Chapter Thirty Nine: Shoubu
"Kei-sama! You came here…Are you all right?"
As Keitarou stepped into Eiraki's chambers, an anxious voice greeted him and even as he bowed his head, the young girl came hurrying towards him, grabbing him by the sleeves as she tried to assess his condition for himself. He raised his gaze, and as he did so, Eiraki let out a further cry, reaching out a thin, delicate finger to gently touch against the rich purpling of her companion's cheek.
It was the next day, and, thanks to the ice, Keitarou's bruises had come fully to the surface, evidence of his tussle with Seimaru in the council chamber the day before. It had been a small price to pay, Keitarou had reflected that night, though it had caused Shikiki too some amount of distress on seeing her guardian's wounds, and he had had to promise her several times that what he was doing would not put his life in any danger. But there was a difference between the frightened village girl and his wary, skittish fiancée, so for a moment he did not speak, allowing her to absorb the damage for herself.
She was worried, then. That gratified him, for he was aware of the gentle buzzing of her consciousness against his. The fragment of his weapon still dug deep into her heart, after all – and, standing this close to her, he could read her reactions and emotions as clearly as if they were his own.
At length she spoke.
"I heard a rumour." She said softly. "That you questioned my cousin in the council and were beaten for your trouble. I did not think…that such a thing would be true. But…you are come here now, with bruises…"
She faltered, and Keitarou sighed, sinking down onto the cushions beside the window.
"I said one word too many." He admitted, schooling his battered features into a look of regretful contrition. "And by doing so, I hope I have not jeopardised everything. I am sorry, Eiraki-hime. I was careless…and he was not."
He reached up a gloved hand to his cheek, then,
"I was lucky. He was somewhat distracted – one more kick and my entire face would have been in pieces."
Eiraki flinched, horror glittering in her vivid blue eyes, and Keitarou felt again the faint buzz of anxiety against his senses. So she had seen it before, then, Seimaru's split-second, hair-trigger temper and the sadistic manner in which he carried out his assaults. Perhaps her thoughts were also on her father, he reflected – and for the briefest split-second he remembered Daisuke, bleeding and broken in the Endou-ke's freezing cell. He frowned, more disturbed by the memory than he liked to admit, and he pushed it aside, focusing his attention back on the matter at hand.
"I am sorry." He repeated. "That I'm even still alive is probably a miracle in itself."
"A miracle or a mistake, I want to make him regret it." Eiraki said softly. "I have thought about it a lot, Kei-sama. About your secret and the hold my cousin has over you because of it. This has just made me more sure that everything I've been taught is a lie. The Urahara exiles aren't the bad ones. Grandfather just wanted to get rid of them…and now it means Seimaru-sama has power over those of you that are left."
"There are very few of us. I may even be the last." Keitarou spoke seriously, lowering his tones so that only she could hear him. "And if anyone was to find out my true name…if anyone was to know who I really was…"
He trailed off, eying her carefully for any sign of reaction, and was pleased to see distress and resolve flicker across her gaze.
"I will not betray your secret to anybody. Not even if I die concealing it." She said firmly, no wavering in her tone despite the apprehension Keitarou knew was in her heart. "You are my ally, after all. A hime should have allies she trusts and who can put their trust in her. Otousama would think the same. That I should trust you…and we should help each other find freedom from Seimaru-sama's grasp."
She sighed, smoothing down her skirts.
"You have…managed to speak to Kibana-dono?" She murmured, and Keitarou nodded.
"We are of similar mind and we both agree what must be done should be done at once, before Seimaru-sama has a chance to get wind of it. My actions yesterday may have made it even more pressing…though from all I have seen and heard, Kibana-dono is a capable soldier – enough, perhaps, that he can protect you in a way that I cannot."
"I trust Kibana-dono. Father always has and I do too." Eiraki agreed. She rubbed her chest absently, then sighed. "But all this tension is making me uneasy. If we are to go, we should go. It is as you say…the longer we wait, the more chance we have of being discovered. I believe it, Kei-sama – that if we can find my brother, he's the only one who can kill Seimaru-sama and restore things to how they should be. But from here we can't do anything. From here we're caged birds, not hunting birds…and that's not how Endou should be."
So the wench had Clan pride, even beyond everything. Keitarou made a careful note of this fact, nodding his head and offering her a smile.
"Kibana is to speak to your Lady mother at his first opportunity. Today, I believe, from the scrap of parchment that was jammed into the runners of my chamber door. It was not a letter by any means, and I may have misinterpreted it – yet I believe I have not. I will meet with him one more time, and we will plan quite clearly how to do this. And then you will be a free bird, Hime-sama. Not a caged one."
"I will be?" Eiraki faltered, then, "Kei-sama…you…really wouldn't come with us? Even…after what happened to you in the council session? If Seimaru-sama found out…if he knew…he'd kill you. And…"
"I will be careful, but you know I have to stay." Keitarou shook his head. "I must, because someone must be here to cover the traces of your disappearance. Besides, I promised, didn't I? To find out where Misashi-dono was and try to help him. And…and I have lived a long time with the threat of death over my head, Eiraki-hime. A long, long time. I am sure…I will live a little longer."
Eiraki was silent for a moment, and Keitarou was surprised to see the tears glittering in her bright eyes.
"Then promise you will come as soon as you can." She whispered. "Because I will want to know, Kei-sama. I'll want to see that you are…all right."
"Then I will promise." Keitarou nodded, marvelling at how easy it was to latch on to the tormented emotions of a frightened, lonely young girl. "I will not be killed, and when things are quieter, I will come after you. But for now, you are the focus. I am less important. You and your Lady Mother are the ones who most of all must be got away from this place."
"I'll raise an army if I have to." Eiraki swore, and Keitarou shook his head.
