Chapter Twenty Five: Hatsukoi
"So, Oniisama, are you going to tell me or do I have to guess? The real reason why you called me home this time."
Shunsui pushed open the door of Tokutarou's study, slipping inside and the older man turned from his position at the window, offering his companion a rueful grin.
"You must be curious. I said after dinner, admittedly, but I didn't expect you so soon after." He said pensively. "Has it been troubling you that badly, then, my ulterior motives for dragging you home?"
"No, but I figured if we must talk politics, best to get it out of the way at once." Shunsui said simply. "Since this is supposed to be my summer break, after all."
"I might have known." Tokutarou let out an amused chuckle. "All right. That's also probably fair enough. It's too soon to ask your opinion on your cousin – so instead I think we'll begin with the Endou-ke."
"Do we have to?" Shunsui pursed his lips. "Rae-hime is a lot prettier than Seimaru and his horde of idiot followers."
"Shunsui." Tokutarou arched an eyebrow at him. "You are talking about your potential sister-in-law, you know."
"Yes, I know." Shunsui shrugged unrepentantly. "But that doesn't make it any less true."
His expression became playful.
"Besides, Mother likes her and you obviously do, judging by the way you spent dinner looking at her more than the food you were eating." He observed casually, coming to sink down onto one of the wide, smooth-surfaced cushions that decorated the study. "She eats nicely, her manners are okay and she's not an idiot, which helps. If you're sensible, you'll not dally over the opinion of a wastrel flirt like me and you'll close with the deal before she changes her mind. After all, she seems a pretty good catch to me."
"Shunsui!" Tokutarou glared at him, and Shunsui's eyes became serious.
"I mean it." He said calmly. "Listen. You need to marry. We both know that. I'm not much good as your heir and more, if I get to a point where Yama-jii trusts me out in the world on my own, I'll still have enough to do without worrying about all the business here. I don't really want to inherit your title or any of the boring stuff you do all of the time. The haori is a bad enough prospect – but if it's with Juu and the others, at least I won't be on my own and that might make it bearable. Stuck away here entertaining arranged marriage propositions and dealing with tenants isn't my thing and I don't really want it to be. So you need to marry. And have children. And so on."
"Yes, perhaps, but…"
"The Clan like Mother's line. That's why they still look at me as a serious member of the Clan, because I'm descended from a family they approve of as well as the last Lord." Shunsui said pragmatically. "They mistrust your Shiba blood, because they're stupid idiots and they don't realise how much better you are at leading this family than Father or Uncle were or than I would be. But if you actively married someone from Mother's line, then they'd have to stop bleating about whether or not you were really Kyouraku at heart. And you could do worse. You don't need my approval, but I'll give it anyway. It's the common sense thing to do – so do it and stop prevaricating like some nervous bridegroom with pre-wedding jitters."
"You always have such a way of putting things." Tokutarou said dryly, and Shunsui shrugged.
"One of us has to marry and produce children to keep this stupid wreck of a Clan afloat." He said dismissively. "I don't imagine that'll be me, so it had better be you. And I can tell that you approve of Mother's choice, too. Plus, she seems to like you as well. And me…"
He spread his hands.
"I'm fairly sure I'll offend her more than she will me, if she comes to live here." He said matter-of-factly. "Half the year I'm away, true enough – but you'd do best to marry her before she realises what a pain in the butt your younger brother really is to live with."
Tokutarou chuckled, nodding his head.
"All right. All your points are duly noted, and thank you." He said frankly. "Flippant as it might be, Shunsui, I know you gave it some thought and I'm grateful for it. Like it or not, you've grown up a lot in the last eighteen months. You never know – one day you might find yourself betrothed."
"Yeah…let's not even think about it." Shunsui responded emphatically. "In the meantime, the less pleasant bedfellows? What of the Endou – what have they done to upset you now?"
"Perhaps the Endou. Perhaps not." Tokutarou pursed his lips, moving over towards his desk and leaning against it as he eyed his brother keenly. "Shunsui, while we're just between ourselves, how is your young friend Hirata at present?"
"Fine, I think." Shunsui looked surprised. "Why? Has this to do with his people?"
"A little, but you needn't worry. They're not in harm's way." Tokutarou shook his head. "Only the source of this information was his father, Misashi-dono. It came to me via Midori-dono of the Shihouin, who's bartering it before me in the hopes of securing a firm alliance with our Clan. She's made no secret of that fact, for which I respect her, to be honest. And she's asked nothing of me of yet except to take the information and see what I can discover. She worries it might have implications further afield."
Shunsui's eyes narrowed.
"Urahara rebels." He murmured, and Tokutarou stared at him in dismay.
"How did you know that?" He demanded, and Shunsui shrugged.
"Enishi mentioned it last night. Urahara rebels causing trouble in Seventh." He replied. "It was only a rumour, but Hirata thought it was true. Though he said it was most likely between his people and the Urahara – is he wrong?"
"It's mostly supposition, really." Tokutarou sighed. "Shouichi-sama is using these rebels as a reason for the flow of refugees crossing into our land. At least, it seemed like an excuse, and the Council seemed to buy into it. But after the meeting, Misashi-dono spoke to Midori-sama in private."
"Misashi-sama was at this meeting, too?" Shunsui asked, and Tokutarou nodded.
"Shouichi-sama often brings him, as a show of Clan solidarity." He agreed. "It was the first time he spoke to the room – but what he said to Midori-dono was something more private than that. He was asking her help as her ally, although he was cryptic and brief. Still, he told her of the rebels causing Shouichi-sama such trouble. Former scientists…probable employees of their own illicit research program, though of course that's a strictly unofficial allegation. Midori-dono consulted her own people who were involved in similar matters, and they think the same. The name of the ringleader – the one Shouichi-sama is so definitely hunting down is "Urahara Keitarou." At least, that's what Misashi-dono told Midori-dono. It seems that he may have an alias, since Chiaki-dono remembered a Keitarou, but none under the Clan name. However…"
"It's easy to change your name, when you're in exile." Shunsui murmured. "And you don't officially exist."
"Precisely."
Tokutarou sighed.
"If it was just a matter of random outlaws near the border, that would be one thing. But...ones with Clan connections...potentially more than just your average hooligan..."
Shunsui was silent for a moment, then,
"Nii-sama, if these were people who were involved with Seimaru before...people who were involved in the reidoku before...they're not ordinary hooligans." He said quietly, consternation in his dark eyes. "It bothered me a bit when Enishi and Hirata were talking, but now you've said it too, it bothers me all the more. Even if the Endou have shut down their experiments..."
"I think they have. Misashi-dono gave Midori-dono that impression." Tokutarou sighed. "And I'm inclined to believe she's been truthful with me. As for Misashi-dono, I've not yet had cause to fully doubt his integrity even while I do view his Clan in such a dim light. So..."
"Seimaru's working on his own, then?"
"Probably."
"To do what? Take over the Clan?"
"Perhaps." Tokutarou looked grim. "And maybe then declare war on people like us who he dislikes. If we add his grievances to the ones the Urahara people probably have, and consider the kind of weaponry at their disposal..."
"Reidoku is not nice." Shunsui said blackly. "Megumi died because she was addicted to it. Kyouko was tainted by it. Aitori died because of greed relating to it. The Shihouin almost collapsed because of it. Even though it's meant to have been outlawed a century ago, it's still here and still a danger. And if the Urahara keep working on it, it will stay that way. Seimaru must have it in mind to use it - either to poison someone or to enhance his own strength."
