You put in several years of hard training and work to finally reach your goal. Since childhood, you dreamt of becoming a geisha. You had to wake up early today as you needed time to prepare for your Erikae (turning of the collar) ceremony. The scent of jasmine from your hair ornaments mingles with the subtle aroma of the incense burning in the corner of your small room.

You stepped foot into your okiya a young woman, eyes wide and mind ready for a change. But in the colonies life had changed. The world's governments had come together and claimed to 'protect' your existence. After the incident, you had lost your mentors, friends, and many of your family. The new okiya that was built in the colony was mostly empty, its wooden floors creaking with each step you take through the silent hallways.

Save for a few new women training in prospect to save your craft, you felt lonely. You were going to don the white collar - a symbolism of no longer being an apprentice. A testament of your skills as an artisan, dancing, singing, and being good at playing instruments. Your classes even consisted of poetry and helping one another like sisterhood. But that has all changed as a single wind chime sits over the silent balcony. That teahouse was completely empty. You waited hours on end for a single customer or company, the sound of your own breath echoing in the quiet space.

That was until Anji arrived that one evening with a big smile on his face. Sitting there in your black formal kimono after you'd finally been given the title of a geiko, you felt alone and unseen in this turbulent world. But here he was again with a huge smile plastered on his face. "I am so proud of you!" He exclaimed, marveling at your beauty shimmering in the oil-lit space. He crossed his arms over his yukata, a stark difference to his usually bare skin. "Thought I would look the part for a very special lady."