Chapter Twenty Four: Winter Interlude Part One

"Without mysteries, life would be very dull indeed. What would be left to strive for if everything were known?"

-Charles de Lint

Kagome lingered near her door, tempted to just tell people she was sick, but people had already bought tickets…if she didn't head out soon she'd end up missing the train and that could just cause more drama if a lot of boys showed up on her doorstep to find her. She'd already checked, and re-checked herself in the mirror several times and her mother had done a good job on the make-up. She looked like an angel.

Silver and white and sparkles were all over her face and arms, giving her an almost frosted appearance. Long lines of crystals had been wound around her hair which was up in an elegant style out of her face with only a few strands left to frame her face in curls she'd have to fight to wash out later. The dress was comfortable and fit perfectly, which Kagome had to wonder about…she hoped it was only that Ishida was so smart he could guess really well. The wings were connected in the back, gossamer shaped like butterfly wings in thin wire. She even had small heeled shoes with wing patterns. She'd have to thank Ishida again for the excellent outfit; it was worlds better than what she would have been able to come up with.

She had to go…her mom had gotten Souta a sitter and she'd been so excited by the idea of Kagome's first big dance. Kagome opened the door and headed out, she had a small purse she was carrying with her so she could hold her extra things. Nervously heading down the steps and waiting for the train, glad to see no one had come to try to escort her. She managed to get to the school and the lack of some suitor out for her hand popping up along the way was making her more nervous than comfortable. She got inside and dropped her coat off at the check, currently being worked by Ayumi. She wanted to ask about who was here already but there were more students coming in behind her and Ayumi didn't have the time.

It was early but the gymnasium had been quite transformed rather well into a party area. Lots of tables not being filled, an orchestra was accompanying a woman singing a song Kagome didn't recognize and people were more on the large open area being used as the dance floor than at the tables. Everyone was in a mask, hers was a white feathered thing that reached around her eyes and just over her cheeks. Other people had full facial masks, or hoods that were so deep it was a wonder they could see, there was a variety of costumes and colors that left Kagome a little overwhelmed as she headed inside. She was stopped by one of the students without a mask in a small old styled tux and handed a card and gestured toward the snack and punch table.

Kagome just followed along, looking down from the spectrum of excited youth to the note card she was handed. It said 'Dance Card' at the top with her name printed just under it, then a list of costumes. It was sort of cute she supposed. All names were chosen in random order. Well, they weren't names but she still understood the sentiment, guess there was no knowing who bought tickets first and the like. So, who was she destined to dance with tonight?

Robin Hood.

Kagome had to laugh a little as she waited in line to get some punch. "I wonder who would want to dress as Robin Hood? That doesn't fit most of them too well."

2. Samurai - Oni Mask

Someone in her group of admirers that would dress as a demon? The list was too many to choose a single one. So she moved right along from trying to figure out who it would be.

3. White Knight

"Not helpful either, they've all sort of come to the rescue at some point…" Kagome was feeling even more uncomfortable now that she was having a hard time matching up what admirer could end up being who.

4. Wall Street Business Man (Black Suit/Briefcase)

Well a few people had only worn suits; she didn't see anyone with a briefcase though so perhaps they weren't in her line of sight. Maybe it was Ghaleon? The whole men in black theme would carry over easily enough. It would be strange if the teachers danced with a student or bought a ticket for one. She doubted that would be possible.

5. Vampire

Well that was creative. Again that could be anyone, there were several people in capes with masks that she'd seen that could fit the description. She wasn't sure how she was supposed to tell them apart. She'd reported her costume as well though before the event so many they would know to look for her as well? She was one of only a couple angels she could spot.

6. Biker

"Hmm…Albel probably…" She couldn't think of any of the rest of the group that would be willing to dress like that at all…it sort of fit with what she knew of him. At least she'd figured out one of them. Her pursuit of the list was paused as she reached the front and had to busy herself getting a plate of cheese and crackers as well as a small glass of juice. She eyed the floor for any of the members on her list she'd already read. She could see a pirate dancing with someone…not that she called the grinding they were doing against each other dancing. She sure hoped he didn't plan to dance with her that way.

