Disclaimer: Based on the motion production Moulin Rouge. This fanfic has many direct quotes from the movie, and each is property of Twentieth Century Fox.

Chapter 3
Backstage

"You were great, Kagome! You had them wrapped around your little finger."
She faintly remembered an intense amber gaze that was locked onto her and the smirk of an arrogant man with teal eyes that looked like a stalker.

"You think so, Kaede?"
"I know so," answered the old woman.
"But did she get the duke's attention? That's what matters," spoke a distant voice. A girl in black leather narrowed her eyes. "After all, if he puts in his share, we'll all be rich," she said, coming closer. "And it all rests on little Kagome's shoulders. Can she handle it?"
"All right, Kikyo, you've had your fun. Could you stop being mean to the poor girl for five seconds? It's not her fault you aren't as good as her."
"Shut up, Ayame! She's a talent-less hack. I used to run this place. I was the star. Then naïve, innocent Kagome comes along, squeaks a few notes, and Onigumo tells me to move down the bench. What's virgin Kagome going to do if the duke decides to make use of her, huh? She is worthless scum, no matter how you look at her!"
Tears glittered in Kaogme's eyes.
"Jeez, Kikyo. What's the holdup? We were going to go drinking, remember? That was an hour ago," complained a girl in a slinky black dress.
"All right, Yura, I'm coming. This is starting to bore me, anyway." Without another word, they walked away.
"Why does she have to be so nasty?" Kagome asked, wiping her nose with a tissue.
"Oh, come now, child. You know that she's jealous. She could never capture an audience like you can."
"I suppose..." Kagome trailed off, thinking of the deep stare that seemed to melt into her very soul. She saw a fierceness in those eyes; a glint that saw every day as a new adventure, and a need to explore the world. She sighed wistfully.
"I wish I could get out of here."
"You don't have a choice," Onigumo said, suddenly behind her. "You're mine." He rested a clammy hand on her neck, and she tensed instinctively.
"The duke is waiting for you, my little sparrow."
A rugged male stood amidst the racks of costumes. Kagome's breathing quickened.
'Oh, no. It's that creep that was staring at me!'
"This is Kagome, Sir Koga. She is undoubtedly pleased to meet you," Onigumo said, glancing at Kagome. The man sauntered over, his cereulean eyes boring into hers.
"The pleasure, I fear, will be entirely mine," he said, brushing his lips over her hand. She shivered in nervous aprehension.
"Koga is looking to donate to this humble organization, little strawberry. If he invests, my dream will come true. This joint will become a bonafide theater. He just needs a little...convincing. I was hoping that you could show our guest of honor the highlights of the Mouiln Rouge," he said with a bittersweet smile, smirking suggestively at Koga.
"Sounds good, Onigumo. Shall we talk business?"
"I'd be glad to," he said, guiding them to his office.

"So what did you think of her? Does she suit you?"
Koga placed his top hat on his lap. "Very much so. More than I expected. I am very keen on helping you out. However..." His face constricted, as if he was trying to repress something.
Onigumo looked questioningly at his customer. "Yes?"
"I would like a contract that...binds Kagome to me," he said, his hands struggling to keep whatever was happening under his hat.
"Binds?" Onigumo's pale face seemed to grow whiter. "But...Who will protect you if there's a riot about this?"
"I have my bodyguard for that," he said. A large horned beast stood on two legs, his teeth potruding from his mouth.
"This is Goshinki. If anything happens, he'll take care of it in the only way he knows how."
Onigumo shook his head. "I'm afraid that I can't do this. It goes against regulations."
"You must," he said, his voice growing cold, stroking his hat. "Or I will decline the offer." Onigumo gaped at him as he continued. "It's not that I'm a jealous man, I just DON'T LIKE PEOPLE TOUCHING MY THINGS!" His hands were gripping the hat tightly, shaking violently.
"I...understand."
"Good. Now, in order to seal the deal, I'll need the deeds to the Moulin Rouge."
Onigumo started to quiver. "But...My dear duke..."
"The deeds, Onigumo. If you want your precious theater, you'll give them to me. Do I make myself clear?"
Onigumo nodded bleakly. The tables had turned this time, and it was he who hadn't a choice.
"I'm glad we agree. You know, you'll need a new name now that you're going into show business. How does Naraku sound?"