As she neared the city, Akira couldn't deny the truth of her own thoughts. The Upper Moon One was undeniably attractive, in a cold and intimidating way. He was the dark and brooding type, the kind of man she usually avoided. But there was something about him that drew her in, like a moth to a flame.

"I don't know what's wrong with me!" She said out loud, to no one in particular.

After she left, she came to the red light district where her musical talents were commissioned to one of the guest houses. Her talent drew the attention of so many customers that the patron of the guest room even tried to get her to stay, offering to make her a renowned Oiran even.

"Thank you for the kind offer, but I'm afraid I must decline." Akira said politely, but firmly.

She knew that this was not the kind of life she wanted to lead. She didn't want to be a courtesan or an entertainer for the rest of her days. She had bigger dreams and aspirations.

"I hope you can understand."

She stayed for many days in the red light district, entertaining the guests with her music whilst continuously declining the advances from numerous customers.

The days passed, and Akira began to feel restless. She was starting to feel trapped, like a bird in a cage. She longed for the freedom of the open sky, the wind in her hair. But the money she earned was too good to pass up, and she needed it to survive.

"How can I break free from this cycle?" She thought to herself, as she strummed the strings of her Koto.

One night she was asked to play for the patron of another house. The way the courtesans were fussing about told her that he was someone important.

As Akira approached the patron's room, she could feel the tension in the air. The courtesans were all whispering nervously, and she could hear the sound of a man's angry voice from within. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door and prepared herself for the worst.

"Come in." A voice commanded, and Akira entered the room.

Entering the room, she saw a beautiful and intimidating man with blond hair and rainbow eyes looking up at her with an eerie smile.

"They were continuously sending me old hags, I see they finally found someone pretty to keep me company tonight."

Akira felt a shiver run down her spine at the man's words. She knew immediately that he was dangerous, but she couldn't show any fear. If she did, he would take advantage of her.

"It is an honor to be of service to you, sir." She said, keeping her voice steady. "May I ask your name?"

There was something unsettling about the way he looked at her. It was the same way a predator eyed its prey.

"My followers call me Gracious Founder ." He replied with a sweet smile. "But my name is Douma, sweet girl."

Of course Akira could sense the malicious intent behind that smile. Even yet, she could sense that he was a powerful demon.

"Douma, what an interesting name." Akira said, trying to remain calm.

She could feel her heart racing in her chest. She had never been so close to such a malicious demon before, let alone one so powerful. Everything about him was an act, even the smile on his face. She didn't know why he was faking his emotions and his expressions and she found this unsettling. Despite the fact that she was strong, she had never encountered such a demon before. Most of the ones she had encountered had had some degree of humanity in them.

The one in front of her didn't radiate anything like that. In fact, he radiated pure evil like nothing she had ever encountered before.

"You play the koto beautifully, don't you?" He asked, as he gestured for her to play. "I'm told you have a skill that is unrivalled amongst all the musicians to have graced this place."

"I know a biwa player. She's not as receptive as you, however, my dear. Perhaps you would be a lot less cruel as to not turn me down all the time." He added as he giggled at some private joke of his own.

"Perhaps you were cruel to this woman." Akira pointed out, her eyebrow raised in challenge as she sat down and prepared herself to play her music.

Her kusari fundo was fastened and hidden well underneath the obi sash of her white kimono with purple wisteria embroidery on the edges. She maintained a stance that was battle ready should the need arise.

"Cruel?" The demon asked, his eyes narrowing. "I am not cruel, I am merely discerning. I only wish to be entertained by someone worthy of my attention."

Akira swallowed hard, trying to mask her disdain but she could not shake the feeling that she was being watched like prey.

"If you play well enough, perhaps I will keep you around." The demon continued, with a smirk.

Their eyes met for a second as she contemplated her next step. She had no doubt of the fact that she would have to fight him eventually. If it didn't happen in the next few minutes, it would happen some day. Whilst she tried to avoid clashing with demons, or anyone in particular, her conscious would never let her rest knowing she had let such a vile demon continue on tormenting other poor humans.

"You speak as if you want to own me." She stated matter of factly as her finger paused over the strings of her Koto.

The tension in the room was eerie and if she was any other poor soul, Akira was certain she would have broken out in hives.

"Well that's not such a bad idea, now is it." He replied as he gave her a closed eyed smile. "You're very pretty and so talented. I'm sure a lot of bad man would have their eyes on you. You should join my Paradise Faith Cult, I'll protect you."

She narrowed her eyes at him. The audacity this man had to promise her such lies when she could tell he didn't mean any of it. She was about to make a comment on this when someone else beat her to it.

"That will not be happening." Came a deep threatening voice.

Turning around, Akira saw a very familiar demon by the doorway. Although he didn't look like it, she had an odd suspicion that he was angry as he eyed the other demon.

"Uppermoon two, this one is mine." He said, his eyes narrowed at his fellow Upper Rank.

Uppermoon One's expression darkened as he turned to face Uppermoon Two. "Douma, this human is not yours to claim. She is in my territory, and I will do with her as I please." His voice was low and dangerous, and Akira felt like a mouse caught between two cats.

"She's just a human. She is not worth your time, Lord Kokushibo." The rainbow eyed demon said dismissively, but Uppermoon One was having none of it.

"Wait a minute, both of you shut up." Akira interrupted, causing the two demon men to look at her. "I don't belong to anyone."

The two demons fell silent, their eyes fixed on Akira. They seemed surprised that she would speak up for herself, and Akira could feel her heart pounding in her chest. But she was not about to let herself be treated like a piece of property.

"You may be strong, but I am not yours to command." She continued, her voice steady. "I am my own person, and I will make my own choices."

The rainbow eyed demon Douma laughed out in amusement at her outburst.

"Lord Kokushibo, where did you find such an interesting woman? Are you sure I can't have her?"

"She is not an object to be claimed or traded, Douma." Kokushibo said, his tone cold and commanding. "She is a human, and I will not allow you to harm her."

Douma snorted in derision.

"Since when did you go soft, Lord Kokushibo. You forget that we are demons, and humans are nothing but prey to us."

"And I am your superior. I am not Akaza who you so graciously bully, Uppermoon two." Kokushibo said, his demonic aura suddenly spiking. "Now get lost."

Douma gave Kokushibo a sickeningly sweet smile, but after a moment, he relented.
"Fine. I will leave you and your little human alone." He said, his voice dripping with disdain. And with that, he disappeared, leaving Akira alone with Kokushibo.

"I apologize for his behavior. He can be rather... difficult." Kokushibo said, his voice was a little less cold than before.

"There's no need to apologize. You did nothing wrong." She said to him with a smile.

Kokushibo was taken aback by her easy forgiveness. He was not used to such kindness, especially from a human. With every interaction they shared, this intriguing woman became a mystery -  a puzzle - he was determined to solve.