Chapter Twenty One - Breakdown
"So in conclusion, we are all now in agreement about this quarter's Council fiscal arrangements."
In the high-ceilinged Council Chamber in the heart of Inner Seireitei, the current chair of the Council of Elders, Kuchiki Guren, gazed around at his companions as general grunts and murmurs of assent passed around the room, and the stately figure nodded, bowing his head in acknowledgement of their wishes.
From her seat as representative of Second District, Shihouin Midori stifled a sigh. It had taken four and a half hours for the nit-picking nobility to finally come to an arrangement that suited them all, and for a while she had wondered whether or not a resolution would ever be brought. It had only been a year since she had taken over as Head of the Shihouin, and after her Uncle's execution, she had done her level best to bring her family onto an even keel. Yet sometimes, when surrounded by the pedantic whining of other peers, she felt it hard to hold her tongue and keep her blunt opinions to herself.
But, finally, it seemed as though proceedings were about to be closed, and she could finally get back to organising the more important –as she saw it – day to day running of her family's prosperous, if notoriously unsettled District.
Her gaze flitted around the chamber, taking in each individual member with a frown. On her one side sat the broad figure of Yamamoto Hashihiko, the appointed elder of the Yamamoto, although to most he was viewed as the second highest ranking person behind Genryuusai in District One's illustrious family. To her other side, Urahara Nagesu, polishing the lenses of his spectacles as he focused on every word spoken. Beyond that were Unohana Retsu and Shiba Kyouki – two women for whom Midori had the utmost respect – then the empty seat belonging to the Kuchiki-ke, for Guren, as current chair, had the honour of the Leader's seat. Beyond that was the hunched, lean form of the warrior Shouichi, shadowed as was becoming commonplace by the silent figure of his surviving son Misashi, and then, finally, the head of the Kyouraku-ke – Kyouraku Tokutarou.
Some of them she liked, some of them she did not. Some she was happy to work with and some made her long for the right to draw her sword and release its hell fury into their unsuspecting bodies. But overall, she did not like attending the Council. Not when there was still so much to be done in the rebuild of District Two.
"Are there any further matters anyone wants to address before I adjourn this session?"
At Guren's question, Tokutarou slowly raised his hand, and Midori bit back her impatience as Guren indicated for the Eighth District leader to speak.
"If I may, Guren-sama, I would like to ask whether or not the Council ought to take clear notice of events along the border between my land and that belonging to District Seven." Tokutarou said quietly, and despite her frustration, Midori was aware of the seriousness in the other's dark eyes. "I have raised it before, but in recent weeks it seems increasingly that more refugees are fleeing for District Eight, claiming they are in danger of their lives. Providing for all of these people is proving a burden on my family and my people, and the situation is getting to be untenable."
"Nobody has asked you to take in anyone, Tokutarou." Shouichi barked out, annoyance in his pale eyes. "And you would do well to keep out of what is not your business. Your continued opening of your borders is only aiding and abetting the escape of those that the Endou-ke have legitimate grievances against!"
"The Endou-ke cannot possibly have legitimate grievances with women and children, some of whom are not yet old enough to walk or speak." Tokutarou returned neatly. "It is my obligation as a member of the Council of Elders to help those who enter my land, regardless of their place of origin. Had they come from District One, my policy would be the same, although,"
He paused to smile ruefully at Hashihiko,
"I cannot imagine that ever taking place. The truth is that it has been at least a year since the first people trickled into District Eight claiming persecution. Since then the numbers have swelled...Guren-sama, don't you think that this is now a situation the Council must address?"
Guren frowned, his grey eyes thoughtful. Then he nodded.
"Shouichi-dono, perhaps you could explain for us all the reason for so many common individuals seeking to leave your land." He said softly, and Shouichi bristled.
"Such things are the business of the Endou, not the business of the Council!" He exclaimed, and Guren's eyes hardened.
"Yet as current chair of the Council of Elders, I am asking you." He said evenly. "Please answer, or be considered in contempt of this session."
"If you please, Guren-sama, my Father is not simply persecuting the people from the common lands indiscriminately." Before any response could form on Shouichi's lips, a voice from the shadows made everyone start, staring in surprise at the speaker. "As a member of the Endou administration, I know extremely well what measures have been put through and what aims are being followed. If I may speak to the Council, perhaps I may put matters at rest on his behalf."
There was a murmur of confusion from the seated nobles, and Midori found herself just as surprised. Although Misashi had attended several sessions since the reconciliation, this was the first time that he ever had exercised his right to speak, and even Shouichi cast his son a startled look.
Midori pursed her lips, eying the man thoughtfully as she did so.
So are you really supporting your Father now, Misashi-sama? Things have changed a lot if you are…since the day you helped me escape my prison in District Seven and allowed me to move to help my Clan. Perhaps a reconciliation has taken place – but even so, remembering that day…I think such a thing unlikely.
"Shouichi-dono, do you object to your kinsman's request to speak?" Guren asked, and Shouichi frowned, then shook his head.
"There is no reason to object to my own son's words." He rumbled. "Let him tell you the truth, and then maybe you'll take my word more seriously."
There was a bitter note in his tones, and despite herself, Midori found she was amused by it.
The Council might listen to you if they hear Misashi-sama speak? Then things truly have changed, if you trust him so much now to speak here in your favour. Or is that why you bring him? To back you up whenever questions arise? You canny old man…scheming as ever.
"In that case, Endou Misashi, please, explain yourself more lucidly." Guren requested, and Misashi nodded.
"In recent months, individuals associated with severe breaches of law have been apprehended and interrogated by the Endou administration." He said softly. "This was a final request by my late Mother, that these people be located and dealt with accordingly. My Father has put his energy into finding and dealing with these rebels who are not only outlaws within our District but whose actions could cause severe damage in other Districts, also."
"And you are saying that all of the hundreds of people fleeing to me for sanctuary are associated with outlaws and treason?" Tokutarou was incredulous. "With respect, Misashi-dono...that seems unlikely."
"Of course not." Misashi spoke patiently despite Tokutarou's sceptical tone, shaking his head. "But several of those suspected of complicity have forged strongholds within village communities where they have used their ill-acquired gains to secure loyalty and support among the residents. Extracting them has proven difficult - and has meant force has been used directly on more than one occasion. Sadly the knock-on effect has been as you've seen them. Such village people who have backed traitors over their true administrators then seek safe land to which to flee."
"Is this true, Shouichi-dono?" Midori looked startled, and Shouichi cast Misashi a glance before nodding his head.
"As Misashi has clearly outlined, such matters are the province of my administration to deal with, and we are dealing with them." He rumbled. "In comparison, a few dead or dispossessed peasants are nothing."
"These rebels pose a threat of that magnitude?" Urahara Nagesu's eyes narrowed behind his glasses. "Pray tell us, Shouichi-sama - of what nature are such people, that they have excited such a flurry of action in your land?"
"Dispossessed Clan and foreigners to District Seven." Shouichi said bluntly, and Nagesu's eyes widened slightly at the implication in the old man's voice. "Those who should have been tracked down many, many years ago but who, by nefarious means have hidden themselves until now. On discovering they were acting outside the laws of this Council, I and my family have taken steps to prevent them."
He paused, meeting Nagesu's gaze with a cold one of his own.
"Perhaps you understand, then, the weight of the duty we have assumed."
"...These are Urahara exiles." Midori realised, and Guren eyed her sharply.
"No such thing has been said, Midori-dono. There is no need to make allegations of that nature."
"No. I think Midori-dono is correct." Nagesu's expression became thoughtful. "There are, after all, many disinherited members of my family who have disappeared into the ether. Though attempts were made to locate them long ago, most have not been found. If these people wish to cause a disturbance, I imagine them more than capable."
He eyed Shouichi, then,
"If you wish for me to send agents to Seventh District to aid you in your search, you have only to say the word." He said quietly, though Midori was sure for the briefest moment she saw genuine distress flash across the Urahara leader's usually rational pale eyes. "They are no kin of mine, and they sully the reputation of my Clan by continuing to vex those who try to work to rebuild our reputation."
A slight smile touched Shouichi's lips and he shook his head, bowing in Nagesu's direction.
"Whilst your consideration is appreciated, my warrior Clan are more than able to deal with the insurrection." He said frankly.
"But why now? After a century, why rear their heads now?" Tokutarou was confused, and Shouichi's eyes glittered darkly.
