Chapter Two: An Unexpected Visitor
Ukitake Juushirou sat back against the trunk of the broad, rugged tree, setting his book aside as he gazed pensively up through the branches to the mottled light of the sun. Spring was really coming to Sixth District now, for there were green buds on all of the branches, and soon the early blooms would burst into flower, colouring the winter landscape with delicate splashes of colour and light. Juushirou loved winter, but he liked this time of year too - it marked new beginnings, and reminded him of the path he had chosen to walk five years earlier.
Across the other side of the clearing stood a young tree, its trunk crooked and deformed at the base from where it had originally grown. Around the base was a crown of smaller branches, each one stretching up to become like fingers of wood reaching up to grasp the sky, and as his gaze fell on it, a wry smile touched the young shinigami's lips. It was by no means the prettiest tree in the forest, nor would it ever achieve the crowning beauty of its older, sturdier neighbours. Yet despite the hardships it had seen, it had continued to live - perhaps grabbing hold of life with those same finger-like branches as it fought to establish its own place in the forest. It was ugly and deformed, nothing special to the naked eye yet to Juushirou it was the most important tree in the whole forest. This was his Father's tree - and by coming here and spending time in its company, it was almost as though he was spending time with his long dead parent.
"Juu-nii! Juu-nii! Juu-nii, are you up here?"
A voice broke through the peace and quiet of the woodland, and Juushirou turned in surprise, getting to his feet and dusting his clothing down as he did so. He had been so lost in his remeniscences he had not even sensed her coming, but, as the young girl tumbled into the copse his smile became one of amusement and he reached over to haul her upright, patting her playfully on the head.
"You have to be careful of tree roots at this time of year, Shiki-chan. You can't run around like that because the trees like to play with you - and the ground isn't as smooth and even as it is in other parts."
"I was looking for you, Juu-nii." The youngster glared up at him, indignation in her aqua eyes, and Juushirou laughed, ruffling her thick, curly hair absently as he met her gaze. "I had to come all the way up here because nobody else could find you an' I said I could, but I had to come all this way because you didn't hear me when I was yelling and yelling. I started to wonder if you'd felled off the cliff edge or something - but you were just reading an' ignoring me ."
"I wasn't ignoring you. Not on purpose, anyhow." Juushirou shook his head. "I was just soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. Don't you think it's pretty at this time of year, right when the seasons are going to change?"
"I think Juu-nii's spent too much time with rich stupid people, cos that's the kind of thing they say when the frosts are still down on the hills an' nobody can get through the earth to plant crops yet." Shikiki said matter-of-factly, grasping Juushirou's hand with thick, stubby fingers and tightening her grip meaningfully. "But everyone's been looking for you, so right now you should come with me."
"Looking for me? Really?" Juushirou bent to pick up his discarded book with his free hand, eying her in surprise. "Everyone? What's happened? I can't imagine that Hiro-kun would need me so badly, and..."
"Silly, that's not it." Shikiki shook her head impatiently. "The Ojiisan came to see you, that's all. He said he wanted to talk to you and in private about something important, and so that's why we're all looking. Cos the Ojiisan is an important person, isn't he? And someone you shouldn't keep waiting."
"Ojiisan?" Juushirou's brows knitted together and he slid the volume into the obi of his robe. "You mean Genryuusai-sensei?"
"Yes. That's right." Shikiki nodded. "Will you come now? You shouldn't make old people wait for things anyhow, because if they're old it means they might die and you might never find stuff out."
"Who taught you that particular idea?" Juushirou stared at her, and Shikiki grinned.
"I heard Shinkei-nii say it to Rouhei-nii as I was comin' out this way." She said proudly, and Juushirou groaned.
"Shinkei's manners..." He murmured, then, "All right. I'm sorry to have caused so much trouble, Shiki-chan. I'm coming now - so lets go quickly, okay?"
"Okay." Shikiki nodded. "I wonder why he came so far to see you. I remember that when I first came here, it was a long way...and Ojiisan lives even further, doesn't he? Yet he came aaaalll the way here to see you especially. Don't you think it must be an important thing, for him to go to so much trouble?"
"The last time he came here was to invite me to the Academy." Juushirou said thoughtfully, his gaze flitting briefly to the black-sheathed sword that these days seldom left his side. "And that meeting changed my life in a whole lot of ways. If that hadn't happened, Shiki-chan, you and I would never have met - that's how important it was. But you're right. It seems extreme to come here like this when I'm going back to District One in a short few days. Are you sure it was just me he wanted to see? Not you as well? Considering your special magic..."
"He did ask me how I was, and whether or not I was using my magic here." Shikiki remembered. "So I told him that I did, sometimes, if people needed me to. Because if someone gets a hurt foot or a bad arm I can help them, and when Yuuya-kun fell out of the tree and broke his leg, I fixed it for him. But only little things like that. But he said that was all right and that he was glad I was doing well. He's rich too - but he's not stupid, is he, Juu-nii? Even though he's old, he hasn't gone funny in the head like some of the people in the village used to when I was little. They'd potter around and call everyone the names of their dead children...but Ojiisan isn't like that."
"No. He's not." Despite himself, Juushirou grinned. "As you say, Shikiki - he's very clever indeed. And if he says that, then you should listen to him. He wants to help you master your power too, when you're older - so he's probably pleased that sometimes you still want to use it. Life can be quite busy here - he probably worries that you'll forget all about it."
"But Anika says that I help a whole lot by being able to fix broken stuff. Then she doesn't have to buy new things like bowls when Shinkei-nii and Rouhei-nii have broken some from playing games with them in the gardens." Shikiki shrugged. "And that sort of spell is easy. It's much easier, Juu-nii, than fixing you was so I can do it all right."
