Tenken: Heaven's Wonderer
Book 1

"Butterfly Meeting"

By Miss Murd3r

Chapter One

"Geisha No Kyoto"

"When I found my way to Kyoto after two years, I never thought that the same place that seemed to be living hell, would bring me a long lost family."

~Seta Sojiro

The warm August air blew through the boy's black hair, his deep blue eyes looking upon the tranquil scene that lay in front of him. Below his tattered sandaled feet sat Kyoto, a city of pleasant and bitter memories, a city he did call home for a small time, a city he vowed never to come back to. Looking off at the setting sun, he knew he would have to break that vow today. If he continued through the night, it could be dangerous.

Sighing, He accepted the fate of ending up at this place, and started down to the growing city. It had been two years since he had been here. He was now 20 years old, not allot had changed. His hair was starting down his lower neck, his face and body seemed more mature, but the most critical change was his smile. . . it still lay on his face, yet there was a different feeling behind it. This smile lived with purpose.

Entering the town he started to look around. Many inns were open for costumers and Kyoto was a large city so he thought it would be easy to find a place to stay. Walking up to the first inn he found, he started to talk to the owner.

The poor young girl that ran the Inn was scared to death by his sword, and hastily shut the doors to the dark haired wonderer. Breathing a deep sigh, he turned to find another source of comfort, but whatever Inn he turned to, the doors were shut because of his reliable weapon. Again and again, the doors flew shut in his face, his hair flying back with every gush of wind. With every point at his sword his smile grew wider, with every word about his looks, his smile was stable, his eyes wavering with doubt.

Coming to the conclusion he should head into the forest anyway, he started down that way. Deciding not to scare anymore people, he took some back roads to the outskirts. He had his sword, he would just have to bare the hard way. After all, sleeping outside was nothing new to the wanderer.

Flash backs of his childhood spun through his head, leaving a sour feeling in his mind and stomach. It seemed to be all flushed away, all put back in the past, but now that he has set out on his own . . . it seemed so real and exposed. The faces of his family flickered before his thoughtful eyes, their terrified looks engraving themselves on his heart. It wasn't that he cared about them, they never cared about him. Why would he go through all the trouble? But something about killing them made his stomach upset and his heart sink. They were blood related.

Shaking it off he turned his attention to the streets around him. They were ragged old streets, a few restaurants and inns here and there. Geisha walked down the streets and back to their homes, a couple here and there also went back to greet their waiting families. A few single men entering the dark strip of buildings. Many bars and shacks also interlaced with the better looking buildings. The boy laughed a sigh, smiling as he looked up at the now dark sky. I think I'll fit in here better then in with the rest of Kyoto. He thought, starting to come upon the outskirts of town.

"Sir!" A voice called out in the middle of the dark, the sound of wooden sandals clanking up from behind. The boy spun around one heel, sword ready.

"Ahhh! Sorry sir!" It was a geisha, jumping at the wonderer's fight ready stance. The boy laughed at the young woman, letting his sword go and scratching the back of his head.

"Sorry, Ma'am. It was my reflexes," He said a little embarrassed, "Can I help you?"

The geisha bowed deeply and started her request, "Yes! I saw that you were heading out of town, am I correct? It's dangerous to be out there in the dark, even with a sword! I have a little room in the top of the restaurant that I work in, the owner always keeps it open for rent. We would be happy to have you if you have the money. And dinner would be free, plus some entertainment. So please come, sir!" She raised her head to face him, a worried look on her smiling face.

"Oh? That does sound nice, how much would it cost?"

"2,000 Yin." She stated, almost scared.

"I'm sorry, I don't believe I have that much." The boy coughed at the outrageous price.

"How much do you have?" The geisha asked, looking rather scared, her crystal blue eyes filling up with doubt.

"600 Yin . . ." He replied, somewhat suspicious.

"Okay! That will do, sir!" She nodded nervously, showing the way to the small restaurant behind her with her hand.

"Well, okay." He was a little bit nervous, but he walked toward the restaurant with her and into the cool comfort of the a place to stay.

Once entering the small place, the boy was taken to a seat to deiced what to order while the geisha told the owner of the place what had happened. He looked a bit disgruntled, most likely because of the price change, but he agreed. A waitress went over to take the dark haired boy's order, as the geisha came to pour his tea.

