Chapter Twelve: Senaya's Nikki
"You know, it's quite an unusual thing for you to seek anyone out at the main estate. Let alone to seek me out."
Shirogane set down his flute, casting his visitor a quizzical look as he lounged idly against the window of his chamber.
"I am persona non grata, as well you know – surely you create a bigger headache for yourself by consorting with me of your own free will? I know that you have been called to dine twice with Guren-sama directly – you should be careful whose company you seek otherwise."
"And yet I've come here all the same." Ryuu slipped into the room, pushing the door shut behind him with a soft click as he met his companion's gaze. "Do you have a serious objection to speaking with me? Because I don't have many days remaining to me before I return to District One…and I wanted…"
"To talk to me about something significant?" Shirogane's clever eyes narrowed and he nodded his head. "Feel free. As you can see, I'm overwhelmed with duties of my own at present."
He offered a rueful smile.
"In honour of Ribari-sama, all squad duties are suspended until the memorials end." He added bitterly. "Any Hollows are dispatched on individual order but Sixth Squad as an entity remains on hiatus until Guren-sama deems otherwise. I am required to await further orders in this regard. And since Seiren-dono is quite convinced I have no other use to the Clan than to act as a Shinigami…I have nothing else claiming my time."
He gestured lazily towards the flute.
"I have, however, mastered two or three new pieces these last couple of days." He observed pensively. "For which small gain I should be grateful."
"I didn't think you were the kind of person whose hobbies included feeling sorry for himself." Ryuu said archly. "For the time being, we are all in disarray. You are well aware that I take as much pleasure being thrust into the spotlight as you take being forced out of it. If we could swap places, Senpai, I would happily consent, but as we are…"
"I really think you mean such things." Shirogane sighed, shaking his head. "Seiren-dono would break his heart to hear it, but your honesty refreshes me. Well? What can I do for you, then, cousin Ryuu? Since nobody else in the Clan has any interest in me at present, how can I be of service to you?"
"I wanted you to come to the library." Ryuu said simply. "To the family archive – if you don't mind."
"I don't mind." Curiosity flickered in Shirogane's grey eyes and he nodded, getting languidly to his feet. "But I wonder why you want me there. I know it's your home from home when here – but…"
He pursed his lips.
"The last time you asked me favours there was to access secret records relating to illegitimate kinsfolk and that District boy you're so fond of." He added softly. "I trust given the current circumstances this isn't a similar request?"
"This doesn't relate to Ukitake's lineage, but there is something among the dynastic volumes I would like to show you." Ryuu lowered his voice. "Something that troubles me and which I don't want to say out loud. I don't really know what to do about it – or if anything should be done. It may not matter at all – but it might be important and since you trusted me with the truth of Ribari-sama's last words…"
"You think whatever this is relates to his death, don't you?" Shirogane was immediately alert, and Ryuu shrugged his shoulders.
"I pray not." He said cautiously. "But there is a possibility that it does. It isn't something that brings me any pleasure, and I had resolved not to speak of it to anyone. But…I will soon not be here to observe things, and in my absence…"
"I see." Shirogane's eyes darkened with comprehension. "In return for what I've asked you, you're going to ask me to keep watch on things here. That's about the size of it, isn't it?"
"Yes." Ryuu agreed categorically. "Because everything here is at all which ways at present. Knowing who has what intentions and who can or cannot be trusted is difficult at the best of times – but right now it is impossible. Truthfully, the only people in whose honesty I have complete faith are Guren-sama and Mitsuki."
"And as for me?" Shirogane questioned. Ryuu sighed, nodding his head.
"Yes." He admitted. "Since you have trusted me, I will choose to trust you too. In any case, I do trust your account of what happened that night. And I believe you want justice for Ribari-sama – I am coming to feel that so do I."
"That's an interesting attitude for one who Ribari-sama barely even spoke to." Shirogane remarked as he locked his door, and the two cousins made their way through the corridors towards the family archive. "That you'd care suddenly about who caused his death."
His eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"And there are a lot of significant names not on your trusted list." He added slowly. "Your parents. Futsuki-dono. Your sisters. Any other Clansfolk, in fact, aside from ourselves, Guren-sama and Mitsuki. Which means you believe this to be a Kuchiki conspiracy…don't you?"
"I don't know." Ryuu said curtly. "And speaking of it in the halls is imprudent. When we reach the library, I will show you – until then, this isn't a discussion we should continue in such a potentially public space."
"Agreed." Shirogane sighed, running his fingers through his wavy dark hair. "Though for you to call me up on discretion has to be a first. I'm sorry, Ryuu. I should know better – but as you say, things are at all which ways."
"You are still grieving." Despite himself, Ryuu softened his tones, casting his cousin a faint smile. "You had a genuine bond with the young boy – I did not. For me this is a matter of Clan inconvenience and perhaps something darker beneath. For you is the loss of someone dear – I should apologise too. I don't always realise how other people are thinking – and I should take more care before I speak."
"Four years at the Academy has done wonders for your social skills." Shirogane laughed, and despite himself Ryuu nodded wryly.
"It would seem so." He agreed. "But then, it is also true that there I feel more able to be myself than I do here. Here I am always stifled…do you never feel that way, surrounded by so much Clan finery?"
"I…didn't." Shirogane admitted, as he pushed back the door of the library, leading the way inside. "Until Ribari-sama died, I don't suppose I questioned even my good fortune to hold the position I did. But Seiren-dono is working hard to erode that position now, and I won't pretend I like it. I was a little naïve, too – to not realise how precarious my standing was and the reasons for it. When your entire future rests in the hands of particular Clan favour…that can be stifling. I won't pretend otherwise."
"I have always found it so." Ryuu sighed, moving across to the rows of books that listed the family's history going back several generations. "My mother and father, my sisters…are very stifling people to spend a good deal of time with. Therefore I know now that I have no interest in taking over this Clan. I would simply be surrounded by more stifling situations – and I do not believe myself capable of handling them. I lack your ability to manage people, Senpai – and I do not seek to be at the centre of power."
"So you've shut yourself in here whenever you've been able, even since being drawn so blatantly into Guren-sama's notice." Shirogane reflected, gazing up at the shelves. "One might suppose you were looking for a way to refute your father's desire to see you inherit - as though your sudden interest in dynastic volumes conceals a hunt for proof of your ineligibility."
"I won't deny it." Despite himself, Ryuu looked rueful. "I have been attempting that very thing."
"And?" Shirogane cast him a questioning look. "What success have you had?"
"None." Ryuu grimaced. "My line is absolutely without doubt the closest in blood to Guren-sama's and I am now the only son through a male line that holds any right to claim the Clan. There is nothing said about the children of those with insufficient spirit power being exempt from the normal line, and I have not been able to find any flaw that disproves me as the best claimant. On the contrary..."
He frowned, breaking off in mid-sentence.
"In any case, I brought you here to show you something I did find." He said instead, running his fingers along the spines of the thickly bound books until he found the one which he wanted. Carefully he pulled it down from the shelf, setting it down gingerly on the top of the nearest table, and Shirogane glanced at it in surprise.
"Why would this be of any interest to you? This predates even Grandfather's time - were you really looking this far back? To negate Senaya-sama's claim would be to call Guren-sama's own claim into doubt, and that would not be a wise move for anyone. Besides, Guren-sama's line is unbroken and runs directly back at least ten generations to before the Council of Elders was formed. I have seen such things for myself, so you are wasting your time looking."
