Chapter 4: Alone in Memory

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The place you stood is empty now, the heart that loved me lost. All that is left are bits and pieces, but those too, have become scattered.

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"Who are you?" the man in front of Tetsuya asked, "And how is it that you can see my brother's door?"

Tetsuya's eyes widened.

"I meant no harm, nor insult," Tetsuya assured the man, "I am Tetsuya Kuchiki."

"Tetsuya Kuchiki," The man repeated, thinking briefly, "You are the Central 46 intern who was abducted from the prisons when Sousuke Aizen escaped. It is very odd that one of your purported quality would stoop to trespassing. But let us say, for the moment, that what you have told me is true. You still have not answered my question. How is it that you can see my brother's bedroom door? No one can see it but me. It has been that way ever since the day I felt my brother's spirit pass from life."

Tetsuya thought quickly.

"As you know, I was in the company of a man whose power was that of illusion," he explained carefully, "Because of that, I now possess added ability to see through illusions. And your home is filled with them."

"And of what concern is that to you, Tetsuya Kuchiki? What interest do you have in my brother?"

Tetsuya bit his lip gently.

"While I was Sousuke Aizen's prisoner, I learned of...wrongdoing within Central 46...wrongdoing that violates my sense of justice. I uncovered evidence that Yasu Iitoku, not only existed, but that he learned of a horrid injustice of some kind within the council of the time...and as he sought a way to expose what was happening, someone discovered what he was doing, and acted to silence him."

The other man caught his breath softly, and he looked more closely at Tetsuya.

"Come," he said quietly, "We can talk more openly in my brother's room. No one even knows it is here."

Tetsuya nodded and followed the man into the bedroom, where he sat down on the neatly made bed and Tetsuya took a seat in a nearby chair. It struck him, at once, that the room looked neat and free of dust, as though Yasu had just stepped out of the room a moment before. Tetsuya waited calmly as Yuji gathered himself.

"I am Yuji Iitoku," the man said quietly, "I was the first of two sons born to a former clan leader. As the elder son by a few minutes, I was made heir. Yasu and I were raised by a clan regent after our parents died in an accident. My uncle was to lead the clan until I became old enough. But something happened that kept me from claiming my place at the head of the clan until now."

He paused and picked up a picture of the two brothers, standing close together, each with an arm around the other.

"Yasu and I clung to each other as children. Our uncle was not unkind, but we were devastated at losing our parents. And, of course, there was the added pressure of my advancement. But we steadied each other, and Yasu went on to become a clan elder, while I struggled with depression at my parents deaths and recovered more slowly. He could have had me set aside as heir, but my brother had faith in me when no one else would. And...eventually, my heart mended and I prepared to take on my place in the clan. But...something odd...and horrible happened. I do not know exactly what it was."

He turned his head to look out the window.

"Yasu excelled at statescraft, and it wasn't long before he found himself one of the youngest councilors ever to be a part of Central 46. He distinguished himself immediately as a man who was intelligent, honest and gifted at managing conflict. But...one day, he left for work...and after that, he never came home. We searched, of course. And Central 46 said that he was missing, and might have been abducted by a criminal with whom he had been interacting. They never provided a name. Several months passed with no word of his condition or location...then something even stranger happened."

He paused and thought carefully before going on.

"I could sense, up to that point, that my brother was alive, although I could not trace his location. But that day, all trace of his reiatsu disappeared. I felt my brother's death, and it felt like my world had come apart."

The man's gentle green eyes became intense.

"But nothing could have prepared me for what happened next. I called a council meeting and announced what I had sensed. Tetsuya, they looked at me...my own family...like I was crazy, and they said that I never had a brother. I panicked and kept insisting they were wrong. But all that happened was that they thought I had lost my mind. I was sent into a recovery center and treated as though there was something wrong with me. And I was tempted to wonder if perhaps they were right. Because where I saw pictures of the two of us, things that belonged to him, proof of my brother's existence, no one else saw anything! It was as though all trace of him had disappeared from their awareness, and all that was left, was what existed in only my memory.

Over the years, I learned to keep what I thought to myself. I was eventually claimed 'cured' and restored to preparation for leadership. I was content to wait years longer, my heart being so torn from what had happened that I could not take my place. Only recently, my uncle passed on and I was judged fit to succeed him. They treat my earlier claims as an idiosyncrasy, and I do not talk about Yasu anymore. I visit his room to feel close to his lost spirit, but I know in my heart that he is gone."

"But," said Tetsuya, "Even though you do not speak of Yasu, he holds a special place in your heart. And I wager that, given the opportunity, you would want him to be restored to his place in everyone's memory."

