Visit to the Flower World

[Shuu]

[ Ameruri ~ Backstage Giddiness! ]

Kagurazaka, Tokyo.

One of the few Hanamachi's left in Tokyo, the realm of the ever-elusive Geisha. A bustling quarter with both old and new architecture alike, and even having a slight french influence. However, venturing further into this section of Tokyo would reveal the hidden world many seek out, for one glimpse of the mysterious Geisha.

The quarter was alight today, for in one of the main theaters the Geisha performed at was going to put on a spectacular show, featuring an up-and-coming Maiko named Ameruri. It was arranged by her Oneesan, Mameruri, who was a very popular and influential Geisha in Kagurazaka, to help gain some new patrons for Ame.

The theater was flooding with spectators and some Geisha, and Ame was pacing behind the stage, as it was her first big show since her debut a year ago.

"Ame-chan, calm yourself!" Her elegant Oneesan sighed, shaking her head up at the young girl. "You will be just fine."

"I know I will, Oneesan!" Ame turned down to Mameruri, smiling broadly down at her, "I just can't sit still! I'm so excited for this...you know how much I love to dance."

Somehow, the excitement within her little sister didn't surprise the full-fledged Geisha. Mameruri chuckled and shook her head. "I should have known it was excitement. But remember to keep focused, you have your reptutation on the line."

Ame nodded, "Of course, Oneesan." She smiled, pointing one of her toes absentmindedly; a trait she hadn't dropped since her ballet days. "Besides, my mother said she'd be here! I'm so happy she can watch me perform."

"Ah, Ame-chan..." Mameruri sighed, shaking her head, "Still a child at heart, I see."

[ShadowedFlames]

{Tori Montgomery: Did I make a wrong turn somewhere?}

She was looking for release, to try to tap into her muse and let the words come out in one of the few periods of downtime she had. Normally, Tori would immediately gravitate to her Within Temptation or Evanescence discographies, but for some reason she felt compelled today to go out and see what music the world outsider her four walls had to offer.

As she stepped outdoors, an old Neil Diamond lyric jumped into her head unbidden: It's the song of the cars / On their furious flights / But there's even romance in the way that they dance / To the beat of the lights. Tori unconsciously adjusted her stride to be more in time with the rhythm inside her head, and started to softly hum the song as she let her feet guide her to wherever it was they would take her.

In the span of about twenty minutes, she found herself outside what appeared to be an outdoor theater in a part of the city she was unfamiliar with. Tori wasn't as worried as most, given that she could defend herself and she had cash hidden on her for cab fare should it become needed, and settled into a seat in the back, allowing her to see what was going on around her. Perhaps a local acoustic band was playing today, which would explain the lack of amps and other heavy equipment.

As a few others filed in, she kept hearing a word repeated: "geisha." It took a while before Tori's mind made the connection. This wasn't the sort of muse she was looking for...yet she knew if she left now, Tori would draw attention to herself and that could be a genuinely bad thing.

What's the worst that could happen? she asked herself silently as she prepared herself for...well, just about anything. She didn't know much about geishas, only rumors and stories that she didn't put much stock into. Perhaps it would be best if she found out first-hand, and finally put a kibosh on the most profound rumor she heard during her time with the band.

After all, there's no way some lewd shenanigans would erupt right in front of her. Surely that had to be just a story, as the road crew kept telling her...right?

[Minxie]

{ Laila Sindri :: Yes, some time away is totally what I need! }

"I feel like an idiot." Laila sighed, tugging at the cuff of her jacket. Her aunt gave a very undignified snort.

"It was this or a kimono." She reminded the teen. "We're seeing culture, you should dress up."

"They don't make kimono in my huge size, Masako oba-san." Laila grumbled, then gave a small smile as her aunt linked arms with her.

"I could find one for your curves. You're not huge, Laila-chan. Just curvy. Everyone loves curves. Look at that woman who had all that stuff injected in her hips and ass...."

"Gross!" Laila pulled a face, giggling, though quietened down at some of the looks she got from the other people around. "Masako oba-san, you never mentioned what we were doing."

