Himura Battousia Book 2: Kenshins Past
Copyright© 2007 by Trojan_85
Part 173: Remembrances 8--Enishi's Visit
(Two young boys brandish sticks like swords.)
Boy: I am the Choushuu patriot Katsura Kogorou!
Boy: And I am Takasugi Shinsaku!
Kenshin (holding up two sticks and looking embarrassed): Beware, you fools. I am the captain of the Shinsengumi, the demons who silence crying children, Koudou Isami. My blade Kotetsu will drink blood tonight.
(They attack, and he fends them off. The other children are looking at something, and Kenshin glances up to see what it is. A sullen-looking boy appears a little ways off.)
Kenshin: Who is that?
Kids: I don't know. He's not from the village. Maybe he wants to play with us.
Boy: I'll go ask him!
(They talk for a minute. Then Enishi hits him.)
Kenshin (running over): Hey!
(Enishi bites his hand.)
Tomoe: Enishi? Enishi, is that you?
Enishi: Tomoe!
(Inside.)
Tomoe: This is my brother, Enishi.
Kenshin: Your brother... Now that you mention, you have the same eyes...
(He goes to pat his head, and Enishi bites his hand again.)
Kenshin: You probably have lots of things you want to talk about... I'll be outside.
(The kids are playing again; Kenshin sits by the side of the field.)
Kenshin (thinking): So Tomoe has a brother... she never mentioned him before. Not that that's surprising... But how did he know to come here? This is a safe house. No one but Katsura and Iizuka is supposed to know about it. The only one else who knows is Tomoe... But it can't have been her.
Kid: What's wrong? You're not playing with us?
Kenshin: Oh, sorry. I'll be right there. (thinking) No matter how I try I can't make anything of it. Except... it might be hard to have that peaceful New Year's now...
(Inside, Tomoe hugs Enishi.)
Tomoe: It's been a long time. You surprised me. But I'm so glad to see you. You must be hungry. Wait a minute, I was just making dinner. (turning to stir the pot) When did you leave Edo? How is Father?
Enishi: I don't know. I left for Kyoto a year ago, just after you did.
Tomoe: Enishi... Who's been taking care of you? And how did you know I was here? You never heard anything from me...
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