Chapter Forty Two: Sanctuary
A moment of silence greeted Hirata's exclamation, then Juushirou stepped forwards, consternation in his gaze.
"Hirata? This girl...is your sister? Eiraki-hime?"
"Yes." Hirata's eyes were equally clouded and he hugged the crying girl more tightly as she buried her head in his shoulder, body shaking with the force of her tears. "But in the last place I expected to see her."
"And in the last condition too, I imagine." Shunsui's voice had become grave, and he handed the reins of his horse to Kai, stepping forward. "She was stumbling over the rocks - is she hurt? Or...?"
"Eiraki-chan?" Hirata's eyes widened at this and he held his sister at arm's length, gaze running over her grimy, blood-spattered attire anew. "Are you all right? Are you injured? Is this...?"
"It's not my blood." Eiraki drew a shuddering breath into her lungs, shaking her head slowly. "I didn't...it isn't...me."
"Then you didn't come here alone?" Shunsui asked softly, and Eiraki gazed at him in fear, rather like an animal caught in headlights. Hirata sighed, patting his sister reassuringly on the shoulder.
"It's all right, Eiraki-chan." He said softly. "These are my friends from the Academy. They're not going to hurt you or anything else, I promise. They're people I trust - and they want to help you just like I do."
Eiraki faltered for a moment, then nodded her head.
"Okaa-sama is with me." She murmured. "We both...came."
"Then Sumire-sama is the one who's hurt?" Kai asked, and Eiraki shook her head.
"N...no." She responded. "It's K...Kibana-dono. Because he was p...protecting me, he...and now he's...but...Okaasama sent me for help and...I didn't know where to...to go."
"Kibana." Hirata's gaze clouded. "But not Father?"
Eiraki shook her head again.
"He's...still in District Seven." She said unsteadily. "Seimaru-sama has him confined but...I do not know where. Nobody does. Only that he is a p...prisoner and that is all."
"But at least still alive, by the sounds of it." Shunsui said frankly. "Hirata, who is this Kibana person? I feel as though the name is familiar, but I can't think why it would be."
"Father's chief retainer and manservant. A former soldier from District Eight." Hirata explained. "It seems that even with Father not there, he still...acts in his name."
"He said that it was h...his duty to see us to safety. That Father would w...want it." Eiraki was still clinging to her brother as though afraid to let go. "And Kei-sama said..."
She faltered at this, shaking her head.
"Never mind."
"Kei...sama?" Juushirou looked blank, and Eiraki shook her head again.
"Nothing." She whispered. "Kibana-dono is hurt, though, Nii-sama. It's a...a bad wound, Okaa-sama says. A slash across his gut. He rode with it - he must've done - but he collapsed when we reached here and neither Mother nor I know District Eight enough to know where to go for help."
"That's what I sensed. This…Kibana-dono…is somewhere nearby?" Mitsuki's soft voice broke through the conversation at this point, and Hirata glanced up, relief flickering at his senses as he registered the look in the Kuchiki girl's soft grey eyes. Eiraki nodded.
"Just over the rise." She said softly. "In a small, abandoned hut. Okaasama is with him...but I don't want to leave them long. It might...not be safe. The Kyouraku-ke...don't...like...Endou-ke, after all. They might...not want us here."
"You can put that out of your head now, Eiraki-chan." Shunsui shook his head, striding forward to put his hand gently on her head. "Because I can speak for them and I will, if need be. You are welcome here. You and your mother both. You're claiming sanctuary, after all, correct? There's no doubt in my mind that your claim will be accepted."
"But..." Eiraki stared at him with wide eyes, and Shunsui grinned, bowing his head towards her mock-formally.
"Kyouraku Shunsui, at your service." he said lightly. "My brother is the Clan Leader here. And he already said, some time ago, that while he couldn't interfere in your District's affairs, if you ever fled to him as refugees, he would offer you safety here. So you can relax, Eiraki-hime. My family do not hate your people. It's Seimaru that we have issue with - not the Clan as a whole. You aren't our enemies, and we won't treat you as such. You're safe here."
At that, Eiraki let out a soft moan of relief, falling against her brother again as her legs went weak beneath her, and Hirata let out an exclamation, catching and supporting her as he gently lowered her to the ground. She gazed up at him, face pale and visibly shaking, but it was the relief and apprehension in her blue eyes that truly broke Hirata's heart.
"We need to send for help, then, in that case." He said softly. "I appreciate it, Kyouraku-kun. For you to say such things and so firmly - I appreciate it a lot."
"You and I are friends and these are your kinsfolk." Shunsui said simply. "We've managed to do little enough for them so far. Now, perhaps, that will change."
He glanced at Kai.
"You're the fastest rider, probably, so you should take the message back to the main house. In fact, I'll ride with you - so as to be sure the news is conveyed straight to Nii-sama as soon as possible. Especially if there's a man hurt."
"And the rest of us?" Juushirou asked. "Should we go to the hut, then, and wait for you there? If it's just over the rise it can't be far - and perhaps Mitsuki can help Kibana-dono in the meantime."
"I know where he is. I can sense it." Mitsuki had already taken a few steps towards the rise, and Hirata could see the urgency in her grey gaze.
"I don't know how much I can help him, but I can feel his spirit at the very least. He's alive, but he's in pain – and we shouldn't delay."
"Then we should definitely go and see." Juushirou suggested. "If Mitsuki says that, after all, then its what we should do. We shouldn't just stand here talking about it - not if he's hurting and Mitsuki can help."
"Are you...a healer?" Eiraki's eyes flitted across to Mitsuki, who sighed, shrugging her shoulders.
"In training. I'm only a student - an apprentice at best." She admitted. "I've been training only a few months, and I don't know any but the most basic outlines of healing spells. But...I'll still try and make him comfortable, if I can. Retsu-sama would want me to do what I could - after all, that's why I chose this path in the first place."
"If there's anything you need us to get, Mitsuki, say so." Juushirou assured her, resting his hand briefly on her shoulder. "I'm not sure I recognise that many wild herbs in this District, but I can at least try and find water."
