“Now I know that our world is no more permanent than a wave rising on the ocean. Whatever our struggles and triumphs, however we may suffer them, all too soon they bleed into a wash, just like watery ink on paper.”
Miomomo dragged her sore tired body home to the Okiya, after training with Kakashi. She desperately wondered if this path to the Okiya will be the only path she’ll ever know her whole life. Her secret fears of whether or not she’ll become a full geisha constantly nagged at her. The only thing that truly gave her hope, was remembering that look of admiration on Kakashi’s face and the comb. That beautiful comb was her good luck charm; it always reminded her of that beautiful geisha on the bridge all those years ago. She pulled it out and caressed its golden features and red accents. Being so consumed in her own thoughts and inner turmoil, she bumped into someone.
“My apologies I did not watch where I was going!” She squeaked out, bowing towards the person and hoping that they wouldn’t punish her. The person let out a light feminine chuckle, causing her to look up at them. The woman was beautiful and had sparkling green eyes; she wore a silk kimono that screamed expensive. Something about this woman was familiar, but she couldn’t quite place.
“It’s quite alright. You seem to be in a lot of thought sukoshi hanabira, little petal.” Her eyes widened. The woman was the geisha from the bridge that gave her the comb, that she now held dearly in her hand. The woman met her eye level; they still held that same green sparkle. “It looks like our paths crossed again…” She looked down at Miomomo’s hand and saw the comb. “And it looks like you kept the comb I gave you after all these years.” Miomomo looked at the comb in her hand once more and tightened her grip around it.
“It has given me more hope, than I could ever muster.” She looked up at the geisha. “Thank you.”
“You deserve it…” A smiled formed on her lips.
“I’m Miomomo.”
“A beautiful name, for a beautiful girl; It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Biyōchō.”
“I am going to a Kaburenjo so I can be a geisha like you, Hana-san says I can’t do it, but I am at the top of my class.” Miomomo bragged; Biyōchō giggled.
“Ah I know Hana-san; is she your Onesan?” Miomomo shook her head.
“No, not officially, Okasan that she is Toph-chan’s but not mine.”
“You need an Onesan, in order to complete your Maiko training; and become a geisha.” A realization washed over Miomomo; she knew Hana would never agree to be her Onesan.
“I don’t have an Onesan…” She said sadly.
“Do not be sad Miomomo; I can be your Onesan.” Her eyes lit up for a moment, but then her face contorted into confusion.
“But you don’t live at my Okiya.” Biyōchō smiled and patted Miomomo on her head.
“You let me worry about that… Now, how old are you?” Miomomo held up ten small fingers.
“Ten; but my birthday is a month from now!”
“On your eleventh birthday, I will come to your Okiya to speak with Okasan.”
“Okay… but Okasan is really scary.” She warned, recalling how the old woman can silence anyone with a glare.
“I’ll worry about the rest; all you have to do is focus on your studies.” She saluted Biyōchō with a determined face.
“I will not let you down Biyōchō-san!”
“Promise?” Miomomo held up a pinky waiting for Biyōchō to take it. The beautiful geisha took the little girls pinky with her own delicate one and smiled.
YOU ARE READING
The Geisha Way
Fanfiction"She paints her face to hide her face. Her eyes are deep water. It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings. She entertains you, whatever you want. The rest is shadows...