"It seems that recent events in District Two perhaps gave them some thought of reigniting old ideas." He said pointedly, and Midori bristled at this, anger in her golden eyes.
"The affairs of my Clan are no longer the Council's concern, since they ceased a year ago." She said stiffly. "The Council has inspected District Two on two occasions since and has spoken in detail to my Father and my brother even since my Uncle's execution."
"But there are, undoubtedly, still Urahara in District Two as much as there are in other places." Shouichi retorted, and Midori shrugged.
"Perhaps. I do not know. I have never had interest in the science my Uncle favoured and I have never held out my hand in support to them or any other nefarious schemes they may have forged. If they live in District Two, now, they live there in peace. And if they do – if, Shouichi-sama – then I am not aware of it or any reason under which they should now be persecuted."
"So the Shihouin still protect Urahara outlaws, while we seek to hunt them down!" Shouichi's eyes glittered as he sought an opportunity to pass the blame, and Midori got to her feet, indignation blazing in her gaze.
"On the contrary, the Shihouin know better than any other Clan that flaws exist within all of us." She snapped back. "For this reason, I will not seek out and kill those who have not disturbed the peace! My District is rebuilding and we are working hard to renovate the reputation of the Shihouin Clan by setting out a new order of government and of operation. We don't have time to follow petty disputes or chase down imagined criminals. Those involved with my Uncle were arrested and dealt with at the time of the Council's investigation. The matter is since closed."
She turned her gaze to the Chair of the Council, who eyed her impassively.
"There is no guilt on our part in any of this, Guren-sama. And in the unlikely event of there being Urahara exiles acting from District Two, they are acting on their own. I do not support it, and if I come across it, I will, as you can be quite sure, deal with it immediately."
"Nobody suspects that the Shihouin-ke are involved." Retsu spoke up softly at that moment, her gentle tones calming the rising ire in the high-ceilinged chamber. "As you say, those unfortunate events are quite behind you now."
"More interesting is how the Endou only just learnt that these people were there at all." Hashihiko reflected.
"That is not your concern!" Shouichi glared across the chamber, and Misashi slowly raised his hand a second time.
"Misashi-dono?" Guren eyed him quizzically, and Misashi shot his father an apologetic look.
"I believe Midori-sama has explained our reasons as well as her own." He said softly. "That events of a century ago have no direct bearing on the present day, and should not dictate everything that we do now. As the Shihouin have found, those things were deemed over and our people treated them as over. But unlike in District Two, in our land things have changed. For this reason we have chosen to act. If we had acted sooner - then, perhaps, we would be guilty of what Tokutarou-sama suggested and of the crime Midori-sama is so keen to avoid committing. We too do not believe in the unfair persecution of individuals without any clear evidence."
Shouichi stared at his son, then nodded his head.
"Misashi is right." He agreed. "The Council rails against unnecessary action. We have been forced to take our current stance since the fall of Shihouin Kamuki and his administration a year ago. Things became worse since my wife's sad passing, and we have increased our action accordingly. In consequence, most of the ring-leaders have been located and confined...though one or two still evade us."
Well. That was a nice turn in attitude, considering you were just attacking me for that policy a moment ago.
Midori eyed the old man in dislike.
I wonder what you're really up to, Shouichi-sama. And why your son is so willing to back you up and even cover for you in this place of all places. Is it what I suspect it is? If so, then surely sooner or later the Council axe must fall on District Seven just as much as it did on District Two a year ago. I of everyone here know more of that matter – and if not for my promises to Hirata, the whole Council would know of it too.
"Of course, there is a complication in this policy."
Shouichi was still speaking, and Midori drew her attention back to the conversation as the old man cast Tokutarou an unpleasant look.
"I trust the people I seek are not sheltering in District Eight, since sheltering outlaws of this level is a breach of Council Law."
"To my knowledge, I do not shelter outlaws." Tokutarou said evenly. "Though I'm sure that, if I did, the agents you have sent into my land would be able to tell you more quickly than I."
"What allegation is this, now?" Shouichi demanded, and Guren held up his hand.
"Enough." He said firmly. "This serves no greater purpose. If the words of Shouichi-dono and his son are true, then it is a matter we must leave to the Endou to handle themselves. But, Shouichi-dono, if you do require the assistance of the Council to deal with these people, please do not hesitate to call on us. Nagesu-dono has already offered his help, and I am sure that other Clans will offer similar aid if it is to protect Soul Society from the kind of damage of which these individuals are known to be capable."
"Thank you, Guren-sama, but my Clan are able enough." Shouichi shook his head. "We are winning the battle. Their ringleader is on the run. When we track him down, it will be over and all will be easy once again."
"And the refugees can then return to their homes?" Tokutarou questioned. Shouichi shrugged.
"That will be up to them, and whether you choose to re-open your border to allow them back." He said carelessly.
"In the meantime, Tokutarou-sama, my Clan will happily send aid to help take care of these unfortunates." Retsu said softly. "Since it is a heavy burden, one Clan should not shoulder it alone."
"The Shihouin also." Midori made up her mind. "Since obviously some feel we have a responsibility for the situation, I will also offer Shihouin aid to support the refugees. I will speak to you of it afterwards, Tokutarou-sama - if you are so willing."
"Thank you, both of you." Tokutarou offered them both a rueful grin. "It will be appreciated. Kyouki-sama has already assisted in a number of ways, but the volume of people is great and if the burden was shared over many Clans, more of them would have a chance of maintaining some quality of life. Disease is already beginning to rear its head in some of the encampments - and so, Retsu-sama, your aid in particular would be most welcome."
"In that case, I shall send Madeki-kun and some of his team to see to treating the ailing." Retsu nodded. "It will be my pleasure."
She smiled.
"And, to be truthful, it will be good experience for him." She admitted. "I had hoped to find him a suitable first field assignment since he became my fifth ranked officer and a team leader within the Fourth Division last spring. He is a very good young healer, even for his age and I'm sure he and his companions will provide much comfort."
"Then the matter is shelved." Guren decided. "And, we trust, in the safe hands of the Endou-ke from this point on. This Council Session is now adjourned – thank you all."
He rose from his seat, signifying the end of the long session, and Midori let out her breath in a rush, relief flooding through her as she realised that it was done.
But I still am not. I can't return home yet – even with Saku awaiting my assessment, Second Squad needing orders and the Shihouin council wanting decisions on land share, training and the organisation of the special forces. For the time being I must do two other things – I must arrange to aid the refugees in District Eight and – more pressingly now – I must speak to my one-time ally and discover whether or not he still feels as his son does as regards our family's partnerships.
"Your kindness is appreciated, Midori-dono."
As they left the room, Tokutarou bowed his head to her, and Midori returned his greeting with a grin.
"I feel a little like they are my refugees too, and I understand the situation quite well." She said frankly. "I have, after all, been dispossessed and alone. I will do what I can, Tokutarou-dono. I'm sure that the Yamamoto will not object to me sending aid through their land to assist in yours, after all."
"I trust not." Tokutarou agreed. "And if I can repay you…"
"One repayment you might make." Midori's eyes narrowed, and she dropped her tones, casting her gaze across to where Misashi and his Father were standing. "I realise you find the man distasteful, Tokutarou-dono, but if you could take a moment of the Lord Endou's time…I wish to speak to an ally of mine and I wish to do so alone."
"To Misashi-dono." Comprehension glittered in Tokutarou's expression and he slowly nodded his head. "Very well. In truth, I have questions too. I know, as you do, more things than what was said before the Council. If you discover anything of use, I would appreciate to know also. This affects my people, after all – and those who seek safety in my land."
"I will." Midori agreed, her golden eyes twinkling. "Though be careful, Tokutarou-sama. You become close to making a Shihouin your ally."
"I think there are probably worse alliances to make, these days." Tokutarou grinned ruefully. "And besides – I feel I brought you in for a battering today. It wasn't my intention to raise old skeletons for you – for that I'm sorry."
"You didn't do anything." Midori shook her head. "And we'll live with that taint for as long or longer as the Urahara still live with theirs. If what Misashi-dono said is right…well, I suppose I shouldn't speculate and should try and ask him myself."
"Then I will go and attract the Lord Shouichi's attention for a little while." Tokutarou nodded. "I'm sure that while he's flinging abuses at me, he won't notice if Misashi-dono is there or if he is not."
He bowed his head to her once more, turning and crossing the complex and as he approached, Midori could already see Shouichi tensing up, bracing himself for yet another battle of words with his hated neighbour.
