Chapter One: In The Balance
There was a light breeze across the bay that morning.
On the sea-swept sands, watching the white flashes of surf dart across the surface of the water, the figure stood alone.
His expression was a pensive one, his hazel eyes clouded and focused on the darting flickers of the sea as it lapped rhythmically against the beach.
Above his head, birds called and wheeled across the cloud-speckled blue sky, but the boy did not flinch or show the slightest sign of having heard them, so focused was he on his thoughts.
For a moment he stood there, then, very purposefully he raised his hands, stretching them out before him and pressing the edges of his palms together.
A faint flicker of something rippled through the early morning breeze, as if just by this simplest of acts, the boy had reached out and connected with the ether.
As his hands glittered with vibrant red light, the boy's lips parted, low-spoken words muttered in even, controlled tones and little by little the pulse of energy flared, growing stronger with every passing moment.
"Hadou no Sanjuu Ichi - Shakka-hou!"
As the boy spoke these last words, determination on his features, a flare of powerful spectral flame shot out into the peaceful sky, and as it glittered and blazed in the early light, the boy allowed himself a faint smile and a nod of approval.
Soon, he knew, the younger members of his family would be up and about, and it would not be safe to fire off such spells when any of them could accidentally get themselves into the firing line. Yet he had not let this deter him, rising early each morning and hurrying through his ablutions so as to snatch a brief moment of time alone in which to practice his Kidou.
He glanced at the ground, seeing something glinting in the grains of sand and he paused, bending down to scoop up the shattered fragment of shell that had washed up most probably in the dawn tide. He turned it over in his hands, being careful to avoid the sharp edges, and at length he grinned, getting to his feet once more and skimming the fragment neatly into the dancing waves.
This was still the place he felt most at home, anywhere in Soul Society. And no matter how far he might travel or how many people he might meet - this would always be the place that he held most dear.
"That's because this is your spiritual home, Juushirou. The place outside that most reflects the place inside."
The voice was faint, soft and teasing at his senses, but at the sound of it Juushirou frowned, half inclined to swing around and look for a speaker. He knew, however, that there would be nobody there - the voice was in his head, that was all, and there would be nothing to see except sand, rocks and the swirling sea. Yet even so, Juushirou knew he was not alone. He was, he acknowledged, never really alone. Not these days. Not now.
He sighed, sinking down onto the sand and leaning back on his hands as he allowed the teasing waves to lap against his bared toes, the sensation cool and refreshing after his busy session of practice.
In, why are you talking to me? I came to practice Kidou - you're distracting me and I don't have much time.
"I'm speaking to you because you're practicing Kidou." Came the response, the female tones surprised and a little hurt by his unwelcoming words. "Did you not understand that? Even though we've spoken almost every day this week like this - you didn't see the connection?"
"Juushirou is slow, sometimes."A male voice added his bit to the conversation, and Juushirou groaned, rubbing his temples. "He doesn't put the pieces together as well as he should - there's not much to be done about that."
You? You's there too?
"Of course." The male voice said derisively. "Where there's one of us, there's both of us. We're always here together, Juushirou. The two halves of balance, remember? The In and the You - if we're separated, we have no meaning at all."
Fine. Whatever.
Juushirou sighed.
Why are you both so interested in my Kidou practice, anyway? Do you think I'll put myself in danger? If anything, I've been better in control of my spirit power since I joined the Academy last spring. I can fire Shakka-hou, Soukatsui and Byakurai with good accuracy and I've about mastered Shou and Seki as well. If you think I'm going to cough and splutter because of them, you're wrong. I'm good at Kidou. And I'm not going to make silly mistakes.
"Silly mistakes? If you take that attitude, you'll make many, many silly mistakes." The male voice was disparaging, and Juushirou thought he felt the briefest touch of a fish's tail against his skin, the spiritual waves that plagued his thoughts clashing and jarring against the natural sound of the sea that surrounded him.
Then explain it to me.
Juushirou was frustrated.
Before, you only spoke to me when I was in danger of my life. When I was ill, you appeared and knocked sense into me. When I almost lost control of myself in the forest, you were there to pull me back. But I haven't had an episode like that in months. I've worked hard to control what I have and I've not been really ill in ages. I feel stronger than I have done for a long time - why are you here now?
"Because of those things you've just said." The female voice murmured softly. "Because that's why we exist, Juushirou. To see you control your spirit power properly."
"You are growing." The male voice agreed, as the sound of waves began to blur together, making Juushirou hazy about what was real and what was illusion. In the glittering surface of the water he thought he saw the faint outlines of the two fish - one pearl white and the other ebony black - as they shone with ghostly energy. "And you have learnt many things. But you are still not ready, in a lot of ways. Not yet."
I don't understand.
