A/N Baba is a Japanese word meaning old hag most women wouldn't want to be called this , maiko is an apprentice geisha .Ryo was the currency back then in Japan ,before it was changed to Yen as we currently know it today .

Katsu

Early in the morning Aki and Shizuma sat at the table eating breakfast, there were two other geishas , seated on the other side of the table.

"Who's the new girl ? "one of the geishas asked.

"She's my younger sister, Shizuma. She'll be staying with us from now on. " Aki replied.

"Shizuma would you like me to be your older sister instead?'' asked the other geisha.

"She's so cute ,I have to have her "Said another.

"She's my little sister, so back off ."Aki joked.

After breakfast mother dressed Shizuma in a plain brown kimono and explained the house rules .

"From now you will be a shikomi, which means you will do chores in this house and tend to your older sister's needs. Starting today you will clean your older sisters' rooms, sweep the yard, clean the pile of shoes, feed the koi, and scrub the wooden floors all throughout the house. "

She said, handing Shizuma a bucket and a scrubbing brush.

she left the room with Aki following close behind. "Okaa-san you don't have to be so strict. ''

"When you gave to me her kimono to mend, I saw the family crest. She is the member of the Hanazono clan, the daughter of a lord. Aristocratic children are nothing ,but spoiled rotten brats .She must be taught the value of hard work . ''

"Shizuma's not like that. "

"You may spoil her, but I will not. If she wants to live here she must earn her keep. "

Later, Aki strolled into the back yard to see Shizuma diligently scrubbing the wooden clogs, making sure to get every speck of dirt.

"Shizu-chan, let me help you '' Aki said, picking up one of the wooden clogs out of the pile.

"Thank you Aki-neesan, but I would like to do this on my own. Please leave it to me "Shizuma said, while engrossed in her work.

At that moment Aki was proud of her younger sister's determination. This girl will surely survive here .Aki thought to herself, while admiring her little sister.

While tending to the koi pond, Shizuma was mesmerized by the fishes' vibrant colors ,and their glistening scales in the sunlight. Many of the koi were white with red and black spots, but there were four koi that were different from the rest. One was gold, the other silver and two were velvet black. She never knew that koi like these existed, and she was quite fascinated by them. One of the koi leaped out of the water then dived back into the artificial pond, creating a tiny splash. She threw some pellets into the water for the fish to eat.

"There you are ."Aki called out.

"Aki-neesan. "

"Since you worked hard today, I thought I'd reward you with a snack. Don't tell Okaa-san, she will be upset if she found out you had sweets before dinner. "

Aki opened a green paper bag and took out an item wrapped in wax paper. Then she unfolded the paper to reveal three sets of sanshoku dango (three colored dango). Aki handed Shizuma one then, took one for herself, sitting the rest next to her.

"I see that you are fond of our koi pond. Some of the fish belong to some of the geishas in the house, for instance those two-black koi over there are mine ", Aki said pointing at them. "They were given to us by a wealthy daimyo, who knew that my favorite color was black .The golden koi is Nika's, and the silver one is Aya's. Aya loves silver . The white and red ones are mother's, she cherishes traditional koi.''

"Watch this ,"said Aki. Placing her hand into water beckoning the black koi to her. When the koi came to her, she gently stroked it's back with her hand as if she were petting a dog. Then she told the koi to jump and it did as it was told.

"Sugoi! neesan how did you get it to do that?".

"It took a lot of practice, to get Taka to do that. Saya on the other hand doesn't like to be bothered " Giggling , She revealed the other black fish hiding under the lily pad.

"You can tell them apart?'' Shizuma inquired.

"Yes, Taka here is male and Saya is female. Male kois have slender bodies, while female kois' bodies are round . Also Taka is friendlier than Saya, she just likes to keep to herself sometimes " Aki explained.

At dinner , Shizuma's sisters were already gathered at the table, waiting to be served. Shizuma gave each sister some smoked eel , before joining them at the table .