"No...I know that." Ryuu shook his head. "I...wait. Senpai, you have studied these books recently?"
"I have." Shirogane nodded his head. "On Guren-sama's instruction, when he took effective charge of my education. He said that if I was to be accepted as a Second degree son, I should know well the dynastic history of my family. And so I do. Why?"
"This book...included with the rest?" Ryuu rested his hand on the faded cover, and Shirogane nodded again, looking flummoxed.
"Indeed, as I have just said." He responded, confused. "I have studied back ten generations and memorised them in order to pass muster with the Kuchiki inner court and to be accepted as worthy of second degree status. Why?"
Ryuu's eyes narrowed as he carefully processed this.
"You studied it following Masane-obasama's death?" He murmured, and Shirogane nodded a third time, moving to open the book.
"I did, though it didn't prove very interesting." He agreed. "Why? Are you regretting not knowing that before? I could've answered your dynastic questions without you doing all this research - and you would have learned sooner that there's no flaw in your family's bloodline."
"And that's how you came to know about Kinnya-sama and the records that related to Raiko-dono." Ryuu realised. "Because you had been forced to learn all of the dynastic connections to this Clan."
"Yes." Shirogane acknowledged with a sigh. "Though Kinnya-dono's official entry was falsified to say he had no offspring. Senaya-sama wrote Raiko-dono out of the family tree when he evicted her from the Clan. She is listed in one or two older records - the ones I showed you when you asked me for help to investigate her involvement with our family. But I saw it for myself in the dynastic volumes. Senaya-sama wrote out Raiko-dono's existence and so officially - in the records that anyone can read - she never existed."
"Yes, I did see that." Ryuu's expression became thoughtful. "It was written in a different hand - you are sure that was Senaya-sama's doing?"
"Mm." Shirogane agreed. "I've seen his nikki as well, so I recognised the style of character. He kept a detailed one, you know - of all the things that happened during his time as Head of the Clan. Though some pages are missing - those relating to Raiko-dono and so on."
"Some pages are missing...from Senaya-sama's nikki." Ryuu repeated softly. "I have never seen such a thing - Father has never mentioned to me the existance of such a volume. I did not know Senaya-sama kept a diary of any sort. I suppose it is in Guren-sama's custody?"
"Yes...though Seiren-dono does know of it." Shirogane responded, flipping the old book shut with a snap. "Not that that has any connection to this either. And nor does the nikki say anything particularly controversial. Mostly it's his political dealings. He didn't even record the birth of his sons in it, nor the birth of my mother. So you'd probably not find it very interesting. Guren-sama had me read it so that I would have an awareness of Kuchiki government. He didn't want to disappoint my mother by abandoning me - so he had me study all these things and then packed me off to Genryuusai-sensei's Academy to round off my training as a shinigami."
He smiled wryly.
"I think he would have liked to have trained me futher himself." He reflected. "But he knew that would look inappropriate when his own son was growing older and so he did the wise thing and sent me away."
"Ironically, Father sent me to District One because he didn't want you to have an advantage over me in training." Ryuu pulled a face. "Albeit a few years in your slipstream - he and Mother had to argue about it first, but he didn't want to think you'd had chances I had not. Because as you said - Ribari-sama took all the attention at court with training and so forth as he got older."
"Seiren-dono is a somewhat jealous individual." Shirogane remarked. "But...I have to say quite honestly...I don't think you take after him. We've never spent time together beyond the necessary on account of his disapproval of me - but perhaps that's a shame."
"I think so." Ryuu agreed. "At the very least, right now our aims are coinciding. We both want to know what happened to an important member of our Clan."
"Which brings us back to why you asked me to come here." Shirogane cast his companion a quizzical look. "There's something in this book you want me to see?"
"Yes and no." Ryuu pulled the volume back towards him, turning carefully through the pages. "It's not something that was written in here, exactly...but...it was..."
He faltered, chewing down on his lip as he realised the folded sheet of paper was nowhere to be seen.
"It was here." He murmured, his heart clenching in his throat as he realised the significance of that fact. "It was here, yet now it is not."
"What was?" Shirogane was completely bemused now. "If anyone took a page out of one of these books, Guren-sama would have their head. You can't think that..."
"No." Ryuu shook his head, shutting the book with a bang as he turned agitated grey eyes on his companion. "No, it's not that. It wasn't a part of the book - but something else concealed within it. I don't know that it was there by design or accident, but it was not part of this book. I had thought so, so I picked it up and read it - but its contents were...not from here."
He turned his attention back to the shelf, frantically checking the gap between the books for any sign of the mysterious loose leaf.
"Just one sheet of paper." He whispered. "That was here and now is gone."
"Can you tell me what it said?" Shirogane asked curiously. "If it's got you so anxious, then it was obviously quite important...?"
"You said Senaya-sama had a diary, yes?" Ryuu wheeled on his cousin once more, his expression one of urgency. "You said that...and Guren-sama has it. Is it possible...do you think he would allow me to read it? Or...?"
"I don't see why he wouldn't. He'd probably be glad if you did." Shirogane frowned, reaching out to grab Ryuu by the shoulders and giving him a short, sharp shake. "But you're going off the topic. What on earth was in this book that could have made you so suddenly like this?"
Ryuu swallowed hard, shaking his head.
"I can't say it aloud. I dare not." He whispered.
"You dare not?" Shirogane's eyes became slits. "Can you at least give me some clue as to what it contains?"
"I dare not." Ryuu repeated, shaking his head again. "Because if it was here, and it no longer is here...that means...it is in someone else's possession. And more, if you have studied these books more recently, then it was not here..and should not have been when I came here. Whoever left it here may have done so by accident. But if they have since moved it...it suggests that it has some significance. And that it might...be the reason Ribari-sama was killed. In which case...in which case..."
"In which case Guren-sama should be informed right away. Proof or no proof." Shirogane said sharply. "If you think that something is amiss, Ryuu, you can't just hide it and hope it will go away. We should go now - to see Guren-sama and you can tell him what you can't tell me."
Wordlessly Ryuu shook his head, and Shirogane gave him another shake.
"Why not?" He demanded. "Didn't you say you wanted to find justice for Ribari-sama?"
"Yes." Ryuu agreed. "But Senpai..."
He faltered, closing his eyes briefly as he fought to calm down.
"Without proof, it is not possible to approach Guren-sama." He murmured uneasily. "And there is no proof. It might simply have been my delusion - at least, so he may believe. And it may be that...in telling Guren-sama, the wrong person may come to hear of it. In which case, there may be...there may be greater danger. I am leaving District Six soon...and I do not believe my life to be at risk. But there are others who might be. Guren-sama himself, even. And...you."
"Me?" Shirogane snorted. "What value would there be in killing me? The assassins had their chance already and they disdained it. I'm not a target, Ryuu, and you're talking nonsense. Guren-sama isn't someone easy to kill either, and..."
"It's not that." Ryuu shook his head impatiently. "It has nothing to do with that. I didn't mean that he might be killed. And...if you knew...you might become a target."
"But you would not?" Shirogane demanded. Ryuu shrugged miserably.
