Title: A Sea of Masks
Chapter: 1/1
Author: Burning In The Dark/XMiss-NoirX (DeviantArt)
Rating: T
Setting: Modern Day
Characters: Sesshomaru and Kagome
Genre: Romance/General
Warnings: Cuteness...
Disclaimer: I Do NOT own Inuyasha... if I did Sesshomaru and Kagome would be together 8D there where my first fanfiction couple.
Summary: Kagome gets invited to a Halloween ball by Hojo, A masquerade ball to be exact. Will this handsome stranger sweep her off her feet or will she get the fright of her life? Halloween Fanfic!
Note: Let's face it... EVERYONE wears a mask... no matter what, even the Ice Prince.
Songs: Kira Theme from Death Note, Lose Control – Evanescence & All That I am Living For - Evanescence Have a listen while reading...
Quote; "Although I know it's unfair, I reveal myself one mask at a time" ~ Stephen Dunn
Kagome opened the pristine white letter and pulled out the piece of paper looking at the delicate gold writing. Oh an invitation? Kagome wondered as she looked through the words, A masquerade Halloween ball... how lovely! Kagome thought as she put the letter on the table near the door, smiling she knew Hojo, her current boyfriend would have received one as well, and even if he hadn't... there was always a plus one option.
Smiling to herself she walked through the living room to look at her mother; she was glowing with health and was busying herself with dinner. Kagome smiled and walked up behind her mother and gave her an affection hug; life was going wonderfully.
"Oh Kagome" Mrs. Higurashi acknowledged in an affection tone. "How're you? I normally don't get hugs until you want money to go on a date" she chuckled.
"Oh Mama it's wonderful! I have been invited to a Masquerade Halloween Ball! I am so excited but I don't know what to wear." Kagome exclaimed. I wonder if I should call Hojo and ask him what he's going to go as...
"Find out what Hojo is going as and we may be able to scrap up something."
"Okay Mama... I shall go find out what Hojo is going as..." Kagome trailed off as her mother resumed cooking. She went to the telephone and dialled Hojo's number off by heart.
"Oh hello Kagome, I was just about to call you... did you get an invitation to a Halloween Ball too?" Hojo asked.
Kagome smiled. "Yes I did and was wondering what you were going to go as... so I could..."
"So we can match?" Hojo interrupted.
"Yes sweetie."
"I was thinking about going as a scientist... Doctor Hojo!" Hojo exclaimed happily.
"Hmm... well I did want to go as a princess... maybe I could go as a Frankenstein princess?" Kagome asked wearily.
"That sounds wonderful Kagome! I shall see you in two days, love you." Hojo said happily before hanging up.
"Love you too." Kagome said to the dial tone.
I do love Hojo but he seems a bit distant as of late, and it's starting to worry me. Kagome thought as she ascended up the stairs, to her bedroom. When she entered she saw an old photo which made her heart skip a beat, she walked towards it and picked it up gently and studied the picture. It was her in a tank top and short shorts and a boy next to her with an arm around her waist, the boys long white hair contrasted excellently with her hair, the colour of raven's feathers next to the colour of purity and light.
She laughed at the thought and studied the young man in the picture closer, he was smiling and so was she; holding onto a dainty white ear. I miss Inuyasha... I really wish we didn't fall through; I can't believe that jerk, going back to his ex girlfriend and leaving me alone in the rain. Kagome laughed it all sounded so clichéd, poetic and tragic.
I miss the carefree days of high school... of simplicity, where the biggest gossip was who you were dating. Kagome observed the picture again; she really did miss those days, and that boy. The rest of the evening went smoothly and uneventful, until dinner.
"Mum, I don't want to go trick or treating with you! I'm a big kid now... can't I go with my friends?" Souta pleaded.
"Fine, but if you come back with bruises or anything you won't be allowed out again until you can drive." Mrs. Higurashi said sternly
Kagome smiled, the family was getting on nicely as usual, grandpa was telling Souta he was too old to trick or treat and he was arguing if they did the shrine up they could scare a few kids and make a few dollars, he agreed and they became business partners as far as Kagome was concerned.
"So Kagome... do you know what you want to go as to the Halloween Ball?" Kagome's mother asked trying to make conversation between them, while the males sorted out their business strategy.
