Chapter Thirty Four: Prodigal Hime
So everything was still in chaos around the main house of the Endou Clan.
Keitarou allowed himself a faint smile as he stood in the silent valley, gazing up at the grey stone fortress that overshadowed the end of the winding pathway.
So far everything was going exactly as he had anticipated it.
When he had left the main enclosure that morning, it had been a pacing, agitated Seimaru that had barked at him his orders, going over and over the same few petty details as if the young noble had somehow lost all his confidence in the scheme they had begun to orchestrate together. Yet Keitarou had not been perturbed. On the contrary, in fact, Seimaru's reaction had amused him.
He slipped his fingers into his obi, pulling out a ceramic vial and removing the stopper, tipping it reflectively upside-down so that a single drop of greenish liquid fell onto the grass. It sizzled for a brief moment, and as the strands of grass yellowed beneath its touch, Keitarou let out a low chuckle.
A dilute hallucinogenic to make Seimaru act as though his wits were lost from grief. Nothing permanent, just enough to throw that spying uncle of his off his trail. Although I had no idea it would make him quite so paranoid and irrational with quite such a tiny amount. I suppose it is true what they say - that innate insanity cannot easily breed its way out of noble lineages.
He pursed his lips, remembering Seimaru's father.
Well, perhaps he's his father's son, after all. Still, that's no bad thing. I don't suppose that a few drops of this solution will make him permanently unhinged. It was a good thought - to lace his drink with it before the meeting with the Endou council. Not even his worst enemy could suspect of murder a man who reacts that violently in grief.
He re-stoppered the vial, sliding it back into its hiding place. Without its influence, he knew, Seimaru's thought-patterns and rationality would slowly return to normal. But the effect had been achieved and the scientist in Keitarou had been fascinated by it. He could control the new lord's mercurial temper by drugs even of this nature - what kind of puppet would he have when administering reidoku?
He bit back his impatience, knowing there was a long way to go yet before he reached that stage. Even though the reidoku was at what he considered a useable level, he still needed to snare his test subject, and that more than anything was his reason for travelling so far from his usual safe ground.
To gain possession of the Shinigami from the Districts, I need a satisfactory lure. To lure, I need a believable smokescreen. And to do that...I come here. To Hokujou. To elicit the aid of one who even Seimaru had forgotten about...an ally in the shadows, just as I am...and one, I hope, whose Clan instincts I can appeal to.
He pursed his lips, gauging the tall, unforgiving walls that flanked the outer perimeter of his destination, each one topped with a sharp metal spike that was rusty enough in colour to suggest that it had once been adorned by the severed heads of unfortunate traitors to the Endou family. He had never been here before, but he had heard the name over the years. Most often it was spoken of in hushed whispers, and more recently barely at all - since even mentioning the name of its sole incumbant had been enough to court disfavour with Shouichi and his late wife. Keitarou had always assumed that its reputation was brought about by fear of Yayoi's harsh policy on justice and retribution.
But now he was here, he realised that it had not been an exaggeration. Unlike the area he had spent most of the last century, this remote northern point of District Seven was bleak and isolated, the plains wind-swept and the trees thin and spindly as they struggled against the strong tempests that often wracked this site. Even today, a faint mist had stirred from the swampy lakes and fens that made much of the land thick and unprofitable when it came to the toil of local peasants, and somehow that only added to the harshness of the location.
Yes, he mused, as he gazed up at the gloomy grey monstrosity that loomed before him. This was indeed the legendary Hokujou, the castle that none of the family had visited in almost three decades.
None, that is, except one.
The castle's principle inhabitant.
Keitarou's smile widened and he set off up the path, feeling the cool metal of his tantou knife against his skin as he gauged how easy it would be to break into the castle unseen. He was already shielded from outside view with kyakkou, yet although he was sure he could kill any who challenged him, he did not want to make it seem as though suspicious events had occurred in this otherwise peaceful place. He had come on an errand of negotiation, after all. An errand which might seal or break his ambition - and would put the next step of his ultimate plan firmly into motion.
As he reached the castle walls, he was aware of a slender figure standing at the window of one of the uppermost chambers, and even from this distance he could detect the conflicting emotions in her aura. A mixture of frustration and anticipation laced the air between them, and Keitarou allowed himself a soft chuckle, realising that he had judged the situation perfectly once again.
Of all the Endou in District Seven, this was one he felt sure would acquiesce to his demands. And more, that he would find in her an ally with a slick, conniving mind.
Focusing his energy, he forced himself into shunpo, slipping through the gaps in the castle's spiritual defences and into the belly of the structure itself. It was laid out like a rabbit warren, yet with that familiar reiatsu to guide him Keitarou did not make a single wrong turn, reaching the top corridor within a short few minutes. There was nobody on duty up here, even though the official orders had been to guard the chamber night and day, and Keitarou realised that the news of the leader's unexpected death had sent even this place into something of a tailspin. With nothing as it should be, those who should be doing their duty had become fearful, unsure whether they would be punished or praised for carrying out the harsh orders of the previous incumbant.
Wise men indeed, considering the mercurial moods of the Endou-ke.
Keitarou grimaced.
And in this case most particularly. After all, Shouichi ordered her imprisonment here on the old woman's instruction...and none has ever dare contest it. Not since she faced down the Lady Yayoi and was stripped of her rights and position as a result. But she is still an Endou, and a lady of status. And, perhaps most importantly of all - the mother of Shouichi's chosen heir.
He paused outside the door, remembering the events one by one as he did so.
