Yea yea the usual disaclaimers....
"Misao is this really necessary?" Okon said in a hushed voice, glancing around furtively.
"Of course it is. Your omitsu has not been having proper meals the past three weeks." Misao hissed as she shoved food into her mouth, appeasing her growling stomach.
"Demo, do we have to go to this extent?" Okon said, indicating to her ninja uniform. It had been three weeks since Misao became a geisha and for the past three weeks. No progress has been made in her performance, save the fact she managed to restrain her temper and decided that she best walked the way Amamiya wanted her to or risk her face being permanently scarred. However, she had suffered three weeks of no breakfast, lunch or dinner, for fighting with Amamiya and the lecherous customers. Misao had sent a pigeon carrier to Aoiya, ordering one of the ninjas to use their skills to enter the heavily guarded Teahouse. Not that it was of much difficulty to them but Misao was unable to get out of the geisha quarter's without being notice by some air-headed trainee. So every night, one of the Oniwabanshuu member would sneak in with a large meal prepared for Misao and hoping their operation would go undetected.
"Hai." Misao mumbled in between mouthful of food. Okon sighed and sat down next to her. When the Oniwabanshuu received her letter, they sorted out shifts for each other. The first five days had been Okon, followed by Kuro, Shiro, Omasu and back to Okon again. Okina gave some lame excuse of having an aching back and old bones though he did send his regards to Misao. Aoshi on the other hand just gave a look of disinterest and walked off, leaving the other four ninjas to sort out the schedule. Realising that their omitsu won't be able to survive on one meal a day. They brought her a proper meal before daybreak and sneaked in during the evenings to hide a little bit of food in between the folds of her clothes.
"Arigato." Misao said, wiping the food stains off her mouth.
"Do itashimashite. Misao-chan, do be careful, geisha is a dangerous job." Okon said in concern, standing up, getting ready to leave. Misao nodded, earning a quick hug from her before she disappeared into the darkness with the leftovers of what had been a meal.
A little later...
"Misao-chan, Shin-chan, you have been working with us for three weeks, and here is your pay, I am giving you a day off, enjoy yourselves." Kanjire said dismissing the girls.
"Matte Misao-chan, I would like to have a word with you." Kanjire said, motioning her to approach his desk.
"How do you find geisha life so far." Kanjire said not looking up from his paperwork.
"Fine. May I ask how much money you gave Shinyoko-san?" Misao replied while fiddling with the envelope that contained her payment.
"Gohyaku-en satsu. Doushite?" Kanjire asked surprised at the question.
"Betsune." Misao said exiting while Amamiya entered.
"Konnichiwa anata." She said, closing the door behind her. Kanjire shook his head in disgust as she seated herself on his lap.
"Doushite anata?" She asked, kissing him behind his ear.
"Why do you call me anata, when we aren't married?" Kanjire said, putting down his pen, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Why did you give the Makimachi more money then the other wretch? Don't tell me you love her too?" Amamiya said, leaning her head against his chest, avoiding the question.
"What makes you think that?" Kanjire threw back as he pressed his lips against hers.
"Mou, you are always playing with the new girls anata." Amamiya pouted.
"So tell me, why are you always calling me anata?" Kanjire said as one hand stroked her hair, the other one cupped against one breast.
"You don't like me to call you that?" She said playing with a few strands of his hair.
"No, that's why I ......." Kanjire whispered in her ear, earning a blush.
Outside, Misao opened her envelope and found a sen-en satsu inside.
"Shin-chan!! Matte na yo!!" Misao yelled chasing after the girl.
"Nani? Misao-chan?" Shinyoko said, turning around.
"Takuya-san mixed up our payment! I believe this is yours." Misao said, handing over her envelope.
"Arigato Misao-chan." Shinyoko said before running off, her hair blowing in the wind.
At the Aoiya...
"Okina! I would like to thank you for helping us with the chores!" Omasu said sarcastically as she and the other three ninjas rushed about the restaurant, the customers today seemed to be never ending.
"Gomen nasai Omasu! I have to attend to Oniwabanshuu matters now that Misao isn't here and Aoshi is no longer okashira!" Okina cackled gleefully, glad for once that there was paperwork to be done.
