Well here I am again (for the second time today) with chapter 25. Well enjoy the chapter! (A/N: All my building names, gardens, etc. are NOT real. I made them up. And if they are real, then it's just a coincidence. Just wanted to make that clear.)
Things have been pretty hectic the past week. Tohru and Hana had been helping to set Tohru's debut to perfection. The debut was going to be held at the Akira gardens – the most wonderful and famous garden in all of Japan. It had a waterfall, a beautiful crystal clear lake where cranes, ducks, and swans came to play. It was filled with many bushes of wonderful flowers and fruit trees. It was like a magical garden well to Tohru at least. She only went to see it once for she accompanied Hana to see how things were going.
Not only did appointments and arrangements needed to be made, but Tohru also had to help send out invitations to the list of people Hana made. It seemed as though Hana was the one controlling the entire thing but Tohru didn't mind. She wouldn't have done it better herself so Tohru just let the whole thing ago.
As Tohru made her rounds all over Gion to send the invitations, she made her first stop at her okiya. Since she had been so much time over at Hana's Tohru rarely saw Kana, Mayu, Kagura, and even Rin. She would always come home late ready to sleep.
As Tohru let herself in, she was greeted by Kana.
"Ah Tohru what a pleasant surprise! You've been so busy that I haven't seen you for quite some time now. Well how is the debut arrangement going?" Kana asked.
"Very well actually. I just came to give you this invitation. You and Mayu-okasan have some of the best seats at the after party," Tohru said bowing and giving the invitation.
"Well arigato. Of course we should be getting some of the best seats! After all, we've done so much for you!" Kana said only teasing. But Tohru believed her.
"Of course Kana-obasan. Arigato for everything," Tohru said bowing. "Now I must be going. Be sure to tell Mayu-okasan about it!"
"Of course, I'll tell her," Kana said waving as Tohru left to deliver the remaining invites.
"She's growing up too fast," Kana said quietly. She placed the invitation on the table for Mayu when she got home from her morning errands.
It didn't take long to deliver all the invitations. In fact Tohru got most of them deliver in less than an hour. She only had one more left to deliver and it to be delivered to the Komodo Dragon Dojo – the place where she sent off a package months before. Tohru didn't know who it was for, because the envelope just said "Invitation" in neat calligraphy written by Tohru's own hand. Hana just told Tohru to give it to the head of the house or the most important person or owner.
As Tohru knocked on the door, she waited before someone could answer. After a few moments of waiting, a man in his 40s or so answered.
"Can I help you?" the man asked.
"Ano, are you the head of this dojo?" Tohru asked.
"Yes I am actually. How can I be a service for you?" the man asked politely.
"Are you an acquaintance of Saki Hanajima-san?" Tohru asked formally.
"Oh Hana-san? You know her also? Why yes, I've known her for quite some time now," the man said.
"I just wanted to be sure. Here take this, we hope to see you there," Tohru said bowing before leaving. The man just stared at the envelope before going inside.
As he opened the letter it read:
You are invited to celebrate Miss Tohru Honda's debut as an apprentice geisha.
When: April 1st
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Where: Akira gardens, after party is at the Mii Teahouse
RSVP: ASAP
We hope to see you there to help us celebrate
"Ah a party eh?" the man said to himself. "Kyo! Come down here please!" the man called.
Kyo made his way downstairs and asked annoyingly, "Shishou, why did you interrupt me during practice?"
"I just wanted to let you know to cancel any plans on the 1st of April," Kazuma said.
"Why? I thought we were going to practice in the mountains?" Kyo asked pouting a bit.
"We can do that another time, but we've been invited to a party," Kazuma said beaming.
"Ugh, another party? Shishou you go to more parties than anything! Let me guess, free drinks am I right?" Kyo said mopping some of his sweat of his forehead.
Kazuma laughed and said, "Well of course but it's also celebrating a new apprentice geisha!"