"Not yet. But you will." The black fish murmured, seeming to swim almost close enough that Juushirou could reach out and touch him. "Your strength is only at an infant level - yet. You've only begun to unlock it - bit by bit, piece by piece, controlling and mastering it as you go. You've passed the first hurdle. You've overcome the second. But it doesn't end there."
Doesn't...end?
Juushirou glanced at his hands, confused.
But I...
"If we let you release it all at once, you'd probably not survive long enough to work out how to utilise it." The male fish said categorically. "Since the day you were born, we knew that. Since your mother gave you her strength to suppress it - we've known you would fight against your potential all your life. When you were small, we stifled it - but when you faced the Hollow, you felt it for the first time. Yet you healed and learnt - and grew. But even so, in the forests of District One, again you burnt your barriers and let the flood gates open. Without us both times, you would have flared reiatsu until your body was simply destroyed. Why would you think that your battle was over? You are still learning. It's only just begun."
Only just...begun?
"You is right." There was a sad, almost apologetic note in In's voice, and Juushirou felt that she was somehow close to him, even though he knew she wasn't really there at all. "I'm sorry, Juushirou. This time it isn't you who takes down the barriers. This time...this time it's us."
Take down the...what do you...?
"We have to find out, you see, whether or not you're ready." You added. "And the only way of doing that is the hard way."
"I'm sorry, Juushirou." In murmured contritely. "But more than that we cannot say. Until you learn it for yourself...all we can do is try and hope our actions guide you in the right way."
With that they were gone, and as the waves seemed to swell and crest around him, Juushirou felt suddenly dizzy. A hot surge of energy rushed through him, clawing through his senses and burrowing into his nervous system and he let out a gasp, feeling the all-too familiar spasms tighten across his chest and through his ribs. Pain shot through his body and he coughed, closing his eyes as he fought not to choke up the scalding blood that he knew would soon be raging up from his air sacs and into his windpipe.
For an instant, panic ruled him, and then, just as soon as the flare had come, it was gone.
He fell back onto the sand, gazing dazedly up at the sky as he struggled to catch his breath. His lungs still throbbed and he reached up a clumsy hand to touch his ribcage, rubbing his chest absently as he tried to piece together what had just happened.
Was I having an attack? Or...or did someone...make me have an attack? Was it them? But...why...when I've been so well, why would In'you...?
"Not yet, huh?" The male voice was so faint it only just echoed against the deepest recesses of his mind. "It seems he still needs time."
"Do we have time?" Came the female's anxious question, and there was a distinctive pause. Then,
"Time enough to make sure he learns it properly." The male voice replied. "Even if there are pressing dangers, In - if he doesn't learn properly, there's no sense him learning at all. There is only the hard way...and we will make sure that, when push comes to shove, he knows."
"Nii-sama!"
A cry from the pathway jerked through his blurry senses and he struggled to haul his leaden body into a sitting position, turning to see his sister Chihiro and the two family juniors - nine year old Miyabi and seven year old Yuuya - heading down the uneven pebbles to join him. Relief and confusion washed through him in equal measure, and he pasted a smile across his lips, turning to hold his hands out to the eager youngsters.
"Anika said you'd walked out this way again." As Yuuya and Miyabi ran across the sand towards him, Chihiro sent him a grin. "And I said I'd bring you breakfast down here, since it was a nice day and soon you'll be going away."
She raised the basket in her hand as proof, then,
"Mi-chan and Yuuya heard me, and begged to come too. You don't mind, do you? I know you came down here to practice, but..."
She faltered.
"Nii-sama? Are you all right?"
"All right?" Juushirou gathered his wits, staring at her in surprise, and Chihiro frowned, sinking down on the sand beside him and placing the basket between her feet.
"You look pale and your eyes are funny." She murmured. "Did you overdo it, Juu-nii? You've been so well lately that we've all thought it was okay, but..."
"Yeah, maybe I did." Juushirou sighed, shaking his head as if to clear it. "I think I'm all right, though. For a moment I thought I was going to choke - but it subsided, and I can breathe all right."
"Hrm. Well, if it's like that, maybe it's best you stop anyway." Chihiro looked concerned. "Eat something, and get your strength up. It uses a lot of power, after all - this Kidou stuff of yours."
"Yes. It does." Suddenly hungry, Juushirou eyed the basket with interest. "And I take the point, Chi-chan. It's all right. I'm done for this morning, believe me. I know my limits, and I've definitely reached them for one day."
He grinned at her sheepishly, reaching out his soot-flecked fingers to remove the cloth that covered the basket.
"And I'm starving." He admitted, seeing the relief flood her expression at his words. "Early starts and spells are hungry work - thank you for thinking of me. To eat by the sea is a nice feeling - and as you said, I won't be able to do it much more."