"Find Hirata-sama. Speak to him." He said quietly. "Listen well, Hime-sama. I have heard something that may be of use."
"Something?" Eiraki looked startled, and Keitarou nodded.
"A rumour among dissatisfied nobles is simply that, quite often. You must not speak of it since I don't know that it is true." He murmured. "But your brother is said to have something that Seimaru-sama wants – some evidence by which he is forcing Seimaru-sama to keep your Father alive. I do not know what this evidence is, exactly…but I have heard that it is in the form of a letter. Like I said, I don't know precisely, but…Eiraki-hime?"
For Eiraki had paled, her hand going to her mouth at his words.
"Hime, what's wrong? Did I say something to distress you?"
"No. No, not that." Eiraki shook her head, offering him a faint, feeble smile. "No, it's just…Nii-sama did something to displease Seimaru-sama and Nii-sama has been able to live in exile as he has, without Grandfather or Seimaru-sama being able to touch him. More, Grandfather brought Father back into the heart of the council, and Seimaru-sama has not killed him, even though…even though he wants to do so. Hirata-nii may be the reason. Perhaps Seimaru-sama is afraid of fighting him. But perhaps there is something else. Because my brother was not strong enough to fight Seimaru-sama's will when he first left here. But he defied Seimaru-sama and did so without retribution. I believe the rumour is true, Kei-sama. I believe…this proof exists."
Excitement glittered in her eyes.
"Proof with which maybe Seimaru-sama could be overthrown." She whispered, and Keitarou nodded.
"Another reason why I should stay at court." He responded. "If you can speak to your brother and explain to him our reasoning, I'm sure he'd part with this proof, after all. And if you could get it to me…if it was in my possession…"
"Then you could attack from the inside, whilst we attacked from without." Eiraki whispered, and Keitarou saw a fleeting glimmer of killer instinct surface briefly in the young girl's eyes, taking him entirely off-guard as a matching swell of determination flooded through the fragment of metal buried deep within her heart.
Eiraki is an Endou too. Like Seimaru. Like Shouichi. Like the old woman. Perhaps like this Hirata, too. They are all of them the same, deep down. Their cores are those of killers, no matter how nicely they dress or speak or how innocent they may seem. Even this one has the power to spill blood in her family's name. Even this one is potentially a killer.
Keitarou smiled, reaching across to pat Eiraki on the shoulder.
"We will succeed, I think." He said lightly. "If you have such determination, and your brother can be brought to our cause."
Eiraki nodded, rubbing her chest again slightly and then raising her gaze to his.
"Kei-sama, you haven't told me, yet." She murmured, and Keitarou eyed her in confusion.
"Told you?"
"Your true name. You said it wasn't Minazake, and that you were a member of that Clan. But…if you are not Minazake Roukei-dono, then…I do not know how to truly call you. And I should like it, even if I can't use it. I should like very much to be able to know your name."
Colour flooded her cheeks at this shy confession, and Keitarou laughed, slowly nodding his head.
"You can always call me Kei-sama." He assured her. "My true name is Keitarou, and my assumed one is Roukei. We are both Kei, you see? Kei is my true name – you have been using it correctly all along."
"Kei…tarou." Eiraki whispered the word slowly, then, "I see. So you truly are Kei-sama? Even though everything else…is a lie?"
"Yes. I suppose so." Keitarou agreed. "Though the only ones who have ever called me simply 'Kei' are my mother and the close cousin who was killed at Shouichi-sama's hand. It is a very intimate name, after all."
"Intimate?" Eiraki could not go any redder, and Keitarou chuckled.
"You are young just yet." He said. "But in time, you will not be. In time, perhaps, we can talk about those things. Our engagement is forced – and I do not want a forced bride. But if you still wish to call me Kei-sama when this is all over, Eiraki-hime…and if you do not mind sullying your Clan blood with an unwanted Urahara – then I will not object. Hime of my Clan marry at sixteen, after all – in two years from now, if things go as we plan them to – I would still be honoured to have you become my wife."
Eiraki lowered her gaze, yet Keitarou felt a flicker of pleasure cross the girl's confused heart and he knew beyond all doubt that her attachment to him was genuine.
Children have such simple, malleable emotions. They think everything will stay the same forever.
Keitarou glanced at her flushed features for a moment, then,
But she shows signs that she will grow to be pretty, and it would benefit me too, after all, to keep her on my side. Perhaps I will induce Seimaru to spare her – that is, if I have no better ideas. She is young and gullible, but she has all of her Clan's dark ruthlessness deep inside of her. She would not shame me, I don't think…my little Princess Eiraki.
Out loud he said.
"I should go, before people wonder at the nature of our conversation. Unwed men and young girls are a poor combination even if forced together how we were."
He smiled.
"I will meet with Kibana and somehow will convey to you word of our plan." He added. "I believe Seimaru-sama means to attend a Council session in Inner Seireitei in the next few days – and will probably remain there overnight. If that is the case, that will be our best time to strike out – when the shrike is far from his thornbush. Have faith in us, Eiraki-hime. I will see to it that you and Sumire-sama leave here…and leave here unscathed."
It was a brisk morning.
Juushirou stepped out into the frosty grounds of the Kyouraku estate, taking a deep breath of chilled air into his lungs with a satisfied sigh.
No matter where he was, he still loved winter. And, more than any other, this day - his nineteenth birthday - was particularly special.
Absently he found himself thinking about his family and whether they were all all right back home in District Six. Chihiro would probably be keeping them all in order, he mused, and Hiroyuki making sure that none of the younger ones got into the same scrapes and pranks he had when he had been younger. Shinkei would no doubt be driving Kaede crazy by climbing in and out of windows like a monkey, whilst in the last letter he had received from his old teacher, he had had a brief note from his brother Rouhei whose kanji was improving now in leaps and bounds.