As he did so, Misashi happened to glance up, meeting Midori's gaze, and at her expression, his eyes first widened, then became thoughtful. He glanced at his father, but Shouichi was well engrossed in his grievances against the Kyouraku by now, and Midori slipped through the back of the room, hoping that the other man would have the perception to follow her.
At first she thought he had not, but just as she was preparing to give up and withdraw, she heard a soft voice come from behind her.
"Urahara Keitarou." The voice said, and she swung around, eying Misashi in surprise. "That's what you wanted to ask me, isn't it? The name of the one my Father seeks – Urahara Keitarou."
Midori got a grip on herself, casting him a rueful smile.
"You would almost rival a Shihouin, in being able to slip around like that." She told him frankly. "I didn't realise you were so stealthy, Misashi-dono. Though, being as it was you who taught Hirata how to use Kyakkou – I really shouldn't be so surprised."
"Survival sometimes requires discretion." Misashi offered a faint smile, but it did not reach his eyes. "And I cannot talk to you for long enough to explain everything I need to."
"Yet you give me that name anyway?" Midori was surprised, and Misashi nodded.
"I had hoped to, in any case." He agreed. "But talking to anyone here is difficult."
"That's why I sent Tokutarou-sama to deal with your Father." Midori's eyes twinkled, and Misashi smiled.
"Then he is your ally too. I hope…one day to call him mine, too. Or more specifically…Hirata's."
"I see." Midori's expression became thoughtful. "Then you haven't changed your stance after all."
"Mother's death has made things more difficult, but I am grateful beyond repayment for what you have done for my son." Misashi glanced around him, his gaze flitting anxiously to his father's animated form. "And I wish to ask you to keep doing so, at least, for now. He needs everything you and Genryuusai-sama can teach him, since he's so far out of my hands. Therefore I wish to trust you…as I trusted you before. Only this time I think it's only my Clan who remain in peril. Yours, I'm glad to say, are not."
Midori's lips thinned, then,
"Hirata is my ally. You are my ally. Your Clan's troubles are mine too, now." She said softly. "What can you tell me, Misashi-dono? Something that I can do from outside that you can't do from within?"
"Father is not the danger. Seimaru is." Misashi shook his head slightly. "Father has kept his word to Mother and is, indeed, hunting these people down. Urahara Keitarou was Seimaru's ally a year ago – the one who created the poison that he would have used to attack Genryuusai-sama. In the last year, I don't know…but it is my belief…"
"That they are still working together?"
"Possibly against Father. Definitely against me." Misashi nodded. "And…potentially…against Hirata. Father is protecting me, currently, by acknowledging me and I am doing nothing to cross that trust. But it is not him that worries me. He will keep his word, now he has given it so formally and in so many places. In the last week he apprehended and killed one of the leading members of this rebel group and he believes he can snare this Keitarou too. But…"
"If he's being protected by Seimaru…" Midori shook his head. "How I hate that man. All right."
She sighed, then,
"I understand, and I'll speak to my Father. He may know the name even though I do not. If there's anything I can do to help track him down, Misashi-dono – I'll do my best to assist."
"Thank you." Misashi's eyes glittered with relief. "One day I will repay you for all these things. Somehow."
"You gave me the chance to save my Clan. Only fair I should give you the same." Midori grinned at him, and Misashi nodded.
"I have to go. Father will look for me and I daren't voice any of this to him." He said quietly. "My thanks, Midori-sama. You've made me more at ease at least knowing someone outside of our District is aware of the danger."
With that he was gone, and Midori turned on her heel, heading thoughtfully towards the exit where she knew her family's carriage would most likely be awaiting her.
I wonder what Father may know about this Urahara Keitarou, and if he does, whether he'll tell me now all the worst is behind us. Still, I'll ask him. Even though I dislike Shouichi-sama and distrust Seimaru, I believe Misashi and Hirata to be my allies and I will not forsake them.
She sighed, rubbing her temples.
Which means, I suppose, that I have even more work to do than I had before. But if not for them, I wouldn't have my Clan at all. Maybe there would now be no Shihouin Clan. In light of that…I have no choice. I'll keep faith with my allies and see what I can discover. And if this sparks a new alliance – a coveted alliance with District Eight beyond the occasional paperwork – then even better for my family. To ally with the Kyouraku would also imply alliance with the Shiba – which would leave us in a much happier position all round.
She smiled ruefully to herself.
Given that, a little more work is a small price to pay. When I get home, I'll ask Saku to make the arrangements for me to enter the fortified estate. It looks like I'll be going to speak to Father soon, after all.
It had been an impossibly long day.
As Juushirou put his asauchi back in the rack within the school gymnasium, he reached up to rub his temples, a dull ache settling in the base of his skull. It was now three weeks since he had begun training, and almost every waking moment that he could spare had been spent with Shirogane in the private training field, being drilled over and over again until he felt he would be practicing swordplay in his sleep. He was improving, though, he knew that – and although his body was battered and bruised, he had not given up, determined to prove that he could learn from his companion's sharp instructions and swift zanpakutou technique. Though it was true that they did not like one another any more than they had before, Juushirou was determined to persevere.
He paused for a minute, leaning up against the outside wall of the gymnasium as a wave of giddiness washed over his exhausted body. He closed his eyes, allowing the faintest of faint summer breezes to ruffle through his hair, bringing him scant comfort and coolness on what was one of the hottest days of the year so far. For the past two hours he had felt that burning sun belt down on his body, and though the gymnasium building cast little in the way of shade when the sun was so high, even so it was something of a relief to have finally stopped moving.
But I still have to read the rest of the chapter from that book Genryuusai-sensei gave us, as well as write up my notes from the last Kidou theory lesson and double-check to make sure all my incantations are spelt out properly, so I can revise them for exams without any problem. Not to mention Uebashi's begun giving us the theory outline to using shunpo, and I wanted to re-read the notes he gave us too before I go to bed. I wonder what time it is – it must be almost dinner. That should give me at least…two hours I think, between then and bedtime. I think that ought to be enough, so long as I don't hang around here too long now.
He swallowed hard, feeling unusually queasy at the thought of food.
The heat really doesn't do anything for my appetite. Maybe I'll skip dinner this time, and go straight to work. Once won't hurt and if I get done quickly, I can take an early night and sleep off my bruises. Then I'll at least wake up for class tomorrow without Ryuu-kun having to shake me.
With some reluctance he stood upright once more, putting a hand against the wall to stay the dizzy swirl that suddenly assailed his vision. Bile rose in his throat and he swallowed hard, screwing up his eyes as he fought to regain his sense of balance. Dots danced before his gaze, but at length, he managed it, taking a deep breath into already raw lungs.
Going back to the dorm is definitely the best idea. Perhaps I could at least stop for a drink of water, though – I'm probably dehydrated, thinking about it, since I coughed up enough times during that session. In this weather it's fluids, not food that you need most…so I'll do that and head upstairs. If I do that, maybe I can take a quick nap before getting down to work – and either way, it'll be better when I can sit down.
He made his way gingerly across the grass, aware that the throbbing at the back of his skull had begun to spread, protesting more insistently that he had continued to move despite his body's objections to the contrary. He grimaced, wiping the sweat from his brow as he realised he was probably running another fever.
But then, that's nothing new. I deal with those all the time. And I'm releasing more and more of my spiritual energy when training with Nagoya-senpai. That's bound to carry some kind of after-effect, considering how unsteady it's been since term began. In some ways, I'd rather it was that way. I understand what's happening when my spirit power causes fever or coughing. It's better than the illusion of good health when I know that everything isn't as right as it seems.
"Juu-ku-u-u-un!"
Shunsui's call split through his aching head, sending shockwaves through his weary brain and with difficulty he glanced up, seeing his classmate sauntering across the grass towards them. Not far behind him were Ryuu and Hirata, with Kai and Enishi bringing up the rear and Juushirou bit his lip, realising they had come to meet him.
"We thought we'd come find you, since your training was running late again." Hirata explained, as the group of boys reached their missing member. "Was it a good session today, Ukitake-kun?"
"You look all in." Enishi said bluntly. "Obviously he's still working you hard."
"Well, he has to." Juushirou knew he was being snappish, but his tired brain could not cope with trying to soften his words. "Since this is zanpakutou training, not swinging sticks in the park."