"Why do you all call the old woman, mother ? Are you all her daughters?'' Shizuma asked.

"Only Aya is. Aki and I were sold to this house by our parents. " said Nika.

"Your parents sold you?'' Shizuma asked ,puzzled by what she heard. She couldn't imagine her parents doing such a thing. Why would any parent want to sell their children, wouldn't they miss them? she contemplated .

"They sold me, because we were poor and needed to make ends meet" said Nika.

"My parents wanted a boy instead. They sold me, because they thought having a girl was a nuisance."replied Aki.

"Aki don't say that ! They wanted you to have a good life and that's why they sold you to this house. You are one of the most famous geishas in Japan ,next to me of course. "Aya said, wrapping her arms around Aki's shoulders.

"What about me?" Nika asked.

"You are number three on the list of course, but that Tachibana from across the street has you beat .she sure can dance. So, you are actually a four on the list.''

Feeling belittled ,Nika hung her head in shame.

"Aki ,remember that time you and I entertained Tokugawa Ieyasu in Edo ?. Not many geishas can say they have ever done that." Aya stated .

"Geisha life is fun, you get to go to fun parties and drink a lot of sake. There is nothing I love more in this world than sake." Nika said.

"That's because you're an alcoholic "answered Aya.

"I'm not an alcoholic, I just enjoy sake ." Nika fired back .

"You also drink a lot when you're not working "said Aya .

"That's just me having a nightcap, you know I don't drink in the middle of the day."

"Shizuma when you grow up, please drink your sake in moderation, please don't be like Nika-oneesan." Aya said giggling

"I do not have a drinking problem.'' Nika exclaimed.

"let's see, you were passed out drunk on the street after work. Another time you drank all that samurai's sake. He was so upset we all had to apologize and buy him another bottle. Then there was that time you got so intoxicated you raised the hem of your kimono at two random men. Then there was another time ..."

"Enough already!'' Nika yelled.

At the bath house, Aki helped Shizuma get cleaned up , while Aya and Nika chatted with three other geishas in the bathtub.

"Shizu-Chan I have great news! Mother has decided to send you to school" Aki gushed .

"School?''.

"Yes school. You'll learn all the skills you need to become a geisha. I'll help you practice at home of course."

Shizuma gaze at her big sister, while her kimono dresser assisted her to get dressed before work. First, he helped put on a plain white silk under kimono then, secured it with an under-sash to help keep it in place. After he placed a plain black kimono over her white robe and tied obi around her waist. Making it into the shape of a drum knot, for the finishing touches.

Aki asked Shizuma to fetch her box of hair ornaments. Aki peered at the ornaments pondering about which one would look the best with her outfit.

"Ne, Shizu-Chan which one do you think will look good with this outfit?'' Aki asked

"I would try the jade comb nee-san." Shizuma suggested, while looking into the box.

"Great idea !" Aki said , resting the comb against her bun.

"Shizu-Chan, I won't be back until late. Make sure to be a good girl while I'm gone, okay ?" She said ,placing a kiss on her little sister's forehead.

"Aki-neesan please don't go." Shizuma begged, while tugging on her older sister's kimono.

"Sweetie I have to, if I don't we wouldn't be able to keep the okiya running. I will be back, I promise."

Aki walked down stairs to join her other sisters who were all dressed up in elegant kimonos. Nika wore a dark red kimono with flower patterns on it, Aya wore a green with a golden obi that was also tied in a drum knot.

They existed the house and swaggered out into the busy night on their way to the tea house.

Shizuma changed into her sleeping clothes. She stared at the ceiling until she fell asleep. That night she had a strange dream, where she saw her parents sitting in the backyard having a picnic. They beckoned to her to join them; as she ran towards them they began to throw up blood. She heard laughter in the background, it was the man who murdered her parents .

"Now it's your turn!" he said, raising his sword above her head.

"No! don't kill me!''

"Ahhhh! "

"Shizuma! what's the matter? "said Aki, who was awoken by Shizuma's outbursts.