Kyo just grunted and said, "Whatever, I'm going to practice now." He stormed back upstairs to finish up his daily training.
Kazuma sweatdrop at Kyo's attitude but let it go. He looked at the invitation again and then something caught his eye. He saw the name "Miss Tohru Honda" on it.
"Hmph, I wonder if this is the same Tohru that Kyo mentioned last time." Kazuma asked himself. "Well if it is, we'll just keep it a surprise for now. He'll be very shock to know it's her. If it is her. Well got to go pick something nice to wear for that day!" Kazuma said to himself and went up stairs to pick out his best kimono he could find.
More days passed and it was finally the day before Tohru's debut. Meaning today was the day she would get her hair done and pick up her kimono at Ayame's shop.
Tohru arrived at Hana's house at 10:00 a.m. Her hair appointment wasn't until 3 so it gave them plenty of time to pick up her kimono and other necessities.
"Come right on in Tohru-san," Megumi said opening the gate.
Before she could make herself at home Megumi said, "Go to Hana's dressing room. She wants you to get ready at least." Tohru nodded at his statement and went upstairs to Hana's dressing room.
"Oh hi Tohru-chan. We'll be leaving in an hour so no need to rush at the moment. Hana said still in her pajamas. It seemed as though she got up. Even with her bed head, Hana still looked spectacular through Tohru's eyes.
"Wow Hana-chan! Even with your bed head, you still make it look fashionable!" Tohru said jokingly.
"Ah yes of course. No one could ever pull this off except me," Hana said laughing. She handed a simple pale pink and purple robe. "I want you to wear this. It's not all pretty like the kimonos but since your getting your hair done why ruin your outfit?"
Tohru grabbed the robe and went to change. It was actually pretty even though it was pretty plain. She tied the sash firmly before she was satisfied. As Tohru picked up the brush to fix her hair a bit Hana stopped her.
"No need to brush your hair. Since your hair is getting done, let them do all the work," She gently took the brush away from Tohru and put it back in its drawer.
"Are you hungry?" Hana asked. Tohru's stomach growled as the reply. She was too busy rushing so she didn't have time to eat. Hana laughed at this. Well go to the kitchen. I can smell that Megumi is making something grand to eat. I'll be right down."
As Tohru made her way to the kitchen she saw the Megumi was cooking up a storm. It looked like he couldn't handle it. Tohru then realized that one of the pots was over boiling. She rushed quickly to turn the stove down.
"Ah Tohru-chan! You didn't need to do that! I could handle it by myself! You're supposed to be the guest!" Megumi said in a panic but did it rather calmly.
"Oh it's okay Megumi-san. I want to help. Besides it's too much for you to do. And I have my experience in cooking so need to worry," Tohru said smiling.
Megumi smiled his small shy smile and said, "Alright if you insist."
For the next 15 minutes, Tohru helped saved the remaining breakfast that Megumi tried to cook. It actually turned out okay as they ate while waiting for Hana to finish up whatever business she was doing.
"Um arigato for the help Tohru-san," Megumi said quietly finishing off his miso soup.
"It's no problem. I love helping others out," Tohru said happily.
Soon Hana came down sniffing the air, "Mm I smell something good for once! Megumi, did your cooking skills change over night?"
"Very funny Hana-san. Actually Tohru wanted to help so I let her. And I'm not a bad cook," Megumi dejected.
Hana just laughed and joined the two at the table. They chattered aimlessly until it was time to go pick up Tohru's kimono.
"Well have fun you two," Megumi said just about to close the door.
"Wait, I have a change of mind today. Megumi want to accompany me and Tohru for today?" Hana asked winking. Megumi was frozen for a brief moment. He then got over his shock for he rarely went outside of the house.
"Alright I suppose. Let me get my coat," Megumi said disappearing inside the house.
He then came out in what appeared to be a trench coat which scared Tohru a bit.
"Ano Megumi-san, why are you wearing a trench coat?" Tohru asked nervously.
