A/N: One of the chapters I wanted to write most. Please enjoy, and R/R!
Notice: I found a picture of Irvine and I found out his eyes are not purple. They are a bright blue. So for now on, in my story his eyes are blue. Not a very important notice but oh well....
Chapter Seven: The Girl in the Isis Mask
Songfics: 'Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec' One of my fave FF8 songs...
And
'Falling Into You' by Celine Dion.
Irvine stood in front of his bathroom mirror, combing his long, reddish brown hair. He wasn't sure whether he should wear it in his usual ponytail or just to let it hang loose. Finally he decided to go with the ponytail and tied it back tight.
He wore a new black turtleneck under his trenchcoat, and black pants. He had washed away the grime of tears on his face and put on cologne, smelling fresh. He brushed his teeth and gargled with some mouthwash to get the potato chip odor off his breath. He looked himself over. He looked great, a million gil, but he felt so pathetic.
He met his friends down in the lobby, who were happy to see him again. They all got onto a sub and headed for the Fisherman's Harbor.
Everyone was dressed in costumes, to Irvine's slight confusion. Selphie and Zell were dressed as an Indian couple with feathers in their hair and moccasins and face paint(Zell's tattoo was perfect) and Rinoa and Squall were dressed up as Greeks, with white togas and sandals(Squall looked very embarrassed). Ellone wore a blue bathing suit top and a grass skirt, with flowers hanging in a necklace around her neck. Finally Quistis and Seifer were donning ancient Aztec costumes, Quistis wearing a bright blue tunic and a green dress, with a headdress of flowers, and Seifer a red tunic and a yellow loincloth that went down to his knees(also looking very abashed).
"You guys look...interesting," he commented reluctantly.
"What? Irvine, didn't you hear?" Rinoa said, fiddling with the strap of her toga.
"The theme of the party is ancient civilizations. You know, Greek, Aztec, Indian, stuff like that. Kinda weird, but it's fun..."
"Speak for yourself," Squall grumbled, and Rinoa nudged him playfully.
"Anyway...you go as your favorite one. But I'm not sure if cowboys were an ancient civilization, Irvine."
"Oh, well." Irvine said. He really didn't care.
They touched down on the beach, where the party was just getting started. Women wearing Hawaiian costumes met them on the dock.
"Welcome to Fisherman's Harbor," They said to all of them, but when Irvine got off they looked at him and smiled deviously.
"Huh...Hey what are you doing?" he cried as they began tugging at his trenchcoat and shirt.
"You're not dressed properly for the party," they giggled. Irvine was outnumbered against the five of them and soon they had taken away his shirt, his trenchcoat and his beloved hat. They replaced these articles of clothing with a pendant of the Eye of Horus, black arm bracelets and a black headband that wrapped around from his forehead to the back of his head. They had transformed him from a cowboy into an Egyptian.
"We'll have your things waiting here for you, do not worry. Just have fun and enjoy the party. Who knows?" the girl gave him a sly smile. "Maybe you'll meet someone special tonight."
"Yeah, whatever," he said, not even wanting to think about that.
Torches lit the pathways and there were decorations everywhere, from flowers to streamers. People walked about looking like they had time traveled from 2000 years ago. Music filled the air, from flutes to harps to lutes and drums. Everyone was having a good time. While the others went to explore, Irvine went to the nearest drink stand and ordered a soda.
As he sat there sipping his sarsaparilla he caught himself searching the faces that passed by. Who did he expect to see? Laurena? He laughed softly in spite of himself. She was afraid to even step out into the sunlight. She wasn't going to be here. He didn't even know why he thought about it. He was never going to see her again.
"Sir!" a young man walked up to him, holding a clipboard. "Would you like to sign up for the dance contest taking place this evening?"
"Eh, sure, I guess." Irvine took the clipboard. What the hell, it was something to do. "Do I gotta have a partner or somethin'?"
"No, sir. First there's a solo dancer contest, then the coupled dance. We pick your dance partner randomly. You can sign up for both if you want."
"What the hell. Okay." Irvine signed up for both, then gave the clipboard back. He downed the last of his drink and went off to explore.
He hadn't been here in a while. Last time he was here was when the Garden broke down and practically crashed into the harbor. But the beauty of it always amazed him. The serenity of it always took him off guard. They did not allow violence here.
But they were holding one hell of a party.
He made his way down onto the beach, where they were setting up for the dance contests. People were running into the breakers on the shores, shrieking with happiness, some were just hanging out and listening to the music. The sun was slipping away under the watery horizon, leaving them in twilight. The moon was already rising to relieve the sun of its tedious duty.
Irvine laid down on the sand and watched it set. He liked watching sunsets. They soothed him in mind and body and he usually watched them right before a SeeD mission to calm him. But all he could think of was Laurena, her slender body and gorgeous eyes, her strawberry scented hair, and her miraculous voice....
No! He pounded his fist into the powdery sand. She was gone. She wasn't coming back. It was time to move on and forget her. That was the best thing. Even she had said it, in her letter.
"Attention! Anyone who has chosen to participate in the Firewalker Solo Dance Contest please assemble at the beach."
The voice rang out on an intercom connected by loudspeakers. Irvine looked around and saw a number of people assembling at the dancing arena they had set up. It was a large stage floor, definitely the work of the Garden Committee. ::Well, that's my cue,:: he thought, and got up and walked over to the dance floor.