"You leave tomorrow evening, don't you? That's one more chance." Chihiro sighed, drawing her knees up to her chest as she watched her younger siblings paddle and splash at the water's edge, seemingly engrossed in chasing a long, green tendril of seaweed that had got caught up on one of the waves. "Okaasama said she'd discussed with Kira-san the idea of you and Hideharu-kun travelling together this time - is that true?"
"Mm." Juushirou nodded his head, a faint smile touching his lips as he remembered the nervy eldest son of the neighbouring Kira family. "Okaasama thinks its better that way. Even though everything quietened down after my brush with the Clan of District Seven, we still have to take that trader's path to get back to school. Going the other way around isn't viable this time - it's too expensive and really, I think travelling that route should be fine. It is only a merchant's path, after all. But Okaasama is in a cautious mood - and so I'm going back with Kira-kun."
"Under the Kira-ke name." Chihiro looked doubtful. "Is it really that much of a risk, that you can't travel under your own?"
"I don't know." Juushirou admitted. "Sensei did say that now Endou Seimaru knows of me, it might make it difficult. And it is their land - so maybe she has a point. Either way, if it puts her mind at rest, I'll travel that way. I don't mind some company on the journey, and Kamikura-sensei is far too busy with Shinkei and Rouhei to worry about me this time."
"I never really pictured you and Hideharu-kun being friends, but I suppose you see each other at school." Chihiro pursed her lips, and Juushirou shrugged.
"Sometimes. We're in different classes, but he's not a bad sort." He replied with a grin. "I don't mind. And I suspect it helps Kira-san too, if I travel with her son. He is a bit prone to nerves, after all...I'm sure he wouldn't want to do the trip on his own."
"Yes, I suppose so." Chihiro chuckled. "In any case, when I was talking to his sister, she was quite relieved that you were going back together. She seems sure Hideharu-kun will lose himself or his tokens and get into a stew without you to take charge of him. I don't know why, Juu-nii, but she seems to think that you're the fount of all reason and sense."
"And I'm not?" Juushirou teased, and Chihiro punched his arm playfully.
"No. You're not." She told him firmly. "So don't go getting a swelled head."
"You're mean." Juushirou pretended to look hurt. "You won't even notice when I'm gone, will you, Chi-chan?"
"Of course we'll notice." Chihiro frowned. "It will be weird to have you gone again. The house isn't the same without you - it takes some getting used to at first."
"And then I descend on you all again and throw it into disarray." Juushirou looked rueful, even as he began to unpack the basket of Anika's carefully cooked fish and onigiri. "I know how much of a burden I am on this house, Chi - you don't need to tell me otherwise."
"Silly." Chihiro snorted, thwapping his arm playfully once more. "I didn't mean it that way."
"Hey! Are you trying to send me back to school with bruises?" Juushirou shuffled away, looking indignant, and Chihiro laughed.
"Don't say stupid things then." She said firmly. "You're no burden on any of us, Juu-nii...it's not that. Just...you're a big part of this family, somehow. Even though you're only one person, that's how it is. Maybe it's because Father had so many hopes in you - but when you're gone, it's not the same Ukitake-ke as when you're here."
"Does that...bother you?" Juushirou looked serious, and Chihiro shrugged.
"Yes and no." She owned, allowing herself a sad, slightly wistful smile. "But it would bother me a lot more if you didn't go back to the Academy when I know you love being there. You've made friends and branched out for yourself for the first time since we were children. I've always felt you were Nii-sama, Juu-nii - but now it's even more apparent than you're the eldest and grown up. That sounds kind of funny, maybe - but all of this Shinigami stuff has changed you. Not in a bad way - not at all. Just...I know that it's what you're meant to do. The way you are...it's like you've been waiting for your calling to come, and this is it."
"Maybe you're right." Juushirou looked rueful. "The truth is, Chi - I love everyone here. When I'm at school, I miss you all horribly. But when I'm here, I'm also impatient to be back studying again. I am a burden on the family - even if it's a burden you don't mind having - and this is something I've been able to do without impositioning people too much. My health is much better, and I have a focus. I can use the talents I've inherited and I actually see that yes, they do have a purpose other than taking away my parents' lives. I think...I don't know whether I'd call it my 'calling', as such. That seems a bit over the top and fanciful. But...it's something that I...I think I'd really like to do. And...now I've done a year of training...I'm starting to believe it's something that's possible for me to do."
"You'll do it." Chihiro grinned. "I know you, Juu-nii. You're stubborn as they come. If you want to do something, you will do it. Even if people oppose you - you'll get there in the end. You're like a battering ram, sometimes - I've seen it time and time again when you and Hiro lock horns and he almost invariably comes off the worst. You don't step back or give in easily. And that's going to be the deciding factor, I think. You want to be a Shinigami - therefore that's what you'll be."
"Mm." Juushirou paused for a moment, then, "Chi?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think...they'd be proud of me?"