"Yes, of course," said Yuji, "But there has never been a clue that could explain what happened."

Tetsuya met his eyes meaningfully.

"I may be able to help you with that."

Yuji's eyes widened.

"You...?"

"I am...investigating the claims of a man who has made himself known to me...one who contends that he knew of Yasu Iitoku, and that he knows what happened. I am gathering evidence to test the validity of his claim, as he is seeking the commuting of his criminal conviction and sentencing."

"Can you tell me what happened to him?" asked Yuji, "I have suffered for years, not knowing."

Tetsuya met the man's eyes again, sympathetically.

"My investigation is still in its early stages. But...if I am allowed access to Yasu's home and belongings, there may be clues to follow to the full truth."

Yuji sighed softly and glanced at the picture of his brother and him again.

"I do not know what you might find that would be helpful, but you are free to look. Only mind that you show respect for my brother as you investigate."

Tetsuya nodded.

"You have my word. I will," he promised.

"Very well," Yuji said, taking Tetsuya's hand.

Tetsuya looked up at him questioningly as Yuji drew a kido symbol on the back of his hand.

"What is this?" he asked as the physical mark disappeared, but the touch of reiatsu around it remained.

"An old game we used to play," said Yuji, smiling nostalgically, "We placed markings on our hands that let us pass a barrier into an old fort we built together near here. If you focus on the marking and will it, you will be transported into this room. That should be handy as you investigate."

He paused for a moment, studying Tetsuya silently.

"It could also be a way to protect yourself as you proceed," he said quietly, "Someone went to a lot of trouble to erase Yasu from existence. And that person, as well as others, might not want the truth to be told. Be careful, Tetsuya. Now that there is someone else who knows about Yasu, I do not want to see you come to harm."

"I will be cautious," Tetsuya promised, "And I will not bring anything out into the open until I have learned everything that happened, and I can prove it!"

"I will help in what ways I can," said the clan leader, "though there seems to be little I know to do. Feel free to seek me out if you have questions. I am here every night at sunset to sit and reflect on my memories of Yasu."

Tetsuya smiled at him kindly.

"I am sure that, at some point, your assistance will be critical. Even right now, it would help for me to know who your brother might have been close to...or who might have been an adversary at the time of his disappearance."

"Hmmm," Yuji said, thinking, "Most of the councilors of that time are dead. They were killed when Sousuke Aizen infiltrated Central 46. But there are a few who had either retired or left after. Yasu was not particularly close to any of the ones left living, but I do remember him complaining about a couple of them...one your own relative...Orochi Kuchiki and the other a powerful member of the Furukawa clan...Hisoka. Both of them still live. You could investigate them."

"Yes," said Tetsuya, feeling a quiver inside at the mention of his elder distant cousin, "Thank you. That is helpful. I will see to that right away."

"But, as I said, be careful," Yuji warned him, "I am sure that you know your own cousin's nature..."

"Too well," Tetsuya admitted darkly.

"Hisoka is even more dastardly. Yasu expressed frustration at trying to reason with him. He had very unjust views and many prejudices."

"As does my cousin," Tetsuya sighed, "But I take your meaning. I will be very careful."

"Good," said Yuji, nodding in approval, "But we must go now. My other guests are waiting."

"Before we go," Tetsuya said, stopping him, "I will ask that you not mention my investigation to anyone until it has concluded. As you said, if the wrong people hear of it, I could be endangered."

"No one will hear anything from me," Yuji said solemnly, "I have been silent about Yasu for so many years, it is nearly second nature. Thank you, Tetsuya, for pursuing this. You have a nature much like his...gentle, just, tolerant. We need more of that. I think that your presence on the Central 46 council will be a good thing when you move forward."

"Arigato," Tetsuya said, bowing briefly, "You will hear from me as soon as I know anything useful."

"That is a comfort."

The two exited the room and walked back to the banquet hall. Tetsuya focused on his illusory self and sent it out of the room just before his arrival with the clan leader. Then, the two entered the room together.

"Ah," said Councilor Yukimura, stepping forward, "I see you have met our young intern, Tetsuya Kuchiki."

"Yes," said Yuji, smiling and accepting the councilor's hand, "We ran into each other and were exchanging stories. He is quite perceptive and wise. However did you lure him into that group of thieves and cutthroats on council?"

"Well," said Nori, "I have my ways. I know that Tetsuya sits strongly in the corner of justice. He will be an asset to the council when he wins his appointment."

"To be certain," said Yuji, "And you may, of course count on my clan's support when you need it."

Tetsuya returned to his elder councilor's side and circulated the room, his mind mulling over the details as he went. He tried to set it aside to better attend to the banquet and discussions, but kept coming back to the things that Yuji had confessed to him.