"Obviously you're hot and bothered too, then." Shunsui observed casually, and Juushirou grimaced at him.
"It's a hot day." He said pointedly. "Not all of us are born in District Eight. Some of us don't like the heat that much."
"I don't like it much either, to be honest." Hirata admitted. "And it is very hot today."
"Stupidly hot." Kai snorted. "Which is why we'd all be much better inside. Dinner gong is about to go, after all…if we hurry, we'll get to the hall before the rush."
"Kai-kun's hungry." Shunsui laughed, clapping a hand down on the Shihouin's shoulder. "So let's not keep him starving any longer, huh? Let's go."
"You go on ahead."Juushirou shook his head, immediately regretting the sudden movement as the world swam and rocked again before his gaze. "I have to do something…I'll meet you…after."
"You're not coming with us?" Hirata looked surprised.
"I'm not hungry."
"That's unusual." Shunsui pursed his lips. "I don't think I've ever known you not to be hungry."
"It's hot." Juushirou shot back. "I'm thirsty. I don't need food. Besides, like I said, I have things to do."
"Still?" Hirata eyed his friend in confusion. "We came to meet you – Ukitake-kun, isn't your training over?"
"It must be. He's put his sword away." Ryuu frowned. "Ukitake, whatever it is can wait, surely, for a little while? Even if you are not hungry, you can surely come and sit for a while? It is not good to run straight from one strenuous activity into another."
"I have a lot still to do tonight, since I've next to no free time at the moment." Juushirou shook his head. "If I don't keep up with things, I'll be behind and then I'll fail my summer exams. I do have to pass second year as well as doing all this."
There was an edge to his words, and Shunsui sighed.
"You can work too hard, you know." He said quietly. "Ryuu's right, and if even he can see that, you should pay attention and see it too. Take an hour or so and have a proper meal – then you'll be refuelled to do your work and you'll manage it more swiftly."
"We'll help, if you like." Kai added. "Houjou mightn't be much good at doing anything except turning pages, but I have some notes still to go over too, and…"
"I can manage, thank you." Though he knew he was being unreasonable, suddenly Juushirou could not take it any more. He wanted them to go away, to leave him alone, to just stop talking to him and making his head throb so badly. He pushed past them, making his own way towards the school building, but every step felt heavier than the previous one and the distance had never before seemed so far. It was hot, it was stifling, and his whole body ached with lack of sleep and forced overwork. He just wanted to be left alone. He just wanted…
The world blurred and swayed again and he stumbled, almost falling headlong as he lost his bearings completely. From somewhere around him he heard an exclamation, then felt two strong arms grab hold of his body, steadying him and holding him firmly.
"Ukitake, are you all right?"
The voice was Enishi's, but Juushirou could not answer him, and from somewhere in the background he could hear Ryuu, too.
"This is what happened at camp. After the river incident, when he passed out." The Kuchiki boy's tones were anxious, but further and further away with every passing second. "He just went…didn't speak to anyone…just fell."
"At camp this happened?" Shunsui's voice was sharp, jolting through Juushirou's scrambled wits and as Enishi lowered him to the ground he almost wept with relief to feel the reassuring sensation of grass beneath him. "Like this?"
"He just fainted." Hirata sounded distressed. "Like Kuchiki-kun said – because he came to save me in the river and pushed himself too far."
"Juu, do you think you're going to faint now?" Shunsui was closer to him now, and Juushirou felt his friend's hand brush his brow. There was a muttered curse, then, "No wonder. He's running a fever and it's a proper one, too – not one of those niggly little things he sometimes insists on taking to class with him. Training for two hours in this heat – too much, Juu-kun. You're being unreasonable."
"Let me go." Juushirou managed, pushing both Enishi and Shunsui away from him as he began to feel the world closing in around him. "I'm not going to pass out. I'm all right. Just hot and de…dehydrated. I need a drink, that's all. It's nothing worse. I'm not g…going to faint."
"Are you sure?" Kai dropped down onto the ground now, eying him in concern. "You might be feverish, Ukitake, but all the colour's gone from your face and you're shaking like a leaf. At least let us help you get inside – otherwise you'll do yourself some damage, and Kyouraku is probably right."
"I…I…" Juushirou tried to form the sentence, but it was beyond him and, as his nausea overwhelmed him, he gripped at the grass, shudders racking through his body as he gave in to its demands. For a few moments all of his senses were consumed in the violence and panic of the unfamiliar sensations, then, as it calmed, he closed his eyes, dropping his head forward in relief and exhaustion.
By this point, he barely knew or cared that he was still outside or that he was surrounded by his friends. All he knew was that he wanted to sleep…and that his body had had enough.
As he did so, he realised someone was supporting him once more, and as his vomiting subsided, he gradually became aware of his friend's aura prickling close against his own scattered one.
Enishi.
"Dammit, Juu, that's why I said you weren't all right." Shunsui was there too, and though Juushirou longed to pull free from his friend's protective grasp, he knew he no longer had the energy to even attempt it.
"We should take him to Unohana-sensei." Hirata sounded frightened now, yet Juushirou was too tired and shaken to care. "If he's sick like this…"
"We should. Hirata's correct." Ryuu agreed. "Can you lift him, Houjou? He obviously can't walk."
He tut-tutted under his breath, then,
"Pushing himself to this extreme was foolish…it's a good thing for him we came to meet him, in the end."
"No kidding." Kai murmured. "Here, Houjou, let me hold him still while you lift him. He's not that heavy, but the way he is right now…"
"Maybe we should bring Unohana-sensei to him." Enishi sounded doubtful. "I dunno, Shihouin. He looks to me like he might hurl again, and while it doesn't bother me if he does, it's probably better he does it out here than in the hallways."
"Juu? Are you going to be sick again?" Shunsui asked gently, and Juushirou swallowed hard, forcing the tattered shreds of his consciousness together as he slowly raised his gaze to Shunsui's concerned one.
"I…don't want…Unohana-sensei." He said feebly. "Just…too hot. Go…to dorm. Please."
"But in this condition…" Kai frowned, and Juushirou shook his head gingerly.
"Please." He repeated. "If…I go…there…I…will…be…made…to…s…stay."
He faltered, the bile rising in his throat again, and Enishi's grip tightened on his thin body as the sickness returned a second time. Finally, exhausted and empty, he fell back against his friend, closing his eyes in defeat.
"And that's why we want to take you, so that she makes you rest." Shunsui said bluntly. "Pick him up, Enishi. Whether he throws up again or not, let's risk it. He's no good out here, and the sun's probably making it worse. We'll get him inside at least."
"To…dorm." Juushirou reiterated faintly. "Please. Not…Healing…Bay."
"Well, we could take him to the dorm, if he wants to go there so badly. He could lie down and we could go get Unohana-sensei if need be, then." Enishi suggested. "Either way, he's just going to upset himself more if we argue with him. Let's at least do as he says right now…then we'll work out what to do, when we get him inside."
"Houjou's right." Kai nodded. "I think that's the best thing to do, for now. As Houjou said, he'll just fight and upset himself more."
"I suppose so." Shunsui sounded reluctant, but he sighed, and Juushirou could hear the sound of him getting to his feet. "All right. That's what we'll do. Ok, Juu? You win. We'll take you to the dorm and you can rest. But listen to me. You can't keep training like this, not if it's going to make you this sick. You need to rest properly, else it's going to hurt you – you understand me? You can't juggle everything and expect it not to affect you. You've worked far too hard already."
"I…have…to…train." Juushirou managed, followed by, "Not…your…business."
"I think it's all of our business."
"No." Juushirou shook his head slightly. "Just…tired. Tomorrow…I'll be fine."
"If you think we're going to let you anywhere near a sword tomorrow, you must think we're completely stupid." Kai said bluntly. "Kyouraku's right. You're exhausted and you need to take a day or two off. Probably off all classes, not just your training."
"I…have…to." Juushirou repeated stubbornly. "Nagoya-senpai…will…"
"You leave that stuck up bocchan to me." Shunsui said grimly. "I said you're not training tomorrow, Juu, and so did Kai. Nobody's going to let you kill yourself, so make up your mind to it, okay? If we don't take you to the Healing Bay, that's what we expect from you in return."
Juushirou did not reply, but a mixture of obstinacy and indignation prickled at his senses as he was hoisted up into Enishi's strong arms, and borne away towards the school building. As they reached the door, Ryuu instructed Hirata to go get a mug of water to bring upstairs, and as the younger boy hurried off to obey the instruction, a loud shriek cut through Juushirou's already tender senses.
