Chapter Nine: A Future Prospect
"It seems funny to have our first class of the day this late in the afternoon."
Kai pushed back the door of the gymnasium, ushering his companions into the spacious, airy wooden training room before following them inside. It was the next day, and the sun was hanging lower in the sky over District One as the Senior class made their way to their first Ouyoudou session of the new year.
"Although I imagine it suits you, Kyouraku – since Hirata said you were still sleeping by the time he came to call you for lunch."
"I quite like having the chance to sleep in occasionally on a school day." Shunsui acknowledged with a rueful smile. "But I'm not planning on doing it all the time. Contrary to popular belief, Kai-kun – I don't intend on sleeping away the whole of Senior year."
"Nobody would stand for it, if you did." Enishi reflected with a laugh. "Even if you do ace your tests, Kyouraku – we already have assignments we should be writing, and if you get behind you'll get in it deep with Sensei."
"Mm. I know." Shunsui said casually. "I haven't forgotten and I won't miss the deadline. Don't worry about me, Houjou. My brain has an annoying habit of retaining information even when I don't want it to – so I'll manage somehow. I'm not intending on spending day after day in the library if I can help it."
"If Kuchiki-kun was here, he'd probably get cross with you for saying that." Hirata observed softly, a faint smile twitching at the edge of his features. "He likes the library and he'd tell you that you shouldn't waste so much time doing nothing."
"I miss Kuchiki." Enishi reflected pensively. "You're right, Hirata. That's exactly what he'd say."
"Hell, even I miss Kuchiki." Kai snorted, looking sheepish. "And I never thought I'd say that, but it's true nonetheless."
"You don't have anyone to tease or wind up, that's why." Shunsui chuckled. "Though you should take advantage of having your own room more, Kai-kun. You're up far too early in the mornings and you don't make the most of it at all."
"I have been, actually." Kai reflected. "This morning I spent a good two hours writing up Sakusen notes for the opening section of my assignment. If Kuchiki'd been there, doubtless the whole time would've been spent spatting over desk space – though Hirata has a point and he'd probably be in the library."
"Even so, though, you miss him?" Enishi asked, and Kai nodded.
"Weird, isn't it?" He reflected. "But yeah. I'm used to his stiff-backed awkwardness now, and I think Kyouraku's right. Teasing it is fun. That he's not here reminds me that someone got murdered – and that's a mite too close to the past for me for comfort. Hell, I didn't even bring my Shihouin blade with me to school this term, just so nobody could look at it funny. Only Meimei Anshi. So…I'd much rather have him here, looking down his very straight nose at me. It would mean things were normal, and I could deal with that."
"Nothing here is normal at the moment." Hirata said with a sigh, moving across the gym reluctantly towards the asauchi racks. "I don't really want to do Ouyoudou with Yamamoto-kun and the others. And Juushirou-kun isn't here, either – which makes it worse."
"Where is Ukitake, anyway?" Kai glanced around him in confusion, and Shunsui grimaced.
"Yama-jii hoicked him off to the office to discuss something or other with him about an hour ago." He said with a sigh, and Hirata nodded.
"He and I were going over Kidou notes in the Nest when a message came." He agreed. "I don't know what it was about, and nor did Juushirou-kun. But he's been there for a good long while now, and he's still not back. Do you suppose he's in some kind of trouble?"
"Doubtful." Shunsui shook his head. "More likely it's some Anideshi thing or other that we're not party to."
"Mm." Hirata looked pensive, but he didn't say any more, and Kai cast him a glance before changing the subject.
"I hope to get a good chance to spar with someone today." He said reflectively, clenching and unclenching his fists before turning his attention to the rack of asauchi. "The fact that these are here means Minabe's going to let us go at it with blades rather than sticks today – and it's about time we started the year on a high note. Bad enough she won't let us bring zanpakutou into Ouyoudou classes – but at least it'll be blades this time around."
"Hey, aren't you guys missing someone?" Sora came to join them, Naoko in tow, and Shunsui nodded.
"Juu's with Yama-jii." He agreed. "We're short on the ground today, Sora-chan. No Juu, no Ryuu. Kinda weird really."
"I said I saw Ukitake-kun heading to the study, Sora." Naoko selected her weapon, running her finger along the blade carefully before nodding her head. "Obviously it was something important, if he's still there."
"Let's hope Minabe thinks so, too." Kai reflected. "Else he'll be in for it next session."
"If it's Yama-jii, Minabe won't say a word about it." Shunsui said wisely. "She's his lackey, isn't she – more or less. She won't argue with the Principal if he's laid down an order."
"You people haven't taken the best swords, I hope." Before anyone could reply, Kanshi strode between them, running his fingers over the sword hilts one by one. "Not that it matters, since I'm not really that focused on fighting without my zanpakutou. I guess I might sit this class out – what about you, Akira? You don't want to sit it out, do you?"
"Damn right I don't." Akira snorted, patting the black hilted weapon at his waist and Kai's eyebrows raised as he realised it was a custom-designed katana and not one of the school's regulation asauchi. "I already have my weapon – you should follow my example and then you wouldn't be left with a lightweight sword."
"I'm a lightweight fighter so it suits me." Kanshi laughed, pulling a sword from the rack with a shrug. "I'm not into pro sword fighting like you and Aoi – I don't need to be shown up by my weapon."
"Don't you like sparring, Souryou?" Shunsui shot him a quizzical look, and Kanshi shrugged.
"I can do it. I don't really care for it." He admitted. "Not like these two, who are gung-ho blades at the ready every minute of the day. If I'm not fighting with my zanpakutou I'm not really interested in fighting – but rules are rules, and so I make do."
"You liar." Sora snorted, shaking her head. "You can fight plenty well enough if you want to, Kanshi-kun – so stop pretending otherwise."
"Kanshi…kun?" Kai stared at Sora then back at Kanshi, who grinned, shrugging his shoulders again.
"Sora's a Shiba. I'm half Shiba. Hence we share a percentage of blood." He said casually. "Not that I'd expect a Shihouin to know that."
"I didn't." Kai admitted. "But knowing the Clans, I shouldn't be surprised."
"Get your swords and line up by the wall! This isn't a social gathering!"
Minabe's words cut through the conversation and as one the Seniors scrambled to do as they were bidden just as they had done as first years as the formidable Ouyoudou sensei strode into the centre of the room. She did not look pleased, a look which grew darker as she ran her gaze across the assembled students, but she did not make a comment, merely pulling her weapon from her belt and wielding it in Akira's direction.
"Yamamoto. Come out here."
"Yes, Sensei." Akira was surprised, but did as he was bidden, stepping into the centre of the room. Minabe pursed her lips, her gaze resting on his katana for a moment, then,
"Bringing that sword here tells me you want to fight this afternoon." She said quietly. "So I'll grant you your wish."
"I'd like to fight against Ukitake." Akira's eyes narrowed as for the first time he seemed to realise the District student was not here. "But he doesn't seem to have arrived yet, Sensei."
"Ukitake is with the Headmaster." Minabe said shortly. "And so is excused."
"With the…" Akira faltered, but Minabe's attention was already off him, her eyes roving around the rest of the group for a suitable opponent.
"Houjou." She said at last, flicking her weapon in his direction. "Let's make this a Yamamoto showdown, shall we? You can be Yamamoto's opponent and we'll see how you match up."
"Yes, Sensei." Kai saw Enishi's eyes light up at the challenge, and he sighed inwardly.
Pity. I'd have liked to have slashed that look off Yamamoto's face myself, but I guess it's more politic to let him face Houjou than me.
"Shihouin, you'll get your chance soon enough." As though she had read his thoughts – and to Kai it wasn't impossible that she had, given her other ferocious tendencies – Minabe's gaze suddenly swivelled in his direction and he flinched, shooting her a sheepish look. "For the time being, stand and wait your turn."
"Yes, Sensei." Kai murmured, and once she had turned her back he caught Shunsui's eye, smiling faintly as his friend offered him a supportive grimace.
"I can do the same for you too, Kyouraku, and you won't be fighting double-handed in today's class." Minabe snapped out her response without even a glance at Shunsui, confirming for Kai that somehow this beast of a woman had managed to perfect reading her students' thoughts. She paid them no further mind, however, instead turning her attention to Akira and Enishi as they stood facing one another in the centre of the gym.