The younger ones - ten year old Miyabi and eight year old Yuuya - would probably be missing him, he reflected sadly - Miyabi especially had a tendency to cling on to him in the place of the father she had lost weeks before her sixth birthday, but Juushirou knew that Kaede would have spoken to them and explained that he had had an important invitation from an important friend. And as for his final brother, the solemn, serious fifteen year old Sanjirou, Juushirou had been surprised to receive a letter from him alone, asking question upon question about the zanpakutou and begging him to bring it home soon so that his family could see it.
It had made the District boy review again the level of his achievement. Among the Clansfolk he now spent most of his time with, holding a zanpakutou was a normal state of affairs. But to his family, most of which had never even seen one in sealed form, it was something exceptional.
I suppose I have separated myself from them a little in that way.
Juushirou pursed his lips, a faintly wistful expression in his hazel eyes as his fingers brushed Sougyo no Kotowari's hilt.
You and I forged a bond, but in doing so, I made myself different from them - in a way that can't ever be undone.
The sword hummed with sympathetic energy, and despite himself, Juushirou grinned.
But that doesn't mean I'll let it come between us in any other way. They're still my family, after all. And I'll make sure I make them proud of me, no matter what I do.
"Ukitake!"
A voice across the crisp air made him turn, surprise on his features as he saw Ryuu hurrying across the frosted grass towards him, uncharacteristically flushed and out of breath as he reached his classmate.
"Ryuu-kun." Juushirou frowned. "What's the matter? You look worried - did something happen?"
"No, not yet, and I intend to keep it so." Ryuu's tones were full of foreboding, and he shook his head. "I came here in search of sanctuary - you are up early this morning, I see?"
"Yes. The sun woke me, and I thought I'd come outside and take some air before breakfast." Juushirou nodded. "Hirata was still fast asleep, so I didn't want to disturb him by staying in the room."
He eyed his friend quizzically. "Why sanctuary? From what?"
"That girl." Ryuu's expression darkened. "Kyouraku's cousin...Nami-dono. It seems he was not joking."
"Nami-dono?" Juushirou blinked. "You mean the young girl who accosted us the other day? Wait, you mean Shunsui was right? She really does have her sights set after you?"
"It seems so." Ryuu grimaced. "Since then I have evaded two invitations to dine with her family on the excuse that I have a prior obligation to eat with the Kyouraku heir, but even that apparently is not enough to discourage whatever crazy spirit has possessed her. I am in the habit of rising early, as you know, and I had thought to check the library here, since Tokutarou-sama said it was quite fine for us to do so. I was minding my own business, reading a very interesting text about the application of Raikouhou in battle situations when she interrupted me."
He rubbed his temples, and Juushirou laughed.
"I see." He said, amused. "So she's decided that she's going to secure a Kuchiki fiance before she goes home? And you just happen to be the convenient target?"
"It seems." Ryuu sighed. "I am, after all, the only Kuchiki of eligible age and status at this gathering. I am unattached - and I have never before so sorely wished to be otherwise, to tell you the blunt truth. I have no good way to deal with women in general, Ukitake - but women who seek political advantage through marriage are opponents that flummox me completely. I confess that I do not know what to do about her."
"So you made your excuses and ran away here?" Juushirou led the way to the sheltered bench beneath the branches of a spreading willow tree, sitting down and indicating for Ryuu to join him. "Well, you seem to have succeeded. Although...surely you should just tell her that you can't enter into those kind of decisions without consulting your kin? After all, didn't you say that Kuchiki marriages can't be detemined by the individuals themselves?"
"They are not, usually." Ryuu agreed heavily. "But I am only recently turned twenty, Ukitake. In technical terms, that now makes me an adult. Although I have not been officially received in District Six as such, I am assumed to be in a position to make my own decisions. And I have decided against matrimony - now, and perhaps always."
"Twenty?" Juushirou blinked, staring at his friend as if seeing him anew. "But...you mean your last birthday...was...that birthday?"
"Yes." Ryuu smiled faintly. "Shirogane-senpai and I are much the same age, although you can see by the differences in our development that the Clan does not hold us in equal regard. My family spent a lot of time arguing over whether or not I should be sent here to be trained at all, so I am not surprised you had not realised it. But I was eighteen when I began the first year - and now I am twenty. I am perhaps nine months younger than Houjou - no more than that."
"I hadn't realised at all." Juushirou looked sheepish. "I'm sorry. I feel we missed something big and important by not paying more attention."
"No. I was happier with it that way." Ryuu shook his head. "Since people have always asked me why I was not at the same stage of training as Shirogane-senpai, considering we are of equal blood and age. He is now a Vice Captain, whereas I have yet to hear my sword speak. So it is easier...to just let people assume I am the same age as you or Kyouraku."
He shrugged.
"I did worry that I might be the eldest in our year, but both Houjou and Shikibu are older than I am." He added. "That relieved me greatly...at school I feel much less pressure on me than at home, so I just allowed things to coast by without bothering to point them out clearly. Birthdays are birthdays and they are really quite insignificant in the bigger picture."
He pursed his lips.
"You will not tell Shihouin this, I trust?" He added softly. "So far as he is aware, we are the same age - and I do not wish to give him more to criticise me on."
"I don't get in the middle of you and Kai-kun." Juushirou assured him. "But I see. I suppose that makes it more difficult for you, then. Although you could still tell Nami-dono to apply to your kinsfolk...though then they might try and get you to accept it, I suppose? I don't know much about this whole Clan marriage thing, but it seems an arbitrary lottery to me. Anyone is as good as anyone else so long as the bloodline fits."