"Mm." Juushirou put his hand absently to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath his ribs. Two and a half years ago, Shikiki's special, unique barrier magic had saved his life and more, had strengthened his battered heart back to good health. Though neither of them had realised it clearly at the time, Shikiki's instinctive actions had not only brought Juushirou back from certain death but had stabilised his life - and although he had suffered chronically from ill health since he was born, he no longer feared that the disease would kill him.
So long as my heart can beat, I can live. So long as my heart is strong, so can I be. Even if I cough blood or have fevers or have to spend the whole of my life battling with this disease. Even if I never get rid of it - I don't believe now that it will kill me. I feel it, even when I'm sick or listless or my chest is burning with pain. The strength of that pulse, keeping a steady, determined rhythm. Thanks to Shikiki, my life expectancy is now no different from anyone else's. Thanks to Shikiki...I won't be a cursed Ukitake who dies young.
He shot her a sidelong glance, taking in her features as they walked down the path towards the Ukitake home. She was older now, too - eleven or thereabouts, and taller, though she had not lost any of her chubby, broad framed appearance. She would never be a pretty child, yet her aqua eyes sparkled with life and vitality and her cheeks were faintly flushed with good health and exertion as she skipped along beside him, a contented expression on her face as she held his hand in hers. She was simply dressed in the same kind of play kimono as Juushirou's blood sister Miyabi, basic yet a far cry from the ragged garments she had been robed in when she had been an orphan in District Seven.
Then, her life and magic had been at the mercy of one of the most enigmatic and confusing men Juushirou had ever met. Since coming to District Six, Shikiki had not mentioned Keitarou's name once - and though Juushirou was sure she still thought about him, he had not raised the subject either. She was strong and she had begun to look forward, settling in among the siblings of the Ukitake family and being warmly adopted by all of them as one of their own. She and Miyabi had soon forged a strong bond, and though Juushirou knew he could never fully repay the girl for his life, he at least felt some comfort in the fact that he had done as much as he could possibly do towards settling that debt.
He was truly fond of Shikiki, as though she too were one of his own siblings, and he knew that she still looked to him most of all, as the one person who had not abandoned her in her short, eventful life.
"Shikiki! Juu-nii!" A yell from the manor grounds pre-empted Shinkei's vaulting the wall and landing with a thump on the path before them, making Juushirou jump with the suddenness of his appearance. "The old guy is here to see you, Nii-sama - did you do something bad at school for him to chase you all the way here?"
"Not that I know of." Juushirou recovered himself, reaching across to swipe the younger boy playfully across the back of his head. "And you need to stop acting so much like a monkey when we have a visitor. Genryuusai-sensei is an important person - Okaasama would be cross if you made him think we were a family of wild apes."
"Would be pretty close to the truth, though." A second voice came from the gate, and Juushirou offered the speaker a rueful grin.
"You were just as bad, at his age." He said lightly. "I'm sorry to have disappeared on you, though - is he in Father's study?"
"My study." Hiroyuki said pointedly. "Since you dumped the family on me and went to become a shinigami, and Chi-chan ran off to marry some Eighth District soldier, I'm the one who's been using that room more than anyone. But yes, that's where he is. And yes, you may use it. Thank you for asking."
"Hiro-kun." Juushirou was amused, shaking his head. "Such big words from someone who isn't yet even twenty."
"Well, numbers don't really matter all that much." Hiroyuki said reflectively. "Chi was eighteen when she married Takeshi, and I don't see you calling her a kid. Hikari and I will be married too, once I reach twenty - and then you won't be able to talk to me like I'm a child."
"I'll always be able to do that, though." Juushirou pointed out calmly. "No matter how old you become or how many children of your own you might have. I've told you before - some things come with being overall Nii-sama, and you can't do anything about it. But thank you. I'll go there right away."
"I'll come too." Shikiki suggested.
"Genryuusai-sama already spoke to you, didn't he?" Hiroyuki pointed out. "And Anika was looking for you, so you'd better run and see why. I think Shinkei may have broken something again..." He paused at this moment to glare at his younger brother, "Because I thought I heard the smash of a window first thing this morning and the kid's been keeping a lowish profile ever since."
"It wasn't on purpose. I thought it would be open, and it wasn't." Shinkei defended himself. "But if Shikiki fixes it, then nobody will be mad at me anymore. So go see Anika, Shikiki. It'd help me out a lot too if you did - I still have to write out that passage for Kamikura-sensei and Okaasama said that if I let my schoolwork slip any further she'd give him permission to whip me. I don't want that - so the sooner Anika isn't cross, the better for everyone."
"Shinkei-nii is lazy, that's all." Shikiki snorted. "Miyabi an' I can both write neater'n you can, and I only started learning to write when I came here. I'm gonna know more kanji than you do at this rate, an' you're older than both of us."
"Shut up and run along." Shinkei snapped back. "You're just a kid still, so you can't answer back about things like that."
"Hiro, they're all yours." Juushirou grinned at his brother benignly. "As head of the family, I'm sure you can handle them. In the meantime, I'll go see to my guest...and find out exactly why he's come here."
Before Hiroyuki could respond, he had ducked under the arch of the gateway, hastening up the path and across the grounds to the main entrance of the Ukitake house. It was an old and rambling manor, ill-kept in places and a far cry from the noble estates in which most of his school friends lived. But to Juushirou it had always been home, and he knew that despite its unimposing appearance, he would never feel it lacked for anything important.
He soon reached the study door, and as he raised his hand to knock, he heard the old man's voice call him inside. Smiling wryly at Genryuusai's perception, he did as he was bidden, bowing his head before coming to stand before the desk.
"I'm sorry I kept you waiting, Sensei. I didn't realise that you were coming here - and I think I led my poor family a bit of a chase to find me."
"I wouldn't have expected you to know, since I made the decision to come only yesterday." Genryuusai pursed his lips, his heavy moustache trailing against his wizened chin as he gazed up at the young man who had become his own particular project since his arrival at the Academy. "It may have been something that could have waited until the beginning of term - but I decided that coming would be the easiest way because here I could explain in more detail without the fear of being disturbed by other school matters."