Although as a mere scientist he had not been party to all of the Clan intricacies, he knew that Riku was notoriously unpopular among those who currently held administrative sway over Seventh District. Exiled to the castle almost thirty years earlier after a dispute with the late lady Yayoi had turned sour, she had been imprisoned as befitted her rank - with every luxury she could ever ask for except the freedom to move from this remote location. She had given birth to her only son here within four months of her confinement, and had seen him taken from her within hours of his drawing his first breaths. Keitarou had seen it - the bond between mother and child when Irie had first birthed Tenichi then Ketsui, and he understood that this separation had been another of Yayoi's cruel and punishing tactics. Yet he also hoped it would have stirred bitterness inside the imprisoned princess - a bitterness he could use to his advantage. Yayoi had always spoken disparagingly of Riku's family and connections, but Keitarou knew that this had been largely for the benefit of enforcing her own authority, and that Riku's bloodline was as pure and as high-born as the old woman's own had been.
Riku was the only daughter of Shouichi's murdered sister - and, knowing how the Endou Clan were, Keitarou was under no illusions as to who had had the family's blood on their hands. Riku had been the sole survivor of a massacre during a time of war and bloodshed which had seen Shouichi and Yayoi consolidate their stranglehold on the dynasty - and she had never forgotten this fact, even though so many years had passed. The marriage with Mibune had been an experiment in establishing an olive branch, yet Mibune's mental mood swings had made him weak and occasionally subject to manipulation and persuasion. Keitarou's lip curled at this thought - just like he controlled Seimaru's ambition, so Riku had driven Mibune's. And even once she had been locked away, the damage had never really been healed.
For her intelligence and manipulation, Riku had always been considered dangerous. Keitarou suspected that it had only been a matter of time before Yayoi had found a reason to lock her hated daughter-in-law away. She had never been allowed even the briefest opportunity to establish contact with her son, Yayoi fearing that she would extend her influence over Mibune to the young boy also and create a state of Endou civil war. However, even though her name was never spoken of in the administrative council that now governed District Seven, she was far from dead.
On the contrary, she was very much alive - strong and resiliant and well known for intimidating the retainers who were sent to guard her.
Like Yayoi had been, she was a woman of Endou blood who knew her own mind. Unlike Yayoi, she had pushed one step too far and paid the price for it when she had gone up against the formidable matriarch and attempted to force her hand. She had wanted Yayoi to discard and disinherit Misashi and his family, frightened that his superior spiritual strength would one day surpass her own husband's...and although she was forbidden contact with her son, Keitarou suspected her maternal ambition burned as strongly and as proudly as it ever had.
At least, he was counting on that being the case.
Putting his hands to the door, he found to his surprise and faint amusement that it was unlocked, surmising that although she was meant to stay confined in her room, the lady had managed to gain a few perks in her long residence at Hokujou. He slid it back, stepping into the chamber and breaking his kidou spell, bowing his head towards her as she turned to face him with a look of surprise on her clever features.
For a moment neither spoke. Then, as Keitarou shut the door behind him, Riku let out a soft peal of laughter.
"Well. Have I sunk so low now that base Urahara exiles come to pay me visits out of sympathy for my plight?"
Her tones were low and rich with irony, and despite himself, Keitarou raised his gaze.
"My apologies, Riku-sama. I mean no offence by my sudden appearance." He said evenly. "But...even now you remember who I am? Your memory is strong indeed - it's been at least thirty years since last we met."
"You were my father-in-law's chief scientist, living in his underground world and doing his bidding." Riku raised a lazy hand, gesturing for him to take a seat by the window. "And now he is dead and you come to see me. I assume there is a connection?"
She smiled, toying with the lace-edged hankerchief that was wound absently between her fingers.
"If you expect me to grieve for him, you've come a long way for no reason at all. I have no affection for my father in law. Or sorrow at his passing."
"I didn't come to offer condolences or to pity your position, Riku-sama." Keitarou shook his head. "And I'm assuming by the way your room has been left unattended that your retainers themselves are unsure of how now to act."
"My retainers." Riku scoffed. "Such retainers. You mean my gaolers, Urahara. And say so. I don't believe in beating around the bush. Not after so long in this soul-destroying prison...there isn't an inch of this place or a man here who I do not know in tedious detail. You can avoid dancing around the subject and come straight to the point. Why are you here? Who sent you? Was it my son? Or are you here on another errand...one that benefits you perhaps more than anyone else?"
"You are as ever a wise lady." Despite himself Keitarou chuckled. "No wonder Yayoi-sama confined you here. You were a threat to her, and she knew it."
"She did." Riku nodded. "Her imprisoning me was the highest compliment that old witch ever paid me - knowing that she could not execute a lady of high birth without justification. Particularly not one who was to birth a Clan heir."
A humourless smile touched her lips.
"She said, once, that she wished I had been a man. Then she could have ordered me dead." She added reflectively. "But as a woman, she could not give that order. And as a woman, I could not be so easily put to death. It is an intriguing loophole, Urahara - that in this world of blood and valour, the womenfolk of the Endou are considered puppets at best, useless at worst. And that means...we cannot be truly culpable of our crimes."
Her eyes darkened, glittering with malice.
"But I would have killed her, had I had the chance." She murmured. "And she knew it. So she sent me here. She was never fooled...and so she won."
She glanced at him.
"Sit, if you mean to speak with me. You've travelled a good distance - obviously you have much to say."
"You call me Urahara." Keitarou sank down on one of the proffered cushions with a nod of gratitude. "I wonder why, when everyone else has called me by my mother's name since I was four."
