Tenka Ransei

by VraieEsprit

Three millennia before blood was spilled at Third Division, Heaven's War ripped Soul Society apart. With the rebels gone, the Gotei are finally embracing peace, but scars of this ancient warfare linger right beneath the surface. The skeletons of the past are about to re-emerge from the shadows - literally - to drag the shinigami down to Hell. Meifu/Sukuse sequel: Review please!

76. In The Dock

Chapter Seventy Four: In the Dock

The courtroom was packed with shinigami of all ranks and levels as Hirata made his way towards the raised platform reserved for leaders of Seireitei's eight Clans, a hiss and bustle about the atmosphere as he took his seat. Everyone had come to see the enigmatic eldest son of one of Seireitei's most legendary enemies, brought at last to answer for the charges laid against his name five years previously. Despite the stories, few of the people present would have ever met Katsura face to face, and Hirata reasoned that he was among them, for he had never laid eyes on his sister's eldest son.

In that moment, in such a heightened atmosphere, he felt a twinge of regret for that fact.

If we had found Eiraki sooner. If we had separated her from Keitarou. If we had at least been able to take the child and raise him...all of this might be prevented. Whatever drove him to help my daughter in the Dangai, it satisfied her that he is not really our enemy. If we had been able to prevent Keitarou from schooling his children into weapons, maybe there wouldn't be a trial here today. Perhaps he would have grown up as a companion for my son, as he came of age...or maybe they would have only created unrest between them over the future of the Clan.

He sighed, a bittersweet smile touching his lips.

I haven't thought about Souja in that context before. I haven't let my thoughts drift to him and the future that was stolen from him for a while. The boy who will stand in this courtroom today had nothing to do with Souja's murder - just like Kohaku. His crimes were against the Unohana, not the Endou - and even if he did ransack my Division, I no longer feel the need to hunt him down. Whatever comes of today, I'm here more for curiosity than anything...to finally see my oldest nephew, even if it is the only and last time I am able to, before he is sent to die.

"Hirata-dono," Tokutarou's voice startled him from his reverie, and he turned, greeting the head of the Kyouraku with a respectful bow of his head. "I thought I might meet with you here. The accused has been hunted all across Seireitei - but in particular, I believe, by your kinsfolk."

"Yes..." Hirata sighed, then shrugged his shoulders. "I did seek him, and for some time," he admitted. "Now, though, I think my feelings are more mixed. He is an inscrutible individual and I am interested to see him for myself. He helped my daughter escape a dangerous situation, and I cannot see how doing so benefitted him in any way. He asked them to let him go, but he then went to District Six to turn himself in, so it isn't even as though he did it in return for his freedom. I suppose I came to see what kind of person Keitarou's oldest son was - rather than conflating his reputation with that of his father."

"So you aren't here to see justice done?" Tokutarou was surprised.

"I am," Hirata said simply. "But I am glad that I'm not the person deciding what justice happens to be. I no longer feel inclined to kill him, if that's what you're asking. He could have killed Kikyue, but he didn't...so I am prepared to leave the matter of the Unohana's healers in the Shihouin's hands and await their decision on the outcome."

"I see," Tokutarou shot him a smile. "I have to admit, I was in two minds about coming. I was going to leave it to Shunsui, as Captain Commander, but he asked me to come instead. He said he had other things that needed to be done - tidying up the loose ends of the invasion from Heaven's War, I believe - though in truth I think he didn't want to watch the trial of someone about to be condemned to death. He's never been that fond of such things - and I know he has some unpleasant memories of Keitarou's end, five years ago. While we all realise what he did then was right and just, he's struggled with it at times. Maybe this is too much of a reminder...I don't know."

"I suspect it's more the case that if he doesn't attend, he can't be tempted to interfere," Hirata said wryly. "I don't think that Shunsui wants Katsura to be executed, Tokutarou-sama...but I think he realises that, as Captain Commander, getting involved in a trial of this calibre would be a decidedly bad idea. He has to preserve his neutrality - which he's doing by simply not showing up."

"Maybe that's the case," Tokutarou acknowledged reluctantly. "He's got much stronger over the years, my brother - but if he's feeling that way about it, perhaps it is better I attend. I am currently leader of the Council - so it seems meet one of us is present, even if this is really a Gotei trial."

"Guren-sama is still indisposed, and Midori-sama will pass judgement," Hirata said softly. "Akira-dono said he wouldn't come - he's still sorting out things at the Yamamoto main estate, and so his absence is understandable. Retsu-sama will be here of course - the main charges involve healers."

"Kyouki-sama is coming, too," Tokutarou agreed. "The Tenth Division lost officers through one of Katsura's attacks as well. It's been hard to pin anything on him decisively other than those two incidents, but it's probably more than enough to carry the case."

"Will Kyouki-sama testify?" Hirata looked surprised, but Tokutarou shook his head.

"Tenth Division is Hakubei's duty, not hers," he replied pensively. "She'll oversee, but she said she wasn't planning on speaking. Hakubei might. I suppose we'll see what evidence Midori-sama has decided to call. I rather suspect this trial will be anything but usual, and that normal protocol and formalities might be thrown out of the window in order to get everything heard. It's just as important to get a good account of what really happened five years ago as it is to get a verdict - and this might be our only chance."

"Speaking of Kyouki-sama, here she is, and Nagesu-sama too," Hirata's gaze fell on the Third Division Captain, whose expression looked troubled as he took his place on the dais, nodding his greetings to the Seventh and Eighth District representatives. "Good morning, Nagesu-sama. Kyouki-sama. It seems like everyone wants to see this trial, judging by how packed the place is."

"Not since Tenichi-kun's trial, I suppose, has it been like this," Kyouki reflected, and Hirata looked rueful. He nodded.

"Tenichi's trial did garner a lot of attention, because of the involvement of Keitarou," he agreed. "Although I'd prefer it if you put that incident in the past. He's done well, since he came out of prison, and while he's had moments when he's made impulsive decisions, they've all been in the interests of Seventh. Kai has agreed to formally review his parole agreement once Katsura's trial is over, so it's very possible that the whole thing will be shelved for good in a few weeks time. He's an example of someone who learned from his mistakes - and I don't regret giving him the fresh chance."

"And Katsura?" Nagesu asked quietly. "Will he learn from his mistakes, or are we going to see him sent the way of his father and his sister?"

"Nagesu-kun?" Kyouki shot her companion a concerned glance, and Nagesu smiled sadly, shrugging his shoulders.

"I hoped the bloodshed had ended with Keitarou," he admitted. "For all I know he's guilty of murder, I don't like this. This atmosphere, the crowd baying for blood or drama...it doesn't sit well with me. It rakes over once again the reality of my cousin's betrayal...and the fact that Seireitei has not yet let that go."

"This isn't about Keitarou, it's about Katsura," Tokutarou pointed out, but Hirata shrugged.

"Nagesu-sama is probably right," he owned. "I think it unlikely we'll have any kind of proceedings today without Keitarou being mentioned, and that wound is a lot more open and painful for the Urahara than it is for the rest of us. Even for me," he added sadly, "because the one who killed my son has long since been dealt with. Our shame at Eiraki's actions against Guren-sama's son is still very real, of course - but her current mental state makes it impossible for any kind of trial to happen, so that wound has been allowed to slowly fade away into the shadows. Keitarou, on the other hand..."

"Never goes away," Nagesu said blackly. "It would be so much easier if I could manage to hate him, but I don't suppose I ever will. I still remember the small boy who I taught to write his name, and it stops me in my tracks every time."

"But he is gone," Kyouki said wisely. "And he left behind at least one son who has good stuff in him. For all the grief and pain he caused, Keitarou did give us Kohaku - and I have a lot of respect for that lad, dealing with everything the way that he has. Is he going to attend today?" she added, glancing around them, but Hirata shook his head.

"He's not well enough to leave the hospital yet, but even if he were, Katsura apparently requested that he be kept away," he replied soberly. "Juushirou agreed. He also doesn't want Kohaku here, and I don't blame him. In any case, whatever happens, Kohaku won't be here to see it...it just remains to be seen whether Juushirou will have to deliver bad news at the end of proceedings."

"Juushirou looks tired," Tokutarou observed critically, and Hirata followed his comrade's gaze across to the other side of the hall, where Juushirou was deep in conversation with Midori about the trial content. "I suppose having custody of one rebel Aizen brat while trying to keep up with the antics of the other is enough to wear anyone down."

"I think it will be better for him when this business is over," Hirata agreed. "He's pushing himself, but that's never a good idea for someone with his health record."

"I think we're about to begin," Kyouki sat back in her seat, as a soft hush began to pervade the courtroom. "Midori's in her best giving orders mode, and I thought I saw Kai-kun slip off somewhere just now. I assume he's gone to bring forth the prisoner - so we'll all get a good look at long last at this eldest sprog of Keitarou's. I have to admit, I'm curious to see this troublemaker for myself...since there are so many stories and rumours now that it's just getting beyond ridiculous."

"Mm," Hirata nodded. "I'm curious too."

I suppose because, whatever happens, I'll be reporting it to Eiraki the next time I go home. Even if she can't understand me, and even if it's news that her son is dead. That's my duty as her brother and her Clan leader...and so I need to know everything, to settle my heart on all of this, even if it won't have any impact on hers.