"You two have fought each other before, I trust?" She asked softly, and both boys nodded their assent.
"How many times?"
"Not sure, Sensei." Enishi scratched his head thoughtfully. "A few. Six or seven, maybe."
"With swords?"
"Yes, Sensei." Akira agreed. "Enishi's right – we've probably fought about that many. I've definitely taken his blade at least four times, so seven sounds right to me."
"Seven, with four going to Yamamoto." Minabe pursed her lips. "Fine then. You are fairly even despite Yamamoto's one year extra experience at Academy level – so I expect this to be a quick and productive fight. You are fighting seriously to disarm your opponent. You are not fighting to kill him. Understand? I have chosen you two because I believe you know enough about one another to fight safely without holding anything back. Please don't prove me wrong – I will not be writing any letters of condolence to grieving family members if you do."
She stood back, gesturing for them to make their opening stances, and Kai's gaze darted from Enishi to Akira and then back to Enishi. Though they were from the same Clan, he decided, they did not follow the same style of swordsmanship. Enishi was probably a good few inches taller and broader than Akira, but Kai knew from past experience sparring that Enishi was just as swift on his feet as any other fighter and that it would not be an easy match.
Four to three in Yamamoto's favour, huh. Then this is your chance to even things up, Houjou. Minabe chose that match because she wanted one of us to fight one of them – and it was the only safe pair-up she could manage. But I'm curious to see it too. How Houjou's level matches with Yamamoto's – because I outrank Houjou, and if he can't take Yamamoto, I might have some competition.
"Hajime!"
Even before the word had left Minabe's lips, there was a sudden flash of brightness, sunlight reflecting off Akira's expensive weapon as he drove forward towards his opponent. Enishi's reaction was instinctive, bringing his own asauchi up to meet Akira's and then neatly parrying his companion's blade back, forcing his greater strength to put Akira on the defensive. Enishi's next swing was just as easily countered by Akira's blade, however, and Kai knew they were sounding one another out, not yet fully into the tempo of their fight.
Enishi's brow was creased in concentration as he moved from left to the right, bringing his sword across to block Akira's swings and thrusts before sweeping his weapon low across Akira's left hand side. It was perfectly judged in terms of distance, for the tip brushed very faintly against the sleeve of the hakamashita, causing Akira to pull back instinctively and allowing Enishi a few paces advantage. But Akira was not easily kept down for long and a series of swift blade strikes soon forced Enishi to relinquish the ground he had gained.
It's a pity Ukitake can't see this.
Kai sighed, leaning back against the wall of the gym as he watched the two Yamamoto move up and down the wooden floor, the squeak and thud of their sandaled feet in harmony with the clashing rhythm of their two blades.
Yamamoto's good – he's worthy of that sword, no doubt. Could I take him? I wonder. I'd like to try, since he's giving Houjou a hell of a time. But Houjou's not outpaced, either. They are quite evenly matched. Maybe Yamamoto just edges it – but it's very close, really.
A driving thrust from Enishi at that point brought Kai's attention firmly back to the battle, as with some difficulty Akira managed to push the blade back, bringing his weapon up at an awkward angle and hurriedly shifting his weight from left to right as he managed to rectify his position. Enishi feinted to the side to easily dodge Akira's hastily concocted counter attack, but the next moment Akira had regained his rhythm, and the sound of the blades clashing together once more rang out through the gymnasium.
"Enough!"
Minabe's voice brought the spar to an abrupt halt, Enishi skidding slightly on the smooth floor but just about managing to hold his balance. Akira stepped back, lowering his blade and the Ouyoudou sensei turned to face them both in turn as they fought to catch their breath.
"That was a good fight." She said frankly. "Yamamoto, you need to be more careful when someone invades your space – you were far too vulnerable from the left and it showed when Houjou threatened that side that you hadn't properly defended it. Houjou, you need to capitalise on your opponent's weaknesses with more conviction. You have the strength to follow those attacks through and you've proven just now that you can be creative. It's a matter of putting those pieces together every time you fight."
She turned back to the others.
"At Senior level, you should all be capable of fighting in that manner." She said crisply, and Kai saw Hirata flinch as the teacher's gaze dropped momentarily on his diminutive form. "If you want to pass your final assessments next spring, you will strive to match or overcome what you have just seen from your classmates. Your combat skills will make up a significant part of your final year grade – and I won't be holding your hands to guide you through it this time around. We will meet once a week at most – I will expect you to spend your own free time working on your weaknesses and bringing your style forward. You cannot always rely on a zanpakutou to win a fight. You must also be able to wield the weapon in its base form."
Her gaze rested on Kai.
"Shihouin, you've seen now the competition you have if you want to hold on to your top rank in this class." She said quietly, a challenge in her tones. "I wanted you in particular to see it. I won't tolerate anything less than absolute perfection from you this year – bear it in mind."
"Yes, Sensei." Kai bowed his head.
"The same goes for you, Michihashi. And you, Kyouraku." Minabe's gaze shifted across the room. "Michihashi, I know you are capable of the same level of skill as Yamamoto, on your day. Kyouraku…I have no idea what you are capable of most of the time, since I can't remember a single Ouyoudou class where you gave one hundred percent effort from start to finish. I want to see that effort this year – and if I don't, I will fail you. Regardless of how fancy your zanpakutou skills are and irrespective of whether your Clan hope to honour you with high shinigami rank on graduation. Do you understand?"
"I'll do my best, Sensei." Shunsui said cheerfully. "At least, to make sure I reach that standard with one hand. Or can I balance it out between the two and give fifty percent from each side?"
"Kyouraku…" Aoi shot Shunsui a startled glance, and Kai smothered a smile as he saw Minabe's brow creasing in annoyance.
"If I could throw you out of my class, I would. Physically, if given the right opportunity." She said darkly. "But watch your words and put that cocky spirit into what you do with your blade. Otherwise you will find yourself studying swords with the Fifth Year – you might like to joke, but I am quite serious."
"Yes, Sensei." Shunsui adopted a suitably contrite expression ,but Kai could still see the mischief in his eyes as he bowed his head. "I'll bear those words extra-specially in mind."
"Then for the time being, I will expect an extra-special fighting display from you." Minabe said blackly. "We're a person short because of Ukitake's absence – no, two people short on account of Kuchiki's, too. Very well, that makes ten. Houjou and Yamamoto, catch your breath and then work on your swings – I wish to spend a little time with each of you this class going over a couple of advanced technical points. The rest of you will spar safely in the following pairs. Shihouin-Michihashi. Amai-Shikibu. Kyouraku-Souryou. Shiba-Endou. Endou, you were making some vague progress in sword skills at the end of last year, and I hope to see you give Shiba a proper fight. Understood?"
"Yes, Sensei." Hirata murmured, letting out a heavy sigh as he trudged reluctantly across the gym to where Sora was standing. Minabe nodded.
"Then you may begin when you are ready." She said curtly. "Yamamoto, Houjou, over here."
"Houjou isn't a bad fighter, is he?" As he joined Aoi, the fair haired Urahara cast a thoughtful look across to where the two Yamamoto were gathered with the broad shouldered teacher. "He gave Akira as good as he got – Akira said himself that Houjou was a decent opponent, but I wasn't sure until I saw it. He doesn't look like someone who'd have that kind of agility."
"He's a surprise package, I suppose." Kai shrugged. "You can't judge a swordsman by his appearance, that's for sure."
"What about you then, Shihouin?" Aoi asked quizzically. "Sensei seems to rate your skills - do you think you could beat Akira?"
"Yes. Probably." Kai pursed his lips. "Though I would have found it harder if I hadn't seen his fighting style. Now I have – I've seen the strengths and weaknesses in it, so I think…I probably could."
He grinned.
"But if you're the same kind of level, that's the challenge." He added. "I don't know a thing about your fighting style, Michihashi."
"Likewise." Aoi offered a smile in return. "But I do know the reputation the Shihouin have. I hope you live up to it."
"My sister would probably have my head if I didn't." Kai said ruefully. "Though I don't have a fancy weapon like yours with me, I'm afraid. My swords are mostly still in District Two – aside from my zanpakutou, I didn't think about bringing them with me. I do sometimes have one or two on campus, but I didn't know Minabe would allow them in this class."