"The rules are very simple," one of the dance monitors said. "You go up there and dance your brains out. When you tire out or fall down, you leave the stage. The last one dancing wins. Got it? Good. Now please take your places on the dance floor!"
Irvine climbed up and stared at the crowd that was gathering. He saw Selphie hopping up and down to get his attention.
"We're rootin for ya, Irvy!!!"
He looked around at the competition. There weren't many people, and some of them looked like they were going to die of stage fright. In the center of it all he saw Tryphaena, wearing a very scanty Egyptian dancer outfit, black fishnet that clung to her thighs and black silk streamers on her wrist. Her top was black, strapless and she wore her Ankh. She caught his eye and blew a kiss. She was pretty confident.
"When the music starts, get dancing!" the announcer cried. "Begin!"
The music blared up, and everyone began to dance. Some were really out of rhythm and instantly fell, then disqualified. Irvine felt nervous in front of all those people that he didn't know, but kept dancing awkwardly.
About ten minutes passed and there were only a few people left on the stage. The music was going so fast and they either stumbled or fell in exhaustion. Soon only Tryphaena and Irvine were on the stage, Tryphaena still going strong. Irvine kept his awkward rhythm, stage fright grasping him.
"Get off the stage, moron!" some guy cried out. Irvine, his face going red, climbed down from the stage and retreated into the crowds, ashamed out of his mind.
The music stopped. Tryphaena looked about her and laughed. "Isn't there anyone who can take me on? Oh, come on! This is such an easy victory it makes me want to--"
"Wait!"
The crowd parted, staring in awe as she passed. She climbed up onto the stage and stood on the opposite side of Tryphaena.
She was a young woman, but that was all Irvine could tell because she wore a face mask. She wore an Egyptian outfit, a white skirt that was cut low on her shapely hips. Her top was a mere strapless swatch of cloth and tied together with a string in the front. She was barefoot, and a scarf of silk covered her arms. Tiny bells were tied at her ankles. Her mask was the face of a beautiful Egyptian goddess, almost lifelike. Her hair was tied back in a braid, but Irvine could not see the color of it in the dim firelight.
"I take your challenge," a faceless voice proclaimed from behind the mask.
"And who are _you_?" Tryphaena demanded.
"My name to you is Isis. Do you accept my challenge or not?" the voice came again.
Tryphaena stared at the masked girl. "Of course. Remove your mask."
"I will only remove my mask if you defeat me in this battle of dance."
"Very well."
The music began. (Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec)
Tryphaena started with a seductive twirl. She fell in time with the chimes and the steady drum. She played her arms alluringly about her, entrancing the male population of the crowd, except for Irvine of course. Her feet twirled against the smooth floor.
The masked girl began to dance as the music tensed slightly, her leg raised up high in the air as she twirled, slowly, until she touched the floor, then rose upward like a rose embracing the sun.
::Lithos...Lusec...Wecos...Vinosec...::
Irvine recognized this music, he realized, it was the music that had been played at Edea's Parade in Deling City. But that thought was in the back of his mind, his eyes were on the masked girl, Isis, as the music intensified and the drums loudened. Her movement were so graceful, effortless as she bucked her hips gently to the drum beat, gathering murmurs of approval from the men and whispers of awe from the women. She spun around and descended onto her right knee gracefully, her left leg stretched out to balance her. Then she leapt forward and did a somersault in the air, before landing like a cat moments later and bending backward all as far as her spine would allow her and reach up to the sky as if beseeching help to it, all the while her legs marching forward before she finally spun around and straightened, silently pointing at Tryphaena.
The dark haired Siren scoffed and tossed her head back, with it her entire body, flipping backward. Upon her landing she did a split, she shot back up and twirled three times, her black silk streaming about, moving like a hurricane toward Isis. She jostled her hips like Isis had done, only she was more indiscreet about it. Silently she twirled again, then stood still in front of Isis. They stared at each other, Tryphaena was silently challenging her, egging her on, and no one could tell what Isis thought.
Then something happened that no one expected. The two women began to dance at exactly the same time, the exact same rhythm; the exact dance! They moved in unison, stunning one and all, especially Irvine.
They kicked their right legs into the air, then moved to the left and kicked their left legs into the air, then twirled and bowed to the right, moving their arms like they were reeds in the wind. They spun around three time and moved to the left, moving their hips in unison.
As the music reached its climax, like acrobats they flipped high into the air, their bodies spinning in the empty space. All watched with their breaths held as gravity began to pull them back down. Irvine watched with his heartbeat pausing. He knew somehow what they both were planning. They were to land on their palms then flip onto their feet.
Isis landed with excellent precision, her hands touching the stage floor for only a brief second before pushing of and landing on her feet to face the rioting crowd, her shapely chest heaving for oxygen.
Tryphaena's hands touched the floor at the same time, but her weight was positioned too far back. She fell over onto her back with a thud, her long black hair covering her.
The crowd was screaming with shock and exultation. Irvine reluctantly joined in the cheering, for the winner of the dancing duel.
"And the winner of the Solo Dancer Contest is unanimous! Please put your hands together for Isis, the Masked Dancing Goddess!"
The crowd cheered louder for Isis, who modestly bowed to them, then to her fallen opponent. Tryphaena stared daggers at her, staggering to her feet and disappearing from the floor as quickly as possible.
"Now the time has come for us to hold the Coupled Dancer Contest. You will be watched by our contest judges for your performance. When you hear your name please come to the arena."
