Chapter Forty One: Refugees
There were two days until Tokutarou's wedding.
Juushirou walked slowly along the long hallway between the main breakfast room and the salon, a troubled look marring his features as he considered the mad hype of activity that surrounded the manor even now. That so many things needed to be taken into account and arranged, he had had no clue - for him, weddings were family affairs but without all of this pomp and ceremony attached to it. Tokutarou, it seemed, did not just want to seal his connection to Rae-hime but also to make sure everyone noticed his doing so - and that by the image he was striving to create, that Eighth District were strong and prosperous and able to put on a high level celebration.
Well, it was probably true, if it came to it. Juushirou sighed, rubbing his temples. Since his birthday he had steered well clear of Shunsui's family as best he could, finding sanctuary in the gardens, or, when the wind was too cold, in the library with Ryuu or Hirata, skimming over interesting records and discussing the term ahead. It had been a 'safe' subject for all of them - for Hirata was worried about his kinsfolk and Ryuu avoiding the topic of arranged marriage as far as he could go.
As for Juushirou, the uncertainty over Sougyo no Kotowari's sheath and its hidden secret continued to prey on his mind. Although Hirata had not mentioned it directly again, Juushirou had realised all too clearly the real implications of his carelessness. He had found himself staring up at the ceiling late into the night, remembering what Genryuusai had told him about his impact on others and then, in another moment, his promise to Misashi to use his weapon to help Hirata and to keep him safe. In a single moment of idiocy he had put both of those promises on the line.
Still, nothing had come of it yet. Shunsui had relayed Kyouki's message to him with apologies and sheepish regret, but Juushirou had been faintly comforted by the fact that neither Kyouki nor Tokutarou seemed to have spent too much time examining the sword or its sheath. Although he had not been able to press Shunsui exactly for the information he had truly wanted, Juushirou held on to the hope that Kyouki's concern would remain with Sougyo no Kotowari's wild spirit. And, that soon she would relent in her judgement and return the weapon to its proper owner.
In the meantime, all he could do was bide his time and try not to voice his worries out loud. In the melee of wedding preparation, he had found that to be more easy than he had supposed, since as the date drew closer, more and more seemed to need to be done.
Yet even though his friends were here with him, Juushirou felt somewhat isolated from them. This was their world and he knew better than ever now that he was not a part of it. No matter how much they liked or trusted him - he could never live his life surrounded by such empty pomp and pageantry.
Shunsui was right, in the end.
He paused at one of the long, angled windows, resting his hands against the ledge as he gazed out to where Sora and her eldest brother were discussing something in animated tones.
This is a house but not a home. A cold, empty world yet surrounded by colour and finesse. Everything you need and nothing you need all at the same time. Coming here, I really understand it for the first time. Clan is nothing. Because it's nothing, they work hard to make it seem like everything. What I have in District Six is more than most people in this class have. In the end, I'm the one who's priveleged. I'm the one who's really rich. Shunsui's been right all along. This is not a world I want to be a part of.
"Juushirou-kun?"
At that moment he was aware of Mitsuki at his right hand and he turned, offering her a faint smile.
"Are you seeking sanctuary too?" He asked playfully, and Mitsuki smiled, shrugging her shoulders.
"For a Kuchiki wedding, it would be far worse." She said philosophically. "But yes, it doesn't suit me either. So many people buzzing about, so many concerns and worries and everything else."
She glanced out of the window, then,
"Poor Sora. Because Tokutarou-sama is her kinsman, she's dragged into this far more than we are. Ryuusei-dono expects her to robe in full Shiba regalia for this ceremony, and to act as a formal witness and representative of her Clan while Tokutarou-sama's bond with Rae-hime is being formed. But if she had the chance of it, she'd be miles away - it's hurting her to be here, and Ryuusei-dono doesn't understand that at all."
"Sora's not big on formality in general. I can imagine she hates the idea." Juushirou nodded, and Mitsuki sent him a fond, slightly resigned look.
"Sora's in love with Tokutarou-sama." She said simply. "But since you didn't know how I felt even towards you, I can understand that you didn't notice it with her, either."
Juushirou was silent for a long time, then he grinned.
"I leave that to Shunsui." He admitted good-naturedly. "But then, I suppose its even rougher on Sora to be here accepting this whole situation without her Clan dropping weight on her shoulders."
"And Ryuu-kun is still trying to escape the attentions of a determined young Kyouraku-hime." Mitsuki let out her breath in a rush. "It's times like this that I'm glad, Juushirou-kun. I'm glad I'm different and that people view me as slightly odd. It means I don't have those pressures - and more than anything now I don't want them."
She eyed him for a moment, then,
"You could never live in this world, though, could you?" She asked lightly, and Juushirou shook his head.
