Chapter Twenty Seven: Sanctuary
"There's quite a breeze getting up out there this evening."
Takeshi rested his hands briefly on the window sill, glancing out at the weather with a grimace before reaching across to pull the wood shutters closed. "Spring in District Eight isn't usually as windy as this. At this rate none of the early flowers will hold their blossoms."
"It seems strange to hear you worried about flowers." Chihiro teased, her careful fingers knotting the sash on her night robe. "A soldier at arms with a polished sword is concerned about whether a few blooms will survive the wind storms. Do your comrades know you're as soft as this deep down, Takeshi-kun? I'm sure that they don't."
"Talking flowers with my wife may be more logical than talking flowers with my companions." Takeshi admitted, turning to offer her a rueful smile. "But I'm not ashamed of it. I grew up here and I like the colours that come to the hills and valleys early in this part of the world. Call me a little patriotic, if you like – but you shouldn't forget that flowers are a big part of this District's appeal."
"I know." Chihiro came to slip her hand through his, raising her hazel eyes to his dark ones with a smile. "But for a moment it sounded like you wanted to race out there and defend them with your sword."
"You have a far too active imagination." Takeshi patted her gently on the head. "But I'm glad to see you smiling and laughing again. I was concerned about you, so preoccupied all the time."
"Mm." Chihiro's eyes clouded briefly, then she shrugged her shoulders.
"Riri seemed more herself when I called on her earlier." She admitted. "We didn't talk about Momiji or anything else like that, but I think…she was coming to the conclusion that whatever happened was now over and there was nothing to be done about it. I know she feels Momiji was killed and her pendant stolen – and I think she's probably right. But there's been nothing at all since you told me about Gaugen-san's being murdered."
"We investigated that thoroughly." Takeshi agreed. "There was no evidence there of anything except a domestic squabble. Admittedly, there weren't many precious items in the house – but I am fairly sure the townsfolk took advantage once they knew the old guy wasn't going to be coming back. So…the matter's been dropped. Perhaps it was bad timing, perhaps it wasn't. I don't know. But that does seem to have been the end of it."
"I'm sorry for Riri though." Chihiro admitted. "Even if Momiji was just the victim of a chance robber, she and Riri were friends and they were close. It's sad not to have anything satisfactory to tell her."
"If the village is peaceful then that's something at the very least." Takeshi said softly. "And you shouldn't begin to brood on it again. If Momiji is alive, and she shows up anywhere, someone will doubtless see her. Her colouring is unusual for this District, if her eyes are really as bright blue as you say. And given that she has no line of trade except prostitution – she's bound to cross someone's path."
"You didn't say anything, did you?" Chihiro looked anxious. "To Tokutarou-sama, about Riri's heritage?"
"Nothing." Takeshi shook his head. "I wondered if I should, but I gave you my word and so I haven't. I'm unsure about it though, Chi-chan. Even if you're right – and she's right – and her blood can be traced back like that…for me to conceal such a thing from my master may not be a good choice in the long run. You know that, don't you? Our livelihood and stability depend on my loyalty to Tokutarou-sama and Yasuhiro-dono. And I'm not…I don't like feeling disloyal towards them. But keeping this a secret doubtlessly is a form of disloyalty."
"I'm sorry." Chihiro looked guilty. "I shouldn't have told you anything. But I needed your advice – and for you to understand."
"Well, loyalty to my wife is also important." Takeshi sighed. "And so I suppose I'll just have to do my best to keep happy both masters, won't I?"
"In this case, mistress." Chihiro smiled faintly. "Thank you, Takeshi-kun. I appreciate it."
Before Takeshi could respond, there was a sudden thudding at the door of their home, and Chihiro started, gazing up at him in alarm and confusion.
"What was that? The wind?"
"Didn't sound like the wind to me." Takeshi frowned, pulling back from his wife as he focused his attention on the mixture of sounds seeping in from outside. "Wait…there it is again. No doubt about it, someone's trying to beat down our door. It's damn late, though – so if it's a message from Yasuhiro-dono it must be something important."
"And if it isn't?" Chihiro's eyes were faintly scared, and Takeshi sighed.
"It will be. Nobody else comes here." He said frankly, though he was less than certain himself. "You stay here, Chi. I'll be back in a moment, and there's no sense in you showing some lecherous soldier your night attire simply on account of a late message."