Sitting down with him, she smiled, "Thank you so much, sir. This place isn't that much, but it's a nice place." She looked down at her hands that lay around the tea pot.

"Oh no, thank you for taking me in." he smiled at her. He started to take a good look at her. She was skinny, very short though. She had sparkling blue eyes along with thin fine brown hair. Although the make up hid it very well, he could tell she was lighter then most Japanese. She had small lips that were like rose petals, and when the slipped into a smile it seemed as if heaven was opening up. Her hands were small and delicate wrapped around the tea pot. She was well endowed, but still looked like she could support her own.

She looked up nervously at him, noticing the long stair that had been on her. Sweating a bit she started to stumbled out a sentence, "M-my name is Cho Okibata! It's nice to meet you . . . Mr. . . " She paused noticing she did not know his name.

"Sojiro . . . My name is Seta Sojiro." Sojiro answered with a smile.

"Ah, then! Mr. Seta . . ." She smiled, noticing his tea was out she offered more. He nodded.

"So, how long have you been a geisha, Miss Okibata?" he asked, watching the brown color swirl in the cup.

"Well, I have been in the actual profession since I was 11 years old." Cho said, setting the tea back down. Sitting down her self, she fiddled with her sleeves.

"I see, you are very graceful. Very much like a geisha." he smiled, nodding toward her tea pot.

She bowed her head, "W-Why thank you, Mr. Seta." looking down at her hands she started to pose a question, "Mr. Seta, you look rather worn out. Your clothes are torn and you smell like a farm boy. What do you do, if you don't mind me asking." Cho was nervous about the question, Sojiro could tell.

"I'm a wanderer." He spoke, looking up at the roof with a smirk.

"A wanderer? Why so?" She zoomed into the conversation.

"Well, I was always leaning on someone eles's truth . . . so, years ago I decided that would have to stop. So I left that place, setting off to find my own truth." Sojiro looked down at his tea, his thoughts lost in a whirlpool of memories as he spoke. Pictures of Shishio, Yumi, and Himara flashed through his head. Pictures of the time when he fought Kenshin, the time he was shown the other side of the light. And then as quick as lighting, times of hardship and training with Shishio, times of discipline, and then a sliver of some pleasant joke that was shared between the two, "That place I had left, was here . . . Miss Okibata." His voice fell almost ghost like.

"Here? Kyoto?" Cho seemed taken aback. Looking up and down at the boy, her face started to turn suspicious.

"I have probably told you to much, though. I'm sorry, getting all deep and stuff! Haha." He smiled, his voice perking up as he laughed. Cho let her suspicions slide, a smile returning to her face.

"Ah I see, so it must have been hard coming back here . . ." Cho reflected.

"Ah, It was. Although, Miss Okibata, I have never been in this part of town before!" his voice seemed very mischievous in a way. Cho flinched as it seemed like a rush of pain and agony transferred from him to her. She shook it off, trying to regain her composer to answer his statement.

"This is the Geisha street of Kyoto. Most Geisha work here. I used to live in the local Geisha house down the block, but I moved here for a bit. Up stairs." She pointed at the back of the restaurant, "Um, Mr. Seta. . . May I ask you something personal? I know as a woman, or a geisha for that matter, it is not really my place to get into your personal life anymore than I have but I have just been wondering . . . " Cho looked down at her shaking hands.

"No, Miss Okibata, You can ask me. What is on your mind?" Sojiro watched his wording with the sentence.

"What is your opinion of the attempted attack two years ago on Kyoto? I was informed that Makoto Shishio from the Revolution and the Jupungattana were involved. I was thankfully out of town so I was in no danger, but I wanted to know if you were in Kyoto at the time? I know since you had a bad experience in Kyoto you probably weren't here in Kyoto, but I would still like to see your outlook on it." She smiled.

Sojiro froze, his eyes locking onto hers. Smiling trying to keep his emotions under control he started to speak, "No, I was out of town also . . ." He told the truth, gritting his teeth, "I think it was a cruel thing to put the city through, but I'm glad it didn't happen." He faked.

"Oh, I see then." Cho frowned. Could this really be . . . The Tenken? Looking up at the waitress who was taking Sojiros dishes, she smiled.