"I speak as I find." Riku said simply. "You were born Urahara. Like me, you were born high. Like me, you fell against circumstances that left you disadvantaged. I acknowledge you, even if your clan don't. I consider you base, because you are Urahara, not Endou. But even so, you are still Clan."
"Your logic entertains me." Keitarou chuckled. "Very well. From you I will consider it a compliment, then, and raise no further complaint."
Riku's eyes narrowed.
"Did my son send you?" She said softly, and Keitarou shook his head.
"No. But he does know of my coming here." He responded. "It was agreed...as part of a greater scheme. That I would speak to you and...in his words...ask you to remain tight and out of the trouble until things quiet down."
"I see." Delight glittered in Riku's gaze. "So my son had something to do with my father in law's untimely death after all! Oh, when the news reached me, I had hoped...but to think that Seimaru has reached such a level of prowess! As a mother...I am proud. More proud than I ever have been...that my boy has managed to reach through and grab what was due him, even despite the drawbacks."
"Yes. With my help, he has taken action. And I will see him succeed, since he has stood by me when all others did not." Keitarou said soberly. "We are allies, and without his support I am a dead man, so you can trust me in all I say to you. I speak with his will here...and I ask for your assistance."
"Assistance?" Riku was surprised. "But you just said...he wants me to remain here?"
"He does. For now." Keitarou nodded. "Overturning your imprisonment will take time, after all - and he has yet to win over the Council of Elders to his claim or establish that he was not responsible for a crime in which he obviously has guilt. However, there is another way you can help me..."
He smiled, reaching up to touch his sandy brown hair.
"I am an Urahara, but not the same as my kinsfolk." He added. "I intend on staining my hair black, so as not to stand out as much as I do even now. When I do that, Riku-sama, I will rely on your help in one small way."
"In what way?" Riku looked suspicious, and Keitarou shrugged.
"To secure your son's claim to the District, he needs allies. And he needs me." He said frankly. "He knows it and so do I. Just as I need him. Yet I can't move freely at present. My name is known as a scientist, even though most of the Endou council have never seen my face. If I could pass myself off as Endou...as somehow distant kin to your line..."
He trailed off, and Riku snorted.
"You wish me to lie and fabricate a blood connection to you, in order that you can further support my son?" She asked archly, and Keitarou nodded.
"Yes." He agreed.
"And why, pray, would you want to become an Endou?" Riku asked bitterly. "It brings you no good fortune, to be connected to this Clan."
"Because I intend to marry Eiraki-hime." Keitarou offered a benign smile. "And I cannot do so as an Urahara."
"Marry my niece?" This took Riku off guard and she stared at him, unable to believe her ears. "Do you seek to advance my son or yourself alone, Urahara? Why would you want to marry that child?"
"Because she is weak and gullible. And because she can legitimise my position." Keitarou said frankly. "Seimaru-sama intends to kill his Uncle, his Aunt and his cousins both. I won't prevent him from acting on that impulse, not when everything is stable. But for the time being, there are loose ends. Seimaru cannot gain the trust of that family. There is no way for him to breach that gap enough to lure the prodigal son back to the fold - and there is evidence in that boy's hands which could bring the downfall of all of us. But...however...if suddenly the persecuted were to have an ally...a surprising new ally in the turmoil...and so I might be able to exploit options that he himself cannot."
He shrugged.
"And a match to a man of your kin will make the Endou only look to his intention of repatriating his honoured mother to the centre of the Clan." He added, bowing his head towards Riku in acknowledgement of her status. "It will not be seen in any other light. Contrary to the truth, the Clan do not realise how clever your Lord son is. They will not perceive the true intricacies of his plan...until it is far, far too late to do anything about it."
He smiled, and Riku let out an appreciative peal of laughter.
"My son has chosen to use you wisely, hasn't he?" She mused. "He's given you his trust and you've given him the opportunity to do as my father in law did - eliminate his competition and rule supreme. You speak of that worm of a brat, Hirata...don't you? The child who apparently has power to dwarf Seimaru's, but yet..."
She sighed, shaking her head in frustration.
"I never met the child, so I do not know." She said impatiently. "But from the reports I hear, I cannot believe him to be any challenge for my boy. If Seimaru can lure him back to the centre of District Seven, he can eliminate all of his opposition in one fell swoop, without that tiresome Council of Elders involving themselves."
"Indeed." Keitarou smiled. "And as I am a virtual unknown, I am better placed to gain Eiraki-hime's childish trust than Seimaru-sama will ever be. Of the Endou currently at the main house, only Seimaru-sama himself has seen me enough to recognise me on sight. Perhaps Misashi-dono may recognise me, if he thought about it, but even so, that doesn't concern me greatly. Seimaru-sama wishes to imprison Misashi-dono when he has an opportunity - from that point on, with my hair stained to black I should be able to pass quite easily among the nobles of District Seven as an Endou myself. The only others who might identify me are either dead...or - on the off-chance Hirata-dono may know my face - in exile. All other Urahara who worked in the research facility are also killed - and only Shouichi-sama and Mibune-sama ever worked with me as closely as Seimaru-sama does now."
He eyed her quizzically.
"So? Will you help me, then, Riku-sama?"
Riku eyed him for a moment, then she moved across the room towards him, resting her hand on his shoulder.
"When I married Mibune, I was an orphan and a ward of that tiresome witch and her pathetic husband." She said softly. "My parents were both killed in battle, and their siblings likewise. Most had no children...most, but not all. I am not ignorant to the causes of those deaths. For a long, long time I have resented it - but had no opportunity to act in revenge. However..."