The door at the far end of the hall slid open at that moment, and Hirata's attention was drawn to the dark hallway that loomed beyond it. A moment later, Kai himself stepped out from the corridor, dressed in the grim black uniform of the most senior Onmitsukidou officer. Juushirou had taken his seat among those Captains present who did not also hold Clan rank, while Midori had taken her place in the judge's chair, and despite himself, a prickle ran down Hirata's spine at the tension that filled the atmosphere of the chamber. It was anticipation, he realised, but whether it was his, or whether he had been affected by the general mood of the room was less clear.

Kai exchanged a few words with his sister, then turned, gesturing towards the open doorway. Immediately, another Onmitsukidou officer appeared, a second one in tow. Between them walked a young man in pale blue clothing, silver cuffs around his wrists and long, straggly black hair pulled back in an uncommonly neat tail behind his head. He was washed and groomed, and made no attempt to struggle with his captors as he was led to the dock. Hirata's gaze fell on this individual pensively, taking in for the first time his eldest nephew and Keitarou and Eiraki's first son. For all the accounts of his wild, impetuous temper and bursts of spiritual energy, the young man that now stood before the judge's bench was calm and composed, apparently unflustered by stepping into such an intimidating environment. He seemed resigned, Hirata thought - prepared to face justice for the actions five years previously.

Maybe he really was tired of running. Maybe he really is tired of living. Perhaps that's why he gave up - to let us put an end to it, once and for all.

Hirata pressed his lips together at this thought.

Kikyue said he didn't intend to fight shinigami. Looking at him right now, even though he's cuffed, I'm inclined to believe her. Is this really the ingrate we hunted down for so long? If so, we wasted our time. This person would never have mounted any real competition for my status in District Seven. It's not a matter of spiritual ability. It's a matter of heart, and he looks as though he lacks the appetite for anything so grandiose. Maybe Keitarou really was pulling all the strings...in which case, his son is about to become the latest victim in that mad man's chaos.

"For the sake of the room, please, confirm your name,"

Midori spoke, her voice crisp and carrying around the chamber, and the young man raised his head, meeting the Shihouin leader's gaze.

"Aizen Katsura," he said simply, and Hirata was aware of the whispers going up around the room.

"You understand, Aizen Katsura, the charges you are faced with here today?"

"Yes, ma'am," Katsura nodded his head.

"You are charged with murder of two healers in the Spiritless Zone, and the grievous bodily harm of a third. You are also charged with the reckless killing of at least two officers of the Tenth Division on the outskirts of Inner Seireitei. You are accused of aiding and abetting the rebellion of Aizen Keitarou, your father - and sundry other vigilante acts of violence, committed five years ago during that same rebel's insurgency. How do you respond to those charges?"

"I need to respond to them?" Katsura looked startled. "I thought it was already pretty clear that I was guilty? Am I just meant to say that, or do you need to go through them one by one?"

A gasp went up from the wider seats at this bold question, and Midori eyed Katsura wearily.

"Are you guilty on all counts?" she asked bluntly, and Katsura pursed his lips.

"I am," he agreed. "I have no intention of denying it."

"And you bring no mitigating circumstances to act as your defence?"

"Mitigating circumstances don't bring back people's lives," Katsura said matter-of-factly, and Hirata thought he heard a flicker of regret in the young man's words. "Whatever I've done since, I can't erase the things I did five years ago. If I could, I wouldn't be here now, in this place."

"So you have no intention of presenting a defence?" Midori was looking irritated now, and Katsura sighed heavily.

"I don't really know how this all works," he said honestly. "I'm sorry. I wasn't trained in formal proceedings and I don't know what you really want from me. I was told to tell you the truth, and I have. I don't intend on lying about anything. But I didn't stop and think up a story to go with each crime. If it's all the same to you, I don't really like remembering those things. If you want to know if I understand they were wrong, then the answer is, yes, I do. Did I understand it at the time? I don't know. But I still did it, and it doesn't matter, does it, if I knew all the implications before I acted? I still took people from their loved ones. I can't forget that, or walk away from it."

"Then why did you run and hide for five years, instead of giving yourself up?" Midori demanded.

"Because I wanted Kohaku to feel safe here," Katsura replied honestly. "He just found a place to belong for the first time in his life. I didn't want the first thing he had to deal with as a shinigami to be my execution at the hands of his new allies. I didn't run because I was scared of being caught...but..."

He faltered, then frowned, shrugging his shoulders.

"I can't run any more," he admitted. "And I know, now, that Koku has people who care about him and in whom he can trust. If you decide to kill me, he'll still be all right. So I guess, it's all right now - to stop running. I don't intend to hide from it - whatever you decide. I did kill the healers in the Spiritless Zone. I manipulated a Hollow to kill them. I don't know the difference between officers of the Tenth or any other Division, but I know that I used a Hollow to kill officers in the woods outside of Inner Seireitei. Those are the things you asked me about, and I admit to them. So that makes me guilty. I'm not sure what else I'm meant to say."

"Who commanded you in these actions?" Midori asked. Katsura frowned.

"My father, I suppose. Aizen Keitarou."

"And you don't blame him for your current situation?"

"That would be easy, wouldn't it?" Katsura replied earnestly, and Hirata saw Midori's eyes widen slightly at the lack of hesitation in his response. "But I'm not going to. I'm still the one who did it. He didn't use his sword to control me. I did it of my own free will. Maybe I didn't understand everything I could have done, but I still knew I was killing people. But..." he sighed, glancing at the cuffs on his wrist, then, "if I can say one thing, I want to say I'm sorry. I am not making excuses for it, but I do regret it. I think about them every day...the healers especially. I didn't know what healers were, then, or how amazing they are. But I saw one, rushing to help my brother when he was in distress...and I realised it again when Ukitake-dono told me that Koku's life had been saved by the Captain of the healers I killed. I know it doesn't change anything - but I want her to know, especially...that I am sorry I killed her officers, and I wish I hadn't."

"Retsu-sama?" Midori turned, and Katsura started, as if he hadn't noticed the figure of the Fourth Division Captain in the shadows behind the witness box. "Do you have anything you'd like to say to respond to those comments?"

"I wondered that she wasn't up here," Kyouki murmured. "I suppose she'd have to be involved down there, wouldn't she? Being that she represents her family with all of this."

"Retsu-sama doesn't believe in death as a punishment," Tokutarou ruminated. "It will be interesting to see how she handles this situation now."

"I would," Retsu stepped out into the light, and for the first time, Hirata got the sense that Katsura's composure was rattled, for he gazed up at the tall, slender healer with a look of apprehension. Midori gestured to her comrade to indicate her permission for the Captain of the Fourth to speak, and Retsu moved towards the dock where Katsura stood, pausing a few feet away and eying him sadly.

"I would much sooner not meet you in these circumstances," she said quietly. "I understand your emotions and I accept them as true. There are some wounds that can never be healed. I think you understand that better than most, don't you, Katsura-kun?"

Katsura merely stared at this newcomer, disconcerted, and Retsu sighed, turning to Midori.

"My Clan do not believe in executing criminals," she said honestly. "In light of recent events, those emotions are even more strongly inside of me. I cannot testify in this man's defence, as he stole from me two officers who had great promise, and who left behind people who loved them. But taking another life never resolves the loss of the original ones. Katsura has family, too, who will be deeply hurt if we kill him. I will not tell the court how to proceed, as I realise I have no influence in that judgement. But I would ask you to consider all possible avenues, Midori-sama. Bloodshed should be the last path - my healers would want me to say that, even towards the man who took their lives."

"Can you be sure of that?" Midori looked sceptical, and Retsu nodded.

"Two of my healers survived that attack," she said gravely. "Aomori Seri was forced to retire from active service, but she is alive and well and living in District Four today. Edogawa Mitsuki remains an important member of my Division. I have spoken to both of them about their experiences that day, with this trial in mind. Seri-san did not want to come to court to testify, but she told me she didn't hate the person responsible, because healers were not trained to hate people, only to heal them. And Mitsuki-san..."

She turned to glance back at Katsura for a moment, then returned her attention to the judge.

"Mitsuki-san asked me to advocate on his behalf," she said honestly, and Midori's lips thinned at this revelation. "I debarred her from coming here today myself, as I thought it would be unhelpful, and she is currently busy tending to Kohaku and his injuries, which take precedence. But Mitsuki-san feels very strongly that Katsura's life is worth saving. I have seen her resolve for myself. Mitsuki-san was not injured in the incident. Her witness statement at the time reported a young man who destroyed the Hollow that threatened her and then helped her bring Seri-san to a place of safety. When she made that statement, she did not know who Aizen Katsura was, nor that he was the instigator of the Hollow. That memory remains with her - of someone who wanted to help them, even when he'd brought them pain. That behaviour speaks of a heart confused by the orders he was given, rather than a cold-blooded killer sent as an assassin. On her testimony, I consider Aizen Keitarou the killer of my healers. I promised her that I would remind you of those events as they took place, Midori-sama - as testimony from the time is often more appropriate than that given with five years hindsight."

"Retsu-sama..." Midori's expression was unreadable, and Hirata wryly thought that the Shadow Cat was working out how to respond to this rhetoric. "Fine. I understand, and Edogawa Mitsuki's testimony is accepted. I do have that document, as it happens,as well as a statement from Aomori Seri." She patted a pile of papers on the bench. "Kai has been very thorough in tracking all old evidence from the case - but I wanted to hear your thoughts, and the defendant's, before I started picking apart the facts in more detail."