"Well I was thinking about Snow White... I have the hair and the ivory skin, the only problem is I have blue eyes instead of brown."
"Ah but then Kagome you will be the fairest at the ball, especially since you will have to wear a mask, it will entice them to your eyes more... after all that's how I met you father, through a mask, metaphorically speaking." She laughed.
"Oh Mama, but what kind of mask do you think Snow White would wear, a pure white one?" Kagome asked the question more to herself than her mother.
"I think black would be better, it would look as if it's flowing out of your hair."
"Okay... may we go shopping tomorrow then mother?' Kagome asked.
"Of course my dear"
-X-x-X-
The next day Kagome and her mother went shopping for a suitable outfit and mask, the outfit was easy to find, the mask lead them into the lower streets of Tokyo. Kagome was holding on to her mother's arm when something gold caught her eyes, dragging her over to the shop she gasped as she saw the most amazing pair of gold high heels.
"Oh Mama... wouldn't they look gorgeous with the dress?"
Mrs. Higurashi grabbed the shoes and checked the sizing and price before asking Kagome to try them; Kagome gently took the eye-catching golden heels and sat on the little chair, taking off her flats and replacing them with the golden shoes. Kagome purred at the feeling of the luxurious innards of the shoe; taking a quick walk in them she decided they where the most amazing pair of shoes, and if this is what her 'glass slipper' would be like.
"Now all we need to do is find the perfect mask." Kagome stated, fist pumping. I need the perfect mask, one I can hide under and all reveal myself one mask at a time. Kagome laughed inwardly at the course her mind was wondering. She watched as her mother collected the shoes, put them in a box and went and paid.
"Kagome..." Mrs. Higurashi said grabbing onto Kagome's arm. "What about over there?" She pointed to a rustic looking shop; it had charm and some eye-catching masks in the window. Kagome willingly followed her mother, she would never admit it but she loved the old rustic stores, they had the best stuff.
She entered the store behind her mother as the little bell above the door chimed, alerting the shop owners. She looked around as a girl with midnight black hair and black eyes, dressed in red and white glided out of the back of the shop. Kagome stopped and stared at her elegance... she had never felt plainer in her life.
"Kik-"
"Okay I'm coming, older sister..." The beautiful girl said.
Kagome watched as she left to go in the back, as an older woman with long grey hair and a stern face came out; Kagome gave a polite smile and went back to looking at the masks. She imagined each of them as she passed by; I wish one would just catch my eye. Kagome thought as she passed them.
Kagome halted in place, her eyes set on a simple see through black mask made of metal, with a tiny ruby at the top. She grabbed her mother's arm and as she walked past, slowly pointing at the mask that demanded her attention; she watched her mother's expression turn into a smile, peering at the price tag.
"That mask is amazing! It's so cheap too... no one will know" Mrs. Higurashi said with a wink towards her daughter.
Summoning the lady over, they got the mask, paid for it and left.
-X-x-X-
The next two days passed quickly, before she knew it Kagome was standing in front of her full length mirror, in a full length dress that looked exactly like Snow White's, everything looked perfect she thought as she fixed the bow on her head and but the black mask on. All of a sudden her purse started ringing; signifying Hojo was out the front, in the hired car waiting for her.
She smiled, grabbed her belongings that she needed and headed out. Her mother said goodbye to her at the sidewalk as she opened the door for Kagome to get in. She didn't even hear the door close, she looked at Hojo and let out a small scream, she didn't expect him to be dressed as a Frankenstein and a scientist. Letting out a small laugh she hugged Hojo and gave him an affectionate kiss on the cheek.
"You look wonderful Kagome..." Hojo stated, looking her up and down before turning his head and giving her a kiss on the lips.
Kagome stared out of the window of the hired car, the kiss between her and Hojo was awkward at best, I just don't understand... why is it getting awkward now? The scenery was the same for most of the time; men coming out of the offices, girls walking towards bars; everyone happy while walking the streets of Tokyo.
"Kagome... are you okay?" Hojo asked.
"Yes." Kagome replied flatly. Kagome sighed, if Hojo knew her like she thought he did, he would've known that monosyllabic replies were only used when she was annoyed. Ugh... this isn't good, I am annoyed and have no reason to be... damnation! Kagome thought, getting even more frustrated.