Professors Jade and Ghaleon could be seen with other teachers across the room, they were dressed as 'men in black' and were looking over all the events. Sadly they reminded Kagome of the men that were after her when she spent time with Sephiroth which made her a little nervous as well. She found herself a seat near the dance floor that wasn't already taken and began to nibble as she continued to look at her list.

7. Zeus

Kagome had already spotted someone in a toga with a mask and a lightning bolt, again she couldn't help but smile. She supposed the laziness of that costume could fit Albel as well.

In the end she was much less comfortable in knowing or not knowing who her partners were than she thought she would be. She'd barely finished her second cracker though still contemplating when they announced that the first couples should start seeking each other out for the next dance.

Kagome was relieved when a blue shaded Robin Hood approached her table, and was relieved when she heard his voice and recognized it immediately. Ishida of course would know her; he'd made her the costume after all. It saved her the problem of searching for him.

He was in what she would suppose a robin hood outfit would be like but the material was a blue color and he didn't have only a bow but a sword and a shield on his back as well.

"You look great. I hope it feels right, I wasn't sure on some of the measurements." Ishida complimented as he held a hand out to her. "I think I get the first dance."

"Yeah…though I don't think Robin Hood wore blue, wasn't it green?" Kagome asked curiously. Ishida seemed pretty stuck on detail.

"Did they write down Robin Hood? It was suppose to be Blue Link…but you probably don't recognize it either way. The games don't seem to have the largest following at this school." Ishida said, she could see a small blush on the bottom of his mask as he walked with her. It was the first time they'd spoke more than a little since their…moment. He must not blame her for the other day if he had bought a ticket to dance with her, which helped her relax as they walked toward the floor and waited for the music to start.

"It's nice. You are quite the tailor." Kagome returned a compliment. "I have to thank you, without the costume you gave me I probably would have had to come as a bum or a high school student."

"I think you would be just as stunning." Ishida replied, taking her hands lightly, he was often the most gentlemanly of her escorts in that way. "I'm glad you like it."

She had to blush a bit when 'total eclipse of the heart' started to play but she scooted a little closer and put her arms around him since that seemed to be how most people were dancing. It was a little odd really but not negative, just a little anxiety inspiring. Kagome feared at any moment someone might try to jump in and cast some horrible spell at or stab her current partner. At least a few times she spotted Ghaleon or Jade nearby, both professors seemed aware of her discomfort. It allowed her to relax after another minute or so, hopeful nothing too horrible would happen here.

He didn't talk, and she was content just to stay close to him without fear she would suddenly start taking off his clothes. Ishida had been nice to her for such a long while now…she wondered if she'd of thought about him like someone she could date if it wasn't for the spell that haunted her? She did feel very nice just swaying with him slowly on the floor without the need for lots of conversation. Though before long the song had passed, and he was bowing to her a little as he backed off, making her do the same naturally before she headed away, cheeks blushing beneath feathers and make up.

They had a minute before another round would start. So she sat with Ishida, glad he didn't just run off and leave her feeling lonely and awkward. She tried to make conversation. "There are so many students here, it's just the two high schools?"

"No, there are four high schools around the city involved; it's just at this school's gymnasium because there were issues involved in using the others for some reason or another. Usually we have dances at the Ouran school when there are the larger joint events like this one. Prom will probably be there." Ishida replied. Though he was pulled off after a moment by someone in a hello kitty outfit that made Kagome blink after them curiously…she didn't get a chance to answer or ask what the last school was that had students attending.

Kagome looked back at her card, it was a little crumpled from where it'd spent time in her purse during the first dance but still easily legible. Samurai Oni…what a strange costume idea…she supposed it would be easy to find. Another look around the room though and it was clear that tables had filled a lot in the few minutes of the first dance and after that. She was lucky she retained her seat and no one messed with her purse, she'd have to wear it for the other dances.

