Chapter 5
Festive drum beats resounded through the crowded aisles of the festival, with stands and vendors in huge lines. Jewel-like lanterns were strewn over the aisles and twinkled softly. Attendees moved throughout, laughing, wearing masks, and enjoying festival snacks such as candied fruits and skewers of roasted seafood. Some were gathered near the drummers, taking part in traditional dances.
"Hm..." Ace looked over a rack covered in countless festival masks, many resembling legendary gods and dragons among other monsters. A traditional-style mask fashioned after a phoenix caught his eye. "I'll take this one." "But of course," replied the vendor, "do you want it wrapped?"
"Nah, I'll wear it out," answered Ace.
"This one looks kind of like me," said Tamazo, examining another one of the masks. "We should get it!"
"What's the point in wearing a mask that looks like yourself?" asked Ace, giving Tamazo a quizzical look.
"You're right, tama... I'm far more handsome than this dumb mask, tama~," boasted Tamazo, disdainfully tossing the tamadra mask back on the rack.
Ace and Tamazo rejoined the trickle of attendees moving leisurely through the festival aisles.
"Ohh, we should try that balloon popping game! Or maybe this fish-scooping game?! Wow, cotton candy!" Tamazo zipped around the aisle enthusiastically, pointing out the rather obvious stands to Ace.
"Huh? Oh, yeah..." Ace trudged along.
"What's wrong, Ace? You eat something weird, tama, and now you have a tummyache?"
"It's not that..." Ace replied, quietly. "I'm just not feeling... like myself."
"Then you should -definitely- eat, tama! A spoonful of sugar keeps the doctor away~!" Tamazo perched on his shoulder, tugging at the back of his collar.
Ace laughed and then smiled again. "You sure you didn't mix up some sayings there?"
He looked around, scanning the surrounding food vendors. Yakisoba (panfried noodles) was being tossed over a tabletop grill, releasing a savory smell. Another vendor was busily turning over seafood dumplings as another cook reoiled the pan and poured in more batter. Children were gathered in front of a stand where a man was skillfully spinning out cotton candy threads. The sweet aroma mingled with the savory scents of roasting meat to form an indescribable yet pleasant smell. Something glimmered in the corner of his vision. In line for a vendor selling chocolate-dipped bananas was... unmistakably...
Lance stood quietly, with Devi hovering by his side, engaging him in small conversation. In one hand he held a stick of cotton candy, and in the other, a candied apple which he had clearly been eating. He wore a plain teal yukata and a had a traditional dragon mask over his head, to one side. As if sensing his gaze, Lance turned to look.
Those sharp eyes that Ace saw the cool moons in just months ago now reflected the warm flickering light of the overhead lanterns. ...Of all the people he had covertly been wishing to meet...!
Ace felt a sudden hot flush spreading over his face, and his breathing hastened. Quickly and without much thinking, he pulled his mask over his face in a desperate attempt to hide, but it was too late.
"Why are YOU here, devi?" Devi growled at Tamazo. "I should ask you the same thing, tama! Mind your own business," retorted Tamazo. The two dragons began to squabble noisily, startling some passing people.
"Ace." Oh gods no. He sees me. He's walking over.
Ace's blood roared in his ears.
"I didn't think I'd see you here," said Lance.
Even with the mask, he felt bare before Lance, as though he could peer directly through the it.
Oh gods... he knows, thought Ace. He knows about how I think he sparkles. He knows because I told him. He's probably thinking about it right now. He probably thinks I'm weird. And maybe now he thinks I wore the mask to stalk him. I'm so stupid...
But... if I just say nothing then...!
Ace slowly pushed up the mask to meet his gaze.