"All right." Chihiro still looked apprehensive, but she obediently settled herself on the cushions by the window, and Takeshi pushed open the door of the small bed chamber, hurrying along the hallway to the main entrance. The house they shared was not a big one – three or four rooms at most, and none of them enormous – but it was a comfortable dwelling within the safe area of the main estate's immediate surrounds, and so although Takeshi's fingers brushed against the hilt of his sword as he moved, he did not really think the night caller was someone intending them harm.
But I have a bad feeling about it.
He reached the door just as a third bevy of desperate thuds came, and he quickly un-looped the leather thongs that held it fastened shut, flinging it back on its runners. The wind helped it to clatter open with a bang, and in the dim haze of moonlight, Takeshi was able to make out a huddled figure, shivering and wrapped in a moth-eaten cloak. At either side a smaller hump in the fabric indicated that the tatty garment was sheltering not one individual but three beneath its worn edges, but it was the tallest of the trio that caught Takeshi's attention most of all. As the door had opened, she had raised her gaze to meet his, and Takeshi was struck by the whiteness of the girl's cheeks, her wide, frightened eyes and most of all, the tears that glittered in the moon's glow against her cheeks.
Looking at her, Takeshi knew his uneasy feeling had been justified. He had only met Chihiro's courtesan friend on a few occasions, but there was no mistaking who it was who had come to his door that night.
"Riri?" He murmured, and at the sound of her name the girl started, as it jerked from a daze.
"Take…shi-dono." She whispered, then seemed to stumble, almost falling headlong into the property as the last of her strength and adrenalin threatened to give out. With an exclamation Takeshi flung out a hand to steady her, casting a furtive glance around at the homes of his fellow soldiers to make sure none of them had seen the arrival of a terrified prostitute to his front door in the dead of night.
"Woah there." He said softly. "What's happened? Why are you here?"
"Riri-neesan?" A faint child's voice prevented the woman from answering, and she turned, reaching out a trembling hand to take a tiny pale one in hers.
"It's all right, Shizuka. Please, don't cry." She murmured, but Takeshi could hear the unevenness in her voice as she gave the instruction. "It's all right now. We're going to be safe."
She turned back to Takeshi, desperation in her gaze.
"I'm sorry." She choked out. "I didn't know…where else. Someone…was in my house, and the children…"
That was as far as she could manage, but Takeshi had already made up his mind and he took her firmly by the arm, guiding her into the property and gesturing for the two dazed, huddled children to follow her. Once he had re-fastened the door, again hoping that the heavy black cloak had been enough to disguise Riri's identity from any of his more curious comrades, Takeshi ushered her into the central chamber, instructing her to sit down and assuring her that he would bring Chihiro right away.
Before long, still clad in her nightclothes but with a warmer robe about her shoulders against draughts, Chihiro herself entered the little room, and at the sight of her friend she let out an exclamation of dismay.
"Riri!"
"Chi-chan." Riri's words lacked any strength at all, her voice hoarse and unsettled, and as Takeshi busied himself with lighting lamps around the chamber, he saw for the first time what he had not seen at the door – that both the darkness and the black cloak had concealed the angry red marks about her neck and throat.
"What happened." Chihiro dropped down at her friend's side, resting a gentle hand on her arm, and this it seemed was the last straw for Riri's fragile countenance. With a choked sob, she broke down, burying her head in Chihiro's shoulder as her body shook with frightened tears. Distressed by their guardian's evident fear, first Inori and then Shizuka both joined in her wailing, and Takeshi stared at the children, uncertain of what he should do but sure that he ought to be doing something.
"Shall I bring water?" He asked at length, and Chihiro turned to face him, nodding her head.
"Yes. Yes, do that. Thank you." She said, consternation in her tones. "Obviously something terrible has happened – Takeshi, it will be all right, won't it? If Riri and the children are here tonight? She's been frightened by something…and…"
"She said someone was in her house." Takeshi remembered, then sighed, nodding his head. "It's all right, Chi. I'm not going to turn her out, not in this state. She looks injured to me, anyway – she probably needs to rest."
"Injured?" Chihiro shot her companion an anxious look, and Riri raised her head, revealing once more the ugly weals at her throat.