"I don't know." He admitted. "I don't know what's going on. But it frightens me. Especially that what was here has now gone. Senpai, I don't want to create ripples without proof - just as you do not want to cause suspicion against the Shihouin-ke unecessarily by relating Ribari-sama's sighting to the wrong person."
"You're really not going to tell me, are you?" Shirogane looked thoughtful. "You think it would put me that much at risk?"
"I think...you are already at risk." Ryuu confessed. "By what you haven't told Guren-sama about Ribari-sama's death. If people knew you saw something..."
"They would discard it as delusion, hence I haven't relayed it." Shirogane cut across him impatiently. "But your word they wouldn't doubt. If not Guren-sama, why not Seiren-dono? He would listen to you."
"I cannot." Ryuu shook his head emphatically. "I will not. Please, Senpai. I can't speak of it any more. But I would...like to see Senaya-sama's nikki. If Guren-sama would let me...I should like..."
"I don't understand, but all right." Shirogane sighed, releasing his grasp and sinking back against the wall in defeat. "I can tell you're worried, and I believe you when you say you're worried about me - and about Guren-sama. I just hope that by keeping - whatever it is - a secret you're not going to make things worse."
"I also hope that." Ryuu agreed sadly. "But all I can do is - for now - go along with my Clan duty and wait to leave for District One. When I am gone, Senpai - please be careful. I don't know where the danger is, but I...think there is still great danger. And that there is much none of us understand."
"You seem to understand things I have no idea about, but I will trust you and take your word for it." Shirogane scooped up the old book, glancing at it and then returning it to its place on the shelf. "If there's nothing you can tell me, why don't we go to Guren-sama's study now? You can see the nikki - I imagine he'll be happy you're showing an interest in such a thing, given your current position in things. I don't know why you want to see it, but..."
"To see Senaya-sama's writing." Ryuu said absently, and Shirogane shot him a suspicious look.
"You don't believe it was Senaya-sama who wrote Raiko-dono out of the family tree?" He asked. "Or you doubt my judgement in that regard?"
"Neither." Ryuu shook his head. "I believe you and I'm sure it was Senaya-sama who wrote Raiko-dono out of existence. I just...want to see something for myself. That's all."
"You're not making sense, but let's go." Shirogane sighed. "Guren-sama is closeted in a meeting this morning with Futsuki-dono and one or two other court members, so his study will be empty. The nikki isn't a secure document and I don't think he'd mind if we went to look at it - he's always told me that whenever I want inspiration I should read Grandfather's words and take them as guidance. Ribari-sama studied it too - so he wouldn't have any problem with me going to get it. I know where he keeps it."
"All right." Ryuu nodded, relief in his grey eyes. "Thank you, Senpai. If you're sure, that would help. Even if it has nothing of interest in it, I would like to see Grandfather's writing."
"Whatever you say." Shirogane shot his companion a dry smile, grabbing him by the arm and pulling him towards the door of the archive. "This way is quicker - and we'll disturb less people."
"The servants' stairs?" Ryuu looked surprised, and Shirogane nodded.
"I know, but nobody will see us." He replied pragmatically. "I've found them very useful these last few days, you know - because people don't tend to think that Clansfolk will use such base routes, and therefore I've been able to slip the attention of various people wanting to watch over me. Your father in particular - he's the most diligent of the lot, since Guren-sama seems to have charged him with my well-being."
"I wonder if Guren-sama understands how much you dislike Father." Ryuu observed, and Shirogane snorted.
"It's an order from the Clan leader. Like and dislike are superceded by such things." He said curtly. "At least, so long as Guren-sama is present. But in any case, along this hall and down the next steps and we will be right outside Guren-sama's study. So it has brought benefits - I'm finding out many things I didn't know about this estate since I became a virtual prisoner inside of it."
"Father is probably also with Guren-sama this morning." Ryuu realised. "Otherwise he would have seen me come to speak to you, too, wouldn't he?"
"I believe so." Shirogane nodded. "He is Guren-sama's right hand man, so anything else would be odd."
"True." Ryuu sighed. "Right hand man, but not eligible to be his heir. Senpai, if Father was able to inherit this Clan, things would be...much more clear."
"I suppose, though I wouldn't like to live under Seiren-dono's rule." Shirogane said bluntly. "I'm coming to think that I might accept you - with a little bit of work and education and so on you might make a decent Clan leader. But Seiren-dono is unyielding, inflexible and quite honestly warped in his way of viewing his kinsfolk. I know I am beneath his notice and I have never tried to be otherwise - but he even seeks to prevent me from undertaking my Shinigami duties, now. And that, at least, is none of his business."
He paused, putting his hand on the door of the study.
"And we're here." he added unecessarily. "So no more pointless chatter. Guren-sama should be away from this place - but it's good manners to knock anyway."
He knocked softly on the wood, waiting for a response, but there was none, and with a shrug, Shirogane pushed back the door.
"As I thought." He said simply. "Come on. This is a servants' entrance and so it is always unlocked. Anything of value Guren-sama leaves locked and fastened away so there is no risk of theft. But the nikki is not such an item - therefore if I remember rightly..."
He trailed off, pausing to examine the shelves against the back wall, and Ryuu moved to the window, feeling somehow funny being in his uncle's study without the Clan leader being present. The view from the window spread out across a good part of the grounds, and from here he could see Mitsuki sitting underneath a tree, a book spread out beside her. Inwardly he envied her that moment of peace and tranquility.
As a hime and as a Third degree clanswoman, Mitsuki is not important. She is not connected to any of this...as a healer, she can help, but beyond that, she is not involved. Unlike me...she can keep her distance from where the true poison lies.
"Here it is." Shirogane's voice brought him back to the present and he turned to see his companion setting down an old book on Guren's desk, gesturing to him to come see. Ryuu did so, pushing his regrets aside as he came to stand beside his cousin.
"This is Senaya-sama's nikki." Shirogane said briskly. "But as you can see, it's nothing particularly dramatic or illustrious looking. Senaya-sama is considered a particularly noble head of the Clan because of the kinsfolk that have followed him - mostly Guren-sama and Seiren-dono. So that's why it's been kept as such an important account. However..."
"You don't believe it to be so?" Ryuu questioned, moving to smooth the aging paper down beneath his fingers. "That Senaya-sama was not a great Head of the Kuchiki?"
"I think he was probably all right." Shirogane admitted. "The nikki paints his policies as safe and cautious, and his manner as well understood by those around him. He seems to have considered his immediate family extremely precious - it's often said that he and his wife had a strong love connection, which for the Kuchiki-ke is somewhat unusual at that level. Well, you know that, I think, better than me."
He shot Ryuu a wry glance, and Ryuu nodded, remembering his often feuding parents.
"Indeed." he said soberly. "Well? But? So far he sounds like a good Clan leader."
"But he was assassinated." Shirogane reflected. "And though the Shihouin took the brunt of the blame, a lot was never proven. There were members within the Kuchiki also involved in the conspiracy. Senaya-sama never suspected those people, and he was not able to control them. It was Guren-sama who did that."
He smiled self-consciously.
"Perhaps I carry bias." He added. "But that would imply Guren-sama to be a more effective Clan head than Senaya-sama was."
