PREMIERE
Tenken: Heaven's Wanderer
Book 1
"Kyoto Flower"
By Sophia Jane
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 sandal-ed 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 and onto his shoulders. On top his head he wore a small rice-farmer hat. His face and body seemed more mature but still held that childish tint to it, 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 with cation. No matter how many times he forgot, he would always be that wanted Tenken, and more people would recognize him in Kyoto. 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 and still not be caught. 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 wanderer. 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 and to avoid being seen by the police, 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 as he had every other time, 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 in bundles and back to their homes, a couple here and there also went back to greet their waiting relitives and some even an elder man or two. A few single men entered 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 followed. The boy spun around one heel.
“Ahhh! Sorry sir!” It was a geisha, jumping at the wanderer's sudden turn. The boy laughed at the young woman, 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 is dangerous to be out there in the dark, even with a sword!” Her gaze was caught by the weapon at his waist, “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 room and seated 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. The geisha entered the room on her knees.
Sitting down to the side of the table at the entrance to the room she bowed deeply till her nose was touching the tabi mat.“Thank you for joining us!” She said softly. Then then rose to her knees and stood to pour his tea.
“Thank you so much, sir. This place isn't that much, but it's a nice place.” She said as she tipped the tea pot lightly.
“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 they 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 wore a silk white Kimono with *Sakura petels on it. Her obi was stripped with dark pinks and blacks. Other patterns of black square outlines with a dark pink background were also on her Obi. The kimono was trimmed in jet black which matched her *tabi as well.
She looked up nervously at him, noticing the long stair that had been on her. Sweating a bit she took a seat across from him, painting on her smile once more, “My name is Chiaki Okibata. It's nice to meet you. . . “ She paused and let a frown tug on her face noticing she did not know his name.
“Sojiro . . . My name is Seta Sojiro.” Sojiro answered with a smile, hoping she wouldn't know who he was.
“Ah, then! Seta-San . . .” She smiled.
“So, how long have you been a geisha, Okibata-San?” he asked, watching the brown color swirl in the cup.
“Well, I have been in the actual profession since I was 11 years old.” Chiaki said.
“I see, you are very graceful. Very much like a geisha.” he smiled, nodding toward her tea pot.
She bowed her head, “Why thank you, Mr. Seta. I bet when you use your sword, your much more graceful then I am.” She nodded toward his sword. Soujiro blushed a little.
“Haha, I haven't used this sword in a year. I doubt I am as wonderful as you.” He laughed.
“Well, what do you do for a living, Seta-San?”
“I'm a wanderer.” He spoke, looking up at her with a smirk.
“A wanderer? That's nice, do you enjoy it?” She strained to keep a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere.
“It was rather rough the first year, I was scared at first. But now I know how to cope with it.”
“You seem like a very strong man, Seta-san. I like that.” She looked upon his tattered clothes then faced him with a bright smile and blue sparkling eyes.
“Haha well . . .” Soujiro looked down at his hands, wrapped around the tea cup. “Thank you.” Soujiro hated being called strong, he didn't know why. It just brought back too much of Shishio. Soujiro's blue eyes started to cloud over.
“Ahh!” Chiaki bowed quickly, seeing she brought up something that hurt him, “Seta-san, do you enjoy song?” She asked, leaning in a little bit.
Soujiro's head shot up, looking at her painted face and large blue eyes, “Ah it is okay. . .” He smiled, fiddling with his sleeves, “Ah, I must thank you for letting me come in here, Okibata-san. I know usally Geisha tea houses are overly expensive and-”
Chiaki laughed, covering her small red lips, “Oh! Seta-san, you don't have to thank me. I was simply doing a favor for a handsome man.” She chirped. Soujiro blushed again, “Besides, it seems you were troubled In your search for a inn. It's only natural for me to help a young man out.” She nodded at his empty tea cup, “More, Seta-san?”
“Ah!” Soujiro hadn't noticed he had been drinking it, it had been an automatic moment, “No thank you, Okibata-san.”
“Ah, well, that is fine then.” Chiaki nodded and straited out her long sleeves.
“I'm sorry I'm not requesting much, I know this is your job to entertain me and all . . .” soujiro looked at her smooth form. He was sure at each tea she went too she would dance and sing and maybe even-no, that was unlikely. Hopefully she didn't expect that from him.
“Are you not fond of Geisha, Seta-san?” she asked as the waitress came in with Soujiro's food.
“Well, I have never met one before.” He smiled sheepishly.
“Well, that is understandable for a wanderer, you have so much in your life already!” she made sure to keep a smile on.
“Well, I did used to live in Kyoto. So it's kind of weird that this is the first time meeting a Geisha.”
“Oh, no! It is absolutely fine, you don't seem like the type of boy to be around these kind of places anyway. An honest and kind wandering swordsmen.”
“Okibata-san. Please stop.”
“Arah?” She cocked her head, a befuddled landscape on her white face.
“Stop flattering me, I don't like fake conversation.”
Chiaki laughed a little, “Seta-san, this is my job. My career. I live to do this.” She said in a low voice, “I must keep all of my costumers happy and content. They must leave feeling better then they came in!”
“Then answer this question, were you forced to do this?” He asked, looking up from his food.
“Seta-san, I rather not-”she paused, looking at his large matching blue eyes, “Well. Yes. When I was 2 years old I was sold to a Geisha house. But I do enjoy my career!” A smile jumped to her face once more.
“Hm.” Soujiro nodded, “That's nice. I'm glad you enjoy doing such a thing.”
“What is the matter, Seta-san?” She asked, leaning in again.
“Ah, you just remind me of my Masters spouse.” he smiled and laughed a little.
“Your master?” She looked confused, “Sensai, as In Battojustu sensai?”
“Ah, you could call him that. He was in love with a beautiful Orin.”