"You think as I do." Tokutarou said wryly. "Yes. Those are the only motives I can see too. But without evidence...and Shouichi-sama does not bring his heir to the Council. I find it interesting and odd, but also frustrating that it's not possible to hear and analyse Seimaru's words."
"Probably because he has poor relations with you and with Midori-sama." Shunsui said astutely. "Shouichi-sama isn't as foolish as all that. Bringing Misashi-dono is safer and makes it look like they're all friends now in District Seven."
"And keeps Misashi-dono always where he can see him. Yes." Tokutarou agreed.
"So what can we do? What are you wanting to do?" Shunsui eyed his brother quizzically. "You bring me home to tell me this - what do you want me to do?"
"In the last holiday, I forbade you from visiting the refugee camps." Tokutarou said categorically. "And the idea still worries me, to be truthful, since I don't know how safe such a gamble would be. But if I go there, it will look very much like I'm gathering information. It will make a much bigger thing out of it, if I was to leave my other duties specifically to travel to the borders. And if Yoshiko-dono goes...well, they already know her, but none have so far trusted her with any vital information."
"But if I go, and play the foolish, simple, wastrel heir, someone might think me idiot enough to let down their guard." Shunsui said frankly, and Tokutarou chuckled, nodding his head.
"You have that reputation in outside circles." He said simply. "And I think, sometimes, it's not a bad thing. Your brain is as sharp as anyone's, Shunsui, and you also have a natural way with people - with putting them off their guard and enticing them to talk to you. Kyouko is a good example - she and Megumi both looked to you for help above all their local acquaintances because they had faith in you. It may be dangerous, but even so..."
"I'll go in the morning then." Shunsui cut across his brother's words, offering him a smile. "You've asked me, and there's no need to say any more. I want to go, anyhow. I want to see for myself what's been happening down near the borderlands. This is a chance to. And...if this involves trouble for the Endou, as well as trouble for us - I want to go. Hirata's family are in the middle of this, and we're right next door. I'm not about to let a bunch more people suffer on account of greedy nobility."
"Thank you." Tokutarou looked relieved. "I'm glad you feel that way about it, since I don't see any other way to do it. I will send men with you, of course, but when it comes to it..."
"I'll be okay." Shunsui grinned. "Don't forget, even if I haven't got a zanpakutou yet, I'm a better sword wielder than you are. More now, probably, since Minabe's been putting me through my paces since term began. And my Kidou is not so rusty, either. If necessary, I can defend myself. I'll be okay."
Tokutarou was silent for a moment, then,
"Don't take that for granted. Remember what happened against Seimaru." He warned, and Shunsui nodded.
"I will." He promised. "I don't intend on acting stupidly. It's not really my style to jump into a fight that can be avoided. I leave that to Juu - and if he's not here to do it, I won't need to go haul him out. I'll be fine, Nii-sama. I used to spend a lot of time among the ordinary folk, after all, in late night locations and without any protection. You'll see. I'll be fine."
Tokutarou eyed his companion for a moment, and Shunsui sighed.
"I promise." He said emphatically. "I won't get hurt, killed, seduced or anything else. Okay? I'll be fine. And if I can find out what you want to know, I will. Then you can see what needs to be done about it, and I can have a proper summer break!"
"That's enough for today."
As Shirogane lowered his sword, Juushirou dragged a gulp of air into ragged lungs, casting his shishou a rueful smile. They had been training for almost three hours this time, for little by little the District boy's endurance had begun to improve, yet he had to acknowledge that he was reaching his limit for the day and the hot sun that beat down over them was enough of a distraction at the best of times.
Shirogane had clearly sensed it to, from the expression on his face, and Juushirou sheathed his own weapon, bowing his head towards his companion in the formal manner that categorised the end of their training sessions.
"Thank you for this morning, Senpai." He said softly.
"Well, it would be better, ideally, if you could go for longer than a few hours without needing to stop." Shirogane sighed, returning his own weapon to its resting place and shrugging his shoulders. "But at least you understand now that you have limits and you need to work with those to get stronger. You are improving – perhaps you are not as hopeless a case as I first thought."
"Senpai?" Juushirou cast his companion an uncertain glance, and Shirogane snorted.
"Don't look at me like that. Such words are hardly praise." He said scornfully. "A real Shinigami may be called to fight from dawn to dusk, and I have not yet got to the point of releasing my weapon fully when fighting you. You have a way still to go, Ukitake. Do not rest on your laurels just yet."
"I don't intend to." Juushirou assured him, wiping the sweat from his brow as he straightened himself up. "But I'm glad you think I am improving. I am trying to remember everything you and Sensei have told me – if nothing else, I think I can hold and wield a sword much better now than I could before."
"Yes…I should hope so, considering how much training you have done so far." Was Shirogane's flat response. "Though in this session I have noticed two things, Ukitake – two things which mean that next session I will not be quite as gentle as I have been up to this point."
Juushirou stared at him.
"Gentle?" He whispered, and Shirogane let out a derisive chuckle.
"Have you never seen a zanpakutou in full release?" He demanded. "I am far beyond your level, only there's no benefit to me in killing you because you lack the ability to defend. I was waiting – I have been waiting – until I felt you could stand so much reiatsu. Now, perhaps, you're reaching that point."
He tapped the hilt of his sword, then,
"Do you want to know what the two things are?" He asked lightly. "Or can you guess them for yourself?"
Juushirou frowned, thinking carefully.
"I suppose…I haven't lost my grip on my weapon today." He said slowly. "Or the last couple of times. Even when you've been coming at me quite quickly, I've not had it knocked out of my hands."
"Yes. That is one." Shirogane nodded. "And the other?"
"I…I don't know." Juushirou admitted. "I'm sorry, Senpai – will you tell me, please, what it is?"
Shirogane eyed him in resignation, then, slowly, shrugged his shoulders.
"You have not coughed blood today." He said softly, and Juushirou's eyes widened, realising his companion was right. Raw and sore as he felt inside, for the first time since they had begun training he had not had to beg a pause in the session to allow his battered lungs a moment of respite, and as the look of disbelief glittered in his gaze, Shirogane snorted.
"You hadn't noticed?"
"I suppose…I try not to think too much on it. So no…I suppose I hadn't."
"Well, from the little I know – or want to know – about the disgusting thing that ails you, I believe it to be a good sign." Shirogane nodded his head. "If you are in a long and hard fight, after all, you cannot simply stop whenever you feel the need to cough. Your life might be lost in such times. Others might also be hurt or killed. You can't afford that hesitation in your fighting – whatever happens after the battle ends. You must be able to control that impulse during your fight – otherwise you will be a flawed soldier, no matter how much raw reiatsu you have."
Juushirou's expression became sombre.
"I understand, Senpai." He said quietly. "And I know you're right. I hadn't really perceived it today, but I don't feel quite as ragged as I did when we first began – nor do I feel like I'm about to cough. Perhaps I am getting better control of my reiatsu – and if that's the case, it's not antagonising my haibyou quite as much as sometimes it can."
"Well, for now you've pushed far enough." Shirogane said frankly. "Take some time to recover your energy and focus, and make sure you make a good meal. Later this afternoon, I will see you again – and I mean to test you even further, so I want you to be alert. You've begun to show faint promise – don't disappoint that fragile expectation."
With that he turned on his heel, disappearing across the grass, and Juushirou sighed, rubbing his temples.
He's still as hostile as ever. But at least he bothers to give me information about my training. He may not like me, but he is doing it properly. I do feel I'm getting stronger. And I didn't cough today. So that must be a good sign…I'm sure it must.
"Juushirou-kun?"