"For all the success my father had before my mother's death, it was still a long way from this level." He agreed. "And this isn't my world. There's nothing substantial here to cling on to. I understand far more now why Shunsui hates it so much. It's not the people he has around him - Tokutarou-sama and Yoshiko-sama are both good people and I know he values them a lot. It's everything. All of it. The pressure and expectation - the image of nobility. It's all false, really, isn't it? It's insecure people strutting and posturing to make their voices heard in the crowd."
"Yes." Mitsuki nodded. "Which is why the Clans have taken so long to acknowledge District children at the Academy. They'll still take longer, even now the first step has been taken. The truth is that not all Clansfolk are gifted in any way. Some are very gifted - and some are not. They worry that you and people like you will ruin their facade."
She grinned, reaching up to touch his straggling white hair.
"I like it even less now than I did before." She reflected. "Perhaps, when I become a true healer, I will find a way to avoid spending too much time with the Kuchiki as a whole. Father...will always be there, of course. Ryuu-kun, too. But otherwise - I should like to be in a place where you're comfortable being too, Juushirou-kun. Since we're friends and everything - I'd like that very much."
Juushirou's cheeks pinkened slightly, and he shrugged.
"I don't think more than two steps ahead of me." He owned. "The future and the Gotei will have to take care of itself. Right now Kyouki-sama still has my zanpakutou...its not the best possible start I could've made to my shinigami career."
"Little mistakes are little mistakes, though. Everyone makes them." Mitsuki assured him. "And besides, Ryuu-kun said it was for his benefit, too. I'm glad, Juushirou-kun. Ryuu-kun is strong but that is a particular weakness of his. He carries the Kuchiki name very heavily, sometimes. And he feels his duty far more than is good for him. I don't want him to end up unhappy because of it, and now the decisions are mostly in his hands."
She sighed, stretching her hands over her head.
"I wonder how Naoko-chan and her sister are doing. I hope they're well. Babies are unpredictable, after all - and Nao-chan may seem tough, but she adores her sister more than anything else."
"I'm sure that with the level of skill available in District Four, both are doing fine." Juushirou laughed. "It's the one place, after all, I wouldn't expect there to be any complications."
"True enough." Mitsuki nodded. "Oh well. In the meantime, she escaped all of this - though I'm quite happy being here, in truth. Even if the wedding is crazy - I'm here with people who are my friends, and that's a nice feeling in itself."
"No young Kyouraku men have tried to snag you as their bride, then?" Juushirou teased, and Mitsuki laughed.
"No. None." She said composedly. "Although Kyouraku-kun did promise me that if anyone tried it, he'd tell them I was his fiancee to get them to leave me alone. But it seems the reputation of my eccentricity has spread even this far. Which suits me. I don't intend to marry, after all. I told you that already. My mind is set."
"You wouldn't regret it?"
As they walked through the halls, Juushirou paused to open the door to the rear rose garden, leading the way outside into the brisk December air. "It's a big thing to say, at just turned eighteen. That you'll never, ever marry. You might change your mind. You might want to have a family of your own. You shouldn't make decisions so quickly, Mitsuki-chan. I won't hate you, after all, if things change. Our worlds are not compatible - there's no reason to sacrifice potential happiness for something that can't be overcome."
"Really? I'm quite sure I will overcome it." Mitsuki said calmly, gazing out at the frost-tipped grass. "Somehow. Since we had that talk in the summer - since we discussed things then - I've felt at peace about it. All of it. I know that what I've decided is the right thing, and I'm going to stick by it. I'll be a healer, and in one way or another, I'll be by your side for as long as I can be. Even if, in the end, work drives us apart - that's the happiest future I can see right now, and I don't think that will change."
Juushirou sighed, but before he could respond, there was a yell and a young boy came barrelling out of the undergrowth, followed by a second youngster of much the same age. Both were dressed in Clan clothing, and Juushirou realised they were young members of one of the many Kyouraku branches, but try as he might he could not identify the slight deviations on the family logo to know which precise one. The boys were no more than five or six years old, and as one tumbled over on the grass with a shriek, Juushirou realised they were most likely twins, since their appearances were close enough to one another to make them seem more than just brothers.
"You should be careful." He told them, as the second one skidded to a halt, seemingly noticing them for the first time. "You might hurt someone, running around like that."
"You shouldn't speak to us. You're only District, so we don't have to listen to you." The second one said rudely, and Mitsuki's eyes widened at the bluntness in his tone. Juushirou ignored it, however, shrugging his shoulders and offering them a grin.
"Well, if even a District person can see it, you must be being particularly foolish, mustn't you?" He said lightly. "I don't suppose your parents would like it, either, if you turned up back with them with mud and blood all over your clothing...would they?"
The second boy flushed red, even as the first one scrambled to his feet, letting out a yelp as he put weight on his left foot.
