Prologue

The roar of a flirtatous beat bounded off the hollow walls of the club, many women dancing in little or no attire, some there for the "fun" and some for the money. Drunken men babbled and hooted, their fantasies right before them. Mnay were business men, out to have quite a night, staring and drooling at something that their partners would never have. Lights were dimmed, all the front ones flooding up and spilling upon the stage. Tables were scattered in an arrayed formation and all the seats were filled. This was the nightly business of Shinko Mugen, where every man's fantasy came true.

Her hips swayed, her head looking back and forth from the satge curtain and the mirror. She was to be on any minute. They called her Yuri. The tight, provacative outfit clung to her like a second skin, the red vibrant and the sequins flashy, just enough to get any man's attention.

"You're on in two, the curtain man said with a suggestive wink. Yuri smiled seductively and he laughed. "Save it for the customers sweetheart."

She rolled her eyes. The previous beat faded out and new music slowly faded in. The curtains slowly began to open and Yuri took a simple pose; a hand on her hip and her other across her head, her hip jutted out to the side.

The night was still young and as the music hit another beat, she walked out onto the stage, almost every customer practically jumping out of his seat with joy. Their hoots became more loud and persistant as she danced. Her clothes stayed on, however, despite the uncouth comments and crude jestures, leaving the men to imagine. A few minutes later she tipped her hat. "Goodbye boys," she said in a slightly husky voice, winking at the man in the front row. He grinned and grabbed his crotch issuing a very specific invitation.

Yuri puckered herlips into a pout. "Maybe some other time, big boy," she said with a wink. She turned on her heel and with one final jut of her hip exited the stage. The curtains closed behind her and she sighed and took off her hat and mask. She slumped into the chair that was off in the left corner of the room.

"Kagome, that was wonderful. Just what we need for more customers to lust after," her boss, Bankotsu, said with a wink.

Kagome laughed halfheartedly. A second man came through the main door and he walked over to Kagome. "She's not sleeping with anyone, right B?"

"As we had in the contract, yes. But that doesn't mean I can't tell people she is sleeping with customers so that they keep coming back. They can get one of the toher lovely flowers instead."

Kagome grinned at the 'lovely flowers' bit. Yuri, her stage name meant rose. And two of the other girls, Yuka and Eri, had inherited flower names as well. The man nodded towards Banktosu.

"Alright Kagome, let's get you home," the man said grabbing her elbow and leading her towards the door.

"Really Miroku, I can get home on my own," Kagome argued, stopping.

"I don't think so. Dad will have a fit if he finds out you were out this late. You're moving in with me soon so you won't have to do this." He paused, looking around with disgust. "In fact, I don't even know why you work here now. Dad has enough money to pay for both of us to go on at least a hundred trips to Hawaii and back."

Kagome jerked her arm away from him. "Maybe I like working here."

"Kagome," Miroku said with a sigh. "Nobody likes selling their body."

Kagome glared at him. "I am not exactly sleeping with anyone so you can't say I'm selling my body."

"You are. You're selling it for men to look at. And look at what you are wearing!" He protested, draping his coat over her shoulders.

"Bankostu she's quitting!"

Bankotsu jumped up and rushed over. "What! But she can't! We will never find anyone to replace her!"

"Well start looking!"

Kagome bit her tongue. She knew she really couldn't say anything. It was only right not to go against her eldest brother's wishes.

"What about the contract!" Bankotsu brought up.

Miroku rubbed his head. "She can work here as a waitress but no more dancing."

Bankotsu grumbled under his breath, obviously unhappy. "Fine," he gave in. "But we're going to loose customers. I'll promise you that."

"Yeah well if you talk like that," Miroku grumbled back.

Kagome shook her head and walked out to the car. There was never an end when those two fought.