A voice from the fringes of the training ground startled him, and he turned, casting the speaker a look of surprise.
"Mitsuki." He murmured. "How long have you been there for? I didn't even feel your reiatsu…have you been waiting for me?"
"I came up to see whether or not you'd finished here." Mitsuki's cheeks pinkened. "I thought while you were fighting, I should suppress my reiatsu – I didn't want you to be distracted. But if you've finished…"
"I have." Juushirou nodded, casting her a grin. "So you were watching me?"
"Do you mind?" Mitsuki looked anxious, and Juushirou shook his head.
"You're playing the guardian angel, I suppose." He said playfully. "But the truth is, today I don't feel too bad. I haven't really coughed and I didn't choke up blood. I'm feeling stronger, even though I'm tired right at the moment. So you needn't worry about me today."
"Mm. I know." Mitsuki's grey eyes lit up at his words. "I didn't come because I was worried you'd collapse. I came because I wanted to see you and Shirogane-senpai training together. Because Shirogane-senpai is strong, but today you seemed to be strong too. So I wanted to see it – you really don't mind?"
"Not at all." Juushirou assured her.
"I also thought you might be thirsty in the heat."
Mitsuki held out the small gourd she had been carrying.
"I didn't want you to overheat like last time, so I brought this with me. It's only water, I promise."
"Believe me, it's welcome." Juushirou took the gourd ruefully, unfastening it and putting it to his lips as he drank thirstily, draining the vessel dry. He lowered it, drying his lips and slipping its strap over his arm with a grin.
"Thank you, Mitsuki. As you guessed – I needed it."
"I thought you would." Mitsuki dimpled. "And it was no trouble. You're working hard, after all…and well, as a healer in training, I have to know that dehydration is a bad thing."
"I suppose you do." Juushirou acknowledged. "Well? What do you want to do now? It's a little while before lunch, and I'm not really sure I've the energy to go walking very far. You've come all the way down here, but I'm not going to be exciting company, not after a workout like that."
"I don't mind." Mitsuki responded simply. "Ryuu-kun is in the library and Sora and Naoko went to town because Sora was bored and made Naoko go with her. I was with Retsu-sama this morning, but she had a Clan matter to see to, so I have nothing else planned."
"Hirata said he was going to speak to Sensei, to see if there'd been any news from his family at all that might have slipped through the blockade." Juushirou remembered. "So in that case, it's just you and me, is it? The school is pretty quiet, don't you think, when everyone else is away?"
"You miss Kyouraku-kun, don't you?" Mitsuki asked gently, as they walked slowly between the trees towards the students' favoured shady spots. Juushirou grinned, nodding his head ruefully.
"I do. Enishi-kun and Kai-kun as well." He agreed. "But I suppose…Shunsui especially. Even though he can drive me crazy a lot of the time."
Mitsuki giggled.
"I feel like that about Sora-chan, too." She said, amused. "There's nobody I trust more here, Juushirou-kun – but sometimes she makes me a little crazy as well."
"I wonder how Shunsui's getting along with his potential new sister in law." As they sank down beneath the trees, Juushirou pursed his lips thoughtfully. "He wasn't sure if it would be all right or not – but I expect it will be. Tokutarou-sama isn't a foolish person and wouldn't choose anything recklessly. I'm sure they'll get along fine, once they've had a chance to speak properly."
"So that's the reason Kyouraku-kun went home this time." Mitsuki's expression became one of comprehension. "I wondered about that."
"He lives pretty close by, in comparison to us." Juushirou reminded her, and Mitsuki nodded.
"I suppose so. Maybe half a day's ride with fast horses or the best carriage." She reflected.
Juushirou looked rueful.
"Horses and carriages…another part of this world I really don't know much about." He admitted. "The only carriages I'm familiar with are public carriages that you can buy a seat aboard but not expect to be anything other than rattled around while it drags across the longest routes possible. As for riding…I don't think I've ever ridden a horse. I'd probably fall right off."
Mitsuki burst out laughing, shaking her head.
"You wouldn't! Oh, I'm sure you wouldn't." She assured him. "Riding is easy. Though I haven't done it many times, we all learn quite small, in the Kuchiki – and I've never fallen off a horse. Kuchiki-hime are meant to travel in carriages, but when we're young children, we're all taught how to ride just in case the circumstance demands it."
She settled herself more comfortably on the grass, then,
"Mother rode a white horse to her wedding with Father." She said pensively. "She told me, many times, that in her branch of the Clan, that was traditional. That a bride would ride a white horse to the location, surrounded by her ladies – because white is purity and innocence, and that's how Kuchiki brides are meant to be when they wed."
Juushirou was silent for a moment, then,
"I don't know what happened, when Hahaue married Otousama." He admitted. "She's still a blank hole in my knowledge, to be honest. I know…she was probably a good person. And that…she had some Kuchiki blood. But I still know very little about her. Except that she died to protect me and seal my reiryoku – I don't know what kind of a bride she was."
"I don't know anything, either." Mitsuki looked apologetic. "I've never been in the Clan archives more than three times, and I wouldn't know where something like that might be written. It may not be written at all, if she was outside the four degrees. I wish I could tell you something, Juushirou-kun…but I can't."
"It's all right." Juushirou assured her. "I've not known for this long. It won't kill me not to know for a little bit longer."
He sighed, stretching his arms over his head.
"Besides, Okaasama is my mother, really." He added. "She's raised me and she's always been the one there, loving me and supporting me in everything I've done. Hahaue is a ghost on the edge of my awareness. I know she loved me – enough to give up her life – but otherwise, she's a little bit like a fantasy. A fleeting shadow or a character from a legend. Not a real person at all."
"It's sad that you don't have memories of her." Mitsuki observed, and Juushirou nodded.
"I know." He admitted. "But I have dreamed about her – once or twice. And…my fish…my zanpakutou fish…they say that my dreams of how she looked are true ones. So…I suppose that I at least know what she looked like. What she looked like and that she loved me – perhaps, in the end, that's enough."
"But even if you don't remember them, their loss can still hurt." Mitsuki murmured, and Juushirou cast her a grin.
"Yes, true." He agreed. "But it's all right, really. I'm not worrying about it – it's not an insurmountable problem."
"Mm." Mitsuki offered him a smile in return. "I'm sorry. Mothers are important, that's all. I still miss mine a lot, even though I know she wanted to stop suffering. So…I suppose…"
"Yeah." Juushirou's expression became sombre. "Losing Otousama was the worst thing I've ever faced, so I can imagine that it was the same for you when she died. In that respect, grieving for Hahaue pales into comparison. But…I think Father would be proud of me. And I'm sure, Mitsuki, that your mother would be proud of you for making the choices you have."
"I think so, too." Mitsuki admitted. "She always told me that I should be who I really was, not who Guren-sama or the Clan told me to be. And I'm trying to be, I think, now. I like learning from Retsu-sama. I feel like finally I know where I'm going and what I want."
"Have you heard anything from your Father about it, yet?" Juushirou asked gently, and Mitsuki frowned.
"Not directly, but Retsu-sama did travel to District Six recently and spoke to him and to Guren-sama both about me." She said gravely. "Neither of them like it, but since she's asked personally to train me, neither have refused her. It is an honour, after all, to be singled out by the head of another Clan. And since they both know I won't be of any material use to the Kuchiki, they've accepted my choice. I don't know whether Father really wants me to be involved – he knows better than many how badly it affects me when I'm around people in pain. But I'm glad he's given Retsu-sama his agreement to let her train me. I don't know what she said to him – but whatever it was must have worked."
