Chapter Thirty Seven: District Eight
The sun was setting over District Eight by the time the carriage drew up outside the big manor house that housed the Head of the Kyouraku-ke and his immediate family. As the horses were reined in, Juushirou stifled a yawn, peering out at the immense estate that greeted them. In the fading light, it seemed even more grandiose and foreboding, and he swallowed hard, realising that, in comparison to the apartments in Inner Seireitei and even the Academy itself, this was truly almost a palace in its own right.
At his expression, Shunsui grinned, leaning across to nudge him with his elbow.
"I told you." He said unecessarily. "A house but not a home. You see now? Far too big to be anything else."
"I'm not quite sure it's even a house." Juushirou gathered his wits, shooting his friend a sheepish smile. "That seems...far too much of an understatement, to be honest. I'm trying to find a word that sounds big enough - but I'm not sure there is one."
"The Kyouraku are an old military Clan. You know that, I've said it before." Shunsui nodded. "But they're also a very rich Clan, too. Still, in comparison to Ryuu-kun's exalted people, I'm sure this is common fare. You'll come to see, Juu, that Clan really do have more money than sense."
He got to his feet, smiling in acknowledgement as a smartly dressed retainer hurried to open the carriage, preparing the steps down to the ground below.
"We should go. People will wonder why we're taking so long, otherwise." He said frankly, reaching out to grab Juushirou by the arm. "Unless you want to sleep in the carriage - in which case..."
"I think...that sleeping in here might be more normal than sleeping in there." Juushirou admitted. "But all right. I'm coming."
He paused, turning to glance at the final member of the group. Hirata had remained silent as they had crossed the border, his blue eyes clouded with deep thought and Juushirou had wondered what exactly was going through the young boy's mind. That they had moved closer to his homeland was without a doubt, yet Juushirou realised that there was a lot of land still between them - a lot of distance between Hirata and the people he loved.
"Are you coming, Hirata?" He asked softly now, and the younger boy seemed to stir from his daze, casting his companions a sheepish look as he nodded his head.
"Yes. Sorry. I wasn't really concentrating - I hadn't realised we'd arrived."
"Well, we are here." Shunsui ushered them both down the steps before leaping deftly down beside them, meeting the retainer's horrified expression with an unrepentant grin. "So wakey wakey, all right? Nii-sama will expect your best behaviour, after all - he doesn't often entertain Endou-ke, so you should make a good impression from the start."
"I'll do my best." Hirata nodded. "Tokutarou-sama is kind to include me in the invitation, after all."
"You're not your Clan." Juushirou said firmly. "None of what's going on over there is to do with you."
"No. All of it is." Hirata sighed. "But for the time being, there's not much I can do."
"Shunsui!"
A friendly voice from the gates of the hall made the trio turn as a tall, well-muscled man strode across the grass towards them, a warm grin on his handsome features. His messy dark hair was pulled back in a tail, but it seemed more a matter of necessity rather than out of any formality and several stray ends stuck out at all angles. Green eyes sparkled with life and mischief, yet they were open and honest and lacking in any kind of preoccupation or ulterior motive.
To Juushirou he was somehow familiar, yet try as he might he could not place where he might have met the man before. Across the newcomer's shoulders was slung a white garment which could have been a haori, yet it was so different from the ceremonial ones he had seen at the Council meeting that the District boy found himself wondering if that was truly what it was. Unlike Retsu's, which had heavy sleeves and a clear shape, this haori was more of a cross between a kataginu and a montsuki, yet somehow lacking in the full style of the ones he had seen so far.
At the sight of the newcomer, Shunsui's features broke into a rueful grin and he took a few steps forward, allowing the taller man to clasp his hands in greeting.
"I wondered if you were going to roll in, though now I've heard you're on the straight and narrow I was looking forward to seeing it for myself." The man spoke in a casual, friendly manner which, to Juushirou's mind belied the expensive nature of the robes he wore below his white cloak. "It's been a while, after all - though Sora-chan's been thorough in her reports to me, and I wanted to see the result for myself."
"Hakubei-dono." Shunsui bowed his head slightly, mischief in his eyes, and Juushirou's eyes widened as the older man laughed, swiping at Shunsui's tousled head playfully as he shook his head.
"No formality. Not from Toku-nii's brother." He said firmly. "You've never been one to stand on ceremony, so don't start now - else I'll have to beat the Kyouraku out of you myself."
His glance strayed to the bewildered Hirata and non-plussed Juushirou, and his grin widened.
"Well? Introduce me to your companions? They're looking at me as though I was let loose from an insane asylum, and that won't do."
Suddenly, Juushirou's eyes widened.
"Shiba-ke...?" He murmured, and the stranger laughed.
"Ah, you're a bright one." He said warmly. "You must be Ukitake Juushirou, I think - the District boy, yes? I've heard a lot about you - and since white hair isn't so common on young ones like you, I imagine you must be him. Am I right?"
"Y...yes, sir." Juushirou agreed, startled. "That's right."
"Shiba Hakubei." Now the stranger was grabbing Juushirou's fist, shaking it firmly before letting it go. "Pleased to meet you - and welcome you to the brotherhood of Shinigami, since my mother's spoken of you in her letters and it seems you quite impressed her. That's no mean feat, so I'm keen to see what kind of things you'll bring to the Gotei - and whether you can drum some of them into the wastrel here."
He patted Shunsui on the head, then glanced at Hirata.
"And you?"
"Endou Hirata." Hirata managed, staring up at Hakubei in a rather dazed fashion. "Pleased to meet you, Hakubei-dono."
"Endou, huh." Now Hakubei's clever features became grave. "I see. Yes, I knew that Shunsui and Sora had a playmate from the Seventh."
He clapped his hands down on Hirata's thin shoulders.
"Hang on in there." He said firmly. "We're all, after all, on the same side you are in the end."
Hirata's eyes became huge behind his glasses, and Hakubei grinned, releasing his grip.
"Well, Toku-nii did say he didn't think you'd be here before dusk." He reflected. "But you were the last - your young companions are already here and welcomed. Won't you let me take you to join them? I came out for some fresh air, but it seems my timing was good."