"Then it's decided." Shunsui nodded. "Thank you, Mitsuki. Juu. I'll leave you and Hirata to help Eiraki-hime. We'll find you all right – I can trace Juu's reiatsu anywhere, after all. And we'll ride quickly."
He smiled at Eiraki.
"So don't cry." He instructed. "It'll all be all right."
With that he grabbed Kai by the arm and the Shihouin boy nodded as they hared back towards where they had tied the horses.
"They will ride fast." Hirata murmured. "Can you stand, Eiraki-chan? I won't leave you out here, but I don't think I can carry you."
"I…I'm all right now." Eiraki struggled to her feet, still pale yet nodding her head in determination. "It was a long ride…a long night…and none of us have slept any since the night before. In truth, I didn't sleep much then, either – for fear of what might happen and whether or not we'd manage to get away."
She offered Mitsuki a hopeful look.
"Please, come and help Kibana-dono. He's been kind and loyal to us the whole time, and Father would want us to repay that kindness. He's a good man – if you can stop his suffering, then…"
"I will do my best." Mitsuki promised solemnly. "If it is within my power, I will try."
"Okaasama?"
As they reached the cluster of houses, Eiraki pushed back the divide of the nearest, stepping inside. At the sound of her voice, Hirata saw a figure rise from the shadows in the corner, grimy and dishevelled but undoubtedly familiar. His heart stilled in his chest at the sight of her, emotions only just being held back as he remembered belatedly that his family needed his help. His initial impulse to run to his mother for comfort was overlaid by a new determination to protect his kinsfolk, a resolve that grew stronger as the woman stepped into the light.
For a moment she paused, then her eyes widened with first surprise then joy.
"Hirata?"
The word was little more than a whisper, but even before he could nod his head, Sumire had darted forward, flinging her arms tightly around her young son. There were tears in her eyes too, Hirata could tell – yet she too was holding them back and he bit his lip, returning the embrace with a warm one of his own.
"Welcome to District Eight, Okaasama." He said softly. "I'm glad to see you – both you and Eiraki-chan."
"My son." Sumire held him at arm's length, her gaze searching every inch of his face for even the most fleeting change since the last time they had met. "I never thought that you would be here…so close to where we were. But how? Why? I don't understand?"
"The wedding of the Kyouraku lord." Hirata said evenly. "His brother and I are school friends, after all."
"But...so the rumour was true. You are invited here." Sumire bit her lip. "But to let you ride...so close to danger. Hirata..."
"It isn't the concern of Tokutarou-sama to preserve my safety." Hirata said simply. "Nor anyone but my own, since I…I am an exile from District Seven."
He paused, and Sumire let out a slight, bitter laugh.
"So are we all." She murmured. "But if you are known to the Clan…perhaps…we are safe here after all."
"Shunsui's promised it." Juushirou spoke now, and as Sumire turned to gaze at him in surprise, the white haired boy bowed his head. "I'm sorry. It's not my place to speak, Sumire-sama – but Shunsui said it so I'm sure he meant it. You and your daughter are welcome here – your sanctuary will be accepted."
"Shunsui?" Sumire murmured faintly, and Hirata nodded.
"Kyouraku Shunsui - Tokutarou-sama's brother." He agreed. "Ukitake-kun is right, Okaasama. He's already promised you both safe conduct. You…and Kibana-dono, if he…is…able."
"Kibana." A stricken look touched Sumire's face and she turned towards the blanketed form on the ground, beside which Mitsuki was already kneeling. "Oh, and I almost…in the surprise of seeing you…"
She looked troubled, and Hirata rested a hand on his mother's shoulder, realising with a jolt that in their year and a half apart he had grown enough to meet her gaze on the level.
"Kyouraku-kun and Kai-kun have gone to the manor to report to Tokutarou-sama." He said quietly. "And to have them send help to where we are. There'll be time for us to talk about other things later, but for now…were you attacked? Eiraki said she wasn't hurt – are you?"
"I'm not, simply tired and worn from the stress of it all." Sumire shook her head. "Kibana is, however. He took a wound to his belly on our escape and though he didn't even raise a complaint during our ride, it has bled out quite considerably. On arriving here, he stumbled and collapsed…and I realised his wound was quite severe. He is somewhat feverish – I didn't know what else to do so I laid him down here and sent Eiraki to find assistance. But…if such a thing is even possible…"
She trailed off, looking helpless.
"We are Clansfolk." She murmured. "Neither of us are trained for surviving on our own."
"He is fevered, and his wound is bad." Mitsuki spoke softly at that moment. "But his life signals are still quite strong. He has lost quite some blood, but not enough yet to compromise his life…at least…so I think."
She frowned, biting her lip.
"I don't know if I can stop the bleeding alone, however." She admitted. "I have learnt the basics for that spell, but…I…haven't yet had a chance to use it."
"Is there a risk, if you try it?" Juushirou asked, and Mitsuki shrugged her shoulders.
"There is always a risk with all Kidou, hostile or healing." She said frankly. "But if I don't try, he will lose more blood. I…don't think I want to let that happen, Juushirou-kun. He's weak as he is, but stable enough. However…considering what Sumire-sama just said…"
"Can you help him, child?" Sumire moved back towards the injured man, as they all gathered around his bedside. He was not conscious, Hirata realised, and the pale, grey sheen of his skin seemed somewhat at odds with the flickering fever that caused sweat to bead against his brow.
"I can try." Mitsuki chewed down on her lip. "I'm only a trainee healer, but…I…can try."
"I'll go fetch some water." Juushirou suggested. "If he has a fever, he might want something to drink. And…"
"No…no." Mitsuki shook her head. "He mustn't drink anything – I'm not sure if the blade severed through organs and if it did, drinking anything might kill him. But…water would be helpful, Juushirou-kun. Water to clean his wounds and cool him down – since it might take a while for Kyouraku-kun and Shihouin-kun to mobilise people to come help. And besides, Sumire-sama and Eiraki-hime are probably tired and thirsty too, from their trip."