He smiled, gesturing for his companion to sit down, and Juushirou did, settling himself before the desk as he eyed the old man quizzically.
"Something that needs explaining in detail..?"
"Yes." Genryuusai nodded his head. "Because you know, I think, that you will be entering your Fifth year at the Academy in a week or so's time."
"Yes, sir." Juushirou nodded. "It seems strange that it will have been so long, but..."
"Indeed, it is a very short time." Genryuusai fingered his moustache absently. "And it will be shorter, I must confess. A decision has been made - I have made a decision - and now I must follow it through. You are the start of that decision - and everything goes from here."
"I beg your pardon, sir?" Juushirou looked flummoxed.
"This year, I intend to make you a member of the Senior Class."
"The...Senior...?" Juushirou faltered, then, "But...I'm meant to be..."
"A Fifth Year. Yes." Genryuusai agreed. "But I like to keep such things fairly fluid and because of that, I've come to this conclusion. You won't be alone - it is my intention that all of the students who made up the first class of last year's Fourth Year will be promoted into the Senior Class this year."
"All..nine of us, Sensei?" Juushirou started, and Genryuusai nodded.
"Yes. That is my current plan."
"But...with all respect, sir, what of...the last year's Fifth year students?"
"Mm." Genryuusai's eyes narrowed. "Such things I can disclose to you, since I intend to take you into my trust and place burdens on your shoulders this year. I will make no secret of that fact, and it will begin here. The truth is that although they were Fifth Years by duration last year, there is no doubt in the mind of any of the teachers that in almost all respects your class outstripped them. The members of the year above you are entirely Clansfolk, many of whom have chosen to rely on their names and titles to carry them thus far. And to this point, nothing has been done to prevent it. However, you know what I consider the duty of the Senior Class to be. It is not simply a final year, but a far more wide-ranging responsibility. I will not admit into this class any student who is not ready to face the challenges and the preparation for what will be a drastic plunge into squad and shinigami life. It is not for those who coast and do not try. And therefore I will promote those students who deserve to be there - regardless of their age or their experience."
"I see." Juushirou's head was spinning. "So...all of last year's...they're none of them..."
"Four of that class have enough potential to be Seniors, and will be Seniors alongside the nine of you." Genryuusai responded. "It will cause friction and it will not be an easy adjustment for any of them. But it is the final decision and a unanimous one taken by the whole staff. The Academy is growing and its standard of students is important. Your class have always had exceptional spirit and ability, and your mutual respect for one another has doubtlessly made you all stronger and driven you all forwards. Yours is the first class to finish the Fourth year with all members either in possession of their zanpakutou or well in training to do so, with a view to achieving that end within the next six months or so. Seniors are not always promoted with zanpakutou already attained - some are still learning, but are promoted on their all round leadership potential and ability and in this respect I cannot fault the members of your class as potential candidates to skip Fifth year and go up. I need people who can be relied on, and so do the Gotei - everyone is in agreement on that fact. Therefore this is what we intend to do."
"Then...Shunsui and I...and Hirata...and Ryuu...and everyone else will be going straight into the top class this year." A shiver of excitement ran down Juushirou's spine at this thought. "It's a jump...I hope we're really as ready as you say, Sensei."
"There is one other thing, too." Genryuusai added. "I have decided that this year I intend to make you my Anideshi."
"What?" Juushirou looked floored, staring at Genryuusai aghast, and Genryuusai smiled.
"Is it that unexpected, that I should make such a choice?"
"I...yes. Yes, it is." Juushirou gathered his wits. "I'm sorry, Sensei, but...I just...to go from Fourth year to Senior...then...this...and with all you've just explained...with me being...District...I..."
Genryuusai looked thoughtful for a moment, then he sighed.
"I will tell you one other truth." He said quietly. "Because I can tell it isn't something you've thought of, but I want you to know it all the same."
"Sensei?"
"You heard your zanpakutou speak to you when you were young. You harnessed its first release as a Second year." Genryuusai rested his hands on the desk. "It is a complicated and powerful sword, and so at times I know you don't feel you've achieved beyond your peers, although the truth is that you've achieved far more than most of them. You have worked consistently hard and have learnt the skills that have been taught to you with diligence and interest. Your general sword skills are first rate and becoming more flexible as you learn to use your left hand more effectively whilst your kidou has always been exceptional. You've mastered shunpo quite well in the last eighteen months, and even though your physical strength sometimes lets you down, you don't lack motivation. That ability and your dedication mean that you should have been promoted before this point - perhaps at the end of your Third year. However, I chose not to do it - I chose to keep you with your peers."
"At the end of...Third year?" Juushirou blanched.
"Yes." Genryuusai agreed. "Your current level is good enough - if still naive at times - to operate at full squad level and I could easily have pushed you up sooner and achieved that end. Both you and that Kyouraku rascal should probably have received promotion then, just as your shishou Nagoya did before you. Your skills were far ahead of most of the Fourth year students when you were finishing Third year, and on a par with some of the Fifth. But I confess, I held you both back. Shunsui because he is naturally lazy, and if I had pushed him on too quickly, he would have fallen back into bad ways. And you - I'm ashamed to admit it - but I kept you back because of your District roots. Because I know your ability is real and something the Gotei needs. But others, from the outside...they would not see it the same."
"Mm." Juushirou's eyes darkened. "They might think that you were favouring me too much, if you promoted me too quickly?"
"You are my particular protégé and I brought you into the Academy in the first place." Genryuusai agreed. "So yes. That was my thinking. You haven't hurt for the extra time and experience - and nor have your peers, because your bond with them is strong and will serve you well probably for the rest of your shinigami life. But this time is different. I am promoting all of you, so there can be no talk of favouritism. And among the candidates available, you are the only one who could possibly be Anideshi. Therefore, so it has been decided. Of course, providing you accept?"