He winked at Shunsui, then,
"I'm not really the formal party type." He owned. "Sometimes it's good to just get a breath of fresh air."
"Hakubei is the Captain of the Tenth Squad." Shunsui explained, reaching out to tweak the older man's haori as he did so. "He's Sora's second brother - the eldest, Ryuusei is being trained to take over from Shouki-sama in District Five."
"But...you're already Gotei? Even though your brother...is not?" Hirata was surprised, and Hakubei chuckled, nodding his head.
"See, Tenth Squad is a sub-squad. It doesn't have Council privileges and it operates as a second string outfit." he said casually. "My brother is the heir to the Clan, therefore the squad he will inherit is Fifth. I'm just the second son, but I have pretty good skills, so I was accepted to lead the Tenth. That's how the Gotei is, at the moment. Eight squads with voting rights, four who don't. But those of us who don't are still connected to the Clans who do - so it's not such a harsh divide after all."
He shrugged.
"Nii-sama and I don't always see eye to eye on everything." He acknowledged. "So it may not always work in the future. But for the time being, it pans out fine. And it means young Sora has a choice of two squads to go into when she comes of age and graduates - that is, providing she chooses to stick with Clan after all."
"Most people do." Shunsui said flippantly. "Except in Eighth, where Shinigami are a rare breed."
"That's because you have a tendency to idling away your time, huh." Hakubei shot Shunsui a knowing look. "But I've heard old man Genryuusai's struck a change in you – perhaps one of these days you'll come home with a sword of your own, too."
"Perhaps." Shunsui agreed good-naturedly. "You never know – they say, after all, that miracles can happen."
He glanced at his two companions.
"We'll go in and see Nii-sama." He said firmly. "He'll be waiting for me at least, and I'm sure he'll be glad to see you both as well. Hakubei, no doubt we'll see something of you too while you're in District Eight – for now we'll take our leave, all right?"
Before the older man could reply, Shunsui had looped a casual arm around each Juushirou and Hirata's shoulders, steering them towards the lights of the manor house. Behind them, Juushirou could hear Hakubei's amused laughter, and he cast Shunsui a quizzical glance.
"I hadn't realised that you had such a close rapport with Sora's kinsfolk as well as with Sora." He observed, and Shunsui shrugged.
"Kyouki-sama's children are quite friendly as a rule, and it's hard not to like them." He admitted. "Ryuusei's got more of a sense of responsibility about him overall – well, when he's around I don't forget to call him Ryuusei-dono, let's put it that way. Hakubei's a bit more casual. Before he got Tenth Squad, when they'd visit, he used to say that Eighth District was the best place for sake in all of Seireitei – and he'd goad me into trying it too."
"Yes, of course. Hakubei-dono goaded you into it." Juushirou eyed his friend sceptically, and Shunsui laughed.
"All right. I probably didn't need the persuasion." He admitted. "But really, you don't need to worry about him in the slightest. He's like Sora. Friendly as they come and absolutely unbiased when dealing with people. I like him for that reason – although I wouldn't say we had a close friendship, I never minded socialising with Nii-sama's Shiba kin."
"I thought he seemed nice." Hirata observed, and Juushirou nodded.
"He did." He agreed. "But now I know who he is, I'm not surprised. He reminds me of both Sora and Kyouki-sama…it's easy to tell what Clan he belongs to."
"It would be nice if more Clans were as open as the Shiba." Shunsui said regretfully. "But as it is, we just have to make do. Try not to run scared from the bright lights, you two – there's bound to be a bunch of people milling all over the shop since a Clan Leader's wedding is a big deal occasion. My kin will no doubt be coming in from the hills to jostle for Tokutarou-nii's attention – even though behind doors they still bitch about his connections to District Five."
"You really don't like your family that much, do you?" Hirata remarked, and Shunsui shook his head.
"Aside from Nii-sama and Okaasama – and well, maybe Rae-hime as well, now – I wouldn't care if they never came to call." He said honestly. "But at times like this, there's nothing to be done but suck it up and face it head on. They like me, even if I don't like them – and Nii-sama'd be cross with me, if I caused a rift."
At that moment they stepped into the main entrance hall of the Kyouraku estate and Juushirou stopped dead, a gasp escaping his lips as he took in his surroundings. Though he had thought the dining room in Inner Seireitei grandly decorated, he now realised that he had been wrong, for in this high-celiinged chamber was every sign of grandeur wherever he looked. Tapestries hung from the walls, woven in a distinct, delicate style and Juushirou was sure he could see the glitter of gold thread laced in among the floral designs and displays. Flowers were clearly very important to the Kyouraku, for Juushirou was aware of them everywhere he looked – carved into the ceiling arches, engraved into the polished mahogany that divided the wall panels and painted and stitched into every picture that brightened the already elaborate scene with yet more evidence of high living. Two massive stairways curled up from the centre of the room, leading to landings flanked with balustrades above, and Juushirou was sure he could see more steps to yet another tier beyond that.
At the head of the stairs, robed in the formal attire of a Clan Leader and with his red-hilted sword at his side was Tokutarou, and at the sight of them he let out an exclamation, hurrying down the steps two at a time as he came to greet his brother.
"I almost thought you'd gone rogue and escaped." He scolded. "People have been asking for you, Shunsui – and there's only so many times I can lie about the quality of the roads from District One."
"We're here now, so calm down." Shunsui advised him levelly, offering his senior a grin. "But thank you for the advice. If there are people looking to get their claws into me, your warning may have given me time to make a quick escape out the back."
"You're not escaping anywhere." Tokutarou told him firmly, grabbing him by the arm and hauling him back before the other could make good on his suggestion. "My heir is not going to play hooky – especially not considering the occasion."
"Spoilsport." Shunsui grimaced, and Tokutarou turned to Hirata and Juushirou with a smile.
"My apologies. I meant to welcome you more warmly than this." He said sheepishly. "Juushirou I know – and you must be Endou Hirata – who I've not yet had the pleasure of meeting."
"Yes, sir." Hirata bowed his head solemnly. "Thank you for accepting my presence here. I realise that it is something of an imposition, and…may cause you inconvenience, considering the current situation."
