JICHIA: A Tale of the Sea

Disclaimer: Poseidon, Escaflowne, Phantom of the Opera. In the Category of Things I DO NOT OWN.

NOTE: And here I am again, with one of my favorite chapters of the story, because it advances so many events, and also a troublesome chapter to write because it involves so many characters. But I will fit everything in somehow and I hope you enjoy this.

There's a fair bit of cheesiness in here as well as some darker themes. I'm not quite sure if it balances out but it's a weird mix.

I'm writing as fast as I can so I can get this whole thing over with because it's been on my mind for several years now, undergoing revision after revision, and deserves to be free from my imagination and into these pages.

CHAPTER TWO: MASQUERADE, THE GREAT REVEAL

Masquerade! Paper faces on parade

Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you

Masquerade! Every face a different shade

Masquerade! Look around, there's another mask behind you.

The first highlight of the voyage was a wondrous masquerade ball which everyone had been looking forward to. All had been told in advance so elaborate costumes and festive masks had been brought along for the trip.

This spectacular event was meant to keep the mood light and festive before all the heavy discussions. It was also to celebrate the period of peace and prosperity that had followed the long and arduous process of rehabilitation right after the war. Everyone was eager for merriment and hopeful for the future.

"I tell you, what a splendid party," one guest commented with much approval of the grand setting, "a fitting prologue to a bright new year!"

"Quite a night, I'm impressed," another elaborately dressed official said, "they've clearly outdone themselves in preparing this ball."

The general mood grew merrier and more festive as more and more costumed guests arrived to enjoy it. At length, someone raised a glass of vino, proposing a toast to the wonderful progress their nations had made in the past two years and to all their hopes for the future.

"May our splendor never fade!" they cried as they raised their glasses.

A loud cheer followed this, and lively music began to be played, a signal for the dancing to begin.

Flash of mauve, Splash of puce

Fool and king, Ghoul and goose

Green and black, Queen and priest

Trace of rouge, Face of beast

Faces!

Take your turn, take a ride

On the merry-go-round in an inhuman race

"What a night!" Princess Millerna exclaimed as she and her party entered the lavish hall.

Like all the revelers, she was dressed in an elaborate gown, mostly pink and white, and decorated with a wide array of flowers. She brought her mask along, naturally, and she was marveling at the luxurious set up.

Her sister was likewise impressed although somewhat concerned about her young charge. Eries glanced at Celena, to gauge her reaction. The younger girl seemed both overwhelmed and fascinated by the large, frenzied crowd.

"Are you all right?" Eries asked in concern.

"Oh, yes, it's all just breathtaking," Celena replied in awe. The young Schezar was dressed in a lovely gown of bright and striking crimson, accented by black lace. Eries and Allen had been wary of the design for the gown but the girl had been determined on it and they could not deny her. They decided not to worry about it too much.

After all, it had been two years, two years of relief, delight, and enduring peace. It had taken a while but they were now fairly sure that they could breathe again.

"I think I see Dryden over there," Millerna said excitedly, waving to a figure in the crowd.

"How do you know it's him?" Celena asked.

"Easy," the young princess replied with a laugh, "the silly man isn't wearing his mask, and is clearly determined to be found."

"Well, then, what are you waiting for?" Eries urged gently. Millerna looked at her sister and nodded before taking her leave and running off to dance with her eager fiancé.

Eries and Celena smiled. Celena looked around her in excitement, feeling a surge of energy course through her veins. Something great was going to happen tonight, she could feel it. The mass of people, all donning their mysterious masks passed her by and she was both exhilarated and terrified by their anonymous glances.

A young man in a blue costume approached her timidly and asked for a dance. Celena looked to Princess Eries for permission and the older princess nodded with a smile. Celena smiled back and accepted her dance partner's hand at once.

"Take every opportunity to enjoy yourself," Eries called after her, watching as the crimson gown disappeared in the sea of wild colors going about.