"Kagome... look we're almost at Tashio Manor..." Hojo exclaimed excitedly.
Kagome looked out the hired car window in excitement; it was just bushland so far, which she thought was weird because she didn't realise when the scenery changed. Then a cluster of lights came into view around a huge mansion, Kagome was flabbergasted the place was white and just exuded lavishness and luxury.
Wow... are we really going to go in there? Why do I have a strange feeling I am going to be so out of place there... Kagome thought while absent-mindedly smoothing down her dress, making sure she didn't have any creases in the dress. She looked to Hojo who was still staring slack jawed out the window. Softly smiling she watched the scenery change as they went through tall black gates, a water fountain adorning the middle of the patch of grass.
Kagome's eyes got wider as the approached the lavish mansion; it was like something out of a fairytale, pristine white and glowing. I wonder who owns it... Kagome absentmindedly wondered; she lurched forward a little as the car stopped and the seatbelt dug into her. The mansion was immensely bigger up close; she suddenly felt very small and would certainly feel smaller once she met the owners of this extravagant house.
The door opened on her side and a hand came into view; apparently waiting for her to accept it and to step out of the car. Kagome felt her heels crunch against the harsh gravel as she stepped out of the car, gasping in amazement as the huge estate loomed over her like a golden throne hanging just out of reach of a peasant.
Kagome almost laughed at that analogy; but Hojo came around and took her arm and escorted her to the mountain of steps, all the while thinking about how her legs will kill after she finally reached the top. After missing a few steps, her legs screaming in pain and a breathless view they were at the top, it was almost the trip up here to see the front yard so beautiful.
"Now keep your head up and act posh" Hojo laughed softly.
Cobalt eyes regarded him before she decided to lift her chin up and look every bit the part of a princess. I feel so... supercilious... at least my vocabulary matches somewhat. Kagome thought with a little laugh; in front of her colossal black doors opened to reveal a sea of people in masks, Kagome gulped as a man in a black tuxedo off to the side announced their names as they descended another set of stairs.
Kagome looked around nervously as everyone in masks looked at her, judging her from behind their masks, the sea of masks she willingly stepped into the crowd.
-xXx-
Golden eyes regarded the girl dressed as Snow White thoroughly, her hair was as black as raven feathers, her lip as red as a rose, the only difference was she had cobalt eyes instead of the common brown eyes. Intriguing... especially in this day and age where everything is common and plain, Sesshomaru thought with a smirk. He stood there next to two men almost identical to him, well from behind, their white hair gleaming in the soft lighting.
"Sesshomaru... I know that look" A deep voice rumbled from his right.
He looked to his right; pools of liquid honey eye level the pools of liquid gold, one cold and the other one warm with mirth. A toothy grin spread across his face and he saw the man beside him barely suppress a shiver; I always knew I was colder than father...
"Sesshomaru remember what I said..."
"Father, I don't want to hear again how my mother left you and you lay there smiling after she metaphorically tore your heart out and covered in blood" Sesshomaru scoffed.
"Ever the Ice Prince" His father stated.
Sesshomaru growled as he watched his father smile at him then make his way through the crowed to the raised platform at the far edge of the hall, he sneered at the luxury of the hall. Father has gone mad, this is just bordering on stupid, it's TOO luxurious... it's like we're trying to put on a show, well with my entertainment it will be a grand show indeed. Sesshomaru smirked as he thought of the event's to come, they would truly be to die for.
"Welcome one and all to the Manor Tashio; I will be one of your hosts for the evening. The other will be my first son, Sesshomaru Tashio" He said as a spotlight shone over Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru resisted the urge to squint under the harsh light, tiny little spots danced through his vision for a few seconds as the light moved back to his father as his eyes adjusted. He tuned out his father's long boring speech about how excellent it was that they all attended and how he hoped they had a good night, it was pointless and always repeated at every party.
After the speech winded down it was time to dance, he smirked as he saw the person who caught his attention as she walked through the door. Long gracefully fingers fixed his midnight blue suit jacket and fixed his white colour before moving to the matching dark blue mask; securing it in place than plastering a devilishly handsome smile on his face.