“I remind you of an Orin?” Chiaki jumped, surprised.
“Oh no, Okibata-san! Yumi-san was very pretty and very kind. She had the touch of a mother.” Soujiro nodded.
“Oh . . . well, why did you leave then?” She asked.
“Well, I was always leaning on someone else's truth, my master's truth . . . so, two 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 Himura 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, “I had said I lived in Kyoto, I had left here.” His voice fell almost ghost like.
“Here? Kyoto?” Chiaki seemed understanding, but wonder flickered in her large eyes
“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.
“Ah I see, so it must have been hard coming back here . . .” Chiaki reflected.
“Ah, It was. Although, Okibata-san, I have never been in this part of town before!” his voice seemed very mischievous in a way. Chiaki 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 district 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, Seta-san. . . 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 . . . “ Chiaki looked down at her shaking hands.
“No, Okibata-san, 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 was 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.” Looking up at the waitress who was taking Sojiros dishes, she smiled.
“Well then, Seta-san. I'll show you to your room now.” Standing abruptly 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 stairs. Chiaki made it up in a huff, a worried expression seemed to grow off her suddenly.
Coming up to the top of the stairs, Sojiro spotted three doors. They walked upon onto the floor boards, the ground creaking as their weight was added. Walking in front of the nearest door, Chiaki smiled, “This will be your room, Seta-san.” She opened the door and walked in, Sojiro followed suit.
It was a small room, a futon 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, Okibata-san.” He spoke lightly.
“Your very welcome. Bill please?” She seemed anxious. 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, “*Dakara . . . 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. “Seta-san I for-” Red. That's all He could see on Chiaki's white painted face. Her blush was glowing right through her make up. She stood there clueless a moment looking at the half naked Sojiro up and down. She was completely silent. Sojiro was too, startled by her appearance. Suddenly, all heck broke loose as Chiaki 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, Okibata-san. . .” 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! Seta-san!” 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 grabbed the Nemaki that had been in the pile of blankets and dressed in it gingerly. He then slipped into the futon, 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 himura 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 grabbed his sword and slid the door open. He ran first to Chiaki's room
“Okimata-san?” He asked pusing the door open. It was empty, just a small futon and a desk littered with makeup. It seemed she wasn't even done when she left. His ears adjusted and Sojiro was able to locate the yells. It was behind the shop. Soujiro shut Chiaki's door and ran down the stairs in a rush, hearing the Owner's foot steps behind his.
“Come on now, little lady! You owe us your money.” A young males voice came.
“Yeah, come on Chi-Chan, 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 Chiaki, 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!” Chiaki 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 Chi-Chan, 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 that's why she needed 20,000 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.
“Seta-san! Please stay out of this! Please!” Chiaki 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 Chi-Chan's debt for her?” He laughed at himself, like some sick joke. Sojiro just stood there , his smile fading at this remark. No one saw his hand part his sheath and sword. Grabbing the handle of the sword he ducked as the man through a punch, launching the hilt of the sword into the man's gut.
“Agh!” The man yelled, falling to the floor. All the other men shot glares at Sojiro, all drawing their swords. Soujiro laughed and smiled like he had done nothing wrong.
“Please, I don't want to continue to fight right now. I'm sure this can be worked out.” he smiled.
“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.
Chiaki 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, Okibata-san.” He smiled.
Chiaki stood to her feet, walking over to Sojiro.
“Seta-san . . .” Chiaki started, her eyes tearing up, “Seta-san, thank you . . .Although . . .” She walked over to the man and slipped the yin back into his coat, “That yin is rightfully his. I am In debt. . . Hopefully I can pay him the rest later.” she bowed.
“But Okibata-san. . . that's all the money you have, am I wrong?” Sojiro smiled a little embarrassed.
“Well, yes. 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 31st birthday. He sighed, this was too painful. Grinning he bared it with a twitch. Looking into Chiaki's deep blue eyes, he breath slowly.
“Hey you two, what's going on out here?” A man showed up by the ally entryway.
“Haraushi-san! This is not what it looks like, Seta-san was protecting me!” Chiaki shook her hands in front of her in defense, shooting a unseen look toward Sojiro.
“Hm? He was fighting off those *bouryokudan that come to see you every week?”Harashi asked.
“Well, Yeah It seemed like she needed it.” Sojiro laughed.
“Good catch there, Chiaki-san. Maybe you should keep this one around.” Haraushi winked, “come inside you two, its getting cold.”
“Hai!” The pair's voice rang.
“Okibata-san . . . I have a plan.” Sojiro smiled as the two walked back.
“A plan?” She asked.
“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?”
“Once 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 Seta-san. Thank you.”
“There you can pay off your debt, alright?” He asked again. She nodded and bowed.
“We'll leave in a bit, please gather your things and inform Haraushi-san.”
“Right.”
* * *
Chiaki sighed as she retired into her room. She had to pack for Tokyo. It was a good plan, and at least Sojiro would be there to protect her. She smiled as she packed up her less extravagant *Kimono and laughed.
At least I will have . . . I chance for revenge. I know who you really are . . .Seta Soujiro . . . Is Sojiro the Tenken. The one who killed Onee-san. She packed a small knife into her nap sack, hiding it in her kimono. You will pay.
(Authors Notes:
*bouryokudan= Gansters, Thugs, ECT.
*Dakara=and so. . .
Alright you may have noticed Cho's sudden name change. Chiaki is her Geisha name. When a Girl becomes a Meiko, her name is changed. Her birth name was Cho. Now it is Chiaki. You may also notice that not allot of emotion is displayed in either Sojiro or Chiaki. It's because they are just meeting and at this point in time they would only try to be polite and nice. And I have allot more to explain Sojiro later on. That's all. Enjoy the re-vamp!