"There are a lot of people who dislike the Endou, especially at present." Tokutarou agreed gravely. "And I count myself among them most of the time. But you're not an ally of the man who cursed my brother last summer, are you, Hirata? From all I've heard, quite the opposite is true."
Hirata's head shot up, surprise in his blue eyes, and Tokutarou smiled.
"Midori-sama is fond of you, and I know you relinquished your Endou crest to Genryuusai-sama in order to continue your education in District One." He said softly. "You made a choice to exile yourself from your Clan then, and on account of that decision, I welcome you here now. Besides, you're Shunsui's classmate and his friend. That counts for something with me too, you know – I don't believe in judging you by the behaviour of your family."
A faint smile touched Hirata's lips.
"Thank you." He said softly. "I know that more than anyone District Eight has borne the brunt of first Grandfather and now Seimaru's actions - over the last few years especially."
Tokutarou's lips thinned.
"There's seldom good news from the border and even with our aid the refugee camps are struggling with hunger and disease." He agreed gravely. "But we persevere. And we keep hoping that one day there will be a change in Endou policy and a new line of thought in District Seven."
Juushirou saw a serious look cross Hirata's face, but the young boy did not reply, and Tokutarou turned to the District student, offering him a warm grin.
"On a lighter note, I was instructed to have this for you on your arrival in District Eight." He said lightly, pulling something from the folds of his brown Clan haori and holding it out. "I hope it is to your liking – it was crafted to the dimensions Shunsui sent me, so I trust that it will be a snug fit."
Startled, Juushirou took the wrapped bundle, carefully loosening the fabric and pulling back the flaps to reveal the black-polished scabbard, the wood carved, cut and smoothed to perfection by the expert craftsmen of District Eight. As he slipped his fingers around it, he noticed the glitter of silver and he turned it over, his eyes widening in surprise as he registered the elegantly monogrammed kanji for his family name, surrounded by a narrow, delicate border of what almost looked like the swirl of waves. He stared at Tokutarou, lost for words, and the Clan leader laughed.
"A Clansman's zanpakutou has his name on the sheath, so as everyone knows from where he comes." He said lightly, tapping Juushirou on the shoulder as he did so. "Your clan is Ukitake, is it not? Everyone should know that, too – since it's a name you carry with pride."
Juushirou grasped the sheath more tightly, nodding his head.
"Yes." He said firmly. "Yes, it is. Thank you, Tokutarou-sama. You're right."
"Thank Shunsui, not me. I just followed orders." Tokutarou winked at his brother, who shrugged.
"Happy birthday, albeit early." He said flippantly. "Now you can stop wrapping the poor thing in blankets and give it a proper place to sleep, can't you?"
"Right now it's inside the bundle of stuff I brought with me for the holiday." Juushirou coloured slightly at this, shaking his head. "I'm not sure where that is…Tokutarou-sama…?"
"It will have been taken you your room." Tokutarou advised him. "And I'm going to spirit Shunsui away now to do the right thing by his relatives, but I'll have someone take you to it. Hirata, you too – you've had a long journey and it's a little while yet before the evening meal will be served. Take a while to unwind and settle in – change your clothes and relax. You'll have plenty of time to see the rest of the house, after all."
He raised his hand in a gesture, and a young housemaid emerged from a side door, her cheeks flushing pink as she met Shunsui's gaze. She bowed hurriedly, sending Tokutarou a questioning look.
"Yes, Tokutarou-sama?" She asked, and Juushirou stared, recognising the soft lilt of a District One accent.
"Kyouko-san." He said softly, and Kyouko started, then offered him a shy smile, nodding her head.
"Ukitake-san." She murmured, bowing her head once more. "Welcome to District Eight."
"Kyouko, if you could take Juushirou and Hirata and reunite them with their luggage, I'd be grateful." Tokutarou said, and Kyouko nodded her head briskly.
"Yes, sir. At once." She agreed. "Would you please follow me?"
"You two know each other?" As they slipped through the seemingly endless passages, Hirata sent Juushirou a confused look, and Juushirou nodded his head.
"Kyouko-san is Megumi-san's friend. The one Shunsui helped escape from District One." He agreed. "I knew that Tokutarou-sama had taken her on as one of his house-staff – but you look much better than you did, Kyouko-san. I almost didn't recognise you."
"I like my life here." Kyouko reddened. "And…but…you're a guest of Tokutarou-sama and Shunsui-sama, so you mustn't call me Kyouko-san. Kyouko is fine – I'm just a maidservant, that's all."
"And I'm just a boy from the District coast." Juushirou grinned. "But if that's how you want it, I'll try to remember."
"I do." Kyouko nodded. "Nobody here but Shunsui-sama, Tokutarou-sama and Yasuhiro-dono know that I came from District One because of Megumi…or anything that happened to me there. I've tried to put it behind me."
Hirata's expression became haunted.
"I'm sorry, Kyouko-san." He said gravely. "My Clan are at fault for your friend's death, after all."
"Your…Clan?" Kyouko started, staring at Hirata for a moment, and then her eyes widened in dismay.
"Endou-ke?" She whispered, and Hirata nodded.
"Yes, but exiled." He agreed, a slight note of bitterness in his voice. "Seimaru despises me more than he ever did you or Megumi-san, I assure you – and he'd much more likely want to see my corpse than he would yours. I'm Endou by name but at the moment by name alone. I'm not your enemy – but all I can do is apologise for what Seimaru did to your friend."
Kyouko sighed, the tension seeping out of her body.
"Megumi's own actions also got her into trouble." She admitted. "If she had not played such a dangerous game…but it's over now, and can't be changed. I miss her still – but I can't undo what was done to her, so I try to move on as best I can."
She inclined her head in Hirata's direction.
"I accept your apology on Megumi's behalf, Endou-sama." She murmured. "You look like him, but your eyes are not the same. His were cold eyes – killing eyes. Yours are not…and I am sure that if you were an enemy, Tokutarou-sama and Shunsui-sama wouldn't have you here."
"My name is Hirata." Hirata said simply. "And I prefer not to be called by my Clan's name."
"Hirata is our classmate. Shunsui and mine." Juushirou explained. "He's always been on our side, Kyouko – never on the side of the people who killed Megumi-san. You can trust in what he says, I promise."