Now alone, Eries sighed. She was dressed in an elegant gown of various shades of green with some hints of gold, while her mask she chose to accent with large white feathers. Not wanting to get in anyone's way, she stayed in a relatively inconspicuous corner of the ballroom and observed the party.

It was all very extravagant and exciting but she could never quite enjoy herself in a ball. Somehow, she felt that it was too frivolous an endeavor to be doing, though she understood that not everyone would share her sentiments. But she had a strange feeling that for all her disinclinations, the night would offer her some unique enjoyments.

The pensive princess was distracted when she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to face a tall stranger, cloaked in black and deep hues of green. His mask too was adorned with large white feathers and from below it, he smiled at her as he extended a gloved hand.

"May I be so bold as to secure your hand for all of tonight's dances, Princess Eries?" he asked in an unmistakably deep voice.

Eries' eyes widened in recognition and trembling slightly put her hand in his. Feeling the metal hand through the thin layer of the glove, her suspicions were confirmed and she smiled brightly at her partner.

"You may," she answered with only the slightest excitement evident in her voice, and then, in almost a whisper, "Lord Folken."

Eye of gold True is false, who is who?

Curl of lip, swirl of gown!

Ace of hearts! Face of clown!

Faces!

Drink it in, drink it up, Till you've drowned

In the light, in the sound

But who can name the face?

She had never enjoyed herself so much, and her energy seemed to burn fiercer with every moment that passed. Celena Schezar could not explain what was happening to her and she feared she would have to pause for a few moments to recall herself. After several dances, she took leave of her latest partner and made her way carefully to the ladies' room, clutching her head which had begun to throb with an unknown pain.

She felt giddy and disoriented, unsure of herself and of her surroundings. Upon reaching the room, she clutched at a small table before the mirror and realized that her breathing had become labored. There was a fire ablaze within her that she could not contain, and beads of sweat shone on her forehead. She clutched harder at the table before her, not daring to look at herself in the mirror, afraid of what she might see.

Everything was whirling around her now, and this time, she knew that it wasn't the dancers or the music or the flurry of colorful costumes. The whole world was disappearing, and she felt herself sinking deeper and deeper into an abyss that was terrifyingly familiar.

"No, no, no," she muttered but to no avail.

A few minutes later and she was lost.

Masquerade! Grinning yellows, spinning reds Masquerade!

Take your fill; let the spectacle astound you

Masquerade! Burning glances, turning heads Masquerade!

Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you

Meanwhile, the ball continued its frenzied pace, with music becoming louder and livelier, and dancing couples adding their laughter to the festive atmosphere. This was to be the only really lighthearted event of the cruise so they had all decided to make the most of it.

"Are you sure that you don't want to dance with anyone else tonight?" Princess Millerna asked her dashing partner.

"How can I let go of the great beauty that is before me?" the merchant replied with a twinkle in his eye, "I already did so before, and I have no intention of repeating such a mistake."

The youngest princess of Asturia merely laughed at his flattery and continued to sway to the music with him. She had no intention of switching partners either. She was enjoying herself far too much with the man she had come to love so very dearly. And such a magnificent setting could only fuel all her romantic dreams. She was in no mood to be grave and serious yet.

Millerna was too engrossed spending time with her beloved fiancé that she did not notice that her sister was likewise engaged, though far more discreetly.

There was so much that Eries and Folken wanted to talk about but they were both wise and careful enough not to divulge too much information. They both knew that even in the cacophony of voices in the ballroom, someone was bound to pick up some bits of their conversation.

Leaving the ball was not an option for they would only be calling attention to themselves, something both wished very much to avoid. So the two reunited lovers had to content themselves with participating in the merriment, something they were not reluctant to do.

"It's been too long since I've last seen you," Eries told her partner emotionally, "has it been necessary to hide even from me?"

"Forgive me, Eries," Folken replied solemnly, "you can't know how I've longed to find a way to show myself to you again, but the circumstances have prevented me from doing so. You know how complicated things are for me."