"You have summed it up quite correctly." Ryuu looked rueful. "I confess, Ukitake, I like talking to you. It would confound my sisters and horrify my parents, but I feel that, when I tell you something, you consider it as a whole. Kyouraku has often said it and I believe he is right. Your perspective on things is quite a good one - I have come to value it greatly."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that." Juushirou reflected, a grin on his face. "So far as I'm concerned, we're friends - and that's that. I know - now - that there are a lot more complicated social Clan rules I'm not a part of. But at least while we're at school, I think it's all right to be just that - friends without worrying about politics. And I'm glad you feel that way too."
Ryuu pursed his lips.
"Ukitake, tell me. What are your intentions towards Mitsuki?" He asked seriously, and Juushirou coloured, staring at his friend in confusion.
"Mitsuki?"
"I understand her feelings." Ryuu nodded. "But I am not sure, entirely, of yours. And while I realise that there are things blocking you - I would like you to tell me frankly. How do you view my cousin? Truly? If Clan were not to be an obstacle?"
Juushirou dropped his gaze, fleeting memory of that forbidden summer kiss crossing his mind, and for a moment he did not answer. Then he sighed, shrugging his shoulders.
"I am...probably in love with her." He admitted awkwardly. "Probably, because I've never felt these things before and I don't have anything to compare it with. But...it seems that way to me."
Ryuu nodded slowly.
"I see." He said thoughtfully.
"But I understand, Ryuu-kun. She's Clan. I'm not. So it's all right. I won't be shaming your kin any time soon."
"You may do as you see fit, Ukitake." Ryuu got to his feet, pulling his companion up with him. "I am not in any position to stand in your way."
"But..." Juushirou stared, and Ryuu shrugged.
"I am one person in a big, powerful Clan." He said simply. "And I have a very small, insignificant voice there. But at school I don't feel so stifled. There, I feel that my voice is heard, and that gives me strength for the future. I come to believe in Genryuusai-sensei's ideal - and that one day, those barriers will break. If you choose to break them - both of you - I will stand in support of you. Even if it angers my Clan, I am decided on that fact. You are both people I care for greatly. And I believe it is normal, is it not? To wish happiness on those you care for?"
At Ryuu's simple, awkwardly phrased speech, Juushirou faltered, then a smile touched his own lips.
"Thank you." He said quietly. "I don't know what may or may not happen in the future. But thank you, Ryuu-kun. It means a lot, especially coming from you."
"My family do not understand many things that I have come to learn in the past two years." Ryuu said gravely. "And the crisis in the Endou-ke tells me that if they do not learn them, at least a little, they too will eventually crumble under the strain. The world is moving on - we must also move with it. And there is nothing in my mind separating you from us. You are as we are - Clan or District, the Academy has proven that much."
He shrugged, suddenly looking self-conscious.
"Besides, though it may be warped and faint, you have Kuchiki blood." He added frankly. "I do not know, precisely, by what means Kuchiki Raiko was my kinswoman. But she was, at the very least, somehow connected to my Clan."
He smiled.
"Perhaps I will try to discover how, when it is once more safe to return to my homeland." He mused. "Such questions are intriguing, after all."
"Kuchiki-dono!"
A shrill voice broke the cold air, and Ryuu instinctively tensed as Nami came running across the grass towards them, a tall, slender figure in her wake. As she reached them, Juushirou cast Ryuu a sidelong glance.
"Kuchiki-dono, here you are!"
Nami ignored Juushirou completely, offering Ryuu a dazzling smile. "I was lucky to find you, since my brother wanted to speak with you and I promised to formally introduce you both today."
"Your brother?" Ryuu somehow managed words, and Juushirou's gaze shifted to the young man with her. He was obviously Ryousuke, the new Kyouraku land-holder who Sora had narrowly escaped becoming engaged to, and as he looked at this newcomer, Juushirou realised that the decision had been the right one.
He was an attractive man, but his cold, slightly pompous expression marred his natural Kyouraku good looks, and his brown hair was tied back with a clasp that was ornate enough to be bordering on the ridiculous. He was robed in expensive pinks and greys, in far more showy style than either Tokutarou or Shunsui favoured, and Juushirou knew that this was a young man who liked to be noticed and recognised for his bloodline.
Couldn't be more different from Sora, then. Good thing that never went through, in the end. It would only have finished in tears.
"Good morning, Kuchiki-dono." Ryousuke bowed his head now, his gesture overly graceful and as his curly tail of hair flopped over his shoulder, Juushirou found it hard to smother a smile, for the greeting was conducted with the utmost seriousness. Ryuu hesitated for a moment, then returned the gesture with a slightly more stilted one of his own.
"Kuchiki Ryuu." He said quietly. "And you must be Kyouraku Ryousuke-dono, then, I imagine. If you are Nami-dono's esteemed older brother."
"You are correct." Ryousuke was pleased. "I am glad to finally have a chance to speak with you. Obviously, being a close friend of our noble heir Shunsui-dono,"
At which point Juushirou had to swallow hard to avoid snorting with laughter, for the idea of Shunsui as a noble heir amused him no end,
"You have had many other engagements and constraints on your time since arriving here. But I am happy to at last speak with you face to face. It is, of course, an honour to greet a Kuchiki kinsman to our humble District under any circumstances, but that your Clan grace us with your presence for the wedding of our Lord causes much joy in many quarters."
Juushirou absently wondered what quarters - a glimpse of Ryuu's face told him that his friend did not entirely agree.
"Tokutarou-sama has been good to offer my cousin and I the opportunity to attend." The Kuchiki responded now, a faint reserve in his tone. "I am not well acquainted with the Kyouraku-ke, but I believe District Eight to be a quite beautiful place, and was anxious to see it for myself."
"You flatter us greatly." Ryousuke was really pouring on the praise now, and Juushirou could see the discomfort prickling in Ryuu's aura. In that instant he understood the pressure his young friend had been under since the moment he had been born - that, as a Kuchiki, he must always keep face and maintain the reputation that so many other Clans looked up to. And, as a Kuchiki, he had been surrounded even as a child by the ambitions of others all reaching out to raise their own position though his family's name.