He started calling out names, and people walked onto the makeshift platform to find their couples. Irvine waited for his name to be called, though he knew he'd never have the nerve to go up there again.
"Irvine Kinneas, Isis. Maria, Tony. Zell…"
Isis? He looked around, not seeing her masked face anywhere. Had she left?
"There you are."
He turned around. She was standing behind him. He tried to smile, but he knew it looked fake. "Hi."
"Hello. I saw you up there before. But then you disappeared back into the crowd. Was something wrong?"
"Eh, nothing much...just got a little embarrassed I guess."
"There is no need to be ashamed. Dancing is the language of the soul, like song. As long as you enjoy yourself, you should not care what others think."
"Well, Isis, to tell you the truth I'm not exactly enjoying myself. I'm afraid you're gonna have to find yerself another dancin' partner."
"Are you that afraid?"
"No! I just got a lot on my mind, stuff that don't concern you. Please leave me alone."
Isis stared at him from behind the mask. He looked away. "If you seek a way to allieve your heavy heart, dance will make you forget your woes."
"What are you, a cult member?" Irvine became annoyed. "Listen, you won that contest. That's great and all. Good for you. But that don't mean you can go meddling into other people's lives! Now just leave me alone, dammit!"
Isis stood her ground, and Irvine could tell that the face behind the mask was probably angry. She leaned down and stared at him, her eyes colorless in the firelight. Her tone was not anger, but not peaceful either.
"You are a fool. You are a foolish man, to speak ill towards a mask."
Irvine quivered inside, intimidated by the woman's words. What was that supposed to mean, it was foolish to speak ill at a mask? He grimaced, looking up at the slender figure's masked face.
"If I dance with you, will you leave me alone?" he snapped.
"I vow, one dance and you shall never see me again," she promised, nodding.
He agreed. "Fine. Let's make this quick, okay?"
He let her lead him upon the dance floor again, the music starting up. It was a slow song, the drums pounding soft and sensual in his ears. It was an easy, slow rhythm, and Irvine couldn't decide whether or not that was a good or bad thing.
Isis took his hands in hers as she turned to face him. One hand trailed up towards his bare shoulder, the other remained clasped around his hand. She came close to him, her feet beginning to move to the music.
"I'm not good at this, so you know," he reminded her.
"That is fine. Just follow me, you will catch on."
Her feet moved slowly on the ground. Soon, they had both acquired the same rhythm. Isis' eyes were on him, he knew, watching him carefully. Intently.
::And in your eyes…I see ribbons of color…
I see us…inside of each other…
I feel my unconscious merge with yours…
And I hear a voice say, 'What's his is hers…'::
Instead of being nervous, Irvine fell into a deep, dreamy haze of calm, his muscles relaxing and moving to the music as she was, flowing and smooth. His free hand roamed across her bare arm and rested on her slim waist, feeling goose bumps form under his slender fingers. He spun her ever so slowly around, before pulling her back to him.
"I see you suffer of a broken heart," Isis said quietly, stepping smoothly to the left.
"…I do," he replied shortly, following her movements. "Not that it's your business, of course."
"Of course. But please tell me…who is this woman who has you entangled in her web? I have a feeling I might know her."
"I can't tell you who she is," Irvine said. "She swore me to keep her name a secret."
"And you keep it still, although she has turned you away?"
"Hey, she didn't turn me away, okay?" he snapped in a low voice. He continued to dance without thinking, turning her around so her back was to him as he spoke. "And yeah, I'm still keeping it. I owe her that much."
"It doesn't sound like you owe her anything," Isis remarked, her head tilting back on his shoulder, her lips brushing against his neck, which Irvine thought was on accident. "But I understand all the same."
::I'm falling into you…
This dream could come true…
And it feels so good…falling into you…::
"Yeah? How could you understand?" Irvine asked.
"Because…" She twirled around on one foot and faced him again, leaning against his bare, well toned chest. "I myself lead a life of secrets. No one knows me…my face is seen, and noticed, and forgotten just as quickly. No one ever remembers my name."
"I'll remember her forever," Irvine said, not even noticing how she was leaning against him as they moved, or that he was holding her to him.
"You'll forget her one day," Isis assured, moving forward as he moved backward, to the music. "You'll find another who occupies yours dreams. She's not important to you."
::I was afraid…to let you in here…
Now I have learned…love can't be made in…fear…
The walls begin to tumble down,
And I can't even see the ground…::
Irvine pushed her away, but his hands still gripped hers and he pulled her back almost roughly, still gentle, and very close, his eyes gleaming in quiet anger. "What are you talking about?" he said in a harsh whisper. "I will never forget that she came into my life. I'll dream about her until the day I die. And she was very important to me. I could never describe how important she was. You got that?"
It took Isis a few moments to answer, as if surprised by the sudden movement. But her mask was expressionless, so Irvine couldn't see what she was really feeling. "I'm sure she doesn't see it that way…but…" she whispered, her hands on his shoulders. "If that is your belief…your hope…I shan't dare to ruin it."
A light went on in Irvine's head as she said this, but he didn't know why. But her voice was soft, sensual. Then he noticed how he was holding her, his hands had somehow found their way from her wrists to her shapely hips. He let go and tried to walk away, but Isis pulled him back, and she continued to dance with him, and instead of pulling away he went along with her. He felt entranced by her seductive movements; not seductive like Tryphaena, but a quiet, modest, slow seduction that allured him, enhanced by the firelight that flickered against her slender body.