"Shuunsui! I've been looking for…what the hell happened to him?"
Sora came charging down the hall, stopping dead as she caught sight of Enishi and his burden. "Shunsui, what did you do to Juushirou? Is he okay? Did he have an attack?"
"Of sorts, but not the usual." Shunsui shook his head. "He collapsed outside – he's been working far too hard and it's caught up with him. So we're taking him upstairs."
"Do you want me to go get Unohana-sensei? Sora asked, and Juushirou roused himself at this, opening his eyes and meeting the Shiba girl's concerned green gaze with his own blurry hazel one.
"No." He said softly. "I just…want to sleep…that's all."
"We're taking him to the dorm." Kai explained. "And we'll see what happens from there."
"Ukitake-kun!" Before Juushirou could force out any more words, Mitsuki's voice cut across his wits like a knife, and he flinched, inwardly tensing as he saw her hurrying up behind Sora. "Houjou-kun…Ukitake-kun is…"
"Stupid." Shunsui interjected wryly. "But we'll sort him out. Don't look so frightened, Mitsuki-chan. We'll take care of him. It'll be fine."
"But…like this…with his spirit all over the place…" Mitsuki bit her lip, and Juushirou's heart clenched at the concern in her voice.
So she still worries. Even though she's not supposed to, she still does.
"It's not…your problem, Edogawa-san." He managed slowly. "So…please…don't interfere."
Mitsuki's eyes widened, and Sora glanced from Juushirou to her friend, confusion in her emerald eyes.
"What just happened there?" She demanded. "Juushirou doesn't want Mitsuki to help him?"
"Ukitake-kun doesn't consider us to be friends any more." Though Mitsuki's tones were even, Juushirou could see the tears glittering on the girl's lashes. He groaned inwardly, realising that he hadn't thought it possible, but now he felt even worse than he had done out in the blazing sun. He closed his eyes, but her expression still burnt into his thoughts, and the hurt confusion of her aura was suddenly clear against his raw senses.
"Doesn't consider you to be…?" Sora gaped, and Shunsui took a hand.
"We'll speak, Sora. Later." He said softly. "For now, we need to get this one upstairs and convince him that he shouldn't be training tomorrow if today's session made him like this."
"That should be a no-brainer." Sora said bluntly, and Juushirou heard Shunsui sigh.
"Well, when he's like this, Juu has no brain." He said categorically. "So once we've got him settled upstairs, I'm going to go at it from a different angle. If he continues not to listen to us, then I'll just have to find someone who will. I'll go and speak to Nagoya-senpai, and see if one of them at least has a bit of common sense."
"Kyouraku…" Enishi faltered, and Shunsui sighed again.
"If that's what it takes." He said frankly. "To keep Juu from training tomorrow…then that is what I will do."
Well, here goes nothing.
Shunsui gazed up at the big wooden door, pursing his lips as he prepared himself for the confrontation that he felt sure was about to come.
It was two hours after Juushirou's collapse and, although he had not been sick a third time, his fever had continued to fluctuate and his breathing had become heavier, sparking a mild coughing fit and making his companions fearful that his earlier uncharacteristic sickness had begun to trigger a more typical round of haibyou attacks. Despite this, he had still obstinately insisted that he was well enough to continue his training, and that he would not see Unohana-sensei no matter how much his friends had begged him to at least let her look him over. They had reached an impasse, and Shunsui had realised that it would take his earlier threat to actually resolve things – so, with a reluctant heart, he had traipsed up to the Senior corridor, hopeful that where he had failed with his obstinate friend, he might succeed with the proud, unyielding head student.
Though it's the last thing I feel like doing, if it's the only way, then it's what I'll do.
Resolutely Shunsui lifted his hand, rapping sharply on the uneven surface.
Hopefully I can negotiate better with a proud bocchan than I can with a fevered idiot – at least in this case I have a mode of attack that just might work.
At that moment the door slid back slightly, revealing the older student, and for the briefest of instants Shunsui had the impression that someone else was inside the room. However, he had no chance to focus on that fact, for the Senior was fixing him with a decidedly unpleasant glare. A faint flicker of amusement stirred inside Shunsui's heart as he registered the slightly agitated expression in the haughty grey eyes.
Hrm. I wonder what I disturbed? He looks a little rattled already. Are you sneaking around and taking advantage of having your own room? I wonder what Sensei would say if he thought you were entertaining other students after hours – female other students, for you to be as rattled as all that.
"What do you want?" Shirogane demanded, and Shunsui twitched his lips into a smile, forcing the more entertaining thoughts back as he returned to the matter at hand.
"My name is Kyouraku Shunsui and I'm a second year." He said, keeping his tones light despite the oppressiveness of the atmosphere. "I had something I wanted to discuss."
Shirogane stepped out of his room, casting Shunsui a look of irritation as he slid the door firmly back behind him, effectively preventing the younger student from seeing into his private quarters. "It's late. I don't have business with you at any time, but particularly not after hours - go back to your dorm."
"I'm not going anywhere, Senpai." Shunsui spoke quietly, though anger flickered in his heart at the other's dismissive attitude. "I came to speak to you about something specific, and as Anideshi, I hoped you might listen."
"Anideshi." Shirogane snorted, leaning back against the closed door with a heavy sigh. "Do you really think that you can use that as a lever to pull me out of my room at all hours of the day or night?"
"Urahara Yunosuke-senpai always seemed to be available, no matter what the time of day." Shunsui said innocently, and Shirogane stiffened, displeasure clear in his slate grey eyes.
"Then write to District Three and summon him, if you find him so obliging." He snapped, turning as if to leave. "I have nothing to say to my juniors at this time of night...and as Anideshi, that prerogative is mine."
Shunsui's eyes narrowed, and he reached out a hand, grasping his companion by the arm and pulling him back. Though there was not much force in the grip, Shirogane reacted immediately, slapping the other boy's hand away and wheeling on him angrily.
"What are you doing?"
"Something that I hate to do - something I probably won't forgive myself for later." Shunsui said frankly. "But if it's the only language you understand, I'm game to try it. I want you to come to my dorm right now, please, Senpai. And I don't intend to leave until you agree."
"And what makes you think I'll pay a blind bit of notice?" Shirogane snapped. "I can go back into my room, and fasten the door. You can spend the night out here, for all I care - it's no problem of mine if you choose to catch a chill or get caught trespassing in areas you shouldn't be."
Shunsui's eyes narrowed, and a lazy smile touched his lips.
"It's not a request. I'm just polite." He said lightly. "It's an order."
"An..." Shirogane's eyes widened, and Shunsui could sense the indignation bristling in the other boy's aura. "What do you mean, you cheeky whelp! You think you can give me an order?"
"Yes." Shunsui sighed, nodding his head. "Sad to say, I can. It's a disgusting way to deal with things, I know, and I'm heartily sorry for it. But if it works, I'll use it all the same. So I'm ordering you to come with me, Senpai. To my dorm. Now."
"And by what right do you give this so called 'order'?" Shirogane demanded.
Shunsui's smile became flinty.
"As the heir of District Eight's ruling Clan, and therefore a First Degree descendant of a Noble House." He said quietly. "You may be a Kuchiki, Nagoya-senpai, but by blood, only Second Degree. Therefore, I outrank you. And by common Clan etiquette, you are bound to defer to me - as your social superior."
Shirogane stared at Shunsui, his jaw dropping in utter disbelief, and Shunsui nodded his head.
"It's a low tactic to use." He said seriously. "And one I've never used before. But I'll use all the weapons at my disposal if it means the difference between Juu killing himself training with you tomorrow or not."
"Wait a minute." Shirogane recovered himself, holding up his hands. "This is about...Ukitake?"
"Yes." Shunsui's expression became grave. "He's not well, Senpai. Seriously not well. He's pushed himself and pushed himself and he refuses to listen to reason. But he could barely even stand up this evening, and he didn't even make it to the Dining Hall for the evening meal - a sure sign that he's pretty unwell, because even when he's in the midst of a haibyou attack, he eats like a pig. He's been sick twice, and he burning up like crazy, but he refuses to listen to any of us when we tell him to go to the Healing Bay or at least take a day off training and rest. So I thought, if I came to get you...if you came and told him...then maybe he'd listen to you."
Shirogane's eyes narrowed.