"I suppose we'll never know." Ryuu said gravely. "But it was fortunate indeed that Senaya-sama had Guren-sama to inherit and to wipe the Clan clean of insurrection. Also, that Father and Guren-sama made up their childhood quarrels in order to avenge the assassination and bring solidarity back to the Clan. It's often been said that a fraternal feud was quashed by the death of our Grandfather - though it seems an extreme way of achieving family peace."
"Hrm." Shirogane's eyes became slits. "That's interesting. I've never heard anyone else say it like that before."
"Like?" Ryuu was startled, raising his gaze to his companion.
"Perhaps I read too much into it." Shirogane admitted. "But for a moment I thought you were suggesting Senaya-sama's assassination was a tool from the Kuchiki to bring a shattered family together."
Ryuu was silent for a moment.
"We will never know." He replied. "And it would be foolish to so speculate. Senaya-sama was murdered and the Clan was taken over by his son. Stability was returned. All was well. Until now - when stability is threatened again."
"True." Shirogane admitted. "But even so, I was interested that you would say it. Because...I've wondered about it too."
"About...?"
"Whether Senaya-sama's murder was something more than it seemed." Shirogane sighed. "I've heard him called a martyr. Haven't you? But to be assassinated by greedy underlings and to not be able to see their plotting - surely that isn't a martyr but a fool?"
"Perhaps." Ryuu agreed uneasily. "However, in the current climate, talking of such things..."
"I know." Shirogane nodded. "But it bothered me...it has bothered me. Whether...Senaya-sama knew he was going to die. And planned for it, even. That he feared a civil split if his sons were not to repair bonds, and so plotted with loyal followers willing to die for him...an extreme way of bringing the family back together. For the sake of the Kuchiki, honour comes before life. The Clan comes before anything. I've often wondered if that was Senaya-sama's true greatness - to mislead everyone and create mistrust of the Shihouin in order to stabilise his family for the future."
He smiled faintly.
"If so, that would make him a great Kuchiki worthy of such reverance." He added. "But like you - I don't know."
He reached out a finger to tap the cover of the nikki, a pensive expression on his face.
"That book bothers me, to be truthful." He said with a sigh. "It's such a haphazard yet perfectly sculpted account of Senaya-sama's time as leader of the Kuchiki Clan."
"What do you mean?" Ryuu shot him a startled look, and Shirogane's eyes became troubled.
"I told you I had to study it. Read it over and over to get some feel for the kind of world Senaya-sama governed in and the decisions that were made when he was in charge." He said quietly. "And it's true that he kept very detailed accounts - of some things. He's renowned for having been a family man who cared a lot about his children - yet despite that their births aren't even mentioned. He spent two pages describing Guren-sama's betrothal ceremony, and the same again with Seiren-dono's, though. And he kept tediously detailed accounts on certain political decisions or treaties or whatever else - but detailed as they are, they don't entirely agree with some of the other official records."
"They don't match up?" Ryuu felt a chill touch his spine. "You mean that...the nikki's information is not true?"
"I don't know if it is or it isn't." Shirogane sighed. "More it seems...incomplete. Though the pages all tally together quite smoothly, it seems as though bits were left out - or removed - maybe on purpose. If so, it was skillfully done...but it led me to wondering about the reasons why."
He folded his arms, leaning back against the wall of the study.
"There's hardly any mention of Kinnya-sama in the book, either." He added. "Especially after the time about when we know that Raiko-dono was exiled from the Clan."
"I was led to understand that his self-imposed exile began at that point." Ryuu reminded his companion. "And because of that fact, he and Senaya-sama probably fell out."
"Perhaps." Shirogane's eyes narrowed. "Or that is what we have been given to believe, based on the little information we have. But here is where I become curious. You see, almost all of the important acts or decisions issued during Senaya-sama's regime were counter-sealed by Kinnya-sama. One or two even were entirely confirmed by his crest, which implies Senaya-sama gave him a high level of trust in his government. Some of the older minutes from court meetings that have been locked away in archives also indicate he was highly active politically and that - despite the indiscretion of having birthed a child with a common woman - he had a good deal of respect within the court itself. More, he always spoke freely in difficult debates, yet the nikki mentions nothing of the sort. And Kinnya-sama's seal continues to appear on documents issued after Raiko-dono would have been exiled. They continue to do so right up until Senaya-sama's death. At which point..."
"Guren-sama took over." Ryuu whispered, and Shirogane nodded.
"He and your father." He agreed. "And so they stop. It's no secret that Seiren-dono and Guren-sama hated each other - the nikki even mentions a couple of incidents where sword spats between them almost became really violent. Yet after Senaya-sama died, they were united in the cause of purging the Kuchiki of dissidents and potential assassins. In short, their emnity for one another was less than their hatred for their enemy. Or perceived enemy. I don't suppose it mattered much which."
"Do you think Kinnya-sama was involved in Senaya-sama's murder?" Ryuu asked softly, and Shirogane sighed.
"That's a dangerous question." He mused. "I don't know. What I do know is that Kinnya-sama didn't benefit from it. If he had political power before Senaya-sama died, and forsook all of it afterwards - it seems unlikely that he would have conspired in the business. It seems he undertook his exile entirely voluntarily...he has not been cast out by the Clan, but he chooses to stay away. But...if you are asking whether he acted on Senaya-sama's orders and with knowledge of some other secret scheme - that I don't know. There are far more questions than there are answers - the more you read, the more you find you do not know. But I do think that most things that happened during Grandfather's time, Kinnya-sama would've known about. And more, may have acted on. Even if the nikki says otherwise. It is possible that pages were taken from the nikki - either by Senaya-sama or by someone else following his death. Maybe even Kinnya-sama himself. But they probably no longer exist, and so we'll never be able to find out for sure."
"Mm." Ryuu turned back to the book with a faint sense of trepidation. "Guren-sama would not forgive you for suggesting such things, however. And so you mustn't. We mustn't. Especially not here."
"Yet you do agree with me, at least to some extent." Shirogane reflected. "Very well. That's enough for me. Since I wonder if that has a bearing on Ribari-sama's death, too - I thought I'd sound you out, and see."
His gaze drifted to the nikki.
"Well? Did you find out what you wanted to know?"
"Sadly...I fear so." Ryuu sighed, his heart heavy as he nodded his head. "The writing is indeed Senaya-sama's. And more...the sheet of paper that has now become lost...was also written in this hand. More, it was...perhaps...from this book. Though I can't be sure, and cannot compare, I think...that it may well have been so. Perhaps it was removed by Senaya-sama himself - but perhaps it was not. That would seem to support your conjecture that the nikki was once more complete - but such thoughts make me uneasy, and I do not wish to pursue them further."
He stood upright.
"Besides, the offending document is gone and is now in unknown hands." He added. "What you said about Senaya-sama may be considered treason if others were to hear it, Senpai. If you are harbouring such conspiratorial thoughts, you should keep them to yourself and be extremely cautious. If Senaya-sama's assassination was a farce and an illusion then it means the Shihouin who were alleged to be involved may not have been at all. Which throws into question why Ribari-sama...saw what he saw."
"Or they have no connection." Shirogane agreed. "Don't worry. What I said was for your ears alone. I have no intention of taking it to anyone else."
"For my ears...?"
"On the off chance you are the future of this Clan, I wish to trust in you and the integrity I believe you have." Shirogane smiled. "Because at present, you and Mitsuki alone seem to be willing to listen to me and not consider me mad."
