My Fair Geisha
By: sakuraflowergal
Chapter 2: A New Name
"Good! You've finally found your centre of gravity. Now, try putting your foot forward." Syaoran said when Sakura could finally balance in the okobo after 2 hours of trying.
Because of the height of the clogs, Sakura could not feel the ground beneath her, so she lifted up her foot to avoid being tripped.
"No, no, no, no, no! Don't lift your leg! Is this the first time you wear a kimono? Bend your knees slightly and turn in your feet." Syaoran instructed, resisting the urge to go right down to correct her posture.
Sakura moved into an awkward position which only served to make Syaoran yell louder.
"No! This way." Syaoran said as he demonstrated the pose himself. The result? Use your imagination!
With this vision, Sakura managed to stand exactly as how Syaoran wanted her to.
"Now, take a step forward. No, don't lift your foot high uer attitude, he looks rather good in a woman's kimono. And to add on, he moves naturally in them too! It was as if he grew up wearing them!' Sakura thought with amusement and slight admiration.
While Sakura was assessing Syaoran, he had already entered the room and put on a pair okobo.
"You just imitate my actions. How my feet shuffles as I walk around; how my arms remain still; how I hold my kimono hem out of the way." Syaoran then proceed to walk round and round the room many times.
At first, Sakura could only stare at Syaoran as he transformed from a man to a graceful women without any sign of difficulty. Then, Sakura started to learn and very soon she was able to walk properly at a relatively quick pace. Syaoran smiled a little when he saw the improvement, but sighed as he realized the sacrifices he may have to make to get Sakura to learn.
"Wonderful! I think we have just found how you learn. This also means you will see me wear this more often."
Sakura smiled at the thought and chirped "Hai!"
Syaoran caught this and corrected her, "It's hei. Kyoto geisha speaks their own dialect. You must at the very least know two words: hei for yes, and okini for thank you or excuse me."
"Hai!" Sakura replied.
"Hei." Syaoran corrected her again.
"Hei."
"I think we are done walking. Now, we'll get you in full maiko costume and see how you fare in them."
"What?" Sakura was astonished. "Is this not yet the full costume yet? This hikizuri is heavy enough. If you add any more things on me, I won't be able to move!"
"Don't worry, just some makeup and a wig will do."
Right on cue, Naoko brought in the bottles of makeup and a wig.
First, Syaoran spread a layer of binsuke oil paste which acted as foundation on the face, neck and upper back. Then he applied a thick white paste over these areas, only leaving a clean 'fork' shaped pattern on the nape of the neck. The clean 'fork' on the nape of the neck actually showed the 'sexiness', Japanese style. A red eyebrow pencil was used to highlight the eyebrows and pink powder was used on the cheeks and around the eyes. Lastly, Syaoran filled the lower lip with a pink lipstick to give the look of full lips.
At this point, Sakura sneaked a peek on the mirror and mumbled, "Op>
"Hai!" Sakura replied.
"Hei." Syaoran corrected her again.
"Hei."
"I think we are done walking. Now, we'll get you in full maiko costume and see how you fare in them."
"What?" Sakura was astonished. "Is this not yet the full costume yet? This hikizuri is heavy enough. If you add any more things on me, I won't be able to move!"
"Don't worry, just some makeup and a wig will do."
Right on cue, Naoko brought in the bottles of makeup and a wig.
First, Syaoran spread a layer of binsuke oil paste which acted as foundation on the face, neck and upper back. Then he applied a thick white paste over these areas, only leaving a clean 'fork' shaped pattern on the nape of the neck. The clean 'fork' on the nape of the neck actually showed the 'sexiness', Japanese style. A red eyebrow pencil was used to highlight the eyebrows and pink powder was used on the cheeks and around the eyes. Lastly, Syaoran filled the lower lip with a pink lipstick to give the look of full lips.
At this point, Sakura sneaked a peek on the mirror and mumbled, "Oh my god." Her usual pearl white teeth now look horribly yellow in contrast with the white makeup. All in all, Sakura just doesn't look like Sakura anymore.
Having done the makeup, Syaoran moved on to position the wig of black hair over Sakura's honey brown hair. Pins made of silver, coral and jade were placed into the back of the bun while Syaoran added a pair of silver flutters in the front. Syaoran then proceed to reassemble the kimono which was taken off to avoid makeup stains.
Now fully costumed, Syaoran gave Sakura time to get used to the look. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she had to resist the urge to reach out and touch the reflection. The wonder of last night could not be compared to what she is feeling now. In fact, she could not be sure that the face in the mirror belonged to her or to a precious porcelain doll.