"Are you all right?" Mitsuki was anxious, and the boy glared at her, poking out his tongue.
"I don't have to answer you, so there." He said frankly, and Juushirou frowned, striding forward and grasping both boys gently but firmly by the arms.
"Right then." He said softly, as both began to wriggle and struggle to free themselves from his grasp. "You can look down on me if you like and you can call me names - I don't mind, because that's all they are. But you're not going to be rude that way to someone who's only concerned about your well being. If you really have any Clan pride inside of you, you'd know that being rude to a lady is a bad thing and that you shouldn't do it. Mitsuki asked you a question. You should remember your manners and answer properly, since she's only showing you concern."
Despite himself, the young boy gaped, and Juushirou nodded his head.
"Well?" He said softly. "Mitsuki asked you a question. Will you answer her now, like a Clansman would?"
Silence fell over the boys at this juncture, then, slowly, the first boy mumbled,
"I'm all right, thank you. I just fell funny on my foot."
"Well, then be careful." Mitsuki crouched down, reaching across to pat him on the shoulder. "Though I'm glad to hear it. Where is your nanny at the moment? She'll need to clean you both up before your parents see you."
At this the youngsters exchanged looks, and Juushirou grinned, letting them go. At this they took their chance, haring back off into the gardens before they could be further reprimanded.
"They like to slip away from her." Juushirou reflected. "Well, I suppose that makes sense. When I was their age, Mitsuki, I always wanted to slip away from Anika and go swimming, even though it was forbidden for me to do so. And I'd always wind up with a cold if I spent too long around the water, so then Father would be angry. Kids are kids, even if they're Clan kids. It's sort of nice to realise that, in a way."
"But to have that attitude from the start." Mitsuki shook her head. "I'm sorry, Juushirou. They're young boys who don't even know what they're saying. That their parents have taught them to think that even when they're so little..."
"It's all right. It's Clan, after all." Juushirou shrugged. "I'm prepared for it. It won't change overnight."
"You were good with them, though, even so." Mitsuki reflected. "I guess I can see what kind of a big brother you must be."
"I like kids. Even rude ones." Juushirou laughed. "With a family like mine, it's pretty much a survival requirement."
"Mm." Mitsuki looked thoughtful, but she said nothing more, changing the subject instead to the winter weather.
"I never thought to spend so much time outside without freezing and shivering and wanting to go in." She observed. "It's cold here, true enough, but brisk and I like it."
"Tropical winter, almost." Juushirou agreed. "And out here, for the most part, there's no mad politics going on."
"We could bring some, if you liked." As they crossed into the main area of the garden, Shunsui accosted them, Kai and Hirata in tow. "Here you are. We were looking for you! Sora's been nailed by Ryuusei-dono, Ryuu's buried himself boringly in some book in the library and I left Enishi discussing kendou techniques with Hakubei near the manor training arena. But I've managed to slip away from Tokutarou-nii and the madness and I intend on making good on my escape. Kai and Hirata are game, so how about you two come with us?"
"Escape? Escape where? How?" Juushirou looked blank, and Shunsui grinned.
"Saddle up some horses and take a ride out into the country." He said mischievously.
"You know I've never ridden before." Juushirou protested, but Shunsui shrugged.
"It's child's play. You'll pick it right up and if you ride one of the docile mares they won't buck or throw you for being inexperienced." he said wisely. "Besides, it'd be a good experience for you."
"Kyouraku and I both ride pretty well, it seems." Kai added. "So if you wanted, we could help you - though it'd be a bit pitiful if you had to ride with one of us."
"Besides, when I told Kyouki-sama where we were going, she relented and gave me this." Shunsui pulled something from beneath his cloak and Juushirou's eyes widened at the sight of his sheathed zanpakutou. "Since there are some dangerous areas, I convinced her you'd need it for self-protection. So long as you don't release it, she said - you can have it back. But that's only if you come with us. What do you say?"
Juushirou reached out, taking the sheath in his hands. He turned it over, gripping the weapon hilt and carefully sliding it out, his gaze running along the edges of the scabbard as he did so. To his relief, it did not seem to have been forced or disturbed, and as his grip tightened around his sword, he saw the same relief mirrored in Hirata's blue eyes. A wordless message passed between them, then Juushirou nodded his head, returning Sougyo no Kotowari to its resting place with a sigh.
"I say I'm coming riding, by the looks." He reflected. "Let's go."
It was about an hour since sunrise now.
Eiraki stood at the top of the hill, gazing down with sightless eyes on the rough, uneven terrain that they had crossed. It had been an all night ride through tracks and sliproads that she had never had any idea even existed, and from the moment Kibana had descended upon them, anxiety in his dark eyes, they had seemed to do nothing but push on towards the unknown. Kibana's navigational knowledge had come into its own then, for to the frightened young girl it had seemed impossible to differentiate one turning from another. Yet the soldier had never hesitated, not even once, and though by the time the speeding horses had drawn close to the border she was about ready to beg for them to stop, he had driven them forward with an unrelenting urgency.