"No. You are not mad." Ryuu said firmly. "Not if you can draw together such political reasonings. I do not believe what you told me to be false or delusionary. But that fact alone may make you a target...for someone. If you are not already. So I will caution you again - take care when Mitsuki and I are gone."
"I can defend myself, and certainly more than either of you can protect me." Shirogane snorted, his fingers brushing the hilt of his zanpakutou. "Don't worry. I'll be all right. And I will be trying to find out what I can - even the thing you won't tell me, if there's a way. If it relates to Ribari-sama's murder, I'll do anything I can, no matter what it is."
"What are you doing here?"
Before Ryuu could answer, a fresh voice broke into the conversation and he tensed, swinging around in trepidation to face his father. There was an angry look on Seiren's face, and as the senior Clansman strode across the office towards him, Ryuu knew that he was not amused.
Seiren's hand closed around Ryuu's wrist, pulling him away from the table while his other hand snatched up the open volume, glancing at it and then at his son.
"Father's nikki." He murmured. "Ryuu, what...?"
"I wished to see it, and Senpai said he knew where to find it." Ryuu resisted the urge to wrench his hand free, for he could see real anger in his father's gaze. "With the things we've discussed recently, I realised I had such little understanding of Senaya-sama - and I wished to understand more. Senpai studied this nikki, and so I thought...so should I."
"Mm. Perhaps that's so." Seiren released his hold, closing the book with a snap and slipping it under his arm. "But without speaking to your Uncle first? This is his study...and besides..."
His gaze flitted to Shirogane, and Ryuu was struck by the hatred that burned in his eyes.
"There are unsuitable people that you should refrain from spending time around at present." He said blackly. "Shirogane may have had favour from Guren-niisama in some respects, but Ryuu, now he is beneath you. You should not call him Senpai - and you should certainly not seek his guidance. He is merely a shinigami of Sixth Squad, regardless of how he might consider himself. And you are my son - please remember what that means."
At those words, Ryuu stiffened, his expression becoming impassive as he slowly bowed his head.
"Yes, Father." he said flatly. "I understand fully what such a thing means."
"See that you keep it in mind, since what you do now may have an impact further reaching than you imagine."
Seiren turned his attention back to the bristling Shirogane.
"As for you...you have no business with my son. Understand? Perhaps you were close to Ribari-sama - and even the one who was training him in the arts of the Shinigami. But you have already proven yourself incompetent in that regard. Ribari-sama is dead - either because you did not adequately discharge your duties to him, or you sought him some form of harm. You alone know which the truth is - but I will not have you tainting my son and luring him into your trust."
"Father!" Despite himself, Ryuu was dismayed, but Seiren was not in any mood to listen.
"Silence." He snapped. "I have not asked for your opinion. Important as you are now, you are still bound to obey your Father and you still do not understand many things."
Ryuu bit his lip as Seiren advanced on Shirogane, grabbing him by the shoulders.
"You will not come near Ryuu again without good reason." He said softly. "Do you understand? You are not required to do anything but attend to Sixth Squad - and if you try to push yourself too much into my family's business, I will be forced to report your conduct to Guren-niisama. Don't think you fool me - I know what you are and what you want. And you will not get it so long as I am here."
Shirogane's expression glittered with indignation, but somehow he controlled himself, bowing his head stiffly in Seiren's direction. Then he was gone, and Seiren sighed, rubbing his temples.
"You should be careful around that boy, Ryuu." He said frankly. "He may seem trustworthy, but he has no power of his own and only seeks to usurp that belonging to others."
Ryuu stared at his father, suddenly disliking him all the more.
The same could be said of you, Otousama, considering how hard you are pushing for me to become heir.
The thought flitted unbidden across his mind, but he did not voice it out loud. Instead he bowed his head once more, lowering his gaze so that Seiren could not see his own displeasure.
"Yes, Father." He murmured softly. "I will give great thought to everything you have said. I did not mean to cause a disturbance - I simply wanted..."
"To understand your ancestors, as any Clan heir should want to do." Seiren glanced at the nikki, then held it out. "And there is no reason for you not to. Guren-sama would not mind - he would like to see your interest."
"I will speak to him about it in a more appropriate way." Ryuu raised his head. "For now, I have things to prepare for my departure to District One. Please excuse me, Otousama. I also have much to do before I leave."
"Then do so." Seiren nodded, lowering the book. "This will be here when you come back...and by then, I hope, everything will be set in stone. This uncertainty around us will soon fade - try not to give it too much thought. You can rely on me in your absence to do everything to push your claim."
"Yes, Father." Ryuu eyed him for a moment. Then he turned on his heel, leaving the study and making his way slowly down the corridor to his own room.
There was real hate in Father's eyes then. Not just dislike, but a real mistrust.
Ryuu's brows knitted together.
The plot grows darker, deeper and more and more obtuse. I only hope that my being in District One won't allow...things to get even worse.
How dare he?
Shirogane stormed through the corridors of the Kuchiki manor, his eyes glittering with anger and his entire self bristling with indignation at the way in which Seiren had addressed him. Gone was any pretence at respect or delicacy - in that moment, Seiren had launched a tirade at his nephew, and Shirogane had been too perceptive not to see the real venom behind it.
Guren-sama was not there, and so he thought to belittle me in the harshest way he could think...by implying my involvement in Ribari-sama's death.
He clenched and unclenched his fists, resisting the urge to bang them against the walls with some difficulty as he ran over the conversation in his mind once more.
Has he been saying such things to other people? Is that why suddenly I feel so stifled? I would not put it past him. When he looked at me, it was as though he considered me something unmentionable. He's never looked at me like that, or spoken to me so bluntly before.
He slammed back the main door, stalking into the grounds in high dudgeon.
Mother would be turning in her grave. I've always been led to believe Seiren-dono was fond of her - but obviously that fondness doesn't extend to respect for her only son.
His eyes narrowed.
No. It's more than that. It's more his own interests than it has anything to do with Mother or Father or anything else. To Seiren-dono, it's already decided. Ryuu will be Guren-sama's heir and I am simply an eyesore who potentially could get in his way. I have no claim to anything myself, but I do have Guren-sama's favour - something Seiren-dono has never liked. And so he seeks to destroy me - in order to gain support for his own son.
He flopped down on the grass, now giving in to his fit of temper and drumming his hands frustratedly against the grass as he leant up against the trunk of one of the many sakura trees.
I wonder if he has any idea how Ryuu thinks regarding any of this. The irony is that since Ribari-sama's death I am coming to realise that my other male cousin is far from the useless shadow I thought he was, but possessed of a mind of his own and more, a brain to analyse the situation in which he finds himself. That he is so violently opposed to the idea of inheriting is almost as vehement as Seiren-dono's desire to see him named.
"Shirogane-senpai?"
A soft voice broke through his thoughts and he glanced up as a shadow fell across him, meeting the concerned grey gaze of the young healer.
"Mitsuki." He murmured, and Mitsuki sank down onto the grass beside him, shooting him a quizzical look.
"Your aura is all disturbed and your spirit sparking with fire." She murmured. "Did something happen? You look angry enough to kill someone."
"Possibly I am, but fortunately I am in better control of my emotions than a few days prior and so I did not." Shirogane clenched his fingers around the blades of grass, absently pulling them up and dropping them back onto the ground in his frustration. "Angry is perhaps an understatement - furious may be a better word. But I must contain that emotion - I must, and so I have come here, where it is supposedly peaceful, in the hopes I might calm down."
