Himura Battousia Book 2: Kenshins Past
Copyright© 2007 by Trojan_85
Part 168: Remembrances 4--Yukishiro Tomoe
Floating in the darkness, fresh red blood...
White sleeves... a purple shawl...
And deep, black eyes...
(Kenshin and Tomoe stare at each other for a moment. Then Tomoe's eyes close, and she slowly begins to pitch forward. Kenshin darts forward to catch her.)
Kenshin: She's fainted... It's a natural reaction to seeing all this blood. (thinking) For a moment I wasn't sure if I should silence her or not--No. I forgot even that... (aloud) But what to do about this place? I can't leave her here to give evidence. And who knows what could happen to a woman alone in Kyoto at night. Guess I have no choice.
(He picks her up to carry her home.)
Kenshin (thinking): Her perfume... That must be white plum scent...
(He pauses.)
Kenshin: Not good. I must be going crazy...
(At the Ohagi Inn.)
Kenshin (very quietly): I'm back.
(He tiptoes in.)
Okami (the landlady): Oh, Himura, you're home late tonight--Himura, what are you doing?
Kenshin: No, um, there was a fight, and she fainted, and--
(Okami regards Tomoe for a long moment.)
Okami: Are you sure you didn't just get her drunk?
Kenshin:... !
Okami: This is not a teahouse. Just this once--I'll get her some warm water and a change of clothes.
Iizuka (sleepily poking his head out a door): What is it, Okami?
Okami: It's that boy Master Katsura's looking after...
Iizuka: What?? Ba--I mean, Himura brought home a girl?!
(Later. Tomoe has been put to bed. Kenshin sits by her side.)
Kenshin: So she's just drunk.
(He watches her sleep.)
Kenshin (thinking): The smell of blood and white plum perfume... I really am going crazy...
(The next morning. Kenshin wakes with a start, to find Tomoe gone, her futon folded neatly in a corner.)
Kenshin (thinking): No--I must have fallen asleep-- (aloud) Mrs. Okami!
Okami (handing Tomoe a stack of breakfast trays): Here, why don't you take these in for me.
(Kenshin face-faults.)
Okami: Oh, good morning, Himura. Despite appearances, your girlfriend is a very good worker.
Kenshin (trying hard to ignore that remark): Um... what's your name?
Tomoe: Tomoe.
(He follows her as she carries the trays.)
Kenshin: Tomoe, what are you doing?
Tomoe: Can't you tell?
Kenshin: Helping in the kitchen.
Tomoe: So you did know. (opening the door) Excuse me, I've brought breakfast.
(The men are all lined up waiting for her.)
Men: So this is Himura's girl! She's cute! An older woman! And just as unfriendly as Himura!
Tomoe: I'm Tomoe. How nice to meet you.
Kenshin (angrily): Hey, knock that off--
Iizuka: Oh, embarrassed, lover boy?
Kenshin: Iizuka--
Iizuka: So. How was she?
(Battousai puts a hand to his sword. Everyone backs off instantly.)
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