Still a sleep, Shizuma struck Aki across the face. Aki tried her best to restrain Shizuma, who was still experiencing the nightmare .

"Shizuma, it's me Aki, your onee-san. you are safe now … Shizuma wake up! please wake up !"

Frightened the other women rushed into the room , along with mother ,who firmly held a broom stick ready to attack.

"What is it ? is it a thief ?"

"No, Shizu-chan is having a nightmare "said Aki, still trying to calm her younger sister down.

"Poor Shizu-chan "said Nika.

Shizuma woke up with no idea where she was. She saw three concerned faces gazing back at her. She was relieved to see it was Nika, Aya and mother. Realizing that Aki was behind her, she swung around to give her a big hug.

"Nee-san you came back, I was so scared! "Shizuma cried.

"I'm here now, you are safe "she said as she hugged Shizuma.

Everyone raced to get ready for school. Aki helped Shizuma get dressed into her gray and white kimono. Shizuma stared at herself in the mirror , mesmerized the kimono's beauty yet simplicity. Aki styled Shizuma's hair in ware-shinobu style making sure to slick back her silver bangs with candle wax, when Aki was finished, she gave Shizuma her lunch neatly wrapped in a crimson fabric decorated with blue flower designs .

"This is for when you get hungry " She said.

Shizuma held the lunch box carefully, cherishing it . Suddenly Nika and Aya came rushing down the stairs, both fully dressed.

"We would have come down earlier, if Nika wasn't taking so long getting ready." Aya groaned.

"We still have time "said Aki, adjusting her kimono in the mirror nearby .

"It's nice to see Aki happy again,after what happened back then."Nika whispered to Aya .

"We're not allowed to talk about that." Aya warned.

"Sorry." Nika replied.

Puzzled, Shizuma asked ,"You're all going to walk me to school?"

"No, we are going to school as well. No matter how old geishas get , we still have to go to hone our skills." Aki explained.

Aki took Shizuma's hand as they all walked out of the house on their way to school.

Shizuma entered her classroom, closing the sliding door behind her.

"Oh, you're early" She heard a cheerful voice. It was a middle age woman who was a teacher at the school. Pulling out some origami paper She said,

"How about we past the time, I'll teach you how to do origami. "

She handed Shizuma some origami paper

"Do you like animals ?" the teacher asked .

"Yes very much"

The teacher folded the origami paper into the shape of a crane. Shizuma stared in awe at the paper figure.

"what is it?" Shizuma asked

"It's a crane." said the teacher.

"wow!" Shizuma said, taking the crane out of her teacher's hand and admiring it.

"I'll show you how to make one if you like. "

She took out two more sheets of origami paper, handing one to Shizuma . Instructing her how to fold the paper into the shape of a crane.

When Shizuma was done, the teacher examined her work .

"With practice you will get better. I will teach you more later on. It's the prefect activity to do if you become bored while waiting for clients."

Sounds of footsteps came closer to the room. Two girls opened the sliding doors, they were all dressed in the same kimono as Shizuma's and looked to be the same age .

"Ohayo-gozaimasu "the girls greeted .

"It's almost time to start class, the other students will be arriving soon."said the teacher .

"What's your name? "one girl asked Shizuma

"Shizuma ."

"I'm Makina."She answered

"I'm Rena. It's nice to meet you." Said the other.

Soon the class became filled with female students. The teacher taught the girls the art flower arrangement, and dance choreography.

At lunch break Shizuma sat with her geisha sisters, eating the delicious onigari Aki prepared for her. Shizuma took out a book and began reading it.

"Wow, that's amazing Shizu-chan you can read Kanji at your age. Most children can't at eight ." Aki said.

"Hai" Shizuma answered nonchalantly.

"What are you reading?" Nika Asked.

"Tale of Genji."

"Tale of Genji ? I heard about it before it was written during the Heian period. Isn't it about a man who has affairs with many different women ?'' Nika asked .