"Then I shall withdraw and allow you to proceed," Retsu offered the Shihouin Captain a sombre smile. "Thank you for hearing my words."

"You're welcome," Midori's tones sounded a lot less welcoming than her words did, but Retsu merely nodded in acknowledgement, before withdrawing towards the dais where the other Clan Leaders sat. As she took her place, Midori raised her gaze in their direction, her golden eyes meeting Hirata's.

"Hirata-dono, do you have anything to say here?" she asked. "I know your family are not pressing individual charges for the invasion of Seventh Division, but given the circumstances...?"

"The Endou have no case to bring, and will see justice done by your court, Midori-sama," Hirata shook his head. "We are satisfied that the defendent is not subject to our individual justice, so will not intervene in any decision this court makes. We will abide by your decisions."

"Very well," Midori inclined her head slightly, her expression saying, "at least one of you will," and despite himself, Hirata hid a smile at the Shihouin's obvious frustration. The next moment, however, the smile froze on his lips, for at the sound of his name, the defendent had turned, and for the first time the two of them, uncle and nephew, met gazes across the stuffy courtroom.

Katsura's eyes were dark blue, but vivid enough to remind Hirata both of Eiraki and his dead grandmother, Yayoi. He had Eiraki's dark hair as well, making him look far more like an Endou than his brother in Thirteenth. There was a mixture of emotions in the young man's gaze - curiosity, fear, and a little bit of regret mixed in for good measure, and, as he sized up Katsura's skinny physique and slightly feral appearance, Hirata once more regretted that he had not been able to intervene in this child's life much sooner.

I let you down by not finding you, didn't I? All those years before your father's rebellion, I wondered. I wondered where you all were, and whether you'd survived. I wondered about the child my sister carried, the last time I saw her. Now, for the first time, I see you face to face - in chains, standing there looking at me with her eyes, as though asking me why I didn't do something to help you sooner. I wonder what Souja would have said to me, if he had known how easily my emotions are swayed by a rebel's son like this - but I imagine, given that he wanted to help Koku, he'd feel the same. This boy is my nephew, but I can do nothing for him. I will do nothing for him. As the Endou do over generations - I will let him die if the court decides it, because I must.

He let out his breath in a rush.

Sometimes I think Sayuri is right, and it would better if we all just died out completely, rather than going through this complicated rigmarole of stabbing each other in the back and watching each other bleed.

"Katsura, I am not done with you," Midori's sharp tones caused the defendant to jump, swinging back around to face the annoyed golden gaze of the Second Division Captain. "I also have testimony from the Tenth Division Captain. Hakubei-dono, you have something you'd like to say in this process?"

"Yes, Midori-sama," Hakubei got to his feet, bowing towards the judge, and then glancing at Katsura. "I just wanted to say that he fits the description of the officer seen impersonating one of my officers - an individual called Mikisue, who was later found dead in the woodland outside Inner Seireitei. Since the defendant had admitted it, I don't think I need to elaborate - but I confirm his statement, and am sure he is the man responsible."

"And the Tenth Division seek reparation for this act?"

"I seek to not have any more of my officers killed," Hakubei said baldly. "In a war situation, Midori-sama, people die. I don't completely understand the circumstances of Mikisue's death, nor that of his comrade. I know a Hollow was involved, but Mikisue was particularly mutilated by the incident. I find it hard to understand the need to do that to an enemy, even in a war situation. My brother lost his arm in this war, and my life was directly put at risk, so I understand the stakes involved...but I worry about a man who can mutilate a corpse beyond simply fighting and killing an enemy in battle."

"Katsura?" Midori cast the prisoner a glance, and Hirata saw a look of dismay cross the young man's features. He shook his head slowly, licking his lips as though remembering something unpleasant, then he let out his breath in a rush.

"I didn't mutilate anyone," he said softly. "I killed him, yes. I brought Hollows and killed the officers because they were a threat and I had to get to Inner Seireitei. I had to..."

"Why did you kill Mikisue and his companion, and infiltrate Inner Seireitei?" Midori did not give the young man time to gather his thoughts, and Katsura gripped hold of the rail of the dock, his calm expression shaken once more by the directness of the question. Whatever the answer, he seemed reluctant to give it, and Midori cast Kai a glance. Kai approached the dock, resting a hand on Katsura's arm.

"It's better for you to answer every question honestly," he said quietly. "If you aren't afraid of us, then you have no reason not to tell us the truth about your actions. You have no expectations from us, right? Then tell us what happened, when Mikisue and his comrade were killed."

Katsura closed his eyes for a moment, and Hirata thought he was going to refuse to respond. Then, at length, he opened them again.

"Father sent me back to Inner Seireitei to kill Edogawa Mitsuki," he said softly, his voice shaking slightly. "He was angry that I failed to kill her, because Edogawa-san was a target of his. He thought that if he killed her, it would upset...Ukitake-dono. He saw Ukitake-dono as a threat to his cause, so he...wanted to...derail him."

He swallowed, then,

"It was the only time he threatened to kill me," he added unevenly. "But I didn't want to kill Edogawa-san. I'd spoken to her. I'd helped her get to safety. I knew she...she wasn't the kind of shinigami that he had told us about...the kind he told us were keeping us from living in Seireitei. I didn't understand why she had to be killed. So I went to warn her. But those shinigami were there...and...I had to...get by them."

He buried his head in his hands, then,

"My spirit power isn't very easy to control," he admitted. "I don't know what happened. I really don't. It explodes, sometimes, and it damages stuff around it. I...I didn't mean to...do that to him. I wanted his uniform, so I could get into Inner Seireitei. But...I...I guess I panicked...and...it just..."

He moved his hands to indicate an explosion.

"I'm sorry," he added softly. "I didn't see it as a war situation. I didn't plan it or strategise it or anything. I wanted to warn Edogawa-san, that's all. I didn't...think...about...other shinigami. Other shinigami...were...the...the enemy. I..."

He trailed off, and Midori sighed.

"Why do I only deal with idiots in my court room?" she demanded. "Or is it just meeting with Keitarou that makes people idiotic? I sometimes wonder."

Her gaze flitted to Hakubei.

"Apparently your officer was mutilated by accident," she said, her tones laced with sarcasm. "I'm not sure how you feel about that, but that's where we are. Do you have anything further you'd like to say?"

"No, ma'am," Hakubei shook his head. "Like Hirata-sama, I intend to abide by the justice of this court and its decisions. I just wanted to know for the sake of my officers - and Mikisue's family - why things had occurred the way they did."

He bowed towards the Second Captain, retaking his seat, and Midori's piercing gold gaze fixed on Katsura once more.

"Then I have a further question," She murmured. "Did you succeed in your mission? Did you manage to warn Edogawa Mitsuki?"

There was a pause, and then Katsura nodded his head slowly.

"Yes...ma'am."

His words were hesitant, and Midori's gaze narrowed.

"What did you say to her?"

"That someone wanted to kill her and that she should be careful. And that if she told people about my being there I...would be killed too."

Katsura's voice was little more than a whisper. Midori's gaze darted to Kai, who nodded.

"Edogawa made a statement, after Keitarou's death, that someone, which she realised with hindsight was Katsura, had tried to warn her her life was in danger," he confirmed. "At the time she saw him as the person who had helped her in Rukongai, and felt he was scared and in danger, so she didn't disclose the incident until after all the wider facts of the case became known. By that point the defendant was already a fugitive."

"Maybe having Edogawa Mitsuki here to testify would have been a good idea after all," Midori clicked her tongue against her teeth. "Though I suppose if that's all she knew, it wouldn't take us any further ahead."

She turned her attention back to Katsura.

"When you warned her, did you tell her who you were, or why you knew she was at risk?"

"No ma'am," Katsura shook his head firmly. "She asked me a lot of questions, but I didn't answer them. I just told her she was in danger, and then I left. I left and I went back to Rukongai."

"Where your father, evidently, didn't kill you?" there was no hiding Midori's scepticism now, but Katsura had found some courage from somewhere, because he nodded his head.

"My mother intervened on my behalf, and so did Koku," he replied. "They didn't let Father hurt me. Mother told him that my going to Inner Seireitei to kill a named shinigami would bring us all into danger. So he backed down. And I don't know what he would have done next, but...but then my sister...killed a shinigami...and..."

Hirata's heart clenched at this, and as if he had sensed the fluctuation in the Endou Captain's spirit power - which he could not have done, being cuffed - Katsura turned to gaze up at Hirata once more.

"It was Endou Souja-dono that she killed," he said gravely. "I never saw him, alive or dead, but Sakaki made it clear she knew who he was and that she killed him because of it. I was sent to help clean up her mess. Father didn't want anything like that to happen, as it drew attention to us...and after that he didn't talk about targeting Edogawa-san. Koku disappeared...and we had to leave the village, so I never got sent on a mission like that again."

"Until you attacked the Seventh Division compound?" Midori was not letting up, but Katsura had settled into his stride now, and he met her gaze evenly with one of his own.