Mitsuki's eyes became thoughtful, then she settled herself more comfortably beside him.
"Have you clashed with Seiren-dono once again?" She asked gently, and Shirogane nodded.
"All I do since Ribari-sama died is clash with my honoured Uncle." He said bitterly. "Although as it stands he would probably not tolerate that terminology from me. He more or less implied that I was involved in Ribari-sama's murder - or that I was negligent and so let him die. He said things I will not easily forgive him for...not even if I live to be seven centuries old."
"He said that? To your face?" Mitsuki's eyes became big with shock, and Shirogane nodded again.
"Ask Ryuu. He was there to hear it too." He agreed blackly. "Apparently I'm not worthwhile company for my cousin now - Seiren-dono is fixed on making him Guren-sama's successor, and therefore I am simply some unpleasant object he wishes to steamroll aside. I have no claim, and I am a nuisance to him. He made very clear his feelings - in all respects."
"What did you do?" Mitsuki looked apprehensive, but Shirogane shook his head.
"Nothing." He replied. "As I said, fortunately I have a better grip on my sanity now than I did before. I simply bowed and left without a word. I'm not sure how I did, to be honest..."
He sighed, flopping back against the tree once more as the tension flooded out of him.
"Or maybe it was because Ryuu was there." He admitted. "And he looked...dumbstruck that Seiren-dono would say such things. I didn't want to make a more difficult situation for anyone, so I left. It wasn't a satisfactory conclusion, but in the circumstances it was all I could do."
He glanced at his grass-stained fingers.
"Seiren-dono does not understand his son even a little bit, though, it seems." He added softly. "It is a pity, because I am coming to understand why it is you think so much of him."
"You and Ryuu are becoming friends, then?" Mitsuki looked surprised. "Even just a little bit...you're starting to spend time together?"
"Not any more." Shirogane shook his head, grabbing up a stray pebble and tossing it viciously across the ground towards the exposed root of another tree. "That was Seiren-dono's objection. How dare I consort with his precious son - I, who stole my status through favour and fondness for my mother on the part of Guren-sama? That was his message. Stay away. Even though it was Ryuu who sought my advice this time - even that did not matter."
"But I'm sure that isn't what Ryuu thinks." Mitsuki said sensibly. "Just because Seiren-dono got cross and misunderstood...he's quite a forceful person, Seiren-dono. When his mind is fixed, he doesn't easily change it. But Ryuu isn't easily influenced in his views by what his father says to him. So..."
"I know Ryuu's thoughts and feelings." Shirogane cut across her. "It was all too clear in his eyes that he didn't agree with anything Seiren-dono said - to me or to him about the Clan. Because of that, I contained myself. Because of that, I didn't assault my Uncle. But I was sorely tempted, Mitsuki. More even than I was in the mausoleum. How dare that man speak so to me, when he is not even a Shinigami nor has any blood right either to consider himself high ranking in the Clan? He pins all his hopes on a son who wants nothing to do with it - and he himself pretends that being Guren-sama's brother makes him the most significant ally our Clan's leader has. But the truth is, he's nothing. A younger sibling with no power. Worse than a woman - no matter how good his sword skills. A woman at least has value in marriage. Seiren-dono has not even that."
"Senpai, you do realise you're talking to a Clanswoman at the moment, don't you?" Mitsuki arched an eyebrow, and Shirogane shot her a rueful grin.
"I know, and I suppose that sounded offensive." he acknowledged. "I'm sorry. It wasn't what I meant. Simply...in terms of Clan tradition - the inheritance of the Clan falls only through the male line. But a hime can still marry and bring prestige to a line. A man with a direct bloodline but no spirit power is useless in most regards. He is no more secure in his status than I am, except that he has Ryuu. And Ryuu does have a claim, so Seiren-dono can hide behind it."
"Ryuu's said sometimes that he's sure the only thing that united his parents was the desire to have a son and make Seiren-dono's line have a purpose." Mitsuki remembered. "But...Ryuu doesn't really like his parents very much, so...I thought he was just being cynical."
"Even if he was, he thinks sharply." Shirogane sighed, loosening the tie on his long hair and allowing the curls to fall loose over his shoulders. "I'm sorry, Mitsuki. I seem to be using you as a sounding board rather often of late. I would understand if you didn't tolerate it - since I have barely even acknowledged your existence before this incident began. I had considered you just a hime on the outside of the family's awareness - born of a foreign mother and not like the rest of the family. But...perhaps I am the same in many ways."
A flicker of amusement touched Mitsuki's expression at this, and she smiled.
"I didn't realise you were a hime, Senpai." She said, her tones mock-serious but her eyes full of laughter. "That would make the situation more complicated."
"Mitsuki..." Shirogane stared at her, then he burst out laughing, the last of the tension leaving his body as he swiped playfully at her arm. He shook his head.
"No, I assure you, that is one secret I do not keep." He said, humour in his own gaze. "But thank you. I needed to laugh...and I have done it seldom few times lately. Perhaps that is why I'm coming to realise your presence is important - I am able to talk to you freely without worrying about the implications of what I say."
"Nobody would listen to me even if I did have an opinion to give." Mitsuki said matter-of-factly. "And that suits me. But I'm glad I can help, Senpai. If I can, then it's worthwhile my being here still. I don't have a part to play in Ribari-sama's memorials, and he probably wouldn't have known me by name. I could easily have slipped away sooner - but I've stayed because I thought I might be of use. If not to anyone else, to you and to Ryuu. Since both of you are in awkward positions, now."
She pursed her lips thoughtfully.
"If necessary, I can fill the divide between the two of you." She added. "If there's anything you want Ryuu to know before we leave for school, I can tell him. Seiren-dono tolerates me, mostly. He wouldn't think anything of me being in Ryuu's company, since we've been close for so long."
"I'm not sure there is anything." Shirogane looked pensive. "A good deal was said before Seiren-dono arrived - things we will doubtless both give some serious thought. Ryuu is intelligent, and I am glad of that fact. Whatever happens from this point on, I think we both need our wits about us. I don't think it's going to be an easy ride, even if Ryuu submits to his father's wishes. There is still an assassin out there...unidentified and roaming free."
He sighed.
"I want to find that person, and bring them to Guren-sama's justice." He admitted. "I can't let it go - I won't let it go. But I don't know where to begin. Ryuu thought he had a lead, but then he said he didn't...or that it was too dangerous if he did, so he didn't speak of it further. Perhaps he was right - I don't know. But in the meantime, all I have that I can do is find out who killed our other cousin. It's the only thing I can do for Ribari-sama, even trapped here like I am. So I will keep trying to do it. All I know is that - Seiren-dono to the contrary - I had no part to play in a plot on Ribari-sama's life. And so it seems that I am not just looking for justice for him now. I seek it for myself too - to clear my name from these careless aspersions being cast about."
"Ambition sometimes counts for more than truth. Honour for more than life." Mitsuki said softly. "Be careful, Senpai. I don't think you should tangle with Seiren-dono if you can avoid it. You should probably stay entirely out of his way until he's satisfied you're not intending on contesting Ryuu's claim."
She eyed him doubtfully.
"Or are you?"