"If he's a friend of Shunsui-sama…" Kyouko pinkened. "My life now is a good one. I'm happy and I have friends and stability here in District Eight. All of that is thanks to Shunsui-sama's kindness – so if he believes in Hirata-sama, so do I."
With that she skipped on ahead to open the door of the chamber, and Juushirou and Hirata exchanged looks.
Clearly Kyouko's gratitude for Shunsui's kindness had spilled over into genuine affection – no, perhaps more a level of idolisation, Juushirou reflected as the maid stepped back, allowing them both to enter.
"I must return to my other duties." She said apologetically. "But if you need anything, you can easily summon someone with the bell since they're all connected to the servant quarters and we'll attend you as soon as possible."
She bowed her head, a smile on her face, then withdrew from the chamber, leaving them both alone.
"Well, Shunsui wasn't kidding." It was Juushirou who broke the silence. "When he said that it wasn't exactly a cosy place. But even though I thought I was prepared…Hirata, I really am not. Even the apartments in Inner Seireitei, even the Academy…none of it has prepared me for staying in the main house within a Clan heartland. You're going to have to help me work out what is what – otherwise I'm going to be a complete nuisance until the day I leave."
Hirata let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head.
"Kyouraku-kun would probably rather you were yourself, rather than trying to worry too much about etiquette and Clan attitude." He reflected. "But you're right in one respect. The Kyouraku have a bigger main house than I had realised – they're a more powerful Clan than Ojiisama ever gave me reason to believe."
"Size is power, huh?" Juushirou observed, and Hirata shrugged.
"Not necessarily." He admitted. "But having power means being able to put on a show. They're not as influential as the Kuchiki-ke or the Shiba-ke – but they're not weak. I wonder if that's down to Tokutarou-sama, or if it's all about history."
"Well, so long as they're strong enough to keep District Eight peaceful, I imagine that's all that matters." Juushirou dropped down onto the floor beside his bundle of belongings, carefully setting the sheath down on the floor as he began to unfasten the rope ties that had held it all together. "I'm not even going to ask how much this scabbard cost – I'm almost sure it was more than my family's entire annual income, to be quite honest."
"It is finely crafted." Hirata sank down beside him, touching the sheath with his index finger, then nodding. "It will last a long time, I think, since whoever made it knew what they were doing."
"Then its time for the acid test." Juushirou lifted Sougyo no Kotowari from the bundle, carefully unwrapping the blankets and tilting it slightly so that the evening sun glinted off the silver blade. "He keeps teasing me, but Shunsui is right. It shouldn't be swaddled like this – so if it fits the sheath, so much the better."
He touched the tip of the blade to the opening of the scabbard, then paused, offering Hirata a grin.
"I can feel it." He admitted. "Sougyo, I mean. It's as though it knows its getting a new resting place – it's tingling and prickling with excitement."
Hirata sent him a confused look.
"You know, I've never heard anyone talk about their sword like you do yours." He admitted. "Seimaru sees his as just a weapon, and Ojiisama did too. Obaasama's slept but though she was never far from it, she never mentioned it having thoughts like that. But you…with Sougyo…you do. As though it really is alive – not just a weapon but a being in its own right."
Juushirou sighed, sliding the weapon into the sheath and tapping the wood absently.
"Is that odd?"
"No." Hirata shook his head. "To be honest, I hope…if I ever have a zanpakutou, I'll be able to sense those things about it, too. It makes it seem like you really care for your sword, Ukitake-kun. That you have a real bond with it, and it with you."
"I think that's true." Juushirou nodded. "It's impossible to explain it, but it's there, at the edge of my awareness, like a part of me but also a part of itself. When it's released, the reiryoku floods over me like a tsunami – but right now, while it's asleep, it's just the faintest of sensations stirring within its seal."
He smiled.
"And it's a fine fit." He added. "Sougyo seems to approve, and so do I. I must thank Shunsui properly later – I haven't had a chance to, yet."
He set the sword aside, then,
"And we should probably do as Tokutarou-sama suggested, and change clothes." He added. "Since neither of us should be seen in a place like this in our messy school uniform."
"What will you wear?" Hirata looked blank, and Juushirou laughed.
"When I stayed in Inner Seireitei, Tokutarou-sama had clothes prepared for me to wear to dinner that night." He responded, unpacking the delicate grey fabric from his pack. "And he insisted I kept it, since he thought I'd have need of it again. Now seems to be a good time – I won't disgrace anyone if I'm at least dressed smartly to begin with, right?"
"I suppose he already anticipated you'd be here this winter." Hirata pursed his lips. "I wonder if he expected trouble from home even before Grandfather's death."
"Mm." Juushirou recalled the conversation with Tokutarou and nodded. "I think he did. He warned me about District Seven and that there was danger there. But at that point Shouichi-sama was still alive…and all seemed stable."
"Then a few days on he was murdered." Hirata said flatly. "And that changed."
"You still think that way, huh?" Juushirou eyed him keenly, and Hirata nodded.
"I know it." He said simply. "I know Seimaru. And I know Ojiisama didn't die by accident. They just can't prove that he didn't, that's all. The Unohana don't believe in making accusations without firm proof. Seimaru's taken advantage of that fact…somehow. But either way the end result is the same."
He sighed.
"My being here might be a bad thing." He said pensively. "But it might also be a lure."
"You think Tokutarou-sama would…" Juushirou trailed off, and Hirata shrugged his shoulders.
"Perhaps." He admitted. "And if he has, I won't blame him. The way he spoke to me downstairs…makes me think that he hopes somehow I'll be strong and take control of my Clan. But at the moment I don't see how I can take on a Shinigami with a zanpakutou at release level. Also, with Father in…whatever position…"
He trailed off, looking troubled, then,
"Tokutarou-sama probably knows that." He owned. "And so is resorting to plan B. If he can bring Seimaru here, he can arrest him…and bring before the Council a case of Endou intimidation tactics. That must be what he's thinking. That if I'm here, Seimaru may come. And if Seimaru comes…he'll be in breach of Council law. It's forbidden for a Head of a Clan to visit another land without prior permission unless the two Clans are officially allied by a written treaty. No such thing exists between Eight and Seven. In the past, Seimaru coming here would have been a lesser thing. But now he is Head of the Endou…he has to obey that law too. And he can't come here just on a whim. If he does, it will be a Council issue – and I'm sure Tokutarou-sama will pounce."