"Why don't you get Aoshi to HELP you? I am sure he remembers how to do paperwork." Okon yelled, irritated with the lazy old man who sat at a desk pretending to do work.
"Unfortunately Okon, Shinomori-san is at the temple and would be there till noon before he comes down for his lunch. So I will be taking over." A voice called out from the secret exit in the Aoiya. The two angry ninjas and Okina froze at that voice.
"Misao-chan! I have missed you SO much!" Okina yelled attempting to crush her with his bear hugs. Side-stepping, Misao avoided his killer hug.
"Gomen Jiya demo, I won't fall for your killer hugs that would render me senseless and injured so that you can do paperwork. Okon, Omasu, Jiya would help you with the restaurant. Won't you Jiya?" Misao said threateningly. Grumbling, Okina pulled himself off the floor, complaining about the youngsters these days who just didn't understand how an old man works. Just as Misao sat down in her desk, Shiro rushed in with a new load of paperwork.
"Oh! Konnichiwa Misao, are you back as okashira? Here's the latest report on Kanjire Takuya you told me to look up." Shiro said before rushing off to help the others.
"Arigato Shiro-kun." Misao said softly. Cocking his head back, Shiro gave Misao a quizzical look, Misao was never this ladylike nor did she even call him Shiro-kun before. Staring at the report, she found out that Kanjire was notorious for recruiting girls with poor families overseas to become geisha, lying to them about a job of glory and wealth. He had a wide collection of weaponry, ranging from katanas to firearms to heavy artillery, most of them he had bought from Yukishiro Enishi. He had a high status in society and great friend to most corrupted officials. Tired, she looked at the clock, realising it was already lunchtime, she headed to the kitchen in search for something to eat.
"Misao-chan! Could you take this meal to Aoshi-sama? We are rather busy." Omasu said as she dumped the bento in her arms. * I guess it wouldn't hurt to bring him his meal would it? * Misao thought as she headed to the temple.
"Use your geisha charms on him Misao!" Called Okina from the back, smiling, Misao waved before heading off.
"Nani?" Okina asked innocently as the four other ninjas stared daggers at him, closing in on him.
"That's it, I had enough of this old man." Omasu said, throwing down the tray. The others nodded in agreement as they closed in on Okina, murder in their eyes.
At the temple...
Aoshi was meditating silently when he heard footsteps up the stairs leading to the temple. Slow gentle steps, unfamiliar steps. Getting up, he headed for his kodachis that hung on the wall. Hiding in the shadows, he waited for the person to enter the temple. The person turned out to be a lady, her hair held in a bun, her kimono swaying in the wind. Drawing his kodachi, he held the flat of the blade at the person's throat.
"You best tell me who you are and what you want." He growled into her ear, seeing her body stiffen.
"Misao Makimachi desu, Shinomori-san." Misao said softly, clutching the bento hard.
"Uso!" Aoshi growled whipping the lady around, only to find Misao, a shadow of her former self.
"I brought your lunch Shinomori-san" Misao said putting the bento on the floor. Aoshi stared at her; he barely recognised her, in the kimono, walking oh so daintily, her hair no longer in its free form, her voice smooth and gentle. Silently waiting while he ate, the silence was unnerving and awkward.
* She has changed. * A small voice said at the back of his head. Aoshi narrowed his eyes, concentrating on his food.
* Aren't you going to do anything? * The small voice asked demandingly. * Her love for me is just a childish infatuation. * Aoshi replied.
* Oh Kami! Is that what you think? You are a bigger baka than the chicken head! That's it, I'm taking over! * The small voice yelled, exasperated by his obstinate attitude.
"Misao, can you tell me why you want this job of the geisha?" Aoshi asked, shocking both Misao and himself. * Ha ha * The small voice taunted.
"Well as you know Shinmori-san, I had bad experience with men, and I wish to correct myself in order to become a lady of dignity." Misao said hurtfully, throwing back some of the phrases Aoshi had thrown to her in the past.
"Misao, I never..." Aoshi began, only to find himself silenced by her laughter.