"I did that because I was angry," he admitted. "Someone came to Rukongai after my father, and my sister got involved. They fought and this intruder killed my sister. I was angry and wanted revenge. Father told me not to, but I decided to go anyway. I couldn't protect her, so I went to avenge her. But I couldn't," he added, his gaze flitting towards where Juushirou was sitting silently, watching proceedings. "Ukitake-dono stopped me, and then I ran away. I was hurt by one of the Seventh officers, but not killed."

"It was a fatal wound, that somehow you survived," Midori was in full predator mode now, and in the Clan gallery, Hirata was aware of Retsu's sudden tension. He cast her a sidelong glance, taking in her preoccupied expression with interest.

Mitsuki-san feels very strongly that Katsura's life is worth saving. I have seen her resolve for myself.

The healer's words echoed in his mind, and his eyes became slits as he reviewed them once again.

So I was right. Edogawa-san was the one who intervened that day, to save Katsura's life. I thought so, but with everything that happened, I haven't tried to take it up with Juushirou yet. Doubtless he knows about it, but that Retsu-sama also does...is a surprising twist in the tale. I suppose healers do believe in preserving life - but I can imagine that that's something the Fourth Division would rather wasn't so widely known. Perhaps that's why Edogawa-san wasn't allowed to come here to the trial today...Retsu-sama thought it too much of a risk. Still, Katsura has no reason to protect anyone. I wonder how Midori-sama will react, if that piece of evidence comes to light.

"I can't explain how that happened. I was unconscious," Katsura frowned at the question. "The injury I took was a bad one, and I thought I would die from it. When I woke up, the injury was being healed. I fled the scene and escaped before the shinigami could find me. I don't know any more about it than that."

"You don't know how you miraculously got healed?" Midori was deeply sceptical, and Katsura shrugged his shoulders.

"Someone healed me, but I never knew their name, and I haven't seen them since, so I couldn't tell you who they were," he said flippantly. "Maybe Father paid them to do it. I don't know. He had a lot of connections I never knew the details of. I never got to ask him, though, and I can't tell you the things I don't know."

Hirata's eyes widened.

He's lying. I was wrong. For some reason, he's deliberately protecting Edogawa-san.

His eyes narrowed.

It was Edogawa-san he brought to help my officers in District Four. He showed himself to her because he trusts her. Because he feels safe with her? Because he owes her his life? Kikyue said that the healer who helped him made him realise revenge was pointless. I suppose, being healed by someone whose friends you killed would get that message across good and proper. Rather than being cross at Edogawa-san, should I actually be grateful to her? Did the thing she taught him lead to him helping my officers in the Dangai? I suppose I'll never know, because, after this, I think it probably best I don't mention it. I won't ask Juushirou, and I won't ask Edogawa-san. I'll let it lie, because whatever else happened, Katsura is protecting her by not giving her name to the court. He said he wasn't going to lie, but he is lying - because he understands it would be bad for her. That's why he was so uncomfortable, talking about Mikisue just now as well. He doesn't want to talk about Edogawa-san, in case it gets her into trouble. Whether it's his guilt for what he did, his gratitude to her for helping him, or something else...I don't know. But Edogawa-san made a difference to this person...the child I couldn't help, couldn't find, and can't save. And even if it's not enough, in the end...the fact he's willing to lie here to protect her tells me that Kikyue was right. Whatever he was five years ago, Aizen Katsura is no longer our enemy.

"Keitarou saved you?" Oblivious to Hirata's thoughts, Midori raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe," Katsura looked pensive. "I don't know. Apparently he was there and he attacked the Seventh officers who were following me. I didn't know he was there till recently, so I thought he discarded me, but maybe he didn't. I never got to speak to him after my sister died, so I don't know his motives after that point. In any case, I can't tell you what I don't know. I don't know the name of the person who healed me, and I was in too rough a state to remember much about it. I didn't really dwell on it, anyway. Why would I? They were nothing to me, so I just took it as good luck and escaped. That's all."

"We do have testimony that Keitarou was there at the time, Midori-sama," Kai gestured to the pile of papers, and Midori scooped up the pile, flicking through it pensively and pulling out one sheet.

"The attack on Ohara Masayuki, manipulating him to assault Kikyue-hime, resulted in Kitabata Hajime being withdrawn from his pursuit of Aizen Katsura and their return to base," she mused. "Very well. I suppose that does fit with the evidence. Perhaps your father did send someone to help you. In any case, you survived. For someone whose life is threatened often in your testimony, you seem quite resilient."

"I'm not sure about that," Katsura looked sombre. "I think I've just relied on circumstances. I'm good at hiding...I suppose that's all."

"You said you had nothing mitigating to add in your own defence, Aizen Katsura?" Midori asked once again. Katsura shook his head.

"No, ma'am."

"Kai, I suppose this is where I hand over to you, then," Midori looked resigned. "You've done the most work on this, and I know you have material to present. I suppose you'd better do so, before I get so annoyed with this brat that I kill him myself just to make this trial end more quickly."

"Oneesama, I think that might be seen as a miscarriage of justice," Kai responded wryly, though Hirata saw a faint flicker of apprehension surface in Katsura's blue eyes. He frowned, processing this carefully.

I'm sure I didn't imagine that. People who are resolved to die don't show fear when death is offered - but Katsura definitely reacted to Midori-sama's comment just then. That means that, for all he says he's given up, it's not entirely true. Maybe he expects to be killed by us - maybe he even thinks he deserves it. But, deep down inside, Katsura doesn't seek death. He's looking for someone to save him. And yet, the way he speaks, it's like he's given up on anyone ever trying to. Like he knows it's already too late.

He sighed.

Damn you, Eiraki. How could you raise your own son to end up in this predicament? Kohaku said that he was your favourite. How could you let Keitarou make him a murderer, and consign him to our justice like this? I've forgiven you for a lot of things, but, having lost my son and heir, I can't forgive you for treating yours like a weapon to be discarded to face the music on his own. I would have died in Souja's place, if I had been able to. What was wrong with you and that man, that you lost that precious fragment of being parents in favour of bringing the whole world to its knees? The girl I grew up with would never have been so haphazard...what did Keitarou do to you, to make your eldest son end up like this?

"Listening to his excuses is getting rather tedious," Midori seemed unrepentant at her brother's scolding. "In any case, I understand you had a meeting with Shirogane-dono?"

"Yes, Midori-sama. I have a statement here that I would like to read out, if you don't mind," Kai nodded his head.

"From Shirogane-dono?" Midori's eyes narrowed, and Kai shook his head.

"From his son, Jun'ei," he replied, and Hirata saw Katsura's expression become one of disbelief, his eyes widening and a little gasp escaping his lips. Midori ignored his reaction completely, gesturing to Kai to continue. Kai glanced at Katsura, then unfolded the sheet of paper.

"Jun'ei-dono is too young to testify at court, and Shirogane-dono understandably did not want to put him under that pressure," he explained. "Nonetheless, I spoke to him in detail and he makes a credible witness. Shirogane-dono has given permission for this statement to be read out here today, to be included as testimony in the trial of Aizen Katsura. In Jun'ei-dono's own words, and I quote,

'After the rogue shinigami attacked the main Kuchiki manor, I rode to the District Province for help from Kinnya-sama. My horse was startled and threw me, and I got lost in the forest trying to find a way out. By accident I encountered Aizen Katsura and a young girl who travelled with him. At first he thought me a threat to the child, and was quite rude in his address, but, when he learned about the assault on the Kuchiki manor, he agreed to help me. He told me that his brother was a shinigami and that he wanted to keep him safe. He took me to the borders of Kinnya-sama's manor and left me there. He made two requests of me. One, that I take the young girl with me for her safety, and two, that I not speak of our meeting to anyone. After arriving at Kinnya-sama's manor, I learned of Katsura's true identity. Katsura surrendered to Kinnya-sama and was his prisoner. When I heard that his life would be in danger if it went to trial, it was important to me to speak out about his involvement in my escape, even though I had promised him not to. Following this, Kinnya-sama's manor was attacked by some disgusting things that came out of a Senkaimon. Katsura protected me from their attack by hiding me in the annexe that was the place Kinnya-sama held him captive. Katsura doesn't seem to care about his life, and didn't ask me to help him. Because he was there, however, members of my family were saved, including me. I feel it important that the court knows this and would request this statement be read out at the trial on my behalf.'"

He handed the sheet of paper over to Midori, who glanced at it, skimming over the contents, then casting the stunned Katsura a thoughtful look.

"It's signed by Jun'ei and by Shirogane-dono as his guardian," she noted. "Also by you, Kai, as evidence, so I'll take the contents as valid."

"Thank you," Kai's words were tinged with irony. "I believe the testimony to be sound, as it matches with other information pertaining to the events around the District Six main manor. More, there is no reason for a Kuchiki heir to make a statement such as this, much less with his father's authorisation, unless it were true. Jun'ei's account was very believable, and I can provide more details of the events if you deem them necessary."

He turned to the stunned Katsura.

"Katsura, do you have anything to say to this statement?"

"The little idiot," Katsura groaned, rubbing his cuffed wrist against his brow. "I told him to let it alone. I bet he got into trouble for it, as well."

"I don't think Kai was asking you to comment on his action in giving it, but rather on the contents of the statement," Midori said acerbically. "Is this account true? Did you intervene to help Jun'ei-dono obtain help for the Kuchiki manor, and did you protect him from the Soldier's corpse attacks?"