"So you're the bait in the trap." Juushirou frowned. "Do you think Shunsui knows that?"
"I think he might suspect it." Hirata agreed. "But it's all right, Ukitake-kun. I came here knowing it, too. I had already made up my mind that I would risk it and come – if it meant I was a political pawn and a lure for Seimaru, so be it. I want him dead, you see…and I'm not sure I can be strong enough to kill him."
"Hirata!" Juushirou stared at his friend, aghast, for the young boy had stated his intentions calmly and matter-of-factly, as though describing a planned holiday trip. At his expression, Hirata smiled faintly, spreading his hands.
"All Endou are like that, in the end." He murmured. "I'm not like Seimaru, but I'm not immune to my heritage, either. None of us are. You don't survive in District Seven if you aren't aware it's kill or be killed. Since the start Father intended me to grow strong and kill Seimaru. I've so far not succeeded, even though I am getting stronger. If I'd managed it sooner, then maybe…Ojiisama wouldn't have been murdered. Perhaps I could have challenged Seimaru and beaten him and have Ojiisama accept me on the basis of that win. Perhaps Father wouldn't be imprisoned now. Perhaps…"
He faltered, and Juushirou could see tears in the younger boy's eyes.
"Perhaps if I had a zanpakutou." He whispered. "I could help my family more."
"Hirata…" Juushirou sighed, reaching across to put a comforting arm around his companion's shoulders. "Stop it. You're not to blame for what's happening there and you're working as hard as you can. Everyone knows that. I'm sure Misashi-sama knows it, too. You've done nothing wrong…Seimaru is the villain here, not you."
"Mm. Perhaps." Hirata agreed dolefully. "But I should still be more useful. I'm living free and away from all the trouble, but who knows what they're going through in District Seven. Father. Mother. Eiraki…I'm not there to help any of them."
Juushirou was silent for a moment. Then,
"I brought it with me, you know." He said softly, and Hirata turned, eying him in surprise.
"It?"
"The letter." Juushirou nodded. "The one you gave to me after everything with the Shihouin-ke."
"You brought it here?" Hirata paled, and Juushirou nodded again.
"I couldn't leave it behind, just in case it got found." He said grimly, slipping his fingers into his obi and pulling out the folded sheet of washi parchment. "And I wasn't sure whether there'd be anywhere here to hide it. But I think…Shunsui may have provided me with the answer."
His gaze strayed to the sheath, then,
"That's designed to fit my sword, but I noticed when I put the blade in that it's been put together in a specific way." He added. "Sougyo's confirmed it, too. To make the shape fit inside but keep the outside finish smooth there's a slight gap between the outer casing and the inner lining. I think I can fit the letter in there – and nobody would look for it in Sougyo's sheath. So I think…that's what I'm going to do."
"I see." Hirata's features relaxed. "That is a good idea. You're right – it's not an obvious place, and if you're as aware of your sword as you seem to be, Sougyo no Kotowari would always be guarding the letter, too."
"I promised your father my sword would help you." Juushirou grinned, patting Hirata on the back. "This way it can and nobody gets hurt. I'm sure even Sensei wouldn't object to that."
"No, I guess not." Hirata managed a grin of his own, and Juushirou was secretly glad to see it. "And I'll try my best not to worry. Even if Seimaru did come for me, you have the letter. He probably thinks Midori-sama has it, but if he knows that it's not with me, he'll be more cautious in how he acts. It's a gamble but the only way I have at the moment of keeping my family safe."
"I doubt he'll go after Midori-sama." Juushirou reflected. "After their face off, I wouldn't think he'll go near her."
"Me either." Hirata agreed. "At least, that's what I'm hoping."
He sighed, stretching his arms over his head.
"We should change." He added. "And try not to dwell too much on my Clan's issues. Especially you, since this is the first Clan holiday you've had, and I want you to enjoy it. The Kyouraku are a nice Clan, after all – you should make the most of the experience while you can!"
Time was moving at a snail's pace.
Shunsui cast a rueful glance out of one of the chamber windows at the darkening sky, stifling a sigh as he forced his attention back towards his second cousin's long and interminably boring dialogue about political connections in the west of the District. All around him, members of his Clan had already jostled for his attention, and despite himself he felt more than a little claustrophobic.
"And so in the end, there was nothing to do but arrest the lot of them." The cousin concluded, offering a self-satisfied smile which told Shunsui that he had no regrets about locking up anyone who had crossed his path. "Since they couldn't absorb even the most basic of manners, we had to interrogate them under armed guard. They still denied it, of course – thieves generally do – but they'll probably get a long spell in one of the cells for their trouble."
"You should be careful." Shunsui advised absently. "You don't want to overcrowd your manor prison, Ryousuke-dono. And if you don't have enough people to manage your land, you'll find your harvests and exports grind to a halt…and that won't please anybody."
"Yes, well, I know that." Ryousuke sighed, the irony of his companion's words lost on him. "But even so, crime is crime and must be punished in whatever way the law says. Between us I'd hang them or slice them down, then at least they wouldn't be filling cell space…but Tokutarou-sama is against such punishments for petty theft, and so…it's as you see."
He looked hopeful.
"Perhaps you could talk to him for me? After all, you are far more conveniently placed than I am to put such a suggestion."
"Well, I could." Shunsui pursed his lips. "But I don't think it'd do much good. You see, Ryousuke-dono, I agree with my brother's policy on this. And besides, not all poor folk want to be thieves. Some of them just have no other way of getting food or water for themselves and for their families. Perhaps if you looked at it from that angle, you might find a way to cut down on the thefts and improve your region's productivity – that would surely make Nii-sama look favourably on your family."
Ryousuke shot Shunsui a confused look, then,
"You have a radical way of thinking, even now." He murmured. "Are you sincere?"
"Quite sincere." Shunsui nodded. "The happier your common folk, the better they will work for you and the more loyally they'll stand by you. It's simple common sense – you reap what you sow, as the saying goes."