"Well then, Mr. Seta. I'll show you to your room now." Standing ubruptly she started off toward the back. At first Sojiro paused, thinking he upset her. Shaking it off, he strode after the woman. To the back of the restaurant they went, finding a small case of strairs. Cho made it up in a huff, worried and suspicious. Since the conversation ended, she seemed more nervious then before.

Coming up to the top of the stairs, Sojiro spotted three doors. After the two slipped off their sandals in the small entry way they stood upon the upper board. The floors creaking as their weight was added. Walking in front of the nearest door, Cho smiled, "This will be your room, Mr. Seta." She opened the door and walked in, Sojiro followed suit.

It was a small room, a mat by the open window. A lit lantern sat by the head pillow along with a small book of maps. Sojiro smiled at the small room. He liked it. Setting his sword down near the wall he bowed to the geisha.

"Thank you so much, Miss Okibata." He spoke lightly.

"Before you thank me, hand over the bill." She snapped sternly, knowing no one was around to see her act so rude to a costumer. Laughing, Sojiro took out the yin from a wrapped bag in his sleeve. He unwrapped it and handed her the 600 yin.

"Thank you." She smiled, "There. I sleep in the last room to the left, if you need anything you can come and ask me. Don't bother the store owner though, he's a little cranky." With that she bowed again, leaving the room in a nervous fashion.

Sojiro sighed, laying onto his back. He started to untie his Hakama, glad to be able to relax. Kicking the clothe off, he sat upward. He folded the navy blue garment and set it by his sword. Continuing to undress he straitened out his kimono and started to undressing process.

The door slid open at a fast flash, Sojiro jumping at the figure that appeared suddenly in front of him. "Mr. Seta I for-" Red. Thats all He could see on Cho's white painted face. Her blush was glowing right through her make up. Sitting there clueless a moment looking the half naked Sojiro up and down she was completely silent. Sojiro was too, startled by her appearance. Suddenly, all heck broke loose as Cho let out a ear shattering scream, dropping the blankets that had been in her possession and running outside the room and around the corner.

Sojiro laughed as her heavy breathing bounced through the hall.

"YOU IDOIT!" She snapped, her face as red as a sun burnt rutabaga.

"I'm so sorry, miss Okibata. . ." He started, giggling, "But I . . I didn't know you were coming back!"

"No, No, It's my fault, I should have knocked . . ." She said starting to cool down, "Your blankets are on the floor there, its supposed to be cold tonight. . ." She paused, looking over at the shadow of his partly undressed body. Blushing even more she started up again, "Good night! Mr. Seta!" And with that she slammed the door shut.

Sojiro laughed as her sandals clanked all the way down the hall. He crawled over to the blankets, scooping them up in his hands he set them at the foot of the bed. sliding off his Kimono he slipped into the mat, ready for bed. He sat up, looking at the book of maps.

Where would he go next . . . that was the question of everyday. Looking upon the maps he found a nice location. It was Tokyo . . . Hopefully he wouldn't find battousai-no- he wouldn't find Kenshin himara there. Studying the map before bed, he blew out the lantern and slipped into the warm sheets, falling into dream land as soon as his head hit the pillow.

* * *

"HEY! Let me go! Stop it!" The screams shrieked through the air. Sojiro flew up in his bed, looking from side to side. It seemed like the yells and shouts were coming from all directions Stumbling out of bed he slipped on his kimono and grabbed his sword. His ears adjusting to life once more, Sojiro was able to locate the yells. It was behind the shop.

"Come on now, little lady! You owe us your money." A young males voice came.

"Yeah, come on little Cho, fork it over." A higher voice of a male came this time, a slap and a yelp following his high pitched voice.

Sojiro ran to the back, finding the scene. There was Cho, her long brown hair down and falling around her waist. Her make up was lacking, and her deep blue eyes were filled with fear. Her arms and legs were shaking, yin clenched in her hand. All around her were men of all sizes and shapes, all looking 45 years or younger.

"Here! Here! This is all I have, I collected it from a costumer that is staying here!" Cho yelled, thrusting out the money to a larger man that stood in front of her. He smiled as he snatched the money.

