Welcome to chapter 2 of Mirror Dreams. Please go right ahead and read, but don't forget to review!
Mirror Dreams
Chapter Two: Different Image
Kikyou slowly walked under L'Arc de Triomphe, her black heels clicking on the slick, wet cobblestone. The clacks were rhythmic yet hollow. The area itself was quite empty for being a tourist location. Most has retreated to indoors, avoiding the chilly winds and snow that had kicked up these past weeks.
Kikyou wrapped her red scarf tighter around her face, burying her nose in her own aroma. The wind found loose strands of hair to tease as she enveloped herself tighter in her black coat.
'Another dreary day in Gay Paris.' She thought to herself, quickening her step.
9
Kikyou entered a little café/bar that was close to L'Arc, warmed by the promise of hot tea and a blazing fire towards the far end of the flat, accompanied by two comfy chairs.
A man behind the bar counter waved to her, "Bonjour Madamoiselle Kikyou! C'est une autre jour pliene. Would you like something to heat you up on this lifeless morning?"
Kikyou nodded, "A steaming Ginseng please. Is Naraku here?" she asked as she draped her scarf and coat on the coat rack. Her layered burgundy skirt swirled about her as she adjusted her cream colored blouse.
"Oui. He's over in the back by the fire. Came in about five minutes before you. I'll send you tea back there."
Kikyou waved once more in thanks as she strode towards the welcoming fire. True that one of the three men she despised most was sitting there as well, but she could care less. She had learned in the last three years that your own comfort could be adjusted to the situation.
She flopped into one of the fluffy chairs, absorbing the heat from the flames in the hearth. Her ice-blue eyes settled on the man across from her. His wavy black hair seemed to shine like obsidian in the fire's light. His deep violet eyes were dark, cold enough to rival Kikyou's. The two glared at each other, both waiting for the other to give in.
"And how was my little temptress last night?"
"Cold... You know Naraku, when you said you would be sending men to me, I did not think you expected me to turn boys into men."
"And?"
"Luckily, I was able to talk some sense into the poor boy. I can't-"
"Damnit Kikyou!"
Kikyou kept her gaze on him, raising her voice just enough so she could keep her power in the conversation, "I said I talked sense into him. I didn't say I went without reward. For me, everything costs something."
"Kikyou...I didn't hire you to be a therapist." Naraku commented, cradling his head in his hand.
"Naraku...I didn't take this job to play with children. What is with your recent customers?"
Naraku waved his hand absently. Kikyou sighed as a waiter approached with her tea. She took it, then sipped with pursed lips. Naraku stood.
"Kikyou, I have a few things to tell you."
"Hmm?"
"First off, I have some regulars who are requesting you this week."
Kikyou nodded, "Send them over whenever...Just...not at the same time. I do not want to deal with that kind of commotion. No one under 20 either."
"Second, I need you to run some favors for me down at the club."
"Fine, but only singing, and only for a night. I don't need to have a bad image like the rest of your girls. That's why I'm you best worker. I keep the mystery even after the end."
"Finally," Naraku shook his head, she never failed him, "Muso's coming to Paris. I need you to pick him up from the airport."
He gave a satisfied smirk as a clatter of china was heard. He stepped over the mess, closer to Kikyou, "Here's the information. Don't forget him either."
Naraku strolled towards the exit, nodding towards the barkeep. Kikyou stared at the spilt tea. Her pupils were so small, they seemed to have no life at all. Muso was visiting? And that bastard wanted her to pick up his brother bastard? Life was just one cruel joke.
"Madamoiselle Kikyou? Are you alright?" the barkeep asked.
"Yes. I'm fine."
9
Kikyou opened the door to her empty home. The oval mirror in the hallway. The black leather furniture on hard wood floors. Cold and empty, yet classy and appealing. She dropped her shopping bags on the counter in the kitchen then walked down the hall to her vanity. She stopped as she took in her image in the mirror. She sat down then applied her make up. It was nothing. She thought, for a second, there was something there.
She paused and looked again. Her frowning reflection stared back at her. Tactfully she twisted her hair up in an intricate hairstyle and smiled. Kikyou's fingertips caressed the mirror. Muso was coming to visit, without saying why. Next thing she'd know, Inuyahsa would waltz into her vanity room and swoon her.
This thought of course was ridiculous. Mainly because Inuyasha was-
Kikyou rested her head on her vanity table, feeling sobs gripping her heart. She wished over and over she had never fallen in love the first time. The second time was unexpected and even more painful than the first. Yet the mere memory of both brought her to the edge. She hated those dead feelings, which made her hate herself more.
Kikyou straightened, then glared at the mirror. The reflection showed a cool, calm woman, mystery floating around her. She nodded in satisfaction. Now, time to pick up the brother of "King Naraku".
9
Outside, a pair of golden eyes watched the woman who sat in front of the vanity. The eyes closed as the man pushed his silver hair over his shoulder.
9
Maybe this is better, maybe not. I do not know. Tell me what you think and please review! I suppose you guys will know who the golden-eyed man is, but I'll leave you guessing.
Review Responses
Chibi-kikyou: thank you so much for being the first reviewer! Although, you've been the only reviewer, your review is very much appreciated! All hugs to chibi-kikyou!