"We're Seniors. A level away from Squad." Aoi said, glancing at his own weapon with a shrug. "Besides, I like sword sparring, even without my zanpakutou. So I like to have my own on hand – just in case I want to practice when others are in use."
"Hrm." Kai pursed his lips. "I'll think on that one then."
"What about your classmates? Are they any good with swords?" Aoi asked. "Kyouraku, for example – what was that about?"
"Kyouraku is probably very good, but doesn't often fight properly, so it's hard to really know." Kai sighed, preparing his stance to begin the match. "He's like that with most everything, though – don't let your guard down if you're ever called to spar him."
"Noted." Aoi nodded. "But…two handed? Does he fight that way?"
"His zanpakutou is twin bladed and he's ambidextrous." Kai agreed. "Like I said, you can't let your guard down because it's impossible to know what he might do next."
"I see." Aoi's eyes narrowed, as he too readied his position. "And Ukitake? What about him?"
"Ukitake is…" Kai hesitated, then, "I can beat Ukitake." He admitted. "But I don't know…I wouldn't let your guard down around him, either."
"Then we might have some fun spars in Senior Class." Aoi looked pleased. "I'm glad – last year there wasn't much competition for that kind of thing, but this time it looks like there will be."
"I hope so, too." Kai agreed. "Starting with this one…Hajime!"
It was proving to be a long afternoon.
Juushirou sank down into a seat beside the Headmaster's desk, a hesitant expression in his hazel eyes as he met the wary, doubtful gazes of his two unfamiliar companions. To his left sat Genryuusai, silent and pensive as he oversaw proceedings, and Juushirou sighed inwardly, realising that it was probably going to get a good deal longer before he was released to rejoin his peers.
The day as a whole hasn't been that productive.
He sighed, turning his mind back to earlier that afternoon, when a third year had come to the Nest bearing a summons from Genryuusai. He and Hirata had been deep in discussion about the intricacies of one or two particularly complicated kidou techniques, and he had been reluctant to leave, but an order from the Principal was an order not to be refused and so with a sigh he had left Hirata to his own devices and had obediently made his way to the Head's study to find out what was afoot.
Genryuusai had not been alone when Juushirou had arrived, and as he had entered, the old man had stood to greet him, gesturing for him to come in and sit down. Before the desk had been a man and a woman, their mode of dress marking them out to be people not of the Clans but of Juushirou's own section of society.
"Juushirou, thank you for coming." Genryuusai had spoken softly, even as Juushirou had bowed his head to greet the strangers. "I realise I've disrupted your afternoon's activities, and your class schedule and for that fact I apologise. But I felt that in this particular situation you were the one I should call on – and I hope you will forgive me."
"It's all right, sir." Juushirou had found himself saying, even though his inner thoughts had been quite the opposite, and Genryuusai's moustache had twitched slightly into a smile as if he had read his student's thoughts. He had not commented on them, however, merely indicating his guests as he retook his seat.
"These people are tenants of my Clan, and residents here in District One." He had said quietly. "Hikifune Kenichi, and his wife Amiko-san. They are tenants of my Clan and residents of the borderlands between District Eight and District One…and they have come here to speak to me directly about the possibility of their daughter becoming a student of mine in the not so distant future."
"I see." Juushirou had not seen, but Genryuusai had not given him time to ask any more questions.
"Kenichi-san and Amiko-san are very worried about the prospects for their child in an establishment like this." He had said gravely. "They have encountered difficulties in raising a spiritually gifted child, since neither of them are particularly that way inclined – and they know full well that the pathway for District shinigami is a tough one for all concerned. Therefore I thought it might put their minds at rest…if they could meet with our most senior District student and hear from you first hand about life at the Academy."
In that moment, Juushirou had understood, and he had nodded his head, resigning himself to spending the rest of the day holed up in Genryuusai's office. Still, as the silence threatened to drag on, he heard the bell ringing out for the late Ouyoudou class and he pursed his lips, his gaze flitting to his Headmaster.
"Minabe-sensei has been sent a message not to expect you." Genryuusai seemed to be reading his thoughts once more. "You needn't worry, Juushirou. You have all the time in the world."
"Thank you, sir." Juushirou offered a faint smile, then, "I wonder what questions Hikifune-san might have…regarding the Academy as a whole?"
Kenichi and Amiko exchanged glances, and Genryuusai smiled.
"Juushirou is the son of a family who live in a coastal region of District Six." He said quietly, casting Juushirou a look to confirm his words, and Juushirou nodded his head. "He's the eldest of quite a long family, but the only one among them to possess such a startling level of spiritual ability. Given your own situation with your young charge, I thought Juushirou's opinion might be of value to you so please, don't hold back from speaking to him."
"Well, it's a difficult situation for us overall." Kenichi cast his wife another glance, then sighed, shaking his head as though to clear it. "Kirio isn't our child by birth, you see. Actually, we took her in a year ago – because she was on her own and had nobody else to turn to. She came from District Seven, originally, but wound up a refugee in District Eight, and she and her family seem to have travelled further before becoming separated or…something of that nature. Either way, Kirio's had a very unsettled time and has lost many people. We took her in because of that – and we're fond of her. Truly fond, since we can't have children of our own. To send her away again is not what we want to do…but…"
"Her spirit power is troublesome." Amiko added softly. "To a point where…it might prove destructive to people around her."
"Neither of us want Kirio to feel that we're moving her on again." Kenichi looked troubled. "When we first came across her she was…very weak and sickly and hadn't eaten in some days. She didn't speak for a full three or four weeks, and when she did, she didn't want to tell us much about what had happened or where she'd been. That she and her family had been in a refugee camp in District Eight was as much as we could get from her – that and the fact she had been separated from her older sister and younger brother. We got the impression that…"
"That they had abandoned her." Kenichi glanced at his hands. "Because of her…unusual abilities and that she has trouble controlling them."
"Unusual abilities?" Despite himself, Juushirou was intrigued. "Spiritual abilities…of some sort?"
He cast Genryuusai a look. "Sensei, do they mean…like Shikiki had abilities, even without training?"
"Kirio doesn't appear to be like Shikiki, but she does seem to be quite powerful a young lady." Genryuusai said evenly. "At present she is with Retsu-dono in the healing bay – because this conversation would be much more difficult with her present. She's a youngster of about twelve, Juushirou – very intelligent and clearly she's been through a good deal in her short life. Retsu-dono offered to show her around the infirmary and she seemed interested in the things there – but she's not a healer, that much is for sure. And what nature of spirit power she has isn't clear either – but it has a habit of railing out of control at times."
"At…times?"
"She's managed to cause a few explosions at home." Amiko said reluctantly. "Not on purpose, but when she's been angry, frightened or upset…these things just…"
Juushirou's eyes widened, and Genryuusai nodded.
"I think that's something you can identify with a little bit, isn't it?" He said softly, and Juushirou pursed his lips.
"Sort of." He admitted unwillingly. "I never…blew anything up at home. I think Father protected me far too much so that that didn't happen. But I know sometimes I…pushed people away without meaning to, when my spirit power flared up. And I knew…I was different and could hurt my family. I guess I knew that…most of all."
"That's what Kirio's said too." Kenichi admitted. "That she doesn't want to hurt more people."
"She won't talk about what happened with her family, just that these episodes began after they left the refugee camp in District Eight…about a year and a half or just more ago." Amiko added. "Clan officials by the border started investigating the disturbances at our home, and so…when they realised what had happened, they said we should come here. That Kirio's power needed to be trained – else she wouldn't…"
She faltered, her voice shaking.
"She wouldn't be safe around other people as she got older." Juushirou whispered, his heart clenching despite himself. "I understand, Hikifune-san. I understand really well what you're afraid of – and what Kirio herself is probably afraid of. Because in the Clans, this kind of ability is normal. But in the Districts, it isn't. And most people don't really understand it, even if they don't persecute for it like they did in District Seven a few years ago."