"But I must tell you…I am jealous of this woman," she said softly. "I wish someone would remember me."
::I'm falling into you…
This dream could come true
And it feels so good…falling into you…::
"Isis…let me ask you something now," he whispered, moving forward towards her now that she moved backward. Everyone else on the stage seemed to have disappeared, he did not see anyone except for Isis and himself.
"Yes?" she replied, moving close and resting on his shoulder, before pulling slowly away and twirling around, only to return to him again.
"You told me I was foolish to speak ill to a mask. Why?"
"Because…" her hands rested on his thighs, traveling up the bare skin of his waist and shoulders to caress the nape of his neck. Her voce was a pure, sensual whisper, a tone that made Irvine's skin hypersensitive to her touches. "You never know…who is behind the mask. You could end up hurting someone you care for."
Before Irvine could respond, she spun away, her silk scarves twirling about her like thin clouds. Irvine followed his raw instincts instead of his mind, and spun away as well. Then they strode back towards each other and grasped opposite hands, walking each other in a circle, gazing into each other's eyes with deep intent.
::Falling like a leaf…falling like a star…
Finding a belief…falling where you are…::
Isis let go of his hand and moved towards him, closer than ever as she grasped his shoulder, then, flexibly wrapping her leg around his waist, bent herself backwards as far as she could go. Irvine bent over her, holding her by the small of her back and the nape of her neck, her arms folding around him in embrace. Irvine wasn't sure if her intent was dancing anymore. Or his, for that matter. His skin trembled at the proximity as he held her, keeping her from falling away.
There was something about Isis…he could not control himself. He could feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest, his own heart in time to hers.
(This is ridiculous. I don't know this woman. And yet I'm so…attracted…)
(This is wrong. Laurena…she's all that matters to me…right?)
(This…is…amazing…)
::Catch me, don't let me drop…
Love me…don't ever stop…::
Slowly Irvine pulled Isis' arching body up with his, so their eyes met. Irvine's heart burned as he realized he couldn't see this woman's face, or the color of her eyes. He traced her jawbone with his thumb, along the edges of the mask.
"I want to see who you are," he whispered passionately. "Please take off the mask."
Isis stared. "I cannot."
"Why?"
"You would not like what you see."
"I don't care what you look like," he pleaded. "I just…please, Isis. I want to remember you, not this mask."
"It is not a matter of beauty and hideousness," Isis replied in a pained tone. "But…close your eyes."
Irvine obeyed without thinking, his eyelids fluttering closed. He felt her hand reach up to caress his face.
"Now promise me…that you won't open them until I say so," she said, her tone nervous.
"I promise, Isis," he vowed.
"Good." He heard small shifting sounds, like she was lifting her mask. Then, he felt her breath against his face, unhindered by the mask.
Soft, warm lips pressed against his…Isis' lips.
::So close your eyes…and let me kiss you…
And while you sleep…I will miss you…
Oh, I'm falling into you…
This dream, it could come true…
And this feels so good…falling into you…::
Her lips were so gentle against his, reluctant, yet wanting. Irvine responded without a thought, his mind blanking and leaving only pure need to control him. His craving lips roamed her mouth, his arms wrapping tighter around her. She soon lost her wariness, parting her lips and kissing him fully on the mouth, need and passion and desire like fire on her lips, a fire that made his blood burn. Her drank her lips like wine, breathing in her sweet fragrance, which smelled like…
Fresh, wild strawberries.
::Falling like a leaf…falling like a star…
Finding a belief…falling where you are…
Falling into you…
Falling into you…
Visions of Laurena's beautiful face flashed through his mind as he kissed Isis passionately, never wanting the kiss to end yet wonder and sudden surprise filling him. Before he could pull away, however, Isis parted her lips first, placing a small kiss on his cheek before whispering to him softly:
"I cannot break my vow. Goodbye…my sweet Irvine Kinneas."
Irvine felt confused as he felt her pull away from his arms, wondering what her vow was. Then he remembered that she'd promised he would never see her again after one dance. He opened his eyes, to reach out and stop her.
But she was no where to be seen.
He searched the dissipated crowd, as the song had ended and a prize had been given to the best couple, asking around for a girl with a mask. But no one saw her, or even recalled seeing her before. Frustrated and upset, he searched everywhere, but she was no where to be found.
He found Zell, having a hot dog at the concession stand with Selphie. Zell grinned as he saw him. "Hey, King Cowboy Tut! I saw you were doing a lot of dancing up there, huh?" he laughed.
"Um, yeah, I guess…"
"Guess, my ass!" he grinned mischievously. "You and that girl were heating things up on that stage. That was really hot dancing, man. Like, erotic. The judges were gonna give you the prize but they weren't sure if they could get your attention!" Selphie giggled behind him.
"You saw her?" he asked.
"Yeah, sure I saw her."
"Which way did she go? Do you know?"
"Yeah man. She went that way. Toward that cliff over there, on the dark part of the beach. Why?"
"Nothing. Thanks Zell." He rushed off toward the cavern.
::Falling into you…::
A/N: Man, that's the most erotic piece of crap I've ever written in my entire life. But did you like it? If you did, then maybe it's not such a piece of crap after all…and if you didn't, you probably wouldn't be reading this. I want everyone's opinion-should I go deeper into this eroticism? Please review!