"Yes, it's very popular book among adults." Aya said.

"Did you say it's popular among adults...?" Aki questioned.

"Yes "

"And Shizu-Chan is reading it!"

Aki snatched the novel out of Shizuma's hands.

"I was reading that Aki-neesan! I was just about to find out why Genji got demoted from the court gates. "

"This is not appropriate for children, where did you get this book? " Aki bellowed

"I found it in your room Aki-neesan "Shizuma replied.

"Wow Aki, that is a great example to set for your little sister. Leaving adult books where she can find them." Nika said sarcastically.

"Oh shut up! I found it in Mother's room. I just wanted to see why everyone likes it so much ."

"Aki, you shouldn't make such a scary face, you'll frighten your clients." Nika laughed .

"Nika, you are the last person that should be talking. "

"How so?''

"You're a drunk ."

"you're a prude! "Nika shouted back.

The other geishas sitting across from them, turned around staring at the group.

"Nothing to see here. We're just practicing for a play, it's called don't expose children to adult things." Aya said.

"I only got to the part where he lost his job "Shizuma said.

"And you won't read the rest until you are an adult "Aki said.

"Aren't my sisters wonderful ? ,they don't even break character "Aya said, hugging them.

After lunch everyone returned to the okiya. Shizuma rushed to the koi pond to check the fishes while the other three had a heated debate about what took place at lunch.

"Guess what I did today" Shizuma said. Sitting near the koi pond addressing the koi as if they were long time friends . She got up and showed them the dances she learned .

"My teacher taught me how to make origami. We learned new dances today, it was very exciting." She got up and showed them the dances she learned .

"Plus Nika-neesan and Aki-neesan got into a fight, they are always fighting."

Shizuma threw some food into the pond for the koi, they rushed to the surface and ate every morsel.

"I remember that dance move."said Aki, who was standing behind her.

"You sure dance well , for someone that only learnt that dance today. Talent like this should never be wasted. "

Aki took Shizuma by the hand the carried her into their bedroom, Where she showed Shizuma a few dance moves . Also how to use her hands to express emotion in dance . Shizuma stared closely at Aki, mimicking everything her sister did.

"Yes, that's it "Aki said, looking proudly at her pupil.

When they were finished, Aki and Shizuma went out on the town. Aki brought smoked eel for them to snack on.

"Tomorrow they will teach you how to play the shamisen "Aki said nonchalantly, while poking her chop sticks the eel .

"How do you know that?" asked Shizuma.

"Because I've done it before "giggle Aki.

Shizuma sat lost in a trance, staring at a mother and father who were walking with their daughter.

"Aki-Oneesan.."

"Nani."

"Do you know … how to make a shrine for the departed? I want to make one for my parents."

"I know someone that can help you. Would you like to go after we are finished eating ? "

"Yes please "

Aki took Shizuma to a nearby shrine, an old woman with salt and pepper hair came out to greet them .

"I knew you would come." She said gazing at Aki with a sly grin.

"Don't just stand there, come in, come in "the woman said, rushing them inside .

Aki and Shizuma both removed their shoes when they stepped into the shrine .

"What can I do for you?'' ask the miko.

"My younger sister would like to make a shrine for her deceased parents ."

"What are the names of your parents, my dear child?".

Shizuma told the woman her parents names .

"Chikaru! "the miko called out .

"Yes ma'am "the girl answered .

A young girl with long jet-black hair walked into the room. The old woman whispered into the girl's ear, the girl left the room. Then She returned with two small wooden planks, calligraphy ink and brushes. The old woman began writing the names on the plank and when they were dry she gave them to Shizuma.

"Take those and keep them as a shrine for your parents "said the old miko.

"Thank you very much "Shizuma said.

That night Aki and the other Geisha's went to a late-night party. They were greeted by two samurai who were waiting patiently.

"How can we entertain you gentlemen tonight? "Aki said seductively.

"How about you come sit next to me? I love having a beautiful woman at my side ." said the samurai.