"Eh, I like wearing this kind of thing. It makes me feel like someone different for a change," Megumi said inhaling the fresh spring air.
"Alright enough gawking and let's get going. We'll be late if we just stand here," Hana said already making her way to the busy streets to hail down a carriage.
"Ah Tohru-chan! You came just the right time! I'm just making a few adjustments on your fabulous kimono. Wait right here while I'll go get it. Mine! Come serve them tea!" Ayame said right when Hana, Tohru, and Megumi stepped in the shop.
"He's too lively for his age. He should try to settle down a bit," Megumi said emotionless. "He should be curse for his sissy act."
"Wah you can't do that Megumi-san! Besides he's actually kind. And do you really curse people?" Tohru asked nervously. Megumi just nodded and Tohru just turned around to cover up her shock.
"So this is why I never bring you out Megumi. You always have to insult people," Hana said teasing Megumi.
"But it's because they do deserve it," Megumi said.
"Now, now let's not be rude," Hana said shutting Megumi up just in time for Ayame to return with a kimono wrapped in plastic.
"Now I do hope this meets your approval. But let's see you try it on!" Ayame exclaimed taking the plastic wrap off and giving the kimono to Tohru. "I'll help you tie your obi for I'm quite experienced at it!" he laughed at his statement and Tohru just went to one of his changing rooms to try on her kimono.
She changed rather quickly and came out with the obi undone.
"Ano, this obi is rather different," Tohru said scratching her head. "I could usually tie it myself but this one looks rather complicated!"
"Of course it's complicated Tohru-chan! This is what real kimonos are like once you're a geisha!" Ayame said.
"I can tie it for you Tohru-san," Megumi said placing his cup down and standing up from where he was sitting.
"Now Megumi-chan, sit, sit! I'll do the honor of tying Tohru's obi!" Ayame said rather persistent.
"Knowing you, you'll probably mess up," Megumi said exhaling. "I'll do it. I have experience too you know. Possibly even more than you."
"Ah but are you a famous fashion designer hm? I think not! So that makes me more experienced!" Ayame said arguing a bit.
Tohru sweat dropped watching the two getting worked up over a simple obi that needs to be tied.
"By looking how he's arguing, I think Megumi has taken a liking to you," Hana whispered making Tohru flustered.
"You're an incompetent fool," Megumi said arguing back but still speaking calmly.
"But I'm more famous than a low life butler," Ayame said sticking out his tongue like a little child.
"PLEASE STOP FIGHTING!" Tohru yelled out of nowhere making the two guys stare at her in disbelief. Tohru felt embarrassed for yelling but she calmly said, "I think I'll just ask Mine to tie this for me."
"I would Tohru-chan, but I lack the experience," Mine said sweating a bit from being embarrassment.
Before anyone could say anything, Ayame snuck behind Tohru and tied her obi in a quick fashionably manner.
"Ah ha! Now that's what I called a masterpiece!" Ayame said being proud of himself. "Have a look Tohru in that mirror over there." He pointed to the full length mirror which was right behind Tohru.
Tohru turned around slowly and took a good look of herself. She was dumbfound by her own reflection. The blue shade of the kimono made Tohru's eyes sparkle a bit. The golden obi seemed to shimmer making her almost glow. The design was a scarlet bloody red dragon that seemed so real that Tohru touched it to make sure it wouldn't eat her.
"Ah magnifique!" Ayame said in a fake french tone. "You look magnificent Tohru-chan! But I'm afraid to say it's time to take it off for you don't want to ruin it. Tup tup go change now."
It took a while to change for Tohru struggled to take the knots out of the obi but manage to successfully to take off the kimono with no damages whatsoever.
When she came out, Ayame put the plastic cover on it and gave it to Tohru. "Now please take care of it. And always think of me everytime you wear or look at it," Ayame said.
"Ano arigato for everything," Tohru said bowing. Hana looked at the clock and gasped.