"Then your Clan won't reject you." Juushirou pointed out. "They've accepted you as a healer, and so you won't be on your own after all."
"Perhaps that's true…in some ways." Mitsuki sighed, glancing at her hands. "But in reality most of my Clan have never and will never properly accept me because I am so different. Ryuu-kun is perhaps the only Kuchiki who's done so entirely, to be honest – but at least having his support is something."
She smiled faintly.
"Ryuu-kun isn't popular within the Clan either, because he's so rigidly blunt." She said softly. "But the truth is, that bluntness reassures me. I know he'd never lie to me, you see…and so if he says something, I can have faith in it. He's been my ally for a long time – and more so since we became students here."
"Ryuu-kun is just someone you have to come to understand, I think." Juushirou reflected. "He is inflexible, sometimes – but he is honest and trustworthy. And he's reliable, too."
He frowned.
"I don't really understand the Kuchiki-ke, you know, if people like you or Ryuu-kun aren't looked at in a positive light."
"Ryuu-kun has four sisters." Mitsuki said knowledgeably. "Three older, one younger. They're all quite strong in their opinions and the oldest two in particular are considered to be great beauties among the Clan – both were betrothed by agreement when they were five or six and married when they were eighteen. The other two are also arranged in matches. The older one will be married this autumn, most likely – her wedding was delayed by her fiance's involvement in Guren-sama's new squad. And the younger will too, when she gets to the right age. For the most part, that is what Kuchiki women do. They marry and become powerful matriarchs and ladies of estates. Some do learn to carry swords and fight with them, but many do not. Certainly none are like me. Consequently Ryuu-kun's sisters have always been unkind to him about his friendship with me – and unkind to me about wasting my time on befriending him. They joke about us becoming betrothed, since nobody else will want either one of us…and that makes Ryuu-kun cross."
She sighed.
"He's more like my brother, and he's said he'd rather have me as a sister than any of them." She added heavily. "But at home, such social expectations are heaped on him far more than they are on me. This is the first place he's been able to let go of that a little bit. Ryuu-kun is a proper Kuchiki in terms of his abilities. He just doesn't find it easy to slip into society."
"I can understand, a little, what you mean I think." Juushirou looked thoughtful. "That he's begun, bit by bit, to see things in different ways. I didn't know his sisters were so overbearing, though. That must be difficult, especially as he's the only boy."
Mitsuki pursed her lips, then,
"Ryuu-kun won't have told you." She said softly. "And probably he never will. But he was betrothed by arrangement too, when he was four, to a hime from a third degree Kuchiki family. She was six at the time – and I know this because her father was brother to my own."
"Ryuu-kun is engaged?" Juushirou stared, and Mitsuki shook her head.
"No. Not now." She said soberly, and Juushirou frowned.
"She broke it off? Or her family did?"
"No." Mitsuki shook her head again. "The truth is they never met – Ryuu and my cousin – not even once. He only knew her by name and probably doesn't give her even a moment's thought. But…as a second degree son, it would have been strange if it hadn't happened."
"Then why…?" Juushirou hesitated, and Mitsuki looked sad.
"She died." She said simply. "Of fever, when she was ten. Her mother died a year later – her heart broke and she couldn't keep going. Her daughter was her only child, you see. And my Uncle was left alone."
"But…" Juushirou's eyes widened, and Mitsuki nodded.
"That's why Father clings to me so. And why I don't want to abandon him if I can help it." She agreed. "I don't want him to go through what my Uncle has."
"But you're not betrothed to anyone…are you?" Juushirou remembered. "You've said before that you aren't…haven't you?"
"I'm not." Mitsuki agreed. "I'm only a third degree hime – I'm not important enough for my peculiarities to be overlooked by a potential suitor. Perhaps Ryuu-kun's father would try and marry us – but it won't happen, Juushirou. Ryuu-kun is my brother. I am his sister. That is as far as it will ever go."
She smiled faintly.
"I don't think he intends to marry." She added. "And…perhaps…nor do I."
Juushirou sighed, shaking his head.
"Clan is so complicated." He murmured. "You shouldn't be made to marry anyone…it should be who you want to marry. Even if there is an advantage for the family."
He shrugged.
"When he's old enough, my brother Hiro will probably marry Kira-kun's sister Hikari." He added. "They've known each other since childhood and they're more fond of each other now than even they were then. It will be a good match for both families – but more importantly, Okaasama wants him to make a choice to be happy. She won't let my sister be bound away in a match simply out of necessity, either. She doesn't believe in it and nor do I."
"That's why you feel so strongly, then, about not marrying someone who's looking to benefit or to pity you?" Mitsuki questioned, and Juushirou nodded his head.
"I suppose. Though there's an element of personal pride involved, too." He admitted.
Mitsuki smiled, uncharacteristic mischief in her grey eyes.
"I might marry you, then." She suggested flippantly. "That would be all right, wouldn't it? Then you'd know it was someone who cared about you, and not just one of the other two."
"Mitsuki?!" Taken completely off guard, Juushirou could only stare at his companion, and she giggled, shaking her head in amusement.
"I was teasing you." She said softly. "Although in all truth I wish I wasn't."
"But…" Juushirou was still unable to put together a coherent sentence, and Mitsuki laughed.
"I'm sorry. I embarrassed you." She said sheepishly. "I didn't mean to do that. But I like your philosophy. My Clan don't really believe in falling in love and they don't mind if couples hate each other, so long as they are together long enough to keep the family alive. My parents were lucky. Ryuu-kun's parents barely speak to one another more than is necessary. Such is the way in the Kuchiki family. We're like that."
She reached out a finger to tuck a stray wisp of Juushirou's straggly white hair behind his ear.
"You are sort of a Kuchiki, though." She reflected, sitting back to look at him critically. "Your eyes are different, but you do have Kuchiki in your features, all the same. If your hair was black…"
"It was. Once." Juushirou reached up to touch it, and Mitsuki nodded.
"I know." She agreed. "Retsu-sama told me. She said that it was because of the haibyou that it went white."
"Yes." Juushirou nodded. "I cut it in the first year because I thought it might grow back black but…since it hasn't…I guess I'm stuck with it."
He grimaced.
"Okaasama had Anika trim it when I was home, but it's really starting to get longer again now…it's almost to the point I'll have to tie it back."
"I like it." Mitsuki dimpled. "It's as though you've broken free of the Kuchiki shackles, or something. You're you. You're not Kuchiki. But you still have it in your blood. I like that. It proves being Kuchiki doesn't stop you making your own decisions."
She tilted her head on one side for a moment, considering, then,
"I would marry you, Juushirou, if you ever asked me." She said matter-of-factly. "Because I know you would never hurt me. But I know too that you won't ask me – not even if you did love me enough to want to. You'd not ask me because you loved me – because you'd be worried about my upsetting my family. So it's all right. I won't expect you to. I just wanted you to know it – since Kuchiki hime usually know and discuss marriage contracts and their future long before they reach the age I am now. They form resolutions and take husbands. This is my resolution."
She touched his cheek, then lowered her hand.
"Even if it has no purpose, I'm decided now." She added. "I won't marry anyone that isn't you. So I won't marry anyone."
"I don't understand at all." Juushirou admitted. "Marriage…talking about things like that…when we're neither of us even adults, both of us still students…"
"That's the difference between Clan and District, really." Mitsuki nodded. "District children can still be children. Clan children seldom are."
She looked melancholy for a moment, and Juushirou sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Here, we're all the same. Here, those things don't matter." He said gently, and Mitsuki raised soft grey eyes to his as suddenly he felt fiercely protective of her against the cold, soulless world she was trying to escape.