"I'm not." Shirogane shook his head. "There is nobody else to take on that mantle, and I...am beginning to think Ryuu might be worth supporting. But it's down to Ryuu himself whether that will or won't happen. He is the one looking to oppose it - and that has nothing to do with me."
"No, but he probably knows that to do so would only create more chaos now." Mitsuki looked troubled. "I'm worried about it - about him and you and about what's going to happen. Perhaps if Ryuu agrees...Seiren-dono will calm down and everything will be all right. But what you say about the assassin also bothers me. If it was someone outside of the Clan, they might just as easily target Ryuu next. And if it was someone within the Clan...who knows what their end goal is?"
"Exactly." Shirogane agreed grimly. "Which means you should be careful too. For your sake and for Ryuu's, - you're sharp and you'll be with him, so you keep an eye on things around him in District One. All right? Just in case...since we don't know what we're dealing with."
"I already intended to." Mitsuki nodded solemnly. "My zanpakutou can't kill anyone, but it can help sustain life. And I'll do whatever's in my power to keep Ryuu safe, Senpai - you have my word on that."
Seiren pushed open the room of his study, fastening the door firmly behind him and sinking down behind his desk with a heavy sigh. The confrontation with Shirogane weighed heavily on his mind and as he glanced at his hands, he realised that they were shaking from the force of his emotion. A mixture of anger and fear coursed through him at intervals and for a while he just sat there, struggling to get a grip on his composure.
He had left the meeting with Guren, his half brother Futsuki and their higher ranking ministers early, with the reason that he had some overdue provincial land holding documents to countersign before a particular deadline passed. Guren had dismissed him without question, and Seiren had quickly taken care of his outstanding business, knowing that with Ribari's death still hanging over the family, such delays in processing would probably have been expected. Truthfully, he had let them linger on account of other matters – writing to agents posted in key areas of the District and doing his best to garner support and approval for his son's claim. As Guren's right hand man, he commanded a force of men almost as big as the Clan leader himself, all of whom were poised and ready to go into action if need be to persuade the local regional leaders to accept Ryuu as the next heir of the Kuchiki. All it needed now was Guren's word to make it official, and Ryuu would be the next heir apparent of the Kuchiki Clan.
When a messenger had arrived to his office, therefore, bearing a message with no official seals, he had not been overly concerned. On the contrary, he had been expecting correspondence from the coastal region for some days, for his Uncle Kinnya was always slow in returning official messages and would undoubtedly be the last to confirm his support for Ryuu's claim. Seiren did not think Kinnya would oppose the idea – nor did he expect that the old man would bother to become involved in the matter more than he had to anyway, since he had more or less excluded himself from the Clan proper on the excuse of ill health for years. Still, formality was formality, and Seiren knew that Kinnya's bloodline meant that his opinion must at least be sought. The old man's self-appointed exile from his family meant he seldom marked his letters with the crest that his position officially entitled him to, and so when the messenger had delivered his letter, Seiren had been sure that it had been Kinnya's approval at long last.
Yet as soon as he had broken the seal on the letter, Seiren had realised his mistake.
The note was short and to the point, written on distinctive parchment and in a hand that suggested a far younger style of writing than the old fashioned kanji Kinnya still favoured. It was written in black ink, but of a quality that reminded Seiren of Guren's own special supply, and as he had read the words, a chill had run down his spine.
"If you value your son's future, pay close attention to your Father's past. All secrets are known to me. I do not bluff."
He had read the letter several times over, unable to believe what he was reading and yet unable to refute what was right there in front of him on the page. And as he had read it for the tenth or eleventh time, a dull, hollow feeling had begun to creep over him, inch by inch until it consumed his whole being.
"Father's past. Ryuu's future."
He murmured the words out loud now, sliding his fingers into his obi and pulling out the creased sheet of paper once more. The words were still there, printed deeply into the expensive parchment, and as he gazed at it, fear once more flooded through his body.
Such a thing to happen now, with so much close to being finalised. It could be a bluff…but if it isn't…
His mind tracked back again to the encounter in Guren's study. Ryuu had not asked him why he was there, nor had Shirogane, and for that fact he had been glad, for their presences had thrown him completely off-kilter. That they should be there at that time, and reading the book that he had gone seeking had been a second shockwave through his already troubled system – and then, little by little, things had begun to fall into place.
Expensive parchment, just like that which Masane used to use…Shirogane alone has paper like that. Characters that represent a recent script – even if he tried to conceal his own characteristics, the writing is far too modern in style to be anyone of an older generation. Black ink such as that used by Guren…but he made a gift of some of that ink to Shirogane at New Year, when that wretched boy commented on how nicely it flowed across the paper. True, I do not know that it bears any resemblance to his writing. But I'm sure I could find out.
He dropped the parchment down onto the desk with a sigh.
Perhaps that drug he was exposed to did turn his mind. Or perhaps there's more going on in his head than any of us realised before. But the trouble is, what to do about it? If by some fluke Shirogane found out something he should not have done…and he then used that information…what would it mean for Ryuu? And that's another thing. Till now, Shirogane and my son have barely had contact – now I find them together, in Guren's study, reading old documents with no apparent explanation as to why.
His eyes narrowed.
But the pages that relate to…certain things were removed a long time ago. They were removed and nobody should have seen them. I shouldn't have seen them…and certainly Guren has no idea of it. But that fact alone means I can't go to him with this, either. I have to get to the bottom of it myself – and ensure while I do so that Shirogane and Ryuu are kept far, far apart. Until I know for certain what that boy intends – I will not put Ryuu's life at risk. The letter said it – if I cared about my son's future, to look to Father's past. If Shirogane knows what he shouldn't know...it could even relate to Ribari-sama, in which case…
"You seem agitated, Father."
At the sudden sound of his eldest daughter's voice, Seiren started, pushing the sheet of parchment hurriedly between the pages of a book as he raised his gaze. At his response, the girl's grey eyes widened, and a thoughtful look entered their depths.
"You seem very agitated." She observed softly. "Has my brother caused you more vexation, or is something else on your mind?"
"Ryuu…" Seiren sighed, rubbing his brow. "What is it, Murasaki? I've got a lot of work, that's all – things to consider and in a time when so much is going on."
"I'm not fooled." Murasaki did not take the hint to leave, instead settling herself before her father's desk. Of all of his four daughters, she was the most astute, and as he glanced at her now, he knew that he would not dismiss her questions as easily as he might one of the others.
"I wasn't trying to fool you." He said now. "It is true, as it happens. I do have much to do."
"But that expression wasn't caused by work – was it?" Murasaki raised an eyebrow. "You always work hard, Father. That's the reason you're always here, isn't it – as opposed to what people say about you staying here to avoid being in Mother's company. Not that such things have ever concerned me," as Seiren opened his lips to protest. "I have my own family and my own concerns and your marital arrangements are both understood and overlooked for the most part. But whilst I'm here and I can see you – this isn't the Father I'm used to seeing. Will you not talk to me, Otousama? Even as a girl, won't you share your troubles with your own flesh and blood?"
"If you were a son, my life would be easier." Seiren muttered. "Hell, if you all were sons, then I would have less headaches overall."