"Oh my, Tohru! You're going to be late for your hair appointment. Let's go!" Hana said.
"Be sure to come back okay?" Ayame called out waving as his guest left.
They threesome quickly made their way to the salon. As it turned out they were still pretty early and no one was there. Tohru said on one of the waiting chairs and waited for Shigure to come get her. Megumi sat besides her holding her kimono for her while Hana was absorbed in the book she brought for it was going to take awhile.
Shigure came a moment later looking rather serious. He had about 4 other assistants with him. He motioned Tohru to get into one of the leather chairs and be still.
"Now this will be rather painful but you'll be happy with the results," Shigure cautioned in his happy-go-lucky voice. As if pain was his happy medicine. Tohru gulped but didn't say a word.
Yes, the hair style procedure was very, very painful. First Shigure had all the assistants washed Tohru's hair making her whimper in pain as all the wandering fingers viciously scraped at her scalp. She later learned that geisha are easily immune to dandruff so they wanted to make her hair slick and shiny. They dried her hair rather quickly and soon Tohru was ready for the actual hair style.
Shigure got all his supplies out and said to his assistants, "Bring me the hot wax and my metal comb." This made Tohru rather scared.
"Ano, but why do you need hot wax?" Tohru asked nervously.
"Because it'll help more to make your hair stay in place," Shigure said bluntly.
Tohru just gripped the chair and the bowl of hot wax came. Shigure dipped his comb and you could hear slight sizzling as the metal touched the wax. He then started to comb Tohru's hair with the hot wax which was rather painful. Tohru was almost in tears after he was done with the wax. Fortunately the remaining part wasn't as painful. It didn't take long for Shigure to use his magic hands to transform Tohru's hair from her plain look into the star fruit shaped piled on the back of her head. The results were fantastic.
Tohru took a moment to look at herself. Her hair indeed looks like a star fruit and it was beautiful.
"Ah it look so real that I could just take a bite out of you!" Shigure exclaimed. Tohru panicked but he coaxed her that he was just kidding. He led Tohru back to the waiting room where Hana and Megumi merely fell asleep. Tohru woke the up gently.
"Are you done?" Hana asked rubbing her eyes. "Oh my, you look very beautiful Tohru-chan. What do you think Megumi?"
"Very lovely as usual," Megumi said yawning.
"Arigato for the hairstyle Shigure-san. Although it was rather painful, I thank you for all you've done for me," Tohru said bowing.
"No problem! Well I'll see you at your debut! I'll be sure to find you at the after party as well," Shigure said leading them out the door.
"Okay. Arigato once again! Sayonara!" Tohru said waving and heading to the carriage Hana already waved down. It was getting late and it was time to go home.
Tohru arrived home feeling beat. She wanted to go to bed right away but Kana had to set up the special that she had to use. It didn't take long to lay out the rice around it so in case she did roll off the pillow, the rice could still protect her hair. Tohru conked right out after Kana left. Let the debut begin starting tomorrow.
As everyone slept, two shadowy figures were downstairs looking at the invitation on the table.
"Hmm, her debut is tomorrow? We better make her feel welcome at her after party right Kagura?" Rin said slyly.
Kagura gulped not wanting to do this but sadly nodded.
Let the games begin.
kimchee: Ugh can't write anymore for today. I'm sorry again. I can't help but be too detailed. But I didn't want to make the chapter super duper long.
Hana: You keep putting Tohru's debut off. What is wrong with you?
kimchee: Hey, don't blame me that you made so many appointments for her.
Hana: But it is your fault for being too detailed. Your readers would get rather bored.
kimchee: But if I rush it, it won't be interesting. Well I'm sorry once again for lying. Not my fault on how I write. But to make you happy, I for sure will post Tohru's debut chapter tomorrow. Please be patient and don't get angry with me.
Megumi: I could curse you instead.
kimchee: Um I gotta run. Until next time!