Eiraki knew why. Even though they had managed to evade the soldiers, people would soon realise that they had gone. They would be pursued – perhaps had already been – by Seimaru's angry forces baying for their blood, and there was no time for any hesitation. If they were ever going to reach District Eight, it had to be by the time the sun rose, for their flight crossed open terrain and would have been more difficult to conceal by day.
Despite the darkness, though, Eiraki had seen for herself for the very first time the heavy cost of her Grandfather's purge on her family's District. She had travelled a little into the country before, as a small girl, when her Father had taken them all for a short while to one of the other manors after a particularly bad fraternal squabble with her late uncle Mibune. Then she had seen the villages thriving, and she even had fond memories of being able to buy cloth from one of the village markets after excitedly telling her mother it was the 'exact colour of the sky'. Her nurses had later used the fabric to stitch a kimono for one of her dolls, and she had held it deep in her heart as one of her happiest childhood recollections.
Yet the land was now devastated and torched, huge swathes of destruction where there had once been huts and, on occasion, a wandering, lost beggar – more than half in the next world already with ghostly eyes and a thin, skeletal frame.
She was no longer a child in mind, even if she was still in body, and she knew that this had been Shouichi's doing. Her mind flitted briefly to what Keitarou had told her, and she bit her lip, realising that he had spoken the truth. The hunt for the Urahara had killed many people and destroyed the livelihoods of many more. Shouichi had sought to destroy anything he did not like or understand – things, perhaps, he had feared. And Eiraki had seen the ghosts haunting her family's once proud territory as she and her mother had fled for their lives through the night.
Keitarou was still there, she knew, and she fervently hoped that he was all right. He had taken a risk to protect them – a risk that may yet see him killed as a traitor to Seimaru's regime. But even so, he had fought for them regardless. Even so, he and Kibana had managed, between them, to get them to the border and then, to freedom.
The sun had been rising over the horizon as they had reached the guard patrols and the heavily fortified divide between Districts Seven and Eight. The sight of so many armed men in grey and pink colours had sent fear coursing through Eiraki's tired, traumatised heart, but Kibana had merely reined in his horse, indicating for Sumire to do the same with theirs. As men had approached them, Kibana had pulled something from his obi – dirty and stained with something brownish, yet recognisable as the crest of the Kyouraku-ke.
It was as good as a key. Just possessing that family's crest was enough to allow us through.
Eiraki bit her lip, remembering the change in the guards' attitudes as they had seen the carved, polished emblem. She had known that Kibana was a District Eight native, and that he had been a soldier. But that he had belonged to a distinguished Clan regiment in the past had completely escaped her knowledge. Yet the crest he carried had left the guards in no doubt – and they had been allowed to pass.
They had ridden more slowly once inside District Eight. Kibana, who had not spoken much at all through out the journey seemed less keen to kick his heels to his steed and race across this land the way they had raced across Seven. Nor had he headed for the refugee camps that she had heard the guardsmen talking about. Instead, as the sun had risen fully in the sky, they had found themselves near a cluster of abandoned homes, windswept and grey yet enough shelter for tired travellers looking for a place to rest.
Eiraki could not rest, however. She was exhausted beyond normal exhaustion, but she also knew that she would not easily be able to sleep so long as that night's ride was still emblazoned so vividly in her young brain.
Tears touched her eyes.
Otousama. Kei-sama. Please say we can see you both again.
She clapped her hands together softly, bowing her head towards the horizon as she drew fervently on whatever little faith she had remaining.
Please keep them safe until we meet again. Please don't let Seimaru-sama take anyone else's life.
She turned, making her way slowly down the hill towards the ramshackle hut. The horses grazed nearby, released from their tethers, and the blanket from beneath Kibana's saddle now acted as a windbreak between the cold outside and the relative shelter within.
"Eiraki-hime, please do not wander far alone."
As she stepped back inside, Kibana offered her an anxious look. "This is foreign territory, and as yet we have not made a formal approach to the Kyouraku-ke. I believe…if I could speak to them, I could convince them to provide sanctuary. Tokutarou-sama is a good-hearted soldier and an honourable Lord who does not wage war on women or children. But in the meantime, it is better we stay together as much as possible."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you." Eiraki sank down on the floor, an apologetic look on her face. "I suppose I really don't know what to do. I don't know how to gather food or water or…or do anything, really. I've never even left District Seven before today."
"Nor have I." Sumire said gravely, and Eiraki noticed Kibana's cloak wrapped around her mother's shoulders to preserve warmth. "Come sit with me, Eiraki-chan – we'll shed less heat that way. We're entirely reliant on Kibana-dono's memory and knowledge for the next few days."