"Good . . ." He started, fingering through the yin his smile turned to a frown, "Aww, poor little Cho, your missing 1400 yin!" he said, pushing her down onto the ground. She yelped as she hit the floor.

Sojiro was staying hidden, watching things over. So thats why she needed 2,000 yin . . . and acting so nervous. He thought.

"Hey! You there! Whaddah you want?" One of the men spotted Sojiro, pulling out a sword to challenge him. Sojiro smiled emerging from his hiding place.

"Mr. Seta! Please stay out of this! Please!" Cho begged.

"Oh? So you know this nice young man?" The larger man asked with a snarl. He crunched the yin into his pocket, walking over to Sojiro. Looking down at him, the large man smirked.

"What could you do to help, runt? Pay of Little Cho's debt for her?" He laughed at himself, like some sick joke. Sojiro just stood there smiling. No one saw his hand part his sheath and sword. Grabbing the handle Sojiro jumped into the air, turning around behind the large man he slashed his back, smile still on his face.

"Agh!" The man yelled, falling to the floor. All the other men shot glares at Sojiro, all drawing their swords.

"You think your so tough, Smiley?" The higher pitched man yelled, running toward Sojiro. Sojiro jumped, dashing to the side he flipped over his sword. Waiting till the man noticed he had missed his target, Sojiro then struck the man's side with the hilt of the sword. The man fell to the ground in pain. Many other men charged toward Sojiro, each getting taken out in a matter of seconds, the smile never leaving Sojiro's face.

Cho watched from the side in amazement, her eyes not wanting to believe. . The . . . Tenken . . . She thought. After a few moments, Sojiro was the only one remaining on his feet. Walking over to the larger man, he fished out the yin.

"I believe this is yours, Miss Okibata." He smiled.

Cho stood to her feet, walking over to Sojiro.

"Mr. Seta . . ." Cho started, her eyes tearing up, "Mr. Seta, you . . ." She paused, looking up at his face, ". . . YOU IDOIT!" She yelled slapping him across the face, Snatching the 600 yin from his hands she pounced over to the large man and stuffed it in his pocket, "That man is a debt collector! My mother left me with a debt to pay off so that is rightfully HIS money! Although, I do thank you for getting rid of them so they would wait till tomorrow for the rest." She huffed.

"But Miss Okibata. . . that's all the money you have, am I wrong?" Sojiro smiled a little embarrassed.

"Well, yeah. But I'll make more tomorrow. . ." She sighed, letting her head drop, "Well, actually, tomorrow is my birthday. And it's my 22 birthday . . . I was supposed to have my debt paid off by then but since I am short 14, 000 yin, I must work for those thugs . . . and who knows what they'll do to me." She mumbled.

"Tomorrow is your birthday?" Sojiro was shocked, tomorrow was someone else birthday also . . . Makoto Shishio's 30th birthday. He sighed, this was to painful. Grinning he bared it with a twitch. Looking into Cho's deep blue eyes, he breath slowly, "I have a plan . . . but It may not work. . ."

"A plan?" She asked as Sojiro cleaned his sword.

"Yes, we could head out tonight and make it for Tokyo. I could take you with me . . . but. . ." A picture of Kenshin flashed through Sojiro's eyes.

"But what?"

"One we get to Tokyo I'm leaving you with some friends of mine, you got that?" Sojiro's face was no longer smiling, he was serious.

"Ah, yes Mr. Seta. Thank you."

"Come on, Miss Okibata. We have got to pack up and leave before your friends gang continuous." His smile was back as he rushed Cho inside. Her eyes clouded over as her thoughts started to over flood her.

But can I really trust th Tenken . . . the one who killed Onee-chan?

Authors Notes:

Okay sure. . .not allot of action in this one. But it shall get better! Lol.

In the fight scene I was listening to great music:

Superstar-Toybox

Goodbye-Kristinia DeBarge

And the Numa Numa Song

Isn't that just awesome fighting music? ROFL.

And as the ending came I turned on "Your pitiful" by weird ale! Oh the Irony.

Okay, so I know this wasn't a GREAT chapter, but it set up the plot, Okay?

So, lots of funny/scary/outrageous plot twists coming up.

Please stay tuned!

(And I love Cho, she is so all over the place. XD)