"Right." Juushirou nodded, disappearing out of the hut and Hirata knelt at Mitsuki's side, aware that his mother and sister were watching anxiously.
"Is there anything we can do?" He asked quietly, and Mitsuki shook her head.
"Sumire-sama did the best thing already, in finding him somewhere quiet and still to rest." She murmured, even as her fingers began to glow with an odd bluish light. "They have been through a lot, Hirata-kun."
"Are we really safe here, Nii-sama?" Eiraki asked plaintively. "Will they really help us?"
"Yes. They will." Hirata nodded his head, slipping his fingers through his sister's and squeezing them reassuringly as he felt them slide back into their sibling roles. "I trust Kyouraku-kun and I know he keeps his word. If he says that, he means it. You will be allowed to stay here. All of you."
"It may bring trouble down on Tokutarou-sama's head, having high profile refugees suddenly arriving at his court." Sumire said quietly, and Hirata nodded.
"But the Kyouraku-ke are allied with the Shiba-ke, and the Shiba-ke are currently here in force." He responded evenly. "Seimaru is a crazy fool, but he's not that crazy as to launch an invasion into this place when both Tokutarou-sama and Kyouki-sama are within easy mobilisation. Kyouki-sama is a powerful Shinigami…very powerful, after all. Much more so than Seimaru is. He wouldn't survive, if he came here after you. Even he must know that…otherwise he'd have crossed this land to find me already, I'm sure."
"You've become a young man, in the time we've been apart." Sumire reflected softly, reaching out to tweak Hirata's growing tail of hair. "I can see it, now – your father's determination in your expression. It gives me hope, Hirata-kun. A good deal of hope. Your father has always put his faith in you...and now I can see it, starting to bear fruit."
"I'm still not as strong as he wants me to be. As you all need me to be." Hirata reddened, glancing away. "But I am trying, Okaasama. I am working hard. And everyone has helped me. Kai-kun and Ukitake-kun especially…to keep going forwards and keep trying to learn."
"Ukitake-kun." Sumire murmured. "Was that…the young boy who just left us? The boy from the Districts, whose zanpakutou your Grandfather ratified before the Council of Elders?"
"Yes." Hirata nodded.
"Seimaru-sama was very angry." Eiraki murmured. "When Grandfather came back after that Council meeting. And then…Grandfather was dead, and still…nobody knows how."
"Eiraki." Sumire shot her a sidelong glance. "Your father doesn't believe it was Seimaru's doing, so you should take care in what you say."
"I don't care." Eiraki's gaze became stubborn. "I believe it was."
"As do I." Hirata said grimly. "Regardless of any evidence – there's no other possible culprit in my mind."
He sighed.
"But you shouldn't hold Ukitake-kun responsible for that." He added. "His zanpakutou had to be ratified because that's Council law. If Seimaru took things into his own hands after that…they're entirely different things."
"I don't blame Ukitake-san." Eiraki shook her head. "I blame Seimaru-sama. I blame Seimaru-sama for everything. He made me move into the annexe, and imprisoned our Father somewhere I can't see him. He forced me to become betrothed to someone I had never met and threatened me every time we spoke. I hate him and I want someone to kill him…soon, before he hurts more people."
She grasped hold of Hirata's hands.
"Nii-sama, will you come back to District Seven?" She begged. "Will you come and kill Seimaru, so we can have our home back and start to put things back together as a family?"
"Eiraki!" Sumire's eyes widened, and Eiraki turned to face her mother.
"This is why we came. To find Nii-sama and help Father." She said quietly. "This is why Kei-sama helped us to escape – and why Kibana-dono took injury getting us away from the manor. This is what it's all been in aid of. We can't just run away any more, Okaasama. This is our fight…we have to fight it too."
"Eiraki-chan." Hirata stared at his companion, then he sighed, reaching across to ruffle her messy dark hair.
"I don't like it, hearing you talk about death like this." He admitted. "Or killing people – its not something a child should be saying."
"I'm not a child." Eiraki's eyes hardened. "I'm not one now – I'm not allowed to be one, not any more. Since you defied Seimaru-sama, I've been the one paying your penance…so don't treat me like a little girl. I've done everything I could to protect Father and Mother since you went away. Now we have to do something about it."
Hirata was silent for a moment, then he shook his head.
"I know that." He said simply. "But it's my burden. Not yours. I'm sorry it's fallen on you, Eiraki-chan – but now you're here, you should rest. I understand what it is I need to do. I will not run away from it. And I will not put you or Okaasama in harm's way."
Eiraki stared at him, but she did not reply, for at that moment Juushirou reappeared with water, and Sumire got to her feet, moving back down beside the patient.
"I want to help him, too, if I can." She said softly, as Mitsuki shot her a startled look. "I'm sorry, child, I didn't catch your name but…if you can heal him, I will do whatever you ask of me to assist."
"Mitsuki." Mitsuki pinkened at this vote of faith. "E…Edogawa Mitsuki. And…thank you, Sumire-sama. If you are willing. I'm not experienced enough yet with healing techniques to staunch the bleeding and clean the wound simultaneously. If it doesn't trouble you to be doing such a menial task...it would help a lot."
"I'll help also." Eiraki decided, pulling away from Hirata and getting to her feet. "Okaasama is right – and Father would want us to help Kibana as much as he's always helped us."
Mitsuki bit her lip, then nodded.
"Eiraki-hime, would you then keep a cool cloth to his brow?" She asked softly. "His fever is rising, and it would help to bring it down."
"I will." Eiraki agreed, loosening her torn obi and tearing the end from it as she folded it in half and then again. "I think I know how. When I was small, sometimes I had fevers – I think I know how to cool him down."
"What about us, Mitsuki?" Juushirou asked anxiously, but Mitsuki shook her head.
"For now, too many people will crowd him. And you ran for the water, so now your chest is aching too." She said without even looking up from her patient. "Take a moment, Juushirou-kun – listen and look out for help arriving. There's nothing else you can do here."