Aki sat next to him, and he wrapped his arm around her pulling her closer. Nika and Ayako joined the other samurai each sitting at his side.

"Now this is much better ! Having two pretty girls and some sake of course. Have you ladies ever heard tales of the war?" Adachi asked.

"No "Aki answered, speaking for everyone as she poured more sake into the Adachi's cup.

"War is nothing pretty my darlings. You see your friends die, sometimes you have to kill innocent people , because your master ordered you to. I've seen many severed heads and dismantled bodies. War can be cruel and painful thing. "Adachi proclaimed, as he played with the sake in his cup.

"Do you ever feel guilty when you killed innocent people?" Nika asked .

"Yes, I often see their faces in my dreams "said Adachi .

"I don't feel guilty.", replied the other samurai name Daisuke. "I think it was something I had to do, and I carried out my duty . Sometimes wars must be fought, and people have to die." Everyone was taken back by his words .

"My heart has become cold after so many years of battle "Daisuke explained

Everyone drank their sake at the same time, as they sat contemplating on his words

"Now enough about war, let's have some fun. Let's play a game "Adachi said, trying to brighten the mood.

"What kind of game do you have in mind?'' asked Nika.

"A drinking game of course."

"Could we play something else?'' Aki asked .

"No, I want to play a drinking game." Daisuke demanded .

"The rules are simple, in this game each of us has to call out the name of prefectures, in Japan. If anyone runs out of names they have to drink.'' Aki instructed.

Aki called the maid over to get a big jug of sake.

"You should play as well." said Daisuke smiling, at Nika.

The maid returned to the room with a huge bottle of sake in her hands, placing it in the middle of the table.

"Now let the game begin, starting with Daisuke"said Aki .

"Edo" said Daisuke .

"Kyoto" said Nika .

"Nagasaki "said Adachi .

"Sapporo "said Aya .

"Hokkaido " Aki .

After playing several rounds, everyone ran out of prefectures to call and were forced to drink.

"There's nothing better in life than sake." Nika said, clicking sake cups with Daisuke.

"I shall never forget this night" said Adachi, who was so intoxicated he could barely stand up at first .

"Thank you, ladies, for a wonderful night "Daisuke said as he helped his friend exit the tea house.

"Nika, why must you get so drunk? I know you lost a few rounds so you can drink lots of sake on purpose." Aki nagged

"Why are you fussing ? it's normal for Geisha's to get drunk on the job." said Nika

"Not this drunk to the point where you can't stand up. You're lucky they booked us for a whole night."

Nika grabbed the bottle of sake and rubbed it against her cheek . "Kirin you are my only friend, you never belittle like Aki-San does."

"That's because Kirin-san's only purpose was to get you drunk. I'm surprised you remembered the name on the bottle." Aki snapped

"That's because Kirin and I are great friends." Nika grinned .

"Let's go home and get some rest "said Aya, while helping Nika gain her footing.

"Oh just leave me here ! . Ah ... Aki I didn't know you have such beautiful brown eyes"

"It's me, Aya. Aki is over there ." Aya said, pointing in Aki's direction.

"Ne, Aki have you given mother her book back ? " Nika inquired.

"you are still talking to me, Nika " Aya said, annoyed at Nika .

Aya, helped Nika take off her kimono , before tucking her into to bed .

It's gotten worse than before, why she is drinking so much these days? Aya pondered, as she lied in the futon next to Nika.

When Shizuma returned from school, she saw mother chatting with a strange man dressed in a dark blue kimono. He stood in the living room with a little who girl standing next to him, she had an emotionless expression on face. The man gave the proprietress some money then left the house passing Shizuma in the hall way.

Not wanting them to know she was eavesdropping, Shizuma scampered upstairs when she heard the old woman call out to the maid. Instructing her to take the girl to the bath house.

While the maid washed the little girl's body , the child began to sob.

"I know this is hard, but you can have a great life here ." the maid reassured her .