"Someone came to kill me." She whispered, and Takeshi was struck by how completely lacking in her usual composure the girl was. He had always felt that Riri was older than his wife in many regards – but at that moment, she seemed as young as she was, fragile and frightened by a demon in the shadows.
"To kill you?" Chihiro turned to meet Takeshi's gaze, and the soldier faltered in the doorway, water forgotten as he listened to what Riri had to say.
"Someone dressed in black." Slowly the girl nodded her head, drawing another shuddering gulp of air into her lungs as she attempted to calm herself down. Her arms automatically reached out to take the two still sobbing children in a protective embrace, and as she hugged them tightly to her, she began to enlarge on what had occurred that night.
"I don't know where he came from or who he was. He didn't say a word to me." She said softly, her voice still catching every so often on her uneven breaths. "He had some kind of bladed weapon and he broke through the r…roof and the wall. He was coming for me. He tried to kill…me. But…he…he must have thought I was dead. I lay so still and he left."
"He just came to kill you?" Takeshi asked gravely, and Riri nodded.
"Yes." She agreed. "He came…just for me. I pushed the children out of a window, but he didn't go after them. Just…me. And then he went through my jewellery, but all that I had was paste jewels from my work, so he didn't…and then he left."
"Jewellery like your pendant?" Takeshi wondered, and Riri stiffened, gazing at Chihiro in alarm. Chihiro sighed.
"I'm sorry. I told Takeshi everything, because I hoped he could find Momiji if she was still alive." She said guiltily. "It's all right, though. He hasn't told anyone, and he won't. I promise, Riri. It's only Takeshi who knows about anything, and he hasn't said a word."
"Though now this has happened, I would advise you go to the Clan, Riri." Takeshi added. "In the circumstances…"
"I'm not going to the Clan." Riri shook her head, little by little beginning to reassert herself as her hysteria calmed. "If they knew…about me…there's just no way they'd believe me. They'd think I stole…but I didn't. And then…"
"Riri…" Takeshi looked pained, but Chihiro sent him a reproachful look.
"Riri says no, and so it's no." She said quietly. "I know what you're thinking, Takeshi-kun, and you're probably right. But this is Riri's decision. She's frightened, and she doesn't know that the Clan will be her allies. Not all Clans treat children like her in a good way, you know – and although Tokutarou-sama is a nice person, that doesn't necessarily mean he'll look on her and want to help her. Besides, have you forgotten? The person who Momiji was involved with, and the person who Gaugen-san met…was a member of the Kyouraku Clan."
"I suppose so." Takeshi grimaced. "Though as far as I've been able to ascertain, no such clansman by the name Masaki exists or has ever existed in this District. Still, I take your point. He did have a Clan crest and Gaugen would not have been fooled by a fake, so it must have been a real one."
"The person who attacked you, Riri – what kind of person was it? What did he look like?" Chihiro asked, and Riri sighed, shrugging her shoulders.
"I didn't see much. He was swathed in black." She said helplessly, a shiver running through her body at the memory. "But his eyes…looked straight through me. Golden eyes – like cat's eyes. I've never seen anyone with eyes like that before."
"Not a Kyouraku, then. That's for sure." Takeshi's eyes became slits. "There's none among this Clan with gold eyes. You'd have to look to District Two for that."
"But that's two Districts away." Chihiro objected. "If you mean the Shihouin, Takeshi, why would they care about Riri or her family crest?"
"Well, the Kyouraku did sign a treaty of alliance with the Shihouin, but I suppose you're right." Takeshi rubbed his temples. "If I could speak to Tokutarou-sama, of course, the matter might be cleared up…"
"Takeshi!" Chihiro glared at him, and Takeshi held up his hands.
"I said if. I won't break my word." He said firmly. "As for this unknown attacker…I'll do my best to see what I can find out. A Shihouin in District Eight isn't necessarily a rare thing now there's the trade alliance, but it's not usual for one to go attacking village people or stealing items of jewellery. So if I hear anything, I'll take note of it and see what I can do. On my own, it'll be harder, but I understand what's at stake and I'll do my best."
He paused, his gaze falling on the pitiful form that Riri cut, her two young charges curled up beside her. With an inward sigh, he made up his mind.
"For the time being, Riri stays here." He added. "Where there's someone who can use a weapon to protect her and the young ones if need be. This area is fortified and it's unlikely anyone will attack here – it should be perfectly safe."