She stood up to try to look around, sadly there were a few people dressed in older styled kimono with peace tied swords, so any of them could be samurai she supposed. Though as she continued her slow turning around the room she paused, there was one person with a red and white painted oni mask that was clearly much more detailed than most of the masks people wore. He was taller than her and she could tell even from several tables away he was already walking toward her so it seemed she hadn't found her second dance partner either. Apparently all she had to do was stay in one spot and they would find her.

His kimono was fine, a milk white silk with red and gold highlights, there were all the small details she would expect from a finely made reproduction of a kimono of an older era. Over the top of the somewhat plainly colored kimono was a brown haori, and tucked into his sash was a sword that looked real enough despite the plastic tie holding it shut that the staff was adding to weapons at the door. There were even the wooden sandals and white socks that finished the outfit that made her blink curiously before said feet stopped in front of her and she glanced back up at the glaring oni mask, staring curiously at the crimson human eyes within.

Red eyes narrowed down some of her thoughts…perhaps this was Albel, Ghaleon in disguise? She doubted it was Professor Curtiss. They didn't speak to her, just held out a hand as the announcer stated people should head to the floor for the second dance. She accepted, noting the grip was light yet strong as they lead her ahead. It was more like Ghaleon to stay quiet, but she supposed the aggressive way he glared off one of the other dancers was more like Albel. She found herself blushing as he pulled her closer, unlike Ishida, he apparently had little issue holding her intimately. His hands didn't wander anywhere they shouldn't but she found her new partner more demanding as the music started.

This time it was Evanescence, Taking Over Me, and thankfully they just used the recording instead of trying to get one of the hired singers to cover it. She was a little unnerved by the fact that her second partner continued to stare at her unblinkingly throughout the dance. She started to ask a question but a finger settled on her lips after a syllable and instead she just followed his lead, which he made easier than she expected. It was almost ballroom like, and while she'd had a couple of lessons she certainly would have stumbled all over if he hadn't been a good leader. She wanted to ask if he was Albel or Ghaleon but then he'd just vanished…and she was left curiously close to her table.

That was an odd moment…it left her staring across the floor, his costume had been so unique but he'd been gone so quickly it left her thinking it had to be one of her supernatural friends. It made her pause when Professor Ghaleon stopped next to her and touched her arm, offering her a refill of her punch and an amused smile at the way she'd jumped.

"You all right Kagome?" His concern made her smile back at him, nodding furiously.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just curious…I thought…" She didn't want to guess it was Ghaleon if she was wrong, and looking into his eyes now it seemed less likely. The man hadn't been incredibly pale like Ghaleon was. "…I just don't know who my last dance partner was."

"Oh? Well, that is the idea isn't it?" Ghaleon commented before wandering off toward a couple that was getting a little TOO intimate on the dance floor.

"So was it Albel then?" Kagome thought as she sipped at the juice appreciatively. "Well at least I don't have to wander too far. Three was a White Knight…"

There was a person in parts of a silver armor heading her way, it had a scaly feel to it that was unique and she noted a small lance at their back, clearly broken down from a normal sized one or they wouldn't be able to walk. "Well, at least the school seemed to manage something vaguely passable."

Kagome grinned; the irritated pride beneath the dragon like mask was one that she recognized though she hadn't spent much time with the brunette recently. "If you don't like it you can always leave you know. I'm sure you have other things you need to be doing."

"I always get what I pay for." Kaiba replied lightly, his blue eyes were cool, but not frigid as he looked at her from behind his mask. It was clear he meant her and that made Kagome swallow slightly and blush, glancing at her feet.

