Central 46 makes a decision.
Fifteen days later, a rather sickly looking, yet resolved Jushiro Ukitake stood in front of the judge and jury panel that consisted of forty six men and women that made up the judiciary power of Soul Society.
" Captain Ukitake, we have reviewed all the evidence presented in your case. You are aware of the charges that have been laid against you. You have been charged with breaking the law in regards to interfering with the natural balance of fate, by saving the soul of one Ryo Kunieda of the living world. You have been charged with not performing your sacred duty as a shinigami, delaying the soul-burial of a Soul that had been freed from her natural body. You have been charged with harboring an intruder in Sereitei, and using your fellow captains and subordinate as accomplices in your law-breaking actions. Do you understand the gravity of these charges laid before you?"asked the voice coming from a position directly in front of where he was standing, a circular space, surrounded by the deciders of his fate whom he could not see, being hidden behind screens to maintain the anonymous nature of their existence.
" Yes, I understand." He replied solemnly, yet firmly.
" We have taken into consideration the circumstances surrounding this incident, as well as your many centuries of service to the Gotei 13. We have received countless unsolicited character witnesses from captains, lieutenants, seated officers and shinigami from all of soul society, in your defense. We have heard of your loyalty, sense of justice, kindness, and devotion to your duty. We are well aware you are irreplaceable as a leader of Gotei 13, considering the many centuries you have served as mentor, leader and symbol of strength amongst our ranks. We have weighted the gravity of your actions against your clear, unblemished record of loyalty and devotion. And we have come to a conclusion." A second voice stated.
"Considering the circumstances of the incident, we have decided you acted in good faith, even if foolishly. We are compassionate people, although dedicated to seeing that the laws of Sereitei are obeyed to their full extent. We understand the human heart however, and the need to follow it. You acted in the interest of another soul, not considering your own fate for a moment. A selfless, yet imprudent decision." Continued a female voice.
" We have hereby decided, that in the matters of this incident, you are found not guilty of the charges laid before you."
" Thank you." He said, relief coursing through him.
" However, the gravity of your actions cannot be denied. Although goodheartedly, you have regardless interfered with the natural fate of a soul, and your actions could have a drastic effect not only for her, but all of the living world. The balance of fate of one disrupts the fate of others, as you well know." Stated yet another voice, this one old, and male.
" Therefore, from this moment on, you are prohibited from coming into contact with this soul, barring circumstances of which the soul might come in contact with you out her own volition. You are prohibited from searching, aiding this soul further, or interfering with the natural fate of this soul in any way for as long as she shall remain in Soul Society. You are prohibited from trying to prompt any memories of the time she has spent in Soul Society without a soul-burial, leaving the soul to continue in a pre-determined fate which should have followed had it not been for your actions."
" But I-" he refuted.
" SILENCE! You shall obey our ruling. Failure to do so will result in immediate execution not for yourself, but for the soul in question, therefore following the fate which she had been given at the moment her injuries had come upon her. We will not hesitate to destroy her if any further attempts at meddling with fate are made by you, or anyone else in Soul Society. Our concern is to maintain the balance of fate, and the natural flow of all souls, even if one must be sacrificed to see that done. Do you understand, Captain Ukitake?" asked one of the voices.
" I understand." He said dejectedly.
" We have hereby ruled. Our decision is set in stone, and shall be obeyed. You are dismissed, Captain Ukitake. Please return to your duties, and see that you never appear before us again." Informed one of the voices, in a cold, dismissive tone.
" As you wish. Thank you." He answered with a small bow, and with that, turned away, walking towards the exit a free man in deed, but a prisoner of his own guilt, hands tied by the council.
Once away from the odious building, and in his own quarters, Jushiro lay in his bed, bringing close to him the pillow which still smelled uniquely like Ryo. He let all the sadness, guilt and shame he felt seep out of him, holding back tears which threatened to unman him. He knew then he would never be the same, and never being able to fulfill his promise to her, and find the happiness he so much wanted by her side. Because he would risk everything, his position, his noble house, his very life to find her. But he could not, since the one thing he cherished above all others was in danger if he attempted to do so. The only thing he would never risk, choosing instead to live the rest of his life away from her. Because he was ready to lose his own life to find her, but unwilling to risk hers in the process.