Her eyes became slits.
"You are suggesting that my son can kill all those who despised me and rule supreme in the way my husband should have done, if he had survived." She whispered. "And as a mother, such a concept tempts me. Seimaru is my son - of course he is strong and wise and resolute, too. As you do, I have always known it - that he would, somehow, be the one."
She eyed Keitarou thoughtfully for a moment, then,
"Of course, if you wanted me to be thorough, it would require a little time on my part." She said softly. "Although the massacre of so much of my family leaves few living witnesses to claim to the contrary, it also means finding a connection that makes sense will require me to do some reading. Time is something of which I have plenty - but even for Seimaru's sake, you can't simply turn up and expect me to answer your demands straight away."
"Then you are considering my demands all the same." Keitarou's expression glittered with triumph and relief. "And you are thinking it over, Riku-sama - the possibility of making me your kin."
"You are not my kin." Riku said bluntly. "Except in the way that all Urahara are - a base connection of once mixed bloods. A facade and a deception is one thing, but you should not believe in it too deeply. It is a means to an end. You are not Endou, after all."
"Yet you would sully your Clan and accept such a facade?" Keitarou pressed. "And even swear to it, if it meant supporting your son to his end goals?"
Riku smiled coolly.
"Seimaru is the only reason I haven't lost my wits in this place." She said quietly. "Believing in him and what he can achieve. For his sake, you have my cooperation. I will use the endless time I have at my disposal and I will find you what you seek. Somewhere in the blooded archives of this Clan, there must be some line to which you could hope to be descended, even though so many were killed when Shouichi became Head of the Clan. It left a void - and any surviving relics of these families then became disconnected and separated."
"I hoped such a thing would work to my advantage." Keitarou admitted, and Riku nodded.
"You are sly. It suits you." She agreed. "It's meant that even now you live, despite all those who seek your death. But it's not my business what you or your clansfolk may have done here. My only interest is my son's success. So long as it's for his sake...I will not speak against you."
Her eyes hardened.
"But you understand, Urahara? It goes both ways. I know you, and I know what you truly are. If you betray Seimaru, I will act in other ways. And you may think me an imprisoned damsel but believe me...I am not as feeble as I seem."
"Then it is as well that I don't seek to betray Seimaru-sama, since I have no spiritual training nor sword abilities with which to defend myself." Keitarou said lightly. "Thank you, Riku-sama. Your kindness is appreciated, and your discretion also."
He bowed his head, then,
"I will return then, to speak to you in a few days." He suggested, and Riku smiled, no warmth in her expression.
"I will be ready for you." She agreed. "Come the same way as you have come today. The guards fear me, and are unsettled by the change. They will not stop you."
"If you wanted to, I believe you could leave this place." Keitarou observed, and Riku laughed.
"I will do so when my son bids me." She said simply. "I will not create trouble for him, after all. I am his ally, just as you are. He was a baby when we were separated...and in those years Mibune never managed to slip his mother's noose and bring him to see me. We are strangers of no more than a few hours acquaintance - I do not even know whether it is I or Mibune he more resembles in face. Our position remains political - and so, as the rest of the Clan do, I will stay here and await his commands."
Keitarou smiled.
"Then I will continue to work hard to achieve all of your son's aims." He assured her. "And, in time, I hope to see you walk once more free to see his ultimate triumph over District Seven."
So the reply had come.
Hirata settled himself in the secluded alcove at the back of the Academy library, setting the small wooden box down in front of him on the desk and brushing his fingers against the engraved surface. It was cut from ebony, carved deep with the distinctive moon and other symbols that identified it as having come from District Two, yet on the top right corner was another mark – small, crude, yet unmistakeable the shape of a hunting bird's claw.
Hirata knew that this was a message – a secret sign to him from his shadow guardians in the Shihouin-ke that the box did not just contain word from Midori-sama but also – and his heart clenched at the thought – a communication from his family in District Seven.
Whether Genryuusai knew of this secret code or not, Hirata was unsure. Yet the seal on the box had not been broken, and no attempt had been made to infiltrate it on its way to the student pigeonholes. Midori had chosen to send it in such a formal way so as any tampering would be immediately visible to any who chose to inspect it, yet even though Hirata's eyesight was not perfect, he could tell that Midori's characteristic style of fastening had not been disturbed.
So whatever was in it when she gave it to her messenger, it's inside now. And the claw means there's something from home…so the fewer people who see me read it the better.
He had chosen his place carefully, for he was hidden behind two piles of dusty old books and even the senior on duty had barely spared him a glance as he had slipped in through the rearmost door. Using Kidou inside the library was strictly forbidden, and even with his skill at kyakkou he felt certain that summoning his reiatsu to cast the spell would do nothing but draw attention towards his corner of the large, high-ceilinged study chamber.
He was not a student who generally stood out, he reminded himself ruefully, and at times like this it paid off, for nobody would suspect the quiet, bespectacled youngest member of the Second Year to be receiving contraband communication - flagrantly breaking not only school rules but also District One's current laws.
But I need to know that they're all right. And Midori-sama's the only one I can trust to find out for me. So even if Sensei is cross with me – it's something I have to do.
With this resolution still burning in his heart, Hirata unfastened Midori's seal, loosening the lid of the black box and, at last, lifting it to reveal its hidden contents.