"I did," Katsura sighed. "I don't see how it matters, but if you've met the kid, you'll know that he doesn't tell lies."

"Why did you help him?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Katsura looked startled. "It's true that my main motive in this has been wanting to keep my brother safe, but he was crying and upset because people he loved were in danger. I lost my family. Why wouldn't I help him help his? He's just a kid, for all he tries to be grown up. I might be an Aizen, but I'm not a complete monster. I might have killed people, but I don't kill kids. And besides, I don't kill anyone, not since Father died, because I don't really like it. You shinigami were stupid and slow off the mark dealing with this threat, because you think I'm some kind of omnipotent monster responsible for every evil that hits your world. But I'm not. Even Father wasn't, but I'm not even a fraction of what he was. He was a genius. I'm not. He planned things. I don't. He didn't care if he killed people. I've lived five years with the memory of those I hurt in my thoughts every single day. Why would I add to that? Jun'ei isn't my enemy. He's just a kid - even if he's a Clan kid, and a shinigami kid. Why wouldn't I help him? Do shinigami always need a reason to help someone else? It must be a very complicated world, if you do."

"That's enough," Midori snapped, and Hirata pressed his lips together, considering Katsura's impassioned reaction. Unlike the calm, reasoned way he had dealt with most of the questions, or the calculated lie he had told to protect Mitsuki, there had been something impulsive and sincere in this rebuttal, as though, for the first time, the true Katsura was shining through the pretence of the model prisoner on trial. A flicker of the mercurial temperament that had assaulted Seventh Division had glinted in the blue eyes, but there had been no sense of violence in his response. Looking at him, Hirata was reminded of Kohaku, the first day he had stood before the Council and talked about Souja.

I saw someone who was hurt and who wanted to go home...if I crossed into Seireitei, I knew I would never be able to go back. I knew that, but you can't just walk by someone who needs your help, even if you can't give it.

He sighed, the emotions churning in his heart as he remembered the look in Kohaku's brown eyes that day, and he glanced across at Katsura, seeing something similar in the older sibling's blue ones.

Well, so you did teach them something, then, little sister. You fled the Endou because you were fed up with being caged, and because you couldn't stand the devastation our Clan left in its wake. If that's the only thing you passed on to them, then at least you gave them something...that people call out for help, and sometimes, you have to respond.

"There's also the matter of the Dangai, Midori-sama," Kai set the paper aside, apparently unmoved by either the emotional testimony or his sister's impatience. "I believe we have a witness from Seventh Division willing to speak about that for the court. I understand he has Hirata-sama's permission to do so."

He turned to glance at Hirata, who jerked back to the matter at hand, nodding his head.

"I have given permission for my officer to give testimony," he agreed. "It was his request, and in the interests of objective justice I granted it."

"Very well," Midori seemed resigned, "although I can't imagine why I'd want to hear anything he'd have to say, given previous experience. Kotetsu Tenichi, come and stand at the witness bar. Give your testimony - preferably in proper sentences, so I don't have to throw you out of my court for being a moron."

"Yes, ma'am,"

Tenichi stepped out from the witness area, moving towards the stand and casting Katsura a sidelong glance. Katsura stared back at him, apparently confused, and at this reaction, Tenichi offered him a faint grin.

"I'm sorry, Midori-sama," he added, turning his attention back towards the judge. "I know you're sick of the sight of me, and I don't blame you. Five years ago I stood here and made an idiot of myself, but you sentenced me to prison and it did me the world of good. On that occasion, Aizen Kohaku testified on my behalf. Because he told the truth, I didn't die. I got another chance. And this time, it's my turn to repay that favour. Kohaku isn't the only Aizen to whom I owe my life. In the Dangai, Katsura saved me from a Hollow attack. He saved all of us - but I know the most about what happened. It was under the command of our Fourth Seat, Ohara Masayuki, but he's not allowed to testify due to recovering from injury. In his place, I'd like to talk about the circumstances that led us into the Dangai, Katsura's part in it, and why I'd like you to give him the same consideration you gave me five years ago. The only reason he killed people and I didn't is that nobody was there to help him in time. I met Keitarou - I'm related to Keitarou - and I understand what he was and how he manipulated people. Having met Katsura, and fought with him side by side in the Dangai, I know he's different. He's someone I'd rather call an ally than an enemy. For that reason, Midori-sama, I'm happy to be verbally abused by you again in court today. I think it's important that I tell this story - because I owe it to both them -and to myself - not to run away."

---

"Kohaku-niichan, do you think Katsu-nii is all right?"

In the small, sunlit sickroom in the Fourth Division hospital, Homare turned away from the window, shooting her companion a troubled look.

At the anxiety in her usually bright eyes, Kohaku's lips thinned, and he pulled the shawl that covered his wounded shoulder more tightly around his body. It was the day of the trial, and, early that morning he had been awoken by the news that he had an unexpected visitor. He had only met Kinnya's aide, Keiichi, on a couple of occasions, but he had known the old man's feeble reiatsu immediately. Though the retainer had not come to speak to Kohaku directly, he had brought Homare with him, and, after a short and quiet conversation with Mitsuki outside of the sickroom door, which had been too soft for Kohaku to pick up more than fleeting words here and there, the young girl had been ushered into the chamber. The two of them had gazed uncertainly at each other for a full minute and a half before Mitsuki had come between them, patting Homare on the shoulder and telling Kohaku soberly that for the time being, the girl was in their care.

Though she had not said it explicitly, Kohaku had understood the implications in her words.

Homare-chan was taken from the border camp by Katsu-nii. He considers her family. So, if anything happens to him...she's family to me too. And if it does...today...in that courtroom...somehow, I have to find a way to make sure this child isn't left alone. I know what it means, to be that - and Kinnya-sama probably sent her here knowing that, too.

At first, their dialogue had been awkward and shy, the conversation of strangers who had encountered each other under extreme circumstances but, as time had passed, Homare had voiced the question that neither of them had dared to say up to that point, and, at the sound of it, a chill had touched Kohaku's heart.

"I wish I could answer that question," he admitted sadly now, hesitating, and then gesturing with his good arm for her to come join him on the bed. Homare did so, scrambling up beside him on the soft white sheets and eying him sadly. "I wish I knew, Homare-chan, but I don't. I don't know anything."

"Katsu-nii told me you were his brother," Homare said pensively. "But you don't look at all like him, Kohaku-nii."

"No...a lot of people say that," Kohaku agreed. "It's true, though. Katsura and I are brothers. We grew up together, in Rukongai. Remember, I told you that I'd grown up there? And that's why Keiichi-dono brought you to me. Because...well...because..."

He faltered, unable to put the rest of the words into a spoken sentence, and at the tremble in his tones, Homare reached across to grasp his good hand in hers. It was as though she had understood, without him having to articulate, and, glancing at her, Kohaku saw tears glistening in her eyes.

"I don't want Katsu-nii to die," she whispered. "I don't, but I'm not sure...that he feels that way. He said...some things, sometimes. That he did bad things. Things that can't be forgiven. Things that even saying sorry for wouldn't fix. He told me he killed someone. Is that true?"

"Mm," Kohaku nodded his head slowly. "But you know Katsu-nii, don't you? You know he's not a bad person, right?"

"I know," Homare nodded soberly. "But I don't think Katsu-nii does. Kohaku-niichan, can I ask you? About...about Keitarou-san? About...whether he was a bad person or not?"

"I wonder that thing pretty often myself," Kohaku sighed, shrugging his shoulders. "He was our father, but...I don't really know how to answer you. He did some bad things, though. That I can't deny."

"Bad things like Katsu-nii?"

"No..." Kohaku shook his head. "It's different. But in the end...they might both be punished the same way for it. My father...was killed by the Gotei because he killed and hurt a lot of people. Katsu-nii and I were both hurt by him. Katsu-nii, maybe, more than me, in the end. It's because of father that Katsu-nii did bad things...things he can't forgive himself for, maybe. I'm not sure, Homare. I wish I could explain to you in a way that made more sense, but I don't think I can."

"Mm..." Homare's lips twitched into a troubled frown, and she nodded. "It's all right."

Her gaze flitted towards the window once more, then,

"I think we came here, before, once," she decided. "It's not like the pretty place...Kinnya-sama's manor had pretty trees all around it, and the petals are all gone now, but they were like pink clouds. Here isn't like that. But I think we were here before. You were here too, weren't you? Katsu-nii sent you a message. I helped to deliver it. You came here too, didn't you? Is that why you're here now?"

"Yes and no," Kohaku slipped his hand from her grip, patting her fingers gently. "I was here, and I did see Katsu-nii that night. But I'm here now because...well, I got into a bit of a fight, and hurt my shoulder."

He touched the bandages grimly.

I'm probably alive now because Katsura came and risked his life for me. Again. As always. Sacrificing himself for my sake, as if his life doesn't matter, even though it does. Even though this child thinks it does.

"But I'm going to be fine," he added simply. "I'm just under instructions to stay put here until Edogawa-san and the other healers say I'm fit to go back to work."

"I see," Homare sighed. "I suppose it's dangerous, being a shinigami. Fighting those monster things all the time."

"Yeah...it can be."

Although fighting Hollows would be a welcome relief after everything that's happened lately.