"My orders are given me by Sensei." He said quietly. "He was quite explicit. So long as Ukitake is able to train, then train him. If the boy is determined to train, what am I to do about it? In the end, it is his decision. Not mine."
"Sensei is testing you too, Senpai." Shunsui said evenly. "To see whether you know when to obey his order or when too far is too far."
"You are really very cocky, do you know that?" Shirogane eyed Shunsui with dislike. "Using your title, telling me what to do - do you really think that in this environment, that kind of attitude will wash? Sensei would soon overrule you, if he heard you."
"And he would soon discipline you, if his favourite District student took serious harm because you couldn't make a simple judgement about what was best for your pupil's health." Shunsui said quietly. "I'm serious, Senpai. I've seen Juu sick before, and even though I've seen him hurt as hell, I've never seen him like this. It's as though the energy and fight is literally seeping out of him - as though his body's hollowed out and he's just going through the motions instead of being really there with all of us. Urgent this training might be, but he's beyond exhaustion, and his body can't take much more of it. If you keep pushing him, his spirit power won't need to overwhelm him. At this rate, just with your training level, he's seriously going to die."
"Don't you think that, in the end, that choice has to be Ukitake's?" Shirogane asked pointedly. "I wonder how he feels, having his friends running around making his choices for him."
"He will be cross with me. Probably he already is, and he may not speak to me when he finds out I've come here like this." Shunsui agreed. "But I'll take that risk, because having him mad for a couple of weeks is better than having him carried back to District Six in a sealed box."
Shirogane frowned, his brows knitting together.
"You have a strong enough bond with this District boy, then, that you'll risk your friendship to protect him from harm?" He murmured. "Even though you are First Degree Clan and therefore outrank even me on the social scale? And even though he is so far below the both of us that he should consider it an honour to simply walk through those gates?"
"Yes." Shunsui said simply. "I guess you could put it that way. Juu's a very dear friend to me - someone I admire and respect more than most people I've met in my life. You might not have realised it yet, Senpai - but Juu's pretty unique. Sensei knows it. And so do the people in our class. Even if he is, as you say, far beneath us socially - there are a lot of Clanfolk in Class Three who would be up in arms if anything happened to him. Including kin of yours."
"Ryuu." Shirogane sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine. I'll come. If you think it will make a difference, and it will get you out of my face. But you might not have noticed, your friend is fairly stubborn. Me telling him to stop is just as likely to make him more determined to continue."
"But if you refuse to train him, he won't be able to train." Relief flickered in Shunsui's dark eyes as he watched the other student lock his door before falling into step with him as they made their way along the hallway to the main stairs. "And that right now is as good as anything else."
Shirogane's lips thinned.
"Nobody has ever spoken to me in the way you did this evening." He said softly. "You are a brave soul indeed, if you want to cross the Kuchiki-ke. Even given your attention to social degree – you are potentially playing with fire to displease my Clan by offending me."
"And you were held back in Senior Class because you aren't fit to lead subordinates." Shunsui said lightly, his tone deceptively even as he shrugged his shoulders. "We all know that, even if we haven't been told it outright. You can't become a Vice Captain without dealing with those you have to command, Senpai. Juu is your first subordinate officer. If you killed him – even if he was a District child – do you suppose you'd ever graduate from this place? Even as a Kuchiki – Genryuusai-sensei is not a fool."
"You speak to me as though we were of an age and level." Shirogane shot him an annoyed look. "Outside of this school, perhaps, your social level is above mine. But here people are ranked according to skill. I am a Senior. Kindly remember that before you judge my capabilities."
"You mistake me." Shunsui offered his companion a faint smile, shaking his head. "I'm not the one doing the judging, after all. I'm as you say – just a second year student here and far beneath you in experience in all respects. But Sensei is fond of Juu. And so if I were you, I'd remember that – even if he's a District boy in your eyes, to Sensei he's much more important."
"And so you seek to advise me?" Shirogane's eyes narrowed. "Not to harm this boy because of harming my own prospects if I do so?"
"Something like that."
"I don't see why it concerns you."
"I don't really like having you as Anideshi." Shunsui said honestly. "So the sooner you graduate, the better it'll be for everyone – you included, since you don't really want to be here at all, either. Plus, if you stop trying to kill Juu, he won't be suffering as much as he is. It benefits all of us, if you listen to me. So I advise that you do."
He winked.
"As a First Degree heir to a Second Degree satellite, take it as a freebie." He said cheekily, and Shirogane sighed heavily.
"No wonder the Kyouraku have been in such disarray, if you are Tokutarou-sama's only heir." He muttered. "The whole concept seemed foolish to me in the first place. I didn't choose to train Ukitake, after all. I didn't see the point in working one on one with the boy from the start and only undertook it because Sensei decided on it as my final assignment in order to graduate this place properly. If it ends badly, it won't be my fault that it does."
"Why not train him?" Shunsui was surprised. "Isn't it normal, for a Senior student to train a student in preparation for them summoning their swords? From what Sora said…"
"Ukitake is a District boy, and a second year." Shirogane said curtly. "Even I did not summon my sword fully until the end of my third year – and I was well ahead of my peers in many respects. I was exceptional. Last year, Yunosuke and the others had completed five years and some of them had not reached my level of shikai ability even by graduation. The very thought that a second year student might be able to do such a thing is preposterous. As for a District child – even one with dilute Kuchiki blood, and even given his insanely strong reiatsu levels - it makes the whole idea even more of a farce. From basic second year training to this is something of a leap – even you must realise that what you are studying and what I am expected to teach Ukitake are oceans apart in level."
Shunsui's expression became grave.
"I'm not happy about it, either." He admitted, as they reached the boys wing, pausing at the end of the hall. "It worries me too, that he's lacking in so much of the experience other people have. But the thing is, Senpai, this is Juu's lifeline too. His body and his spirit power are already delicately balanced because of his haibyou – and his reiryoku is fast reaching a level whereby he has no means to control it. That's why Sensei decided he should begin training with you now. I just don't think he should be hurrying to do it – that's all. He might do the same amount of damage if he pushes too hard as if he tries to suppress it completely. Like I said – it's a delicate balance."
"You are telling me what I already know."
"Then you should do something to take notice of it."
"And his welfare concerns you that much?" Shirogane gazed at him, and Shunsui nodded.
"Yes." He said simply.
He sighed, then,
"Besides, Juu first spoke to his sword's spirit when he was fifteen." He added quietly. "Even if he didn't know that's what it was – it doesn't change the fact. He's eighteen now, Senpai. We're not that much younger than you are – he'll be nineteen when the snows come this winter. I'm no expert in how long it takes someone on average to summon a sword after first hearing the spirit speak to them – but I wouldn't call three or four years a sudden leap."
"Genryuusai-sensei did intimate as much to me also, when he gave me the assignment." Shirogane sighed. "But such a thing seems impossible to me. For anyone to summon a sword with so little training – no, to even hear it with no training at all – that is not normal."
"Not much about Juu is normal." Shunsui admitted. "Sometimes you have to go with the flow."
"What about you? As a first degree Kyouraku, do you not envy his training in this way before you and your peers?" Shirogane asked curiously, and Shunsui shook his head.
"He works harder than me." He said honestly. "Why should I envy him because he has more commitment than I do?"
Without waiting for his companion to answer, he pushed back the dormitory door, stepping into the chamber and indicating for his companion to follow.
Hirata was still there, kneeling beside Juushirou's bunk, and his friend was hunched up against the wall, a blanket over his shoulders and a mutinous look on his tired, flushed features. Even from that distance, Shunsui was aware of Juushirou's fluctuating spirit power and he sighed, moving to allow Shirogane to enter the chamber properly.
At the sight of his sword shishou, Juushirou's eyes widened first in surprise and then in dismay.
"Nagoya-senpai." He whispered, his voice hoarse, and at the sound, the Senior's brows knitted together in irritation.
"If you can't say it with proper voice, Ukitake, don't say my name at all." He said frankly, striding across the chamber and pausing at the end of the bunk, glaring down at his student with a mixture of annoyance and censure. "If you're that weak and feeble a being that you can't even make a coherent sound to properly greet your Senpai, then you are not much use for anything at all."
"I…" Juushirou faltered, and Shirogane's eyes narrowed.
"I have no desire to run around after you or your friends. I am not Urahara Yunosuke and I do not suffer fools with the kind of tolerant attitude he did." He said plainly. "I do not expect to have to make this trip again. Do you understand?"