"It will destroy your reputation." Riri seemed to have recovered her wits somewhat now, for she got unsteadily to her feet, meeting Takeshi's gaze. "Prostitutes are never denied entrance to the living quarters of soldiers in this District, Takeshi-dono – that's why I knew that I'd be able to come here. You do realise what that means, though? That they'll find out if you shield me. That even though you have a wife, you have a prostitute living here also."
"Takeshi is right, though." Chihiro said matter-of-factly. "You're not safe in the village. That's why you came here. I won't turn you away and nor will Takeshi."
"But…"
"You won't work as a prostitute from under my roof, however." Takeshi said firmly. "People here know that my wife goes into the town and villages and that she has acquaintances there. I have no idea how many of my comrades are known to you and I really don't want to know – that's their business, not mine. But I also know that Chi has been teaching you skills and while you're here, you should take advantage of that fact. You want to raise these children and give them a firm footing for the future, don't you? Therefore while you're here, it will be an opportunity for you to practice your studies."
"If I didn't work, Takeshi-dono, none of us would eat." Riri said pragmatically. "And while I appreciate your kindness, I don't like to be beholden to others for my food and my drink. Or for the children's. I wouldn't be able to repay you…and…"
"You stay here, and you do as you're told." Chihiro had opened her mouth to speak, but before she could manage to utter a word, Takeshi was once more before her, slipping between the two girls and dropping his gaze to meet Riri's defiant one. "You came here in search of help. You won't refuse that help. If you care for those two children, you'll accept what's offered to you and the terms that go along with it. Also, if you care for Chihiro, you'll do so, too. If you want to ruin the reputation she and I have, then I'll look very dimly on your character as a whole – but most of all, I know how concerned Chi has been about you, and if you throw that concern back at her with a foolish show of pride, I will not tolerate it. You'll do as you're told and stay here for the sake of your children and the sake of my wife. And if you want to help with things such as chores to placate yourself, feel free to do so. But you will not act as a prostitute from or in my home. And you will not try and pretend you can cope on your own, when clearly tonight means you can't."
"Takeshi!" Chihiro's eyes were wide as saucers, and Riri bristled, shaking her head.
"Nobody has spoken to me like that before." She said flatly, and Takeshi took her gently by the shoulders, giving her a little shake.
"To preserve your life, I've spoken like that." He said frankly. "And if it makes you angry at me, then it does. I've been asked to protect you by someone I love dearly, and I won't break that promise. Therefore I'll do what I need to do to get you to see sense. You understand that too, don't you? That Chi cares about you, and because you're her friend, I care too. We aren't going to let anyone come and kill you. But you have to play your part in things as well."
Riri stared at him for a moment, then she sighed, sinking back down onto the ground. Slowly she nodded, and Takeshi saw a faint flicker of relief stir in her clever eyes.
"I understand." She said softly. "I'm simply used to fighting for myself. But you're right. This time…it's beyond me. Thank you, Takeshi-dono. I…and the children…accept your terms."
"Then for tonight, we should find you a place to sleep." Chihiro cast her husband a quizzical look, but said no more, moving to scoop Shizuka up in her arms. The young girl had cried herself out, and was starting to drowse off, so she put up no complaint as she was lifted onto Chihiro's shoulder. "And in the morning, we'll discuss things more clearly. Because here you can be safe, Riri. And I know Takeshi will do his best to find out who attacked you and make sure that it can't possibly happen again."
"Kinnya-sama? There is a messenger here from the main house."
Kinnya glanced up from his book, casting his manservant a look of surprise as he took in the consternation in Keiichi's clever eyes. It was mid-morning, now, and as had become his habit, the Kuchiki hermit had secluded himself in his study, huddled far enough from the window that the bright rays did not trouble him unduly, but yet in a position that gave him light enough by which to read. Keiichi had probably known exactly where to come, he reflected, as he lowered the book and closed it. And yet, somehow Kinnya knew that his companion had taken his time, not wanting to disturb his master unless there was no other option.
Clearly there was not, but Keiichi did not seem too pleased at all about that state of affairs.
"A messenger?" He asked softly, tilting his head slightly on one side as he tried to read the man's emotions more clearly. "I didn't hear a horse arrive."