"That told us." Juushirou murmured, rubbing his chest ruefully as he cast Hirata a glance. "All right. We'll sit outside and look out for them coming back. I imagine Shunsui's coming with them, from what he said – so it shouldn't be too hard."
He glanced at Hirata, who frowned, then nodded his head reluctantly.
"All right." He agreed. "That's what we'll do. Though if your chest is hurting, Ukitake-kun, we shouldn't sit around too long in the cold air."
"District Eight air is fresh and cool – it doesn't seem to hurt my haibyou at all." As they stepped outside, Juushirou shrugged his shoulders. "And my lungs are aching a little bit because I hurried, not because I'm feeling ill. Kibana-dono is the one who needs concern right now – not me. Besides, now we're alone, there's something…we haven't really discussed."
He frowned, and Hirata's eyes narrowed.
"The sword sheath." He murmured. "And the letter."
Juushirou nodded, pulling his zanpakutou clear of its black resting place and holding the weapon out to his friend.
"I'll check now." He said evenly. "If you hold Sougyo for a moment. I should be the one who does, since I know where it should be and I'll know if its been disturbed."
"All right." Carefully Hirata took the glittering blade in his grip, the pale light of the winter sun glinting off its smooth surface. He sighed, touching his fingers gently to the metal, then,
"If I had something like this, I'd wind up staining it with the blood of my kin." He said slowly. "And perhaps, sometimes…I wonder if that's why I haven't really tried to reach it, yet. I've not wanted to face that fact – that if Seimaru is going to be stopped, who else is there but me? There's always been layers in-between until now, Ukitake-kun. Father. Ojiisama. Obaasama. But they're not there now. Even Father…may…may already be dead. Even if Seimaru says he isn't, nobody knows it for sure. And now there…is only me left. And I can't do anything but face it."
He chewed down on his lip, tasting blood, then,
"Eiraki asked me if I'd come home and slay Seimaru." He admitted. "And I had to tell her I'm not ready yet. I am clumsy and bad with a blade, but I think I've also been stopping myself from fully reaching out and touching whatever power is within me. Endou zanpakutou are not beautiful like Sougyo, Ukitake-kun. They're hunting, killing weapons. They damage those they stalk and they take pleasure in doing so. Even Obaasama's great silver Eagle was meant to have claws of steel that ripped through people's ribcages and plucked out their hearts. My Uncle's zanpakutou was even worse – they say he'd go into a frenzy and slash and cut until all he left was a bloody mess of mutilated flesh. Seimaru's casts fire curses, and Grandfather's Hijirobaya froze through his enemies to the bone. Given all of those things…what might mine be?"
Juushirou paused in his search, eying his companion for a moment. Slowly he shook his head.
"Yours will be your zanpakutou." He said quietly. "And it will reflect the kind of person you are, not the kind of people they were. How many times have we said it? You're you, and not your Clan. Even if it is a bird of prey, Hirata, it will carry itself with honour and with pride. It will fight to do the right thing – whatever that right thing might be. Because that's how the person who will wield it is. And that's what a zanpakutou is."
Hirata reddened, dropping his gaze.
"I wish that was true." He owned, and Juushirou smiled.
"It is." He said simply.
"But…what if I came to kill Seimaru anyway?" Hirata asked hesitantly. "What if I did that, after all?"
Juushirou lowered the sheath of the blade, fixing his companion with a serious look.
"For the sake of your family, you have to do what's right." He said gravely. "I don't like the idea of killing people, but Hirata, you know District Seven and you know what is at stake more than I ever will. In the end, those are things you have to decide. It won't change how I see you – because I believe that you'd only act that way if you felt it was justified to do so. You're not the kind of person to cause pain unnecessarily. So I trust you to do the right thing. And so does your Father. He has a lot of faith in you, too."
He grinned, holding his hand out for the sword.
"And the letter is still safe." He added, relief in his hazel eyes. "It's not been moved, I'm pretty sure. Whatever hard lessons Kyouki-sama gave Sougyo, she didn't pay a great deal of attention to its scabbard."
"Thank goodness." Despite his anxiety, Hirata found himself returning the grin with a faint one of his own.
"I'm sorry I was careless. If you want it back, I understand." Juushirou eyed him quizzically, and Hirata shook his head.
"No. It won't happen again." He said with certainty, handing back the sword. "And besides, if I ever do go to fight Seimaru…if I do…"
He faltered, then,
"Something has to be done, sooner rather than later." He said uneasily. "Most of my family are here now, and Father…Father is the only unknown. It may be that I'll have to use all the weapons at my disposal. And it may be that, if that happens, I'll need the letter to be with someone I trust."
"Then it can stay where it is." Juushirou nodded, sliding the zanpakutou back into the sheath. "We'll say no more about it. I think I sense Shunsui's reiatsu, after all."
He sighed.
"And we'll have plenty enough to explain to Tokutarou-sama's men without him finding out things that it might be dangerous for him to know."
"Well, I should be used to it by now."
Tokutarou turned away from the bedside with a sigh, casting his brother a resigned look as he leant up against the panel wall. "Whenever you go out, you bring trouble back with you. I should know this by now, shouldn't I? That letting you go anywhere is a bad idea."
"What else would you have had me do?" Shunsui demanded, dropping down beside the sleeping, feverish form of the District Seven retainer and putting a finger briefly to his brow. "He's still hot. If Mitsuki hadn't helped him, he'd probably have died. Your doctor as much said so – that he wouldn't have endured losing too much more blood. And as for Eiraki-hime and Sumire-sama..."
"Oh, I know. I know." Tokutarou agreed, rubbing his temples. "In the circumstances, there was nothing else to be done. It's just the timing of it, that's all. In a couple of days, I'm getting married. Now I'm accepting refugees from my staunch enemies, and potentially inviting Seimaru to come cause trouble for us. It couldn't be worse."
"But you did promise." Shunsui reminded him softly. "That if something happened...if Hirata's family..."