"Well…" Ryousuke looked doubtful. "I'm not so sure. I realise that you've been in the close company of some of these District types of late and perhaps it's given you an odd perception of them and their capabilities. But the average peasant barely knows how to write his own name and he's not much good for more than menial labour. To reward that ignorance with benevolence seems extreme – I'm afraid I don't see the benefit to our Clan at all in such an action."
"Favour from the Clan Leader is always beneficial, though, isn't it, Ryousuke-dono?"
Hakubei's voice broke through the conversation at that point and both turned, Ryousuke stiffening at the sight of the Shiba Captain.
"Hakubei-dono." He said softly, bowing his head although his tones indicated that he had little interest in talking with foreign Clansfolk. At the reaction, Hakubei grinned, offering the man a wink.
"I'm sorry to interrupt Kyouraku business, but I have an urgent need of Shunsui-dono's company and it can't wait." He said apologetically. "Will you excuse us? My mother has sent me with an errand, and as you know, my mother is quite an insistent woman."
"Then we shouldn't keep her waiting." Shunsui responded, bowing his head in Ryousuke's direction. "We'll no doubt continue this another time, Ryousuke-dono."
With that he turned, following Hakubei across the chamber, and once out of earshot he grinned.
"Thank you for that." He said warmly. "I needed rescuing. Does Kyouki-sama really want me, or was that a ruse?"
"A ruse, though I'm sure she'd find any number of reasons to prod and poke at you if she wasn't already busy interrogating the Shihouin and Kuchiki bocchan about the Academy." Hakubei gestured to the other side of the hall. "But as it happens, I wanted to speak to you and it connects a little with what she's saying to them. It's about your neighbours – you probably won't be surprised that there are Shiba-ke here as much to find out about the Endou as they are for your brother's marriage."
"I'd already surmised as much." Shunsui nodded. "Nobody attends any event without an ulterior motive, after all."
"Yeah, well, right." Hakubei nodded, pushing open the door and stepping out into the cool night air. "So we'll talk out here for a minute, if you don't mind. Okaasama is being circumspect for once in what she says to those two – but it's her impression, and mine too…that they probably know something about the Urahara exiles that are being chased down across the border."
"Kai, almost certainly. I'm pretty sure that Shihouin Midori has been trying to obtain information on them as well, since she wants an alliance for her Clan with my brother." Shunsui nodded. "Ryuu I'm not so sure of. The Kuchiki may be concerned, but they don't tend to talk about things so I wouldn't know. Possibly he doesn't, either. Even as second degree Clan, I don't think Ryuu knows an awful lot about Kuchiki Council concerns."
"But the Shihouin boy?" Hakubei's eyes narrowed. "I heard a story that he was wound up in the Shihouin disgrace but escaped by the skin of his teeth. Is that true?"
"No." Shunsui shook his head, offering Hakubei a rueful smile. "You are digging deep – do you then mistrust Midori-sama's interest in an alliance? Or are you worried it might offset the one that already exists between Kyouraku and Shiba? Because Kai-kun is my friend and I can vouch for him. He knew of the things that went on then – it would have been impossible once Midori-sama killed our Hohou instructor for him to have been oblivious. But he was attacked and almost killed by the conspirators – and he's had to face a lot since the Clan almost collapsed. He's not an enemy and he certainly isn't working with the Endou – unless, of course, you mean Hirata, in which case that's another story."
"Ah yes. Hirata." Hakubei pursed his lips. "He's smaller and scrawnier than I imagined. I'd heard about this young'un who'd allied himself with the Shihouin and defied his Clan – but I find it hard to visualise that one doing it."
"Appearances are deceptive." Shunsui agreed. "But Hirata is stronger than he looks. Spiritually and mentally, anyhow – I can't say as much for his sword training, since to be honest it still sucks."
Hakubei grinned.
"You don't like me asking questions about your friends, do you?" He observed, and Shunsui shook his head.
"They're not suspects in any Council intrigue, nor for the Gotei to bother." He said frankly. "That isn't why I invited them here."
"You must know, though, that Toku-nii will have ulterior motives for having allowed so many people to come?"
"Yes, I'd realised. But from my perspective, they're my friends and that's all." Shunsui said evenly. "I'm sorry, Hakubei. I like you and I trust you, but I'm not going to give you unfounded gossip about the people I live with half of the year. They're also people I like and people I trust – and it doesn't matter what Clan they do or don't come from."
"You really mean that." Hakubei reflected. "Yet still I'm a little glad. Sora said you weren't such a flyaway specimen now, and she's right. You've found some roots, so I'll not try and dig them up."
He grinned.
"One last question, though." He added. "About the District boy. Ukitake."
"About Juu?" Shunsui was startled. "He's not even from a Clan…what about Juu?"
"There's a rumour that he has information – inside information – about the Endou-ke and everything else." Hakubei said softly. "And you seem to be his closest friend."
Shunsui snorted.
"You're right. Juu is my closest friend." He said matter-of-factly. "And he's smart and studies hard and has taken the Academy by storm. But he's a District boy, Hakubei. What would he know about Clan politics? All of that's way out of his league and nothing to do with him – if you think that, you're way off base."
"I'm not that simple." Hakubei tapped Shunsui on the head. "Nor is Okaasama. She discussed it with him a little, when he was in Inner Seireitei. He was aware of the events surrounding your being cursed by Seimaru's sword at the very least. Most significantly, he told her that you weren't pulling him into it – but trying to keep him out. I'm fairly sure Toku-nii and Okaasama know a good deal of what you know. But the District boy – maybe he knows more."
"Hakubei…"
"He's close to the Endou boy, after all. Isn't he?"
"Yes, but…"
"At the Council, Okaasama saw him speaking with Misashi-dono." Hakubei pressed. "A man who is now confined…presumably because of information he has regarding his Clan's new leader."
"Misashi-dono did speak to Juu." Shunsui nodded. "That's no mystery. He gave Juu a message for Hirata that his family was safe."
"And he risked his Father's anger to tell a District boy such an insignificant message?" Hakubei arched an eyebrow. "When he hasn't spoken to his son for months in case it puts his position in danger? Don't be naïve. You're smarter than that."