"He arrived some time previously." Keiichi looked apologetic, and Kinnya knew that his suspicion had been right.
"And you hoped to put him off seeing me, and so told him I was at bed or rest?" He asked lightly. Keiichi inclined his head slightly, and Kinnya smiled.
"I trust that means you feel this is an issue that might cause me some trouble, if I were to actively involve myself in it?"
"Yes, Kinnya-sama. I'm afraid so." Keiichi sighed, closing the door of the study and leaning up against it. "But the man has been sent by Seiren-dono and is most insistent that he speaks to you face to face, no matter your state of undress. Those were his words, sir – he had a coarse way of speaking over me as though he felt his authority trampled mine – and yours - in all respects. I confess I disliked it – so sought to confound him a little by delaying my speaking to you."
"That's very like you." Kinnya chuckled softly, setting the book aside and reaching for his cane. "People mistake you easily for a quiet man growing in years."
"It's true." Keiichi acknowledged with a faint smile. "They see the grey tail of old man's hair and the peppered brows against wizened skin and they believe me to be a doddering fool past my prime."
Kinnya nodded.
"A doddering fool who waits on a hermit who's lost all reason or interest in life." He agreed. "A sad pair we make, shut away at the fringe of the District, barely moving from one day to the next."
"Ah, but only idiots judge on appearances, my Lord," Keiichi said wisely, "and most do not remember the days when you were the only person who could face down Senaya-sama in a battle of wills or wits and not be cast aside by his ruthless blade."
"Senaya-nii never forgave me for that." Kinnya admitted. "He never liked knowing that if we clashed swords, no matter how much he trained, he could not be sure of beating me. But as you say, the ignorant judge, the wise observe. Those who consider you doddering and old have no idea what kind of a servant you have been to this Clan or to me over the years. Still, that is what young people are often like these days. In a hurry to do everything, and full of their own importance."
He pursed his lips reflectively.
"From Seiren-dono, you said? I see. My nephew's son may be a polite and reasonable young man, but it seems that the same can't be said for his retinue. Very well, Keiichi. I will delay no longer and I will come and speak to the interloper myself."
"I am not sure you should, Kinnya-sama." Keiichi looked troubled. "The truth is – he did not want to tell me what the matter related to, saying his message was simply to be conveyed to the Lord of the Coastal Regions, not one of his menials. Again, his term. But I pried it from him nonetheless – I told him unless I knew the urgency, I would not consent to having you disturbed."
"One of my menials." Kinnya's lips pressed together in faint amusement. "Oh dear. They really have slighted your pride this morning, haven't they? I'm sorry for them – and for you, that being at my side requires you to put up with such insolent behaviour."
"I'm somewhat used to it." Keiichi admitted. "But no – Kinnya-sama, in all seriousness, the matter concerns one of Guren-sama's nephews. Not the young bocchama who came here the other day, but another – the whelp from Senaya-sama's daughter. Shirogane-sama."
"Shirogane." Kinnya's eyes became near slits as he considered. "Yes, I recall the name. Perhaps I met that grandchild of Senaya-nii when he was born, or perhaps I did not – my memory of such things is somewhat hazy. But I do recall…that fragile wraith Masane somehow managing to deliver a sturdy baby. He is the oldest of Senaya-niisama's grandchildren, unless I miss my guess?"
"He is, sir. Yes." Keiichi's eyes darkened. "Older than Ryuu-sama, yet born through the female line. However…"
"I can guess, then, at what this message might be." Kinnya's expression became thoughtful. "Seiren has seen the opportunity to move in his son's favour, but Shirogane is there, blighting his path with his superior age. I recall now – Shirogane is Guren's shinigami, isn't he? When Guren was last here, he mentioned it – that he'd left the squad in Shirogane's safe keeping. Even if his claim is inadequate, Seiren's paranoid ambition is enough to make any favour on Guren's part seem a threat to Ryuu. Probably he sees the potential loopholes in Shirogane's birthline, even if Guren hasn't seen them himself yet for grief over Ribari. Let me guess, Keiichi. Somehow my nephew has fixed on removing Shirogane from the equation – and has sent men to tell us to support him or be found in contempt of the main house?"
"You are sharp of wits this morning, Kinnya-sama." Keiichi's expression relaxed somewhat despite himself. "Though I believe it's more than that. It seems there has already been an altercation and the impudent ingrate who's turned up this morning means to demand you to release retainers to join in the search for the boy Shirogane-dono. He seems to have disappeared."