"Who?" Chihiro looked confused, and Juushirou sighed.
"Father. And...Mother."
"Okaasama is proud of you." Chihiro eyed him keenly. "And you know Father would be. He wanted you to make the most of your gifts, and you are."
"No...I meant...I didn't mean Okaasama." Juushirou looked awkward, then, "I meant...Hahaue. My...birth mother."
"Oh." Chihiro's gaze clouded, then,
"I don't think of you as my half-brother." She said honestly. "And Okaasama sees you as her own son. I thought you felt that way too - why this all of a sudden?"
"Okaa-sama is my mother - the mother that raised me, anyway." Juushirou hurried to reassure her. "I love her a lot, Chi - it's not that I don't at all. To me in all senses she is my mother - I'm sorry if I made you think otherwise."
"Then...?"
"Well, it's just that what I can do must have come from Hahaue." Juushirou shrugged. "None of the rest of you have it, so it must have been her Kuchiki blood that gave me the reiatsu I have. And it makes me curious about her - just a little. I don't think I'll ever see her as my mother - not when Okaasama's brought me up and always been there when I've needed her to be. But...she is a part of my life and of who I am. So I suppose I wonder, sometimes. Whether she'd be proud of me. Or whether she'd regret having given up her life for me. I think about it, from time to time. If she'd think I've made the right choices."
"I see." Chihiro looked thoughtful. "Well, I can't answer that. I know less about her than even you do. But...to be honest, Nii-sama, I don't think you should focus on that too much. I think she would be proud of you - or she should be, considering what you've done and what you've had to face to get there. And so far as getting your power from her goes - your power is yours, isn't it? It's not hers. So it shouldn't matter in the end. It's what you do with it that counts."
"Chi-chan." Juushirou's eyes widened, and Chihiro looked embarrassed.
"I don't like thinking that you're not fully my brother." She owned. "So I suppose...I don't really want to think about Raiko-sama. I'm sorry, Juu-nii. But to me that's just who you are. Juu-nii. Like the rest of us. The same."
"The same." Juushirou glanced at his hands once more, remembering the conversation In and You had pulled him into only a short time earlier.
"Even if there are pressing dangers, In - if he doesn't learn properly, there's no sense him learning at all."
Slowly he shook his head.
"I'm always going to be Juu-nii." He said soberly. "No matter what I do or where I go, that won't change. For you or for any of the others - that's something I hold very dear to my heart."
"But...?" Chihiro eyed, him, and Juushirou sighed.
"I'm not the same as the rest of you." He said simply. "I'm cursed and I'm blessed. The two go hand in hand. I have the Ukitake sickness, and yet latent Kuchiki strength. In that way, I'm not the same. My high spirit power might draw you into danger - my being here might attract Hollows, so if I am home, I want to be able to defend you against them. In terms of family bonds, Chi, I'm exactly the same. But in terms of everything else...I'm just not. And I never will be - no matter how much people gloss it over."
He smiled faintly.
"But that's happened for a reason." He added. "It's not coincidence - I'm sure I was meant to be this way, both good and bad. And I'll figure it out, Chi. A way to use my strength and protect my family - no matter what it takes to do it!"
He had slept in again.
Shunsui pushed back the door of his chamber, a rueful grin touching his lazy features as he realised that the sun was already high in the sky over District Eight and that he had been meant to meet with his brother for breakfast well over an hour earlier.
Despite a year of studies at Genryuusai's Academy, he mused wryly, some habits were harder to break than others, and he had never liked rising early, even as a small child. It was almost the end of his spring break – in five more days, he knew, he would be riding East to begin his second year of studies and then there would be no excuses for idleness. But whilst in the comfort of his own home, it was easy to lapse into his old ways, and he reflected absently that perhaps, after all, his natural instinct was towards laziness rather than towards hard work.
Nobody came to find me, though, so I guess Nii-sama probably doesn't mind all that much.
As he made his way down the main staircase, a young maid passed him by, her arms full with folded towels and her cheeks pink as she bowed her head to him. This was Harizono Kyouko, one of the housemaids and the most recent addition to the Kyouraku household staff.
"G…good morning, Shunsui-sama."
At her soft, foreign accent, he paused, casting her a grin. She was a different prospect now, he thought, from the dishevelled, tear-stained wretch who had begged him for help in District One almost a year earlier. Then she had been thin, struggling, and prone to poor health, her close friend slain by shadows and her livelihood under threat. Now, however, the peace and security in District Eight had begun to sooth her shattered nerves, and instead of a melancholic damsel in distress, Shunsui reflected that she was little by little becoming a competent and yes, attractive member of household staff. Though she had been born in the neighbouring District, the native Kyouraku house staff had soon accepted her on account of her eagerness to work and repay the debt of gratitude she still felt she owed the Kyouraku, and consequently the shadows had all but gone from her eyes, lightening the tragic countenance that had struck both Shunsui and Tokutarou on first meeting her.