Notice: I found a picture of Irvine and I found out his eyes are not purple. They are a bright blue. So for now on, in my story his eyes are blue. Not a very important notice but oh well....
Chapter Seven: The Girl in the Isis Mask
Songfics: 'Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec' One of my fave FF8 songs...
And
'Falling Into You' by Celine Dion.
Irvine stood in front of his bathroom mirror, combing his long, reddish brown hair. He wasn't sure whether he should wear it in his usual ponytail or just to let it hang loose. Finally he decided to go with the ponytail and tied it back tight.
He wore a new black turtleneck under his trenchcoat, and black pants. He had washed away the grime of tears on his face and put on cologne, smelling fresh. He brushed his teeth and gargled with some mouthwash to get the potato chip odor off his breath. He looked himself over. He looked great, a million gil, but he felt so pathetic.
He met his friends down in the lobby, who were happy to see him again. They all got onto a sub and headed for the Fisherman's Harbor.
Everyone was dressed in costumes, to Irvine's slight confusion. Selphie and Zell were dressed as an Indian couple with feathers in their hair and moccasins and face paint(Zell's tattoo was perfect) and Rinoa and Squall were dressed up as Greeks, with white togas and sandals(Squall looked very embarrassed). Ellone wore a blue bathing suit top and a grass skirt, with flowers hanging in a necklace around her neck. Finally Quistis and Seifer were donning ancient Aztec costumes, Quistis wearing a bright blue tunic and a green dress, with a headdress of flowers, and Seifer a red tunic and a yellow loincloth that went down to his knees(also looking very abashed).
"You guys look...interesting," he commented reluctantly.
"What? Irvine, didn't you hear?" Rinoa said, fiddling with the strap of her toga.
"The theme of the party is ancient civilizations. You know, Greek, Aztec, Indian, stuff like that. Kinda weird, but it's fun..."
"Speak for yourself," Squall grumbled, and Rinoa nudged him playfully.
"Anyway...you go as your favorite one. But I'm not sure if cowboys were an ancient civilization, Irvine."
"Oh, well." Irvine said. He really didn't care.
They touched down on the beach, where the party was just getting started. Women wearing Hawaiian costumes met them on the dock.
"Welcome to Fisherman's Harbor," They said to all of them, but when Irvine got off they looked at him and smiled deviously.
"Huh...Hey what are you doing?" he cried as they began tugging at his trenchcoat and shirt.
"You're not dressed properly for the party," they giggled. Irvine was outnumbered against the five of them and soon they had taken away his shirt, his trenchcoat and his beloved hat. They replaced these articles of clothing with a pendant of the Eye of Horus, black arm bracelets and a black headband that wrapped around from his forehead to the back of his head. They had transformed him from a cowboy into an Egyptian.
"We'll have your things waiting here for you, do not worry. Just have fun and enjoy the party. Who knows?" the girl gave him a sly smile. "Maybe you'll meet someone special tonight."
"Yeah, whatever," he said, not even wanting to think about that.
Torches lit the pathways and there were decorations everywhere, from flowers to streamers. People walked about looking like they had time traveled from 2000 years ago. Music filled the air, from flutes to harps to lutes and drums. Everyone was having a good time. While the others went to explore, Irvine went to the nearest drink stand and ordered a soda.
As he sat there sipping his sarsaparilla he caught himself searching the faces that passed by. Who did he expect to see? Laurena? He laughed softly in spite of himself. She was afraid to even step out into the sunlight. She wasn't going to be here. He didn't even know why he thought about it. He was never going to see her again.
"Sir!" a young man walked up to him, holding a clipboard. "Would you like to sign up for the dance contest taking place this evening?"
"Eh, sure, I guess." Irvine took the clipboard. What the hell, it was something to do. "Do I gotta have a partner or somethin'?"
"No, sir. First there's a solo dancer contest, then the coupled dance. We pick your dance partner randomly. You can sign up for both if you want."
"What the hell. Okay." Irvine signed up for both, then gave the clipboard back. He downed the last of his drink and went off to explore.
He hadn't been here in a while. Last time he was here was when the Garden broke down and practically crashed into the harbor. But the beauty of it always amazed him. The serenity of it always took him off guard. They did not allow violence here.
But they were holding one hell of a party.
He made his way down onto the beach, where they were setting up for the dance contests. People were running into the breakers on the shores, shrieking with happiness, some were just hanging out and listening to the music. The sun was slipping away under the watery horizon, leaving them in twilight. The moon was already rising to relieve the sun of its tedious duty.
Irvine laid down on the sand and watched it set. He liked watching sunsets. They soothed him in mind and body and he usually watched them right before a SeeD mission to calm him. But all he could think of was Laurena, her slender body and gorgeous eyes, her strawberry scented hair, and her miraculous voice....
No! He pounded his fist into the powdery sand. She was gone. She wasn't coming back. It was time to move on and forget her. That was the best thing. Even she had said it, in her letter.
"Attention! Anyone who has chosen to participate in the Firewalker Solo Dance Contest please assemble at the beach."
The voice rang out on an intercom connected by loudspeakers. Irvine looked around and saw a number of people assembling at the dancing arena they had set up. It was a large stage floor, definitely the work of the Garden Committee. ::Well, that's my cue,:: he thought, and got up and walked over to the dance floor.