For a moment he hesitated, then, heart pounding in his chest he bent awkwardly forward, driven by some sleeping instinct as he gently touched his lips to hers. She did not resist him, and for a moment they kissed, then suddenly realisation kicked in and Juushirou jerked back from her, staring at her in horror and in guilt.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean…I don't know why…I…"
"There's nobody here." Mitsuki touched her fingers to her lips, a soft pink colour rising in her pale cheeks. "It's all right, Juushirou. I'm not cross…and there's nobody here to see us."
"But…I…you…"
"I don't mind." Mitsuki assured him.
Juushirou swallowed hard, suddenly feeling strange and giddy inside.
"Even if you don't, it's still something forbidden." He whispered. "What you said…about Kuchiki hime and your mother…on the white horse…innocence and purity, and…"
"And you said too that here we were all the same." Mitsuki finished the sentence for him gently, getting to her feet and reaching out to pull him to his. "I like that thought. I'm not afraid of anything when I'm with you, after all."
"But in the end…"
"The end is a long way away." Mitsuki said dismissively. "I told you. Kuchiki hime make their own resolutions and I'd made mine. I love my Father and I don't want to estrange myself from him. But I don't care for the Kuchiki way and I've made up my own mind to train as a healer, not to be a Kuchiki warrior or a bride."
She eyed him curiously.
"You do understand that, still? That I'm making my decisions, just like you do. And if I don't mind you kissing me…and if you want to do it…how can it then be considered wrong? If you and I aren't offended by it – who else does it concern? It's not as though you've damaged me or tainted me or put into question my honour."
Juushirou looked rueful.
"You're using logic against me…my own rhetoric, even." He pointed out, and Mitsuki grinned, reaching out to squeeze his hand.
"Is that bad? I agree with it, after all." She said lightly, and Juushirou shook his head.
"No. I suppose not. I just…don't want it to become something more complicated."
"It won't." Mitsuki shook her head. "We both know, in the end, where we stand. And like I said, nobody's here. Nobody need ever know."
She stretched up on tip-toes, kissing him gently on the cheek, then,
"It can be our secret, after all."
"I suppose so." Juushirou held her at arm's length, meeting her soft grey eyes with his pensive hazel ones. "If that's what you think, probably you're right. But Mitsuki…"
He paused, then sighed, shaking his head.
"This world is not ready." He said honestly. "For you and I to even be close friends, let alone anything other than that. It's not just your family. There's my family, too. We're talking about District Six…we're talking about potential ramifications on both sides if we let things get out of hand. It's not me deciding that way – or you. But even if it isn't their right to decide…it still may come to that. And…at the moment…I can't defend my family or you. I'm just a student. I'm nothing to the Kuchiki. I don't even have a zanpakutou. So…"
"So we'll be friends." Mitsuki nodded. "From now till we die, like I said before. That's all right with me. I don't want to hurt your family either because my Clan are small-minded and don't understand."
She paused, then,
"But I meant everything I said, still." She added matter-of-factly. "And…if I'm honest…I half hoped my Clan would reject me. Because though I don't want to abandon Father…I don't care at all about the rest of it. Ryuu-kun has said he'd stand by me, and nobody else really matters to me there at all. If they had rejected me, then I could have been more honest with my feelings – both of us, maybe, could. But…for now…it's all right. To just be friends. Maybe the world will change or maybe it won't, after all."
"You think so far ahead." Juushirou said heavily. "And about so many things. I hadn't even begun to…that you'd want to discard your family…that you…would place me…over them…"
"They're not a family. Not like yours. I've had seventeen years to know that much." Mitsuki said flatly. "I envy you a lot of things - that they support you how they do, and how much you love them all. I'd be much more useful if I'd grown up in your world – I know that much. So it doesn't seem that odd to me."
"I guess we do come from different worlds, after all."
"We do." Mitsuki acknowledged sadly. "But I think…those worlds are changing. Colliding. Bit by bit they're coming together. And…one day…it won't be strange for Clan and District to stand alongside each other. To fight. To wed. To live. In the future…Genryuusai-sensei believes in it and…little by little…I think I do too."
Juushirou was silent for a long while, then he nodded.
"I hope so, too." He agreed. "Though there's a long way to go."
"I can wait." Mitsuki told him softly, slipping her fingers properly into his. "I…doubt in a lot of things, sometimes. Myself especially. But…now I'm trying not to. I'm trying to believe. And I do. Juushirou…"
She faltered, then,
"Your feelings are real to me now because you showed them to me." She said, a pink blush touching her cheeks. "And I know beyond any level of doubt that they are true. Knowing that makes me happy. Knowing it makes me feel stronger. So I'll work hard and you work hard. Like we agreed. And in the meantime…this can stay a secret. Until the world changes…we'll just stay friends."
Despite the warmth of the sunlight, Shunsui felt a distinct chill in the air as he dismounted his horse, passing the reins to one of his accompanying retainers as he paused to gaze around what had become both a haven and a hell for the scores of dispossessed travellers who had fled from the persecution in the West. He frowned, his brows knitting together as he surveyed the scene.
He had never liked the place, but now it was as though ugliness and despair had begun to take it over, fighting a fierce battle of its own against Tokutarou's men and the aid representatives from other Clans who had come to try and help ease the squalor and suffering. There were simply too many of them, Shunsui realised – yet each day more poured into District Eight, and the young Clansman could see how bit by bit they were beginning to have a serious impact on both the local area and the Kyouraku's resources. Disease and hunger were rife despite the best efforts of the Clan retainers to act, and Shunsui bit his lip, half-wondering if the abandoned plague village in which Saku's father had died had now also become full to bursting with desperate, hopeless refugees.
But as much as he hated it, Shunsui knew his reason for coming was more than simply to see the state of the Endou's fleeing peasant classes. Though it made him even more angry at Seimaru and his Grandfather for allowing so many people to end up this way, his promise to Tokutarou weighed more heavily on his mind and he sighed, pushing his other preoccupations aside as he hardened his resolve.
For once, today, he was here as a Clansman. Even if other members of the Kyouraku stalled and procrastinated over helping the wretched settlers, Shunsui had already shaken off that mentality. Lazy as he could be, he would not tolerate other people's suffering. Fleetingly he remembered the murdered Megumi, and he sighed, shaking his head as if to clear it.
"Will you wait here for me?" He turned to the surrounding soldiers, who exchanged looks, surprise in their gazes.
"But Shunsui-sama, Tokutarou-sama said…"
"I know, you're here to protect me." Shunsui grinned. "But I want to see and speak to the people myself. There's no point my coming, otherwise – if you stay here, I'll not be long. Besides, I spent my childhood here. Like as not I know the pathways as well as anyone else."
"But…" One soldier frowned, but a second held up his hand.
"Shunsui-sama has given us an order." He said softly. "He is the heir to this Clan and Tokutarou-sama has made it clear that in his absence, all of Shunsui-sama's orders are to be immediately obeyed."
Really?
Shunsui's eyes widened slightly at this.
I didn't know he'd given that instruction. I'll have to remember it…it might come in handy some time in the future.
"Yes, sir, but Tokutarou-sama ordered us to protect his Lord Brother from harm." The first soldier was uneasy, and the second nodded.
"True." He agreed. "But we are not here to question Shunsui-sama's commands or ability to defend himself. He too carries a sword. If he summons us, it will be our failing if we cannot protect him – not his."
