Chapter 166: 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.)