"Kirio's family fled there because of spirit power raids, I think." Amiko wiped away a tear. "She's been so abandoned and uprooted so many times for such a young girl…we wondered if all of that could have…somehow…unsettled her spirit and made things worse. We want her to be…safe. Feel safe. But…as it stands…"
"This is the first year that I've had a Senior student who understands things from Kirio's perspective." Genryuusai folded his hands pensively in his lap. "Juushirou, will you forgive me if I tell our guests a little more about your own situation? Then I would like you to speak to Kirio herself, if you would – because I think you might understand things where other people cannot."
"Yes, sir." Juushirou was surprised, but he nodded his head. "In the circumstances, I understand."
"Most District students are sent to me because they show a moderate amount of ability. But every so often, one with a tremendous amount of power surfaces." Genryuusai addressed the anxious couple gravely. "We don't know Kirio's pedigree, or how she came by the power she has. But I am left in no doubt after having met her – that your daughter is one of those few unique individuals. Juushirou is another one – a child with power to rival a Clan descendant and yet without the training available from early infancy to control and manage that ability properly."
He smiled.
"Juushirou would probably be the first to admit he hasn't always had good control over his skills." He added ruefully, and Juushirou reddened, lowering his gaze. "In fact, there was an incident I seem to remember with lightning striking a tent on a camping excursion – which doesn't seem to have been the result of simple nature. Juushirou's native ability relates to storm and sea – and on occasion we've had storms in District One that we weren't entirely expecting to see!"
"Then you do understand." Kenichi looked relieved, and Juushirou nodded ruefully.
"I do." He agreed. "But Sensei, I'm not proud of things like that."
"But now you're at a level when such a thing shouldn't happen." Genryuusai said calmly. "You have your zanpakutou and you have good control over it, even though there is much still to learn. Your Kidou is of a high level and you are a very competent fighter. That is what I would like to give Kirio – the chance for her to follow your path and attain the same ends."
"That is what we want." Amiko was anxious. "But without Kirio thinking we're punishing her by sending her away. Because we're not doing that…we don't want to send her away if she's unhappy going. But…"
Juushirou frowned, getting to his feet.
"Shall I go to the Healing Bay and speak to her, then?" He asked softly. "I assume Unohana-sensei will be expecting me, and that seems the best thing for me to do. If she's apprehensive about the Academy – maybe I can change her mind."
"She is very young. Far younger than any student I've accepted to my school up to this point." Genryuusai agreed. "And I'm not quite sure as yet what I intend to do about it, to be honest. But I think she'd understand the situation better from you than from me – so yes please, Juushirou. If you wouldn't mind."
"Yes, sir." Juushirou bowed his head towards his teacher, then towards the visitors, before withdrawing from the study, closing the door softly behind him and making his way slowly along the hallway towards the Healing Bay.
Sensei is using me as an example of what his School is about. Right from the start people have called me his project – but it seems now I've become more than that. Do I mind being used in that way?
He considered this for a moment, then discarded it.
No. I don't think I do. In fact, maybe I'm glad of it. If I'm useful – if I can help – that's all part of being Anideshi and I won't run away from it. Maybe that was Sensei's reason for choosing me over Yamamoto-kun – I suppose I won't know for sure. But I see his reasoning, even if that is true. I went into this school blind, and had Kamikura not known Sensei, I would never have even got that far. I didn't have someone like me to talk to me then and explain to me what it would be like – it might have been nice, if I had.
He put his hand to the door of the Healing Bay, knocking gently against the wood. Retsu's voice called him in, and he pushed the door back, realising as he did so that he had not seen the school's fleeting medical consultant since the beginning of that term. Suddenly he wanted to ask her all kinds of questions about the Kuchiki Clan and how everything in his home District was faring, but the next moment the thoughts faded as he met the uncertain gaze of a young girl, thick reddish waves cascading messily over her shoulders as she huddled on the end of one of the chamber's empty beds. She was robed in simple dark shades, hugging her clothes to her body defensively as though protecting herself, and at the sight of her Juushirou frowned, closing the door behind him.
"Are you Kirio?" He asked gently, and the girl started, wariness creeping into the green eyes. Slowly she nodded, and Juushirou smiled.
"It's all right." He assured her. "I've been sent here by your parents – they're worried about you, and they hoped I might talk to you for a bit."
"Are they going to leave me here?" The girl's voice was full of doubt, and Juushirou's heart went out to her. Ouyoudou and half-formed Kidou theory forgotten, he moved to sit down on the end of the bed. Kirio eyed him cautiously, but she did not run away from him, and Juushirou offered her another smile.
"Your parents won't leave you here unless you want to stay." He said gently. "They made that very clear, you know. They're very worried for you and about you – they seem to care for you very much."
"I do bad things, but I don't mean to." Kirio glanced at her hands. "They've been kind to me and I…like them. But now I'm here, and they might leave me behind. Just like…"
She faltered, and Juushirou's eyes softened.
"Did your family leave you behind, last time?" He asked quietly. "Because you had special skills and they didn't know how to handle them?"
"I…" Kirio sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "I don't really know what happened. Just that I woke up and they weren't there. A lot of stuff happened…I don't even know if they're alive. But they didn't stay with me, so I…didn't look for them. Because I thought they were dead, or they didn't want me. And so I didn't…I didn't look for them."
She cast Juushirou a quizzical look.
"Who are you?" She asked curiously. "Why did my parents send you to talk to me? I don't understand. You study here, right? So..?"
"My name's Juushirou, and yes, I study here." Juushirou nodded. "This is my final year – I've been here four full years already. But like you, I'm not from the Clans. And like you, I haven't always been able to control what I could do. It scared people – me too – until I learnt to get it under control."
"I see." Kirio's eyes became pensive. "So they want you to tell me that I should come here so that they can leave me behind and I won't be sad…something like that?"
"No, I don't think they'll leave you unless you choose to stay." Juushirou said thoughtfully. "Even though they said you've only lived with them a year…they seemed to think of you entirely as their own daughter, now. I think they're as scared of losing you as you are of losing them – that's the impression I got, anyway."
"Do you think so?" Kirio was surprised, and Juushirou nodded.
"Did your family worry about you, then, when you came here?"
"Yes. My stepmother didn't want me to go at all." Juushirou said wryly. "She was worried it would hurt me – that I'd not be able to deal with my abilities properly and I'd wind up in danger. But she let me go, because I chose to do it. And even though I miss them all a lot…what?" As Kirio sent him a strange look.
"You said step-mother." She murmured. "You don't have a real mother, either?"
"She died when I was born." Juushirou shook his head. "In fact, she died protecting me, because my spirit power was so wild it caused a storm and I couldn't breathe. She sacrificed her life to make sure mine didn't end."
"Your spirit power…killed someone?"
"Sort of. I suppose." Juushirou frowned. "I think…Hahaue chose to save me. But yes. Because of it, she died. Father too – in the forest, when a Hollow came for me and I couldn't control my reiatsu. Father got injured and he died of that injury. Both times because I had the power to lure Hollows to my family as well as put them in danger. It hurt a lot, Kirio-chan – knowing they had died because of me."
"My parents were killed by Endou retainers. Shinigami in District Seven." Kirio said quietly. "I didn't really understand that very well to begin with, but I realised it because my sister was so afraid when I started showing spirit power too. She said I was going to end up like one of the people who killed our parents – or that I'd be killed because of it, and so I was scared. That was after we started looking for proper shelter, once the refugee camps began to divide up. Neesan didn't want to go back to Seven, so we headed towards One…but…I don't know. Neesan and my little brother weren't with me any more, and then…"
"Shinigami aren't evil." Juushirou told her firmly. "Individuals are evil, but not all shinigami are. I have a young sister now who was orphaned like you were, and who was frightened of shinigami, then. But now she intends to become one – in whatever shape or form – to use the spirit power she has to be strong. She's said that she wants to be a good shinigami – because if she does that, then she'll know for sure shinigami aren't all bad. And if there are bad ones, she can help change it."
"Are you a shinigami?" Kirio asked quietly, and Juushirou nodded.
"Sort of." He agreed. "I have a zanpakutou and it's recognised as a shinigami sword by the Council of Elders. So in that sense, yes I am. But until I graduate here, it's not safe for me to go hunting Hollows and things all on my own. I have…killed Hollows. I've used my zanpakutou for that. But I don't think I'm a bad shinigami because of it, Kirio-chan."
