Edo

Chapter II

x

The bar was more lively than usual since Kagura had been introduced. She had given the place more business, and it helped to hide the true identity of the owner, Naraku, as he was not very easy to reach or even speak to unless you had something to offer.

Since Kagura's arrival, more men seemed to be drawn to the place.

She entertained them as much as she could to hide the fact that Naraku was only laying low from a group of young teens who wanted more than anything to kill him for a jewel. It was a war unknown to those in Kyoto. And it was very interesting to see how it would end. If these kids would destroy him, Kagura would be free.

It was what she wanted.

Kagura was never fond of her position in Shimabara, in addition to her popularity within it with clients. She was somewhat of a geisha, but seemed to carry on an appearance almost similar to a prostitute, though many knew that she had much more class than they. On special occasions, she took on dances that compliment her name, as a Kagura Dancer. It was strange, but why not? That was her name after all. And she did enjoy dancing.

Performing and dancing for her very own clients was not something she chose to do. Her dedication was solely for her master, Naraku.

Long before the Kyoto lifestyle took over, Kagura had attempted to kill her master, only to realize he carried her heart in his very hands. If she chose to dedicate her entire being to him, he would let her live. A shame she could not be free.

"Lovely miss," cooed a man at Kagura's right, "Please play us a piece, you are very lovely at playing the shamisen."

Kagura snapped out of her past and returned to reality. Ah. She was so lost, she had become oblivious to her clients.

Fortunately, her time with them was about to end very soon.

"Sure." Kagura gave the man an unexpected tone of annoyence before grabbing her shamisen instrument and positioning it properly. Looking up with her charming red eyes, she asked, "What is it that you wish to hear?"

x

Making her way into the back, Kagura noticed an increase in numbers with the customers. Men were swarming the front rooms to meet with their hostesses. Little did they know that they were being charmed by demons throughout and would eventually be sacrificed to Naraku. Fools.

While proceeding down her path, she turned the corner to meet the blackened eyes of her sister, Kanna.

A startling appearance.

Kagura took a moment to catch herself from falling back before she heard the little demon child speak, "Lord Naraku requests your attention in the private suite, Kagura." Kanna informed, her emotionless tone not giving a hint of anything to her.

You could give me a warning first...

Kagura thought to herself.

Kneeling low, the demon sorceress spoke, "And is there any particular reason?"

"He only said that it is necessary."

It figures.

Naraku would only tell Kanna what he wanted Kagura to be told. Kanna was a well trained servant of his. Hard to believe she and Kanna were sisters at all.

"Fine." Kagura stood up to head in the direction of the suite. Not a very friendly room, as it was only for those who were special clients for Naraku. The last to even be in the suite was Tsubaki, the old witch who carried a grudge against that creepy priestess Kikyo.

Kagura did not look forward to stepping foot in the room. It wreaked of miasma.

Just nearing the dark halls surrounding the room, she could see purple mist flowing out like misty water. Shielding her nose with her sleeve, she grew near to the door and reached out to slide it open.

It was no surprise the room was pitch black, until a red light from behind the rice paper doors glowed to reveal her master, Naraku, sitting unnervingly still on the floor.

She felt herself frozen in place as he lied his fearful red eyes upon her. It was then that he spoke.

"Kagura," he mused, "There you are."

"Kanna sent me here. She. . . told me that it is urgent."

"Indeed it is. And I shall tell you of what I require." Naraku motioned for Kagura to come in.

Obediantly she approached, not before sliding the door shut behind her.

"There is a special guest arriving this evening, and I need as many followers as I can get. Your job is to entertain this client."

"Is that all? Simple enough." Kagura crossed her arms.

"Oh no," Naraku smirked, "I need you to persuade this client into joining me. You are to do all in your power, as this man is much more powerful than any other out there. This is a one chance in a lifetime, Kagura. Don't ruin it."