There are answers somewhere. And I will find them. I think I had best first attempt to get what I can from Orochi's home...though I won't approach him face to face. The man despises me for my peasant blood and would likely not offer any help anyway. As much as I don't enjoy sneaking about, it seems it is the only way to get the answers I need.

He was inwardly relieved when the banquet ended and he returned along the quiet streets to Kuchiki Manor. He met with Byakuya briefly to discuss the banquet, then the two met with the Kuchiki council. Tetsuya sat quietly near Byakuya, stealing glances at Orochi.

I wonder if he knows anything, Tetsuya mused, He was on the Central 46 council for a time, back when Yasu was also a councilor, it seems. But I am not sure what led to his leaving. I never knew much about the man but that he loved looking down on me and hurling insults.

And even before that, he was there at the prison sometimes...

A shiver went through him as he heard Orochi's voice in his mind, snarling epithets at the prisoners, showing his cruelty...

"Is everything all right?" Byakuya asked softly, "You seem distracted."

"I am fine," Tetsuya assured him, "It has just been a long day."

"Your reiatsu seems to be remaining more stable," observed the clan leader, "Whatever Captain Unohana prescribed must be working."

"Yes," replied Tetsuya, "Thankfully, it is. I feel much better."

The two left the Kuchiki council hall together at the end of the meeting and returned to the manor, where they freed themselves from their more formal attire and donned comfortable yukatas. Tetsuya remained at Byakuya's side until darkness had fallen, and his cousin retired to his bedroom. Then, he slipped into his own room and changed into darker clothes.

He left the room and passed through the gardens, careful to avoid the eyes of the guards, then took the left hand trail that led into the woods and ended in a small glen near Orochi's residence. Tetsuya moved into a position to observe the guards around the property and noted their actions carefully. He waited until the house ahead of him had quieted and most of the household seemed to be asleep. He moved closer on silent feet and approached a small break in the fence that was just large enough for him to pass through. As he bent to go through, a hand touched his shoulder, making him whirl in surprise and capture the hand that touched him. His eyes searched the hooded man's face, then he gave a annoyed sigh.

"Sousuke! What are doing, sneaking up on me like that?" he demanded, his heart pounding.

"Hmmm, what is my lovely fiancé doing, sneaking around someone's house under a veil of darkness?" Aizen asked smoothly, "Who lives here?"

"My father's cousin, Orochi, a rather horrid man who wishes that they could have eradicated all half-bloods. There has...been some talk that he is involved in something suspicious. I was going to see if I could find anything to indicate if that is true."

"My sweet, very just and proper mate is stooping to illegal activity to achieve his goals? Oh, I have corrupted you! Would you like any help? I am very good at this sort of thing. It comes much more naturally to me..."

"Yes," Tetsuya laughed softly, "But I will be fine. Just...go back and wait for me in my room. I will be home shortly."

"Oh, no. Not on your life," Aizen said, smirking, "I'll tell you what. You use Kyouka Suigetsu and go in and gather whatever you need. I will wait out here and watch your back. Does that meet with your approval, my stealthy lover?"

Tetsuya rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Great. You can provide a distraction to help me escape if I am sensed."

He slipped through the gate, leaving Aizen smiling after him, and followed the route he had planned to the house. He knew already where Orochi's personal office was, and was inside it in a matter of minutes. He carefully searched his cousin's desk and file cabinets, using the soft moonlight that came through the window to read several documents. He was careful to leave everything exactly as he found it and to move noiselessly. He completed his search of the room and was about to go, when an oddity about a portrait on the wall caught his attention. He studied the portrait for several long minutes, then tried to lift it down from the wall. To his surprise, it would not move, but seemed fused to the wall. He searched the wall and the area around the portrait, loosing a soft sound of victory as he found a tiny hidden switch. He touched it, and the wall opened. He cringed at the soft sound it made and listened for a time after it opened, to make sure that no one had heard. Then, he walked into the hidden room. The door closed behind him, leaving him in complete darkness. He made a small kido light on his fingertips and searched for a release switch to let him out, but couldn't find one.

Well, I'll have to attend to that later...

He moved on into a larger room and cast the light about, then caught his breath softly at the sight of a number of devices that could only be for restraining someone. Present as well were implements of a deviantly sexual nature that made Tetsuya's eyes widen and his face make an expression of disgust.

"Bastard!" he whispered, looking closer and finding traces of blood, "I cannot believe we're related!"

He looked around the edges of the room and found several file cabinets and storage boxes. He was in the midst of investigating them, when soft voices sounded outside the room and Tetsuya heard the hidden door opening. Instantly, he put out the kido light and whispered to Kyouka Suigetsu to hide his presence. He slipped into the shadows as Orochi entered the room with a youthful and frightened looking house attendant.