Something in that realisation made him determined to intervene, and before he knew what he was doing he had stepped forward, bowing his own head and offering Ryousuke a smile.
"My apologies for interrupting, Ryousuke-sama, but Ryuu-kun and I have a pressing morning breakfast engagement and we must leave shortly." He said softly, keeping his tones low and respectful. "Otherwise we should be late."
Ryousuke stared at him, as if seeing him for the first time, and a look of annoyance crossed his features as he scanned the District boy's simple apparel, obviously looking for any sign of a Clan insignia.
"Who or what are you?" He asked at length, ice dripping from his words. "And what gives you leave to interrupt a conversation that does not involve you?"
"My name is Ukitake Juushirou." Juushirou said simply. "And I am sorry for the interruption. Only, Ryuu-kun and I are expected - and must beg your permission to leave this conversation for another, more suitable occasion."
"Ukitake Juushirou." Ryousuke repeated the name as though what he was saying was disgusting and offensive, casting Nami a sidelong glance. "Nami? What is this Ukitake Juushirou...?"
"Shunsui-sama's District associate, Nii-sama." Nami's nose wrinkled. "Apparently."
"District." Ryousuke's lip curled. "And as such, he dares to speak before his betters? No, more...he dares to speak of a Kuchiki noble with such a familiar turn of phrase?"
Juushirou saw Ryuu bristle, but before the Kuchiki boy could speak, he found words spilling once more from his own lips as his own sleeping Kuchiki pride rose to the surface.
"Ryuu-kun is my classmate and my friend. As is Shunsui." He said coldly. "And I was under the impression that Nobility were supposed to be well-mannered individuals."
"How dare you speak to my brother that way!" Nami's eyes became huge, but Ryousuke held up his hand, slowly shaking his head.
"I have heard of this one." He said thoughtfully. "The Distict whelp who bears a zanpakutou. The radical project of Genryuusai-sama's Academy."
He glared at Juushirou, drawing his weapon from its sheath and extending it to tap against the black scabbard that hung at Juushirou's side.
"Well? This famed sword is that one, I presume? The one cloaked in a Clan sheath yet wielded by a dirty peasant boy?"
Juushirou felt the flare of Sougyo no Kotowari's spirit rouse up in indignation at such dismissive treatment, and he closed his right hand around the weapon's hilt, pulling the beautiful silver blade carefully out into the cold winter air.
"As you see." He said quietly.
"Ukitake, this is no place to draw your sword. Ryousuke-dono, please, sheath your blade." Ryuu seemed to realise that the glowers the two were exchanging were colder than the frosty air, and he held up his hands, anxiety in his grey eyes. "Kyouraku would not want it - for you to fight with one another."
"Nobody's going to fight." Juushirou said simply. "I was just showing that my weapon wasn't dirty or inferior - and that it was exactly as people have reported it. It has pride too, after all. As do I."
"What kind of pride does a District boy have?" Ryousuke was mocking. "Especially one who doesn't even use his sword. You have a useless trinket that you don't know how to wield, is that it?"
"Ukitake was trained to release level by my cousin, Nagoya Shirogane." Ryuu was getting annoyed too, now. "The current adjutant of Sixth Squad and my honoured Uncle's chosen second in command. He does not train those who are inferior - I would not have you criticise the skills of my Clan."
"Kuchiki-dono, I meant no..." Ryousuke faltered for a moment, then shook his head. "But even so, surely, to train one such as this...surely that more than anything else is a slur on your noble family's pride?"
"I am not a slur on anyone's pride, least of all the Kuchiki-ke." Juushirou felt his reiatsu buzzing inside of him, and a faint prickle of electricity ran the length of the sealed blade as if Sougyo no Kotowari too was eager to burst into its released form and begin to fight. "Nagoya-senpai was a hard but fair shishou and he trained me to the best of his ability. Ryuu-kun is right. Insulting me also insults him - and insulting us both insults the Kuchiki-ke as a whole."
"Then lets see, shall we, what a dull peasant brain can possibly absorb, even one trained by a great Shinigami prodigy such as Nagoya-dono." Ryousuke's expression became nasty and Juushirou was aware that his body had shifted into a battle stance. "Stop speaking, and show me with your weapon what you can do."
He lifted his blade, and in that moment Juushirou realised it too was a zanpakutou, although from its feeble aura of reiryoku he knew that what Shunsui had said was true and that none of his kinsfolk were overly capable with a released sword.
"Ryousuke-dono!" Ryuu exclaimed, but Ryousuke took no notice, flicking his weapon round so the tip pointed towards the sky.
"Yaiba o nobase, Harizurugi." He murmured, and as Juushirou watched, the weapon stretched and sharpened into a needle point tip, its surface glittering in the cold winter light.
Juushirou hesitated for a moment, feeling energy ripple once more through his weapon at the challenge laid down by the other. Somehow he knew that Harizurugi had screamed its defiance and that Sougyo no Kotowari was aching to respond, pulling at Juushirou's wits as it yearned to release its own power and proclaim its own standing for all to see. Slowly he nodded his head.
"Nami kotogotoku, wa ga tate to nare." He murmured softly, even as he heard Ryuu's protestations somewhere, dimly at the back of his awareness. Light glimmered around the sealed weapon as he moved his left hand to cover the guard, allowing the particles of his blade to separate gently under his careful touch. He had worked hard, after all, since the day he had stood before the Council. And he had learnt that, with careful thought and focus, he could divide his weapon without causing it to explode like it had done in Genryuusai's office the first time.
"Ikazuchi kotogotoku, wa ga yaiba to nare." He continued, gripping the second hilt of Sougyo no Kotowari's released form as the whole weapon continued to blaze with golden light, hazing its true form from view.
"Sougyo no Kotowari!"