"Thank you." Shunsui was faintly scared by the warrior's harsh logic, but inclined his head in acknowledgement. "Then I'll do my best not to keep you waiting long…I don't want to get anyone into trouble, after all."
He turned on his heel, making his way slowly along the all-too familiar tracks that he had once used to escape his Uncle's attention during his oft-misspent youth at the border estate. Once this area had been thick with foliage in which he had loved to hide, and for a while he simply walked, imagining in his mind's eye the way it had once been.
There was barely anything now but bare patched earth, so worn was the land from the constant tread of weary travellers. Yet even so Shunsui stood for a moment, watching two small boys as they kicked about the empty shell of some long since eaten fruit. Despite their skinny frames and ragged, ripped clothing, they were still laughing as they darted around in the dust, and a faint smile touched Shunsui's lips. He too had appreciated more the simple things when he had been their age – and he was glad that, even in this harsh environment, they had managed to find something positive to do. Yet his sharp eyes noticed that the taller of the two bore bruises on his upper arms, and his companion had his hair and brow swathed in fabric, as though concealing something from prying eyes.
A head wound, Shunsui wondered. Or something else? Was that the faintest hint of blond hair teasing loose from beneath the worn folds, or was he becoming paranoid now, looking for Urahara ghosts here that simply were not there?
"...Shunsui-sama?"
At the sound of the woman's voice, Shunsui turned, gravity and concern in his dark eyes as he took in the speaker's thin frame. She had once been beautiful, he realised, with poise and elegance in her bearing, yet now she was robed in the most basic of peasant clothing, her reddish gold hair dragged back from her face in a dusty tail and her features worn and full of the burden of life. On her bare arms were wounds that had healed yet scarred, and Shunsui was sharp enough to notice that she was missing two of the fingers on her left hand.
As she caught his gaze, the woman stepped forward, then she paused, bowing her head low before him before she spoke.
"Forgive my forwardness and rudeness in attempting to speak with you, Shunsui-sama." She said softly. "I know you are the heir to this Clan and therefore a person far removed from my state - yet, even so..."
"No formality is needed." Shunsui interrupted her, reaching out a hand to touch her arm, and at this her head shot up, surprise and the faintest glimmer of hope in her gaze. Shunsui's eyes became grave, and he shook his head.
"My family cares about you. All of you. And that includes me." He said frankly. "This is no place for people to survive - even though we try our best to give you the things you need to stay alive. This estate is overrun and those who shelter here still suffer. Because of that, you needn't bow to me. I don't understand, after all, the hardships you suffered to come here."
At this, the woman offered a faint smile.
"Yes, I had heard you were kind." She said softly. "And truly, we none of us have complaints about the life we live here. We have our lives, and Tokutarou-sama and Yoshiko-sama have already done many things to help us and protect us against those who want to hunt us down."
She sighed, then,
"For that reason, I want to speak to you." She admitted. "Because, in return, there are things I want your people to know about the enemy across that border."
"I'm sure there's little we don't know about the Endou-ke." Shunsui said wryly.
"No..." The woman hesitated for a moment, twisting her fingers together.
"It is a difficult decision and one I took a long time to make." She said at length, raising her gaze once more to his. "In a sense to do so is betrayal, and maybe by saying this I will make things worse. But even so...I think...that people who have acted as our saviours should be trusted. And more...I have heard, Shunsui-sama, that you showed interest in finding justice for a murdered District girl. More, that you number among your close friends those who were born outside the Clan. So I think...maybe you will understand. If you will indulge me...and allow me to speak."
Shunsui eyed her for a moment, then he nodded his head.
"I would like to hear whatever you think you should tell me." He said softly, and the woman's eyes glittered with relief.
"Then let us go somewhere more private?" She asked, her tones still low. "I do not wish…for my sons to hear me."
She cast a glance towards the playing boys at this juncture, and Shunsui realised with a jolt that the two muddy urchins he had been watching belonged to this miserably clad individual. The taller boy did have reddish hair, now he came to notice it, in a messy tail of dusty curls swinging over his shoulder.
"Ketsui. Tenichi. Stay close to this place." The woman called to them now. "Tenichi, take care of your brother. No more fighting – if there is trouble, then go into the shelter and hide until I come back. Find the men with the Kyouraku emblem on their uniform – they're soldiers and they will protect you. Understand?"
"Yes, Kaa-san." The older boy nodded, casting her a grin then sending her companion a curious look. "Are you going away long?"
"Just for a little walk." The woman shook her head. "This man is Shunsui-sama, the heir to the Kyouraku estate, and I want to tell him about our situation here. Perhaps he will help us – so long as he doesn't think you two are hooligans ready to raise fists at the least excuse."
The older boy looked a little chastened at this, but he said no more, instead bowing his head in a half-hearted, clumsy way. The younger boy managed an odd bob of his own, and the woman sighed, shaking her head.
"He defends his brother, as Ketsui is too small to defend himself yet." She said softly, her tones somewhat apologetic. "And I'm afraid…I have yet to teach them both the way in which to properly greet nobility."
"You needn't worry. I don't stand much on ceremony myself." Shunsui assured her. "I told you already – it's not necessary. I didn't come here to be bowed to, after all. And as for protecting his sibling…"
He paused, casting the older boy a wry grin.
"I think that's one of the duties older brothers have. My brother certainly thinks so – he's always done his part in defending me. Tenichi-kun is just doing his duty, in the end."
"Perhaps that's true." The woman's eyes became troubled. "Thank you for understanding."
"Children should be children, if they can." Shunsui said pragmatically, taking her gently by the thin, bony arm and guiding her towards the lakeside where once he and Saku had played in such innocence. It was muddy and almost drained dry now, thanks to the needs of the refugees, but he forced back any feeling of nostalgia, instead gesturing for his companion to take a seat on one of the old tree stumps. She did so, and he followed suit, eying her expectantly.
"I'm listening." He said softly. "What is it you think that we should know?"
The woman was silent for a moment, then, at length, she nodded her head.
"My name is Kotetsu Irie." She said quietly. "My two sons and I fled here not so long ago as some - we were sent here by my husband, who feared our lives would be in danger if we did not. I didn't really wish to leave him in District Seven - but in the end, there was no choice."
She closed her eyes briefly for a moment.
"The Endou-ke persecute those in the District who have spiritual power, which I and my sons all have." She said unsteadily. "Them…more so than me. I am not a woman of any consequence by myself - simply an ordinary farmer's daughter who grew up without understanding any of these things and even now I suppose there's much I don't know. But my husband Daisuke...he is...he was...different to that."
"Different?" Shunsui's brows knitted together, and Irie nodded.
"My younger son bears his resemblance very strongly, which is why he felt us at risk." She agreed, her voice becoming uneven as she continued to speak. "And why Tenichi is no doubt so quick to raise his fists to defend him. Shunsui-sama, I feel I'm betraying my promises to people by saying this, but...my husband was not born in District Seven. More, he is not - was not - should not be considered District. But for a cruel twist of fate, he would have lived an entirely different life."
"Can you tell me in what way?" Shunsui asked gently. Irie sighed.
"There is no easy way to say it." She admitted, resignation in her gaze. "My husband's name was Kotetsu, as mine is - but he was a genetic descendent of the Urahara and a blood relation of Urahara Keitsune, who was executed for treason against Soul Society a century ago."
A sudden cold sensation washed over Shunsui's heart at this, and he stared at her in consternation, remembering his brother's words and then, with crystal clarity, Enishi's comments the night before he had left for home.
"Well, I don't know anything for sure. I only know what my cousin said. But he thought they might be Urahara rebels. And so if they are...they'd probably be tough competition."