"I'm at your service." Kibana bowed his head, yet Eiraki saw a faint flicker of pain cross his gaze as he pulled himself slowly to his feet. "In which case, I will see to starting a fire. It's been a long ride but even here the day is cold. I wouldn't have you taking a chill from the experience – and so I…"
He faltered, a grimace marring his features as his left hand went suddenly to his midriff. As he did so, Sumire let out an exclamation, her eyes widening in alarm.
"Kibana-dono! You…you're bleeding!"
Eiraki's heart stilled in her chest, noticing for the first time the seeping stain that had spread across Kibana's dark clothing. In the blackness of night, it had not been visible but now, with the light of day streaming through the cracks in the wood, it was all too obvious. Kibana had ridden with an injury at breakneck speed in order to get them to this location – he had probably sustained it getting away from the manor, and more, Eiraki realised with sudden cold dread, the stain that had covered the Kyouraku crest had been…
"Blood." She whispered, but Kibana shook his head, offering her a smile.
"It's nothing. A flesh wound. Please, do not concern yourselves." He said firmly. "I'm a soldier and I've battled with worse."
He turned towards the entrance of the hut with resolution, but before he could make even the two steps distance he stumbled and swayed, then fell headlong onto the hard ground with a heavy, sickening thump.
"Kibana-dono!" Eiraki only just stopped herself from screaming his name, as Sumire threw back the cloak, hurrying down by the fallen man's side. She rolled him over, murmuring in consternation for the soldier had lost consciousness completely. From the greyish sheen of his skin and the layer of sweat that covered his brow, Eiraki could tell that it had not been a flesh wound at all, and fear crept over her once more.
"Okaasama." She whispered, and Sumire's brow creased as she reached to loosen Kibana's obi, pulling it away and revealing the tears and blood-marks that lay beneath.
"He took this defending us." Sumire murmured, voicing Eiraki's fears aloud. "At the manor, one of Seimaru's men did this. And yet he rode…it's been bleeding out for some time. It's coloured the fabric right through, Eiraki – and its absorbed most of it, but he's lost a lot of blood along the way. A wild ride like that one…it can't have done him any good."
"But…what can we do?" Eiraki felt the tears of panic pricking at her eyes once more. "If he's hurt like this…Okaa-sama, what can we do?"
"We're not going to panic. Your Father wouldn't panic." Sumire did not raise her voice, but there was a firmness in it that Eiraki was not used to hearing. "Kibana did this for our sake. We're now going to do what we can for his. In this land, Eiraki, we are not fine ladies or princesses with influence of any kind. We are refugees and we have nothing but ourselves to rely on. I don't know District Eight any more than you do. But I believe it to be a prosperous land – and because of that, there must be a settlement of some kind near here that can provide help. These huts wouldn't have been abandoned because of poverty, so that means the village must have moved for some other reason. Misashi used to speak about it – about farmers changing their land for better crops or to graze their animals with more success. Since District Eight is not poor, I'm sure that must have happened here."
She tore a strip from her gown sleeve, folding it in half as she dabbed at the still bleeding wound.
"At the very least we need water. He's running a fever and I need to wash this wound clean, even if there's nothing more I can do to treat it."
She frowned, and Eiraki knew what was coming next.
"You were outside. Did you see anything that might do? A spring? A river? Any place from where we might get water?"
"I…" Eiraki coloured, shaking her head. "I wasn't really looking…I…"
She scrambled to her feet, her gaze flitting to Kibana as she did so. He was breathing more quickly, she realised – how had she not noticed before that the man who had been guiding them had been doing so with such a wound concealed?
"I'll go now." She said aloud, though the thought struck fear into her young heart. "I'll go find help, Okaa-sama. Kibana-dono has the Kyouraku crest, so surely someone must help him…musn't they?"
"Take it with you."
Sumire pulled the blood-slicked crest from Kibana's cloak, holding it out and after a moment of hesitation, Eiraki took it, trying to still her revulsion as she registered anew the thick blood stains that covered it.
"With it, we got into this District." Sumire added. "With it, I'm sure someone will come to Kibana and help him. Keep it safe, Eiraki, and be careful. If you can, seek someone who wears District Eight's colours and do not reveal to them your name. Simply tell them you are a serving girl and a soldier in your company has taken injury. Understood? Do not reveal who you are – no matter what!"
"I understand." Eiraki's expression became solemn and she gripped the crest once more to her chest. "I'll do as you say, Okaasama. Somehow, I'll do as you say!"
"You know, Juu, for your first time on horseback, you're not doing all that bad."