"I did, and I intend to keep my word." Tokutarou nodded. "I haven't forgotten. Even if I'm not sure about Misashi-dono's current position or situation, I won't declare war on his wife and daughter when they've fled here under such danger in search of safety. I'm not that evil a person, Shunsui. This is my land, and I offer sanctuary to those fleeing District Seven. They're no different in that regard."
Shunsui nodded.
"For Hirata, it's a mixed blessing." He said with a sigh. "He knows, now, that his mother and sister are safe. But his father may be in even more danger because of it. And I got the impression that this guy...this Kibana...is someone he respects, too. I don't know anything about him, really, but..."
"He's Misashi-dono's chief retainer. He's come here before, to bring me messages." Tokutarou replied. "He used to be a retainer for your Uncle, then defected when your Uncle rose against me and fled to the Endou-ke's land to avoid retribution falling on his family. I assume they've since grown up or worse has befallen them, since it seems he made a conscious decision to risk his life on Misashi-dono's behalf this time. I have no doubt that, imprisoned or not, Kibana bringing them here was on Misashi-dono's orders. The question remains as to why now - whether it's coincidental or whether there was an intention to disrupt my wedding. But without any proof...without anything to suggest..."
"You're getting mighty suspicious in your old age, Tokkun."
The divide slid back to reveal Kyouki at that point, who paused, assessing the fevered patient briefly before nodding her head.
"Not that it's a bad thing, when dealing with your neighbours. However..."
"I don't think that Misashi-dono sent them here to cause you trouble, Nii-sama." Shunsui said honestly. "I think he was afraid for their safety after Shouichi-sama died. Hirata let slip on the ride back here that he'd heard once from his Father despite the sanctions and that the basic message had been that for now things were all right, but that it could change at short notice. Like Hirata's out of Seimaru's reach, I think Misashi-dono probably gambled to get Sumire-sama and Eiraki-hime away too. Even if it cost him his life."
"The whelp is probably right." Kyouki agreed. "Whilst Misashi's involvement with Shouichi's plans was a grey area...Tokkun, I don't believe under any circumstances he would cooperate with any scheme of Seimaru's."
"Me either." Tokutarou shook his head. "But I do wonder if he sent them as provocation. To try and make District Eight - and maybe Five - aware of what's happening over the border. After all, if even high level Clan are fleeing for their lives..."
"Yes. It does imply serious trouble in District Seven." Kyouki nodded. "But that's been the case for a long time, if we're blunt. Since before that idiot Mibune got himself killed, if we're honest. Since they wrapped themselves up in your civil war here, and since they started ripping through their population and destroying anyone they found with spiritual ability. Besides..."
She paused, glancing at Kibana again.
"He carries the Kyouraku crest." She added. "A very specific crest held only by a particular regiment of Kyouraku guardsmen. He defected when your Uncle rebelled, isn't that what you said? Because to rebel against the sworn Head of the Clan was a betrayal of the terms of their duty. Many members of that regiment committed suicide rather than fight against you. Others slipped away into exile until they had a chance to right things. Kibana was obviously one of those and a man who takes his duty seriously. This is no slight wound, yet he must have travelled with it nonetheless. Even at the risk to his life, he sought to protect Misashi-dono's loved ones from harm. I believe that motive is probably his only one. And, possibly, Misashi's motive too."
"Well, either way, they're here now." Tokutarou reflected. "You think I've done right, then, Kyouki-sama? In letting them stay?"
"I think that you have no choice." Kyouki told him bluntly. "Aside from keeping your word to the imp here, could you really send a woman and child back to a land knowing that to do so would probably be to sign their death warrants? I know you, Tokkun. I know you can be ruthless with blades in a fair fight. But even so, I don't believe you capable of that."
Tokutarou smiled ruefully.
"You're right." He agreed. "They're here, and here they stay. Whether we'll learn much from them I'm not sure, but at least I'm sure neither one of them are Seimaru's spies. It's fairly obvious that they hate him, after all."
"Even so, keep Kibana here." Kyouki advised. "Restrict access to him and only allow those who need to see him to do so. He's stable now, after all, isn't he? Your physician has seen him and has treated the wound?"
"He operated on it a couple of hours ago, and cleaned and bound it." Tokutarou agreed. "The Kuchiki girl's first aid helped - probably saved him in the first instance, to be honest - and now he should come through and make a recovery."
"Then keep him confined here until you've had a chance to speak directly to him about what happened in District Seven." Kyouki advised. "This man carries your crest, and so still holds some allegiance to you in his heart, even though he now works for another Lord. He will tell you the truth, I'm sure. And then you will know the precise nature of what happened."
"It's a good point. And I shall." Tokutarou nodded. "You hear that, Shunsui? Other than you and I, and Kyouki-sama - nobody else is to come see Kibana without special permission from me. Not even – no, especially not those from District Seven. And if you do, and he's awake, I want to know about it as soon as possible."
"All right." Shunsui agreed. "And if people ask about him?"
"You can tell them that he is still quite sick and needs to be kept quiet so that he can recover." Kyouki said briskly. "It's not a lie, after all, and it will keep prying eyes out."
"In the meantime, I will talk to Sumire-sama and Eiraki-hime, also." Tokutarou sighed. "Although where I'll find the time for it is beyond me."
"Leave it to me." Shunsui suggested. "Hirata's my friend, so they'll more likely trust me than you anyway. If I learn anything, I'll tell you - but it'd probably work better that way."
"Shunsui's right." Kyouki looked approving. "He's best placed for this kind of information gathering. Leave it with him, Tokkun. The informal approach is probably best, especially with such a scared young mite as Eiraki-hime. Poor child - she's still so young and she's not known for being particularly strong of character. All of this must've taken a heavy toll on her."
"Being reunited with Hirata at the very least will help." Shunsui reflected. "He's always said they had a close bond. I'm pretty sure when he first began at the Academy, Eiraki-hime sent him letters begging him to come home. They've been apart for a year or more – there's a lot to catch up on."