"So he's slipped Seiren's noose and fled, leaving the rooster crowing outside of the coop." Kinnya murmured softly, humour dancing in his grey eyes. "Well, I must admit this generation of Kuchiki intrigue me more and more, Keiichi. First Ryuu with his absolute assessment of the Clan's hierarchy of power. And now this Shirogane…yes, I see now. Ryuu is reluctant to take the Clan, and therefore Shirogane truly must appear as a threat to Seiren in persuading his son to accept the inevitable."
He made a few shuffling steps towards the door, then paused.
"I will meet with this man." He said softly. "I trust he is waiting in the solar downstairs and I will not have him further into my home than need be. But I want you to go and ready what men you can – have them saddle horses and be ready to ride once the messenger leaves."
"Kinnya-sama?" Keiichi stared, and Kinnya's eyes became mischievous, immediately belying his age and making him look much more the dashing young Clansman who had once been second in command to the Head of the Kuchiki Clan.
"Something bothers you?" He asked lightly, and Keiichi frowned.
"I can't imagine why you would want to follow such summary orders. That's all."
"I don't believe I said that, did I?" Kinnya feigned surprise, and Keiichi's eyes narrowed.
"Then…?"
"Seiren has doubtless already searched the territories surrounding the main house, and has now begun to extend his search further afield." Kinnya said calmly. "Perhaps that's an indication that this boy – with his spiritual abilities – has managed to fox the military skill of my nephew's own retainers. However he must know that I have shinigami among my military staff. Guren insisted on it when he realised I wasn't going to undertake shinigami duties in this area myself – that even if they only carried low level swords, they must be here to protect the citizens in this area. Probably Seiren wants to utilise that fact…since Shirogane would be a fool indeed if he didn't use his shinigami training to conceal himself."
"Still, why would you deploy them?" Keiichi asked curiously. "You aren't bound to follow orders that didn't come from Guren-sama directly."
"I know. Like I said, I've no intention of following Seiren's commands." Kinnya shook his head. "What do you take me for? My brain may have softened a little of late with the news about Raiko's son, but I haven't lost my wits completely. This is my domain, and my men follow my orders here. But don't you think it might be wiser to have this area searched by our people, rather than thugs from the main house who might not be averse to involving innocent bystanders in their search?"
"I see." Keiichi's face cleared. "You think Seiren-dono's men will cause trouble on your land?"
"I think they will follow their orders, but I remember Seiren doesn't always pay great attention to the peasant class when issuing commands." Kinnya's expression darkened for a moment. "I haven't forgotten even now the things that he'd say to Raiko when he and Guren were only five year olds about her low born mother and her common blood. I think therefore it's wise to keep a close eye on what his men do in my land."
Keiichi's eyes took on an understanding gleam.
"Because you now know that the family of your grandson live under your control," He murmured, "and it wouldn't do for harm to come to them, not if you intend on making overtures to him as his grandfather."
"Am I so transparent?" Kinnya looked surprised, and despite himself, Keiichi offered a rueful smile.
"No." He admitted. "But I have known you a very long time, my Lord. And also…that you cared very greatly for Raiko-jousama, too. Since the bocchama's visit, I've seen a change in you, without doubt – which is why I was so surprised that you might go along with Seiren-dono's commands."
"Well, don't mistake me." Kinnya said comfortably. "I don't intend on aiding or abetting this young runaway. I have no knowledge of the particulars nor any real interest in them, either. But I also don't mean to let Seiren's team have their way in this province. Unless I have an order from Guren to stop and hold this Shirogane, I will not do so. And my men will be told that Seiren's soldiers can search – but they do not have the right to take a prisoner on my land. I will expect them to be vigilant about that."
"Would the boy come this way anyway?" Keiichi looked doubtful. "Surely his options of flight are limited in this direction? There's the coast, and Rukongai, and the Shiba in Five are not necessarily going to look the other way if he tries to infiltrate their land. Better to go to Seven where there are no active Shinigami in power, I would have thought."