"Wonderful, isn't it? As a geisha, you represent the traditions of this great country. But geishas are not pretty dolls or prostitutes like the rest of the world thinks. Geishas are so much more. And, that means…more training!" Syaoran announced.
Surprisingly, even with the extra weight, Sakura could still move with the same grace she practiced earlier. Syaoran nodded his head with approval and thought in his heart, 'She may be slightly slower and rather clumsy, but with the right method, she can learn very fast and adapt to changes just as quick. With luck, mission impossible may be possible after all.'
"With a new look," Syaoran started, "comes a new name. I'm sorry, but there is already a geiko named Sakura so we will have to pick a new name for you. This will be the name you will use in the geisha world like how an author uses a penname."
"Hei." Sakura chirped in understanding.
"What do you want to be called? You can use any name you want. Most girls have names which follows their One-sans (sisters) who guide them through their maiko stage, like: Ichiume's One-san was Ichihana. The word 'Ichi' serves to bond them together throughout their career. Since you don't have one, you get to choose your own name. Alternatively, you can use the okiya's name 'Ko'."
Sakura thought for a while. She knew many girls have names of flowers or fruits but she wanted something special to her, something that connected with her soul.
"Kohoshi. My name will be Kohoshi."
"Good name. 'Ko' means small and 'hoshi' means star. Little Star will be your symbol. I'm sure Tomoyo-san can come up with a kimono that matches the theme."
Naoko entered the room again to bring the bottles of makeup away. "Otou-san, it's time for lunch. Shall I serve it in the room?"
"Yes. That would be great. Bring some sake with you. I would like Kohoshi-san to start her drinking training."
"Hai." And Naoko was off to fetch the food.
As efficient as a maid can ever be, Naoko and Rika had displayed lunch in a blink of the eye. Lunch was the most important meal for geishas as they could not attend a banquet with full stomach. It will impair their dancing and concentration. They also wake up too late in the morning for breakfast, thus lunch was almost like the only proper meal geishas had everyday.
"There are many different types of sake, some served cold, and some should only be taken warm. This, thankfully, is not your responsibility. Geishas are hostesses, not waitresses. Your job is not to serve the food to the guests; there are other girls for this job. Your job is to make the guests feel at home; you tell jokes when the atmosphere is too stiff; you bring a shy guest out of his shell to enjoy the evening. Geishas do not depend on their beauty like bar girls; they depend on their priceless skills that have the ability to turn a boring party into a magical night. The only common thing every banquet has is sake. And so, you must learn to drink. Unlike the guests, you don't have the privilege to be drunk at the party. You must also learn to play drinking games."
Syaoran handed Kohoshi a cup of sake. "Drink it, but not the entire cup. Unless there is an absolute need to, only take a small slip from the cup, and yet, act like you have finished the entire cup. This is the trick!"
Syaoran did a demonstration. He hid the cup from sight with the long sleeves of the kimono and tipped the cup of sake towards his mouth as if he emptied the cup in one mouthful. However, when he showed the cup to Kohoshi, it was clearly still full of sake.
Kohoshi did the same with her cup of sake and only took a small slip of the wine as instructed. But this small slip had proven to be just too much for the girl. Kohoshi only managed to return the cup onto the table before passing out.
'Oh god. This is going to be difficult!' Syaoran thought at the sight of a drunken woman.
"Naoko!" He called out and the maid immediately appeared. "Clean her up and put her to bed. I doubt she will wake up until tomorrow morning. I'm going out now and won't come back until late at night, so there is no need to prepare dinner for me."
"Hai, Otou-san."
Syaoran changed into proper attire before leaving the house. It may still be early but the amount of things he had to finish was unbelievable. First, he had to visit Tomoyo who lived just down the streets.
"Pleased to meet you, Otou-san Li." Tomoyo greeted Syaoran at the door. "Is there anything I can help you?"
"Yes. Please prepare the kimonos Kinomoto-san will need for her debut as maiko next week. Her geisha name is Kohoshi. Please prepare kimonos with the same theme."
"Next week?" Tomoyo exclaimed. "That's really soon. Is she ready for her new job?"
"Not quite. However, I will have her ready for her debut next week. Meanwhile, her minarai will start tomorrow and I hope Daidouji-san can also help prepare kimonos for this period as well."
"I'll be glad to. And if possible, I would like to have the honor of dressing Kohoshi-san for her banquets every evening too."
"Please do not trouble yourself with such minor details. You must have more important things to do." Syaoran said.