There was a challenge in the old man's gaze, and Juushirou knew then that this was as much a test as it was an honour. He nodded.
"By being Anideshi, I'll learn a lot more about leading others and setting the right example." He said soberly. "Like Nagoya-senpai did, when he trained me - I'll be able to do that, too. And if I can...succeed at this...it means that maybe people won't view me badly when it comes to finding a squad for me afterwards. I can't say I want to take the job, Sensei. Not when you say that there'll be a lot of friction and tension from the students who didn't get promoted and maybe those who did. But I won't run away, not when you've explained it to me like that. I'll be Anideshi, if that's what you want from me. And I won't let you down."
Genryuusai sat back in his seat, a relieved look on his face.
"Then I know I will not be disappointed." He said frankly. "Because I am well used by now to your obstinacy, Juushirou. Regardless of obstacles, if you wish to do something, you will push to do it. And I can rest easy knowing that you fully understand the reasons for my choice."
He paused, then,
"One more thing." He added quietly. "I expect some amount of unease from members of the Kuchiki Clan in the next few months. You should be aware of it - not just since you consider two of that Clan to be close friends, but also because your family live in this District."
"Unease? Why?" Juushirou was alarmed, and Genryuusai held up his hand.
"As yet, nothing has developed." He said gravely. "But notification came to my ears a short time ago of a mysterious misfortune to hit some of the members of Guren-dono's Sixth Squad. Thanks to the intervention of the Unohana - and so I hear, thanks to young Edogawa's unique skills - most of those hurt in the...incident...have begun to recover. However, there was one who could not be saved, and worse, he is someone of some significance. His loss means that the Clan will be somewhat on edge until the future is more firmly settled."
"That sounds very cryptic, Sensei." Juushirou bit his lip. "A mysterious misfortune? Please, if you can tell me exactly what you mean, I'd appreciate it. If I'm to leave my family and go to District One, I want to know they're safe."
"Unlike the Endou-ke, the Kuchiki are not in the habit of starting all out civil wars nor wiping out their peasantry with their unrest." Genryuusai shook his head. "They tend to keep the majority of such things within their ranks - although if it does become serious, there's no doubt that blood may well be spilled among those ranks. The facts I know are sparse ones, but I understand that six members of Sixth Squad were found unconscious in the forestlands surrounding the Kuchiki main estate after having been sent to investigate an alleged report of Hollow activity. Unohana Retsu-sama left for District Six's main house almost as soon a word arrived in District One, and I have heard from her since then that the source of their collapse was not natural but some form of poison. By whose hand and for what reason is as yet unknown...but the fact remains. The young man who lost his life is Ribari, Guren-dono's son and the heir to the Kuchiki-ke. It seems more than likely that he...was the original target, for though rendered insensible, none of the others bore any physical wounds on their body to imply they had been attacked. Even the boy did not appear badly harmed - but Retsu-dono is suspicious of his manner of death. She believes..it was not coincidence that he was the one who died."
"An assassination?" Juushirou's eyes became huge, and Genryuusai sighed.
"It has happened before, with Guren-dono's father, and then the blame fell on the Shihouin with scant little proof." He said tiredly. "It concerns me that the same might happen again, though I have already spoken to my neighbours in District Two and have been assured that there was no Shihouin involvement in this whatsoever. It is a mysterious, troubling circumstance, but most acutely, Ribari was Guren's only son. The Kuchiki-ke cannot be inherited by hime - just as many of the Clans still do, they cling to their outdated values and ignore the fact that there are successful, strong female heads of Clan in this age. Their rules are strict and rigidly defined, essentially meaning that no daughter of the Clan and no son who does not bear the Kuchiki name can be eligible to inherit the title. Therefore who should succeed Guren as head of the family has become a matter of concern. It may or may not be something that you need to know - but given your family's location and your own alliances - I wanted to be sure you were prepared. The Clans will already know and probably most of your classmates will have heard some of the details through Inner Seireitei. You deserve to have the same information since you now move in the same circles as they do and will soon do so even more when you enter full shinigami life."
"Guren-sama has no other sons." Juushirou murmured. "But...surely he has a brother? Doesn't...Ryuu's father is..."
"There is a special and complicated circumstance surrounding Guren-dono's twin brother." Genryuusai got to his feet. "And it is not my place to dig up ancient history and explain such things to you, since they were decisions made a good long time ago. Suffice it to say that he and he alone is debarred from the Kuchiki inheritance - and there is no way of reversing that fact."
"Then..."
"He alone. Not his children, Juushirou." Genryuusai shot his student a piercing gaze. "Think on this for a while and understand my meaning...for now, I have to make my way back."
"I...yes sir." Juushirou frowned, nodding his head. "I understand, and I'll think about everything very carefully. About being Anideshi, too. And about how best to deal with the problems in Senior Class, if they happen."
"Good lad." Genryuusai smiled slightly. "Then I'll pay my respects to Kaede-dono and take my leave. I have faith in my decisions, Juushirou - I'm sure you won't let me down."
With that he was gone, and Juushirou moved to the window, a troubled look on his face.
"Not his children." He murmured, resting his fingers against the glass.
Which means that Ryuu himself could be a candidate. Especially since he and Nagoya-senpai are the only ones left now of that generation, and Nagoya-senpai doesn't have the Kuchiki name, so must also be counted out. And...why should it be that Ryuu's father can't hold the Clan inheritance? I suppose Sensei was right not to tell me, but it makes me curious all the same. Did he do something so terrible to be so ruled out? But if that was so, surely his whole family would also be...and Ryuu has never spoken of...
He frowned, shaking his head as if to clear it.
Such things are not my business, anyway. Sensei told me because Ryuu may well need support - or if someone is trying to hurt Kuchiki heirs, he might even be a target himself. If trouble happens...if it's not one Clan it's another. That being the case, maybe Sensei's choice is a wise one, to pick someone who has no direct Clan affiliation for Anideshi this year. Either way I'll do my best not to let him down - no matter how complicated things are about to become!