"Um…you look nice Kaiba…" Kagome managed to squeak out; trying to ignore the sudden thrumming of her blood at the comment from the confident young man. After her prior intriguing dance she didn't know what to expect. At least she knew who her partner was this time. The blue eyed billionaire had made it clear he had paid to dance with her; she hoped nothing else was expected. She wanted to involve as few a people as possible in the spell and had a feeling Kaiba had fallen under its sway as well. Likely he had from the beginning or he wouldn't have been that interested in her.

"You look nice as well, though it seems it's quite the masquerade. I wouldn't have guessed you to be an angel, beautiful as you are you seem to bewitch too many men to be as pure as you pretend." Kaiba commented, and it was hard to tell if he was kidding or if he was suspicious about something. Either way, the music began and he swept her into a dance nearly making her stumble as she struggled to follow him onto the floor the first several steps.

Lady in Red, well at least she was in white. Thankfully the music was loud enough that there wasn't much conversation for that song either, though at it's end Kaiba mentioned he'd like to speak with her alone soon but that he was leaving the dance now. It didn't shock her that he wouldn't stay, it surprised her more that he'd attended for her alone, and she was a little nervous as to what he wanted to talk about next week.

"One problem at a time," The girl told herself. "Now, I need a Wall Street…oh, well there he is…"

There was a suited Sephiroth sitting at her table as she returned to it. His impossibly long sword was along his back instead of at his side, and while there was a simple mask on his face, his long silver locks gave him away as well as the small glow that seemed to come from his turquoise gaze. The night was moving so quickly…she wasn't sure what to think, one crush to the next and her body was almost as confused as her mind as she jumped between them.

"How are you? We haven't had much of a chance to speak since our small…holiday out of the country." There was a smirk on his face and he didn't seem ready to get up, a cup of the punch in his own hand, his feet up on another of the chairs and the jacket of his suit open to reveal the dark sea green tie and pressed shirt. "Let's skip our dance and just talk for a few minutes mmm?"

"Well I guess that's fair." Kagome laughed at the idea, it was his time after all he'd paid for it. "I didn't think non-students could buy tickets."

"So they can't." Sephiroth shrugged at her, well he seemed to have the same regard for normal rules as much as any of her fellows. "It was quite the task escaping for a few minutes from the Presidents eyes. He's still considering how to get his hands on you."

"Well, don't you just bring the best news?" Kagome sighed at him, her voice sarcastic. "I guess other than that I've been all right, trying to deal with everything. Figure out what to do, how to deal with everything…how are you? I didn't get you in trouble did I?"

"No issues that weren't completely worth you Higurashi." He retorted setting down the punch and rolling his eyes as Truly, Madly, Deeply started to play. "Glad we decided to remain sitting."

Kagome laughed at the comment, it was nice to avoid dancing to yet another love song and honestly it was nice to catch up since she hadn't seen Sephiroth and was concerned about him after he'd basically betrayed his boss to help her. He looked the same as she remembered…she actually liked him in the suit, it gave him a serious image she figured his other form of dress lacked in comparison.

"I hope you don't have a tracking device in the suitcase." She grinned. "It's all very James Bond."

"Pity I can't get a real drink then. I already have the sexy woman, it would finalize the image." Sephiroth enjoyed making her flush, it amused him how easily she did. It was difficult having to share her at all, but he hoped giving her a break and just talking to her when all the rest of the boys wanted to play at dancing might make him stand out a bit. If this was a completion he had to be remembered after all. "Actually, I have a flower for you. It's old fashioned but I suppose I'm a bit older than most of those attending."

Sephiroth drew a white and teal corsage from his briefcase and reached out to take her hand, pulling the band around her wrist to further decorate her with flowers. It wasn't until then that she noticed the color matched that of his tie. She already had it on though and the flowers were beautiful so she couldn't help but continue to grin.

"Thank you Sephiroth…they're lovely. I thought you were only suppose to get a corsage if you went with someone to a dance though." Kagome said, a little unsure of all the rules around that.