"Why did you want to come here, though?" Kirio asked. "I mean, why would you…if your spirit power hurt people...?"
"So that I could protect those people." Juushirou said thoughtfully. "The dangers will be there whether or not I act – but if I act, I can maybe save lives that might otherwise be lost. My parents gave up their lives to protect this one of mine – so I have to use that life to protect other people. Especially the people they were close to, and the ones I'm close to. I don't intend on losing anyone else because I couldn't protect them – so I'll do my best."
"To…protect them?" Kirio's eyes widened, and Juushirou nodded.
"Yes." He agreed. "But I'm not going to tell you what to do with yours. It's your gift. Not mine. You know what it's like, and whether or not you're ready to do anything with it. Maybe you never will be – but you aren't me and what's right for me isn't necessarily your path to follow. I didn't come here to tell you to learn to be a shinigami or to let your family leave you here. I came to make sure you were all right. Because they're worried about you."
"I suppose they are." A wistful smile touched Kirio's lips. "I like them a lot, Juushirou-san. I…really do. When I'm bad…even when I do something awful like blow up a tree, they still hug me when I cry and they aren't afraid of me. At least, I know they're afraid of…it…but not me. They say that. They want to help me…somehow. But…I keep hurting them. And eventually maybe they won't want to help me any more. And then I'll be on my own again."
She sighed.
"If I came here, they might forget about me." She added. "And then I wouldn't have anywhere to go home to."
"They're people who care for you." Juushirou shook his head. "They won't abandon you that easily."
"But Oneesan cared for me, or said she did." Kirio said helplessly. "So I don't really know for sure."
She twisted a messy red curl around her finger.
"In the refugee camp, I had a friend called Tenichi…and his brother, Ketsui, who I played with." She said softly. "And I…when Neesan left me, I went looking for them. I knew they'd decided to stay in District Eight. But I couldn't find them…and then…"
"But you found people – or they found you – and they want to keep you." Juushirou pointed out. "People like that don't take a child in unless they want them, Kirio-chan. Like my stepmother adopted me as her own, your parents consider you their own too, now. You shouldn't worry that they'll abandon you. They won't. There's no reason to take in a stranger's child unless you want to love them. They obviously want you to think of yourself as theirs now – and they don't want bad things to happen to you."
"If I came here…would it be all right? Would I…be able to be safe?" Kirio was apprehensive. "The old man said his youngest students were fifteen, but I'm only twelve. And I…I don't really know if…"
"I was seventeen when I started – two of my close friends were fifteen and nineteen." Juushirou looked thoughtful. "It is a big gap, I know. But if Sensei has a way to help you, he will. Maybe he'll give you some advice – some things to work on and some stuff to do before you come to the Academy as a fulltime student. My foster sister is eleven – she won't come here until she reaches fifteen or sixteen, though her power isn't dangerous and she already has good control over it. Probably Genryuusai-sensei will want to help you control it – until you felt ready to take the leap and come here properly."
"He would do that?" Kirio looked doubtful, and Juushirou nodded.
"Sensei's a kind person, even if he can be strict." He agreed. "And your family have come to him for help. He won't refuse them that. Whenever you're ready for it, the Academy will welcome you. Sensei said you had exceptional power levels and I know he'd train you with pleasure. But you have to be ready for it. And not scared of it…or of losing people you care about."
A tiny smile touched Kirio's lips.
"You're kind." She observed absently. "Like a big brother…you sound like that, when you're talking to me. I never had a big brother, but sometimes Neesan would say stuff and I'd listen, just like this."
"I have a lot of brothers and sisters." Juushirou said sheepishly. "I suppose its force of habit."
"You both seem to be getting on quite well." Retsu emerged at that moment, and Juushirou realised she had hidden herself on purpose to allow the two to speak without interruptions from Clansfolk. "Well, Kirio-san? How do you feel now?"
"I…think I want to think about it." Kirio said solemnly. "And talk to the…Ojii-sensei about how I can stop bad things happening when I get cross or upset. And then…I don't know. Maybe. I…will think about it. Coming here."
She flashed Juushirou a smile.
"Your foster sister is almost the same age as me." She added. "Maybe we could come here at the same time. I think that might be nice – then I wouldn't be the only one like me."
"Maybe." Juushirou agreed. "I'm glad you'll think about it, Kirio-chan. It's a big decision and one only you can make. So think about it a lot – okay?"
"I will." Kirio promised.
"Then Ukitake-kun, you should probably leave us for now." Retsu said gently. "It is growing late and you have already missed your Ouyoudou class this afternoon. It will soon be time for the evening meal – and it would not be good if Anideshi was to arrive late."
"No. It wouldn't." Juushirou got hurriedly to his feet, realising he would not have a chance to ask her about his friends' Clan that day. "Thank you, Unohana-sensei. Good luck, Kirio-chan – I hope we meet again and you work out what you need to do."
With that he was gone, hurrying through the halls and darting down a side-passage as he made a short-cut towards the Dining Hall. As he did so, he almost ran headlong into a small figure outside the door of the Common Room, and he stumbled to a halt, only just stopping himself from knocking the small boy flying.
"I'm sorry! I should have been looking where I was going!"
The boy stared at him, eyes big and frightened, and Juushirou was alarmed to see tears glittering in his gaze. In that moment he realised he'd met the boy before, and he frowned, digging through his memory for the child's name.
"Tsuka…bishi-kun?"
"Y…yes, A…Anideshi?" The boy stammered out, looking twice as frightened, and Juushirou sighed, taking a step back.
"Are you all right? You look a little upset."
"I'm fine, S…Senpai. I just f…fell over. I just…I have to go…it's almost…for dinner." The boy babbled out a response, bowing his head hurriedly before disappearing down through the halls, and Juushirou's brows knitted together.
Strange. Am I really that frightening a prospect? I'm not even carrying my sword right now.
He put his hand on the Common Room door, pausing for a moment and then sliding it back. It was empty, save for a few Fifth years gathered by the window playing shougi, and Juushirou grimaced inwardly as he saw Azusa among the bunch.
The dinner gong rang out at that moment, however, drawing his attention back to the matter at hand.
"Dinner." He said lightly, and a bulky boy whose name Juushirou didn't know grunted acknowledgement of his words.
"We're not idiots. We can tell that for ourselves, Ukitake." Azusa cast his hand across the shougi board to disperse the pieces, shooting the Senior a dark look. Juushirou was in no mind to get drawn into an argument, however, so he just nodded his head, closing the door and quickening his own steps to reach the Dining Hall as quickly as possible.
"You look flustered for someone who got to skip class." As he entered the room, Shunsui put out a hand to grab his arm and he turned, shooting the other boy a rueful smile.
"I've been Genryuusai-sensei's poster boy." He said frankly. "Talking with prospective District parents worried about their daughter coming here. Believe me, it wasn't an afternoon off."
"While Yama-jii's got you, he'll use you, I suppose." Shunsui looked pensive. "Oh well. You didn't miss anything much – just Akira-kun's grouching and Enishi's sword skills. Let's go grab something to eat, huh? You look like you need it."
"I do." Juushirou laughed. "It's been a long day and I still have a bunch of notes all over my chamber that need collating before I go to bed. Being Anideshi is no easy ride, Shunsui – believe me."
"And it's still only the start of term." Shunsui's eyes twinkled. "It can only get busier."
"Thanks for that." Juushirou groaned, swiping his companion playfully across his arm. "Shut up and come on, all right? Even Anideshi wants to get a decent serving before the good stuff runs out!"
The girl was late.
Masaki leant up against the substantial doorframe of the tavern's main drinking chamber, his eyes lazily roving across the gathered locals who one by one had trickled in through the doors as the day's business had drawn to a close. The moon was drawing higher in the sky now, and Masaki had been waiting since sunset – but as yet there had been no sign of the mysterious Momiji or her precious 'treasure'.
For a moment Masaki wondered if Gaugen had double-crossed him and had taken the pendant for himself after pocketing half of the reward. A faint flash of anger stabbed through his senses at this thought, then he pushed it back, slowly shaking his head as he reminded himself of the foolishness of such an act. Gaugen was a greedy man, sure enough – but not an entirely stupid one. And most importantly, he believed Masaki to be here on Tokutarou's instruction. It would be very difficult to explain the pawning of a Clan item so close to the centre of power – and Masaki was quite sure that a man like Gaugen would not jeopardise long-term profits for the sake of one risky windfall. No, he had not intervened…so the girl was late for other reasons.