"Guren-sama...I want to express my deepest sympathies for the loss of your son."
The tall, slender young woman bowed her head respectfully towards her companion, her tones soft and gentle as she raised sympathetic eyes to his. "For one so young to have been taken so quickly and suddenly - it is a very tragic thing and I am sorry I was not able to prevent it."
"It sounds to me as though nobody was able to prevent it."
Guren sighed, rubbing his temples as he sank down in the big chair that marked his position as head of the Clan. The Kuchiki court central hall was currently empty except for him and his companion, and somehow it seemed eerie and abandoned, their voices echoing slightly against the polished sheen of the wood panels that covered all four walls. They were carved with important images - sakura blossoms and soldiers on horseback, depicting the proud and long heritage of arguably Seireitei's most significant Clan. Yet at that moment Guren felt only hollow when he thought about his family. As though, once again, he had lost someone because of the huge burden that weighed upon his shoulders.
"I thank you for all you've done since you came, Retsu-dono." He added now. "I appreciate the speed and urgency with which you yourself answered our summons. I am sure that your swiftness has helped save lives - and I am indebted to you."
"Mm. Perhaps." Unohana Retsu, head of the Unohana-ke and former student of Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni looked thoughtful, running her fingers absently against the white fabric of her haori as she considered his words. "Though really I was able to do very little except examine the scene after the fact. I was able to do nothing for your poor son, and as for Nagoya-fukutaichou..."
"I understand that Mitsuki was the one who saved his life." Guren murmured, and Retsu nodded.
"Without doubt she did." She said gravely. "Her talents are raw but her instincts are always to save and to help wherever she can. Her being in closer proximity than me enabled her to be at his side before I was. Without her intervention I believe he would have died too. I have seen him myself, this morning - and his aura is still quite distressed from the incident. I can only imagine how close he came to losing his own life - I am sincerely glad that that was not the case."
"I also." Although he had only just sat down, Guren got to his feet, pacing restlessly about the chamber. "Retsu-dono, as a Clan leader and as a Father, I must hear your report. My son's death - could it have been prevented? By anyone with him, or anyone here?"
"No." Retsu looked grave. "I am not familiar with the hallucinogen administered to your men - in fact, from what I've seen so far, I would not call it so much a hallucinogen as an agent that heightens senses and paranoia to an unmanageable level. Such a drug on its own could easily cause cardiac arrest - as was so nearly the case in Nagoya-fukutaichou's situation. However, once it has worn off, if the body has survived its initial onslaught, it requires no active antidote. It is not intended to kill - for it to do so would be a by-product of its true purpose, which was distraction."
"Then Ribari...?"
"Ribari-sama was killed with a second poison, one I know a little better." Retsu said blackly. "I feared it, when I first saw his body and heard the reports of how he had died. The inhaled agent doubtlessly affected him, but mostly it rendered all of the group inattentive to the situation around them. During this time, some unknown agent was able to administer this other poison into Ribari-sama's body. There was a tiny puncture mark on his neck - which would have been the most likely point of entry."
She folded her hands together, eying her companion pensively.
"There have been like cases in the real world where this has occurred, using such things as darts to poison a companion." She added sadly. "It is not a common method of murder in Seireitei, but even so, I am certain that is how it occurred. It may be that whoever it was waited until the group were unconscious and then plunged the chemical directly into his jugular - or it may be that it was fired from a distance beforehand by someone with a considerable amount of aiming skill. Perhaps an archer - or something of that nature, modifying their technique to hit their mark. I'm sorry,"
As Guren flinched,
"It distresses me to report such things to you, for a Father should not have to hear them. But..."
"I need to know how Ribari died. Please, don't mind my feelings in this." Guren shook his head. "My duty is as head of this Clan and I must bear all of that - no matter how unpleasant it is to hear."
"Then that is my conclusion." Retsu said softly. "That the members of Sixth Squad were incapacitated with a strong inhaled drug that confused their senses - whilst another, more lethal drug was administered to the young Kuchiki prince in order to take his life. None of those with him would have been able to do anything to prevent it. In fact, they were fortunate not to have lost their lives since with an inhaled compound...it is far easier to take in a fatal dose by accident."
"Which Shirogane almost did." Guren sighed. "All right. Then the target was undeniably my son, and nobody else. That seems confirmed, doesn't it?"
"I would agree, yes." Retsu nodded. "But who or why remains unknown. And my medical investigation cannot answer those questions, I'm afraid. Someone with access to poison...someone with a reason to see your son die. That is all."
"I can't imagine any reason to see Ribari die." Guren admitted. "None whatsoever, since the Clan all looked on him fondly. When he was born, it brought so much celebration...when he was..."
He faltered, feeling tears pricking at his eyes, and Retsu stepped forward, putting a gentle hand on his arm.
"You must grieve as a father, too." She murmured soothingly. "If you are to face your family as a Clan leader, you must allow yourself your grief in private. Ribari-sama was a much loved young boy and that is the truth. I have seen nothing but horror and consternation from your kinsfolk since I have been here and none have hesitated in offering me or my people the slightest bit of aid in our investigations. I do not know why he was killed - but please, do not judge your family with suspicion until you have any indication of it."
"I have no proof of anything, so I'm unable to act at all." Guren said heavily. "That's the greatest burden in this. I am useless. Even as I am...there is nothing I can do. I have no clues to go on bar what you have told me - and there are any number of people in Clan and District who may have access to poison."
"The poison that killed Ribari-sama is not a rare poison, even if the method of application was unusual." Retsu agreed. "It is often used to kill vermin in both Clan households and lower level ones. But the inhaled sense enhancer - that is something else. I cannot discern its composition, nor can I be sure of its significance. Perhaps that is the greater clue. Those who have inhaled it and lived may be your step forward into solving this investigation."