Kohaku sighed.

"Homare-chan, listen to me," he said seriously. "I don't know what's going to happen with Katsu-nii. He did bad things, and...there's no hiding from that. The Gotei...I can't pretend it's all going to be all right. But...if it isn't...I know why Keiichi-dono brought you here to me. We may be the only people in Seireitei who will cry if Katsu-nii is killed for the things he did. But even if that's true...it also makes us family. Katsura treated you like family - like a sister. So that means you're my sister too, now. Whatever happens in that courtroom, and even though we don't know each other hardly at all right now, I promise. I know what it's like to be on your own, and I won't let that happen. He wouldn't want me to."

"Thank you," Homare offered him a sad smile. "I thought that you were kind, when I met you before. I was right. You are kind."

She reached up to wipe away the tears that had begun to trickle down her cheeks.

"I love Katsu-nii," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I don't care if he did bad things. The Katsu-nii I know is sorry, and didn't mean to. He never did bad things to me. I wish I could tell the shinigami that, but Kinnya-sama said I was too young."

"I know what you mean," Kohaku hugged the young girl tightly. "I feel the same way. I'm not allowed to do anything, either."

Because he asked for me to be kept away. So that, whatever happens, I don't see it. Even if it's the last time I might ever see him...he didn't want me there. He's still protecting me. Even now. And with my body in this state, I can't even try and see what's going on. I'm not strong enough to use any of my spirit power to do anything. I know Kayashima said that most people can't see death, only react to it - but I don't suppose I ever felt that to be as inconvenient a limitation as I do right now. Even if it's not good, I want to know. I want to know how it ends, Katsu-nii...keeping me away isn't going to stop me from worrying, and I don't suppose you realise that.

Out loud he said.

"All we can do is pray and hope for the best. Hope that, in spite of all the things that happened five years ago, the Gotei can still find a way to treat him with mercy."

---

"I believe you have arrived in good time, Kinnya-sama. It looks like the court is still in session,"

As the old Kuchiki reached the doorway of the big Shihouin court building, Keiichi turned to offer him an amused grin, bowing his head slightly in acknowledgement of his companion. "As instructed, I delivered Homare-dono to the hospital in Fourth early this morning, so she is safe and sound with Kohaku-dono for the time being. I have since attended here to monitor the situation - but it appears that there is no need for my interruption or any attempt to delay on your behalf. It seems that Seireitei has provided a witness other than Shirogane-sama's son, and that is occupying the court's time quite effectively."

"A Seireitei witness, huh?" Kinnya let out a low whistle, his eyes glittering with interest. "It may be that I'm not needed here after all, but it would be a shame not to put in an appearance after coming all this way. Not least," he patted the scroll that poked out of his obi with a grin, "after going to the trouble of exploring Seireitei's military archives to double-check my facts."

"Shunsui-dono was most obliging in helping us to gain access," Keiichi reflected, as Kinnya removed his cloak, handing it to the older man with a wink. "I must confess, I was surprised at it. Surely the Captain Commander would be on the side of the Gotei in such matters? Shinigami died as a result of these incidents - I had supposed that he would be less sympathetic."

"Shunsui-dono is a law unto himself, rather like my grandson," Kinnya chuckled. "I felt sure I could count on his help, and I was not disappointed. It was luck for us that he's the current Captain Commander, as I don't suppose it would have been as easy to persuade some of the other Captains to listen to my wishes. And I couldn't get Juushirou involved, not with him being Katsura's gaoler. For the sake of Thirteenth - not least with all that's happened there of late - he has to toe the line most specifically - but fortunately, his good friend was much more flexibly situated. Eighth Division have apparently remained largely disconnected from the trouble, with the exception of Shunsui-dono himself - and it seems as though he has no particular ill will towards our recent houseguest. There wasn't time to pry into his feelings on the matter - but probably it relates to Juushirou's boy, and the fact that Kohaku will be badly hurt if something befalls his brother. Shunsui-dono was the one who severed Keitarou's life, after all - I imagine he wants no part in taking the life of another of Kohaku's kinsfolk."

"I suppose there will be a level of resistance to your plan?" Keiichi seemed resigned, and Kinnya shrugged.

"That's why I went to the archive, and brought along my insurance," he said lightly. "A good knowledge of the law is always a valuable asset, no matter how old or how distant you become from politics. It's served me well in the past, and it will doubtless do so again in the future. Wish me luck, Keiichi. I seem fated to upset Shihouin, and I must go and do so again today. At least, on this occasion, it is to try and save a life, rather than for more insidious reasons."

"Yes, sir. Would you have me wait for you, or...?" Keiichi looked questioning, and Kinnya shook his head.

"No. It might get turbulent, and I'd rather you were out of the way. While I know you can take care of yourself, I'd sooner you went to Sixth Division. If things go well I will send you to Fourth District to retrieve Homare, but until there is a verdict, I would sooner you were close at hand. Jun'ei is still there, and we promised Shirogane that he would not intervene in this trial. As acting Captain, Shirogane is too busy to babysit his son, and we already know that Jun'ei is headstrong and doesn't always act sensibly when he has an idea in mind. He's probably also curious about proceedings - I believe he is genuinely fond of Katsura thanks to their short acquaintance. That being so, I'd have you tell him to trust me and leave it in my hands. I will do what I can, and he should mind his father and keep his impulsive head down. Teenagers are usually hell-bent on saving the world, but this is a matter for old heads, rather than young ones."

"With pleasure," Keiichi bowed, then withdrew, leaving Kinnya alone outside the big court building. At the door, there were two Shihouin retainers but, at the sight of his Kuchiki emblem, they stepped aside to allow him entry, bowing their heads in a gesture of stiff respect that told the old man of fierce training, rather than genuine emotion. The Shihouin and the Kuchiki had always had a frosty relationship, but Kinnya knew that, in the case of a Council Trial, all Clansfolk within the four degrees were entitled to attend without obstruction. This rule had been put in place to ensure that everyone accepted the Shihouin verdicts as the voice of the whole Council, in order to prevent unrest and challenges later on down the line. For all she was capable of ruthless decisions, Midori had proven herself stringently fair and just in her dealings as the Gotei's enforcer of the law, and had earned the grudging respect of all of her neighbours by refusing to stick to the stereotypes of the Shihouin's murky past. Now the only deaths that occurred in Shihouin custody were those lawfully meted out by the Council courts, and even the Kuchiki were welcome to come join the gallery, as if to prove that there was nothing to hide.

Kinnya knew this, but had never attended a court session since the new system had been put in place. However, today he intended to exploit his bloodline and his right to attend, and, if he was lucky, the very law on which the proceedings were founded as well.

Just a day's work for the Rebel, perhaps.

An amused twinkle glittered in his grey eyes.

I must admit, I do feel at my most alive when doing things to confound the shinigami when they try to decide things purely in black and white.

He stepped into the court gallery, making his way nonchalantly along the back of the rows of spectators towards the main steps that led down into the courtroom. As he had expected, these steps were guarded by more of Kai's men, and from this vantage point, he could see both the area reserved for Clan leaders, and the seating given over to Captains without significant Clan honours, where his grandson currently sat. The rest of the hall was full of spectators, robed in the black and white of the Gotei, and it was clear that a good number of shinigami had come to the hearing, curious to see Keitarou's prodigal son face trial. What these spectators thought of the prisoner, Kinnya did not know, but then, he had never been one to bother much about outside opinion. He approached the Onmitsukidou on the stairs, pausing to speak to them in low tones. At first it seemed like they were going to refuse him entry but, a flash of Kinnya's Kuchiki emblem - proof of his first degree status - and a twitch of the legal documents in his obi caused them to reluctantly step aside, allowing him unfettered access to the courtroom himself. Up until that point, he had not been noticed, but as Kai turned back to the bench following Tenichi's testimony, he caught sight of the old man, robed formally for once in the finest cream and green of his family, and he faltered, surprise flooding his features. At his sudden hesitation, Midori frowned, about to ask what was amiss, and in their momentarily break in focus, Kinnya seized the advantage.

"Midori-sama, I must apologise for the unorthodox way of entering your courtroom," he said genially, descending the stairs and pausing at the bottom to bow his head towards the head of the Shihouin. "Normally, as you well know, it would be my intent to stay away from such things - but on this occasion, I am here with the authority of the Captain Commander, to present you with some important documentation that should be considered as key evidence in this trial."

"Kinnya-sama..." Midori's eyes narrowed to slits, and, out of the corner of his eye, Kinnya was sure that he saw his grandson bury his head in his hands, as though he had feared some kind of interruption, but had dearly hoped that it would not occur. At this, Kinnya allowed himself a faint smile, but he did not have time to allay Juushirou's fears. Ignoring Katsura, who was also staring at him in wide-eyed disbelief, he raised his head, reaching into his obi to remove the paperwork.

"With your permission, Midori-sama, may I present you with these papers?" he asked softly.

Kai glanced at his sister, as if anticipating an instruction to go retrieve them, but the Shihouin leader held up her hand to indicate him to stop. A hush had settled over proceedings, as if nobody in the room dared breathe. It was unheard of for anyone to interrupt proceedings in such a casual manner, and for most of those present, the old man in the Kuchiki robes was a stranger, for Kinnya had never served within the Gotei, and preferred to keep himself away from the heart of political matters as much as he could. In spite of the fact his face was more or less unknown, however, his name was not, and a few of the lower ranked officers exchanged looks of uncertainty, as if asking why this individual, a man rumoured to hold a sword more powerful than most of the Gotei Captains, would show himself at the trial of a wanted murderer, born and raised in Rukongai.