But prostitutes are not always reliable people. Who knows what kind of young girl I'm about to meet with.
His fingers slipped down through the folds of his dark grey robes, brushing pensively against the hilt of the distinctive tantou knife that lodged there.
It doesn't matter, really. I don't have anywhere more pressing to be, and I can wait a while longer. I should have asked Gaugen where she lived – but failing that, I'll wait. If she doesn't come then tomorrow I'll pay another visit to my trading friend and extract such information from him – but for now, I'll employ a little more patience.
"Masaki-dono."
The tavern keeper was approaching him now, and he turned, schooling his features into a casual smile as he inclined his head in a greeting.
"Good evening." He said softly, and the other man returned his bow, raising his gaze to meet his companion's pensively.
"A young girl is waiting for you outside the front of the building." He said softly, a faintly troubled look in his eyes. "I'm sorry, sir, but she's not the kind of girl I permit into this place – but she asked for you by name, and assured me that she had not make a mistake. She would not leave until I promised to come to speak to you."
"Outside?" Masaki looked surprised, then, "I see. Did she happen to give a name?"
"The girl is known as Momiji, sir." The tavern-keeper's lips thinned in disapproval. "I beg your pardon, sir, but she is…she's known as a prostitute in this town, and such women aren't welcome in my establishment. So…if you have any business with her…I'm afraid…"
"I will go outside and speak to her, then, I suppose." Masaki said reflectively, then laughed as he saw the expression in the other's eyes. "Oh, don't worry. My business with her is not of that nature, I don't suppose. I was looking for information on something for my Lord Tokutarou – and was told she knew something that might be of help."
He offered a genial smile.
"But I wouldn't want to trouble you or hurt the reputation of this fine tavern of yours." He added lightly. "So I will go and speak to her under the moonlight. It's just as easy to do and it's a fine night."
"Thank you, sir, for your understanding." The tavern keeper looked relieved. "I'm sorry to put you at inconvenience, and I didn't mean any unseemly slurs on your name by suggesting…just that a few years ago, there was quite a bit of trouble with some of the courtesans round these parts. The town's brothel burnt to the ground, and they were flung out every which way for shelter. My staff are good workers, but they are just men – and the womenfolk became uncomfortable with the lewd behaviour and other unpleasantness that that kind of girl brings with her. So the rule stands – and the problems have been far less since."
"It's understood." Masaki agreed. "Then keep my room for me – I shall be back to it late tonight, I should imagine."
"Yes, sir." The tavern keeper bowed respectfully once more before withdrawing to leave Masaki to his own devices, and the man paused, pursing his lips thoughtfully as he considered his companion's words.
The brothel burnt to the ground, did it? Yet the inhabitants escaped. I wonder if that was a jilted soul looking to avenge himself on one of the jezebels – or a conscientious vigilante wanting to eradicate his town of sin.
He pulled his cloak more tightly around his body, crossing the floor and stepping out into the bright spring night. There were only wisps of cloud hazing the lazy glow of the silver moon that night, and Masaki found that he could see his way quite clearly even without the flame lamps that stood at the end of the tavern's grounds. Beside one of these he could see a hooded, huddled figure, and he quickened his pace to join her.
"Momiji-san?" He said softly, and at the sound of her name she turned, eying him with a mixture of confusion and surprise.
"…Sir?" She whispered, and Masaki smiled, inclining his head slightly towards her.
"My name is Masaki. Gaugen-san told me that you would come here – I'm sorry for the hospitality you received."
"Mm." Momiji's brows knitted together briefly. "The man who runs this place doesn't like prostitutes all that much, though when he's away we're not barred from entering like tonight. A friend of mine told me his wife killed herself because he had an affair with one of my sisters in sin – but that was a long time ago, so I don't know and it's just a rumour. But he doesn't like us and makes threats to us sometimes when nobody else is there. I don't really like him either – so I didn't mind waiting outside."
She tilted her head on one side, eying him curiously.
"But I'm babbling about unimportant things, and you've come to speak to me from the warmth within." She said with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Masaki-san. I'm Momiji, just as you supposed I was. And Gaugen-san said you'd be able to help me…I have a broken pendant and I want to know how to fix it."
"So I understand." Masaki tucked a stray wisp of brownish hair behind his ear. "Do you have the item with you now? I could take a look and see for myself."
"Mm-mm." Momiji shook her head. "Coming here, I wasn't sure it was safe. It isn't something I can show to lots of people – and that tavern-keeper might start making stories or saying I stole it or something. Then there'd be trouble and it wouldn't get fixed. It's back at my home – but if you want to come with me, I'll show you it there."
"You trust a stranger enough to take him back to your home?" Even Masaki was taken aback by this, and Momiji dimpled, nodding her head.
"I take strangers back there most nights." She said playfully. "It's my profession, so it's nothing unusual. Besides, Masaki-san is a gentleman. In fact, maybe I should call you Masaki-dono, because you look like an important one to me. What do you think? Would you rather I called you that?"
"Either is fine." Masaki offered her a grin. "And if you're willing to trust me, then allow me to accept your invitation. The night is pleasant, but there's a chill wind – and you're right. If the pendant is that special, having it out at night is risky indeed."
"Yes." Momiji agreed, as he fell into step with her along the dark trackway that led towards the edge of the town and its main gates. "It's not a long walk – I live just outside the gates now, not far from one of the local villages. It's called Kaoka – do you know it?"
"Not well." Masaki admitted. "I've travelled a lot in recent years, but I haven't been to every village and town in District Eight. It just seems like it, that's all."
Momiji laughed.
"District Eight is big." She said pensively. "I've thought that since I came here – that it seems so big and full of flowers. But the people are kind here, and even though I had nothing when I came, I've managed to survive anyway. So I'm grateful for that at the very least."
"Since you came here?" Masaki's eyebrow raised, and Momiji nodded.
"I was born in District Seven." She said with a shrug. "But when there was war there, I came here instead. I lost my family…it was a bad time. My father worked with jewellery, and I knew a bit of how to do that stuff – but it's hard to make ends meet when you're in a new place and a kid on your own. So I wound up doing other things to earn money for food, and in the end wound up like this."
She shrugged philosophically.
"But I do all right and I'm not completely alone, now." She added. "District Eight is more peaceful than District Seven. So I don't want to go back."
"I spent some time in District Seven, once." Masaki's lips thinned thoughtfully. "During a very violent and turbulent time. Yes, Momiji. I think I understand your meaning."
He glanced at her, taking in her features with a critical eye.
Just as Gaugen said. Raven hair and blue eyes. Definitely not one born here, then – I think she's telling the truth. Even if she didn't know the full story…she doesn't look like someone from this District, and I can hear it, faintly, when she talks. That slight lilt in her accent that reminds me of other people I knew long before. She was born in District Seven and she's not who I'm looking for. Yet she's in possession of what I'm looking for – so in the end the result might be the same. And her appearance is convenient – an opportunity I hadn't forseen, but one I can exploit all the same. Fortune favours the persistent – or so it would seem.
Out loud he said,
"Can I ask, then, how you came by such a thing as a Kyouraku pendant? Gaugen-san was quite certain that's what it was – but if you're not even from this District…"
"Oh." Momiji frowned, then she shrugged her shoulders.
"It's a special keepsake." She said carefully. "Someone important gave it to me, and I promised to take good care of it. So I have to repair it, Masaki-dono – you'll help me, won't you?"
"I will do what's in my power to, yes." Masaki agreed, his curiosity piqued by her words.
Have I stumbled by accident on an entirely different thing, then? Is this girl the secret lover of a Clansman and that's how she came by this pendant? Perhaps the one I sought isn't in Teika or its surrounds at all. Still, that's not so important now. Getting hold of the pendant itself is - providing that it is genuine, and not a fake.
At that moment they reached a small wood-built home set a little way back from the beaten track, and Momiji offered him a smile, gesturing for him to follow her inside. Carefully she struck light into the little lamp that hung inside the entrance, and between the dim glow of its flame and the light of the moon, Masaki was able to make out the simple yet tidy quarters of his companion.