It was also no secret, either, that to Kyouko, Shunsui was both a saviour and an idol, for it had been his actions which had, in her mind, secured her position and allowed her to move on with her life. Although Shunsui knew better than to cross the line, he was not oblivious of the girl's affections, and often he had bemoaned to himself the problem of having a very astute Clan leader for an elder brother.
Now, as he looked at her flushed, half-coy features, Shunsui found himself ruing this fact once again.
It really is a pity that Nii-sama would have my head and my hide if I dared dally with any of the maidservants. It isn't often that a girl holds me in such high regard – but I guess if there was ever an opportunity to exploit it, I've long since passed it by.
But then, he reasoned, even Tokutarou could not prevent him from simple, innocent flirting.
"Good morning, Kyouko-chan." He said playfully now, returning the bow with a slight one of his own. "Do you know - is my brother here, or has he gone out?"
"Tokutarou-sama is...in his study, I believe, Shunsui-sama." The young girl looked surprised. "Yasuhiro-dono is with him."
"Ah. Good." Shunsui's expression became one of relief. "If that's the case, he's no doubt been buried in business since dawn and has forgotten all about me. And my mother? Is she around?"
"Yoshiko-sama left the manor early to ride to the borderlands." Kyouko's pretty face became grave. "She wanted to go herself to see the plight of the refugees from Seventh District."
"Ah, of course. I remember." Shunsui pursed his lips, remembering his mother's words at dinner the previous night.
"Something has to be done." She had said, her gentle tones full of sadness. "The flow of people claiming sanctuary has fallen lately, it's true - but the quantity of people who have fled here is still overwhelming. And there's no sign of it abating completely. The whole situation - surely it's becoming one for the Council to investigate?"
"At present, there's nothing the Council can do." Tokutarou had answered, his own eyes stormy and grave. "I wish that it could, Yoshiko-dono. It angers me too, that the Endou-ke can behave in this way. But so far they've not contravened the terms by which the Districts were originally divided. To interfere would put the Council in the wrong...and for me to do so would create a war between us and them. Our people don't deserve that - so all we can do is continue what we have done. Reactively help any who come to us for aid, and risk aiding spies in the meantime."
"Then tomorrow I will ride there myself." Yoshiko had been determined. "I'll take some retainers, of course - I don't intend on travelling alone. But I want to see their condition and hear their accounts for myself. I am not a Head of Clan - simply a blood Kyouraku with concern for their welfare. On those terms, nobody can complain."
"By all means, do so." Tokutarou had agreed. "You're right - that if it's you, there shouldn't be any need for concern."
"So she left early, then, did she?" Shunsui cast the maid a questioning glance now, and Kyouko nodded.
"Very." She agreed. "She seemed very preoccupied by it, Shunsui-sama."
"So she is. So we all are." Shunsui sighed. "And you? Does it concern you too, Kyouko-chan?"
Kyouko's expression became shadowed, and she nodded.
"I am glad...that Tokutarou-sama doesn't seek war." She said softly. "I am...afraid of the people in District Seven. And I am afraid...that my being here...would become unsafe."
"Don't worry. Nobody will let that happen." Shunsui assured her, patting her gently on the shoulder. "Just keep working hard, and it will be fine. Nobody in that District knows that you came here from District One on any cause except to find work...and that's how it will stay."
"Mm." Kyouko frowned, then, "But I...I still feel...Megumi...has been betrayed."
"Yes. Me too." Shunsui nodded. "But I haven't forgotten. She was murdered and she was forgotten because she wasn't Clan. But I promised her justice. I'll promise you too, Kyouko. Somehow, and some way - I'll make sure it happens. No matter how long it takes - I'll make sure that the man who killed her faces some kind of punishment for his actions."
"I know." Kyouko offered a faint smile, bowing her head again. "I have faith in you, Shunsui-sama. You and your family...are so kind."
Her cheeks pinkened again, and she clutched her pile of towels more tightly to her chest, hurrying off down the hallway before Shunsui could respond.
Shunsui sighed, turning on his heel and continuing slowly down towards the corridor that led to his brother's study.
Seimaru has probably already forgotten both her face and her name, if he ever knew it. But even so, she's got good reason to be afraid. And I haven't yet managed to deliver justice to her or Megumi - it's so difficult, when the perpetrator is Clan and the victim just a hostess from a local town.
The borders between the Endou-ke's Seventh and Kyouraku-ke's Eighth District had been strongly fortified for a long time, but even so, trickles of refugees continued to slip through the cracks, throwing themselves on the mercy of Shunsui's family. That widespread persecution of any with above-average reiryoku should be so openly practiced angered Shunsui a good deal, yet he also knew that his brother was right. There were many things that the Endou-ke did that were cause for anger or concern. But a war between two Districts could only cause more bloodshed and suffering - and despite their military heritage, Shunsui was sure that the wider Clan would never accept the suffering of foreign commoners as a reason to declare such a thing.