There was a long silence, and then Midori spoke.

"I would have you explain, first of all, your reasons for interrupting this hearing, Kinnya-sama," she said softly. "You claim to have the authority of the Captain Commander, but as you will notice, he is not present to confirm or deny your assertion."

"I am here with his authority to present documents, access to which he provided for me in the interests of the law of Seireitei," Kinnya replied evenly, apparently unruffled by Midori's clear suspicion. "I did not say that what I have to convey to you is his will or his initiative - it is entirely mine. I found it strange that your court did not summon me to testify about this case, to be honest - and so I did some research of my own in order to be of use to you, should I be able, in coming to a verdict."

"I don't see why you would be needed, either as a witness, or to advise me on matters of the law," Midori's tones were acid now, and Kinnya grinned.

"I do not mean offence, Midori-sama," he said easily, bowing his head once more in such a way that told everyone present he was not even remotely intimidated by the intensity of the Shihouin leader's aura. "On the contrary, I came to offer my help. I seem to have begun on the wrong foot. Very well. Let me begin again. I have come as the individual from whom Katsura claimed sanctuary, in order to present my statement about his conduct to the court."

"I see," Midori's expression became one of displeasure. "It is true that you have the right to speak, in that circumstance, but I don't see how it is relevant. We are not trying him for his actions in your custody. We are dealing with an incident five years before you and he even met - in which case..."

"Then it is unusual, is it not, to accept a witness statement from a young boy who met him only this summer, and also, from one of your own shinigami," he gestured to Tenichi, who still stood in the witness box, staring at Kinnya as if he were some kind of alien for being able to speak to Midori in such a matter-of-fact way. "If their testimony is valid, why is not mine?"

"I am only interested in your testimony if it adds new information to the case," Midori seemed fed up now. "Does it? As you granted him sanctuary, you obviously understand the rules associated with your decisions. He is no longer your concern - and unless you have reason to complain about his behaviour under your care, it is assumed that he did not breach the rules of sanctuary while with you."

"No, Midori-sama, he did not."

"Then I can add that to the record, that he was a good prisoner?" Midori raised her brush as if to make a note, a slight note of sarcasm in her voice. "If that is all you came here to say, then I have noted it, so perhaps we can continue? I am not a fan of prevarication or time-wasting in my court, and I am trying a murderer for the loss of Gotei shinigami whose lives cannot be returned. Those are not crimes that can be reversed, as I think you well know. Death is final and should only be meted out as a form of justice, not under the orders of a madman. While I can accept that Katsura was instructed to kill by his father, he still demonstrated both the will and capability to do so by complying. If you are hoping to draw a parallel between a court's decision to end Katsura's life and his choice to slay healers innocently doing their job in the Spiritless Zone, then you will try my patience and - even despite your considerable rank and influence - I will seek to have you removed."

"You may seek it, Midori-sama," Kinnya's voice was still calm and level, but there was a faint edge to his words that told everyone listening that he was not intending to play games, either. "You may seek it, but you lack the authority or the power of arms to carry it out. There is only one shinigami in Seireitei who might be able to stop me by force and I think it unlikely he will seek to do so, given how little he likes to enter conflict these days. There is also nobody in District Six currently who can command me to leave with any authority, as my Clan Leader is indisposed. Your insisting on my removal would create a problem between our families, as Shirogane-dono has put his name to a witness statement in Katsura's defence. I feel I can thus assume my presence here is not opposed by him...in which case, on whose authority would you evict me?"

"The authority of the Council," Midori snapped back, and Kinnya chuckled. He shook his head.

"But your Captain Commander has granted me permission and access to legal documents in order to make a reasonable case to the court," he said softly. "His authority gives me the right to be here. And, while I accept that is not Council authority," he paused, raising his gaze to the Clan gallery, and then smiling again, "I had understood that military issues were entirely at the discretion of the Gotei, and not the Council. While you have the authority as head of the Second District Clan, Midori-sama, and while this may be a Council sanctioned hearing, it is a military case against the Gotei. You cannot overturn the authority of the Captain Commander...which I have right here."

He held out a sheet of paper to Kai, who cast his sister an apprehensive glance, then came to take it, gazing at it briefly and then handing it to Midori. She looked at it, then tossed it aside, letting out her breath in a rush.

"I did wonder why Shunsui-dono wasn't present. I should have known he was up to mischief," she said with a sigh. "All right. You are a canny old soul, I give you that. And I can't argue with your legal rhetoric. You are right - if you have his authority to be here, then I cannot overrule it without being in contempt of court - but I would have you remember that there is a certain way in which you should address a court judge, especially in session and in front of the accused."

"I mean no disrespect to you or your court, Midori-sama," Kinnya said gravely. "On the contrary, I hold it in high regard. You, and all your family have achieved in bringing justice to Seireitei over the past several decades."

"I sense some irony in your words," Midori said astutely, and Kinnya smiled, shrugging his shoulders.

"Not really," he assured her. "I do admire the Shihouin as they are today. And that you are willing to listen to the law rather than follow your instinct to evict a cantakerous old fossil like me - which speaks volumes for your integrity in proceedings such as this. It is not my intention to undermine any of those things. On the contrary, I am not here to disrupt, but I am here on a matter of law. I have a query to put to you - a concern which may invalidate any conviction or sentence in this trial if not addressed forthwith."

"I see," Midori pursed her lips. "Very well. I shall indulge you. Kai, dismiss Kotetsu. His eyes may fall out of his head if he continues to stand there gawping and it's unsightly. I will deal with Kinnya-sama and his apparent concerns - and then we will get back to final business. We will just finish a little later - it makes no difference, given we've waited for five years to resolve this."

"Yes, Midori-sama," Kai inclined his head in acceptance of the order, hurrying to usher the still bewildered Tenichi from the witness box. Midori turned her full attention on the old Kuchiki, holding out her hands to indicate he should continue.

"Make your case, Kinnya-sama, but do not waste time on useless diversions," she said softly.

"Yes, ma'am," Kinnya nodded his head. "It is really quite simple. You are trying the defendant on crimes punishable by a sentence of death, correct?"

"I am. And?"

"You are considering death as a possible and reasonable outcome in the case of a guilty verdict?"

"Of course."

"Then it is important that I came when I did," Kinnya reached into his obi, pulling out the folded legal documents. "Again, Midori-sama, may I present you with these? I am happy to explain myself, but these are my proof that I am not just wasting your time."

"Very well, but I will still hear you speak, "Midori gestured for him to hand over the papers, which he did, but made no immediate move to read them. "Your explanation first. Your evidence after I deem whether it is valid."

"I see," Kinnya looked amused. "Fine. Then I'll get to the point. This court has no legal right to take this boy's life, even if he be found guilty of murder."

A collective gasp went up around the stands at this declaration, and, even though he could not currently see his grandson, Kinnya felt certain that Juushirou was probably wishing the whole of the courtroom would swallow him up and make him invisible to his peers.

"In what sense, no legal right?" Midori was also shaken. "This is a murder trial. Murder trials carry the risk of a death penalty as standard."

"Yes, but this is a case in which the felon invoked the right to sanctuary," Kinnya was still impossibly calm, amusement toying around his lips at the sensation he had caused. "I happen to be well acquainted with sanctuary law, but I sought Shunsui-dono's permission to check your Gotei archive in order to make sure that it hadn't changed since my brother's time. Apparently it hasn't. A felon who gives himself into sanctuary has certain rights...which this court is obligated to observe."

"I understand the law of sanctuary," Midori snapped. "He was in your custody, and as such, could not be touched. But Katsura chose to leave your custody. He chose to go help his brother. In doing so, he gave himself over to the Gotei - thus he was not in sanctuary when he was arrested. An individual claiming sanctuary may have extra rights, but in this instance, those do not apply. He left your care, which in itself is a breach of sanctuary law. He was officially arrested by your grandson in District Four, following his visit to Kohaku. That means..."

"My apologies for interrupting, Midori-sama, but you are mistaken," Kinnya's voice was low, but it carried around the chamber in which you could have heard a pin drop. "Katsura did not leave my sanctuary. He did not breach the terms imposed upon him."

"He chose to go help Kohaku," Midori objected. "He made the decision to leave the Coastal Province and go with your grandson to District Four. He submitted to Thirteenth Division's custody following that. I can see Juushirou from here," she added acerbically, "and from his expression and the colour of his face right now, he knew nothing about any of what you're telling me, or why you're here. This is all your own whim, isn't it, Kinnya-sama? But you cannot rewrite the law to suit yourself, even if you are the Rebel."

"Ah, but I'm not rewriting the law," Kinnya said calmly. "Katsura went to help Kohaku, it's true. But he didn't leave my sanctuary of his own volition and thus break sanctuary rules. Juushirou came to my estate to speak to me about taking custody of Katsura, not to Katsura himself. And I was present when Katsura was told about his brother's condition. If I had wanted to prevent him leaving sanctuary, I was there in a position to do so. But I did not prevent it. Do you know why that is, Midori-sama?"