"Yes. I imagine that's what Guren and Seiren will think, too." Kinnya rubbed his chin pensively. "Which also adds further question to the reasons why they've come here. If not for the shinigami in my retinue, they must have already searched as far as the Seventh border. And they must not have found him. Which might suggest…"
"Shirogane-dono is coming this way." Keiichi looked troubled. "We don't want to be embroiled in a political incident, Kinnya-sama, do we?"
"We do not." Kinnya agreed firmly. "Hence we'll watch, wait, and see what happens. Shirogane is not my prey, nor is he my responsibility. I'll have my people uphold the rules of this region, and that's all. Do you understand, Keiichi, what it is I have asked you to do when you deploy them?"
"Yes, sir. I understand completely." Keiichi nodded his head, bowing in acknowledgement of the command. "In the meantime, Seiren-dono's representative is impatiently awaiting your presence downstairs."
"I will make my way…slowly…to see him." Kinnya said frankly. "Perhaps he will have become bored waiting on an old, crippled man and will leave before I get there."
There was once more mischief in his eyes, and Keiichi laughed.
"Looking like that, nobody could believe you old." He said reproachfully. "You will have to be careful, else you might find yourself recalled to the main house to serve at court."
"No. Those days are long past." Kinnya's expression became sober again and he shook his head. "Politics are outside of my remit and I seek a quiet, eventless life now. I will tell Seiren's man that too, Keiichi – that I have no interest in anything except to have them leave me alone."
"I wonder if that's really true." Keiichi pulled back the door, pausing to send his master an astute look. "It sounds very much to me like you're enjoying this flicker of action, Kinnya-sama – and the chance to annoy Lord Seiren, even from a distance. Ryuu-sama's news has somehow woken you from your slumbers in some respects. That being so, I wonder how distant you really intend on staying from the heart of the Kuchiki Clan."
Kinnya did not reply for a moment, stepping past his companion and into the hall beyond. Then he turned back, meeting Keiichi's gaze with serious grey eyes.
"My brother gave his life to bring stability and unity to this family." He said softly. "Whether I agreed or disagreed with his methods or his views, I understood what he wanted to do and did what I could to help him achieve it. I have had no place in Guren's stable Kuchiki government – an old relic like me could simply be a cause for dissent as old becomes new. But…you are right in one regard. I made promises and I will keep those promises. What Ryuu spoke to me of, and now this…suggests that Clan unity may be hanging by a thread. And Senaya-nii, up there in his moon castle…I don't suppose he'd forgive me for turning my back on what we worked so hard to accomplish all those years ago. I don't want to return to the old days. I have no interest in political intrigue or the shadow games my brother was so fond of. But I promised him when he died that I would watch over the family from my distant hiding place and make sure his gamble succeeded. I've not needed to do anything until now, nor have I wanted to. But even without learning of my grandson's existence – it's always been my intention to keep that promise."
"I see." Keiichi looked thoughtful. "Then there's nothing more for me to say. I'll carry out your orders, Kinnya-sama. Forgive me for delaying you so long."
With that he bowed sharply and withdrew down the corridor, and Kinnya watched him go, his grip tightening on his walnut cane.
You've been loyal to me through everything, Keiichi, and I know you'll continue no matter what happens.
Slowly he turned, making his way reluctantly and cautiously down the winding stairs to where Seiren's retainer was waiting.
I hope that this settles down. But I did promise you, Nii-sama. Even if you couldn't see it for yourself, I would do my best to plant seeds of alliance between your two rebellious sons. I will try and make sure that promise remains strong. Much as I dislike Seiren's manner and always have – I see promise in his son. It looks as though I won't be able to avoid the Kuchiki for too much longer. Just when I discovered my grandson's existence, too…but it can't be helped. I've been dictated to by your whims for most of my life, Senaya-niisama. I may be wrong but I rather suspect…even from the grave I'm about to be once more at your beck and call.
"Well, I suppose that means our business here is done."
Masaki leant up against the outer wall of the small, humble shelter, folding his arms pensively across his chest as he watched his companion greedily devouring the last of the rice cakes that he had purchased from a market stall first thing that morning. The night had been a long one, for neither one of them had slept for a moment, yet there was no time to sit back and rest. They would have to leave District Eight and quickly – or risk being caught up in another military investigation.
Tokutarou seems to throw his soldiers out to investigate the least thing. Such a conscientious lord, paying such attention to his subjects.
Masaki sighed, averting his eyes from the other's haphazard gulping down of food and instead fixing his gaze on the clouds that drifted overhead.