At first glance they seemed trivial and unremarkable, just a single sheet of paper written in Midori's familiar hand and marked once more with the Shihouin crest. It contained no word about the Endou or even District Seven, but Hirata had not spent a year with the Shihouin for nothing. Setting this aside, he examined the inside of the box, running his fingers carefully along the inner lining of the wood as he tried to detect a change or discrepancy in the way it had been put together. Though his eyes were not precise enough even with his glasses to see a hairline split between panels of carefully locked together ebony, his fingers were a different matter, and after about twenty minutes of careful exploration, he found what he had been looking for.
The gap was barely a millimetre in width, concealed by the natural grain of the wood, and Hirata suspected that only someone trained to understand Shihouin secrecy would ever perceive it to be there. Some further manipulation and the wood slipped back, revealing a tray beneath and, as Hirata's heart caught in his chest, a further folded sheet of washi paper.
This one was not marked with the Shihouin crest, nor with any other – yet as Hirata's trembling fingers drew it out, he could immediately discern the hand which had written the two characters of his name across the folded side.
"Otousama." He whispered, setting the note down on the desk as though it was made of gold. A quick glance at the senior on duty told him that she was engrossed with another student's blatant attempts at flirting with her, and his resolve hardened, hunching down further behind his books as slowly and carefully he began to unfold it.
The letter was not long – barely covering one side - but it was unmistakeably written by Misashi himself, in a hurried yet stable hand.
"My son,"
It read, and Hirata's heart clenched again as the young boy realised how much he missed his father.
"Midori-sama's communication reached us, and though it did not mention you, I felt sure you were somehow involved. The news you know is confirmed – your Grandfather is dead. The Unohana have ruled it an unexplained accident. There are still questions without answers but for now they must remain. I do not suspect Seimaru's hand, though many would think I should. I have chaired the investigation – and while Father's death is still some way a mystery, I am both comforted and satisfied by Retsu-sama's findings.
Seimaru has not moved against us yet and Eiraki and your mother are well. He will not be sworn into the Council until the close of this month, and the Gotei ceremony is two days after. Seimaru talks of betrothing Eiraki to a kinsman of his mother. I have concerns about this, but Eiraki has given her consent and though we have yet to meet the man, at least I do not believe they will be wed until Eiraki is at least sixteen. Seimaru's focus seems more on his upcoming inauguration and on preventing the Council poking too far into Endou interests than it does on wreaking pain. I understand Midori-sama's communication is part of the reason, though he has not explicitly told me what the letter contained. Still, if it has kept him from acting against any of us, that is enough. I will work to keep below his anger. He will soon be recognised as Lord of the Endou and I will not challenge him.
I will keep the peace and buy you as much time as I can – even if it is short time, for I do not think this uneasy calm will last forever. But until you are ready, you must not come here. Continue working hard and achieving all I know you can. The future of the Endou may lie with you – for the present, we all do what we must to survive. But you may consider this as a final comfort. As things are now, all is well.
I cannot write more, as I am concealing this alongside my written report for Seimaru's inspection. I will convey it to Midori-sama via my District Eight manservant who is the only man in Endou colours I currently trust. I trust the Shihouin Princess also, and so must you. We remain deeply in her family's debt and I pray one day to be able to repay her.
With my love and hope that we will meet again,
Your father, Endou Misashi."
Hirata set the paper down on the desk, tears glittering in his pale eyes as he struggled with his emotions.
It had been hard, being away from home for the first time, and even harder when he had realised he would not be soon going back. Yet Misashi's last line struck him most deeply of all.
"With my love and hope that we will meet again."
Softly he murmured it out loud, knowing all too well the implications it hid.
Father believes that Seimaru will turn on him and sooner rather than later. Maybe Eiraki believes it too – perhaps that's why she's consented to a betrothal with a man she's never seen. Father said he'd buy me time – but at what cost? All is not well, Otousama. I'm too old now to be fooled by pretty words. I've seen how the world works far too clearly – all is never well when dealing with District Seven.
"Yo."
Kai's voice from behind him caused him to start, swinging around and hastily bringing his arm over the letter as he knocked a few of the books down with a crash from their precarious position. Several people turned to stare their way, and Hirata flushed red with dismay and embarrassment, even as Kai let out an amused chuckle, dropping down on the edge of his desk with a grin.
"You weren't concentrating. I got you that time. My win, Hirata. You lose."
"We're at school, not in District Two. We're not doing stealth exercises and I'm trying to read my mail." Hirata glared at him, the tears momentarily stayed by his sudden burst of indignation. "This is the library, Kai-kun – and you've created a disturbance!"
"That's from Nee-sama." Kai ignored the boy's complaint, reaching over to touch the lid of the open box. As his finger brushed against it, he paused, eyes narrowing as he turned back to examine Hirata more closely.
"She sent you something, didn't she." His words were soft now, so soft that even Hirata could barely hear them. "Something illicit. Something you're not meant to receive. Something…from…there."
There was no need for Kai to specify what 'there' was, and Hirata's eyes became stubborn, his arm still mostly covering the tell-tale letter from view.
He did not reply, and Kai arched an eyebrow.
"No answer is as good as yes when your body language tells me you've something you're hiding." He said lightly. "This isn't a good place to talk, perhaps – but I know you, kid. You're not fooling me at all."
"This is a library, Shihouin. Not a social club."
The arch tones of the senior on duty cut through their conversation now and Hirata's eyes widened as he realised she was heading over towards them. Hurriedly he grabbed two of the books, pulling them over his letter and sending Kai an accusatory glare as the pretty Kuchiki student approached them.
"Shihouin…Kai, isn't it?" She asked softly, and Kai grimaced, nodding his head.
"Sorry, Kuchiki-senpai. I'm sure I didn't mean to offend your hearing with my presence." He said ruefully.
