelch, you can call me Isabelle."

"Well Isabelle, welcome to America. Welcome to mystery and wonder, welcome to the beginning, welcome to your life!" He said with a dramatic flourish.

"Where are we, then?" I queried.

"We're in Phantasma, little Vicomtess," He said with a grin.

"Phantasma…" I breathed with wonder. "Phantasma."