Chapter 12: Where Truth Lies

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(Ah, Sasune and Orochi are about to spring their trap! Let's see how Kuri and Tetsuya handle it. Bazz and Renji will be back next chapter as the council meeting and the baby drama will be front and center now. Thanks to PrivateCaller (Thanks a million! More to come.), Anon (It is a dastardly plan, that's for sure!), XXLover9000XX (Oh, don't worry. Kuri and Byakuya won't let those two get away with what they're doing...but Orochi and Sasune are very slippery, so it will be a challenge!), Picklez80 (Oh, they will have a fight on their hands!), TehWonderer (I wish I'd had room for the Bazz/Renji bonding, but it had to wait for next chapter. I love those two!), Deity of Death and SachikoAyumi (More is granted!), Winterheart2000 and BleedingHeart (Ah yes, those two! They are really asking for a fight...and Kuri will be happy to give them one!), Hisuiryuu (Bazz will make a cute 'tough daddy.'), AdalieDelacroix (Oh, these guys will eventually get their fight, but there are some twists as Sasune and Orochi employ their nefarious plans!), Tmp3475 (I think Renji and Ichigo's interactions are very often funny because they're both kind of hotheaded and don't always think before they act.), Anarane-Sensei (I think Ichigo will be providing some relief for Bya soon!), Kenni-bun bun (Oh, there will be justice...erm...eventually.), Shima-taicho31 (You are such a passionate person who really digs into a story...my favorite kind of person. I'm like that. I get all riled up, my heart pounds and I think obsessively about good, earth-shaking stories. Yeah, I live a little outside of reality. RL is nowhere near as exciting!), and Parnita (You uh, might wanna hold onto something...) Enjoy! Love, Spunky)

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Byakuya stepped out into the gardens with Ichigo at his side and spotted Tetsuya emerging from his room alongside the Shima clan leader. Tetsuya wore a somber expression, but smiled guardedly in greeting as he met Byakuya and Ichigo's eyes, while Kuri maintained a more serious expression.

Did you and Shima taichou have breakfast?" Byakuya asked.

Tetsuya nodded.

"I managed a little, although it was difficult considering my condition as well as the council meeting this morning. I know what the results will be, but…"

"But," Kuri added, "I think we all know to expect that those two have something up their sleeve."

"I agree," Byakuya admitted, "but whatever they have planned, we will come up with an answer."

"You can trust Byakuya," Ichigo assured Kuri and Tetsuya, "He knows how to handle their manipulations. I'm sure he'll be able to think of something."

"I don't doubt his intelligence," Kuri said in a low, tense voice, "I just know what kind of man Sasune is, and I am seeing that Orochi is much the same. They are both foul, loathsome snakes who will do anything to get what they want."

"Well, they're not going to get one over on Byakuya," Ichigo said with certainty, "He won't let them do that."

"But it is time to leave," Byakuya said, "Come."

The four headed across the gardens, into the courtyard area, where they found two stallions waiting to carry them to the clan council hall. Byakuya offered a hand to Ichigo as he climbed onto the back of a lovely paint stallion, while Kuri helped Tetsuya onto his Ambrosio's silver back. Byakuya climbed up behind Ichigo, nudging his horse into a walk as Kuri mounted his stallion and fell in beside them. They kept their mounts at a gentle pace as they went, studying the signs of the Seireitei's slow recovery. All around, the sounds of hammers and saws mingled with the sounds of worker's voices, combining with the scents of flowery spring air and fresh cut wood to give their surroundings a feeling of hopeful renewal.

"They're really making good progress putting things back together," Ichigo noted, "This place got badly messed up in the war, but everyone's pitching in and helping out."

"The Seireitei was what Ywach targeted more directly," Byakuya explained, "so the Rukongai was actually spared a lot of the damage it could have sustained. That means that they are able to supply the people and resources we need for the rebuilding. That is making everything go faster."

"It's hard to believe that the fighting only ended a couple of weeks ago," Ichigo mused, "It feels like longer ago when you look at how quickly everything's being fixed up."