"Yes. Perhaps." Guren nodded wearily. "But the fact of it also is that Ribari's birth brought a good amount of relief to a difficult situation. Because I had no son of my own, and because my brother...is..."
"Unable to inherit." Retsu finished the sentence lightly. "Through no fault of his own, though the circumstance is an unavoidable one."
"In that instance, there was some tension. Some confusion...over who should be my successor then." Guren rubbed his temples. "I have two nephews, Retsu-sama. Two very different nephews, with both of whom you are acquainted. One is Seiren's son Ryuu, and the other Masane's son Shirogane. Before Ribari was born...there was great debate in the Kuchiki court as to which of these two...should be named as my successor. It became quite an ugly discussion at times...and then Ribari was born, and so all settled. But now...even so soon after his death...the whispers have once more begun. And I do not know currently what to do about it. I want to grieve my son, but I cannot ignore..."
He broke off, and Retsu looked thoughtful.
"Do you seek my advice?" She asked softly, and Guren looked startled, then he nodded.
"Perhaps I do." He agreed quietly. "You know that despite the image I project, there are unconventional thoughts and ideas in my heart that have not gone away. You knew that I had fondness for my bastard cousin Raiko, even when the rest of the family saw to sending her away. And I am sure you know where my instincts lie this time - but even so, that is not so easy to accomplish."
"You wish to put the succession in Nagoya-fukutaichou's hands." Retsu reflected, and Guren nodded a second time.
"Yes. That would be...my personal choice."
"Then why do you not simply do so?" Retsu questioned. "The boy is older than Kuchiki-kun is, and has more experience. Your Clan seems to respect his ability and he was always seen as a Kuchiki prodigy and favourite by those of us in outside Clans. What should stop you from naming Nagoya-fukutaichou as your successor?"
"Shirogane is extremely talented and very bright." Guren ran his fingers through his thick dark hair, devoid for once of the usual fancy ties that held it in place. "Everyone knows that, and always has. But he does not carry the Kuchiki Clan name, and the tradition of this family is that those who do not carry it cannot inherit it. This is because no Kuchiki Clansman has ever inherited through a female line before. Added to that, Shirogane's father was only a Fourth Degree Kuchiki, although a man I trusted and approved of. Masane fell very much in love with him and he was a good man, so I allowed the pairing to go ahead. Masane was my younger sister, and always delicate. I wanted her to have happiness since it was always thought her life might be short. In the end, it was - though I cannot say if it was happy. She lost her husband before her, and her baby daughter died within days of being born. Shirogane, therefore, was her everything. She was not strong enough always to keep up with how active and bright he was - my adoptive brother Futsuki and his wife were more usually involved with things like that, and I tried where I could, too, because I liked the boy's spirit. But when she died, she made me promise to not abandon Shirogane. I have not. I sent him to Genryuusai-sama's Academy and I have made a good Vice Captain of him. The Clan accept and welcome this because they see and recognise his talent. But there is a difference...between Vice Captain and potential successor. And old habits are hard to break."
"The Kuchiki-ke are complicated indeed." Retsu sighed, and Guren nodded.
"Seiren would not accept Shirogane as a candidate for the succession, back before Ribari was born." He agreed. "He didn't like the child because of his father's birth level and the fact that giving birth to him almost cost my sister her life. It certainly made her more fragile, since it was a difficult birth and it was not certain whether or not she would survive it at the time. Seiren holds onto things - he's never forgotten those reasons and now I'm sure they'll come to the forefront again. Seiren was also very fond of Ribari - he spent much time with him in the library and took time to tutor him on his history and his heritage. But before Ribari was born, Seiren was adamant that I should put the Clan inheritance on Ryuu's shoulders - a thought that many other traditional Kuchiki supported. He did not approve fully of my making Shirogane Ribari's shishou, although he accepted that it was the right and logical thing to be done at the time. Essentially the fact that I had Ribari meant that the succession no longer became a problem. But..."
"I see." Retsu pursed her lips. "Without the cork, the wine may once more overflow and flood the cellar."
"An apt analogy. Yes." Guren acknowledged. "The Kuchiki seldom agree on something, but one thing they were all agreed on was that Ribari was the true heir of the Kuchiki and that they should support him to that end. That is why this is so horrific to contemplate. He had the backing of the whole Clan - now the family is far weaker than it was before, and old factions will doubtless break out."
"Perhaps that was the point." Retsu reflected. "But I will not speculate on what I do not know. I thank you for taking me into your trust, however. Kuchiki-kun is still a student of Genryuusai-sama's, and of course, Genryuusai-sama is most concerned with all of this as well. I hope you will allow me to report this conversation to him."
"I see no reason why not." Guren nodded, and Retsu smiled.
"Also, I will tell him to keep a close eye on Kuchiki-kun when he returns, in case his life also becomes in danger." She murmured. "And I suggest you do the same with Nagoya-fukutaichou, too. If all within your Clan supported Ribari-sama, then the one responsible may not be from within your Clan. And they may not stop at one death - they may decide that more are needed to sate whatever blood need they have."
"I understand." Guren's expression became grave. "I will do as you say, and thank you."
"It is not a pleasure, to examine the body of such a young man." Retsu said gravely. "But I am at your service and will continue to be so should you need me again. Also...please do put faith in Mitsuki-san's abilities. Your having done so this time without doubt saved a young man's life. That faith may go on to save more lives in the future."
Before Guren could respond, there was a knock at the door, and a voice came from outside.
"Niisama? It's Seiren. May I enter? I have a report to make to you."
Guren glanced at Retsu, who inclined her head slightly to indicate she had no objection, and so the Clan leader nodded, raising his voice.
"Enter, Seiren, and make your report."
The door slid back, and the other twin entered the chamber, bowing his head to acknowledge Retsu's presence before turning his attention to his brother.