"I want to go home !" cried the girl .

"This is your home now. Soon you will forget about the past, give it time " the maid replied, as she washed the girl's long blue mane.

That night, the dark hair girl whimpered underneath her covers.

"Don't cry . "

The little girl slowly emerged from the covers, to see Aki sitting next to her futon

"Hello, I am Aki and this lovely silver haired girl sitting next to me is Shizuma."

Shizuma revealed a friendly smile

"Nice to meet you what's your name "she asked

"Miyuki "Answered the girl

"You must have traveled such a long way to get here " Aki added .

"I came here with a man in a rickshaw. He came to my house and took me away from my parents. I want to go home, please take me home. "Miyuki begged.

"This is your home now", Aki replied "your family sold you here ."

The girl began to cry again.

"Aki-neesan, I don't think you should have told her that. This girl is a cry baby, I really don't think she can handle something like this . "

"Shizuma, that's not very nice "

"But neesan, she'll cry all night ,and we won't get any sleep."

Enraged, Miyuki opened the sliding doors and dashed out of the room .Shizuma and Aki chased after her, but she was already outside.

Unfortunately, mother was two steps ahead of her. She patiently waited for Miyuki at the gate while holding a bamboo stick in her hand tapping against the palm of her hand slowly.

"So, you want to run away, do you know what we do to runaways here?''

Miyuki felt jolt of cold water hit her body. Mother had instructed the maid to throw it. Deep down the maid was reluctant to throw the bucket of cold water on the poor girl ,but she knew had no choice but to obey mother's wishes if she wanted to keep working at the okiya .

"Do you know how much Ryo I spent on you! Now you want to ruin my investments by attempting to run away." Mother bellowed

"Kneel!'' The maid shouted.

Miyuki reluctantly did as she was told. Before mother could strike Miyuki with the first blow, Aki grabbed the stick.

"Okaa-san, I don't think this will work. If you beat her, it would just make her more determined to run away "Aki urged.

"you're right, beating her is way too easy."

"I will put fear itself into her. She needs to see where she could of end up, if she had not come to this house." she said, glaring at Miyuki

"Don't tell me, you are planning to sell her to Katsu just like you did to Meika ?".

"We will see tomorrow won't we "Mother chuckled.

"Who's katsu?'' Shizuma asked.

"Someone you would never want to meet'' Aki answered.

In the morning the old woman made Miyuki and Shizuma get dressed to visit Katsu.

"You're taking Shizuma too, she's done nothing wrong, she's never tried to run away. If she's going, then I am coming too." Aki protested

"You can tag along Aki" mother said, sheepishly

Aki grabbed Shizuma's hand. Aki's face looked pale as a ghost her eyes had lost the spark that they once had. Was this place as scary as mother claimed. Shizuma wondered . Shizuma felt Aki's grip tighten as they approached a small bridge.

"What is this place?" Shizuma said inspecting the village.

"It's called the pleasure district ."

"Pleasure … district?"

"Where the courtesans live . " Aki answered

"courtesans?"

Shizuma and Miyuki peeped at the women in the brothel , their lifeless faces stared into the street as if they were waiting for someone or perhaps something . One of the women who was leaning against a wall in the back smoked a tobacco pipe, looked as if her mind was a million miles away even though her body was physically there, but her essence seemed to be missing .

"Ah... Sadako "an old woman with a raspy voice called out .

"Good morning, Katsu " mother replied

"These two will make great whores, how much do you want for them?"

"I will keep the silver haired one, but I might sell the blue haired one " Sadako replied still unsure.

"Might? Sadako you are too soft." Katsu looking down at Miyuki and pinched her cheeks.

"Sadako is this the one that tried to run away?"

"Yes"

"You know what we do to whores that run away? We kill them . See those men over there ? When you run away ,they will hunt you like the dog you are. If you don't want to end up here, I suggest you stop this foolishness and learn everything there is to become a geisha. if not, there is always a place for you here. "

Katsu lit her pipe, then blew out a huge puff of gray smoke into Miyuki's face, making the little girl cough.