Her raven black tresses shinning, her pale white skin and red pouty lips looking very delectable; extending a long lanky arm he tapped her one the shoulder politely, watching as his dangling sleeve bobbed. The girl turned around and stared up at him through sapphire eyes, he felt as if she was staring into his soul, he smirked at that thought and bowed.
"I was wondering if I could have this dance?" He asked politely, extending his hand. He felt a warm hand clutch his; leading his prey to the dance floor, a soft melody of music flitted from the hired live orchestra, he put a hand on her waist while the other cupper her hand in the air. A little tingle of energy zapped him when she put her hand on his shoulder, brushing his neck oh so lightly.
She has a rather nice body for a human; though I say it's rather excellent that when the existence of demons came out last century no one freaked out, it hasn't changed a thing... no one cares about demons, unless of course we happen to have a better advantage of our stocks gaining more points which they always do. Sesshomaru mused and managed to hide back a tug of the lips; grabbing the woman he was dancing with closer.
A small gasp came from the petit woman he was cradling against his body; maybe a little too close for her but it was perfect for him. Her scent is intoxicating... Sesshomaru lowered his head a little, just enough so his nose was above her hair; inhaling her scent deeply. He was interrupted by someone incessantly tapping his shoulder, putting his best glare on as he looked up to see who disturbed him.
The sight of his smaller brother made him want to growl, he looked to the petit human and watched as she went almost rigid, then composed herself and took the males offered hand. Sesshomaru's hand flexed, almost grabbing the small human back but decided against it; however his brother didn't miss the small twitch of muscle.
A smirk passed between them before the couple got lost in the maze of people. Darn that Inuyasha, however I could feel his jealousy from the second I asked her to dance... how odd... I know it's not that vile Kikyou, priestess and small shop owner however. Sesshomaru sneered then composed himself, looking at the surging crowd he decided he would have to pick one of the women to dance with.
-xXx-
Kagome felt a tingle when she touched the masked man's hand, and it hadn't gone away until another person asked for her hand to dance, she knew who he was the second she made eye contact with him. It's... Inuyasha... No I will not let him know, I know it's him... Kagome reasoned with herself as he swept her further on the dance floor into the sea of couples and masks.
Warm sapphire eyes connected with cold brown ones, she felt a chill go down her back; Kagome had never liked Kikyou, she tolerated her during High School but now, she could hardly bare to be near her. Oh how odd... I saw her before... at that shop I bought my mask! Kagome observed Kikyou's outfit, it was a sparkling blood red which melded well with her translucent white skin and her onyx black hair.
"Kagome..." A voice near her ear whispered.
Looking to Inuyasha, his molten gold eyes sparkling as his face dipped down to her height and captured her lips. Kagome almost fell to the sweet trap encased on those lips, but before her eyes could slip shut her mind processed what was happening and pushed Inuyasha away. Kagome felt her features harden as she looked at Inuyasha, I specifically told him last time that if he ever made a move on me I would slap him... yet I still haven't given him that promised slap across his face.
Inuyasha walked up to Kagome, head held high like he was on a mission. Kagome watched him get closer and closer until he was almost too close and she slapped him, fortunately no one turned around or even noticed the slap over the music and talking. She felt someone pull her into another dance; she was getting sick of everyone pulling her everywhere like she was a lifeless doll that needed to be lead.
"Hojo!" Kagome announce happily, as she was lead around the dance floor.
After a few more dances, she and Hojo went and got some of the small hors devours, dainty little things that wouldn't fill one sixth of a stomach. Kagome however happily munched one a few, as Hojo helped himself to some champagne, I didn't like the champagne... it was rather buttery for my tastes. Kagome thought as she watched Hojo gulp down another glass, he was really nervous or that was Kagome's guess as to why he was drinking so much.
"Hello again" said a man from behind a midnight blue mask.
"Hello..." Kagome replied, feeling as though she should say more but didn't know what else to say.
"Care to dance again? I promise it will be a short dance" stated the smooth voice.
Kagome couldn't help but shiver at the allure held in the advice and didn't manage to keep in a shiver at the strangers words. Kagome nodded, not trusting her mouth as if it might run away on her. The gentlemen walked her to the dance floor again, Kagome couldn't help but admire how nicely fitting his pants where and how his white hair contrasted wonderfully with the midnight blue suit.
