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Mizuki Ame sighed.
Looking out the window, the young woman idly twirled a stray lock of silken ebony hair, gazing out at the stars and the moon. Once more, the feeling of dread and distress fluttered in her gut and made her cringe.

Tommorow night was her mizuage, and Mizuki was not looking forward to it at all.

Sure, she'd never have to see the male again, she'd be paid well by whomever won the privaledge of initiating the ceremony, and after that she could focus on the real jobs of a geisha, but still. Mizuki had no problem being an entertainer, a hostess, a singer, perhaps even a flirt if she tried hard enough.

Why oh why was her initiation, her right of passage from maiko to geisha, necessary to become what she wanted? Who cared if she was a virgin if she went into the buisiness, a geisha was not a common prostitute, no, they were not to sell sex, they were to entertain by their arts and their charm.

Once more, she found herself sighing, bemoaning tommorow night.

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Chokichi staying near the shrine had hear that a young woman was about to have her mizuage.

This was a custom of a maiko to be deflowered and then they would throw a party in her honor. This custom represented a girl becoming a woman. Chokichi had seen many maiko become geisha's in his time and this one though seemed a bit different to him.

He had been watching the young woman, and she seemed almost melancholy, as if she didn't want all this. Sitting on the roof of one of the temples Chokichi just looks out at the moon and wonders what will happen.

Thinking to himself "Should I find out what this young woman wants or should I not." Chokichi then floated down and watch the young woman as she thought and said to her in her mind "How are you young woman, I am her to ask what your intentions are. As I can see you are deep in thought and look kind of distressed. If I may help, then all you have to do is ask." Chokichi waited for the young woman to reply to him.

Turning to go to her futon, the young woman gasped, hearing a oice, yet...spinning around, she saw not a sign of another person. She heard nothing, saw nothing. Sufficiently startled, the young woman situated herself in a corner, grabbing a katana she had taken from her home when coming to this place, holding it ready. She was a woman, but she had asked her father to teach her now and then in her youth, despite how unconventional it was.

"W-who's there? I..I just want to rest is all...rest and forget the ceremony..I know it must be done, but may it be over quickly so I may never deal with it again!" she had no idea why she felt compelled to answer, but answer she did. Her eyes darted around fearfully, tense and waiting for something. Was it an ill omen? A bad spirit?

She had no charms, nothing to keep them out with her tonight.

Chokichi realizing he had startled the young woman "You need not worry, I am not here to harm you."

Wondering if he should just reveal himself for a bit. Chokichi then appeared floating in front of her window as a young man, and showing his tails so she would know what he was.

Now speaking to her plainly "I am here to find out why you are thinking this way? I am not an ill omen or bad spirit, I am here to only see what it is that is bothering you. Then if you want me to, I would be willing to help. So what is it that you do not want to do young maiden?" Chokichi looked at in wonder as it was not common to see a woman using a sword.

Holding the blade up in her hands, despite how it was a bit too heavy for her, she stood firm, watching the man. Scootching back further, her eyes widened in surprise. A kitsune spirit! Or....A kyuubi to be more specific.
Placing her sword down, she doubted it would do much good against a spirit, and besides, it wouldn't bode well to anger them.

"I...I am a maiko...soon to be a full fledged geisha. But..I have to have my mizuage ceremony first....I..I don't want to sleep with anyone, even if it is only one time, even if they are not supossed to come to me for such a favor ever again. I..I dunno if I can do it, I'm only just turned 19!"

Mizuki trembled, knowing full well this was not an unusual age and by far not too young. She was scared, scared, and she did not want to sleep with just the highest bidder! What if they were mean or rough?

Chokichi looked the young woman over "What if were to tell you that I could be the one to deflower you. Then you would know who is the "person" is and you wouldn't have to really go through with it. I can see a great pain in your eyes and can feel the sorrow you harbor from losing such a precious thing to a stranger. I have never totally agreed with this custom and would only like to see your best interest kept in mind." Chokichi pauses and then reads her thoughts to see what type of image of a man she really likes, that she would feel more comfortable around. Then turns into that man right in front of her "Does this suit you well? I would also like to know what is your name?" Chokichi asked knowing full well he could just read her thoughts to find out. This way he would feel a sense of connection to her on her understandings not his.