"Senpai, I…"
"If you are not a responsible enough student to know your own limits, there's no way you will ever wield a zanpakutou." Shirogane continued, cutting through Juushirou's feeble protestations with his own arched tones. "I thought I had already made it clear to you that flaring your spirit power would not do as an alternative for skill. Furthermore, if that is how things are, I don't see a point in wasting my time teaching you. Even if you are only a second year, you are old enough to know better."
He frowned, then,
"I do not wish to see you until you have come to that conclusion in your own mind. I have, after all, more interesting things to do than nanny my juniors and hold their hands."
Juushirou's expression became a mixture of obstinacy and anger, and he shot Shunsui a dark glance. Then,
"I'm sorry, Senpai. I did n…not ask Sh…Shunsui to trouble you."
"Now I see you, I realise that fact compounds your foolishness, it doesn't excuse it." Shirogane was having none of it. "His actions may have saved your life, for I am not in the habit of treating people with kid gloves."
He paused, then sighed.
"I have seen you cough blood during training, and stand up again afterwards." He said quietly. "For that endurance, I had thought you worth at least a little of my time. But there are reasonable limits to everybody's strength. Heal your body. Lower your fever. Take time and think about what I've told you. When you understand it, come to see me. Till then, you may consider our sessions adjourned."
With that he turned on his heel, sweeping out of the dormitory and banging the door shut behind him.
"Exit prima donna, stage right." Shunsui muttered, and Hirata frowned, shaking his head.
"He was very cross that you disturbed him, wasn't he?" He murmured. "What did you say to him, Kyouraku-kun? I didn't expect him to come all the way here himself."
"I pulled rank on him, and told him to come." Shunsui said frankly. "It's underhand, but he understands that way of thinking better than I do. My birth level outranks his. So I instructed him to come deal with it. And he was fed up about it, but he came."
His gaze flitted to Juushirou, who was eying him darkly, and he sighed.
"It's a good thing that looks don't kill, Juu-kun, else I'd be checking out of school early." He added, sinking down on the end of the other boy's bed. "You know as well as I do that what he said is right. In fact, what he said made more sense than I expected it to do – it seems like under all of that pride and arrogant frippery, our Anideshi does possess a commander's brain."
"You…had no right…to interfere." Juushirou's tones were barely more than a whisper, but that didn't prevent him from injecting his fury into every syllable. "I…never asked…you to. I don't…need…you…to make…my decisions…for me."
"I don't care." Shunsui's expression became serious, and he met Juushirou's gaze head on. "If you don't want people to protect you, make sensible decisions in the first place. You're the one who asked us to back you up, after all – well that's what this is. Backing you up."
"But…"
"You can hate me as much as you like. It's all right with me." Shunsui continued as if Juushirou had not tried to speak. "Because so long as you're hating me, it means you're still alive to do so. And even if you don't understand this yet – we all know that what you've been trying to do of late is reckless and ridiculous. You'll kill yourself. I won't accept that. End of conversation."
"No, it's not the…"
"It's the end of the conversation, Juu." Shunsui cut across him, uncharacteristic firmness in his normally lazy tones. "I made this decision, and you can hate me for it. But that's the end of it. You're staying here, and resting, and recovering your strength. Tomorrow, we'll get Unohana-sensei to look at you, just to make sure you're not in worse shape than you already seem. And even if you never speak to me again, you won't make me change my mind."
"Kyouraku-kun." Hirata's eyes opened wide with surprise, and Juushirou bit his lip, clearly fighting between anger and frustration. Shunsui eyed him impassively for a moment, inwardly surprised himself as to how angry he felt at his friend's irresponsible behaviour. Then,
"Sensei gave you advice after our first adventure. You need to stop and think about how your actions affect other people." He said softly. "You've frightened everyone and pushed us away, even after I told you that you'd be a bigger burden if you did that than if you told us how you were really feeling. We can all see it, after all. We know you. But you're keeping us at arm's length even though you already acknowledged that you needed your friends."
He grimaced, then.
"You've got me using underhand methods to drag unpleasant people here to talk sense into you." He added. "Not only that, you made Mitsuki-chan cry and she's forced to worry about you from a distance because you think it's better to make her feel un-trusted and discarded while you 'protect' her in your silly, over-dramatic way. There are other people in this dorm – this class – this world other than you. And even though you might think that it's entirely your business – when you suffer, so do other people. Whether you tell them about it or not, it's true. Stop and consider that for a minute. You can't control everything and you can't always be right. Like Senpai said…everyone has limits. Even you. And, dammit, even me."
He got to his feet, crossing the floor and pushing back the door of the dorm, stepping out into the corridor and shutting the divide carefully behind him.
He sighed, leaning back against the wood and closing his eyes for a brief moment as he fought to get his emotions under control.
It's not like me to lose my temper. But sometimes I just want to shake him – and annoyingly, those times are usually the ones when I can't.
"Kyouraku?"
Enishi's voice made him start, and he turned, a rueful smile touching his lips as he registered the broad-shouldered Yamamoto making his way back down the corridor, towel tossed over his shoulder and Kai in his slipstream, hair damp from the bath-house.
"You look wound up." Kai observed. "Is Ukitake still being a pain?"
"I may have shouted at him a little." Shunsui admitted. "Where's Ryuu? I thought he was with you."
"Kuchiki and I sharing a bath?" Kai snorted, shaking his head. "No. He remembered suddenly that he'd left something in the library and he disappeared off to get it. We didn't see him after that, so I don't know where he ended up going - but I guess it was a thinly veiled excuse for avoiding my company."
"Or it's related to our latest Sakusen assignment." Enishi looked pensive. "He didn't get his usual high mark when Sensei gave us back our copies, and I think it bothered him, even though it just proves he's human and is worried about Ukitake, too. Screwed up assignments are pretty normal fare for me, but they're not his style - he's been a tad flustered ever since he realised what he'd done. Most likely he's still worrying about the impact on his grades - either way, he'll come back when he's ready."
"Enishi's probably right." Shunsui reflected. "When he gets engrossed in something like that, it's hard to pull him away."
He rubbed his temples.
"Besides, the dorm is one big sheet of tension at the moment." He admitted. "I went and spoke to Nagoya-senpai, and got him to come talk to Juu. He said some surprisingly sensible things, but Juu is now hopping mad with me. Obviously, looking as pitiful as that - it's hard to have a proper discussion on it. But I did lose my temper with him a little bit. He's just...sometimes he doesn't think. And when he doesn't..."
"Is he still actively sick?" Enishi asked quietly, and Shunsui shrugged.
"He was sitting up." He replied helplessly. "But he didn't look like he should be, and I wondered if he only was because it helped his breathing to be vertical. Hirata's with him, so I'm not worried about leaving him alone - if he's sick again, at least there's someone on hand, and he's less likely to bite Hirata than anyone in his current state of mind. But I needed to step away from it for a moment. Otherwise I think I'd have laid into him much worse than I did."
"Laying into someone isn't really your style." Kai looked concerned. Shunsui sighed, nodding his head.
"I know." He acknowledged. "And I'm not angry at him so much as angry he does this to himself. And that it was allowed to happen. He doesn't want people protecting him - but he won't protect himself. He just dances into a situation and goes at it full throttle until his body collapses under the strain. We all know what he's capable of - and we all know how clever he is. But his body doesn't meet up to the rest of the equation. It's brittle and delicate. And he doesn't want to take that into account."
"It's the only one he has." Enishi pointed out. He grinned ruefully. "Sometimes I'd like to be a little more delicate on my feet, especially when it comes to speed-work in Hohou. But you get what you're born with. Ukitake's just making the best of what he has."
"I guess that makes me the most cross." Shunsui sighed, rubbing his temples. "That he has to have a weakness like that in the first place."
"He's never been quite like this before, though. Not with us." Kai mused. "He's really working hard, isn't he?"
"Too hard." Shunsui nodded.
"But can he really release his sword when he's only in the second year?" Kai looked doubtful. "Neesama could release hers at sixteen, true enough. But Uncle trained her and trained her literally into the ground for a long time before Akekage spoke to her, and she did a lot of work to get control of all of the zanpakutou's elements before that point. Ukitake, on the other hand, only did some basic kenjutsu before he came here."