"Well, we didn't come together, but you're with me now. It would be rude if I didn't get you something when I stole your dance away just for a few minutes of conversation." He replied smoothly, glancing toward his watch. "Though my time is sadly up, I hope you enjoy your evening Kagome."

He was off with his briefcase after kissing her cheek, making a few people around them stare at her, though with all the masks it was difficult to tell what people were thinking. She sighed, knowing people had to know who she was, and it was clear there were women that were jealous of her here even without facial expressions to go from.

There were at least other clicks in the room, and other groups that were drawing a lot of attention off of her, which made her happy. There were a group of men all dressed as vampires that seemed to have attracted a lot of women that were hanging around them like groupies. A table nearby were talking about them being the 'host club' which she didn't recognize. At least one of them looked more like an elementary student than a middle or high school student though she was sure only high schoolers were supposed to be here. Of course, Sephiroth had been here so she guessed as long as you had money and didn't cause a lot of trouble people didn't care.

Her hopes of avoiding too much attention shattered though when one of the popular vampires walked up to her when the next 'bought' song was announced. She found herself following a dark haired graceful vampire off to the dance floor as 'Hanging by a Moment' started with one of the hired singers covering it with the band playing.

"Um…" Kagome fell into a light dance with him, she had gotten good at following this evening but he was more like Ishida had been. Perfectly polite as far as where his hands went. "…I don't think I know you."

"I apologize for the lack of introducing myself sooner; I remain quite busy most days. I'm…"

End Chapter

I am glad to write a chapter for this. Pieces of this chapter I might redo sometime, sorry about the lack of telling you who certain people are yet. Anyone that reads many of my works can probably guess both of the mystery guy dancers. Props to those that do! Ghaleon won the chance to remain in the fiction by the way. Only one of the Ouran guys will be an active love interest. There may be more related to the second mystery guy. Much more Kagome love life torment to come!

-Aura

P.S. Who would you most like to see rescue Kagome in upcoming plans? Jade Curtiss, Albel, or Mystery Guy. Yes your input matters and helps build things that happen in the story as it unfolds XD.

To my reviewers:

Anon – LOL yeah, Ghaleon was like 'you aren't clever Curtiss.' XD. It'll come up! I'm torn atm on more Bleach chars as I am adding in a couple other series as well soon (Ouran obviously + 1 more that was hinted at).

Kakashixangela – At least one new suitor! XD Ishida does have epic tailor skills in the manga/show so I thought it was a cute addition. Sorry for the long time, winter formal will stretch over more than one chapter though!

Sin of the Fallen – Yeah, the best parts of the formal have yet to come, this session was more leading up and a few cuter moments. Albel will have a fun moment next chapter as well as other surprises!

Kuroneko388 – Well Ouran showed up so that should be awesome for you. LOL, I don't think he's also Kira, though I haven't seen that show.

Winter's Hime – There will be more with Lezard before we lose him, and yeah I love his creepy feelings too! They're loads of fun to write.

Angel – Thanks for the love but Lezard still lost.

Tohru78 – We got through 5 of 7 tickets this chapter, only a couple to go, both should be fun things XD. And yay Updated!

Mimiru – More Yugioh characters are highly unlikely. I have so many things to deal with atm already, but who knows far far in the future, I have no plans to end this anytime soon. So much left to do.

Vampiric Insticts – Really? Albel seems to be a favorite lol. I love all of them but I gotta start whittling down since I'm adding even more as I go! This started as just a side sort of joke idea and it's becoming quite the epic, I have so many plans left!

Black Firelight – Fair enough, I gotta break down some of her suitors sometime after all…

Yue moon – LOL everyone likes albel but like two readers!

Arfa – Lots of yes to those comments. I think Kagome is deserving of a nice vacation with lots of her harem.

InuyashaFanFictLover – Oh hiya again, glad you like it, hope you keep reading!

Heartlesslover – Yay I got up an update!

TourmalineBlue – And again, updated. Hope you continue to enjoy!