Not that Shunsui believed in war, either.
He sighed.
Nothing is ever easy, when it comes to dealing with Clan. Somehow I know I'll be glad to go back to school - and forget, for a little bit - about all of this.
"...So the report is confirmed, then?"
As he reached his brother's study, he saw the door was slightly ajar, and Tokutarou's voice drifted out into the hallway, the note of consternation in his tones making Shunsui pause. "You are quite sure, Yasuhiro? There's no doubt?"
"No doubt, sir. The source is verified and completely reliable. It seems there is no reason to question its authenticity."
"Then this is troubling indeed."
Tokutarou sighed, and Shunsui's brows knitted together.
"It makes me worry what might happen now. Our relations with them are already so tenuous."
Shunsui frowned, approaching the door and knocking lightly on the wood. It was soon slid back, Tokutarou's substantial manservant blocking the doorway as if to send him away, but as Yasuhiro realised who it was, he relaxed, bowing his head and taking a step back.
"Shunsui-sama, please, excuse me."
"Shunsui?" Tokutarou's voice demanded, and Shunsui nodded, slipping past Yasuhiro with a brief smile and into the study proper.
Tokutarou was ensconced behind his desk, papers strewn over each surface, but at the sight of his brother he was on his feet, crossing the floor towards him.
"Are you only just risen? Shunsui!"
"Yes, but I am on holiday, technically." Shunsui nodded. "And you should be glad, Nii-sama. Every morning I've woken up late, perhaps - but it's been late in my own bed at the very least."
"I suppose that's true." Tokutarou acknowledged, and Shunsui smiled.
"It is." He agreed. "But more importantly, why the long faces? I heard your voice as I was coming down the hall - what's happened to make you look like that?"
"Mm. Yes." Tokutarou frowned, his dark eyes clouding. "Well, it's as well you know about it now, I suppose. We've had some concerning news from the border outposts...which are apparently based in some truth."
"Border?" Shunsui's ears pricked up. "The...Endou-ke border?"
"Yes. That border." Tokutarou sighed. "Which other would it be? That family exist to vex me, I'm completely sure of it."
He rubbed his temples, then,
"Shunsui, I've received word of a death in District Seven."
"A...death?" Shunsui's eyes widened, his thoughts immediately flying to the family of his classmate Hirata, who was currently exiled with the Shihouin in District Two. "But..."
"Endou Yayoi-sama." Yasuhiro confirmed, and Shunsui frowned.
"Ya...yoi-sama?"
"Yes." Tokutarou paused, then, "Shouichi-dono's lady wife. And..."
"Hirata's Grandmother." Suddenly the pieces fell into place, and a cold grip closed around Shunsui's heart. "That's who you mean, isn't it? The old woman who kept everything in check - the one between Hirata and his family getting hunted down and killed by Shouichi-dono and that brat Seimaru?"
"You may call her the voice of restraint from the Endou-ke camp. Yes." Tokutarou sounded weary. "It's not unexpected - she has been ill a long time, after all. But it is troubling, especially with things how they are. Shouichi-dono is, doubtless, griefstruck at this time. I am of the opinion he had genuine affection for her. But my concern is like yours - for the safety of Misashi-dono and his wife and daughter. Now that Yayoi-sama is dead..."
"There's nothing to rein Shouichi-dono back, and nothing to prevent Seimaru from doing as he pleases." Shunsui whispered. "Hirata is in District Two, and there's no way that Seimaru could touch him, not there. But...his family...if Seimaru is still holding on to a grudge..."
"I think it very likely that they will be either killed or imprisoned very soon." Tokutarou sighed.
"But surely that isn't allowed?" Shunsui demanded, anxiety in his dark eyes. "To just kill half your family - isn't there anything the Council can do to stop that, at the very least?"
"No. In essence, it's a Clan matter, not a Council one." Tokutarou shook his head. "The Endou-ke have operated like that for generations. It's not something that the rest of us have any jurisdiction over."
"Then what use is it even having a Council?" Shunsui snapped. "Clan kill Clan all the time - you and I know that as well as anyone else, because Uncle killed Father for his own political ends. Nobody stepped in then, and you're saying they won't now, either?"
"There have been countless examples of family turning on family in Seireitei's history." Tokutarou murmured. "If the Council dealt with all of them, it would eventually become the puppet or tool of whichever Clan or faction was the most powerful. I understand your sentiments, Shunsui. I agree that the action is unacceptable. But the Council exists to deal with breaches of the laws set down and agreed unanimously when the District system first came into play. It isn't perfect, and probably it's made mistakes. But matters of this nature..."