"All right." Tokutarou nodded his head. "That does make sense, and it takes a burden off me. Thank you, Shunsui. Although it will mean you explaining to the Clan why they are here. It can't be kept a secret – so if I delegate that to you, will you be able to manage it?"
"I will tell them it was entirely my whim." Shunsui said cheerfully. "And that you indulged it, because you're an honourable, chivalrous type who can't refuse to help ladies in distress. You can count on me, Nii-sama. I'll shut them all up quite quickly on the subject. After all, they still seem well-disposed towards me. Even though I philandered and drank my way through the landscape for a twelve-month – they have short memories for my bad behaviour and long ones when it comes to my bloodline."
"True on all counts." Tokutarou looked rueful. "Then its settled. Shunsui, I leave the entirety of this matter to you."
"Yes, sir." Shunsui grinned, saluting his brother playfully. "I'll go and report the information back to them now. And if I can borrow Yasuhiro – I'll have him assemble as many of the family heads as he can in the communal room downstairs, so that I can inform them of the current political shift. Is that allowed, or do you need him right at the moment?"
"Your need is probably greater." Tokutarou acknowledged. "Kyouki-sama, if you've a moment to help him – since I still have several thousand things to finalise before we even get to sealing the marriage."
"I suppose I could do that." Kyouki inclined her head. "Since you're asking, and since it's the whelp who needs the assistance. He has to learn sometime, after all, how to be a proper state Clansman. May as well be now."
"Then if that's the case, Kyouki-sama, can you stop calling me whelp, imp and whatever other affectionate nicknames you've devised for me?" Shunsui asked wryly. "At the very least, not in front of the rest of my Clan. Not if I'm supposed to be what you just said."
"All right. I get the message." Kyouki reached over to ruffle the messy brown hair. "So shall we go, then? Assembling your kinsfolk will not be an easy task and digging Yasuhiro out of whatever project he's involved in might be just as difficult. Sooner we begin the better…then maybe the shock will have sunk in before the wedding itself!"
"Truly, this morning, when we reached that village…I had no expectation that by this evening we would be reunited with you, Hirata."
Sumire pulled her wrap more tightly around her shoulders, casting her son a glance as she settled herself down on one of the cushions nearest the fire. "To encounter such kindness in this land was unexpected – I was even a little afraid of the reception we might receive. But even though I had heard it - Kibana had said that you may be in District Eight - I don't suppose I really believed that to be any more than hopefulness on his part or on mine."
It was now evening and, as the sun began to set outside, the two Endou refugees were relaxing as best they could in a private salon within the core of Shunsui's mother's part of the estate. When she had realised the situation, Yoshiko had soon offered her assistance, knowing that to throw the women loose among the mingling members of the Kyouraku and other Clans could create a political sensation. As a result, bathed, dressed in clean robes – albeit in the colours of the wrong Clan - and in the presence of a bright, roaring fire, both Sumire and Eiraki looked less like ragged runaways and more like the noble folk they truly were.
Hirata smiled faintly now, shrugging his shoulders.
"I think I'm more surprised than you, Okaa-sama." He admitted. "Though relieved, too. Relieved and worried at the same time – but that's better than simply being worried."
"We really can't bring you news of your father." Sumire said gravely, shaking her head. "Neither Eiraki nor I have seen or heard anything about it since his arrest. He is still alive – if Seimaru is to be believed – but that is all we know. And we don't even know if that is the truth at all."
"Everything at home is a pressure cooker." Eiraki put in softly, her vivid blue eyes distracted and preoccupied as she stifled a shiver. "And by coming here, we may have upset it further. Seimaru-sama was using Father's life as a way to keep Mother and I obedient and imprisoned. But we were persuaded…Father's own will was for us to leave District Seven. We came to find you, Hirata-nii. As I said before…we came for that reason."
"To ask me to fight Seimaru and take back the Clan?" Hirata bit his lip.
Sumire shook her head.
"Nobody is asking you to throw yourself into a battle you are not ready to fight." She said gently.
"But…isn't that the reason Father sent Nii-sama to Genryuusai-sama in the first place?" Eiraki demanded, and Sumire spread her hands.
"Yes." She admitted. "But with a long-term goal of achieving that end. Nobody expected things to happen as violently as they have in the past few months – Shouichi-sama's death rocked many boats, and now…everything is on a knife-edge. Your father was probably the only one even vaguely anticipating trouble to happen – he made it very clear to me long before Shouichi-sama's accident that he had done his best to make sure Hirata would not come back to District Seven for a long time. Genryuusai-sama originally advised him that training to wield a true Shinigami weapon may take four or six years and before we even sent Hirata to the Academy, we discussed this between us. It was his wish and had Yayoi-sama's approval."
"We don't have four or six years." Eiraki objected, and Hirata bit his lip.
"I'm sorry, Imouto-chan." He said slowly. "I have learnt things – many things. I know several good spells and my sword skills are improving little by little. But I'm not a genius or a prodigy. Even working as hard as I can…there's only so much I can do."
"But don't you realise?" Eiraki stared at him, tears in her eyes. "If we don't do something, Papa might die! Other…other people might also die! There's so much at stake, Nii-sama…we can't just sit and hide forever!"
"And we can't send Hirata to fight a battle he cannot yet win." Sumire said softly. "It would be exactly what Seimaru would want – to have the only other person who could ever challenge him dead and buried and no longer a part of the equation. That would be the end – of anything and everything. You know that, I think…tradition and law in District Seven dictate that an Endou heir must be male, and must be born through a male line."
Eiraki frowned, falling silent, but Hirata could tell that she was still not entirely convinced.
"I intend to kill him, Eiraki." He said quietly. "I made up my mind already that I will go and I will face him. I'm training hard towards that goal – with the help of the Shihouin and of Genryuusai-sama, I'm doing my best. And I know that time is pressing. I will work harder."
Eiraki sighed, slowly shaking her head.