"We all want to move beyond what happened," Byakuya agreed, "There are still some memorials and burials that have to take place, but with those mostly done, we are able to focus more on recovery."

He gave Ichigo a calm smile.

"I understand your clan is hosting a ceremony to officially acknowledge your naming as the new Shiba heir."

"I told them they didn't have to make me the heir," Ichigo said, coloring slightly, "I didn't even know I was a Shiba until my dad finally told me about what really happened with him and my mom. I don't know if it's right, me walking in and taking a spot like that in the clan."

"But being the strongest of the next generation, it is your duty," Byakuya pointed out. And at least, no one in your family is contesting the choice."

"Yeah, everyone's pretty happy about it."

"What's not to be happy about?" Kuri said, looking slightly more relaxed, "You are the reason the banishment of your clan has been rescinded. They should put you on a pedestal for that. You definitely deserve the honor."

"I didn't do it for that," Ichigo said pensively.

"No," Byakuya agreed quietly, slipping a hand into his, "You were just protecting us all, because it is in your nature…it is in your heart to do so."

The words made Ichigo smile warmly and turn his head to meet Byakuya for an over the shoulder kiss. Tetsuya blushed and politely averted his eyes, while Kuri smirked and brushed his cheek against his husband's.

"Isn't that a cozy picture," said a mocking voice from within the trees ahead of them.

Byakuya frowned and Kuri scowled as Sasune and Orochi stepped onto the trail just in front of them.

"My runaway bride and your little half-blood concubine, ne Orochi?"

"How dare you refer to either one of them that way," Byakuya said in a low, warning voice as he placed a hand on the hilt of Senbonzakura, "You will show Shima taichou and Tetsuya proper respect. They are the leader and clan wife of a great clan, and they are to receive the expected recognition for that."

"Our apologies, of course," Sasune said slyly, brushing a long blade of slick, black hair away from his dark eyes, "All I saw was two criminals, who are about to be brought to justice."

"What do you mean by that?" Byakuya said, glaring and nudging his horse between the two and Ambrosio, "Explain quickly before I take off your head for insulting me with your foul behavior."

Sasune glanced at Orochi out of the corner of one eye and his smile widened.

"That would only expand the net of justice," he went on, "Be careful, Byakuya. You don't want to get dragged into this yourself. I promise you, you would regret it. But enough unpleasantness. It is time for us to be off. See you at the council hall."

He and Orochi flash stepped away, leaving their bristling leader staring after them with deadly eyes.

"Whoa," Ichigo said, letting out an anxious laugh, "Ease up there, okay? Your reiatsu is burning my back."

"Sorry," Byakuya apologized, relaxing and lowering the power that flared around him, "Those two are far too sure of themselves. Unfortunately, I know them both to men usually able to back what they say. We need to be ready for something unprecedented."

He turned his head and met Kuri's still angry eyes.

"Shima taichou," Byakuya said quietly, "If there is danger to my cousin during the meeting, I assume you will take appropriate action to see he is protected?"

"Of course," Kuri assured him, tightening an arm around Tetsuya's slender waist, "Nothing and no one will touch him."

"Hermano!" called out a feminine voice from ahead of them.

Kuri looked up in surprise as he spotted Aderia standing at the base of the marble steps of the Kuchiki council hall. The two horses stopped just short of her and the four men slid down and joined her.

"Deripie," Kuri said, giving her a confused look, "has something happened? Why are you here?"

"I am here because I have been called to give medical testimony in the hearing," Aderia explained, "Kuri, they are up to something…something terrible, I sense. I was ordered to bring all of our angelito's medical records and they told me if I refused to come, they had orders to arrest me and have me taken to the Noble's General Council!"

"Who dared threaten you?" Kuri demanded, "Who, Deripie?"

"They were just council messengers, along with a Kuchiki house guard," Aderia answered, glancing at Byakuya.

"I gave no order for them to approach you," Byakuya said, shaking his head, "Leadership of the house forces belongs to Tetsuya."