As the group of students rounded the end of one of the floral trackways, Shunsui drew his steed alongside Juushirou's placid mare, casting him a playful grin. "I knew that if you put your mind to it, you could use your winning ways on a horse."
"Shut up." Juushirou snorted, slowly shaking his head as he indicated the leather reins clutched tightly between his fingers. "We're going at snail pace and even so I don't feel all that safe. I've never ridden before and now I know why – it's bumpy and uncomfortable and I'm certain that if we go even a bit faster I'll end up sliding off the beast completely."
"Well, if you got into serious difficulties, we could always rescue you." Kai reined back his own mount, overhearing the last of this conversation. "But Kyouraku's right, Ukitake. Considering it's your first time."
He shrugged.
"My first time consisted of my father dumping me on top of a young mare and me screaming and screaming to be let off." He added ruefully. "It must've been the quietest horse ever, because it didn't even bat an eyelid while I was starting a tempest on its back. I was only four at the time, mind you – I felt like I'd climbed a mountain."
"Four year old Kai-kun? Aw. I bet that was cute." Shunsui laughed. "As for me, I didn't begin with horses till I ended up at my Uncle's, so I was a later starter than you. I didn't really think much of it until I realised that if I wanted, I could use the horse to outrun the people supposed to be keeping an eye on me. At that point, I bothered to hone the skill. I'm glad, now. It's a nice option to have, after all."
"It's a very Clan skill." Hirata put in his soft addition to the conversation. "Though until Midori-sama made me, I didn't ride either. My eyesight made me nervous of being on a horse – but since I rode that once without my glasses, I decided that I would probably be all right riding with. That was breakneck speed and terrifying – but I realised if I could do that, I probably wasn't going to die from just sitting on a horse and trotting."
"Well said." Kai's eyes twinkled with humour. "And what about you, Edogawa? Isn't it normal for a Kuchiki to ride a white horse – surely a bay is somewhat out of character for you?"
"I'm not getting married, Shihouin-kun." Mitsuki said simply, shrugging her shoulders. "And in case you'd not realised, only Ryuu-kun rises to your Kuchiki bait. So you needn't try to tease me – I won't react the same as he does."
"Sorry." Despite himself, Kai looked sheepish. "I guess that's true. You're different from him – which is something you should consider a definite advantage. Besides, I haven't forgotten that you helped me after Tomoyuki tried to slit my guts open. I didn't mean to tease you – I don't consider that the Clan rivalry extends to you."
"I don't consider there to be a Clan rivalry." Mitsuki flashed him a faint smile. "I don't like them. Besides, I'm hardly much of a Kuchiki, in any case."
"If we continue on this track, we're going to start on the path towards the refugee settlements." Shunsui glanced across at the landscape, a frown touching his clever features. "Nii-sama doesn't really want me going there without a specific purpose. To be honest, I'd rather not ride there with Hirata - no offence, Hirata, but I think it would be a pretty bad idea."
"I know." Shadows touched Hirata's pale eyes and he nodded. "Even though I want to...I'd like to do something to help them. Right now...going there would be too...if Seimaru had someone there in wait for me..."
He shook his head.
"Again all I can do is nothing." He said bitterly. "Because I'm not strong enough to do anything else."
"Yet." Kai said firmly. "You've come on a hell of a lot since you came to stay in District Two. And you'll come on further, too. In the last exams you ranked joint third with Kuchiki in Kidou and second behind Kyouraku in Hohou. If you work more at your sword skills, you'll bring your ranking up. That's your real weakness. You're not weak overall."
"But to fight Seimaru I need a sword." Hirata responded evenly. "Father taught me to use kyakkou when I was small, so I've been attuned to kidou for a while. And as for hohou - well, that's speed and light and manipulation of those two things. It's not unlike kyakkou either, in that way, so I find it...well...logical."
"Then we'll brush up your sword skills." Kai told him with a grin. "You are getting better. Don't take it to heart."
"I hope that...I might stop kenjutsu altogether from the beginning of next year." Mitsuki pursed her lips, and Juushirou cast her a startled glance, almost toppling off his mount as he turned to stare at her.
"Stop? Altogether? Drop the class completely?" He demanded, and despite herself Mitsuki giggled, nodding her head.
"Don't fall off on my account." She scolded gently. "Yes. Retsu-sama says that to properly train me, she needs to have more timetable space and Genryuusai-sensei has agreed it. So long as..."
She pursed her lips, then,
"So long as Father signs the discharge that Retsu-sama and Genryuusai-sensei sent to District Six, I will be allowed to stop learning Ouyoudou from third year." She whispered. "And use that time instead to devote to my healing training."
"But...how will you summon a zanpakutou, then?" Juushirou looked blank.