"Ahhh." Masako grinned broadly, leading her niece towards a beautiful theatre. "A friend of a friend has organised a show for a young lady up-and-coming in the Geisha world, a beautiful flower - or so I'm told - beginning to bloom. Tonight is her special night. And," she winked. "Your special night also. I cannot believe Kimiko-chan hasn't shown you anything like this yet!"

"Isn't it a bit..." Laila tried to think of a way of phrasing 'sexualised' without actually coming out and saying it. Luckily her aunt seemed to know where she was going, because she snorted again and shook her head.

"Iie, that's just what Hollywood wants you to think. It's much more refined than that." She gave Laila a sly glance. "Maybe you'll stop falling over all the time, hey?"

"Hmph." Laila muttered, pouting a little as the pair made their way to the seats that Masako had - somehow - managed to keep reserved for them. They were quite close to the front.

"Stop pouting and smile." Masako chided her. "You look much nicer when you smile."

"Gee, thanks..." Laila mumbled, but she stopped pouting, at least.

[Shuu]

[ Ameruri ~ The Show Begins ]

The crowd in the theater began to hush as the lights on stage became brighter and the house-lights dimmed. People settled into their seats and prepared for the show to start, and their hopes did not need to be shattered. The curtains on the stage folded back and revealed several women wearing extremely elaborate kimono, many of whom had very long obi as well. Their faces were painted pure white with bright red lips and slight eye make-up, and they all wore similar kimono.

The orchestra started up with traditional Japanese instruments, and the women on stage performed very simple, elegant dances with fans. One of the women in the band began to sing as well, in a very high-pitched voice. She sung of a story behind the dance, though the two didn't seem interconnected to the untrained eye.

After a few minutes of this, the dance was over and the Geisha on stage took small, polite bows, the curtain closing again.

With the lights on stage off, a lone figure appeared on stage. A spot-light pointed down on her, revealing Ameruri, adorned in a pure black kimono with a white obi. The orchestra started up again, plating an eerie and haunting melody. She began the similar dance with soft elegant movements, though there was a hidden sorrow to her moves, much like the music. The music began to escalate and became more dramatic, and her moves did as well. It was very pretty, but difficult to understand for those not native to Japan. It wasn't as intense as most western-styled dance, and flowed much more smoothly. Still, the audience seemed to enjoy it and when she stopped, they burst into applause.

Ame hurried off stage at this point to change for the next bit, her older sister smiling down at her.

"You did so well, Ame-chan!" Mameruri encouraged with a broad grin, the dresser already tearing the kimono of.

"T-thank you, Oneesan!" Ame laughed, the other Geisha for the next act already rushing onto stage. "I can't wait for the next dance...I hope they like it as much as the last!"

"Of course they will," The Geisha said with a smile, the next dance already beginning. "Your forte is dancing, and that's what they've come to see."

[ShadowedFlames]

{Tori Montgomery: Nothing like I expected}

It took Tori a good thirty seconds to realize that the first act was over. Even then, her thought was Wait, everyone made up these wild rumors to cover THAT up? What the hell?

From her seat in the back, she noted that no one was leaving, which surely meant that there was more to the show. Though she had no idea what else was next, she looked around the theater to get a feel for her surroundings--one never knew when the next fight would start, after all.

She immediately regretted it, though, as it seemed like everyone else was of a higher, more noble class than her. At least, those she could see. Her eyes kept returning to a figure near the front of the stage, who seemed rather reluctant to be there as well. At least she has a better idea of what's going on, I'd imagine. Would be kind of hard to look so regal and be clueless in this place.

Regardless, she remained at her seat. There wasn't much else she could do until the second act--whatever that entailed--began.

[Minxie]

{ Laila Sindri :: Somewhat unexpected, that... }

Laila blinked in utter astonishment as the show went on; it was absolutely nothing like she had imagined! She was most relieved that the music was gentle on her ears, and the lights were the same. She was wearing her lightly tinted glasses, just in case, but it seemed as though she had overprepared.

"That...was..." she struggled to find words, as the stage cleared momentarily.

"Not expected?" Her aunt teased. "It isn't supposed to be all about kinky stuff."