"But you were away," Kuri reminded him, "and for a little while, your family was convinced you were dead."

"Who knows what Sasune and Orochi were up to while they were all thinking that," Ichigo said in a concerned tone.

"We know that Orochi somehow impregnated Tetsuya," Byakuya said angrily, "Whether it was by overcoming him physically or using a sneakier method, I know in my heart that Tetsuya would never allow Orochi to touch him. He must have used some other means to incapacitate you, Tetsuya, and to force your impregnation. Whatever lies he tells today will center on the time when he was acting leader, and he claimed rights over you."

"He said that I was devastated by your seeming death," Tetsuya said softly, "Watashi no itoko, you must at least entertain the notion that I was beside myself and not thinking straight."

"No," Byakuya said firmly, looking into Tetsuya's eyes with perfect conviction, "Tetsuya, you may not know yourself right now, but…I do know you. I know you like my own heart. After what that beast put you through in the prison, you would never, ever turn to him for anything!"

"You have such faith in me," Tetsuya whispered, tears leaking from the corners of his blue eyes, "Even when I can't have faith in myself!"

Byakuya moved closer to him and wrapped his arms around Tetsuya, holding him close and speaking into his ear.

"That is the strength of what is between us. You have been my protector ever since the day I freed you from Itamigiri. Now, let me show my gratitude by allowing me to protect you."

Tetsuya brushed away his tears and bowed his head respectfully.

"I will gladly accept your protection," he agreed, "Thank you, Byakuya-sama."

"It is the least I can do," Byakuya said warmly, "Come now, let's go and put an end to their nonsense."

The five ascended the steps, moving past several clan builders who worked at repairing several damaged areas on the steps, and entering the Kuchiki council hall, passing through the huge, pillared entry and another group of busily working builders, proceeding past two council guards who stood sentry at the double doors leading into the main council meeting chamber. The chamber was more softly lit. A large cherry wood table dominated the center of the room, where the twelve gathered elders awaited them. Orochi sat where his late father, one of the elders, had filled one of the council seats, while Sasune occupied one of the seats next to him. Kuchiki Nori, a very aged man with solemn, but kind grey eyes, sat in one of two seats at the head of the table. Byakuya moved to the seat beside Nori's, while Kuri, Ichigo, Tetsuya and Aderia sat in chairs set just behind them. Nori waited until all were seated, then stood to address the gathered elders.

"Lords and ladies, " he greeted them, "I thank you for leaving your homes and stepping away from the heavy task of our rebuilding, to address a matter of extreme importance. Despite the chaos of the past months of war, it is critical that we maintain our ability to pursue and apply proper justice to guide our people. Thus, we must immediately address an important matter set before us. Kuchiki Orochi, will you explain what has made you seek the guidance of this council?"

Orochi stood and swept his eyes around the room.

"As most of you know, at the beginning of the hostilities, the enemy attacked suddenly, and with a ferocity we couldn't have anticipated. Then, all of us felt the decline of Byakuya's reiatsu and we were reasonably sure that our leader had been killed. An emergency meeting convened within the family encampment, and I was appointed interim leader, to be officially promoted as soon as Byakuya's death was confirmed. I left the compound when it was attacked and joined our cousin, Tetsuya, in defending it. Tetsuya was injured in the skirmish, and while healing him I informed him of my advancement and asked him to serve as my concubine."

"Your concubine?" Byakuya hissed scathingly.

Orochi gave Byakuya a calm, unaffected look.

"You are aware, I am sure, that my father's will stipulated that I must only marry a pureblood to be eligible to inherit his position on the council, as well as my parents' estate," Orochi explained, "As much as I would like to have married Tetsuya, that was not possible, so he agreed instead to be my concubine."

"And we have only your word for this? There were no witnesses?" Byakuya asked sternly.

"Well, Tetsuya did witness it," Orochi said, looking at his blue eyed cousin appraisingly, "Tetsuya, can you remember now the agreement we made?"