It was tiny, comprising one room in which Momiji obviously ate, slept and took care of all her other business. Yet it did not seem squalid or like he had imagined a prostitute's home to look. A few faded cushions were dotted about the dusty floor, and Momiji gestured to him to use one of them, scooping up something from the side and sinking down on one of her own.
"This is it." She said quietly, holding out her burden and as she opened her fingers, Masaki's heart skipped a beat. In the palm of the prostitute's hand sat a distinctive silver and pink medallion, no bigger than the end of his thumb, and surrounded by a fine chain of silver links that had clearly been crafted by someone of some standing and experience. As he drew his gaze closer to it, he remembered Gaugen's words about telling a real pendant from a fake, and as the moonlight glinted off it he was gratified to realise that Momiji's treasure was indeed the real thing. He glanced at her for a moment, then,
"May I see more closely? I want to look at how it is fitted."
"Of course." Momiji looked startled, but nodded, dropping the necklace obediently into his outstretched hand. Masaki turned it over carefully, pausing as he realised something had been engraved into the back. He squinted at it, but the light was not good enough for him to make out more than the second character, and he frowned.
"Su..momo?" He murmured. "Plum..? Momiji, can you tell me why that's carved here?"
"I don't know how to read or write, I'm afraid." Momiji shook her head. "I had noticed something engraved there…but I don't know what. My father used to say that sometimes craftsmen put their mark there, so I guess that's what it is. But I don't understand it or why. It says sumomo?"
She grinned.
"That's funny, isn't it?" She reflected. "I wonder why that would be written there."
"Well, it's probably as you say." Masaki turned his attention to the clasp. "And I see…this is worn away, isn't it?"
He reached into his pocket, pulling out his own Clan pendant and placing it beside Momiji's with a thoughtful look. "Yes, you can see it. Look, right here. That link is missing – no wonder it won't close any more."
"Yes. I see." Momiji nodded, dark hair falling over her shoulders as she squinted at the two chains. "Masaki-dono is a member of the Kyouraku-ke too? I didn't know…though that pendant looks different from the other, don't you think?"
"Every branch of the Clan has its own slight variations." Masaki told her. "You won't have come across this, probably, but Clansfolk identify which branch they come from by slight deviations and details in their crests and other fine articles. It's as good as a name label – anyone who looks at this chain of mine can tell which family I belong to and that my bloodline is genuine."
"I didn't know it was so complicated." Momiji admitted. "I only knew that this one was the Kyouraku family's crest, that's all."
She pointed to the broken chain, then sighed. "I really don't know much about Clans at all, but it's interesting to see the differences."
"It is." Masaki agreed, holding up the broken one to the light once more as his sharp eyes took in a particularly striking detail. "I can understand you not wanting to brandish it in the street, however. This chain is worth quite some money, I'd imagine – and almost priceless to the man who once owned it. You must have some powerful friends, I think – to bear this particular Clan emblem."
"Really?" Momiji's eyes became big. "I don't know much where it came from, and I don't have any powerful friends. But it's that important? Who does it belong to, Masaki-dono? I know I shouldn't ask, but…"
"Well, I may be mistaken." Masaki set the pendant down on the ground, slipping his own back into the folds of his clothing. "But it bears a striking resemblance to the crest of my master, Tokutarou-sama."
"The head of the Clan?" Momiji's eyes almost fell out of her head, and Masaki laughed.
"Not necessarily him." He said with a shake of his head. "Any of his particular line of descent, perhaps – but I can't be sure. And I wouldn't like to be punished for making such suggestions without the eye of an expert."
"I understand." Momiji looked thoughtful. "Though I think…you might be wrong, Masaki-dono. Because the person this came from…isn't important at all. A special person, but not…not important. So…I think…maybe it doesn't belong to someone that high up."
Masaki eyed her thoughtfully.
"Who might that be, I wonder?" He murmured, but Momiji was not listening, her slender fingers brushing once more against the chain's clasp.
"Can you help me fix it?" She asked now, and Masaki nodded his head slowly.
"I can, and I will." He agreed evenly. "But getting the right kind of clasp without getting other people's attention will not be easy to do. You might want to be careful, Momiji-san – If you acquired this from someone who isn't important, and it really belongs to someone who is…you might find yourself in danger."
Momiji's eyes widened, and Masaki smiled.
"Don't worry. I will help you." He said softly, reaching across to put a hand on her shoulder. "You've shared this with me, and I will make sure nobody comes to find you. You can consider this a binding agreement from this point…I'll make sure the pendant is fixed, and I'll make sure that nobody ever connects it back to you or this place at all. For the pleasure of letting me see such a thing, I will do everything I can to protect you from Clan attention."
His eyes became near slits, glittering suddenly in the cold moonlight.
"Everything." He murmured. "To make sure nobody hears of this at all."
Author's Note: Guide to the OC of Meifu O.O
I felt like uploading an extra chapter this week!
I was also asked to do this and so I've complied - it's a rough guide and probably doesn't include every character but it's as good as I can do for now, especially whilst avoiding spoilers! Some of these characters were only players in earlier stories but in case they are referenced again I've included them here =D. There are spoilers for the earlier stories since I'm assuming most everyone who's got to this point has read those already.
For anyone who doesn't know who Hikifune Kirio is...I suggest you go back and read the Pendulum again, carefully .
Part One: The Academy
Senior Class
Team Stupid
Other than Ukitake and Shunsui, we have:
Shiba Sora - First degree daughter of the current head of the Shiba Clan. Youngest of the family and the cousin of Shunsui's brother Tokutarou.
Edogawa Mitsuki: Third degree Kuchiki whose mother was half Kuchiki and somewhat eccentric in her ideas. An only child.
Kuchiki Ryuu: Second degree Kuchiki and nephew of the Clan leader, Ryuu is the only boy of five with three older sisters and one younger.
Houjou Enishi: A descendant of the the four degrees but his rank has never been firmly given. Has one older sister at least.
Endou Hirata: First degree Endou and heir to the Endou Clan since the death of his cousin Seimaru. Hirata has one sister, Eiraki, who is missing feared dead.
Shihouin Kai: First degree Shihouin and heir to the Shihouin Clan since the execution of his Uncle and the promotion of his sister Midori, known as the Shadow Cat.
Shikibu Naoko: An Unohana of Third degree descent. She has an older sister of whom she is very fond.
Students promoted from the Fifth Year
(I.e originally the year above Ukitake and company)
Yamamoto Akira: Youngest son of current Yamamoto Clan leader Hashihiko. Formerly the top student in his class by a mile.
Souryou Kanshi: Half Shiba and half Kuchiki although because his Kuchiki blood is outside the degrees of Clan, he is considered more with the Shiba when it comes to Clan allegiances.
Michihashi Aoi: An Urahara within the four degrees of the Clan. His skills are more strategic and with sword than science and he hates conflict.
Amai Suzuno: Third degree member of the Unohana Clan. A very peaceful person who is extremely difficult to ruffle.
Fifth Years kept down:
Kamaki Azusa: Descendant of the Shiba Clan (Third degree).
Kobayashi: His friend. Clan affiliation not revealed.
Fifth Years from Ukitake and Kyouraku's former year group:
Kira Hideharu: Ancestor of the Kira family. From District Six and a neighbour of Ukitake's. His sister Hikari is engaged to Juushirou's brother Hiroyuki.
Kamitani Jun: A nephew of the Urahara Clan leader.
Iwai Kenji: Clan. Which is not disclosed.
Nakamura Hanako: District, from a nomadic people who travel between Districts Three and Four depending on the seasons. The only District girl in her year group and the first District girl at the Academy.
Atsudane Makoto: District born. His place of origin is undisclosed.
Saitani Chiyoko: A Yamamoto with particular skill in Hohou
Minato Tomoe: Broke her leg and was unable to take part in the camp in 2nd year. Clan, but which is not disclosed.
Fujiwara Aki: District, origin not disclosed.
Fourth Years
Nagasata Kaoru: District but found and cared for by peripheral Clan shinigami at the border of Fourth and Fifth.