"M-mizuki, My name is Ame Mizuki." she murmured, bowing before him as he shifted. Blinking at him, she couldn't help but blush. Well, that was one way to try and help, but she was stil nervous. Would it work?

Looking into his eyes, the maiko slowly, tentatively approached the man, watching him carefully. "You'd do that for me? But..I have nothing much I can give in terms of materialistic value. All I can do is entertain and sing." Taking a deep breath, she looked at his new form, shaking her head. "Please, you needn't change your appearance or image for me, you are..you are nice as you are sir kyuubi." It was then, she decided to take a risk with the spirit and try to learn of him. "Might I know the name of the one who is being so kind to me?"

Looking at Mizuki, Chokichi just chuckles a little "Well, it is nice to met you Mizuki. As for my transforming into this look, I took from your mind what you features you liked the most and made myself look that way for you. I enjoy seeing a smiling face and would love to hear you sing. I have seen and done so many things in my long life that hearing about new tales and just letting go is fun for me. As for my name, that is a little more personal a question. As my name means good fortune, and I am about to give you a great deal of good fortune." Chokichi then thinks for a second and plants his name in her thoughts to see if she notices or not "So Mizuki, what do you think of the idea? I would really love to do this for you and all you would have to do is entertain me if that would please you?" Chokichi knowing it will help her.

Mizuki smiled. Well wasn't he just so kind! Bowing a bit in gratitude, she took in his new appearance. Strangely, it wasn't much different from normal, for she thought he looked like her definition of handsome already. Now he was just and inch or two shorter, had long black hair, and grey green eyes.

As he mentioned his name, she bowed apologetically. "Forgive me for being so bold as to ask you a personal question sir." Strange, she was thinking of a name she never knew anyone by. "C-chokichi? Is that it? I would be wiling to agree, I'll entertain you as you wish if you decide to help me kind spirit. Truly, I am honored you'd come to help me."

"How did you know my name, you couldn't have possibly have heard it before this point." Chokichi chuckled knowing she didn't know it before this very moment "Yes I will help you and you will not have to go through the deed if you choice not to. I am kind and will make sure you are taken good care of also." Chokichi smiles at Mizuki realizing she likes how he looks.

Looking at Mizuki he wonders what else she wants out of life "So what do you really want to do with your life Mizuki? I am interested to know this, as I like to hear a good story and have all the time in the world." Unaware to Mizuki the room is surrounded by a powerful illusion to make people think no one is here so that he can listen to her tale. "I would really enjoy just listening about your life and what you dream of doing. Those are things much better then money or fame, its having a person to talk to and spend time with." Chokichi smiles and sits waiting for what should be a great story.

Mizuki blushed, gazing at him in amazement and awe. Why did people fear spirits if this was how they were? They were kind, and the kyuubi was quite the gentleman thusfar.
She merely shrugged, only to remember that was not the most proper expression for a lady.

Hearing him request her story and her purpose, Mizuki faltered. What did she want? She wasn't entirely sure. "W-when I was a little girl,,about 7 or so, they told me I could marry a boy training to be a samurai like my father. My father is one of the top 5 most valued warriors of the emperor, and they wanted me married to a man like that, as my mother and father were fairly higher ranking. But, I remeber back then , seeing a beautiful maiden walking to a special place, and she could dance so beautifully! The men all looked at her and seemed to smile in delight, but she would wave and be kind, then be off on her own. None of them could touch her. I asked my mother who she was, and I was told it was a Geisha."

Mizuki paused, thinking back to her little chubby baby face as she pointed and stared in awe, till the woman smiled at her and gave her a flower for her hair.