"The rules are very simple," one of the dance monitors said. "You go up there and dance your brains out. When you tire out or fall down, you leave the stage. The last one dancing wins. Got it? Good. Now please take your places on the dance floor!"
Irvine climbed up and stared at the crowd that was gathering. He saw Selphie hopping up and down to get his attention.
"We're rootin for ya, Irvy!!!"
He looked around at the competition. There weren't many people, and some of them looked like they were going to die of stage fright. In the center of it all he saw Tryphaena, wearing a very scanty Egyptian dancer outfit, black fishnet that clung to her thighs and black silk streamers on her wrist. Her top was black, strapless and she wore her Ankh. She caught his eye and blew a kiss. She was pretty confident.
"When the music starts, get dancing!" the announcer cried. "Begin!"
The music blared up, and everyone began to dance. Some were really out of rhythm and instantly fell, then disqualified. Irvine felt nervous in front of all those people that he didn't know, but kept dancing awkwardly.
About ten minutes passed and there were only a few people left on the stage. The music was going so fast and they either stumbled or fell in exhaustion. Soon only Tryphaena and Irvine were on the stage, Tryphaena still going strong. Irvine kept his awkward rhythm, stage fright grasping him.
"Get off the stage, moron!" some guy cried out. Irvine, his face going red, climbed down from the stage and retreated into the crowds, ashamed out of his mind.
The music stopped. Tryphaena looked about her and laughed. "Isn't there anyone who can take me on? Oh, come on! This is such an easy victory it makes me want to--"
"Wait!"
The crowd parted, staring in awe as she passed. She climbed up onto the stage and stood on the opposite side of Tryphaena.
She was a young woman, but that was all Irvine could tell because she wore a face mask. She wore an Egyptian outfit, a white skirt that was cut low on her shapely hips. Her top was a mere strapless swatch of cloth and tied together with a string in the front. She was barefoot, and a scarf of silk covered her arms. Tiny bells were tied at her ankles. Her mask was the face of a beautiful Egyptian goddess, almost lifelike. Her hair was tied back in a braid, but Irvine could not see the color of it in the dim firelight.
"I take your challenge," a faceless voice proclaimed from behind the mask.
"And who are _you_?" Tryphaena demanded.
"My name to you is Isis. Do you accept my challenge or not?" the voice came again.
Tryphaena stared at the masked girl. "Of course. Remove your mask."
"I will only remove my mask if you defeat me in this battle of dance."
"Very well."
The music began. (Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec)
Tryphaena started with a seductive twirl. She fell in time with the chimes and the steady drum. She played her arms alluringly about her, entrancing the male population of the crowd, except for Irvine of course. Her feet twirled against the smooth floor.
The masked girl began to dance as the music tensed slightly, her leg raised up high in the air as she twirled, slowly, until she touched the floor, then rose upward like a rose embracing the sun.
::Lithos...Lusec...Wecos...Vinosec...::
Irvine recognized this music, he realized, it was the music that had been played at Edea's Parade in Deling City. But that thought was in the back of his mind, his eyes were on the masked girl, Isis, as the music intensified and the drums loudened. Her movement were so graceful, effortless as she bucked her hips gently to the drum beat, gathering murmurs of approval from the men and whispers of awe from the women. She spun around and descended onto her right knee gracefully, her left leg stretched out to balance her. Then she leapt forward and did a somersault in the air, before landing like a cat moments later and bending backward all as far as her spine would allow her and reach up to the sky as if beseeching help to it, all the while her legs marching forward before she finally spun around and straightened, silently pointing at Tryphaena.
The dark haired Siren scoffed and tossed her head back, with it her entire body, flipping backward. Upon her landing she did a split, she shot back up and twirled three times, her black silk streaming about, moving like a hurricane toward Isis. She jostled her hips like Isis had done, only she was more indiscreet about it. Silently she twirled again, then stood still in front of Isis. They stared at each other, Tryphaena was silently challenging her, egging her on, and no one could tell what Isis thought.
Then something happened that no one expected. The two women began to dance at exactly the same time, the exact same rhythm; the exact dance! They moved in unison, stunning one and all, especially Irvine.
They kicked their right legs into the air, then moved to the left and kicked their left legs into the air, then twirled and bowed to the right, moving their arms like they were reeds in the wind. They spun around three time and moved to the left, moving their hips in unison.
As the music reached its climax, like acrobats they flipped high into the air, their bodies spinning in the empty space. All watched with their breaths held as gravity began to pull them back down. Irvine watched with his heartbeat pausing. He knew somehow what they both were planning. They were to land on their palms then flip onto their feet.
Isis landed with excellent precision, her hands touching the stage floor for only a brief second before pushing of and landing on her feet to face the rioting crowd, her shapely chest heaving for oxygen.
Tryphaena's hands touched the floor at the same time, but her weight was positioned too far back. She fell over onto her back with a thud, her long black hair covering her.
The crowd was screaming with shock and exultation. Irvine reluctantly joined in the cheering, for the winner of the dancing duel.
"And the winner of the Solo Dancer Contest is unanimous! Please put your hands together for Isis, the Masked Dancing Goddess!"
The crowd cheered louder for Isis, who modestly bowed to them, then to her fallen opponent. Tryphaena stared daggers at her, staggering to her feet and disappearing from the floor as quickly as possible.
"Now the time has come for us to hold the Coupled Dancer Contest. You will be watched by our contest judges for your performance. When you hear your name please come to the arena."