"Urahara?" He murmured. "And this...has something to do with...the reidoku poison that got that Clan into a lot of trouble all that time back?"
"Mm. My husband's father was also among those who were arrested and put to death for involvement in that study." Irie nodded. "There were many in District Seven - exiles like him, trying to make a new life after the curtain came down over their family's work. Daisuke was only a tiny baby when he was brought across borders by his mother in the same way I've fled with my children now. The Endou-ke once supported exiles like him, since they too have Urahara in their ancestry - but then, Endou Shouichi turned against them and started interrogating and executing them in secret. For that reason, Daisuke sent us here. He said he didn't want us involved in the bloodbath that would follow."
"I see." Shunsui bit his lip. "So he sought to protect you from harm by sending you to us?"
"Yes." Irie whispered.
"But why would the Endou turn on your people now? If they've supported them this long..."
"The old woman's death brought it about." Irie looked uneasy. "I am betraying them now, I know, but before, they made their livelihood by working in research for Endou Shouichi and his heirs. In that time, Daisuke and I met and married - but in the last few months, things changed completely. We had to flee, and many of Daisuke's kin and my friends were taken and slain. Now...although I can't confirm it, the reports of other refugees suggest my husband too was finally caught and…and probably executed. The Endou-ke want to remove all trace of the Urahara and their work from District Seven - and will not stop until they kill every last person they can find."
Shunsui sighed, running his fingers through his unruly wavy hair.
So the younger boy did have blond hair. The scarf was meant to hide that, after all – his Urahara appearance. When did the world become so twisted, then, that a young boy of no more than six or seven should have to live in shame of his appearance based on his ancestors' sins?
"The Urahara who were doing research were still involved in the study of reidoku, weren't they?" He asked softly. "Your husband among them, even to this point."
"Mm." Irie nodded. "To make any kind of livelihood, they had to work. And besides...it was more than that. For some of them, there was an element of justice and of revenge."
"Your husband felt that way too?"
"He did." Tears glittered in Irie's eyes. "He hated the Urahara for what they'd done, and he did not consider himself in any way a blood relation to that Clan. He had a lot of bitterness, I suppose, which even marrying me and having two sons could not properly erase. He was still haunted by the need to redress the balance - and that is why he didn't come with us when we fled. Even though he could have, he stayed. He wanted to help Keitarou-san...because he believed in it as a just cause and I could not sway him."
"Keitarou...san?" Shunsui repeated, recalling the name Tokutarou had given him, and Irie nodded.
"The leader of the underground Urahara in District Seven." She whispered. "And Daisuke's cousin. They grew up together in exile. Shared resentments together. And bonded - a pact of blood, you might call it - as time went on. Daisuke considered Keitarou-san his most true friend and relation - the one he trusted above all others. And he would follow wherever Keitarou-san led. But then, most Urahara exiles did. Keitarou-san was...is...different."
"Is, not was." Shunsui's eyes narrowed, knowing that his brother had been right to send him to speak to the refugees. "So this Keitarou is still alive in District Seven? Even despite Shouichi-sama's crusade?"
"Yes. Most probably. I doubt they could catch him, even if they tried." Irie agreed. "To me and to my sons, Shunsui-sama, he was always kind, courteous and unselfish. But there was a coldness and a resolution in him - one that I think would keep him from getting caught before he had completed his objective. Daisuke didn't tell me that much, but it seemed to me he somehow had the ear of one of the Endou-ke, and for that reason, he had managed to evade capture. Though I know Shouichi-sama was looking for him - I very much doubt that he had luck in doing so."
She shrugged.
"Keitarou-san was the son of Keitsune-sama, after all." She said frankly. "His only son, and his heir. For that reason, he's viewed more highly than anyone in the Urahara hierarchy. And because of that - well, Daisuke had spiritual power, as I do and as my sons both do as well. But in comparison to Keitarou-san, we have nothing. My senses are enough to tell me that, even though I have never seen him use even an iota of it in front of me or the children. Probably for that reason, Shouichi-sama wanted to take his head. And probably, if he succeeded, it would be the end of the Urahara in District Seven."
"But even so, you don't think it will happen?"
"No." Irie shook her head. "I don't know what they were planning to do, but I know that before the Urahara had to flee their work positions, Keitarou-san and Daisuke and a group of others were working on a form of the chemical that was very, very strong. I don't know the purpose of it," As Shunsui's eyes widened. "And I believe it was destroyed - in any case, nothing seemed to come of it. But for a while we were all anxious...and Daisuke told me then that if things backfired, he would send the boys and I to safety before the backlash could hit us. Then all of this happened...perhaps the two things are not connected, but I think they probably were. And that Daisuke...and Keitarou-san...even exiled from favour, I think...they were still working on reidoku."
"Which means that even without Shouichi-sama's blessing, this Keitarou probably still is." Shunsui said darkly, and Irie nodded.
"I have betrayed my kin and my sons' father to tell you that." She said guiltily. "But I am frightened, Shunsui-sama. I don't want my boys to grow up in a world where they are always afraid for their lives. This District is known to be safe and I want them to be able to grow up here in peace and security, just like ordinary children should. It is not your people who torment my younger son for his looks, but fellow refugees who blame the Urahara for their current predicament. And perhaps they are right, in some ways. My husband...I know he was involved in those things. And...because of it..."
"Your husband isn't here to answer for himself why he did what you say he did." Shunsui thought fast, offering her a slight smile. "But you are, and you've decided to talk to me about something that's obviously not only important but dangerous information for you to bring here. Even knowing there may be spies in the refugee camp - you still chose to come and air your thoughts to me and I'm glad of it. I don't know, yet, what it all means in terms of the bigger picture. But I do know...when you mentioned a strong form of reidoku...I do somewhat know about that and the circumstances surrounding it. What you've told me fills in a gap in the puzzle - which is why and how the Endou-ke managed to produce something like that in the first place."
He eyed her thoughtfully.
"Irie-san, tell me...this Keitarou-san...would he forgive you for telling me this?"
"Probably not." Irie shook her head, fear briefly flitting across her gaze. "He was kind to me and fond of my boys, but he did not tolerate betrayal. He saw it as such a young boy that it impacted on him completely and irreversibly. And he is a very powerful, intelligent, driven individual. Knowing what he's thinking is impossible. If he seeks something, he will obtain it. He can be kind and charismatic, attracting people to him and lulling them into a false sense of security. But he can also be ruthless, and I have seen him with blood on his hands. He has become...the complete opposite of the man who sired him, whose name he has always held in the ultimate regard. Revenge has made him this way, Shunsui-sama. Revenge and hatred for the Clan that took from him his father and his home."
She reached up to touch her hair.
"But he can slip the net more easily than Daisuke could." She added sadly. "His mother had foreign blood - distant, but enough to influence Keitarou-san's appearance. His hair is not blond, but a pale, sandy brown - and his eyes are, too. He looks...an anomaly to his family, and he is very adept at hiding in plain sight. I think...he is very dangerous, Shunsui-sama. And if...if Daisuke truly is dead..."
"Your husband was able to stop him from extreme measures?" Shunsui asked sharply, and Irie shook her head again.
"No. Not like that. I didn't mean in that way." She whispered. "But Daisuke...was the only one with whom I could see a genuine rapport. That although I could not make him out, Keitarou-san truly loved and respected Daisuke and saw him as a brother more than as a cousin. What you said yourself about brothers protecting brothers…it also makes me think of their relationship. If Daisuke was killed, I'm sure...Keitarou-san would not forgive it. And his desire for vengeance...will only have been refuelled. For this reason, I am talking to you. Because I am afraid of what may happen next...truthfully, Shunsui-sama - I am afraid it will cause a war."