"Of course," she answered gravely, and he instantly noticed the sadness in her voice.

"I've missed you too," he said, addressing a feeling he knew she was too shy to voice, "and there have been so many times that I've been tempted to just risk everything for a glimpse of your face."

"Don't you dare act so rashly," she scolded him, though she blushed slightly at the emotion he had expressed, "we cannot throw everything away for momentary pleasure."

"You're right, of course, my love," he said in a lighter tone as he led her through the dance, "I was only teasing."

"But I am happy to see you," the princess remarked earnestly, "even just for tonight."

"As am I," Folken replied, taking her hand and raising it to his lips, "and I'm sure this meeting will have to keep me satisfied for many days to come."

She blushed slightly and he saw this, even through her mask. He chuckled softly and she smiled at him as they continued to join the rest of the revelers in the various dances, content to be in each other's arms, even just for a short while.

Theirs had been an unusual relationship, developing slowly but surely from the moment of their acquaintance as diplomats for both Zaibach and Asturia. They had admired each other's talent for politics and respected their positions. Both representatives of their countries, they had worked together on many treaties and councils before Zaibach decided to go on the offensive.

And even during the early phases of the war, Eries had not lost faith in Folken. Having worked extensively with him, she had always sensed that there was good in his intentions, however questionable his methods were.

Then, naturally, they grew closer once he sought asylum after deserting Zaibach. In the turbulent period before his sudden "disappearance", they realized how much they cared for each other. Folken had miraculously survived his confrontation with Emperor Dornkirk and Van and Hitomi decided to keep his presence a secret from all the allies who would easily have persecuted him. They brought him surreptitiously to Fanelia where he was nursed back to health and served as an informant of sorts. The brothers were reconciled and Folken was involved in the rehabilitation of the country he had helped destroy.

Hitomi, knowing all that existed between Folken and Eries, informed the princess discreetly of his survival and reassured her of his safety.

In the past two years, very little correspondence was exchanged between them, as neither wanted to risk anything revealing him yet. It was a complicated and frustrating situation, but both understood the necessity for all this.

Still, when Folken learned about the prestigious voyage, he carefully planned to give his beloved a pleasant surprise by sneaking aboard for the ball.

And seeing Eries' bright smile and hearing her laughter made his every effort worthwhile.

Masquerade! Paper faces on parade Masquerade!

Hide your face so the world will never find you

Masquerade! Every face a different shade Masquerade!

Look around, there's another mask behind you

Crimson eyes snapped open and the young man carefully rubbed his aching head as he got up.

"Where am I?" he asked, slightly confused, and taking in his surroundings. He could hear music and laughter somewhere outside, and he saw with disgust that he was in a woman's dress, although now stretched to accommodate his broader shoulders.

He had a vague idea of what had happened to him but he was still quite puzzled about how to go about things. He checked his reflection in the mirror and placed a hand on his pale face as he stared into his own crimson eyes. At least he was sure that this wasn't another dream. He was still alive, and he was back with a vengeance.

Peering through the door at the revelers, he observed quickly and carefully and tried to make sense of what was going on. Looking out one of the small windows, he realized that they were aboard a large ship, floating on the dark depths of the ocean. He wondered where they were headed. Again, the sound of celebration disturbed his reverie.

He hated parties of this kind but he figured that it would be beneficial for him to remain in disguise. He looked down on the floor and saw a face mask lying there. He would use it for now, and he didn't really mind so much since it was in the blood-red color that he was always so fond of.

But first things first, he would have to find some decent clothes. And a weapon. He looked out into the crowd, raising his mask to his face. Several of the men had ornamental blades on their costumes. He decided he would take one of these, then, he would decide what he would do after.

And if any of them decided to put up a fight, the young man thought, well, too bad for them.

Masquerade! Burning glances, turning heads Masquerade!

Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you

Masquerade! Grinning yellows, Spinning reds

Masquerade! Take your fill, let the spectacle astound you.

"Forgive me but I cannot tarry here for much longer," Folken told his partner at length, "I must go."

"So soon?" Eries asked sadly, raising a hand to his face. He leaned into her touch and sighed.

"Unfortunately, it is necessary," he conceded sadly, "but before I go, I'd like to give you this."

Taking something from the pocket inside his dark cloak, he presented an exquisite golden chain with a matching golden dragon pendant that had a tiny ruby-like gem in its eye.

"It's beautiful," Eries exclaimed as Folken put it around her neck, "thank you."

"This will help me find you, no matter where you are," he explained and she nodded in understanding.

"But I sincerely hope that I will not have to use this," he said, "I want to believe that we can soon be free to be together."

"Do not worry," Eries reassured him, "I believe that such circumstances are partly what this whole conference seeks to achieve. At least, I am determined to make it so."

"And when you are determined to do something, it shall certainly come to pass," he complimented her with a smile.

"Are you sure you can't stay at all?" she asked, "I'm sure there is room enough for stowaways on this huge vessel."

But she already knew the answer even before he shook his head. It was too risky. He had a small airship somehow anchored on a dark corner of the boat, and he had to get back to it before it was found.

As they concluded their conversations, the music swelled louder and the dance reached a dazzling climax. Somehow, everywhere couples were now beginning to openly profess their love (as openly as was possible considering everyone still wore masks).

Many a young man was now sweeping his lover into his arms and expressing his deepest affections. Such a moment was perfect for the inconspicuous couple.

For, following suit, Folken twirled his lovely partner around before taking her into his arms and capturing her lips with his. Eries leaned into the kiss eagerly, putting her hands around his neck and holding him tight, trying to make it last as long as possible.

Soon, however, they reluctantly broke apart for lack of air. Eries clutched at his cloak tightly, and leaned on his chest.

"Oh, dearest Eries," Folken whispered softly, "please don't make it even more difficult for me to tear myself from your side."

"You cannot blame me," she replied, "I haven't seen you in so long. And I don't know when we're likely to meet again."

Folken did not answer but instead took her face gently in his hands and kissed her again, desperately and passionately, knowing that the memory of this kiss would have to sustain them both for the coming trials.

Then, with a final, brief, tight embrace, he turned and disappeared in the crowd, moving fast before he lost his nerve. Eries stood alone resiliently, refusing to despair at their parting, for she knew that they would someday meet again. Mingling with the revelers once more, she clutched her new pendant tightly.

Masquerade! Seething shadows breathing lies

Masquerade! You can fool any friend who ever knew you

Masquerade! Leering satyrs, peering eyes

Masquerade! Run and hide, but a face will still pursue you.

A scream pierced the air and at once the music and dancing stopped. Gasps of shock and questioning sounds filled the room as the guests wondered what had caused the commotion.

Soon, the ruckus cleared slightly as all eyes were turned to the middle of the grand staircase that stood in the centre of the ballroom. The sight of a bloodied body at the foot of the stairs sent a shiver down everyone's spine. The figure who now held centre stage was now cackling diabolically and shamelessly, enjoying the attention and the fear that he inspired. He nonchalantly shook the blood from an ornamental blade which had no doubt been part of someone's costume but was not being used as a deadly weapon.

For a few moments, no one could believe their eyes, and there was a bone-chilling silence and stillness from the crowd as they stared incredulously and the demonic figure before them. They refused to believe what they saw and thought that it was some kind of ghost or phantom standing before them. But it wasn't.

Soon, he had discarded his mask, deeming it useless since his true face was far more terrifying.

As he turned his crimson at the frightened and frantic faces before him, he felt a sinister satisfaction. They all knew him, and they all feared him. It was as it should be.

"Well, well, look who's back," Dilandau Albatou announced to the crowd with a sadistic grin.