He started calling out names, and people walked onto the makeshift platform to find their couples. Irvine waited for his name to be called, though he knew he'd never have the nerve to go up there again.
"Irvine Kinneas, Isis. Maria, Tony. Zell…"
Isis? He looked around, not seeing her masked face anywhere. Had she left?
"There you are."
He turned around. She was standing behind him. He tried to smile, but he knew it looked fake. "Hi."
"Hello. I saw you up there before. But then you disappeared back into the crowd. Was something wrong?"
"Eh, nothing much...just got a little embarrassed I guess."
"There is no need to be ashamed. Dancing is the language of the soul, like song. As long as you enjoy yourself, you should not care what others think."
"Well, Isis, to tell you the truth I'm not exactly enjoying myself. I'm afraid you're gonna have to find yerself another dancin' partner."
"Are you that afraid?"
"No! I just got a lot on my mind, stuff that don't concern you. Please leave me alone."
Isis stared at him from behind the mask. He looked away. "If you seek a way to allieve your heavy heart, dance will make you forget your woes."
"What are you, a cult member?" Irvine became annoyed. "Listen, you won that contest. That's great and all. Good for you. But that don't mean you can go meddling into other people's lives! Now just leave me alone, dammit!"
Isis stood her ground, and Irvine could tell that the face behind the mask was probably angry. She leaned down and stared at him, her eyes colorless in the firelight. Her tone was not anger, but not peaceful either.
"You are a fool. You are a foolish man, to speak ill towards a mask."
Irvine quivered inside, intimidated by the woman's words. What was that supposed to mean, it was foolish to speak ill at a mask? He grimaced, looking up at the slender figure's masked face.
"If I dance with you, will you leave me alone?" he snapped.
"I vow, one dance and you shall never see me again," she promised, nodding.
He agreed. "Fine. Let's make this quick, okay?"
He let her lead him upon the dance floor again, the music starting up. It was a slow song, the drums pounding soft and sensual in his ears. It was an easy, slow rhythm, and Irvine couldn't decide whether or not that was a good or bad thing.
Isis took his hands in hers as she turned to face him. One hand trailed up towards his bare shoulder, the other remained clasped around his hand. She came close to him, her feet beginning to move to the music.
"I'm not good at this, so you know," he reminded her.
"That is fine. Just follow me, you will catch on."
Her feet moved slowly on the ground. Soon, they had both acquired the same rhythm. Isis' eyes were on him, he knew, watching him carefully. Intently.
::And in your eyes…I see ribbons of color…
I see us…inside of each other…
I feel my unconscious merge with yours…
And I hear a voice say, 'What's his is hers…'::
Instead of being nervous, Irvine fell into a deep, dreamy haze of calm, his muscles relaxing and moving to the music as she was, flowing and smooth. His free hand roamed across her bare arm and rested on her slim waist, feeling goose bumps form under his slender fingers. He spun her ever so slowly around, before pulling her back to him.
"I see you suffer of a broken heart," Isis said quietly, stepping smoothly to the left.
"…I do," he replied shortly, following her movements. "Not that it's your business, of course."
"Of course. But please tell me…who is this woman who has you entangled in her web? I have a feeling I might know her."
"I can't tell you who she is," Irvine said. "She swore me to keep her name a secret."
"And you keep it still, although she has turned you away?"
"Hey, she didn't turn me away, okay?" he snapped in a low voice. He continued to dance without thinking, turning her around so her back was to him as he spoke. "And yeah, I'm still keeping it. I owe her that much."
"It doesn't sound like you owe her anything," Isis remarked, her head tilting back on his shoulder, her lips brushing against his neck, which Irvine thought was on accident. "But I understand all the same."
::I'm falling into you…
This dream could come true…
And it feels so good…falling into you…::
"Yeah? How could you understand?" Irvine asked.
"Because…" She twirled around on one foot and faced him again, leaning against his bare, well toned chest. "I myself lead a life of secrets. No one knows me…my face is seen, and noticed, and forgotten just as quickly. No one ever remembers my name."
"I'll remember her forever," Irvine said, not even noticing how she was leaning against him as they moved, or that he was holding her to him.
"You'll forget her one day," Isis assured, moving forward as he moved backward, to the music. "You'll find another who occupies yours dreams. She's not important to you."
::I was afraid…to let you in here…
Now I have learned…love can't be made in…fear…
The walls begin to tumble down,
And I can't even see the ground…::
Irvine pushed her away, but his hands still gripped hers and he pulled her back almost roughly, still gentle, and very close, his eyes gleaming in quiet anger. "What are you talking about?" he said in a harsh whisper. "I will never forget that she came into my life. I'll dream about her until the day I die. And she was very important to me. I could never describe how important she was. You got that?"
It took Isis a few moments to answer, as if surprised by the sudden movement. But her mask was expressionless, so Irvine couldn't see what she was really feeling. "I'm sure she doesn't see it that way…but…" she whispered, her hands on his shoulders. "If that is your belief…your hope…I shan't dare to ruin it."
A light went on in Irvine's head as she said this, but he didn't know why. But her voice was soft, sensual. Then he noticed how he was holding her, his hands had somehow found their way from her wrists to her shapely hips. He let go and tried to walk away, but Isis pulled him back, and she continued to dance with him, and instead of pulling away he went along with her. He felt entranced by her seductive movements; not seductive like Tryphaena, but a quiet, modest, slow seduction that allured him, enhanced by the firelight that flickered against her slender body.