"But he also first spoke to his sword before he came here." At that moment, Ryuu interrupted the conversation, emerging from the other end of the hall with a large book under his arm. "He told me as much himself. Ukitake is a special case, Shihouin. You should not compare him to your family...if anything, he is more Kuchiki than he is Shihouin."
"And how many Kuchiki release their swords without much training?" Kai demanded. "Even Nagoya didn't release his till third year, and he's known to be exceptional. He knows it himself, and doesn't fail to remind everyone at the earliest opportunity. You're fond of reminding us that Ukitake's diluted Kuchiki, but is diluted Kuchiki enough to do what Sensei's expecting?"
"That's up to Ukitake." Ryuu shrugged. "I'm sure I couldn't tell you."
He frowned, glancing at Shunsui.
"Is he any better?" He murmured, and Shunsui saw the genuine concern in his classmate's gaze. "I have never seen him so violently unwell before - should we perhaps summon someone from the Healing Bay after all?"
"I think he just needs to get some proper rest." Shunsui sighed heavily. "I said to him that tomorrow, we'd call Unohana-sensei to check him over, so for now we'll keep to that. He's tired…and that goes for the rest of us, too. Now you're all back, we ought to head inside. It is getting late...and we'll get unnecessary attention drawn this way if we're jabbering in the hall after curfew."
"Proof that Kyouraku's not himself, if he's worried about rules." Kai said wryly, clapping his hand down on his companion's shoulder. "Come on. Let's not leave the kid alone to deal with Ukitake. He's got more of a backbone now than he had before, but he's prone to worrying and Ukitake really wasn't good earlier on."
"Right." Shunsui sighed, but nodded, somewhat comforted by his friend's reassuring gesture. "You're right. Okay. I think I'm calm now."
"Then we're going in." Enishi pushed open the door, leading the way into the bedchamber, and Shunsui hesitated for a moment before re-crossing the threshold. He did not intend to meet his friend's gaze, but as he sat down on his bed, he heard the other boy call his name.
"Shunsui."
"I'm not discussing it any more, Juu. I mean it. That's the end of it, so go to sleep."
"But…"
"Kyouraku-kun told you that he didn't want to talk about it." Hirata interjected, surprising everyone by his sudden interruption. "Everything he's said is right and its true, Ukitake-kun, so you should do as he says. We all worry about you…so please…go to sleep."
There was a deathly hush, as everyone, Shunsui included, gaped at the youngest member of the group in astonishment. Then, at length, Juushirou drew a shaky breath into his beaten lungs.
"I just…wanted to…say sorry." He murmured. "And…thank you…too."
"Pardon me?" Shunsui stared at him, and Juushirou swallowed hard.
"I was forgetting…what Sensei told me…after you were cursed by Seimaru's fire." He whispered. "But I remember…and you're right. It isn't…just about me. I'm sorry. I've made people worry about me…I didn't….mean to do that."
"That's okay, you know." Enishi sat down on the end of the invalid's bed, reaching over to tap him reassuringly on the arm. "Tomorrow we'll get Unohana-sensei to look at you and I'm sure she'll put you to rights. Then when you start up training again, you'll know better and it'll all be all right. Nobody's really mad at you. Just worried, that's all."
"Houjou's right." Kai nodded. "If you've stopped being silly, we'll stop telling you what to do. Simple as that, really."
"How are you feeling, anyway?" Shunsui asked softly, and Juushirou laughed hollowly, slowly shaking his head.
"Worse than I've felt in a long time, which is probably why my judgement is so bad." He murmured. "I couldn't stand if you paid me, let alone take a sword and fight. I just didn't want to burden anyone by saying anything…but in the end I made it worse."
"Well, like I said before, you can rely on us." Shunsui shrugged. "So do it, okay? Even me, believe it or not."
"It's just...I know...I have to push myself." Juushirou toyed with the bedcovers idly. "I...have to...be able to handle more."
"But that doesn't include staying up till all hours to do assignments or study this or that on top of throwing your body into the ring and letting someone like Nagoya-senpai take swings at it." Shunsui reminded him. "You have limits. Like I said. You have to get to grips with those too, else you'll solve the problem of anyone killing you by killing yourself first."
"Blunt and to the point." Kai smiled wryly. "But true all the same."
"Of course." Shunsui nodded, slipping his hand into his obi. "And while we're at it, I'll give you this, too. Hirata brought water, and you ought to drink plenty even if you can't eat...this might help you if you're hurting as much as you look like you are."
Juushirou scooped up the sachet, his eyes widening as he stared at Shunsui in disbelief.
"But this is...?"
"The reason you've been able to get up and carry on, probably, since it's either that or fluke luck." Shunsui grinned. "Mitsuki's been giving me those since the first week you started training. Whenever she thought you'd had a particularly bad session, she'd give me one of those to slip into your drink. And it worked, because no matter how hoarse you were at bedtime, by the morning you were much more lively."
"Edogawa-san...has?" Juushirou was stunned, and Shunsui nodded.
"Mitsuki is in love with you." He said bluntly. "So stop pretending you can push her away so easily. It's an insult to her loyalty and to your common sense."
"But..."
"Hey...hang on a minute." Enishi's eyes widened. "Edogawa's in love with Ukitake? Since when?"
"Since a long time ago." Shunsui grimaced. "Open your eyes, Enishi-kun. It's been pretty obvious for a while."
"But..." Enishi faltered, and Ryuu sighed, nodding his head.
"She has also spoken to me of such things." He admitted reluctantly. "But to be truthful, I do not know...how to react. I am fond of Mitsuki and I understand her better than most. I am also fond of Ukitake. Yet...for my Clan..."
"This isn't a Clan issue. It's an Academy one." Shunsui shook his head. "Besides, it's not as simple as that. Mitsuki loves Juu, but that's all right because she's sensible enough to know it and deal with it accordingly. The problem is that Juu's a moron, and hasn't realised yet that he loves her too."
"Ukitake-kun!" Hirata's eyes became huge.
"Is that true?" Ryuu shot Juushirou a surprised look, and Juushirou coloured, shrugging his shoulders.
"I don't even know what those things really mean." He said helplessly. "And my head isn't clear enough to deal with them at all right now."
"Then take Mitsuki-chan's love potion at least, and get some rest." Shunsui tore open the sachet, reaching over to tip some of the remedy into the water mug. "All right? But don't forget about it. I think it's time you faced that head on, as well as everything else. She's not going to be put off that easily. You shouldn't keep making it worse for her by trying to make her."
Juushirou was silent for a long time, and Shunsui could see his friend's tired brain thinking this over. At length he reached out a trembling hand to take the water mug, sipping the contents tentatively as if afraid to bring on another bout of sickness. Then, he lowered it, offering Shunsui a rueful smile.
"You're all going to take care of me if I ask you to or not, aren't you?" He asked softly, and Shunsui nodded his head.
"You make your decisions…we make ours." He agreed cheerfully. "Sometimes you forget that factor – you might or might not want us involved, but in the end, if we want to be, we will be."
Juushirou took another sip, setting the mug down. He nodded.
"I'll think about it." He murmured. "But now…I really need to sleep."
"Then we'll talk in the morning." Ryuu suggested. "It is growing later now in any case and we should all think about sleeping. Though, Ukitake, if you feel particularly unwell in the night – wake somebody. Understood? It will not be any bother. What Kyouraku said is unusually pertinent and you should listen to him."
"Thanks, Ryuu-kun." Shunsui said dryly, and Ryuu inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement, completely missing the irony in his classmate's tones.
"I will." A faint smile touched Juushirou's lips. "I'm sorry. I guess sometimes I forget you're my friends, not my siblings. I have to protect them from things a lot more because they're younger and they need it – I'll try and remember that my classmates aren't the same."
"That's a good start." Enishi grinned. "And if that's the case, let's let it go and get some rest. Night everyone – see you in the morning."
Author's Note
Argh, I was mean to Juu…nobody kill me!!
Hitsugaya Reiatsu Question:
Since that was an unsigned review, I can only answer it here. The answer is - no. Juu has absolutely nothing to do with Hitsugaya (actually, I'm not even sure that's a chapter I've read, since I don't have all of the manga on hand - importing from Japan is expensive and I'm not really a Hitsugaya fan in any case.). Juu's reiatsu leak/overpowered reiatsu concept comes simply from the idea that his spirit power is strong and his body is weak, so it's common sense that as a young man one would have overpowered the other. There's no other canon connection (sorry if that disappoints anyone) - just my way of seeing Ukitake.