Tetsuya gazed back at him through widened eyes and shook his head hesitantly.

"Would you explain to the council why you can't tell us?" Orochi asked.

"You know very well why he can't tell you, you bastard!" Kuri fumed, standing, "He was badly injured when you abused him and when he escaped you."

Orochi gave Kuri a dark, blank stare.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he said flatly, "Tetsuya and I were outside the barrier that protected the family. We were attacked and he disappeared in the fighting. I felt his reiatsu decline and I believed he was dead. I sensed neither Tetsuya, nor the child I fathered with him after he agreed to act as my concubine."

"And where is your proof that there ever was a child, and that you were the father?" Byakuya asked, eyeing him malevolently.

"I have here the documents signed by our clan healer, Miki," Orochi said, passing the papers towards Byakuya.

The clan leader looked the papers over, then glanced at Orochi.

"And why is Miki not here?" he asked.

"Unfortunately, Miki was killed by a quincy invader while Tetsuya and I were guiding him back to the compound," Orochi reported, "but his signature has been confirmed by three council members. The papers are valid. Tetsuya was definitely carrying my child. We were attacked short of the barrier and Tetsuya disappeared in the fighting. Miki, as I said, was killed. I searched for Tetsuya, but was not able to find him."

"This was when you found my cousin?" Byakuya asked Kuri.

"It was," Kuri confirmed, "I was patrolling near our own encampment and found Tetsu-hana at the side of the river. He was badly beaten and nearly drowned, suffering from exposure. I noticed his condition and immediately took him into our encampment, where Deripie treated him for his injuries."

"And Aderia, would you please inform the council about Tetsuya's condition?" Byakuya asked.

Aderia nodded and rose to address the council.

"When Tetsuya-san arrived at the encampment, he was barely conscious and suffering from a head injury, as well as a broken arm, several broken ribs, internal injuries, bruises and abrasions. He was not able to tell us who he was, due to the head injury interfering with his memory. He was running a fever and delirious at times. I examined him and found that he was pregnant, but although the child was alive, there was no way to deliver the baby without his condition declining. In short, we were forced to choose to save Tetsuya-san or to save the child."

"And who made the choice to end my child's life?" Orochi asked, his dark, angry eyes focusing on Aderia and Kuri, "Who murdered my healthy son?"

"Councilor Orochi," Byakuya said warningly, "while I understand your emotions may be high regarding the loss of your child, you are not to assign an intent to harm when, not only has it not been established, but testimony up to this time does not at all support the idea that it was murder. Instead, it seems to be a judgment call."

"You are saying that we should have just let Tetsu-hana die?" Kuri asked, his turquoise eyes deadly, "But judging from what you did to him, you didn't care about him at all, did you?"

"Shima taichou, you are out of order," Nori said sternly, "We have not yet addressed the specific injuries Tetsuya received or assigned them causes. Let us do that first, before we begin assigning blame. Aderia-san, will you please tell us specifically what injuries Tetsuya had, and how you, as a medical professional believe they were caused?"

"Yes," Aderia answered, glowering at Orochi, "Tetsuya-san had both wounds that appeared to be recent and caused by accident, or likely related to the storm that was passing through, as well as some that are clear signs of ongoing abuse. The former included a concussion probably caused when he was struggling in the river."

"He was not able to tell you how or why he was in the river?" Nori asked.

"No, as I said, he couldn't seem to remember, but he was able to tell us that he had been hurt by a man with black hair and eyes. He appeared to be terrified of this person."

"I see. Please continue to describe his specific wounds."

"Tetsuya-san also had lacerations and bruising on his head and face, on his shoulders, torso and legs. His right arm was broken and he had a number of broken ribs on both sides. There were definite signs of internal bleeding."

"Now, you say that there were also signs of recent abuse?" Nori inquired, "What were these?"

"There were chafing wounds on his wrists, at his waist and also his ankles," Aderia reported, "This was substantiated by his fear over being found by the man he described."