"A war between Clans - across our borders as well?" Shunsui asked, and Irie nodded.
"Yes." She agreed miserably. "I...I only know it as rumour, but it is said that...Daisuke once said that...Keitarou-san had the ear of Endou Seimaru, and...and that they were working together...and..."
She trailed off, and Shunsui's eyes narrowed.
"Yes. Somehow that does seem to fit." He said darkly. "I suspect you are exactly right in what you say. The Endou dislike my family and Seimaru is mad enough to declare war on our borders even knowing we have Shiba allies to back up what Nii-sama has already crafted into a strong retainer army. But he is greedy and irrational, as I've seen first hand for myself. If someone as dangerous as this Keitarou you describe is working covertly still with someone as unbalanced and power-mad as Seimaru..."
He paused, getting to his feet and bowing his head towards his companion solemnly.
"Thank you for telling me, even at risk to yourself." He said softly. "Whatever is done about it, I promise not to reveal you as my source."
"Thank you." Irie looked relieved. "I hoped you would understand that, but I didn't like to ask."
"Also, I know Nii-sama wants any refugees who wish to settle here to be able to do so." Shunsui added. "It is taking time, because of the huge influx of people who've fled across the border, and he still hopes that somehow things can be resolved with the Endou and families can go back home. But many probably won't want to...especially if they have connections of the nature you do."
"I'm not an Urahara by blood. Only by marriage." Irie agreed. "Probably for that reason I can put my sons' lives and safety first and speak about things that are meant to be unspoken. But I didn't really speak to you to ask you for aid...your family have already done much for us and though conditions here are rough, they are mostly safe. If what I've told you can save lives - then I'm glad of it. But even if District Seven becomes peaceful...I do not think I want to go back. Even though it is my homeland...I will not go back."
"You lost other family there too?" Shunsui asked gently, and Irie nodded.
"Many." She agreed wistfully. "Many relatives through the policy of purging. There are few happy memories there and those that are happy are ones spent with a man that probably no longer lives. He sent me here knowing that we probably wouldn't meet again. He didn't conceal that from me, although I hoped it was an overreaction. Now I have to raise his children on my own in a world that doesn't want them to even exist. Do you think...such children...could be raised in District Eight without persecution for their heritage or past?"
Shunsui smiled.
"The Kyouraku have no grudge against the Urahara." He said simply. "Past or present, that matter has been closed. Nii-sama has no political relations at all, really, with the Endou-ke...but he's allowed refugees to come here, which means he supports the same ideals you do in that you all have a right to keep your life. If you want to settle here, then settle. If you want to make a home in District Eight, then do so. Nii-sama will not stop you. He doesn't, after all, believe in waging war on women and children - no matter what their heritage or their history."
Irie sighed.
"Then probably, we will leave this camp." She said pensively. "My children and I...for pastures new. We will try and do as you say - find a place in District Eight where we can support ourselves using the skills I learnt as a child, instead of being dependent on the kindness of your people. We'll scrape by and survive - and become a part of this place instead. Even if we're poor and it's difficult to begin with - I think that it's what we must do. Make a new start here, and walk away from the past. Even if it breaks my heart - Daisuke wanted it and for my children I must do it."
She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head.
"No. One more thing I must tell you." She murmured. "Though it is something I must…please…ask you to keep to yourself unless you have to reveal it."
"I will try." Shunsui looked surprised. "But if it's of that nature, should it be trusted to a stranger at all?"
"Perhaps not, but you are a kind stranger, and my family are already in your debt." Irie said wearily. "So I will. I must."
She bit her lip.
"Keitarou-san's true name is Urahara, by dint of being the son of Keitsune-sama." She said softly. "But he has never used that name within District Seven. His mother's name was Shiori – Aizen Shiori. And he went by her name from his childhood through to now. He's known to most in District Seven under the name Aizen Keitarou. Certainly…at least…while he was working for the Endou-ke."
"Aizen?" Shunsui's eyes widened. "But…that's…surely that's…"
He faltered, then,
"I see. So he lived under his mother's maiden name?"
"Yes. And still does, though most people around him these days refer to him only by his given name."
"Then that explains why his hair isn't blond." Shunsui murmured, almost half to himself. He offered Irie a smile. "You needn't worry. That information I will…most definitely…try and keep to myself if I can."
"Thank you." Irie returned the smile with a faint one of her own.
She got to her feet, bowing her head to Shunsui once more.
"Now I've unburdened myself to you, I can do so with less guilt in my heart." She said softly. "Thank you, Shunsui-sama. For my sons' sake and for my own - thank you."
With that she was gone back into the trees, and Shunsui watched her, a thoughtful look in his dark eyes.
A victim yet she's strong. Determined. Fighting on for the sake of her children. Seimaru is foolish indeed, then, if he can't see the strength in a woman's heart as much as in a man's sword.
He sighed, rubbing his temples.
But she has taken a risk to speak to me, and I have to work out what to do with this information. Particularly the last piece of it. It troubles me –all of it troubles me – but that name in particular.
He frowned, turning his mind back to his unhappy childhood under his Uncle's guardianship.
I never thought all those lessons on Clan heraldry would matter a jot to me, but right now they're blazing clearly through my thoughts like a beacon over the sea. Aizen is a Kyouraku name – I'm almost certain of it. A western Kyouraku name - a third or fourth degree family connection between this Clan and the scientists that destroyed the hopes of a generation. Did Keitsune-sama marry a Kyouraku? Was this Shiori from District Eight? If so, my family have even more reason to be involved. Hell, even if the bloodline is a dilute one and he simply carries the name…
He swallowed hard, then,
These people are my kinsfolk. In some way or form, they are blood to me. Which means…that I must think very carefully about Irie-san's words to me. If this is so connected to so many things…our family will have to do something. If people are suffering because of it…we don't have a choice.
He turned, making his way back slowly towards the waiting guardsmen and horses at the top of the hill.
So do I believe her?
He considered this for a moment, then,
Yes. I think I do. And obviously if she is telling me the truth, this Keitarou person is the one who worked with Seimaru to devise the reidoku that was meant to poison Yama-jii - the one that Hirata destroyed. If Shouichi-sama has been persecuting Urahara, he's probably no longer doing experiments. But from what Irie-san just said, the Urahara were and are still working for the Endou. Which means...Seimaru. And this Urahara Keitarou...Aizen Keitarou…
He sighed.
Maybe it's about time I found out a little bit more about him and the history of his father's execution a hundred years ago. I wonder if the records from the Council meeting are somewhere in Nii-sama's study. He does like keeping dusty old things like that, and it's worth a try, at the very least. And if not that, then surely, a Kyouraku family tree. I want to find out who Aizen Shiori was before she married someone as important as Urahara Keitsune.
His brows knitted together.
The plot grows thicker. This is why I hate Clan. In the end, we all have blood on our hands.
Author's Note: Rae-hime
Oookay. xD I've obviously been writing conspiratorially for too long because everyone seems to think that Rae-hime is some kind of devil in disguise ;)
I'm not sure if this will relieve or disappoint people BUT she's no such thing. In fact, her role in the story is simply as a plot facilitator - because she's there, Tokutarou can get married and Tokutarou's wedding is important to moving the plot into its final stages. The reason she's inoffensive is just so that she DOESN'T clash with characters/bring trouble into an already complicated plot.
I guess nobody trusts any character based on appearances since reading my story. I feel responsible...;)