"Hadou no Ichi: Shou!"
As the glittering light faded from Juushirou's weapon, a sudden thrust of kidou burst across the gardens, knocking Harizurugi from Ryousuke's startled grip.
"What are you boys doing!"
Kyouki's voice descended upon them all like a sudden shock of cold water, and Juushirou froze, suddenly aware of where he was and what he had been about to do.
"Releasing zanpakutou without clearance to do so is a very serious offence - you should both know that." The Clan Leader walked between then, and inwardly Juushirou felt ashamed of having let himself be goaded into drawing his sword. "Juushirou, seal your blade. You too, Ryousuke. This is unseemly from both of you - do it now."
Slowly Juushirou did as he was bidden, staring up at Sora's mother even as Ryousuke went scrambling for his own weapon. There was a moment of heavy silence, then Kyouki cast Ryousuke a glance.
"Your cousin Tokutarou would not approve of this." She said softly. "You are not my kinsman and I cannot discipline you for your actions, but take my warning nonetheless. If you continue to act recklessly now you are a landholder for your Clan, you may find yourself placed under restrictions. A leader cannot be rash. Learn it."
"Kyouki-sama, I..."
"I am done with you. You and your sister should go, before I change my mind and draw Gekkoushin to drum in my instruction." Kyouki's voice lacked all of its usual friendly warmth, and Juushirou shivered involuntarily even as he saw Ryousuke's faint defiance wilting before the older woman's stern gaze. Without another word he sheathed his sword, taking his sister by the arm and withdrawing from the scene.
Once they were gone, Kyouki sighed, her gaze flitting to Ryuu.
"And you should have stopped it. A Kuchiki child should know better than to let two idiots spar with swords in a place like this."
"Ryuu-kun tried, Kyouki-sama." Juushirou bit his lip, guilt in his gaze. "I didn't listen. Ryousuke-sama didn't listen, either. Ryuu-kun tried to prevent it, but...we paid him no heed."
"Ah." Another silence, then Kyouki clapped a hand down on Ryuu's shoulders, startling him.
"Then I am sorry." She said softly. "Though perhaps you need to work on being more forceful - since one day you may have to separate squad recruits."
"Yes, Kyouki-sama." Ryuu murmured, completely stripped of all his usual Clan pride by the sudden shock of her appearance, and Kyouki nodded.
"And Juushirou."
She paused, then sighed, shaking her head.
"What did the Council tell you about that sword? About its use - about its purpose?" She asked lightly, and Juushirou's cheeks blazed red. Kyouki nodded.
"Yes. I thought you remembered." She murmured. "Yet even so you allowed yourself to draw it - why? Do you not see the danger in playing games with a blade such as that?"
"I...wasn't intending to fight him." Juushirou spoke slowly and haltingly, unable to raise his gaze. "But he said...things. And Sougyo...wanted...and..."
"Who is in charge of your weapon, then? You, or it?" Kyouki cut across him, and Juushirou flinched.
"I am, Kyouki-sama." He whispered. "I'm sorry. It was my fault."
Kyouki grimaced.
"It's hard to stay angry with one who can look so contrite." She owned. "But even so, Juushirou, you must learn not to let your sword rule your head. Even if it wants to fight, you must learn to tell it no. Do you not know, after all, the amount of reiatsu you possess? With time you will wield a very dangerous weapon, and we all know that as a fact. But even now...at the level you already are...did you not understand that you could have killed that young idiot even without realising it?"
"Killed...?" Juushirou froze, staring at Kyouki in horror, and Kyouki nodded.
"You are far, far more powerful than he is, and you do not have full understanding or control yet of what that weapon can do." She said quietly. "Had you realised why I knocked Ryousuke's blade from his grip but didn't attempt the same with you? It's not because your sword splits into two when its released, but for another reason entirely. At the Council, your weapon absorbed the lightning Shouichi-sama fired at it, and wanted to send it back at him. Then, you stopped it - then you were in a rational state of mind. But now, with your pride fired up - had I fired kidou at your weapon, the result could easily have maimed your opponent without you even having to make a move. You must be more careful. You must learn to think."
"Ukitake's sword has a power such as that, Kyouki-sama?" Ryuu asked softly, and Kyouki nodded.
"It does." She agreed. "And until he's learnt how to make it an asset, it will always be a danger."
She hesitated, then held out her hands, and Juushirou stared at her uncomprehendingly.
"You are not my Clan either, but I take some responsibility for you since Tokkun is so fond of you already." She explained, offering him a slight smile. "Given that fact, I think it best that Sougyo no Kotowari stays with me for the time being, don't you?"
"Stays...with you?" Juushirou echoed, and Kyouki nodded.
"Until you've calmed your pique a little and realised this isn't a playground and you're not carrying an asauchi." She agreed. "You're lucky - with my influence, there won't be any further repercussions from this, and no harm was actually done. But next time might be different. So, your sword please, Juushirou. It will be quite safe with me. Gekkoushin will give it some strong advice - while you can think carefully about what its really for."
"But..." Juushirou faltered, his mind flitting to the precious letter stashed away inside the dark scabbard. "I'm sorry, Kyouki-sama. I didn't mean to...but...that...I...I haven't had my sword very long. And...if you take it..."
"I mean what I say." Kyouki's eyes twinkled, but there was a firmness in her expression that made it clear she was not going to be swayed. "Your sword, please."
"I...I understand." Slowly, and not without regrets, Juushirou held out the black-sheathed blade, bowing his head towards Kyouki in apology. Inwardly he berated himself for his foolishness, but he knew that, deep down inside, if he made a fuss now both Kyouki and Ryuu would become suspicious.
So all I can do is act as though it's the sword I'm worried about losing, and hope they don't notice anything unusual about the sheath. Hirata is going to kill me, most likely, but with any luck they won't even look at that. With any luck...please, Sougyo. Somehow, if you can, watch over that letter and keep it from prying eyes!