"I have done as you suggested and have spoken to each of the four other young men who were with Ribari-sama the night he died." He said quietly, his eyes clouded and grave. "But though all are recovering well, none of them even recall leaving the Kuchiki compound that night. Each of them say the same - that they remember receiving a summons, but nothing more."
"I suspect that their fear and disorientation has foxed their memories." Retsu murmured. "It is not an unexpected result - probably an intended one - of using a chemical such as that. A way of rendering no witnesses without rendering more people dead. I am not surprised, Guren-sama. This would be in keeping with the subtle nature of the crime."
"Is there a chance they will remember?" Guren asked her, and Retsu shook her head.
"I doubt it." She admitted. "If they even now have no recollections of that night, I think it unlikely they will retrieve those recollections now. Their minds have shielded them from some terror they could not explain - the greater probability is that they will not recall why."
"Shirogane claimed to remember things from that night." Seiren remembered, and Retsu spread her hands.
"Perhaps he does." She agreed. "Or perhaps they are merely trace effects of the drug that almost killed him. His reiatsu is far higher than those he was on patrol with - but he was also far more deeply affected by this chemical they all inhaled. I cannot say at present if Nagoya-fukutaichou's recollections are accurate or hallucinations. It is possible his sense of duty to Ribari-sama is forcing him to put together a false memory from fragments of broken recollection."
"Then we should take everything he says as being imagined?" Seiren's eyes widened, and Retsu sighed.
"I cannot be sure of that." She said cautiously. "There is the other possibility that, given Nagoya-fukutaichou's strength of spirit power and his loyalty to Ribari-sama, he may have retained more genuine memory than the others present. I think that it was reported to me that Nagoya-fukutaichou was clutching Ribari-sama when they were found. It is almost as though he tried to protect him, which may mean he was the last shinigami to lose his grip on consciousness. If the drug took longer to affect his senses...it is not inconceivable that he might remember more."
"But we can't know for sure, is what you're saying?" Guren let out his breath in a rush, and Retsu nodded.
"Sadly, that is what I'm saying." She agreed. "Time may tell whether or not his memories are real or false - or it may not. For now, though, it is hard to be certain of what happened that night. Even Ribari-sama would probably not have known what was happening to him."
"I see." Guren pursed his lips, then, "Seiren, I do not want harm to befall Shirogane any further than it already has. If his mind is playing tricks on him, then I do not want him to say or do anything that may compromise his standing as my trusted Vice Captain. I have many things to do before my son is even able to be laid to rest. The other day I believe you said you'd take charge of Shirogane in escorting him back to his room. If that's the case..."
"I have already told him to report to me before he tries to report to you." Seiren said grimly. "I have no idea whether his thoughts are correct, but I won't have him flailing around the halls half-dressed in a drunken delusion when there are grieving members of the Clan struggling to put this whole tragedy into clear context. If I feel he is rational and able to report something of use, then I will send him to speak to you. But with Retsu-sama's remarks, I will be even more vigilant. In order to ensure he does not damage the pride of the Clan with what may be delusions."
"There is truth in that." Guren owned. "That in his desire to help Ribari, he may find falseness in his recollection and it may take time before we discover that he is mistaken. I will speak to him, Seiren, but not until things are a little calmer. For now...your judgement is sound, and I rely on you to maintain it."
"I will." Seiren nodded his head. "I'm glad you agree with me."
"I am very fond of Shirogane." Guren said softly. "I seek justice and I said this crime would not be forgiven – indeed, it will not. But I also spoke as an enraged father, not entirely as a rational leader of a Clan. It may be that, given Retsu-dono's remarks, I have to reconsider my desire for vengeance in case it brings about other deaths. If Shirogane saw something important, then even so, Ribari's life cannot be saved even if the guilty party is revealed. My punishing the offender will bring some peace of mind, perhaps…but it will not bring back my son. If Shirogane remembers truthfully what occurred, then probably I should know of it. But whilst there is a chance he did not...if he simply imagined something...he might put himself in danger by trying to help. The Clan cannot afford two significant losses in a short space of time. For now, therefore, till everything is more settled, I will not risk him. Even if it costs my son quick justice – I must protect Shirogane's life."
Seiren's eyes narrowed.
"Do you believe that Ribari-sama was killed by a Kuchiki?"
"Retsu-sama thinks it unlikely, and I cannot imagine why anyone here would want him dead." Guren shook his head. "Since his existence prevented all the complications that are now beginning to stir again."
He paused, then,
"You have not directly said anything of it before me yet, and I am grateful for it. But even so, Seiren, I am aware that you now once more consider Ryuu the Kuchiki Clan's only eligible heir."
"By blood and tradition, there is no other choice." Seiren said categorically. "I cannot inherit, and this has always been known. But Ryuu is not like me. He is not so hampered. More, in the last year, he has learnt the name of his zanpakutou. The majority of the Clan believe in the traditions that have kept us surviving as a family as long as we have. That being the case..."
"I still do not wish to discuss this now. Not when my son is unburied." Guren held up his hand, and although faint frustration touched Seiren's expression, he inclined his head, indicating that he would not pursue the matter any further at that moment. "You and I have had easier relations since Father's death, because we were both robbed then of someone we loved. Ribari was someone we both loved too, was he not? In light of that...please take a little pity on me and give me some time to think the whole thing out."
Seiren was silent for a moment, then he sighed, bowing his head once more towards his brother, his gesture more in recognition of Clan hierarchy than concession to Guren's feelings.
"You are right." He murmured. "Ribari-sama was bright and promising and I enjoyed teaching him about the Clan. I too feel his loss. I have simply been trying to prevent the unrest that has struck our Clan in times past...I am sorry. I do not mean to disrespect my nephew's honour in any way."
"I know." Guren offered him a faint smile. "Father's death may have marked the first understanding between us, but Ribari's existence also allowed us to find more common ground and work in tandem for the good of this Clan. I have come to rely on you in the way Father hoped that I would...I'm glad that even now you feel the same way."