The Senior bristled, then turned her attention to Hirata, pointedly ignoring the Shihouin boy's sarcasm.
"Is he bothering you?" She asked lightly.
"No more than usual." Hirata muttered, and Kai glared at him.
"Hey!"
"Wait. I know you." Meroka pursed her lips. "Yes, that's right, I do."
She grinned, her severe face suddenly transforming as she reached out to pat Hirata lightly and condescendingly on the head.
"You're the one who trails around after the District boy like a lost puppy." She reflected, mortifying Hirata and amusing Kai in one fell swoop. "The one who was practically a babe in wraps among the first years last year. I know I've seen you before. Can't remember your name though."
She shrugged.
"Oh well. I don't suppose it's important." She said dismissively. "But in any case, I'm right, aren't I? You are District-kun's classmate?"
"Ukitake-kun is my classmate, yes." Hirata said stiffly, his temper well and truly roused now by first Kai and now Meroka's careless words. "But he's not 'District-kun' and I'm not his puppy dog. And as for my name, maybe it isn't important to a Kuchiki-hime. But it's Endou Hirata. And if you know that, you should know enough about my Clan to know that it's better to leave me alone."
He got to his feet, scooping up the empty letter box.
"Kai's my friend too." He added unnecessarily, aware that his companion was staring at him in surprise. "And he's not bothering me. Not really. He just startled me, that's all. So if you want a reason to pick on a Shihouin, you'll have to wait till next time."
"Okay, Hirata, I think leaving the library now would be a good idea." Kai recovered his wits, sending his classmate a rueful smile as indignation flared in Meroka's proud gaze. "It's just my guess, but I think Kuchiki-senpai is about to throw us out anyhow, so I think…we'll save her the trouble."
"But…my letter…" Hirata faltered, and Kai winked, twitching his finger slightly to reveal the corner of a sheet of paper protruding slightly from his sleeve. Hirata's eyes widened as he saw Midori's note clasped between the digits of the Shihouin boy's other hand, and slowly he pushed the books aside, realising that the contraband letter had gone.
"Sorry for the inconvenience, Senpai. We'll leave you alone now." Kai cast Meroka a playful grin, grabbing Hirata by the arm and pulling him towards the door of the library.
Once outside, however, the Shihouin wheeled on his classmate, a question in his golden eyes.
"What happened to make you snap like that?" He demanded. "My coming didn't upset you that much – and nor did what she said, I'm sure, since I've heard you get called worse without you reacting to it at all. What did my sister say to you, or…Hirata?"
For Hirata had no longer been able to keep his emotions in check and he sank onto the grass, tears trickling down his cheeks. For a moment Kai just stood there, then he cursed, sinking down at the younger boy's side.
"Bad news from home?" He asked softly, patting his sleeve. "I didn't see any of what was written on it, Hirata, but I'm guessing that's why you were hiding it – because it was from District Seven and that's against the rules."
"Father." Hirata swallowed hard, nodding his head. "I…I'm sorry. You c..can read it. It's all right. I just…in the library…"
"I was very unsubtle for a Shihouin. My bad, I'm sorry." Kai clapped his hand down apologetically on Hirata's shoulder. "But if it's private, then…"
"You can read it." Hirata shook his head, removing his glasses and dashing away his tears. "It's not really…bad news. I just…miss them. And…I worry."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure." Hirata agreed. "You and…Ukitake-kun I…don't mind."
"High praise then." Kai grinned. "All right. If you say so."
He slipped it out from his sleeve, carefully unfolding it.
"I hope you don't mind that I grabbed it up when I did. I didn't want that Kuchiki hime to see it – so I acted a little on instinct to keep it hidden."
"No…I'm glad you did." A wan smile touched Hirata's lips. "Even receiving a letter from home could get me into serious trouble. The contents of it…"
He trailed off, watching as Kai skimmed his gaze down the columns of kanji. Slowly the older boy nodded, refolding it and handing it back.
"Good and bad news. Basically status quo." He said quietly. "I'd not keep it, Hirata. Even though I know you want to…you should destroy it. Too many secret letters are a bad thing. Take it from me."
"I know. I'd already decided to." Hirata nodded. "Just…I wanted to read it once more before I did."
He sighed, folding it absently between his fingers.
"Father thinks he's going to die next." He said quietly. "I did what I could – I wrote to Midori-sama and I told her…that if Seimaru killed Father and hurt my family, I would expose him with the proof I have against him. And I would, Kai-kun. If he hurt them, I really would. It seems he's listening, but even so…"
His eyes narrowed.
"Father says that Seimaru didn't kill Grandfather, but I think differently." He said bitterly. "Even if that's truly what Father believes – I think he's wrong. Somehow, Seimaru did this. Somehow, he managed it. Somehow."
"Somehow is a bit too vague for my liking." Kai said grimly. "I'd say it involves Aizen Keitarou, if you want the truth – that scientist who was up to no good then and is probably up to no good now."
Slowly Hirata nodded.
"Yes. I had thought that too."
"Then…?"
"What can I do about it? The Endou are officially hunting the Urahara exiles." Hirata sighed. "But…I don't know enough about that scientist to know if he could do something like this, either. I know he can create poisons, but…this implies no poison was found in Grandfather's blood. Otherwise it couldn't have been ruled an accident, so how he managed it…"
Kai was silent for a moment, then he shrugged.
"People who work in shadows always have methods people don't know about." He said quietly. "My Clan have built themselves up on skills like that – you never display all your cards, no matter who surrounds you. This guy's an Urahara, and a scientist. He's evaded capture and now Shouichi-sama is dead. I can't tell you how those things happened. But I'm sure that they're connected. And that he's a dangerous man too. His blood is Clan, after all. Clan as pure as Nagesu-sama's."