"Don't worry, now," said the older man, "I will be gentle with you. It is your first time, ne?"

"Y-yes sir," the servant said in a trembling voice.

Orochi moved closer to the youth, slipping a hand under his chin and gazing down into his frightened blue eyes. Tetsuya flinched uncomfortably as he kissed the youth and, at the same time, began to undress him. The attendant shivered and gave a shuddering moan as Orochi slid his hands down the youth's back and pulled their bodies into close contact.

Kyouka Suigetsu, isn't there something we can do?

Orochi moved his hips, rubbing against the frightened attendant's body and beginning to hold him more tightly.

"Master Orochi," the youth said pleadingly, "Please stop. I...I can't do this!"

"Of course you can," Orochi said smoothly, "You are an obedient servant, ne? You know how to do what you are told and keep quiet."

The boy gave a sharp cry as Orochi shifted suddenly and threw him down onto a cot, then quickly restrained his wrist and ankles. He laughed softly and leaned down to lick the attendant's earlobe.

"Now...you be a good boy and give me some pleasure, and I won't whip you for disobeying me."

"Please...no!" the boy cried, "Stop! Help! Somebody help me!"

"No one can hear what goes on in this room," Orochi hissed softly, "So, no one will hear you scream when I punish you for your misbehavior."

He sat down next to the youth and sank his fingers into the attendants hair, tightening his fingers until the youth screamed again. He forced the attendant's thighs apart and glared down at him.

That is it! Tetsuya thought, furiously, I can't just let him do this!

He moved out of the shadows under a cloak of Kyouka Suigetsu's illusions, approaching the man from behind as Orochi stroked the frightened attendant's privates. Tetsuya sent a sudden, hard shock of kido through Orochi's body, stunning him and making his body collapse onto the servant's. The youth screamed in panic, struggling against the bonds and pleading for help. He froze as Tetsuya shoved Orochi off of him and onto the floor and quickly freed the boy.

"Wh-who are you?" the attendant gasped, "Why can't I see you?"

"Never you mind," Tetsuya said kindly, still using Kyouka Suigetsu to hide himself and to alter his voice.

He helped the youth up and waited as he tied his yukata closed, then slipped a token into his hand.

"Go to Kuchiki Manor and show the guards this token. Tell them that you are under house protection and they will make sure that Orochi does not bother you again."

"But sir, I have a younger brother...and Master Orochi has shown interest in him, once he is of age."

Sick bastard...

"Take your brother with you. I will keep Orochi here so that you can escape. No one will see you go."

"Th-thank you!" the attendant sobbed, "He is horrible! So cruel!"

"I know," Tetsuya said quietly, "I know exactly how cruel that man is. Go now. You will be safe from him."

He watched as the youth left, leaving the hidden door ajar, then he lifted Orochi's slumped body onto the cot and set him in restraints. He sent another shock of kido through the man's body to make sure he slept, then continued his search of the room. Finding nothing useful, he was forced to conclude that although he was certainly a disgusting person, Orochi had not been involved directly in what happened to Yasu.

As he prepared to leave, he stopped and leaned over Orochi, untying his yukata and leaving him bared. Then, he left the hidden room, propping the door so that it could not close. He slipped out of the house and made his way back to where Aizen waited. As the older man pulled him close and invaded his mouth, several odd noises rose up within the house. Lights flashed on inside, and the house alarms began to wail.

"What...? Sousuke, what did you do?"

Aizen's smile widened.

"I remember that man, the one who lives there," Aizen said, listening to the voices rising up in the house, "I think I hated him on sight. I regret he'd left Central 46 by the time I returned and killed that lot."

"Sousuke!"

"Don't worry," Aizen assured him, "I am a changed man because of you. I didn't do anything really dangerous...however, there will be much to clean up."

Tetsuya stifled a laugh and buried himself in the other man's arms, exchanging kisses while they watched the chaos erupting through the house.

"I only wish I'd been able to address him directly," Aizen said softly, "Mischief is pleasant, but putting that man in his place would be sweeter."

Tetsuya smiled and whispered into Aizen's ear, making his lover catch his breath in surprise at the description of what Tetsuya had done.

"Why, anata, I didn't think you were capable of such things. But hearing that has put me in an amorous mood. Let us leave your cousin to deal with his situation, and spend the night in our own torrid displays of wanton sexuality."

Tetsuya blushed, making Aizen's eyes darken with a dangerous lust. He glared hungrily down into Tetsuya's widened blue eyes, then swept the young noble off of his feet and carried him back towards Kuchiki Manor.