"Oba-san!" Laila squeaked, going crimson. Her aunt laughed and petted her head lightly, affectionately.

"I know, I know." She smiled. "But have you enjoyed it so far?"

"There is more?" Laila gave a small smile. She had enjoyed watching it. If she were honest, it had also been nice to see pretty women who weren't suddenly turning into characters from manga novels... She pushed the thought away, and concentrated on the present.

No lightning here... No confusing Caecus...

She wriggled a bit in her seat.

"It is different. And kinda fun." She added. "I don't think I get it, though..."

"Just enjoy the scenery." Her aunt suggested, winking, and Laila flushed again.

[Shuu]

[ Ameruri ~ Onto act 2! ]

The second stage of the production began with something that seemed to make more sense; well, to those more educated in Geisha and the fine art they presented. Instead of just simple dancing on the stage, this dance had more of a...story to it, though it was a far cry from Andrew Lloyd Webber.

This dance told the tale of the first Saio, who was an unwed daughter from the Emperor of Japan who would become a Priestess. It was another elegant, soft dance, with the background Geisha being the wind and trees, while Ameruri portrayed the heroine. It was a different air, less somber and full of sorrow and regret, and more strong and hopeful. Ame performed it well, standing out on stage in her elaborate kimono and silencing a majority of the audience while she was on stage.

This movement lasted much longer then the last one, but it was much more in-depth and moving.

[Minxie]

{ Laila Sindri :: Still pretty...still makes no sense to me! }

Laila stayed respectfully silent through the performance, though she was absolutely dying to ask her aunt questions about what was going on, and why were the others just lurking at the back, and what was it all about anyway? The music, though, was delightful and soothing, yet with an air of hope that finally began to lift the low spirits of the teenager.

She found herself swaying slightly from side-to-side as she listened, and let herself relax properly for the first time since the way-too-weird events back home. Somehow, now, thinking about them didn't send her into fits of terror.

Maybe oba-san was right? I did need a break...

[ShadowedFlames]

(OOC: Gah, I thought Shuu was going to reply first since the last couple replies were short, and I was waiting for that. My apologies!)

[Tori Montgomery: I wonder.]

The music, the dance, all seemed to have an effect on Tori, though she showed no signs of it outwardly. Her mind tried to come up with words to match the music, for some way to incorporate the music to the medium of radio. However, it took her about fifteen seconds to simply discard the idea and just let the music speak for itself. Sometimes that would be best.

This was definitely not what I was expecting. I wouldn't mind asking someone just what the nuances are that I may be missing here, but I doubt that's going to be likely. Especially sitting alone in the back.

She did manage to refrain from asking the obvious question: if those were the first two acts, what on earth would be the encore?

[Shuu]

((Whoop, sorry Duane! My bad ^^; ))

[ Ameruri ~ Final Act ]

Once the tale of Saio was done, another interlude took place while the next act was prepared. It was another simple dance with the geisha that didn't perform last time, having no real meaning to it. Ameruri was nearly torn from the previous kimono and tossed into a new one, but it was far more elaborate then the last one. Thusly, the interlude was longer then the previous ones were, showcasing several other geisha and maiko.

Finally, once that was done, the final act of the performance started. This last segment was about the Shinto Sun Goddess, Amaterasu. It told the rivalry between her and Susanoo and how she hid herself within a cavern, bringing darkness and despair to the world; then of her glorious return. It, like the previous segment, was lovely and very well done, with a lot of strength and emotion to it; and it was longer as well. It was quite the fitting end to the production, and the audience finally applauded once it was completed.

Ameruri took a polite bow with all of the other Geisha once they filed onto stage, standing in the center of it. Once bows were done, she hurried back stage and was undressed again.

"How did I do, Oneesan?" She asked with a bright smile down at Mameruri.

"Very well, Ame-chan." The Geisha complimented with a satisfactory nod. "But don't let it tire you too much; once you are dressed, we have a gathering to go to at a tea house back in the Hanamachi."

Ame giggled, "Of course not, Oneesan! I'll be fine tonight, I promise!"

Mameruri chuckled. "That's my girl."