His gaze rested on the sheath for a long time, then he sighed.
"And I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be a nusiance."
"He was somewhat defending me too, Kyouki-sama." Ryuu said gravely. "I will also think on what you said - and hope that next time I can intervene more effectively should the need arise."
At this, Kyouki smiled.
"For a Kuchiki, you're a good lad." She reflected. "And if that's the case, then it's settled. The matter is over - but don't think that means you can forget it. Mistakes are learning curves, after all."
She grinned, reaching out to pat Juushirou on the head.
"And though it seems inappropriate after my lecture - Happy Birthday, too. Shunsui mentioned it was today - try and make the rest of it less eventful, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am." Juushirou reddened once more. "I will. Thank you."
Kyouki winked at them, then, turning on her heel, she was gone, setting a brisk pace across the gardens as she headed back towards the house.
Ryuu and Juushirou exchanged glances, and Ryuu sighed.
"I had forgotten today was your birthday." He owned, and Juushirou shrugged.
"It's as you say. Birthdays just mark years." He replied sheepishly. "Besides, I've got it off to a not so good start. I'm sorry, Ryuu-kun. I'll listen, next time."
"Will Sougyo be all right, separated from you?"
"Mm." Juushirou nodded. "I think...Kyouki-sama meant it, when she said Gekkoushin was going to give it some pointers. Perhaps it will be a good thing...in any case, I can't say I don't deserve to have things end this way."
He shrugged, looking troubled.
"For now, let's head in." He suggested. "I want to talk to Hirata, and it must be almost time for breakfast. The others may be up and around - and I'd like a slightly quieter rest of the day!"
"I am still not sure of this."
Sumire pulled her shawl more tightly around her shoulders against the winter wind, turning to glance at her visitor as she did so. "I understand your reasoning, Kibana, and I know my husband's will. But to risk his life…to take that risk…"
She faltered, shaking her head, and Kibana could see the strain that the last several days had taken on her. Since Shouichi's death she had lost weight, her features worn and tired and creases forming on her brow as she had struggled to adjust to the cascading events of Seimaru's accession. She knew, Kibana realised, that her life too was in danger. Her life, Eiraki's life – as well as Misashi's, confined somewhere in an unknown cell in unknown conditions. Yet even so still held herself proudly and Kibana felt a flicker of admiration for the strength of the woman's spirit. She was not broken, yet, although Seimaru believed that she was. Her husband was missing and her daughter intertwined in Seimaru's scheming – but she had not given up completely.
"I want to find a way to help Misashi." She murmured now. "If there is one. By staying here, I may learn something – by leaving I may anger my nephew enough to make him kill one of the people I love. It is a grave risk, Kibana. You understand that…it is not a decision I can take lightly."
"I know, my lady, and I also understand your concern." Kibana nodded. "I have been able to move undetected so far, but it cannot last much longer. But we are not alone in this. We have an ally – from an unexpected source."
"An ally?" Sumire started, casting him a startled look. "But…what do you mean? What kind of an ally? Kibana, in this climate, to trust anyone is…"
"Minazake-dono." Kibana said softly. "Eiraki-hime's fiancé."
"Minazake?" Sumire's brows knitted together. "A stranger…a man about whom we know nothing. Even with the desire to help Misashi, Kibana, surely…"
"He has a grudge against Seimaru-sama and came here in order to find retribution." Kibana said quietly, drawing closer to her as he checked to make sure nobody else was in the arbour. "I have seen Seimaru-sama's contempt for him first-hand – whether he is Riku-sama's kinsman or not, there is no love in that connection."
"And no doubt he sees benefit in marrying my daughter, too." Sumire said astutely. Kibana nodded.
"But Eiraki-hime does not seem ill-disposed towards that idea, either." He said simply. "And he has so far provided me – us – with much useful information. He admitted to me that he had things to gain from the alliance – that to marry Eiraki-hime would restore his position in the Clan. But he also seeks vengeance against Seimaru-sama's line. And to that end…that we should seek out Hirata-sama…"
"Hirata?" Sumire's eyes widened, and she grabbed him by the shoulders, glancing around her in fear. "You should not dare speak my son's name – not now, with things like this!"
"He is the only hope this Clan has for the future. Misashi-sama said as much to me before he was locked away." Kibana said firmly. "He also said…that if his life had to be the sacrifice, so be it. To put this Clan to rights, and bring everything back how it should be – he was willing to take that risk. He told me that if there was a chance to get you and Eiraki-hime away, I was to take it – and I will. I'm resolved, no matter what the danger. Minazake-dono has uncovered the fact that Hirata-sama is currently not in District One, but in the neighbouring District Eight as a guest of Tokutarou-sama's family. It may be a trap, but if it is true, District Eight is a place I know. It is much closer at hand than District One and an opportunity that we should not miss. Eiraki-hime has agreed and Minazake-dono has offered his support in covering our tracks. The final word is yours, Sumire-sama. Will you come with us, to find your son?"
Sumire was silent for a moment, and Kibana could tell she was turning over all the risks in her mind.
"As a wife, more than anything, I fear my husband's death." She whispered, her voice catching slightly as she worked to suppress her emotions. "I love Misashi and I do not want to think I may not see him again. But…he is right. You are right. I cannot let my own feelings get in the way of what must be done. Our son – is the only other with the potential and power to claim the leadership of this Clan. If he could…if he was able to challenge Seimaru, defeat Seimaru…then the Clan would accept it as a legitimate change of power. And then…everything would be all right. Even if…even if it costs Misashi his life, that would still be what he would want me to work towards. I know it without asking him."
"Then you will come?" Kibana's expression became one of hope, and Sumire sighed. Slowly she nodded her head.