The stranger smirked when he turned around, as if knowing that Kagome was checking out his buttocks. She felt the temptation just beneath her skin to pull down the man's face and give him a big old smooch on his pouting lips; she quickly shoved it aside as he stopped dancing and lead her towards the stage, just telling her to wait at the edge.
Kagome felt like slapping herself on the face, I must have been asleep or brain dead before! This is one of the head's of the Tashio household... how did I miss it? DAFT KAGOME! VERY DAFT! Kagome raged at herself in her head before the music stopped and the lights went out except for one spot light on Sesshomaru.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen; I Sesshomaru Tashio, hope you're having an excellent night and are ready for tonight's festivities." Sesshomaru said with a smirk, looking around at the crowd. "Tonight we will be trying to complete a maze... I know how plain and boring, well that is not the case in this instance. Tonight we will be completing a ten kilometre long maze, handcuffed to someone, the most exciting part is we will be blindfolded, until we get shown to somewhere in the maze."
Kagome looked at Sesshomaru, jaw wide open as if she were trying to catch flies. Trying to compose herself she looked at him, the light from above setting a glow around him like an angel, but she knew members from the Tashio household were very far from angels.
"But wait! That is not the best part, the last person you were dancing with is your partner, and I know your thoughts, 'oh excellent I am with a demon' unfortunately even for me this maze will be a challenge as we have put a special scent throughout the maze so demon's cannot smell their way out, they will be just like humans in this regard. If you do manage to complete this maze, there is a fabulous gift in store... so shall we get to it?" Sesshomaru asked with a smirk, looking over at Kagome.
Kagome gulped; this is really bad... and not to mention the fact I know there is going to be other little problems with the maze, oh well... at least with Sesshomaru I can't be lost in there forever... I hope. Kagome really hoped on the last part, as Sesshomaru descended the stairs from the small platform and took her hand and lead her to the back wall, where it was lined with butlers next to tables.
She felt the cold silver handcuff be locked in around her wrist and around Sesshomaru's before the blindfold was put around her eyes and everything was black. Many minutes later she heard many other voices, some complaining some happy as they were lead like cattle she assumed towards the maze. Kagome almost tripped as she felt a slight, but harsh pull on the handcuffs and it let her know Sesshomaru, she hoped was still on the other end.
Silence, that's all there was suddenly and it terrified Kagome, sudden silence never meant anything good. Breathing in a breath she realised they were outside the second the chilly air burned her lungs, she felt her blindfold drop from her face and looked at the maze, the walls of greenery would have to be at least twelve foot tall, with barbed wire overhead. I guess we can't even fly out of this one.
Kagome went to lean against one of the maze walls before Sesshomaru pulled on the chain harshly, making her fall to the soft grassy floor of the maze. Glaring up at him she wondered where he would get the audacity to make a lady fall on her hands and knees.
"These walls are electrocuted, father thought it would be much more fun and entertaining, the barbed wire is also electrocuted..." Sesshomaru stated matter-of-factly.
"Okay, why isn't anyone else here? Didn't some of us come through the same entry to the maze?" Kagome asked curiously, looking around and not seeing a door or anything. Hearing a small chuckle she looked to Sesshomaru.
"Well we actually managed to link a portal here, where all the couples would be transported to a different part of the maze, besides even if one couple did happen to have the same 'entrance' as us we won't see them, there's a special fog that won't let us see anyone else, we will be able to hear their piercing screams but nothing else" Sesshomaru announced before he started walking.
Kagome kept thinking about making a trail or something, putting a pebble or something at every corner they passed but she couldn't find anything to mark the trail with. Sesshomaru kept taking lefts and it was starting to annoy Kagome, she tried to go right but Sesshomaru just dragged her left again.
"Sesshomaru! What is with all these lefts?" Kagome yelled.
"Haven't you heard? The easiest way to complete a maze is to keep going left?"
Kagome sighed and reasoned to just follow him, that's when she noticed something silently following them, red piercing eyes and a fanged mouth. She felt Sesshomaru yank on the chain as his pace increased; normally she'd expect him to fight, however she was guessing since his sense of smell was down his powers would be too.