"Is Meika still here, Katsu?" Mother asked

"Yes, she is, I'll go get her."

The woman went into the brothel then came out with a short timid woman.

Aki rushed out and embraced her .

"Meika, I missed you so much " she said

"Aki, long time no see "Meika said blankly.

"Meika was very feisty when she came here, but we took good care of that . Now Sadako, I will ask you again. How much you want for that blue hair girl? "

"I'm not quite ready to sell her yet."

"Sadako, you will pass up on money for this useless child? Give her to me, I'll give you one thousand ryo for her ."

"Okaa-san please don't sell her "Aki begged.

"It's not up to you to decided " mother responded

"Mother surely you with your smarts, you would see this is a terrible waste. Why sell her for one thousand ryo that will be gone in a month, when you could make a lot more if she became a maiko. You can earn a thousand Ryo a night."

"what if she runs away again?"

"Have you seen how timid this girl is?" Shizuma said, pointing at Miyuki "I am sure deep-down Miyuki wants to apologize." Shizuma glanced over at Miyuki who dropped down to the ground and started apologizing to the geisha mother.

"This woman's face alone is scary enough to give children nightmares. this baba looks like a bakemono " Shizuma continued

"what did you say, you little brat?'' Katsu roared

"you look like a bakemono , baba "Shizuma smirk.

"I change my mind, I want the silvered hair one. I'll turn her into a good little whore and cut out that sharp tongue of hers. "

Katsu said lifting her hand to slap Shizuma across the face, but she was stopped by Aki.

"Do you know what mother birds do to predators that attack their young? They poke their eyes out." Aki whispered into Katsu's ear.

Frightened Katsu moved away from Shizuma.

"Sadako, our deal is off you can keep the brats ! " She yelled as she went back into the brothel.

"Normally, I would not approve of naming calling, but Katsu deserved it " Aki said, grinning at Shizuma as they all walked back home

"Aki-neesan what's a whore?" Shizuma questioned stopping Aki in her tracks.

A/N I was going call this chapter bakemono , because Katsu seemed like a monster to me , but instead I named it Katsu at the last minute.

I based Nika's sake on a sake I had drank a few years ago it was the first time I ever had sake and I was super drunk afterwards no I didn't think Kirin was my best friend , as I had written this story years ago when Nika got drunk ,but named the sake after the one I drank .

When a girl first joins a geisha house / okiya she becomes a Shikomi ,where she is required to do chores in the house and tend to the needs of everyone in the house except the maid, this is to see if she worthy of being a geisha .

Info

In case you didn't know, Tale of Genji is a real book it was written during the Heian period 12th century Japan written by Murasaki Shikibu . Geishas had professional kimono dressers that would help them put on their kimonos because the outfit was heavier than regular kimonos that the average person wore at the time , it takes two hours for a geisha to get dressed and the kimono dressers were the only males allowed in the okiya . The pleasure-districts were created by Tokugawa Shogunate to combat against widespread prostitution : Shimabara where Shizuma lives in Kyoto , Shinmachi in osaka , and Yoshiwara in Edo ( modern day Tokyo) Yoshiwara is the most famous of the three .

Geishas also had their own district as well called hanamachi or flower town in English this Shizuma lives. Both districts were located in Shimabara noticed they didn't have to walk to far to get to Katsu's brothel.

Like I said before I am currently re-editing some of the stories . I have a bad habit of rushing the stories , because I worry if I'm gone for too long you all will think I'm abandoning the story again. I still feel awful but not continuing this story for years and it pained me to know I had the current chapters in my book, but they were not published . Due to a lot of things happening that kept me way from here . I hope that you all will enjoy these stories and that it will bring you enjoy as it has brought me joy writing them and again I'm really sorry for being away for so long I hope I can make it up to you all .

On another note this chapter has an Easter egg I wonder if any of you will be able to figure it out ?