"Shinomori-san, did I make you think I was talking about you? Gomen nasai but you are greatly mistaken." Misao said through forced laughter. * Yes it's better this way * Misao thought sadly.
"I have to return to the teahouse now Shinomori-san. I trust you can return the bento to the Aoiya by yourself?" Misao said getting up before Aoshi could open his mouth. As she made her way down the stairs, his question kept ringing in her mind.
1 Why do you want the job of the geisha
Why do you want the job of the
Why do you want the job of
Why do you want the
Why do you want
Why do you
Why do
Why.
"Because it offers to change me into everything I'm not!" Misao screamed at the haunting words. * Yamete! Yamete! Why do you.... Yamete!! Don't you have any.... Yamete!! Unless you want to keep your pretty face... YAMETE!! * Misao screamed, running away from everything she knew or trusted. Everyone seemed to be against her the only thing she knew was sanctuary could be found in a place they call the Kyoto Hisuihana Teahouse. Running into the teahouse, she saw Amamiya in the kitchen, preparing dinner for the trainees.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH MY KUNAIS?!?" Misao screamed at the okiya.
"Oh these? I found them in your room and decided they would make good kitchen knives." Amamiya said, indicating to the meat slices she used the kunais to slice.
"If you ever touch them or walk into my room again, I'll make sure you would suffer a fate worse than death." Misao hissed into her ear while twisting her arm back, causing her to drop the kunai.
"And I'll report you to Kanjire." Amamiya said with a smirk, dumping Misao's precious kunais on the floor. With tears welling in her eyes, Misao gathered up her kunais before running to her room. * What sanctuary? * A little voice at the back of her head asked.
Japanese Translations:
Do itashimashite: Your welcome
Gohyaku-en satsu: 500 yen bill
Betsune: Nothing
Anata: Darling (wife to husband)
Sen-en satsu: 1000 yen bill
Uso: Liar
A.N.
Minna-san hope you all like this chapter, I think I put Misao too OOC oh well, its because she spent too much time in the teahouse. I promise the next chappie would be more exciting. Please review and tell me your opinion. Domo Arigatooo!
"Misao is this really necessary?" Okon said in a hushed voice, glancing around furtively.
"Of course it is. Your omitsu has not been having proper meals the past three weeks." Misao hissed as she shoved food into her mouth, appeasing her growling stomach.
"Demo, do we have to go to this extent?" Okon said, indicating to her ninja uniform. It had been three weeks since Misao became a geisha and for the past three weeks. No progress has been made in her performance, save the fact she managed to restrain her temper and decided that she best walked the way Amamiya wanted her to or risk her face being permanently scarred. However, she had suffered three weeks of no breakfast, lunch or dinner, for fighting with Amamiya and the lecherous customers. Misao had sent a pigeon carrier to Aoiya, ordering one of the ninjas to use their skills to enter the heavily guarded Teahouse. Not that it was of much difficulty to them but Misao was unable to get out of the geisha quarter's without being notice by some air-headed trainee. So every night, one of the Oniwabanshuu member would sneak in with a large meal prepared for Misao and hoping their operation would go undetected.
"Hai." Misao mumbled in between mouthful of food. Okon sighed and sat down next to her. When the Oniwabanshuu received her letter, they sorted out shifts for each other. The first five days had been Okon, followed by Kuro, Shiro, Omasu and back to Okon again. Okina gave some lame excuse of having an aching back and old bones though he did send his regards to Misao. Aoshi on the other hand just gave a look of disinterest and walked off, leaving the other four ninjas to sort out the schedule. Realising that their omitsu won't be able to survive on one meal a day. They brought her a proper meal before daybreak and sneaked in during the evenings to hide a little bit of food in between the folds of her clothes.
"Arigato." Misao said, wiping the food stains off her mouth.
"Do itashimashite. Misao-chan, do be careful, geisha is a dangerous job." Okon said in concern, standing up, getting ready to leave. Misao nodded, earning a quick hug from her before she disappeared into the darkness with the leftovers of what had been a meal.
A little later...
"Misao-chan, Shin-chan, you have been working with us for three weeks, and here is your pay, I am giving you a day off, enjoy yourselves." Kanjire said dismissing the girls.