"I have no powers in here, no one does except for the demons that haunt it, the only thing I have is my acute sense of hearing..." Sesshomaru stated before a shrill scream echoed around them.
Kagome felt Goosebumps rise on her skin; abruptly she didn't care how Sesshomaru got them out of there, as long as he did. A cold dead hand wrapped around her ankle, sending her down, she looked at what had caught her and screamed a blood curdling scream. The things face had half of it missing; the other half was rotting away, Kagome felt like throwing up as she could see the tendons and muscles half decomposed, the other half of the face that was fully missing wasn't much better.
Screaming in agony as the thing bit her, sinking into her tender flesh she felt an oozing sensation as the monster released her leg. Sensing a strong arm around her waist, she got up with the help of Sesshomaru; after a few minutes of walking Kagome's vision clouded over, only seeing colours instead of a crystal clear picture.
"Wait Sesshomaru, I can't see anything..." Kagome said as she clung to his arm in desperation, she had to rely on her hearing and smell; it was easy with Sesshomaru there. Kagome heard Sesshomaru take a sharp intake of breath and decided to do the same, a minute later she slowly exhaled after he did.
"That was lucky... if you even breathed around what just past us... well let me just say we'd be about an ounce of blood and a slither of flesh on the ground" Sesshomaru admitted.
She wanted to cry, lie down and weep but she knew it was too dangerous... she might be captured by one of the rotting monsters and never make it out. That made Kagome asses her position as Sesshomaru lead them through the maze.
"Kiss me... it will help you get your vision back..." Sesshomaru explained.
Kagome didn't know what do, so she tipped her head up ever so slightly so he would have to bend down and kiss her, knowing my luck if I tried to do it while blind I would have my tongue up his nostril... oh what a lovely image. Kagome felt warm lips softly need hers, it was over in seconds and Kagome felt her eyelids slip over her eyes then open.
"I still can't see anything" Kagome indicated, annoyed.
"It will take a few minutes for it to kick in" Sesshomaru instructed as he kept taking lefts.
A heel softly came into contact with some concrete and Kagome felt her vision clear, they were out of the maze! Darn it! The kiss didn't do anything! It was getting out of that maze! Kagome observed furiously. "You jerk... a kiss didn't restore my eyes... it was completing the maze that did!"
"Whatever you want to think Kagome... now you can go over to my father and get your wound bandaged and I am going to go congratulate the winners." Sesshomaru responded calmly and walked off.
Hobbling over and sitting on a chair, she waited till Sesshomaru's father came over and disinfected the wound which stung, and then bandaged it. She sat there and watched as more couples came through the exit, some looking worse than others; Inutashio was busy cleaning up many a guest and smiling!
"Oh that was the best Maze yet! So lifelike" Said a stubby man.
Kagome smiled, obviously they were under the illusion it was all fake, and the wounds were caused by bushes; she almost laughed at their idiocy. Feeling a strong presence behind her she looked over her shoulder to see Sesshomaru there, hand out again, sighing she took the offered hand and went with Sesshomaru as he slowly lured her away from the formation of guests.
"Well that was an interesting penultimate... what do you say we start on a new book?" Sesshomaru teased.
Kagome smiled as they looked at the maze, if it was a better 'fairytale' than this... Kagome wouldn't care even if she lost her shoe or her necklace as long as she came out alive she realised that was the important thing... Too survive a fairytale to see your happy ending.
-XxX-
AN; okay guys I hope you liked it (: it was 12 pages long and over 5000 words so yes ^_^ I would love some feedback, just telling me what you liked... it would mean a lot to me please? Or even if you just review to make me feel appreciated... I'd adore you for it! I wasn't actually going to end it there but I am so fucking tired... it's a one shot and will stay that way!
Now I am off to sleep... cause it's almost 3am and I wrote 3000 words of the story in one night! I will have more fanfics coming out later! Just not on this fandom I believe... oh well hope you stay tuned!
Burning In The Dark.
P.S. I am going to rewrite We Are What We Hate soon... I hate it... it is awfully written! I must put Sesshomaru more in character... so I am going to leave the bad version up until I go and attack my old work and make it better!
See you!