Red Light Blues [Invite]

The street was thick with the fresh scent of cooked meat and alcohol while the voices of vendors, promoters and customers filled the air with the comforting ruckus of life and excitement.

On any other day, the 69th ward of Rukongai looked like any other hellhole that lay beyond the first fifty districts, where people lived their lives in complete apathy of one another’s problems and existences. It’s a lawless town with a majority of its poor and dingy inhabitants eking out a hand-to-mouth existence through crime and penny-ante hustling.

Although pathetic to look at from the outside, like any good thief, its outward appearance only serves to mask the true face of selfish opportunism and boundless greed for come the twilight hours though, this quaint little shit stain becomes the quintessential den of vice and sin it’s infamously known for: Kabukicho, East Rukon’s red light district.

In the midst of the vulgar merriment that defined Kabukicho, a blue haired Shinigami traipsed through the maze of streets, brothels and disreputable inns until she finally came to the three-story bordello she called home before moving to 9th squad’s barracks. A wave and greeting to the men and women who worked the street cemented her place as a native of the 69th‘s famous Zetsurin brothel in ways they could only dream of. Yes, Utako was home at long last.

“Oh Utako, you’re here! I didn’t think you’d be early though,” one middle-aged man shouted as the girl passed by. Utako flashed a fond smile back and waved, happy to see a very familiar face in the crowd of lechers looking to score a good time. He was the closest thing to a father figure she had growing up and Utako loved him and her “family” very dearly.

“Yeah, I know, but I wanted to see you guys again so much since it’s been a long time. I also wanted to check out the stage since I don’t want any technical problems to ruin tonight’s performance. Marley and I’ve been looking forward to this since last month!”

The man smiled and nodded, gesturing the girl to go inside the luxurious house of sin. “Go on ahead then, check it out. By the way, the food for your dressing room hasn’t arrived yet but I ordered some nice snacks for you and your band to nibble on during breaks. Don’t gobble them up though! The madam’s got this celebration planned for you after closing time.”

Cheerfully nodding in affirmation, Utako childishly brushed past the curtain which covered the main door and headed inside, unable to contain her rising anticipation. “It’s good to be home!” she shouted as she barged through the wooden doors into the main hall.