"Matte Misao-chan, I would like to have a word with you." Kanjire said, motioning her to approach his desk.
"How do you find geisha life so far." Kanjire said not looking up from his paperwork.
"Fine. May I ask how much money you gave Shinyoko-san?" Misao replied while fiddling with the envelope that contained her payment.
"Gohyaku-en satsu. Doushite?" Kanjire asked surprised at the question.
"Betsune." Misao said exiting while Amamiya entered.
"Konnichiwa anata." She said, closing the door behind her. Kanjire shook his head in disgust as she seated herself on his lap.
"Doushite anata?" She asked, kissing him behind his ear.
"Why do you call me anata, when we aren't married?" Kanjire said, putting down his pen, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Why did you give the Makimachi more money then the other wretch? Don't tell me you love her too?" Amamiya said, leaning her head against his chest, avoiding the question.
"What makes you think that?" Kanjire threw back as he pressed his lips against hers.
"Mou, you are always playing with the new girls anata." Amamiya pouted.
"So tell me, why are you always calling me anata?" Kanjire said as one hand stroked her hair, the other one cupped against one breast.
"You don't like me to call you that?" She said playing with a few strands of his hair.
"No, that's why I ......." Kanjire whispered in her ear, earning a blush.
Outside, Misao opened her envelope and found a sen-en satsu inside.
"Shin-chan!! Matte na yo!!" Misao yelled chasing after the girl.
"Nani? Misao-chan?" Shinyoko said, turning around.
"Takuya-san mixed up our payment! I believe this is yours." Misao said, handing over her envelope.
"Arigato Misao-chan." Shinyoko said before running off, her hair blowing in the wind.
At the Aoiya...
"Okina! I would like to thank you for helping us with the chores!" Omasu said sarcastically as she and the other three ninjas rushed about the restaurant, the customers today seemed to be never ending.
"Gomen nasai Omasu! I have to attend to Oniwabanshuu matters now that Misao isn't here and Aoshi is no longer okashira!" Okina cackled gleefully, glad for once that there was paperwork to be done.
"Why don't you get Aoshi to HELP you? I am sure he remembers how to do paperwork." Okon yelled, irritated with the lazy old man who sat at a desk pretending to do work.
"Unfortunately Okon, Shinomori-san is at the temple and would be there till noon before he comes down for his lunch. So I will be taking over." A voice called out from the secret exit in the Aoiya. The two angry ninjas and Okina froze at that voice.
"Misao-chan! I have missed you SO much!" Okina yelled attempting to crush her with his bear hugs. Side-stepping, Misao avoided his killer hug.
"Gomen Jiya demo, I won't fall for your killer hugs that would render me senseless and injured so that you can do paperwork. Okon, Omasu, Jiya would help you with the restaurant. Won't you Jiya?" Misao said threateningly. Grumbling, Okina pulled himself off the floor, complaining about the youngsters these days who just didn't understand how an old man works. Just as Misao sat down in her desk, Shiro rushed in with a new load of paperwork.
"Oh! Konnichiwa Misao, are you back as okashira? Here's the latest report on Kanjire Takuya you told me to look up." Shiro said before rushing off to help the others.
"Arigato Shiro-kun." Misao said softly. Cocking his head back, Shiro gave Misao a quizzical look, Misao was never this ladylike nor did she even call him Shiro-kun before. Staring at the report, she found out that Kanjire was notorious for recruiting girls with poor families overseas to become geisha, lying to them about a job of glory and wealth. He had a wide collection of weaponry, ranging from katanas to firearms to heavy artillery, most of them he had bought from Yukishiro Enishi. He had a high status in society and great friend to most corrupted officials. Tired, she looked at the clock, realising it was already lunchtime, she headed to the kitchen in search for something to eat.
"Misao-chan! Could you take this meal to Aoshi-sama? We are rather busy." Omasu said as she dumped the bento in her arms. * I guess it wouldn't hurt to bring him his meal would it? * Misao thought as she headed to the temple.
"Use your geisha charms on him Misao!" Called Okina from the back, smiling, Misao waved before heading off.