"Ah," said Orochi, "but you have said that Tetsuya was mentally impaired. He had a concussion, didn't he?"

"Yes, but…"

"And he had a loss of memory?"

"Yes."

"But he was able to describe this man, and you trusted his impression, even though he was impaired?"

"Councilor Orochi," Aderia said, glaring at him, "Tetsuya-san may have been injured and not remembering everything, but he showed that he knew he had been abused and he was able to describe his abuser."

"I have another question," Councilor Sasune said suddenly, "In what way did you substantiate the injuries you describe?"

"I have full records and medical drawings of his injuries," Aderia reported, "They are here, in his file."

"You have drawings and notes," Sasune said, looking unimpressed, "Not any readings from medical equipment…photographs maybe?"

"Councilor," Aderia said scathingly, "we were under war conditions. We, like you, were forced to leave our home suddenly. If we were to survive, we had to take only necessities."

"You only have…notes and drawings," Sasune said again, "I see. And another question. Those injuries to Tetsuya that suggest abuse, are they all not also consistent with…alternative sexual interactions…specifically bondage?"

"Councilor Sasune!" Nori snapped, "That is hardly appropriate!"

"I think it is very appropriate," Sasune insisted, "I am familiar with Orochi. We know each other very well, and he does engage in some bondage, as others here probably do and just do not admit. It is a known and accepted form of lovemaking."

"None of this has any bearing on what we are here to discuss," Byakuya said darkly, "Let us get this meeting back on track. Michio, you took tests when Tetsuya arrived here yesterday, to determine the father of the child Tetsuya is carrying. What are the results of those tests?"

Michio cleared his throat and stood, facing the council.

"The child Tetsuya-san is carrying is definitely the child of Shima Kurushimi," the healer said with certainty, "There is no question the child is Shima taichou's and not Kuchiki Orochi's."

Byakuya turned to Aderia and Kuri.

"Can you explain what, exactly, happened to the child that was allegedly Tetsuya's and Orochi's?"

"As I told you," Aderia explained, glaring at Sasune, "Tetsuya-san was injured very badly and was physically unable to continue the pregnancy. We were forced to choose either to support the baby's life, allowing Tetsuya-san to be slowly overcome by his injuries or to terminate the pregnancy to allow treatment for his wounds."

"And who made this decision?" asked Nori.

"I did," Kuri answered, "As the ranking family member, it was left up to me."

"You," Sasune said, meeting Kuri's angry eyes, "leader of a rival clan, decided the fate of the child of our acting clan leader? I just want to be sure that is what I am hearing."

"I chose for Aderia to protect Tetsu-hana's life," Kuri said stiffly, "And I had every right to do so. There were two lives hanging in the balance."

"Or so it seems," Sasune said, standing.

"Just what are you implying?" Kuri asked, his furious eyes narrowing.

Sasune flashed a sly smile that only Kuri could see.

"Well," he went on, "we've had a picture painted of a very injured man, two lives at stake and what is being called a necessary medical choice. I would like to propose to the council how I see another equally possible scenario."

"You say that you are not convinced by the testimony of a professionally trained healer of taichou level and a taichou of the Gotei 13?" Byakuya asked scathingly, "You are aware that Aderia is being promoted to replace Unohana taichou?"

"They are also from a rival clan."

"The Shima clan is not a true rival," Byakuya insisted, "They are allies."

"Ah," Sasune said, giving Byakuya a placating look, "maybe on the surface, but there is a dark side to their history with us. After all, Shima Kurushimi did scandalously end our engagement."

"That has nothing to do with this, and you know it!" Kuri shouted, "That was dealt with years ago!"

"Order!" Nori snapped, "Councilor Sasune, if you have an accusation based on fact, then state it."

"Very well," Sasune said dulcetly, "Everyone on this council knows about Tetsuya's troubled past with Orochi…that they were sexual partners in Itamigiri and that they have alternated between peace and conflict constantly ever since. I have Tetsuya's medical files, showing several reports that he admitted to his counselor after his emancipation that his feelings about Orochi were conflicted. Many of us witnessed the time that our leader was ready to attack Orochi physically and it was Tetsuya who stopped them from coming to blows. These are hard facts…and they are facts that provide support for my accusation."