"I found out what a geisha was, and I told my momma 'I'm gonna be a geisha too! I don't want to marry ever!'" My mother laughed. She thought I was silly, but..but I got the idea, and the more i watched them, the more I wanted to be like them. They made me meet my intended before I made any decision. Finally, my parents, my parents allowed me to be trained as a maiko, just as I wanted. Just unlike most girls, it wasn't just for money and an escape, it was because they told me, I could choose my path, but whatever I chose, I had to do well and be an honorable woman, behave myself."

Sitting down, her hands folded delicately in her lap. "They told me I might not be accepted, but the woman, Mikoto, she became my mentor and chose to accept me under her wing to train, and ever since I was 13, I have been training and practicing hard to be a master of the arts, to be one of those beautiful women."

With a sigh, she tried to think, what did she truly desire. "I..I want to make people forget their worries, I want to be a source of amusement, delight, happiness, even for just a few, I want to live free of restraints, where women rule and men do not control or make decisions for us, I want to sing....I want...something different."

Looking at her in awww, Chokichi just wonders how it would be to be a mortal. As he had lived for so long these things she speaks of are only fleeting moments in his life. Where as for her it's what defines her's. Chokichi then looks at her "Mizuki your story has really moved me. For a person born into that kind of life then choosing to follow a path that is below your status is honorable and one to be respected. You have shown a drive that I have never seen in a woman before and you will also make a great geisha."

Chokichi looks her over and just thinks about wanting to be more then just the spirit that helps her, but courting her to be his lover or even his bride. Thinking back to the many brides he has had and lost saddens him a little but he hides his tears from Mizuki's beautiful smile. She needs not know of my pains and woes, as she seems to have a great resolve to her. I know if she were to choose to marry she would make a great wife to a lucky man. Just would he treat her like she deserves or as an object like so many men do these days.

"I want to make you an offer Mizuki, if you will tell me of your life and sing for me. I will give you what you are looking for, and maybe even more. If you want to be a geisha without going through the deflowering then I can do that for you. I will use the visage you see in front of you now." Wondering how this will all work has gotten Chokichi excited. "It has been so long since I have seen this kind of excitement." Thought Chokichi.

Then looking at Mizuki and realizing she will make a very wonderful and humble geisha. Chokichi looks at her and wonders how many men will want her and if she will ever choice to take a husband or not. "Mizuki you are going to be a wonderful geisha and you have no need to worry about any of this. You are both beautiful and you have a drive that I have not seen in many years. Woman like you bring change to the world and I have seen my fair share of those woman." Chokichi knows that with her passion she could move nations and control the men behind power with only her looks.

Chokichi was now going to be at the forefront of this and he loved to see how this would all end up. Knowing that there may be many challenges ahead, Chokichi knew she would need him for help and maybe even companionship. He only knew that time would tell and hoped to be more then a kind spirit that helped her, but the being she wanted to be with.

Mizuki felt the heat rise in her cheeks, her remaining makeup doing little to hide it. She was beyond surprised at the man's words, and it made her heart thud in her chest. He'd do all that for her? He thought so highly of her, a mere human when he was a mighty spirit? It was unimaginable to her.

"Please sir Chokichi...you flatter me and exaggerate. I am just a simple girl who likes to sing and has a soft spot for animals. I've never done anything curageous, been a savior for anyone, or done much except follor my tutors and mentors. I can only play shogi and sing. I was never good with dancing, I cannot sew a kimono, and no matter how many times I wormed a lesson in swords from my father, I never improved much. I talk too much for most ladies, and I have still not mastered the art of conversation."

Stumbling and rambling as she often did when shy or nervous, the maiko bowed, managing to silence herself. "I would be honored and more than willing to do those things for you. You will not get into trouble for interfering? You..you could really, you;d really want to do such a thing, for me? to save me from the Mizuage traditions?" Mizuki clasped her hands together, bowing greatfully to Chokichi, a smile lighting her face.