"I guess healers have a different way of bringing forth their swords." Kai said thoughtfully. "You heard Kazoe at camp, right? His blade exists to defend us, and its not really a combat blade. Surely most Unohana zanpakutou aren't weapons but healing implements. Probably from the training Edogawa undertakes from now on, she'll find a way to summon the right sword to match the techniques she uses. Zanpakutou are tied to shinigami souls, after all."
"Kai's doubtless right." Shunsui agreed. "I can't see that Mitsuki-chan would summon her sword in the same kind of intense training situation you had, Juu. She's different. We're all different. If our zanpakutou really are all personally attuned, well...they'll probably be awoken in entirely diverse ways."
"Perhaps I can summon mine without needing good sword skills, then." Hirata looked momentarily hopeful, then he sighed. "Oh, but I'm an Endou. And Endou-ke swords are hunting birds, and fighters, and so on."
"You might be different." Juushirou suggested, and Shunsui laughed.
"Maybe Hirata is a dove." He suggested mischievously. "Bringing peace instead of death."
"If that dove could bring down Seimaru with its peace, I'd take it." Hirata admitted. "It's on my mind a lot at the moment - what's going on over there."
Juushirou flinched, glancing down at the sword now securely tied to his obi once more.
"Having no news is worrying." Kai admitted. "But then, it's not necessarily good to receive news, either. Play it by ear, Hirata - try not to worry. Midori-nee is trying to find things out, you know that - and I suspect she's not the only one. Since I'm fairly sure that she and Tokutarou-sama have been in cahoots lately..."
"Yes. Something like that." Shunsui nodded. "But we probably shouldn't talk about this here. It's dangerous."
He indicated the surrounding trees.
"We're in District Eight territory, but that doesn't mean the trees don't have ears." He continued. "Nii-sama hasn't found any spies among the refugees - and on my visit to the camp, I found a lot of miserable people whose lives had been thrown into disarray by Endou idiocy. But that doesn't mean there aren't one or two. And considering that the camps are that way,"
He gestured,
"We should take the path to the left and ride out towards the river. The scenery used to be prettier the other way, but now there's not much to see there - and providing Juu and Hirata don't want to go swimming in it, I think the river bank is a nicer route to ride along before we turn back. The path is even there - even Juu should be able to manage it without sliding off the horse."
"We're not going swimming in any river." Juushirou reddened indignantly. "That was a one off camping accident, not a new hobby!"
"It wasn't nice." Hirata shivered. "In this weather, too, it'd be even worse. Heavy boots and thick cloaks to drag us under the current - and a cold wind to chill us to the bone. If it's all right with you, Kyouraku-kun, I'm not desperate to go too close to the river."
"We'll not be close enough for any accidents. I was teasing." Shunsui assured him with a chuckle. "But the river is as good a route as any. It loops around and then puts us back on the main path towards home without tracking through too many rural settlements. The people there get annoyed, sometimes, if rich people trample too much through their hard toiled land - and Nii-sama is quite strict about things like that. We don't inconvenience our populace - so this way we'll be able to avoid that."
"The Kyouraku really do think about the people here all the time, don't they." Mitsuki murmured, and Shunsui nodded.
"They haven't always." He admitted sadly. "My Uncle exploited ones in his vicinity horribly, and before that, Father let a lot of things fall by the way. But Nii-sama was raised with Shiba ideals as well as Kyouraku ones, and he wanted to win over District Eight when he came to take up his inheritance. And, of course, I support that. Besides, the more that the neighbours hurt theirs, the more resolved Nii-sama is to stick up for ours. He hates the Endou - present company excepted - so works hard to make sure his policies can never be confused with theirs."
"My uncle and my grandfather both allied with your uncle to overthrow Tokutarou-sama's claim." Hirata agreed. "I remember...at the time...all the whispering about it and the representatives that came from the border with Eight. Then there were skirmishes and...the border was closed off like it is now. Tokutarou-sama won his fight - and held onto his Clan."
"That's it." Shunsui sighed heavily. "Not pleasant memories, but over now, thank goodness!"
He pressed his heels gently to the horse's flanks, turning the beast slightly, then,
"We'll cut through here. The willows are less pretty at this time of year, but at least its a nice path to ride through even so. There are some abandoned villages over the rise, and we can stop there and tether the horses for a little while. It's probably a good idea to stretch legs before making the ride back. Especially yours, Juu, since you're not used to this and you'll be stiff tomorrow otherwise."
"I probably will be anyway." Juushirou said heavily. "But all right. To be honest, I'd be quite happy to get off for a bit. If...someone helps me down. I'm not sure how to do that, except the obvious falling-on-my-rear technique. Which...wouldn't be very nice."
"We'll see you down." Kai laughed. "Don't worry. You've really done pretty well, considering. Think of it as another Clan skill you've begun to master, huh?"
"I can't see it being a very useful one back home, but I suppose so." Juushirou eyed the reins doubtfully. "Oh well. At least I can say it's an experience."
