 Performed by Lila McCann Song by Ty Lacy and Arnie Roman
[Music starts. Kenshin is standing in the open doorway of a room at Kamiya dojo, his shoulder propped against the jamb, watching with fond eyes as Kaoru sleeps. He appears to have just risen himself, or to be preparing for bed; his gi is loose, open in the front, hanging outside of his hakama rather than tucked inside.] I've waited all this time [A collage of memories in black and white: Kenshin traveling Japan as the rurouni, looking for a way to atone for his actions as Hitokiri Battousai. Never staying long in one place, never allowing himself to make friends, never trusting himself to love... but always hoping for the answer to his feelings of guilt.] And just when my hopes were wearing thin [A young woman calls his name on a dark Tokyo street, and his heart begins beating faster at the sudden surge of emotion the sight of her brings.] Like a miracle out of the blue [Confronting him with more bravery than sense, welcoming him with more trust and warmth than he thinks he deserves, she shatters the wall he's erected between himself and anyone who might come too close, ending his self-imposed loneliness.] When you appeared [Slowly color begins to creep into the memories, beginning with the determined expression Kaoru wore the first time they met.] Like music to my ears [Simple delight in living surrounds them - at the dinner table, as they walk into town, as he does the laundry, as he listens to her lecture Yahiko. It is both familiar and not, like something he knew once but somehow forgot.] And just when I thought my chance was gone [Kyoto, at Hiko's cottage. Anger and fear and love tangle about him as she appears in the doorway. Gratitude is in the mix as well: She came after him. Despite everything he'd done as hitokiri, despite how he'd hurt her when he left.] Like a miracle out of the blue [Kaoru's face in his memory as Hiko teaches him the ougi, giving him the strength to rise after Shishio's attack.] You spoke my name and the world began again [Her voice, calling him 'Hitokiri Battousai', startling him into truly feeling for the first time in ten years, forcing the world from shades of gray to brilliant color. The hope in her as she asks him to stay.] Like a miracle out of the blue [Standing in the doorway, watching her sleep, Kenshin utters the words in a voice choked with emotion.] Like a miracle out of the blue [Crossing the room on silent feet, he kneels beside her. Whispering the final lines, he bends and presses a kiss to her lips, his forehead resting gently against hers as the music fades away.] Sekihara Tae
Sukiyaki || Awards || Spoiler Warning || Disclaimer || Mind Your Manners! || E-mail Tae |