"I'm sure you're going to tell me," Midori was all sarcasm now, and Kinnya chuckled.

"Because by letting him go with Juushirou, I consented to his entering Gotei custody," he said lightly. "And the law states that, in the case of an individual seeking sanctuary, the person giving sanctuary has a a claim over the life and the fate of the individual they are shielding. In giving him up to Juushirou I ensured he didn't break the terms of his agreement with me. Rather, I entered into an agreement with all of you. The law says that, if a person is delivered up to trial from sanctuary, he cannot be tried for his life, whatever crime he has committed - unless the person from whom he claims sanctuary gives consent. It is a legal gentleman's agreement - or perhaps, a ladies' agreement, if you will - that an individual surrenders a prisoner claiming sanctuary in the knowledge that his doing so will not result in their death unless they agree to it. If such a thing was not in place, no prisoners in sanctuary would ever face trial, and we would be overrun with problems. It is a law thus built on the common sense need, in cases such as this, to compromise in order to get some form of justice done."

He folded his arms across his chest, meeting Midori's troubled gaze with an open one of his own.

"I do not support Katsura being put to death," he concluded frankly. "I am here to make sure my legal rights, as his sanctuary guardian, are observed and his rights - to not be summarily executed against my wishes - are also protected."

Midori did not reply immediately, then she sighed, rubbing her brow with her fingers.

"Juushirou," she called out suddenly, causing the Thirteenth Division Captain to start, shooting her a guilty look. "Don't look like that, I can tell from your expression this is all news to you as well. I don't hold you responsible for any of this. All I want is for you to confirm for me whether your grandfather is telling me the truth. Did you go to District Six to speak to Katsura, or did you go to speak to Kinnya-sama?"

"I went to see my grandfather," Juushirou got reluctantly to his feet, cheeks blazing at the unexpected attention. "I didn't do so with any intention except to get Koku help - but I didn't want to be on bad terms with a kinsman, so I sought his permission to take Katsura to District Four. He was indeed present when the decision was made, in the manner he described. Shirogane-dono's son, Jun'ei-kun was there too. I hadn't thought of it before, but...in that context...he did indeed let Katsura go with me. I didn't know there were nuances like that in the law, but I suppose I actually took custody of Katsura in District Six, even though I cuffed him in District Four. And...if it hadn't been that he needed his spirit power to help Koku...I probably would have cuffed him in District Six, now I consider it."

"You see, the intent was to pass custody to the Gotei, not break sanctuary, in which case my argument holds merit, correct?" Kinnya was enjoying himself now. "Jun'ei is not here, and Shirogane wouldn't want him to be summoned, but as Juushirou says, he also exists as a witness to the handover. Juushirou was doubtless unaware of those legal minutiae, but you can realise yourself that he would not have taken Katsura from me by force if he could negotiate it peacefully instead. And I did know the law, so ensured I was present to negotiate. I had no intention to give Katsura up to death. Katsura needed the closure of a trial and a verdict, and so do Seireitei. But a trial under sanctuary law prevents an arbitrary execution, and that suited me as well. If you're not sure, you'll find all the mundane legal stipulations in the paperwork I gave you, Midori-sama. I have the right, I think you'll find, to speak for Katsura's life. From the moment he entered my sanctuary he belonged to me and I was obliged to protect him. So long as he didn't break that agreement, I am still legally obliged to do so. I am doing so with my presence here today. Don't forget that Katsura also has family anxiously awaiting the outcome of this proceeding. To illegally execute someone because of a misunderstanding of the law would look very bad on the Gotei's record, especially given that Seireitei owes his brother such a large debt. Even if you don't think Katsura is deserving of proper legal procedure, you can't refute the fact that, as his closest surviving kinsman, Kohaku is."

"You really are a canny old soul, aren't you?" Midori groaned, pushing the papers aside and resting her chin in her hand. "Then what are you saying? That I should give up and let him go? You don't think I'm going to do that, do you? He is a loose cannon and a murderer, and just because he has shown himself to be useful in recent weeks doesn't prove that he isn't a threat to Seireitei. Are you willing to risk the lives of other officers - perhaps even people you care about - on a legal technicality?"

"I didn't just come to cause you problems. I also came with a solution," now Kinnya approached the bench, pausing a foot away and meeting Midori's gaze with a serious one of his own. "I don't expect you to do anything of the sort. I came to assume responsibility for him. Give Katsura's life to me. Let me deal with it how I see fit."

"Give...him to you?"

"Yes," Kinnya nodded. "I have already ascertained that he has skills which - though rough - can be used in a meaningful way. I have determined he poses no threat to the ordinary people and that he will not disobey my orders. He is not capable of hiding from me, and he has already been told that if he tries to escape, I will find him and I will kill him. I have no compunction about doing that should he choose to betray my trust in him, Midori-sama - and without the unnecessary expense of a trial. What I seek from you is complete custody over and responsibility for Aizen Katsura. I will protect him from danger - including any Gotei assassins, so bear that in mind - but I am also willing and able to extinguish his life should he prove to be a problem. I will keep him within my land and I will not let him stray from it. He will not cause the Gotei any more trouble...I give you my word as my bond that I will strike him through before he can even think of harming anyone, whether they be officer or civilian."

"And you think I'll agree to that?" Midori demanded.

"You don't have a lot of choice, since you now know, legally, you can't kill him," Kinnya said benignly. "Giving him to me solves your problem of what to do with him. You should know well enough that I am neither stupid, nor am I soft. I will kill if there is risk to my people, but very few people can challenge me in my own lands - even, dare I say, the Clan Leader, if I should choose to oppose him. For that reason, the main Kuchiki house rarely interferes in anything that I do, and is unlikely to object to my wishes in this regard. I can kill Katsura, but legally, you cannot. If he shows me a reason to kill him, I will do so without hesitation. But right now, I haven't seen that reason. And I will stand for his life so long as I feel it has value. I can use him. Let me."

Before Midori could respond, there was a gasp and the sound of a thud from the dock, and Kinnya turned, consternation in his grey eyes as he saw Katsura's legs buckle, his eyes rolling back into his head and his body sliding in a huddle against the wooden rails in a dead faint. As Kai hurried over to him, Kinnya tut-tutted, shaking his head.

"He was a puppet of Keitarou's, for all he did terrible things. He is the most sorry of anyone, and the one who suffers for it most," he said quietly. "Midori-sama, death in this case would be mercy, not a punishment, in so many regards. Yet...right now...this boy is frightened. He is frightened of death, and frightened of life. Right now, he has reached the limit of what he can handle, and it is cruel to continue further when we know what must be done. I believe he has more value alive, and so I seek to keep him that way. I am not ignorant of what he has done, but I believe his will to atone for it may yet help save more lives, like it did the life of my kinsmen and those in the Dangai. He is not a bad person. He acted from love and loyalty to a father who, ultimately, discarded him. If you kill him, you will have given Keitarou the final victory, by making a martyr of his weapon. If you give Katsura to me, you will have silenced Keitarou forever, by taking both his sons and making them into useful members of society. Kohaku has already proven himself to the Gotei. Let Katsura have the chance to prove himself to me - and to the Coastal Province."

Midori sighed, but there was resignation in her eyes, and she raised her hands in a gesture of defeat.

"I am not happy with it, but I cannot refute your legal case to claim him," she said reluctantly. "Very well. If you give me written assurance that you will kill him should he ever stray from your teachings and your command, then I will grant him to your custody. I will expect you to remove him from Inner Seireitei within the next twenty-four hours, and he will not be welcome to return here. He is confined to your lands and if he leaves them unsupervised, he puts himself in danger. He will also be expected to renounce any claim or interest to the Endou family in writing," she added, glancing up at Hirata, who nodded his head. "That is not negotiable. The Endou family deserve that much."

"Those terms will be met," as Kai unlocked the wooden gate surrounding the dock, Kinnya moved forward, scooping the unconscious Aizen boy up in his arms. "I'm sorry for the unconventional end to your hearing, Midori-sama, but I will take now what is mine. I hope my grandson will still allow me entry to Thirteenth," he added, glancing across at Juushirou, who shot him a resigned smile in return, "as I'd like to let Katsura calm and recover himself from the stress of this experience for a moment before we travel away from here. I will take him from here before it becomes dark, you have my word - I will keep faithfully to your terms and call on everyone here as a witness to my promise to do so. I may be the Rebel, but I still understand and adhere to the weight of Seireitei law."

He glanced at Katsura, then,

"There are lessons that can only be taught through death, but sometimes, the harder lessons are those taught through life. Katsura hasn't given up on his life yet, for all he acts as though he has. I can make something of that. I assure you, on his behalf as well as on mine, you will not have cause to regret the decision made here today."

---

Author's Note

Happy Meifu Anniversary, and happy birthday Juu.

At one point I was hoping that I might finish posting the whole of this story today, as it is the day I first started posting stories about Juu and Shun (21st December). But although I still could theoretically do that, it would mean rushing to complete the still unfinished sections, and also spamming a bunch of chapters at once. Neither of those seemed in the interests of the story or the readers. So, instead, accept this as the final chapter before Christmas. If you celebrate, have a good one. The story will complete in the new year.

On another note - here's a chapter of Kinnya up to his old tricks again.