"Nani?" Okina asked innocently as the four other ninjas stared daggers at him, closing in on him.
"That's it, I had enough of this old man." Omasu said, throwing down the tray. The others nodded in agreement as they closed in on Okina, murder in their eyes.
At the temple...
Aoshi was meditating silently when he heard footsteps up the stairs leading to the temple. Slow gentle steps, unfamiliar steps. Getting up, he headed for his kodachis that hung on the wall. Hiding in the shadows, he waited for the person to enter the temple. The person turned out to be a lady, her hair held in a bun, her kimono swaying in the wind. Drawing his kodachi, he held the flat of the blade at the person's throat.
"You best tell me who you are and what you want." He growled into her ear, seeing her body stiffen.
"Misao Makimachi desu, Shinomori-san." Misao said softly, clutching the bento hard.
"Uso!" Aoshi growled whipping the lady around, only to find Misao, a shadow of her former self.
"I brought your lunch Shinomori-san" Misao said putting the bento on the floor. Aoshi stared at her; he barely recognised her, in the kimono, walking oh so daintily, her hair no longer in its free form, her voice smooth and gentle. Silently waiting while he ate, the silence was unnerving and awkward.
* She has changed. * A small voice said at the back of his head. Aoshi narrowed his eyes, concentrating on his food.
* Aren't you going to do anything? * The small voice asked demandingly. * Her love for me is just a childish infatuation. * Aoshi replied.
* Oh Kami! Is that what you think? You are a bigger baka than the chicken head! That's it, I'm taking over! * The small voice yelled, exasperated by his obstinate attitude.
"Misao, can you tell me why you want this job of the geisha?" Aoshi asked, shocking both Misao and himself. * Ha ha * The small voice taunted.
"Well as you know Shinmori-san, I had bad experience with men, and I wish to correct myself in order to become a lady of dignity." Misao said hurtfully, throwing back some of the phrases Aoshi had thrown to her in the past.
"Misao, I never..." Aoshi began, only to find himself silenced by her laughter.
"Shinomori-san, did I make you think I was talking about you? Gomen nasai but you are greatly mistaken." Misao said through forced laughter. * Yes it's better this way * Misao thought sadly.
"I have to return to the teahouse now Shinomori-san. I trust you can return the bento to the Aoiya by yourself?" Misao said getting up before Aoshi could open his mouth. As she made her way down the stairs, his question kept ringing in her mind.
1 Why do you want the job of the geisha
Why do you want the job of the
Why do you want the job of
Why do you want the
Why do you want
Why do you
Why do
Why.
"Because it offers to change me into everything I'm not!" Misao screamed at the haunting words. * Yamete! Yamete! Why do you.... Yamete!! Don't you have any.... Yamete!! Unless you want to keep your pretty face... YAMETE!! * Misao screamed, running away from everything she knew or trusted. Everyone seemed to be against her the only thing she knew was sanctuary could be found in a place they call the Kyoto Hisuihana Teahouse. Running into the teahouse, she saw Amamiya in the kitchen, preparing dinner for the trainees.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH MY KUNAIS?!?" Misao screamed at the okiya.
"Oh these? I found them in your room and decided they would make good kitchen knives." Amamiya said, indicating to the meat slices she used the kunais to slice.
"If you ever touch them or walk into my room again, I'll make sure you would suffer a fate worse than death." Misao hissed into her ear while twisting her arm back, causing her to drop the kunai.
"And I'll report you to Kanjire." Amamiya said with a smirk, dumping Misao's precious kunais on the floor. With tears welling in her eyes, Misao gathered up her kunais before running to her room. * What sanctuary? * A little voice at the back of her head asked.
Japanese Translations:
Do itashimashite: Your welcome
Gohyaku-en satsu: 500 yen bill
Betsune: Nothing
Anata: Darling (wife to husband)
Sen-en satsu: 1000 yen bill
Uso: Liar
A.N.
Minna-san hope you all like this chapter, I think I put Misao too OOC oh well, its because she spent too much time in the teahouse. I promise the next chappie would be more exciting. Please review and tell me your opinion. Domo Arigatooo!