He got to his feet, pulling Hirata up with him.
"Destroy the letter." He advised. "And do as Misashi-sama tells you. Keep out of it and work hard. This is your Clan and he's put every hope into you to save them. Don't ruin it by acting rashly. You have skills in the shadows as well. Keep them to yourself until it's time – it's better that way."
There were leaves lining the pathway as Eiraki made her way slowly across the grounds of the main estate towards the gardens of the annexe. A year ago, she mused sadly, this old, flower-coated building had provided temporary accommodation for the woman that everyone had assumed would become Seimaru's bride. But it had not come to be, and the Shihouin princess had disappeared into the night, never to be seen in District Seven again.
And now this place would become her dwelling place instead. As a hime of the Clan and one under the favour of the new leader, she would no longer live with her parents within the main house but become separate and isolated, her needs catered for by servants and her existence one of a young lady making preparations to enter into married life. She was not a child any more. But then, in truth, Eiraki wasn't sure she ever really had been a child in the first place.
After all, children in Seventh District did not easily survive.
She sighed, putting her hands out to brush her fingers against the outer facing of the stone walls.
Somehow she envied Midori the ease with which she had found her freedom. Even alone, she had managed to slip the net. Even alone...she had managed to escape the dark curse that District Seven placed over all those who lived there.
Even at fourteen, Eiraki understood what her Clan was. And more than anything, she hated it.
Midori-sama. Nii-sama. People disappear and don't come back.
She gazed up at the upper windows, putting her hands against the vines of the climbing plant as she tried to remember the last time she had spoken to her brother.
I want to believe in you, Nii-sama. But even Father is cautious when he speaks of you. And...and now...with Seimaru-sama about to become head of the Clan...
"Eiraki-chan."
At the sound of his voice, Eiraki froze, a cold prickle creeping up her spine as she registered too late the approaching reiatsu of her cousin and the new Lord of the Endou-ke. Although he had not spoken to her harshly since the death of their Grandfather, he was still the person Eiraki feared and hated most of all in District Seven. And yet even as she turned to face him, she knew she could not defy him. It was not just her life that he held in his hands, but the lives of everyone. And for that reason, she had no choice but to submit.
Even if that meant becoming betrothed to a stranger many years her elder.
"Well, are you coming to inspect the annexe personally?" Seimaru reached her at that moment, pausing a foot or so away from her as he gazed up at the building. "It was Midori-dono's lodging, last year, but it deserves a much more useful hime to consider it her residence. And you are going to be that for me, aren't you, Eiraki-chan? Grandfather planned to utilise you for diplomatic means - you will give my wishes the same consideration you gave his, won't you?"
Eiraki lowered her gaze, bowing her head solemnly before her hated companion.
"You are the Head of my Clan, sir." She said quietly, her words those of one who inside had begun to feel much older than just fourteen. "Father taught me that the will of the Clan Leader should be obeyed without question. Therefore I am your servant and will do as you instruct."
Seimaru let out a low chuckle, and as Eiraki sneaked a peek through her dark lashes, she could see the appreciative humour glittering in her cousin's cruel blue eyes.
"Then you are far more sensible than your brother is." He said matter-of-factly. "Which pleases me a good deal."
Eiraki said nothing, though her heart skipped a beat at the mention of Hirata.
There was a moment of silence, then Seimaru nodded.
"Good." He said firmly. "Then all is decided. Tomorrow I go before the Council, Eiraki. Tomorrow I will be awarded the official position my Grandfather bequeathed me and take control of this Clan in all ways. I will then be your Clan Leader by their will as well as by this family's. Your decision is a wise one. After all, your family are surplus to requirement - unless you can prove yourself useful, of course."
Eiraki's head shot up at this, alarm in her vivid blue gaze.
"Seimaru-sama?" She murmured, and Seimaru reached out to pat her on the shoulder.
"You have agreed to become betrothed to my mother's kinsman, and that in itself is a good start." He said quietly, though there was something chilling in his tones that told Eiraki that no matter how much grief had addled his senses to begin with, now he was once more his old, conniving self. "But it is only a start. Do you understand me, Eiraki-chan? You serve no active purpose here. Your mother and your father are people in my way. I have no need of them. But I have chosen to be merciful. I have chosen...to favour you with my attention. And in return, I expect absolute obedience and loyalty. Is that understood?"
Eiraki's eyes became huge with fear as she interpreted her companion's words.
"If I d...don't do as you say, Seimaru-sama, what will happen...to my family?"
"That is a foolish question." Seimaru snorted. "Superfluous things are cut away, of course. Discarded and left to burn. I have no need of hangers on. You are the only one who can possibly change that - so you must listen to me very carefully."
Eiraki swallowed hard.
"Please don't kill my family." She whispered. "Please, Seimaru-sama. Please, I'll do anything you ask - marry anyone you tell me, just...please...don't..."
"Shh." Seimaru put a cold finger to her lips, effectively silencing her childish pleas. "I have killed nobody, yet. And perhaps...I never will. But you must heed my wishes, Eiraki-chan. I do not joke. Your family have caused me endless amounts of trouble since first I became Grandfather's heir. I have no other will to save them than to ensure your complete obedience to my orders."
Eiraki bit her lip, her face white as she slowly nodded her head.
"I will obey you." She murmured. "Just please...do not...hurt Mother or Father. They...they do not wish to hurt you. They...Father...seeks only to live quietly. Please...do not take them from me."