"How much further, Kyouraku-kun?" Mitsuki asked, and Shunsui waved his hand ahead of them.
"Just through those trees." He replied. "We'll tie the horses at the edge of the forest and leave them for a little while. If we walk down through the abandoned village, there's a new one just beyond it with a winter market, and we might be able to get something warm to eat and drink from the people there."
"From a...village market?" Mitsuki stared, and Shunsui nodded, eying her quizzically.
"Yes...why? Don't you want to?"
"No, it's not that." Mitsuki shook her head hurriedly, holding up her hands. "It just surprised me, that's all. That you'd come out with no guards and go into the villages just to buy food like that. Do they...will they know who you are? Or..."
"Maybe. Maybe not." Shunsui chuckled. "I spent quite a bit of time exploring some of these areas when I was younger, so there are definitely places that I wouldn't go now. But I can't remember ever causing anyone particular offence in this area - so I think we'll be all right."
"Either way, a walk to the village sounds good, and hot food and drink even better." Juushirou said ruefully. "I'm all for it."
"It's fine by me, too." Kai nodded. "Hirata?"
"I've no objections." Hirata shrugged his shoulders. "It is chilly when the wind blows, and it might be nice since we've not eaten since breakfast."
"Then it's decided."
Shunsui pulled his horse to a halt, nimbly dismounting and looping the reins through the lower branch of a nearby tree. Kai followed suit, and as Hirata and Mitsuki took care of their own mounts, both the Kyouraku and Shihouin heirs came to Juushirou's side, Kai grasping the leather thongs between his fingers as Shunsui offered his uncertain friend a hand.
"Kai's got her still." He explained. "So it'll be fine."
"Ookay." Juushirou faltered, then obediently swung his leg over, letting out a yelp as he almost fell headlong. Somehow he righted himself, and as he grasped Shunsui's arm, the older boy laughed.
"Dramatic, but successful." He teased, helping his companion down onto the frozen turf. "Well, there we go. The village is only a short walk beyond here - follow me."
"Kyouraku-kun..."
As they began to mount the rise, Mitsuki stopped, a frown creasing her pretty features. "Kyouraku-kun, please, stop for a moment. I...something...is funny here."
"Funny?" Shunsui was startled, and Juushirou sent the young girl a concerned look.
"Mitsuki? What do you mean?"
"I don't know, exactly." Mitsuki's brows knitted together and it seemed as though she was attempting to lock onto something. "Just...fleetingly then...I felt....something."
"Trouble?" Hirata asked softly, and Mitsuki shrugged.
"I don't know." She repeated. "All I felt was...a wave...of...uncertainty and pain. Somewhere in this vicinity."
"In the abandoned village?" Kai demanded, and Mitsuki nodded.
"Yes. Somewhere there. Right ahead."
"But it's empty, isn't it? That's why it's an abandoned village." Kai looked non-plussed. "Edogawa, are you sure?"
"I'm sure." Mitsuki was already taking the path towards the cluster of ramshackle buildings in the distance. "I know this is a detour, Kyouraku-kun, but...can we...please..."
"If you think someone's in trouble, Mitsuki-chan, then we can." Shunsui said grimly. "Even if Kai's right and it doesn't make sense - you're better than a radar when it comes to things like this. And if someone's had an accident or something..."
"We should help." Juushirou said firmly. "Mitsuki and Shunsui are right. If somebody is injured up there, no matter who that person is..."
Before he could finish his sentence, however, there was a rustling of branches and a figure appeared at the top of the rise, dishevelled and plainly dressed as she stumbled over the land towards them. As she came, they could see blood on her serving maid's uniform, and immediately Juushirou took a few steps towards her, anxiety in his hazel eyes as the girl - yes, she was a girl, and not yet a woman - tripped over her own feet and fell to the ground.
"Looks like Mitsuki was right." Shunsui said grimly. "Come on. We should check this out."
"It's not...that's not..." Mitsuki faltered, but she was given no opportunity to protest, for Juushirou had grabbed her by the arm, pulling her towards the young girl who, as they drew closer, was shaking with either cold or shock or both.
"Are you all right?" Kai raised his voice, and at the sound of it, the youngster raised her face. Shock and disbelief flooded her grimy features, and her lips parted, forming a single word between chattering teeth that was so faint they could only just make it out.
"N...N..N...ii-sama?"
As she did so, Hirata let out an exclamation, caution thrown to the wind as he hurried forward, dropping down at the girl's side and ripping his cloak from his shoulders to wrap it around the youngster's shivering ones. The young girl let out a stifled sob, throwing herself against his body, and Hirata hugged her gently, the confusion and bewilderment of his friends reflected in his own gaze.
"It's Eiraki-chan!" He murmured. "It's...my...sister!"