Sasune paused, looking into Tetsuya's frightened eyes.

"I look at Tetsuya and I don't see a young man abused and injured, but one who felt the leader he was devoted to die and he turned to the only person there for comfort. He had relations with Orochi and they conceived their child, then Orochi conjured the story of Tetsuya first agreeing to be his concubine to protect their honor."

"You go too far!" Orochi hissed, his eyes blazing.

"Come now, cousin," Sasune chided him, "you might as well admit it. It…is the truth, isn't it?"

Orochi glared back at him for several long moments, then made a sound of dismissal.

"Yes, fine. That is what happened. Tetsuya was despondent over Byakuya's death and we had unprotected sex and conceived our child. I convinced him to become my concubine, rather than to run away. He wanted to leave the clan."

"And then what happened?" Sasune asked.

"We had the baby's paternity confirmed by Miki and were taking him and Tetsuya to the camp for their safety. I told Tetsuya he could not remain outside the barrier in his condition."

"And he agreed?"

"Not exactly. He wanted to stay outside, because he was regretful about conceiving the child out of wedlock."

"Interesting," Sasune mused, "We have a somewhat ambivalent young man, carrying a clan leader's child, and well aware of the consequences of aborting that child. He disappears conveniently and coincidentally falls into the hands of a man who had a grudge against the family. That man concludes that the pregnancy must be terminated. I suggest to all of you that Tetsuya is lying. He has been shown to be emotionally unstable, ambivalent towards Orochi and the child, and he went to a clan with a history of troubled relations with us."

"Bastardo!" Kuri snarled, laying a hand on his sword and pulling Tetsuya close to him, "Are you daring to accuse me of something?"

"I accuse you," Sasune said coldly, "of ordering the death of Orochi's child so that you could steal Tetsuya away from him."

"That is a lie!" Kuri shouted, "I did not even know Tetsu-hana! He couldn't even tell me who he was!"

"So you say. But you can't provide any evidence except your sisters notes and drawings, no machine evidence of the injuries you claim he had."

"Damn you! You won't get away with this!" Kuri yelled, holding Tetsuya against him and raising his reiatsu warningly.

"I also accuse Kuchiki Tetsuya of knowingly seeking the abortion of his child with an acting clan leader," Sasune finished, "It is a crime that is punishable by the deaths of both of you!"

"Kuri!" Tetsuya gasped, holding onto the Shima leader as he backed them away from the advancing council guards.

Kuri glanced at Byakuya, who gave him a barely perceptible nod. He turned and swept Tetsuya off of his feet, firing a kido blast at the guards to force them back, then turned a glaring eye on his sister and Tetsuya's cringing attendant.

"Deripie, Koji, you will go to Shima Adobe with me now!" he ordered them.

"Stop them!" Sasune shouted, "They are accused of the murder of a clan heir!"

Kuri flash stepped forward, loosing his shikai and sending the chains that formed under the floor so that the building rumbled and debris crashed down dangerously behind him.

"Hermano, be careful!" Aderia shouted as Kuri burst outside, carrying Tetsuya down the steps and tossing him onto Ambrosio's back. He grabbed a frightened Koji and threw him on as well, then glanced back over his shoulder at the following guards.

"Take them home, Ambrosio!" he ordered the stallion, "Do not let anything stop you!"

He and Aderia watched as the horse galloped away, bearing the two riders, then followed together, leaving the Kuchiki clan hall behind them.

"I hope you know what you are doing, hermano," Aderia panted, "I think you've just instigated a clan war!"

"War was instigated today," Kuri agreed breathlessly, "but not by me. Sasune is out to destroy me and that snake, Orochi works with him. But if they dare try to take Tetsu-hana from me, they and anyone who helps them will die on the end of my sword!"