"I'm sorry." She whispered, and Hirata was startled to see tears in her eyes. "I know it's not your fault. I know…none of this is. But…everything…is resting on you. Even if Father is willing to die for this, I…I don't want him or anyone else to. And…"
She faltered, coughing and rubbing her chest, and Sumire slipped an arm around her daughter's shoulders.
"It's been a long, traumatic time for both of us, but for Eiraki especially." She explained sadly. "Seimaru put many, many burdens on her – a forced engagement, sudden separation from Misashi and I and threats about his safety to keep her under his thumb. Even though this is Misashi's will, if something befalls him, she will feel to blame. For a girl of fourteen…it is a lot."
Hirata reached across, taking Eiraki's fingers in his.
"None of it is your fault." He said gravely. "None of it will be, no matter what happens. All right? Just like you, I'm sure that Seimaru killed Grandfather, and even if he didn't, Seimaru is the one to blame if anything happens to Father. Seimaru – and me, for not being strong enough yet to fight back."
At that moment there was a knock at the door, and Hirata turned, getting to his feet and moving across to open it. Juushirou stood on the other side, Kai in his slipstream, and at the concerned expression in their eyes, the younger boy managed a smile, stepping back to allow them entry.
"Shunsui's running around like crazy at the moment organising his Clansfolk to explain to them what's happened." Juushirou said, bowing his head towards Sumire and then Eiraki as he led the way inside. "He's asked us to make sure that, for the time being, you all stay right here and don't try to wander around too much. Hirata, you too – just in case, since there are some heated opinions in District Eight about things over the border. He's sure he can get their backing, since they're so fond of him in general – but until he has…its safer."
"Kyouraku can probably silver-tongue anything or anyone." Kai reflected pensively. "At least, when it comes to his kin. They really do seem to worship the ground he walks on – it's quite ironic, considering."
"You're a Shihouin." Sumire started, staring at Kai in surprise. "Are you then a near kinsman of Midori-sama, to whom my family already owe a great debt?"
"My sister's debt was the first, and she believes in repaying it as best she can." Kai acknowledged soberly, inclining his head towards them. "My name is Kai, Sumire-sama – I'm glad to at last meet you – and Eiraki-hime, also. Hirata's been worried…it's good to have you both safe."
"Your sister?" Eiraki's eyes became wide. "You are…the brother of the Shadow Cat Princess, whom Father helped to escape from our land?"
"Yes." Kai agreed. "Thanks to that, my Clan were able to recover from their wounds and move forward. Nee-sama believes in helping the Endou do the same thing. She considers the alliance between herself and Misashi-sama as strong as if it were ratified by the Council itself – and so do I mine with Hirata. I suppose that makes us both your allies as well."
"Kai-kun has been helping me most of all with my sword techniques." Hirata added softly. "He's the top student in our year for kenjutsu and other practical skills – and he's been doing his best to teach me all the things I never learnt at home."
"You've been teaching him?" Hope glittered briefly in Eiraki's clouded gaze. "Then…Kai-dono…do you think…can you train my brother to fight my cousin and win? The Shihouin are known for their skills and their decisiveness in battle – can you teach Hirata-nii to be like that, and to take Seimaru down?"
"That's a very bloodthirsty outlook, Eiraki-hime." Kai eyed her for a moment, then he shrugged. "But I realise what's at stake. What I can do, I will do. Unlike a lot of Hirata's other friends, I'm well acquainted with the type of man your cousin is. The world would be no worse place without him."
"Kai-kun." Juushirou admonished at this point, and Kai cast him a sheepish grin.
"It's how I feel. You don't like him either." He pointed out, and Juushirou nodded.
"Not at all. But even so…"
"It is better to seek peace, but sometimes finding it is impossible without bloodshed." Sumire said sadly. "Ukitake-san – I know that you are from the Districts, where life may or may not be as complicated as life is within Clan holdings. Especially in terms of our family – what Kai-dono says is correct. It must come, eventually. When Hirata is ready, there probably is no other way forward. To save the Clan, Seimaru must be removed. He will not go willingly – he cannot be exiled. Therefore – though I feel about it as you do – someone must take his life. As a mother…"
She faltered, shaking her head.
"As a mother, I don't want to see my son stain his soul with blood." She confessed. "Nor do I want to see another mother grieving for her son. But there is no other way to prevent a worse catastrophe. Already too many have died."
"Seimaru has a mother?" Kai looked startled, and Sumire nodded.
"Riku-hime still lives, but remains imprisoned in a castle to the north of the central manor." She agreed. "She was banished there by my late mother in law for trying to overreach her power and remove my husband from the family completely. Yayoi-sama was a very determined woman, and Riku-hime learnt this the hard way. As yet Seimaru has not released her from her exile, but it looks likely that he's working towards that end. After all, he has brought a kinsman of hers to the court and seeks to ingratiate and subjugate that family line under his rule, if all reports are to be believed."
"Kei-sama isn't Seimaru's ally. He's ours." Eiraki murmured, and Sumire smiled.
"So it has proven, so far." She agreed. "But I'm sure that was not Seimaru's intention when he brought the man to our side."
"Kei…sama?" Kai's brows knitted together. "May I ask…who is this…Kei-sama?"
"Eiraki's fiancé." Sumire sighed, spreading her hands. "Minazake Roukei-dono. By Seimaru's will, although of course there's no talk of an immediate marriage. Still, I think Seimaru seeks to use Eiraki to legitimise his mother's shamed line. Fortunately for us, Roukei-dono has a certain depth of grudge towards the slaughter of his kin some time past – and so chose to help us to escape our shackles and flee here."
"We should not talk about him." Eiraki looked anxious, and Hirata saw her hand clutched once more to her chest. Her voice sounded faintly strained, as though she was frightened by what her mother was saying, and Sumire looked guilty, nodding.
"It's true. We should not." She agreed. "He's still there, and he may be in danger. I'm sorry, Eiraki. He has proven a friend and an ally and I don't wish to cause him harm. We shall not speak of him any more."
Her gaze flitted back to Juushirou.
"Instead, I would like to hear more of your friends, Hirata." She continued. "I have heard much in particular about this District Shinigami who forced even my old-fashioned father in law to concede."