"I can sing for you at any time you wish, now even, if that would be your desire." she offerred, willing and happy to offer to recite and make music with her voice for his entertainment, this handsome man who was going out of his way to help her. He made her feel special, though she was but a simple girl.

"Sir Chokichi, you jest. Please call me Chokichi, I insist on it." Chokichi chuckles a little "You can say that again, you really need to work on your conversation skills. If you would like I can help you with that, as I have lived for many years and have a lot of knowlege that might help you. I could also teach you how to use a sword, if you would like. I just have to say though you are high spirited and you sure know how to keep me entrertained with your ramblings." Chokichi chuckles again "As for shogi and singing I can also do both of them really well and I could help you with the dancing, if you would like that." Chokichi already knew how she would respond and laughed inside at the fact the he knew she had fallen for his charms. This was making Chokichi really happy.

"As for the rest, I will help you. Don't think twice about it. As I don't answer to anyone directly, I will not be in any trouble. It's just you can never speak of this for I don't want people to hunt me down. Greedy men would love to get a piece of me for their trophies. As for the money do not worry, you will get a large amount and won't ever have to worry again." Chokichi was looking forward to all of this and hoped it would never end.

Looking into her eyes "Can you sing for me now? I would really love to hear you sing, if only for a moment as I must be leaving soon." Chokichi was getting slightly tired from the use of to much magic. He hadn't used this much for many years now. It's just he wanted to hear her before he needed to rest for a bit "Mizuki please sing for me, it would please me to hear your lovely voice." Chokichi wasn't telling her but he had heard her before and loved how she sounded. Her voice was that of a being sent from the heavens. In his many years he had never heard such a voice before. "I was also wondering would if be okay if I called you Mizu-chan?" Chokichi knew this would make her a little happy to hear that he wanted to give her a nickname.

Mizuki flushed brighter pink, nodding as he of course, noticed her quirks and shortcomings. Hopefully they did not make him think less of her.

As he asked her to call his name without calling him a title, she bowed, feeling surprised and flattered. "I--I shall try not to be so formal then Chokichi-dono, and..I would gladly accept help, for in truth, I do need improvement." she said, covering her mouth as she realized -dono was no better. What should she use? -san? -kun? neither seemed right. Especially not for a mighty spirit who was doing so much for her. It was in her nature to be formal and polite.

At the request to sing, Mizuki bowed, nodding her head and standing a bit straighter.

She then began to sing, a song she had heard before, and it was her favorite, though she had heard it but a few times.

YouTube - Yuna Ito - trust you (subbed)

"Hana wa kaze ni yure odoru you ni
Ame wa daichi wo uruosu you ni
Kono sekai wa yori soi ai ikiteru no ni
Naze hito wa kizutsuke au no
Naze wakare wa otozureru no

Kimi ga tooku ni itte mo mada
Itsumo kono kokoro no mannaka
Ano yasashii egao de umetsukusareta mama
Dakishimeta kimi no KAKERA ni
Itami kanjite mo mada tsunagaru kara
Shinjiteru yo mata aeru to
I'm waiting for your love"

Chokichi sits and listens to Mizuki's beautiful voice and just gets lost in it. Not realizing that he was falling for this young woman Chokichi starts to blush a little at the thought of just wanting to be with her. He knew that he would just end up in pain again, but he didn't care. If it was only for what would seem like a blink of an eye for him, she was so beautiful and would be a great company for him. Her smile and personality was perfectly suited to how he was and she would love him not for what he was, but for how he treated her. This made him even happier to know and he wanted her to know that she meant that much to him, but not yet.

Chokichi just smiled and looked at her as she finished her song "Mizu-chan that was beautiful, I don't think I will ever tire of your singing and I would like it if you would sing for me every day if you can. In exchange for that I will teach you the things you need to know to be a great geisha and woman. As I can change my looks I can also look like a woman if need be to teach you without any cause for alarm from others. I would be willing to do all that for you, if you will just sing for me." Chokichi knew her answer and was very happy to know that she would say yes. As he was falling in love with her and never wanted to be apart.