"As Hirata was taken from you, perhaps?"
Eiraki flinched, then hardened herself, shaking her head.
"I do not know where my brother is." She said flatly. "I have not spoken to him...in...a long time."
"No. I don't suppose anyone has." Seimaru's lips became a thin line and he nodded. "But he is still out there. He is the true traitor to this Clan, Eiraki-chan. His actions even now threaten our security. In the last week I have received word from the family from whom he claims sanctuary - he seeks to act against me even now. I can't tolerate that. His actions are the ones that put you all in danger. You realise that, I hope? Without Hirata, none of you would concern me in the slightest."
Eiraki did not reply, though inwardly her heart flooded suddenly with a longing for her brother to somehow succeed. She quelled the thought almost immediately, however, half-afraid Seimaru could read her thoughts as she forced herself to maintain her impassive expression.
At her lack of response, Seimaru sighed, shrugging his shoulders.
"I will not play games with you." He said evenly, and all of the earlier playful taunting was gone from his tone as he met her gaze with a cold one of his own. "Tomorrow, after I see the Council, I intend on having your Father arrested. He will be imprisoned until further notice, and I will decide his fate when I am ready."
"But..." Eiraki only just stopped herself from grabbing her cousin's arm in her sudden fright, and Seimaru laughed.
"You speak pretty words, just like he does. But you are his daughter and so I won't believe you." He said lightly. "I will ensure your obedience by other means. I will keep Uncle in my dungeon and his life will depend on your doing as I tell you. You understand me, Eiraki-chan? The day after tomorrow, my mother's kinsman will arrive here and you will greet him well. You are nothing more to me than a pawn and if you fail, those around you will also die. You can blame your brother for this, if you want to blame someone...this is not a family in which trust should freely be given."
He turned to leave, then paused, tilting his head to look at her.
"You will remain here within the grounds of the annexe until I return and until your fiance is presented to you." He said softly, an unspoken threat in his tones. "You are forbidden from leaving or communicating with your Father or Mother about anything I have just told you. If you do - even one word, no...even one syllable..."
He leant closer to her, his eyes narrowing to near slits.
"It will not be the dungeon that I send Misashi-jisama to. It will be the executioner's axe. And I promise you...for him, it will not be a pretty death."
Eiraki's heart froze in her chest and her legs began trembling, giving out from under her as she sank to the ground. Tears glittered in her eyes, and Seimaru nodded.
"Unlike your brother, you have some sense and you realise that it's better to be obedient to the one who holds the power in this Clan." He said frankly. "I have use for you yet...so do not displease me. You will not get a further warning, Eiraki. This is it. One toe over the line and your family will no longer be of anyone's concern. You should know by now that I am not someone who bluffs."
With that he was gone, and Eiraki watched his red-cloaked form disappearing across the grounds, hate and frustration welling up in her young heart as she did so.
She clenched her fists, hitting them against the uneven stone of the pathway without even noticing the scratches and blood she drew from her delicate pale hands as she struggled to get her emotions back under her control.
Father...mother...Nii-sama.
She swallowed again, closing her eyes against the flood of fresh tears that threatened to overwhelm her.
What do I do, then, Father? For your sake, I will obey Seimaru-sama. But what if it isn't enough? What if, even then, I am no longer of use to him? And what...what if...
Her thoughts faltered at this point and she buried her head in her hands, allowing the grief and uncertainty to flood through her young body.
She had not loved Shouichi, but now she found herself wishing him back - even for a moment - to quell her cousin's sadistic schemes and dark nature. Shouichi had been violent and ruthless, but she had begun to realise with startling clarity that even so he had had a form of honour that Seimaru was completely lacking.
Father thought Seimaru-sama was grieving for Grandfather, but I didn't see any grief in his eyes just now.
Eiraki drew a shaky breath into her lungs.
He isn't sad. He was pretending. Maybe his pretence was good enough to fool people, but today...he wasn't sad at all. And tomorrow the Council will accept him. Which means...tomorrow...my act must also begin.
She struggled to her feet, dashing her tears from her eyes as she made up her mind.
I must protect my family somehow. Nii-sama is not here to. Maybe he never will be - and I can't rely on him to look after us any more. Maybe he has betrayed us, maybe he has not - maybe he's even dead and Seimaru-sama has been lying to us all the time. But...whatever the truth, I can't look to Nii-sama or anyone else to do this. I'm the only one who can keep them alive. My actions are the only thing that can ensure that. So...for now...I will be exactly as Seimaru-sama wants me to be. No matter what that means...somehow I will.
Author's Note: Seimaru's Kin.
Yep, even at this late stage, another new character has made her debut. Hands up who thought Seimaru's mother was dead?
Somewhere in Second Manu, Yayoi mentioned how Seimaru had been born of a 'simpleton' who she disdained. Because she was too ambitious and pushed too far, Riku was shut away and imprisoned. For that reason, Yayoi considered her 'simple'.
Also: Riku has been imprisoned for almost thirty years. Seimaru is in his early twenties so far as his appearance reveals - but he is actually a little older than that in real years - probably about 28. Hirata is actually sixteen/seventeen and Eiraki is actually fourteen - hence Riku has never met either one of them.
Mibune, Seimaru's father, died relatively recently...only a couple of years before Third Chronicle takes place. Hence he was known to both Hirata and Eiraki. Though separated forcibly from his wife, they were still legitimately married during that time, hence he had no other heirs and his position was passed down to his only son. This makes Misashi Seimaru's heir...and Hirata Misashi's.