"That's what Juu told me." Shunsui said levelly. "And I believe him, so that's that. Juu's my good friend – he has no reason to lie to me and no political allegiance to warp his way of seeing things. He's a District boy, like I said. He has friends, not allies – and forms bonds, not diplomatic treaties. Don't judge him on Clan level, Hakubei. He's not like us. He's not as tainted."
"Well, you should know." Hakubei eyed him doubtfully, but Shunsui managed to meet his gaze, suspecting that he had probably lied but even so, he was unwilling to bring Juushirou into danger. "Okaasama thinks otherwise – that he might even be in possession of important evidence – but that's just her theory and she might be wrong."
"Since I spend more time with him, I imagine I know better than Kyouki-sama." Shunsui said primly, and Hakubei grinned, ruffling his fingers through Shunsui's wavy hair.
"All right, I get the message." He said frankly. "I'm done with the interrogation now. I'm sorry, Shunsui. Sometimes duty overrules good manners."
"You have good manners?" Shunsui laughed despite himself, pushing the older man's arm away. "Obviously duty overrules them a lot, since I've never seen them."
"Too long spent on manoeuvre has eroded my social skills." Hakubei admitted. "But you'll know about that soon enough yourself, I imagine, since Toku-nii said you've accepted the fact the haori will be yours when you graduate Genryuusai-sama's Academy."
"Mm. I guess so." Shunsui agreed. "Though my manners were never great to begin with, if I'm completely honest."
He sighed.
"This whole break isn't going to be all about the Endou and the Urahara, is it?" He asked plaintively. "Nii-sama's getting married – please tell me there'll at least be some fun and a party."
"No doubt, considering this is Kyouraku land." Hakubei chuckled. "Don't look so sorrowful. Things will settle down. And if they're as you say – if nobody knows anything – people will stop asking questions, too. It's only for the safety of everyone that they are, in any case – don't dwell on it too much, okay?"
"Wasn't going to." Shunsui said dismissively, but he already knew that he would.
Evidence Juu has. Just what I suspected. Almost certainly Kyouki-sama's right, and he really hasn't said anything because it's something he can't say. Something he's promised Hirata, like before – something between the two of them. Something involving the Endou-ke and evidence – probably the letter that linked Seimaru to the Shihouin and the reidoku scandal.
His brows knitted together.
Be careful, Juu. If you can't tell me then you can't, and I promised not to be too overprotective, so it's not my place to ask. But if you don't confide in me then it's harder for me to cover for you all the same. If I'm right – and if Kyouki-sama is right – you'll be putting yourself in danger. And I only hope that it's danger we can intercept before it becomes beyond our control.
Midnight.
Above the stables, an owl hooted, and a soft winter breeze blew against the loose beams, causing an eerie whistling sound in reply to the hunting bird's call. Within, horses stirred restlessly, unable to properly sleep in the chill of the night, and in the blackness, a single figure darted between building to building, intend on a specific goal.
As he reached the furthermost stable building - empty as it now was for Shouichi's horse that had been tethered there had already been moved elsewhere - he paused, listening intently for any sign that he had company. It was a grave risk, after all. It could be a trap, or it could be something else. It could be a way to ensnare his unfortunate master yet further...or it could be a pathway to freedom for the kin Misashi loved so much.
For that reason Kibana had taken the risk. Misashi was relying on him - he wouldn't let the Lord down.
He settled himself in the shadows, his hand loosely resting against the hilt of his weapon as he prepared himself for a potential ambush. He did not have the spiritual senses that some of his comrades did - this alone had made him safe in District Seven despite his foreign birth, for he was a soldier but would never be a shinigami. For a moment he remembered the impromptu fight against one of the weak members of Seventh Squad, and he curled his lip, inwardly berating his carelessness.
He had been lucky, that time. In the melee and confusion of Seimaru's return and Misashi's imprisonment, the death had been overlooked and even ignored. Seimaru did not care for the Shinigami he now commanded, after all - a corpse was an inconvenience and survival among his men was a right earned by the fittest, not gifted to those who could not keep their grip on their blades. Kibana had not come under suspicion, yet he had taken no chances, keeping his head down and making no demur when Misashi had been chained and led away to his cell. He had felt it was betrayal, ignoring the plight of a man who he had come to respect more than any master he had ever served. Yet Misashi had so ordered it. And he would obey.
For the sake of the Endou-ke's future, he would obey.
"Well, so you are here already."
The voice was soft, yet it cut through Kibana like a knife and he instinctively pulled his weapon from its sheath, glancing around him for any sign of the speaker. He heard a soft chuckle in the darkness, then saw a faint flickering of light, the eerie glow glinting off the newcomer's appearance and giving his eyes a ghostly, unreal appearance. For a split-second Kibana felt sure he had seen eyes like that somewhere before...but then the moment was gone, and the intruder was offering him a smile.
"Kibana Hiroto-dono, I presume?" He murmured, and Kibana got to his feet, his grip on his sword not relaxing for a moment.
"You are a soldier, just as Eiraki-hime told me." The other man shook his head, his tone slightly chiding. "But I am not here to fight or kill you. My name is Minazake...if you received the Hime's message, then you'll know why it is I have come."
"Minazake-dono." Now Kibana recognised him, and he sighed, sliding his weapon back into its sheath. "I'm sorry. In the darkness..and with all so ill at ease..."
"I know." The other's expression became troubled. "Which is why we must be careful where and how we speak. I don't know if the horses act as spies for the Lord Seimaru - but I would not be surprised if they did."
"Me either." Kibana acknowledged, a wry smile touching his lips. "Then even in this short time you have a good grasp of how things work in the main house."
His companion nodded.
"As you say." He agreed sadly. "Though I am surprised you agreed to meet with me. I am an unknown to you - it could easily have been a trap."
"I believe in Eiraki-hime's sincerity and know she would not betray her Lord father." Kibana said simply. "If she trusts in you, Minazake-dono, so do I."
"Then our conversation will be shorter and easier." There was a second flicker of light, and Kibana realised that somehow the nobleman had set light to the two basic torches that flanked the walls. He opened his eyes wide in surprise, and Keitarou laughed, putting his finger to his lips as if to indicate the other man should not say anything.