"Yes." She said, her word little more than a breath on the wind. "For the sake of my family, Kibana – I will come."
"So that's how it is."
Juushirou sank down onto the floor with a sigh, casting Hirata an apologetic glance as he did so. "I'm sorry, Hirata. I was foolish and I didn't think about what I was doing. But I couldn't make a fuss then or demand the sheath back without the blade - that would've seemed really odd and Kyouki-sama's really smart. So I...I had to give it to her. And...we'll just have to hope...she doesn't look too closely inside."
Hirata bit his lip, and Juushirou could see the flash of emotions cross the boy's pale gaze. Then he sighed, folding his night robes and settling himself down opposite his companion.
"What's done is done." He said heavily. "I'm sorry too, in a way. I've dropped a huge burden on you with that letter from the start."
"I agreed to take it." Juushirou shook his head. "It was my responsibility. You don't need to be sorry."
He grimaced.
"I'd rather you were angry and yelled at me. I'm angry." He admitted. "I don't like it at all. My sword is out of my control - which is strange enough as it is, but more than that, the entire safety of your Clan is tied up inside that scabbard and...I do something careless and..."
He trailed off, burying his head in his hands.
"All I can do is pretend I'm bothered about losing the sword." He concluded heavily. "Which isn't a lie, since I don't like the feeling of being pulled apart from it like this. But at least, if I focus everyone's attention on Sougyo...maybe if I do that, nobody will think about where Sougyo sleeps. And.."
"We should stop talking about it." Hirata said firmly, shaking his head. "I am angry, Ukitake-kun. Not precisely at you, but that the situation is like it is. But it is like it is. And we can't change it. And if I...if I got angry, people would...they'd notice. They might...even figure something out. So...so we shouldn't talk about it. So far as I'm concerned, your sword got taken from you. The scabbard is a thing, not anything of importance except that it's Kyouraku-kun's gift to you for today. So right now, all we can do is follow what you just said and hope that it won't be long before Kyouki-sama decides to give it back."
"Give what back?"
The door swung back, making the two boys jump almost out of their skin as Shunsui lounged up against the doorframe. "What, you didn't hear me coming, either of you? It must've been a very engrossing conversation."
"Did you hear it?" Hirata asked softly, and Shunsui frowned, shaking his head and coming into the chamber proper.
"No. Should I have done?" He responded lightly, and Juushirou sighed, flopping back on the floor.
"I did something stupid and Kyouki-sama confiscated my zanpakutou." He said miserably. "She won't give it back, and now it's somewhere with her instead of here with me."
"She took Sougyo-kun away from you?" Shunsui's eyes widened. "What did you do?"
"He released his blade because one of your cousins was provoking him." Hirata murmured, and Shunsui arched an eyebrow.
"A cousin? Which cousin? You'll have to be more specific since they're most of them idiots." He responded.
"Ryousuke-sama." Juushirou said heavily. "And I was at fault too, Shunsui. He goaded me, but I didn't think. I just did it...and then Kyouki-sama was there...and...now..."
"The sword is in detention. I see." Shunsui pursed his lips. "And this has got to you, right?"
He sighed.
"Well, of course it has. It's your birthday and she just took your new toy away from you. That's mean, even by her standards. Even if you did do something stupid, I daresay Ryousuke deserved it. And I'm not condoning releasing your zanpakutou like a moron anywhere people provoke you. But..."
His voice softened.
"You feel it, don't you? Being separated."
"Yes." Juushirou nodded, feeling faintly guilty for half deceiving his friend but knowing without looking at Hirata that he could not say anything more. "I do."
"Right then."
Shunsui sighed again, shaking his head.
"I suppose if that's the case, I'll have to go speak to her. I don't guarantee it will do any good..." As hope flickered in Juushirou's gaze. "But I'll at least try. Since I don't like to see you frown and stress on your birthday - I'll see what I can do."
With that he was gone, and Hirata sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Kyouraku-kun doesn't know, does he?" He whispered, and Juushirou shook his head.
"He doesn't. Nobody does. Only you and I." He replied quietly. "But if he can...talk to Kyouki-sama...well, if he can, so much to the good. I don't want to put people in danger, Hirata - so lets hope that he can!"
Author's Note: OC Names: The Council of Elders.
I realised I haven't done this yet for Third Chronicle and a few more characters have been introduced whose names I'd like to share with those who are interested. (Any not, please, skip this section xD). Obviously, Midori was explained in the last story, and there's no point in me adding Retsu to this xD.
Members of the Council of Elders not yet given:
Yamamoto Hashihiko 山本橋彦
Yamamoto is obviously a canon name and means 'base of the mountain'. Hashihiko's first name has no special significance - the characters mean 'bridge' and 'boy/man'.
Urahara Nagesu 浦原歎守
Urahara is another canon name, and means something like 'bay meadow' or 'original beach'. It's worth mentioning, however, that the word urahara in Japanese actually means 'contrary' or 'the reverse', just with different kanji.
Nagesu's given name is made up of the kanji for "grief" or "lament" and the kanji for "protect."
Shiba Kyouki 志波享気
I already explained Shiba in 2nd Manuscript. Kyouki's name means "Fun Spirit". It could also mean "Crazy Demon", however....
Kuchiki Guren 朽木紅蓮
In keeping with the theme of the Kuchiki and their love of colour in names, Guren's name means "Crimson Lotus."
Endou Shouichi 延藤翔一(deceased)
I explained Endou in 2nd Manuscript. The two kanji for Shouichi's name mean "flight" and "first."
Endou Seimaru 延藤勢丸. (current)
Seimaru's given name kanji mean "military strength" and "round".
Kyouraku Tokutarou 京楽特太郎
The name Kyouraku means "City Pleasure" although the word kyouraku in Japanese actually means 'enjoyment' (with slightly different kanji). Tokutarou's given name means "Special Great Man."