Juushirou reddened at this, and Kai grinned, clapping him on the back.
"This is how you're going to be known from now on." He said teasingly. "Ukitake Juushirou, the District Shinigami."
"It's an unusual feat." Sumire agreed. "I don't know much about the arts of Shinigami – District Seven forbids women to be trained as such unless the circumstances are exceptional. Yayoi-sama was the only female Endou shinigami in many generations, and neither Eiraki nor I have any aptitude for such skills even if we did choose to learn. I've therefore kept clear of the political negotiations involving District children's rights. My husband seems of the opinion that any who has the skill should be able to use them properly, and for that reason he chose to have Hirata trained outside of his homeland. I don't know enough to know if I agree or disagree – but if you are my son's friend, Ukitake-kun, then that is enough for me."
"I appreciate that." Juushirou recovered his wits, offering the woman a grin. "Hirata is someone I consider among my closest friends, and not all Clansfolk are as understanding when it comes to my humble roots."
"I think they're stupid, then." Eiraki said suddenly, and Hirata stared at her, surprised by the uncharacteristic outburst. "Being born Clan doesn't mean anything. Being rich and powerful and able to kill people on a whim isn't special. I think it's fine if Nii-sama has friends who aren't Clan. I hate Clan. It's full of evil and murder and betrayal and…"
She dissolved into a sudden fit of coughing, clutching at her chest, and Hirata was immediately on his feet, hurrying to Eiraki's side.
"Are you all right? You rode all night in the winter air – did you catch a cold?"
"I'm all right." Breathless, Eiraki shook her head, pushing her brother away. "Just tired. Very tired. I hope your friend from the Kyouraku-ke is able to keep his offer of sanctuary, Nii-sama. After everything I'm ready…just to sleep."
"I think that applies to both of us." Sumire nodded.
"Tokutarou-sama is a good man. He will feed you and accommodate you because he keeps his word." Juushirou said seriously. "Shunsui too – he wouldn't have made a promise he didn't intend on following through with. He'll persuade his kinsfolk that it's the right thing – and he'll make sure you want for nothing while you're here."
"Ukitake's right." Kai nodded. "You can put your faith in Tokutarou-sama, Sumire-sama. My sister has had a lot of recent dealings with him and she finds him straight-forward and trustworthy. Even though now is such a busy time for him – all will even itself out."
"I don't think we meant to gatecrash his wedding." Sumire looked guilty. "Our thought was simply to leave while Seimaru was in Inner Seireitei clarifying certain elements of Endou finance with representatives of the Council of Elders. The two things seem to have unfortunately coincided."
"We'll blame Seimaru for that." Kai said wryly. "The Kyouraku can't speak openly in your favour – they can only offer you sanctuary as they would any other woman and child who fled for their lives. But I'm not so restricted, and I can speak. If District Eight is unable to provide for you in the long term, I will contact my sister and she will without doubt offer you safe haven in our homeland, with Hirata. Misashi-sama is Neesama's ally. Therefore you are her allies. Therefore she would not hesitate. Two does not border Seven and Midori-nee wouldn't care if she did offend Seimaru by taking you in."
"But then they'd have to cross District One." Juushirou pointed out softly. "Hirata had to renounce his Clan emblem and all contact with his people back home to stay at the Academy. Would the Yamamoto let them cross?"
"As refugees, I expect so." Kai nodded. "Though it is a point and I hadn't thought of it. The Yamamoto won't want to become more embroiled in this than they already are by Genryuusai-sensei's interdict. It might take time to get their agreement….but if it looked like being long-term, and if Misashi-sama managed to slip his captors and join you – you would all certainly be more than welcome in District Two."
"Thank you." Sumire offered Kai a warm smile. "Though I expect nothing less from the kin of one my husband speaks of so highly. He trusts the Shihouin-ke and clearly Hirata does too – so Eiraki and I will do so also. And if we cannot stay here for a long duration, we may avail ourselves further of your kindness."
"Shunsui's coming." Juushirou put in at that moment, and the next minute the door slid back, revealing the Kyouraku heir robed for once in all his Clan finery. At his entrance, Sumire bowed her head, and Shunsui laughed, holding up his hands.
"I might look like someone important, but I'm still just the Clan idiot." He said casually. "And I'm sorry to interrupt your reunion – though I see others already have. I just wanted to tell you in person that the Kyouraku-ke have accepted it. They have been persuaded that offering you sanctuary is the right and moral thing to do in the circumstances. I've sent Nii-sama's chief retainer to harry the cooks into preparing an evening meal for you to eat here, out of the glare of the mob downstairs – and maids have been sent to prepare guest quarters in readiness for your use. I trust all will be to your satisfaction, even at such short notice."
"A meal and a roof over our heads is more than we have the right to ask for." Sumire said gravely. "In the circumstances, we cannot repay your family's generosity of heart. But one day, somehow, we will, Kyouraku-dono. I promise…somehow, we will."
Author's Note:
There was no Saturday chapter this week!
There was a very special reason though (I didn't just forget, promise!). Today (Dec 21st) is Juushirou's birthday according to canon sources and also it's exactly a year to the day that I started uploading Meifu's Gate Prequel onto the FFnet server. This has been going on for a year, can you guys believe it? Anyhow, sorry to anyone who I caused annoyance or worry with the delay xD There will possibly not be a Saturday chapter this week either, but things should clock back to normal after Christmas is over.
I'd like to take this opportunity, being that it's a year and all, to thank everyone who's supported Meifu over the past twelve months. An extra-special Juu-Shun filled thank you too to all the people who've been kind enough to review the stories over that period - not only have I encountered some truly wonderful and slightly crazy Juu-Shun fans, but it's made it seem like I'm writing the story along with you and that's great motivation to keep going for as long as I have. Yep, thanks to you guys and your support, Meifu has been going on for a year. Arigatou Gozaimasu!
Also...
And finally...since this will be the last update before Christmas itself...
Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it and to those who don't, Happy December 25th!