[ShadowedFlames]

[Tori Montgomery: Uh, so...now what?]

She had been ingrained to stand and cheer at this point, in the hope that the performer would perform another song or two as an encore. When she didn't see anyone doing that, though, Tori fought back a frown. This was unusual for her; how else was she supposed to act when a decade-plus of experience told her to do otherwise?

Man, this is where I wish I had either come with someone, or felt comfortable asking someone what is next. I mean, yes, the song and dance were impressive on those senses, but this sudden void sort of...makes me feel uneasy. I'm half-expecting someone to pop up behind me with a camera and say I just got punked or something.

Casting her eyes about, Tori waited for some sort of signal or clue to guide her in the right direction.

[Minxie]

{ Laila Sindri :: My aunt plots too much... }

After what her aunt informed her was the final section, Laila applauded just as loudly as everyone else. She had truly enjoyed the entire thing, although she had understood little-to-none of what had occurred. As the audience began to exunt, she shifted in her seat and tilted her head up.

"Now what, Masako oba-san?" She queried. Masako smiled and rose, indicating her niece should do the same.

"Now, we party."

"Party?" Laila squeaked, and coughed. "I...don't understand." She sighed. "You mentioned nothing about a party..."

"Indeed I didn't." Masako agreed, grinning broadly. "Come on, we have a tea house to get to."

"Gyah..." Laila mumbled, but allowed herself to be pulled through the crowds. Near the back, she lost her footing and nearly landed in the lap of a red-headed young woman. "Oh my gods I'm so sorry!" she yelped in English, before quickly repeating herself in Japanese, cringing inwardly at herself.

[ShadowedFlames]

[Tori Montgomery: INCOMING!]

The mass exodus of people heading for the exits was enough of a clue for her. However, she didn't react quick enough to avoid the rush of people leaving, and had to wait for most of the audience to get past her before she could even think of leaving.

Well, that was certainly different. Granted, if someone were to ask me just what had happened here I wouldn't be able to say a thing, because I don't have a clue. But, it was a nice change of pace. Now, if I could only get out of...ah, finally, an opening!"

Tori started to get to her feet, but was immediately blocked by a falling young woman, who promptly landed in her lap and forced Tori back into her seat with a "whump." It took a few seconds for her to realize that the young woman had spoken, in two languages, and Tori decided to reply in kind.

First, it was in plainly-American-accented Japanese, and then in her native tongue. "It's quite all right. No harm done...well, except to our respective dignities, that is."

[Minxie]

{ Laila Sindri :: Maybe one day I'll stop landing on people }

Laila could feel herself blushing, and suspected she was likely red as a tomato. Or red as the hair of woman she had just landed on. She was relieved when her aunt hauled her up with only a small amount of decorum.

"I - thank you..." She stuttered, then gave a slight smile as the woman spoke English. Sometimes, she realised, she quite missed a language less complicated than Japanese.

"Thank you for catching my dear niece," Masako gave the red-haired woman a bright smile. "It seems the performance quite took away her ability to walk."

"Oba-san..." Laila grumbled.

"And, in your way, you stopped her hurting herself more. For that I thank you." She continued as if Laila hadn't spoken. "Perhaps I can offer you a little thank you, and apology for the damage to your dignity?"

[ShadowedFlames]

(This would be so much easier with an "unread posts" icon....)

[Tori Montgomery: Dignity, or the lack thereof.]

"I assure you, I'm fine. It's no worse than what can be expected during the course of a day. Just glad I was in the right place at the right time. Though I can understand the performance being mesmerizing. It's not what I was expecting when I came here on the spur of the moment."

Tori paused, rolling her shoulders a little to loosen them up and give herself a moment or two to consider her next words.

"I don't require thanks, or a repayment of dignity. I'm just doing what I expect others to do if the situation had been reversed. No more and no less."

The crowd has basically thinned out by this point, and Tori was starting to wonder when she could leave when her stomach brought up a protest of its own, rumbling at the fact that she hadn't eaten in about four hours. A slight blush crossed her face as the rumbling made itself apparent.

"I apologize for that. Perhaps I should heed my body and get some food."