"I have very basic kidou skills, as befits a man of my blood." He said softly. "But Seimaru-sama does not know this and I would rather he did not discover it. My family are, after all, nothing but pawns in a bigger puzzle where he is concerned. And for the time being, it's better he sees me that way."
Kibana glanced at the torches, noting how the red flame flickered brightly yet did not reach across to set fire to the walls of the stable itself.
"I would not call those basic skills." He acknowledged. "I'm a man with no spiritual abilities to recommend me, so my judgement is very much one of an outsider. Yet I have seen shinigami cast spells, Minazake-dono. I think perhaps you missed your calling."
"I was not allowed to train for a sword on account of my bloodline." There was a faint bitterness now in the other man's words, and Kibana sighed.
"I'm sorry. I meant no offence."
"You've caused me none. The truth is the truth, after all." Keitarou shrugged his shoulders. "For now, the past is irrelevant. We're here to discuss the future."
"Yes." Kibana nodded. "And I know what my aims and objectives are. But what drives you, Minazake-dono? Simple revenge on Seimaru-sama for the isolation of your kin? Or is it more than that?"
"Revenge is a good motive. Especially when you're the last of your line and there's nobody else to take up the fight." Keitarou smoothed down the rich fabric of his hakama, contemplating this carefully. "It's simmered for a long time, but its about ready to burst into flame. Just like my kidou, Kibana-dono. It's been well controlled and hidden away for the time that I might need it the most. My family were killed by this branch of the Endou, imprisoned and humiliated because they were no longer deemed important. I would like to correct that situation."
He shrugged.
"You are Misashi-dono's servant." He continued. "I am no such thing. Misashi-dono is an unknown to me, after all - since he was locked away before I arrived here. However, I have an interest now in that family. Eiraki-hime is a prisoner here, and I can't abide that fact. She and Sumire-sama should be set free...and then, if its possible...to change everything. There's only one way to do that...one way to bring things back into line. You see it too, I think...hence that's why you're here. To leave this place completely - and find one who can put things to rights."
"You mean Hirata-sama, don't you?" Kibana lowered his voice, unsure even about speaking the name, but Keitarou nodded.
"Getting to him, though, that's the problem." He said with a sigh. "But Eiraki-hime thinks you may know a way - to get them to safety, at the very least - and to alert Hirata-sama of what's afoot. Maybe rally some kind of rebellion...and put things to rights here once and for all."
"And then, perhaps, you might marry Eiraki-hime and return your branch of the Clan to power and favour?" Kibana asked cautiously. At this, Keitarou laughed, amusement in his unusual, mud-slurried eyes. He nodded.
"I wouldn't be sincere if I lacked any personal motivation." he agreed. "She is a young girl, yet, but she has strength and I like her. In time, I believe, such a thing would be acceptable to both her and to me. I would be able to put right the wrongs done to my family, and I would also be able to ensure she was safe and protected from Seimaru-sama and his wrath. Because he intends to kill her, Kibana-dono. Even though he brings me here, he intends to do away with both her and Sumire-sama when the time is right. Misashi-sama too, I'm sure. Perhaps that will be my fate also, when he's finished with his little puppet show of diplomacy. There is no time for us to be playing games and contemplating future politics...if we do not act, there will be no future. Seimaru-sama intends to do what his Grandfather did before him. Eradicate everyone else who could possibly contest his claim and rule supreme."
"And you believe this because Riku-sama still remains confined, and because he has brought you here to act as his tool, despite the fact you and he share a closer blood connection than you did with Shouichi-sama?" Kibana asked. Keitarou nodded.
"Blood is thinner than it seems." He said cryptically. "There is no family connection between my people and his, now. That was ended a long time ago. I thought that I would lack for allies here, and that there was no hope...but I've been proven wrong and I am glad of it. I don't know whether you will trust me - or if its even fair of me to expect it. But if we can work together at the very least to get Eiraki-hime and Sumire-sama to safety...to alert Hirata-sama...then if we can only do that, it will be enough."
Kibana was silent for a moment, then,
"My Lord Misashi warned me not to act recklessly." He said at length. "He said to go along with Seimaru-sama's orders and to keep myself out of trouble. I don't know if he would sanction me working with a disgruntled kinsman in such a way. However..."
"He is not here to give you an order." Keitarou pointed out softly, and Kibana nodded.
"That is also true." He said gravely. "And I must decide for myself how to act. When I first came here, I had no money and no hope of obtaining any. My family and I travelled here penniless and starving after the civil war rent holes through District Eight - and yet I was lucky and found employment as part of Misashi-sama's guard. From that point he gave me more and more of his trust - I do not want to betray him. To spirit Eiraki-hime and Sumire-sama away might bring anger down on his head - may even see him killed. But..."
He paused, then,
"I think he would still want me to accept your proposal." He admitted. "Even if it puts me at risk of death or worse. You are right when you say I have a way to cross the border - from my days in the army there, I have my Kyouraku seal and have used it in the past for the same purpose. I also know District Eight's trackways and paths better than anyone else in District Seven - and every covert way to the border that might elude the guards of the Endou-ke. I can't offer you more than simple swordsmanship in terms of protection, and I have no position here by which to create a diversion. But I can help them escape. And if that's what needs to be done, then I will."
"You can leave the diversion to me." Keitarou's expression became thoughtful. "So its agreed, then? From this point we will work as allies to free Eiraki-hime and her Lady mother?"
He held out his hand, and for a moment Kibana hesitated. Then he nodded, grasping the other's thin fingers in his and shaking them firmly.
"It is agreed." He said solemnly. "Somehow, for the sake of this whole District, we must prevail."
Author's Note:
Since this came up in a review recently, I think it best to clear this up:
I'm not writing Shunsui and Juushirou in a shounen-ai/yaoi manner. It's not that I have any problem with that concept, I just don't write shounen-ai or yaoi stories and to me Juu and Shun's friendship is friendship and nothing else. They're tied together by their twin spirited blades, but that's all. I've portrayed them being very close to one another and Shunsui somewhat protective of Juu - but that isn't meant to signify anything xD.
That said - and I know I've had conversations with CERTAIN non-mentioned peoples about this - I don't mind if people want to read slash into my work or interpret the pairing in a different way from the way I do. I just want people to know that I will not be actively writing Meifu in that vein at any point.