Seiren nodded his head, then,
"I have not spoken to Ryuu about the succession and I will not do so for now." He acknowledged. "It did not seem prudent to yet open such discussions. But it is a pressing matter for the Clan nonetheless. I will allow him to return to the Academy after the requisite memorials have all been conducted, for it is true that his training is not entirely yet complete. But at a later date, Nii-sama, we will discuss this again. We must, as you well know, review why my son alone is the only possible claimant to hold the Kuchiki in the future."
With that he withdrew, shutting the door softly behind him, and Guren bit his lip.
"A reconciliation that fractures just beneath the surface." Retsu murmured, and Guren nodded.
"So it is, so it always has been." He agreed heavily. "But Seiren is grieving too. He cannot show it - he will not show it. But that is my brother's way. It always has been. To channel his pain into the path forwards. I do not know if it makes him better or worse than me in respects of this family. But he is also not wrong. Most of the Clan will see things that way."
"And yet you do not consider his son as your potential heir, do you?"
"I have no real disregard for him." Guren responded pensively. "I suppose it can be said that I do not know him - he is there and my nephew, but he has always kept distant from the family even without his really knowing it. He is...not the same kind of person as Shirogane, and I do not know whether he is strong enough to think and act beyond the orders and guidelines given him by others. He has been raised perfectly by Seiren and his wife into respecting and observing the pride of this Clan with diligent precision. But...I worry that it is not enough. Ryuu is...talented. But...so was Shirogane and I would not take him as my Vice Captain until I could see clearly that he was able to lead and train as well as simply have ability. The same applies to Ryuu. He is an unknown. He does not mix with Shirogane and he did not mix with Ribari. His sole companion within the Kuchiki is your own young apprentice, the Edogawa hime. That in itself...may suggest even you know him better than I do."
"No. No, I don't think so. He is a very private young man and not given to deep confidences." Retsu replied thoughtfully. "But I think you are for now wise to act as you do. Ribari-sama must be honoured first. For your own sake as his Father, you must grieve and allow yourself this closure. A hasty judgement will only cause the unrest you seek to avoid."
"Yes. True." Guren nodded. "My Father always put faith in the Unohana as reasonable and neutral allies and I consider the relationship a similar one, Retsu-dono. I don't know what your personal politics are, or if you even have any. But you are often a voice of reason...and this grieving father is grateful for it."
Retsu smiled.
"Then my job here has been some way a successful one." She said lightly. "I'm sure you have much still to do, and I won't detain you longer. If I may, though, I will stay so long as tomorrow - to attend Ribari-sama's first memorial and offer my own prayers to help his soul. I never do like the deaths of anyone, but in particular the young - I want to do my best to ensure his spirit is able to pass safely on."
"I have no objection." Guren agreed. "You are welcome, and I'm sure the Clan will understand your gesture of respect in the same way I do."
Retsu made to leave, then she paused, turning to eye Guren carefully.
"I wonder, then, if you have wholly resigned yourself to Mitsuki-san's choice of vocation." She said softly. "She is the most talented young healer that I have encountered since I became head of my Clan - her Kuchiki reiatsu allows her to outstrip even the most gifted of the Unohana. I realise such a thing to be contrary to your Clan's traditions, but Guren-sama..."
"I have accepted her being your apprentice and I will not stand in her way." Guren shook his head. "She saved Shirogane's life because of that knowledge, and I am not fool enough not to understand that. It is unnatural to me - and to the Kuchiki - that one of our people should choose to heal instead of fight. But...Mitsuki is genuinely a healer and I've seen that fact now. When she graduates, I won't try to move against you taking her to District Four or to your own healing squad's base in Inner Seireitei. But wherever she goes, I'm quite decided now. Mitsuki remains a Kuchiki - whatever her path."
"As you wish." Retsu inclined her head, then she too was gone, and Guren was left alone.
He moved to the window, a troubled look on his face.
The Kuchiki has always been a tempestuous family tightly restrained by so many rules in order to keep everyone rigidly in line. But now, I wonder if that remains the case. A nephew I know nothing of, a nephew who the Clan may not accept...a young cousin whose powers are alien to this Clan, and now..my son, dead before he could claim adulthood and his killers gone without a trace. There is such a sense of unease in all of this...I wonder if we shall find an easy, clear path forwards .
Kuchiki Clan Names
As requested, the meanings of the Kuchiki names are as follows:
Guren 紅蓮 (Crimson Lotus)
Seiren 蒼蓮(Azure Lotus)
Masane 雅音(Solo Note)
Yorune 夜音(Night Note)
Ginya 銀夜(Silver Night)
Ribari 李梁(Plum Weir)
Shirogane's name is written with the same kanji as the "Gin" from his father's "Ginya", whilst Yorune's name was constructed from the "ya" (can also be read as yoru) from her father and the ne (note or sound) from her mother. Kawaii ne ;)
They haven't been introduced yet, but I'll add these to the pile too. Ryuu's sister's names are:
Murasaki 紫(Purple)
Kinka 金華 (Golden Blossom)
Momoko 桃子 (Peach child)
Miouko 美桜子(Beautiful Sakura Child)
And two others - one of which has had a story reference before - and who will be part of this story too:
Kinnya 金若(Golden Youth)
Senaya 閃彩(Spark of Brightness)
Because Kubo has colour kanji in the names of "Byakuya" and "Ginrei", I've kept somewhat to this theme as you can see. Of course, the two main Kuchiki in Meifu (Ryuu and Mitsuki) do not have colour related names. There is a reason for this...which may or not become apparent with time ;)
BTW, before any purists poke me, I know that I've cheated in using that kanji for Seiren's name .
Also, a little taste of the mad Ukitake family. I haven't really had a chance to expose their, erm, random madness quite as much as I had hoped, but here's a little sample of them anyhow :)