Shunsui stared at him in disbelief.
"So Hirata's family can just be killed?" He whispered. "And nobody will do anything about it?"
Tokutaro was silent for a moment, then he shook his head.
"If they - Misashi-dono, Sumire-dono or Eiraki-hime - if any of them reach our borders, I will grant them sanctuary." He said quietly. "And I will hope that, if they should flee to District Six, the Kuchiki-ke would treat them in the same way. However...that is my limit, Shunsui. They are inside foreign territory - more I cannot do. Not even to save lives. Even as Clan, we have our limits too."
Shunsui's eyes narrowed.
"Then it's not good enough." He said softly. "If it can't save innocent people's lives, Nii-sama, being Clan is not enough."
Tokutarou sighed, resting his hands on his brother's shoulders.
"I know." He said heavily. "And I knew you'd look at me that way, too, given that you have a personal interest in the matter. I know you're thinking of your friend and I know that what you've said is true. But it being true doesn't change the situation. Whilst they're in a foreign land, only declaring war on District Seven could justify us sending anybody in to try and seek them out. And you know what that would mean – for our people as well as for the refugees who've fled here to seek safety. It's not a decision I can or will make. In the end, even though I'm concerned for them – I have to put the Kyouraku interests and dependants first. It's one of the nasty parts of being a Clan leader – realising that you can't save everybody."
Shunsui took a deep breath, calming his temper.
"I know. It's not your fault." He said at length. "It just makes me cross, that's all. That Seimaru will be able to do as he pleases…"
"I have no love for that whelp either." Tokutarou nodded. "You forget, Shunsui, that I still have a grievance with him for daring to attack you with his sword. Which is why I say that if Misashi-dono and his wife and daughter can reach our borders, I will permit them entrance. More, I will offer them protection. If that causes hostilities, I will organise a strong defence, and the Shiba-ke will no doubt come to my aid – but I will not be the one to step wrongfully into another's land. The Council doesn't look well on individuals starting wars on a whim."
He sighed.
"Perhaps it is not so bad as we think, in any case." He added pensively. "Shouichi-dono is an old and experienced Gotei leader. True, he is ruthless and he has a reputation for cruelty and snap judgements. But he has ruled the Endou-ke for a long time, and he has a certain amount of influence there. Perhaps he will not act rashly so soon after burying his wife – perhaps we have some time to play with before it becomes a political situation."
Shunsui was silent, then,
"Nii-sama, would it be all right for me to ride out to Uncle's estate and visit the refugee camps once again?" He asked softly. "I know Mother rode there this morning, and perhaps I could be of help…?"
"For the time being, I would rather not have you near the border." Tokutarou shook his head.
"But..!"
"Shunsui, Seimaru has already tried once to take your life. We do not know whether spies are among those seeking our aid – it could be dangerous."
"Yet you let Mother go?"
"Your Mother is a Kyouraku by blood, and your father's widow. But she wields no political power and has no direct connection to me." Tokutarou said simply. "What she does is separate from what we do, Shunsui. You are my blood brother and heir. She is my stepmother. The weight is different."
"So if Mother was to be hurt, you would stand back and do nothing? Nii-sama!"
"No, of course not." Tokutarou shook his head. "But Yoshiko-dono and I have discussed this in some detail since I became head of the Kyouraku. I agreed to let her move freely and engage in what business she chose – in return, she accepted that she may not always have the protection of the family in such times. In short, Shunsui, if Yoshiko-dono was to be attacked or taken prisoner, it is her wish that I do nothing to jeopardise your safety or the safety of this land to rescue her."
"So you would just do nothing?" Shunsui stared, and Tokutarou smiled faintly.
"Yoshiko-dono is a Kyouraku. She has pride of her own, and her own convictions." He murmured gently. "I know to you she is your mother and you love her. And I have tremendous respect for her – she is not someone whose life I would gainsay easily. But in public circles, we promote the idea of our relationship being distant. I am half Shiba – she is a Kyouraku. Our only connection, therefore, is you. This is the view the Council have of our family – that if they wished to hurt me, the only person they could target would be you."
Shunsui's eyes narrowed.
"I see." He said quietly. "So…you and Okaasama play up the fact you have no direct blood bond and make people believe that you act without consulting one another. Even though you've left this land in her hands once or twice when you've travelled from it – do you think people are so easily fooled?"
"That decision was written in your Father's will and was imposed on me by the Greater Clan when I became Lord of this land." Tokutarou said categorically. "They wanted it made clear that until you came of age, Yoshiko-dono should be appointed in your stead as my automatic deputy and protector. I cannot overrule this decision – to be accepted, it was one of the conditions to which I had to agree."
He pursed his lips.