Takaoka Sakura: A Yamamoto hime of Fourth Degree. Friend of Kaoru.
Akaya: An Urahara of Fourth Degree. Friend of Kaoru.
Second Years
Enjouji (ancestor of the Enjouji family, Clan affiliation unrevealed but probably Yamamoto)
Iemura (ancestor of the Iemura family - of Third degree Unohana lineage)
First Years
Tsukabishi Tsunemori: District of nomadic roots, found wandering the Districts following the death of his mother at the hands of a shinigami. Ancestor of the Tsukabishi family.
Oomaeda Kaneyo: (ancestor of the Oomaeda family, associated with the Yamamoto but not necessarily a descendant.
Staff
Minabe Ayame: Ouyoudou Sensei. Not Clan born, though this is a secret known only to a very few. Adopted by Genryuusai as a small girl and so has Yamamoto connections.
Uebashi: Hohou instructor of Yamamoto descent. Close kinsman of Chiyoko in the Fifth year.
Kazoe Ginji (ancestor of the Ise family): Kidou instructor of Unohana descent.
Senpai & Other Former Students
Urahara Yunosuke: Anideshi when Juu and company were in the First year. A nephew of the Urahara Clan leader Nagesu. Now working in Third Squad.
Unohana Madeki: Second degree Unohana and a classmate of Yunosuke's who graduated the same year. Now a shinigami official in Fourth Squad.
Gujihara Tetsu: A Yamamoto who was part of Yunosuke's Senior Class. Now operating with the First Division.
Nagoya Shirogane: Anideshi when Juu and co were in the 2nd year. Kuchiki and nephew of the Clan leader, Guren. Now the Vice Captain of Sixth Squad.
Kuchiki Meroka: The daughter of Guren's half brother Futsuki, and a childhood playmate of Shirogane's who is now married in District Four.
Onoe Tomoyuki, a Shihouin descendant whose attack on Kai and subsequent attempted suicide left him comatose and in the care of Shihouin Midori and her Clan in District Two.
Part Two: The Clans
To avoid duplication those characters mentioned for the Academy above are not mentioned below.
District One
Clan Leader: Yamamoto Hashihiko
District Two
Clan Leader: Shihouin Midori (sister of Kai)
Former Clan Leader: Shihouin Kamuki (executed after the reidoku incident)
Other Clansfolk:
Shihouin Chiaki: Brother of Kamuki, under house arrest for his involvement with the reidoku incident.
Shihouin Yanagi (Older brother of Midori, debarred the succession due to his involvement with the reidoku plot)
Shihouin Nire: Midori, Yanagi and Kai's mother. Deceased.
Aitori Hideaki: A lower degree Clan member and former staff member of the Academy murdered by Midori for betraying his Clan. Uncle of Onoe.
Etsuo Saku: (Ancestor of Soi Fon's family) Midori's trusted aide and assistant, a former friend and District playmate of Shunsui's.
District Three
Clan Leader: Urahara Nagesu
Former Clan Leader: Urahara Rikaya (died of natural causes, was involved in fighting a war with the Shihouin and in condemning his brother and his brother's family to death a century ago)
Other Clansfolk
Urahara Keitsune: A genius scientist and brother of Rikaya, put to death for inventing reidoku.
Urahara Keitarou (aka Aizen Keitarou): Son of Keitsune. Clan by blood but exiled and in hiding. His current whereabouts have not been discovered despite all of the hunting. Ancestor of the Aizen family.
Kotetsu Daisuke: Nagesu & Keitarou's cousin, also exiled. Killed by Endou Shouichi while protecting Keitarou.
Kotetsu Irie: Daisuke's widow.
Kotetsu Tenichi & Ketsui: Daisuke and Irie's children. Ketsui is ancestor of the Kotetsu family.
District Four
Clan Leader: Unohana Retsu
District Five
Clan Leader: Shiba Kyouki (mother of Sora)
Other Clansfolk:
Shiba Ryuusei: Kyouki's eldest son and heir to the Clan and Fifth Squad.
Shiba Hakubei: Second son and current Captain of Tenth Squad
District Six
Clan Leader: Kuchiki Guren (Uncle of Ryuu)
Former Clan Leader: Kuchiki Senaya: Guren's father. Reportedly assassinated by the Shihouin using Eiminyaku poison.
Other Clansfolk:
Kuchiki Kinnya: Senaya's younger brother and a self appointed exile from the Clan. Lord of the coastal lands and Juushirou's blood grandfather.
Kuchiki Seiren: Guren's twin brother and father of Ryuu.
Kuchiki Futsuki: Known to be Guren and Seiren's older half brother through their mother, but adopted and given the Clan name by Senaya. Ineligible for inheriting the Clan but often utilised by Guren to investigate on account of his level head and sharp wits. Guren is closer to him than to Seiren despite political necessity.
Kuchiki Masane: Shirogane's mother. Died of ill health when Shirogane was fourteen.
Kuchiki Ginya: Shirogane's father of Fourth Degree lineage. Died in action away from the family home when Shirogane was small.
Kuchiki Murasaki, Momoko, Kinka & Miouko - Ryuu's sisters, 3 older and one younger.
Kuchiki Shouko: Seiren's wife (who he despises) and mother of Ryuu.
Edogawa Teitou: Mitsuki's father, and a widower. Third degree but well respected at the Kuchiki court.
Kuchiki Ribari: Guren's only son, murdered by unknown hands.
Shibata: Seiren's personal chief retainer.
Mihara Keiichi: Kinnya's personal chief retainer.
District Seven
Clan Leader: Endou Misashi (father of Hirata)
Former Clan leaders: Endou Shouichi (Misashi's father) Murdered by Urahara Keitarou
Endou Seimaru (Misashi's nephew) Killed in battle by Hirata.
Other Clansfolk
Endou Eiraki - Hirata's younger sister, who disappeared two years earlier. Nobody knows if she is alive or dead. Hirata believes she's alive.
Endou Sumire: Hirata and Eiraki's mother, Misashi's wife.
Kibana Hiroto: Misashi's servant and chief retainer originally of District Eight descent.
District Eight
Clan Leader: Kyouraku Tokutarou (Shunsui's half brother)
Former Clan Leaders: Kyouraku Matsuhara: Tokutarou & Shunsui's father, murdered by his younger brother in a power struggle.
Kyouraku Sadehira: Matsuhara's brother whose reign was ended by Tokutarou's coming of age. Committed suicide at his manor in front of Shunsui & Tokutarou
Other Clansfolk
Kyouraku Yoshiko: Matsuhara's second wife and Shunsui's mother.
Kyouraku Rae: Tokutarou's wife and Yoshiko's niece. Shunsui's first cousin.
Kyouraku Harumatsu: Tokutarou's infant son, Shunsui's nephew.
Sasakibe Yasuhiro: Tokutarou's chief servant and retainer who has been with him since Tokutarou was a small boy.
Takeshi: Married to Ukitake Chihiro and a member of Yasuhiro's retinue.
The Ukitake Family
Ukitake Hidenobu: Juushirou's father and father of all his siblings. Killed by a hollow when Juu was fourteen.
Ukitake (Kuchiki) Raiko: Illegitimate daughter of Kuchiki Kinnya, Juushirou's mother. (deceased)
Ukitake Kaede: Mother of Hidenobu's other children (Juushirou's siblings) and Juushirou's much beloved stepmother.
Ukitake Chihiro: Eldest daughter and oldest of twins, now married in District Eight.
Ukitake Hiroyuki: Younger of twins, effective head of the family when he comes of age.
Ukitake Sanjirou
Ukitake Shinkei
Ukitake Rouhei
Ukitake Miyabi
Ukitake Yuuya
Shikiki: Adopted member of the family since being rescued by Juushirou from District Seven.
Anika: Ukitake family's servant
Kamikura: Ukitake family's sensei. Illegitimate son of a Clan - which is not disclosed.
There are also the courtesans Riri and Momiji as well as the tavern girls Kyouko and Megumi. Kyouko is now a servant at the Kyouraku estate and she and Chihiro are friendly. Riri and Momiji I can't write more about than is in the story already because of spoilers. But they are District Eight prostitutes. Megumi, of course, is dead - her murder kicked off all the Clan intrigue that dogged Second and Third installments.