"But I must tell you…I am jealous of this woman," she said softly. "I wish someone would remember me."
::I'm falling into you…
This dream could come true
And it feels so good…falling into you…::
"Isis…let me ask you something now," he whispered, moving forward towards her now that she moved backward. Everyone else on the stage seemed to have disappeared, he did not see anyone except for Isis and himself.
"Yes?" she replied, moving close and resting on his shoulder, before pulling slowly away and twirling around, only to return to him again.
"You told me I was foolish to speak ill to a mask. Why?"
"Because…" her hands rested on his thighs, traveling up the bare skin of his waist and shoulders to caress the nape of his neck. Her voce was a pure, sensual whisper, a tone that made Irvine's skin hypersensitive to her touches. "You never know…who is behind the mask. You could end up hurting someone you care for."
Before Irvine could respond, she spun away, her silk scarves twirling about her like thin clouds. Irvine followed his raw instincts instead of his mind, and spun away as well. Then they strode back towards each other and grasped opposite hands, walking each other in a circle, gazing into each other's eyes with deep intent.
::Falling like a leaf…falling like a star…
Finding a belief…falling where you are…::
Isis let go of his hand and moved towards him, closer than ever as she grasped his shoulder, then, flexibly wrapping her leg around his waist, bent herself backwards as far as she could go. Irvine bent over her, holding her by the small of her back and the nape of her neck, her arms folding around him in embrace. Irvine wasn't sure if her intent was dancing anymore. Or his, for that matter. His skin trembled at the proximity as he held her, keeping her from falling away.
There was something about Isis…he could not control himself. He could feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest, his own heart in time to hers.
(This is ridiculous. I don't know this woman. And yet I'm so…attracted…)
(This is wrong. Laurena…she's all that matters to me…right?)
(This…is…amazing…)
::Catch me, don't let me drop…
Love me…don't ever stop…::
Slowly Irvine pulled Isis' arching body up with his, so their eyes met. Irvine's heart burned as he realized he couldn't see this woman's face, or the color of her eyes. He traced her jawbone with his thumb, along the edges of the mask.
"I want to see who you are," he whispered passionately. "Please take off the mask."
Isis stared. "I cannot."
"Why?"
"You would not like what you see."
"I don't care what you look like," he pleaded. "I just…please, Isis. I want to remember you, not this mask."
"It is not a matter of beauty and hideousness," Isis replied in a pained tone. "But…close your eyes."
Irvine obeyed without thinking, his eyelids fluttering closed. He felt her hand reach up to caress his face.
"Now promise me…that you won't open them until I say so," she said, her tone nervous.
"I promise, Isis," he vowed.
"Good." He heard small shifting sounds, like she was lifting her mask. Then, he felt her breath against his face, unhindered by the mask.
Soft, warm lips pressed against his…Isis' lips.
::So close your eyes…and let me kiss you…
And while you sleep…I will miss you…
Oh, I'm falling into you…
This dream, it could come true…
And this feels so good…falling into you…::
Her lips were so gentle against his, reluctant, yet wanting. Irvine responded without a thought, his mind blanking and leaving only pure need to control him. His craving lips roamed her mouth, his arms wrapping tighter around her. She soon lost her wariness, parting her lips and kissing him fully on the mouth, need and passion and desire like fire on her lips, a fire that made his blood burn. Her drank her lips like wine, breathing in her sweet fragrance, which smelled like…
Fresh, wild strawberries.
::Falling like a leaf…falling like a star…
Finding a belief…falling where you are…
Falling into you…
Falling into you…
Visions of Laurena's beautiful face flashed through his mind as he kissed Isis passionately, never wanting the kiss to end yet wonder and sudden surprise filling him. Before he could pull away, however, Isis parted her lips first, placing a small kiss on his cheek before whispering to him softly:
"I cannot break my vow. Goodbye…my sweet Irvine Kinneas."
Irvine felt confused as he felt her pull away from his arms, wondering what her vow was. Then he remembered that she'd promised he would never see her again after one dance. He opened his eyes, to reach out and stop her.
But she was no where to be seen.
He searched the dissipated crowd, as the song had ended and a prize had been given to the best couple, asking around for a girl with a mask. But no one saw her, or even recalled seeing her before. Frustrated and upset, he searched everywhere, but she was no where to be found.
He found Zell, having a hot dog at the concession stand with Selphie. Zell grinned as he saw him. "Hey, King Cowboy Tut! I saw you were doing a lot of dancing up there, huh?" he laughed.
"Um, yeah, I guess…"
"Guess, my ass!" he grinned mischievously. "You and that girl were heating things up on that stage. That was really hot dancing, man. Like, erotic. The judges were gonna give you the prize but they weren't sure if they could get your attention!" Selphie giggled behind him.
"You saw her?" he asked.
"Yeah, sure I saw her."
"Which way did she go? Do you know?"
"Yeah man. She went that way. Toward that cliff over there, on the dark part of the beach. Why?"
"Nothing. Thanks Zell." He rushed off toward the cavern.
::Falling into you…::
A/N: Man, that's the most erotic piece of crap I've ever written in my entire life. But did you like it? If you did, then maybe it's not such a piece of crap after all…and if you didn't, you probably wouldn't be reading this. I want everyone's opinion-should I go deeper into this eroticism? Please review!