"I have not tried to overrule it, either." He added. "I am half Shiba – which makes me half an alien in this land even now to some of our more suspicious kin. In contrast, your mother is a high-born, pure-blooded Kyouraku – that I should defer to her in my absence puts their minds at rest. And I have trust in her, so it also puts my own mind at rest if for any reason I am called from District Eight. It's all a political game, Shunsui. An illusion, set up for those looking in at us from outside. There is a danger, after all, in becoming too emotionally involved – emotions can create reckless actions, after all. I think you know that, probably better than me."
"Maybe." Shunsui sighed, sinking back against the wall. "All right. So Okaasama can go because everyone sees her just as someone you have to honour by Father's will and that if they were to harm her, it would actually favour you rather than the other way around. Conversely it means she's safe to travel in dangerous areas, because none of your enemies would want to risk doing anything that might in some way benefit you. But, if it was me who went – me being your heir, since you're too slow with women to marry and produce your own children – that would be a different matter. And even though I'm not completely helpless and probably could defend myself – you still don't want to take the risk."
"You have one great weakness." Tokutarou told him. "And that is your fondness for pretty women."
Shunsui looked rueful, despite himself.
"And so you think a female spy would seduce me? Do you think me that simple?"
"I'd rather not give you the opportunity to prove it to me either way." Tokutarou admitted. "Your behaviour has improved a lot since last spring, and I'm glad of it. But I'm not fooled into thinking you're a completely new character. You are still Shunsui, after all. And miracles don't happen overnight."
He grinned, though there was still preoccupation in his gaze, and Shunsui knew that his brother's thoughts were still very much on the political situation at hand.
"In five days, you'll go back to District One, in any case." He said pragmatically. "Until you've finished your training, I won't accept that you're in any way fit to protect yourself or this District, so bear that in mind, all right?"
Slowly Shunsui nodded.
"I get it." He said resignedly. "Work hard, play less, and don't do anything that embarrasses you or the Clan."
"That's pretty much it." Tokutarou agreed. "And one other. Don't get involved in politics you can't change. All right?"
Shunsui eyed his brother for a moment. Then, slowly, he shook his head.
"I won't go out to get myself into trouble, and I won't try and make things more complicated than they are." He said quietly. "But you can't say to me 'don't get involved' and expect me to give you my word with a smile. Hirata is my friend. This is his family. By that connection, I'm already involved. No doubt he'll be worrying about them – and if anything I can say can ease that worry, then I won't hesitate to speak."
Tokutarou frowned.
"I knew you'd say that, too." He said resignedly. "And I should know better than to think otherwise. Just don't get yourself killed, all right? If I have news of the Endou-ke, I will send it to you, and you can pass it on to young Hirata yourself. But for the time being, District Seven is a black hole and you are not to go near it. Understood? Stay in District One until it's time to come home – am I clear on that?"
Shunsui pursed his lips, then nodded.
"All right. I'll promise that I won't abscond from school and disappear from District One to District Seven." He said at length. "It's not really a place I want to go, so that's easy enough to promise. And aside from Hirata, no Endou-ke are allowed in District One, anyhow. So I don't think you need to worry, Nii-sama. I don't expect to be encountering Seimaru or his firesword again this summer."
"See that you don't." Tokutarou warned. "Last year you used up a lot of your chances and tried Genryuusai-sama's patience more times than I would care to count. Let's try to begin Second Year with a view to your ultimate goal – you're there to train for the Kyouraku haori, not change Soul Society from the inside out."
"Some might call that the same thing, in the long run." Shunsui reflected. "But I've got the message, loud and clear. I won't let you down, Nii-sama. You have my word."
Author's Note:
In'you
Reminder for anyone who might have forgotten - In'you is the Japanese for Yin-Yang. In my interpretation, Juushirou's twin fish are the two halves of this balance - the black fish In and the white fish You. In the prequel they explained to Juushirou that In represented his birth mother's love and You his father's fortitude. This will probably become important as the story goes on - as I'm sure everyone's realised, these are the twin fish of Sougyo no Kotowari.
Only Juu doesn't know it yet ;)
Hahaue vs Okaasama.
Both of the above are fairly formal ways of saying 'Mother'. Because Juu technically has two mother figures, I've used one for each. Okaasama is Kaede, the mother of Chihiro and all the other Ukitake children (essentially Juu's stepmother). Hahaue is Raiko, his birth mother who died when he was born.
Kyouko, Megumi etc
All referenced from the Second Manuscript. I decided since I doubt anyone who hasn't read that will read this, I was going to dispense with the detailed explanations of what's already happened, just because it's tedious to write and tedious for those people who know to re-read. Ditto the events with the Endou-ke, Seimaru and of course, the problems in District Seven. Yes, in case you hadn't guessed - the Endou-ke are this story's Clan of choice (last time it was the Shihouin and the Endou, this time it's the Endou and...?)