“And suddenly everything around me seemed to grow quiet, as if he were the wind that blew and I were just a cloud carried upon it.”
Miomomo absentmindedly stared out the window, twirling her sakura blossom necklace and watched people go on with their daily lives. She thought about the people she had lost; no matter who died, she was expected to just keep going on through life—life itself, just kept going; and perhaps that was the scariest thing about death. She sighed deeply, and remembered the wise words her Biyōchō told her: Time heals all wounds; but it is up to you to decide how long it will take. A small smile appeared on her face, thinking about her former onesan.
“Are you nervous for the art show?” Toph’s voice asked behind her; she turned and looked at her as if she couldn’t believe she was actually talking to her; and she couldn’t, Toph hasn’t spoken more than two words to her. Her smile widened at the sight of Toph, and she shook her head ‘no’.
“If anything I am relieved; I yearn to be on the stage again…it’s like this adrenaline that you can’t find anywhere else. When that spotlight hits you in a dark room, it’s as if you’re a star in the night sky.” She chuckled to herself. “I know I must sound silly. Toph smiled and slowly entered the room.
“Not at all.”
“About Hana—” Miomomo started, but was cut off by Toph’s shaking head.
“It’s forgiven.” Although Toph had forgiven her; it didn’t ease the shame she felt for not apologizing to her sooner.
“Are you going to come to the show?”
“Of course; even Okasan is going. This show is a big deal; people from all over are coming.” She went to Miomomo’s closet and opened it. “C’mon let’s get you ready.”
Miomomo gawked at herself in the full length mirror; it’s been a while since she has put on such heavy, elaborate makeup. It brought back sweet memories of her maiko days. In a trance like state, she didn’t hear someone enter her room.
“You’re not going to make money standing there gaping at yourself.” She snapped out of her daydream and looked at Okasan’s proceeding form in the mirror.
“Sorry Okasan.” The old woman chuckled and closer to her.
“You have grown into such a beautiful, young woman.”
“Okasan…” The old woman words warmed her heart.
“You know Biyōchō was right to take you under her wing; I never thought I’d see the day.” Okasan smiled at her warmly; Miomomo picked up Dark Dragon and attached the sword to her waist.
“I still can’t believe it myself.” She turned to Okasan and smiled at her.
“I am glad I chose you Mio, this was a dark place, and I was sure that it would be left to rot after I was gone.” Okasan put a hand on Miomomo’s shoulder and smiled. “You are the light to bring this place out of darkness; thank you.” Miomomo smiled with tears in her eyes; and hugged the old woman.
She stood behind the curtain on stage and took a deep breath; she held her two fans stood front and center. Curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to peek through the curtain. Her eyes scanned the crowd and landed on Sasori and Deidara; she smiled, but it fell as she spotted Gaara amongst the swarm. His eyes caught hers and she pulled her head back in and gave a panic gaze towards Toph behind her.
“What is it Mio-chan?”
“Remember when you asked me if I was nervous?” Toph nodded; setting up her shimedaiko, a small drum. “Well now I am.” A fellow geisha came to join them on the stage holding a Koto, a large string instrument.
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...