That means that of all places District Eight would be a bad place to try and spark rebellion. Well, I knew that already. It was tried before, and it failed. That was a time before Tokutarou was established – but his rival was destroyed even though he had the backing of the Endou Clan. Of course, assassinating him would be easier than it would be with most Lords but…even if I was to do that…I don't think I'd find any particular benefit in his death.
His mind flitted back to another time, a snow-dusted field where he had briefly watched two young teenagers face one another, and the bevy of emotions and sensations that had followed.
His brother is a more troublesome prospect, should he become Head of the Clan even as an interim leader. As a whelp, when I saw him that once, he proved far tougher to kill than I had thought. Something about his actions…suggest to me that he might not be very easy to manipulate, either. And he is now of age – no longer an immature child, and doubtless in possession of a zanpakutou, too. Unlike the Kuchiki, which are sent into flight on the least thing…I don't think I would have much fun with the Kyouraku.
His lip curled slightly as he considered.
So for now we'll leave Eight. Our objective is achieved. The real owner of that pendant was found, and last night, we eliminated her. There is now nobody to claim anything against the stories Nanaki is weaving in District Six – and so there's no reason to stay in such a dangerous land. The Kyouraku are especially keen on hunting people like us down. So we won't outstay our welcome. Just in case anyone recognises me from my time here before – I think it's imperative that we now go.
A faint buzz across his wits told him that his companion had finished his meal, sitting back on his heels as if a dog waiting for his next command. Though it had been easier to keep a hand on his behaviour since it had been just the two of them, Masaki still felt frustrated by this imperfect experiment.
Who would have thought that to properly manipulate a person's will, their original will must be intact? I had never realised the value of an individual's own knowledge and skill before – an empty vessel is simply a repository for my magic, but it means that I must instruct him in every last thing.
He sighed, bending to tap the boy on the shoulder. Two golden eyes were raised to his, innocent and empty in the early morning light, and he stifled the urge to slap his companion firmly about the cheeks.
You wouldn't understand if I did. Pain is a forgotten concept to you. Even if you feel it, you don't know how to process it. And I would take no pleasure at all in hitting you knowing you wouldn't react to my blows.
"We're going." He said out loud, and as if he had understood, the boy got slowly to his feet. He made no attempt to brush the rice crumbs from his peasant's clothing, and as he stood there, simple and pathetic awaiting his next orders, Masaki debating killing him there and then.
Somehow he quelled the urge.
Nanaki is right. Being in his company is incredibly irritating. But for now, I must put up with it. Even imperfect, he has a purpose. And even like this, I can use him to further our plans. If he has to die – and sooner or later, he will – it may as well be in my service.
Aloud he added,
"We're going to get Nanaki, now. She should be waiting for us, and when we get back to Six, I'll make sure you know your part in retrieving her."
The golden eyed boy did not respond, but Masaki paid him no attention. Instead he pulled a tantou blade from his belt, scribing it against the air as a dark hole opened up in the landscape before them.
Seireitei are so obliging, setting up so many Senkaimon for my convenience.
A wry smile touched his lips, and he loosened a pouch at his belt, opening it and releasing faint wisps of spiritual energy into the surrounding ether. Cupping his hand around those fragments, he watched as they formed into a delicate ebony butterfly that flapped and fluttered dazedly around them before making a bee-line for the darkness.
I still haven't quite got that right, either.
As they stepped into the gateway, Masaki watched the butterfly's uneven process through the tunnel before them. The wings were already fragmenting, he observed critically, proving that although he had succeeded in capturing enough spirit power from the atmosphere, he had not yet found a way to preserve the creature's form for long periods.
But I'll keep working on it. It's not always convenient to kill someone to open a gateway – so for now, even if it's not perfect, this will do. We aren't travelling far this time – just from Eight to Six.
He sighed, glancing behind him to make sure his dark skinned companion was following.
I seem to be dealing with a lot of imperfection, recently. Oh well. I suppose we all have our challenges to face. It wouldn't be as much fun, I don't suppose, if everything went smoothly right away. Besides, the biggest parts of our plan are so far taking shape. The Kuchiki are on the verge of falling apart…a few more pushes in the right direction, and the first of the mighty Clans of Seireitei will finally meet their fate!