"It's no trouble at all, I want to do so."
"I thank you for your kind help, Daidouji-san." Syaoran bowed.
Tomoyo bowed back. "Would you like to stay for tea?"
"I would be delighted. But, alas, I have still many things to be completed by today to prepare for Kohoshi's minarai."
"Have you decided which Ochaya (tea house, the place where geishas work) for the minarai? I'm sure Oka-san Kikuko would be delighted to have Kohoshi-san practice at her place."
Syaoran bowed, "Thank you for your kind offer. I was going to ask Kikuko-san for her permission to allow Kohoshi's minarai at her Ochaya."
"May I call her to explain your situation?" Tomoyo offered.
"Yes. Thank you for your kindness. I should be going now. See you tomorrow evening." Syaoran bowed again, and then left the house.
(AN: I know this conversation is very rigid, but that is probably how they would speak to one another in ancient Japan.)
The next evening, Syaoran was briefing Kohoshi on the things to take note of before she starts dressing up.
"I know you are still a minarai and you should only sit in a corner observing the entire banquet. But sometimes, the customers will ask you questions or comment on your outfit, etc. You cannot just remain silence like a doll. Try to answer their questions politely, but never lie. If the questions made you uncomfortable laugh it off or just smile, don't give any direct answers. Accept all compliments with an okini. And don't drink! Tell them that you are not well enough for alcohol or get one of the customers to help you drink the cup. If you need me, just excuse yourself and go to the waiting room where I'll be there to wait for you until the banquets end."
Kohoshi nodded and her heart beats faster as the time for her first banquet drew closer.
A voice from outside the room was heard. It was Naoko and two other people.
"Otou-san, Daidouji-san and her assistant is here to help dress Kohoshi-san."
"Let them in." Syaoran ordered.
Tomoyo entered the room with a young maid who carried several boxes with her.
"Otou-san Li, I have come to dress the precious doll."
"I thank you for your help; it would have been difficult for me to dress Kohoshi-san by myself. (Customs: Syaoran can definitely dress Sakura by himself, but he is not supposed to admit that.)
"It is no trouble at all. Can you please leave the girls alone and wait next door? I'll give you a brand new Kohoshi in just a while."
Syaoran took the cue and left the room to be surprised later. Tomoyo then took the chance to introduce her maid to Kohoshi.
"This is Chiharu-chan. She helps me with my kimonos in my house."
Chiharu bowed deeply when her name was mentioned and Kohoshi bowed back politely.
"We don't have much time. Chi-chan, take the things out and hand me the oil."
The makeup process was very much similar to the one Syaoran had the day before. (So I am not going to go through it all over again.) The wig was fitted on her head and the ornaments put in its position. Tomoyo then showed her the kimono of the day.
"Your name was Sakura, so I took out this kimono from storage to match your name. Do you like it?'
In a lovely pale blue color with cherry blossoms all over it, the kimono was truly an amazing piece of art. Kohoshi reached out to fondle with the soft silk and felt it slide across her palm like flowing water. She loved it!
Tomoyo dressed her and tied the obi. The dangling ends of the belt were long, but it only reached the knees, unlike a maiko's obi which reached the ankles.
With all the accessories in place, Kohoshi was amazed that she could still stand firmly on the ground. The entire costume must have weighed at least 40 pounds!
Tomoyo stood aside and admire the art piece she had created. A moment ago, Kohoshi was just an ordinary girl. Now, she is a doll, a lady, a piece of every man's fantasies!
"You are ready for the world, Kohoshi-san."
"Okini, Daidouji-san."
"You can just call me Tomoyo. Other than the man, no other person ever calls me by my last name."
"Hei." Kohoshi replied.
"My, your Otou-san did teach you well."
"Yes, Otou-san has taught me many things." Kohoshi said, calling Syaoran 'Otou-san' for the first time.
"Well then, let's show the great man how lovely you look!"
The man was already waiting anxiously at the door, not because he wanted to see how Kohoshi looked, but because they were running late for the banquet. Nevertheless, Syaoran was still mesmerized by the green-eyed lady. For that very moment, Syaoran totally forgot that they had to leave for the banquet immediately!
"Otou-san?" Kohoshi asked and waved her hand at the frozen man.
Syaoran was awaken and surprised by the name Kohoshi called him by. However, he did not correct anything as that was how things were supposed to be done. He was also reminded of the fast-flying time.
"We have to go now! You can't be late on your first day!" Syaoran exclaimed.
To be continued
AN: Is it good? Then, hit the review button to tell me how you feel!