It was in 1603 that the Tokugawa warrior clan ruled over Japan, after that the country was divided up into feudal domains ruled by lords. Years later the number of warriors increased and the samurais of each domain were identified by the colors and patterns of their uniforms.
I, proudly, wore the light blue uniform of "Soldier" the samurais of Miyoshi.
That until I was called in by the Commander this morning.
I nearly choked on air when I heard of my next task.
"Wh-what?! Are you serious, Riota-san? What kind of mission is that?"
He chewed several times on an unlit cigarette, the glares he was receiving lately whenever he was about to smoke were seriously getting on his nerves, "These women witnessed the ripper's murder; it won't take long before he goes after them."
"They're Geisha, I'm pretty sure they can live by staying home until we get this guy!" I said looking at the papers given to me by the commander. "Please consider someone else! Anyone?!"
"I'll put three men outside the house and you'll be their moving body guard, lose the uniform and dress as a civilian…"
Did he just ignore me?
"I trust you the most Shou-kun, keep them company until we catch this beast." There was an unwavering fire in his eyes that only sparked when it concerned owning up to his title. "You need to protect them as 'Soldier'"
I stood up and rose to my full height, closing my eyes, having no other choice. "Hai! (yes!)"
Never have I thought that one day I would have to live in a house of Geishas.
Later on that day I was accompanied to the okiya (lodging house geishas live in) called Fuku, it was a late afternoon and warm spring sun caressed the rooftops of the geisha district. I was introduced to four young ladies: Nene the oldest geisha, Mitsu the second, Tama the little one and Megome the apprentice.
I was also told to call the head of the Fuku Hatsu-Yome 'Okaasan' (mother). She was in her forties but looked so much older! her hair, which was like a web of silver yarn, encased her head. Her face was wrinkled, but the lines on her face, made her look sweet. Two other women were to be called Obaa san (granny) and Obasan (aunty), Obaa san was a woman of wisdom, every wrinkle tells a story of her struggle and survival, decades of History is hidden in her memory... It was hard to follow at first; as warriors we did not have many rules, in our troupes we were only men so we did not give much care for names or method of speaking.
I got scolded for not using correct terms and manners so many times but I got used to it.
Night was falling when I decided to stretch my legs, I lit up a cigarette and gazed up the stars, it was a cold night.
"Hello Daiki-san, smoking is bad for your health." Tama-chan greeted me from above; she was sitting in the roof top. I was surprised at first; I thought I was alone at the back of the house.
"Sorry. I smoke when I'm stressed." I laughed nervously putting down my cigarette. "Are you sure you should be up there?"
She nodded with a smile "hum, I come her often to get away from the noise."
"It is quite lively in here." I smiled back "What did I expect from a house full of women."
I heard her giggle but didn't lift up my head to see, we just sat there for a while without saying a word.
"Tama-chan!" Mego's head appeared in the trapdoor on the roof where Tama had enjoyed two minutes of quiet. "I think I lost my shamisen (musical instrument)."
Tama suppressed a sigh.
Megome was probably the most forgetful and clumsy young maiko in the whole Fuku but she was like a sister to Tama and all the geishas there. Tama's tender, selfless nature compelled her to help Mego as much as she could on her way to a full geisha.
"Mego, how can you lose your shamisen, it's one of your most valuable possessions. Do you remember where you've last seen it?"
"I think I left it at school. I will be in great trouble if Hatsu-Yome finds out I cannot practice tonight and I cannot possibly go back and get it because then they will know!" by 'they' she meant the other inhabitants of the Fuku the girls lived in.
"If you weren't such a block head you wouldn't be in such trouble." I turned to see Nene walking towards me, brushing her long silky hair with her fingers.
"Nene!" Mego whined "what am I going to do now!"
The older geisha clicked her tongue in annoyance "Just send Yuu-chan to get it."
"I-Is that okay?" Megome wondered guilt already building up in her face "would Hatsu-Yome be mad?"
Nene rolled her eyes "She doesn't have to know." And with a clap of hands the door opened and closed quickly, a maid walked to her side bowing slightly. "Where's Yuu-chan?"
"He's washing the dishes madam." The maid answered with another bow.
"You do the dishes and ask him to come over here." Nene ordered.
We didn't wait too long, the door opened again as a little boy came in and closed it behind him.
Fragile and pale body walked by me and I couldn't help but notice how strange he looked, compared to the kids in Miyoshi. For one, his kimono was too big. It looked like he was swimming in it rather than wearing it. His hair was long on the back, gathered by a small ribbon while the front was covered his face in spiky golden locks. It was the thing that struck me most about his appearance, his blonde hair and blue eyes both reflecting from the moon's glint of light. I have never seen such a vivid hair color or deep blue eyes, here in Miyoshi or anywhere in Japan.
"Yuu come here!" Nene wailed at him "Mego left her shamisen at the school," She told him and the boy glanced at Megome who turned away embarrassed. "Fetch it, now!"
"I don't mean to be rude, but you shouldn't be sending a kid out at night." I said looking at Nene's face switching all of the sudden.
"It's barely getting dark, he'll be fine." She replied and the boy bowed and turned to leave but Nene stopped him and whispered to his ear "You better not tell Hatsu-Yome!"