Mizuki blushed, bowing her head in respect as he complimented her. The kind male was doing so much, and all he asked was that she sing? She'd gladly do that for him.
"I will gladly sing for you Chokichi-dono, I am glad it pleases you." murmured the shy female, bowing once more before he could leave. She still wasn't sure how to address him, and how to shorten his name in a friendly, close gesture.

Mizuki wondered why the spirit came and blessed her with his presence, not that she would complain. He was kind, offering help and protection in a sence, and he was the very essence of handsome in her eyes. Perhaps, in between teaching her to refine her skills ((though they did pass, for otherwise she'd not be allowed to become a geisha in the first place)), he'd come and visit her as a friend or customer? She'd be happy to be his hostess and entertainer.

Chokichi was pleased to hear she was happy, he wanted to stay longer but he was getting very weary from all the magic he was using. Chokichi walked up to her and leaned in to whisper "Mizu-chan just call me Chi-kun, I would like it if you would call me that." Then he lightly kissed her on the cheek and disappeared, leaving her to her thought and went to rest on top of her house. In the hopes that she would practice her singing for him even more.

Realizing tomorrow was going to be a very busy day Chokichi not really needing sleep just rest. Wondered about how much fun this was going to be and hoping that she would fall not for him because he was a powerful spirit, but because he was kind and good willed. The very thought of her made him feel at ease and turned his cheeks red. He was in love and wanted her to know he was, but subtly so she could see he really meant it.

As the man approached, Mizuki stood perfectly still to allow him, not knowing what he was up to before his whisper tickled her ea, making her gasp softly and blush. "O-ok..if you are sure Chi-kun..." she murmured, amazed and wondering if it was indeed to address the spirit so formally. Then, she felt the kiss.

Seeing him vanish, her hand reached out as if to ask him more, but no words came out, and her hand returned to her side. Touching her cheek, his wamth, the kiss still lingered, her face bright red now.

Undressing from her kimono, the girl found her thoughts returning to the kyuubi, going over each word, each detail, each little movement. He was facinating, and she secetly hoped he'd come back. Climbing into bed with her yukata, Mizuki fell into a pleasant dream.

Chokichi seeing the light go out in her room decided to check on her and see what she was dreaming about. Then thinking about it he knew if he did that he would be using more magic that he would be needing for tomorrow. So he drifted down and just watched her as she slept and wondered what she would be dreaming about and hoped she would dream of him. He wanted to peak into her dream, but with Mizuki it was different. She had such an energy to her that it made him very happy.

So he just stayed there all night watching her as she slept and wondering how everything was going to turn out. Chokichi wanted to make sure that Mizuki would love him not for his powers, but for how he was. He wanted to make her as happy as he could, and would make sure she was taken care of. He also wished there was a way he could help her live longer, but didn't know if such a thing could happen. Chokichi only knew of one thing he could do, but it came with a lot of risks. He could stop time around her so she wouldn't age, but people would start to wonder and think she was a demon. That would be bad and he didn't want that.

Chokichi then started thinking about how he would need to look for tomorrow, as he didn't want to look like the young man that she dreamed of. He would have to change into someone that looked young, but also looking well off. Chokichi not really needing wealth, still had a small holdings that he could get money from, he would need to use that so he could out bid the other men. He wanted to make sure that Mizuki was safe and didn't have to go through this old practice. She would still make a great geisha, and he knew she would move nations some day.

Chokichi stayed with her till the sun rose and he then sat on the roof and just wondered how this day would be for both her and himself. This was a first for Chokichi, helping a mortal gain a little more freedom then they were normally use to. Mizuki deserved it though, she is high spirited but still a very talented young woman. Though her conversation skills were lacking she would be able to keep the attention of any young man with just the sound of her voice. As her voice was enough to make Chokichi return everyday to listen to her sing, he knew that any mortal man would not be able to resist her voice.