"Then Ryuu is the trouble?" Murasaki's lips thinned. "What has my foolish younger brother done now, and would you like me to speak to him? He is unsuitably dense given his position in this family, but at this critical time especially…"
"Ryuu is not the problem." Seiren shook his head. "And you shouldn't speak of him so, Murasaki. He has never been as forward in family affairs as any of us would like, true, but he is not incapable of giving a good impression of himself. On the contrary, he has spoken very well in Guren-niisama's presence, and I have heard many favourable things said about him from other members of the inner court these last few days. He is growing handsome, as well – I imagine that when he finally completes his time in District One, we will not have a problem securing him a bride. No, Murasaki. Ryuu's time has come and that very fact itself puts me on edge."
"I see." Murasaki rested her chin in her hands, dark locks of hair falling delicately over the shoulders of her cream kimono as she gazed at him thoughtfully. "Ribari-sama was murdered, and his killer still not caught. If Guren-sama were to name Ryuu as his successor, you fear the target may change – and that Ryuu might be the one who the killer settles on next."
"Mm." Seiren drew a shaky breath into his lungs. "You must see that that possibility exists. Whether the one responsible is a Kuchiki or isn't, Murasaki, they have already eliminated one eligible claimant to the Clan title. There exists…only one more with the right bloodline to inherit. That is your brother. If something befell him…"
"If something befell him, not only would the Clan be in flux, our own family's standing would falter, wouldn't it?" Murasaki's eyes narrowed. "Because we are simply girls, our children cannot benefit the Clan. Even though I have a son of my own, and even though I am Guren-sama's niece by the closest blood imaginable…even then, my child could not be considered eligible. There are other sons, but they fall further and further from the centre of the family. I understand, Father. If Ryuu were to die…"
"That is why I have decided to let him finish his time at the Academy, because there is no other claimant and I will not risk his life unnecessarily." Seiren agreed, looking weary. "If only more of you were sons – but you are not, and that can't be changed."
"No." Murasaki acknowledged. "But perhaps you should also be glad of that fact, Otousama. That the rule of the Kuchiki is so strict…means that there is no competition for my brother in inheriting this Clan should Uncle pass away."
"Meaning?" Seiren stared at her, and Murasaki smiled.
"Shirogane-dono is older than Ryuu." She said simply. "And of a higher level of training even though they aren't more than a few months apart."
"Shirogane is no part of this." Seiren snapped, his tones harsher than he intended, and Murasaki's eyes widened.
"I see." She murmured. "Then he is the cause of this distress."
Seiren groaned, shrugging his shoulders.
"I have never liked Guren-niisama's fondness for him, even though I know it was done out of affection to your aunt Masane and for no other reason." He admitted. "Masane was dear to us both – and her poor health meant she was spoiled in all her wishes, no matter how inappropriate they were. Her marriage was only one of those factors – but nobody imagined that with two elder brothers, any son of hers would ever be more than a peripheral concern to the Clan as a whole. However…"
"However, Shirogane-dono is quite close in Guren-sama's favour, isn't he?" Murasaki was thoughtful. "To become his Vice Captain and also the shishou of his only son are surprising honours for a boy whose father was a Fourth degree man famed more for his military skill than his bloodline or connections. Even though his mother was Masane-obasama…most children are designated by their father's blood, not their mother's. For Shirogane-dono to be given Second degree status…is an honour indeed for one born in his condition."
"As you say." Seiren's eyes narrowed. "Futsuki's children have never aspired to the social levels Shirogane has attained – and that even despite the fact Futsuki is a man of good blood, even if not of the direct line."
"He is fortunate indeed." Murasaki reflected. "But he has displeased you in some way, I can tell. Do you worry, then, about his interfering with your plans for Ryuu to become the next Kuchiki heir?"
"I can't tell for sure." Seiren admitted. "I've never had a fondness for him, but his actions and decorum has always been acceptable up to this point. He is talented, and he has always shown the utmost respect for everyone in the inner court. Hence I haven't tried to interfere in what were my sister's final wishes – that Shirogane be useful to the Clan and not forgotten on her death. But now…I don't know. His behaviour since Ribari-sama's death has been erratic and irrational and I don't trust it."
"He was drugged with a strong hallucinogenic, was he not?" Murasaki asked. "So Ryuu has said, when I spoke to him. He is close to that strange Edogawa hime, so I supposed his information to be true."
"It is." Seiren agreed. "And perhaps the drug has turned his brain in a more permanent way than we realised at first. Mitsuki believes him recovered, and so does Guren-sama, but…the truth is…I am not so sure. I think…there was one incident in which he might have struck out at me, had Mitsuki herself not intervened. And…as a shinigami of rank in Sixth Squad, it concerns me…what he may now do."
"To avenge Ribari-sama?" Murasaki murmured, consternation in her gaze. "Or something more?"
"Shirogane has no claim to this Clan." Seiren said shortly. "Just as I do not. The rules are explicit. But in his new, deranged state, it's possible that he no longer takes note of such a thing. Today I found him with your brother in the archive, Murasaki – I do not trust him so close to Ryuu in this unsteady mental state of his. If Ryuu is vulnerable to attack, and Shirogane unstable…I must work my hardest to keep them apart. Yet I fear Shirogane turning violent – against Ryuu, against me, or against one of you. I am not able to defend against a zanpakutou – whatever I can do against a bare blade. And you girls…even less."
"Ryuu has a zanpakutou." Murasaki pointed out, and Seiren nodded.
"But Shirogane's training is to a higher level." He said tiredly. "Another reason to send your brother to District One – and away from Shirogane's company."
"Shirogane-dono must have done something alarming indeed, to make you so concerned." Murasaki mused, and Seiren nodded.
"Maybe." He agreed. "But suspicions and fears are only that – and even if they were more, I could not disclose them to a hime."
"I'm sorry. I'm overreaching my station." Murasaki did not look particularly penitent, meeting her father's clouded gaze with bright, thoughtful eyes. "But you believe Shirogane-dono might plot against Ryuu – that in his imbalanced mental state, he might even blame my brother for Ribari-sama's death? This is concerning…surely you should discuss such a thing with my Uncle at once?"
"Guren-niisama is still grieving the loss of his son. The subject of the succession is one he has said he will not address until Ribari-sama's memorials are completed." Seiren shook his head. "For now, I cannot trouble him with such a thing. Besides, it is obvious that in Ribari-sama's absence, Ryuu is the next claimant to the Clan. There are no others. There will be no argument to the contrary."
He rested his hand on the book as he spoke, as though afraid his daughter could see the written words of the note through the thick pages.
"Once Ryuu is back in District One, maybe things will settle." He murmured, more than half to himself. "And we can begin putting the proper order of the Clan ahead of the fear of conspiracy and death."
Author's Note:
Senaya's Nikki.
"Nikki" is the Japanese word for diary, and during the Heian period in Japan it was not uncommon for these to be kept by people at court - namely important nobles (such as the Regent) but also some of the Empress's ladies in waiting (one famous one being that written by Murasaki Shikibu in the late 900s). Nikki were often not quite like what we consider a 'diary' to be - neither just a list of dates nor a personal account of feelings and thoughts, although those come into it (particularly where women are the writers). Quite often political accounts were written into these - and often prose passages were interspersed with poetry that was very popular at the time. I'm not sure whether the ancient Soul Society Clansfolk were quite as into poetry and waka - but given that this is the Kuchiki, I think anything is possible!
Two chapters this week just because I'm on holiday =D