Meifu's Gate ::Fourth Maki::

by VraieEsprit

Juu & Shun are seniors, but already there are those who resent Juushirou's position as Anideshi. Meanwhile, a bloody murder in District Six threatens to unravel 3 generations of Kuchiki secrets - as a figure in the shadows works to bring down the Clans.

17. The Kuchiki Hermit

Chapter Sixteen: The Kuchiki Hermit

"Please, Ryuu-sama, Kinnya-sama will see you now."

Ryuu stepped into the heavily curtained chamber, pausing to bow his head low as he did so. It had taken him a good three hours or more into a headwind to ride to the manor of his reclusive Great Uncle, and as he had dismounted he had realised that he had never been here before in his life - that although Kinnya had been the right hand man of the great Senaya, he was little more than a name in Ryuu's knowledge of the family history. As he had been led through the halls of what was clearly an old manor, he berated himself for this evident lack of understanding. He and Mitsuki had both wondered if Kinnya had taken some kind of religious vow and he had half expected to arrive at a pious retreat to one or other of the spiritual deities that tradition held protected the region before the Kuchiki had taken leadership there. Instead he found himself inside what was unmistakeably a Kuchiki estate, albeit somewhat more soberly dressed in colour and design than his own home or the main estate where Guren held sway. As Kinnya's manservant - a man of senior years himself - had guided him through the corridors and walkways, Ryuu had seen more than one engraving depicting kinsmen in bright regalia, flying the proud flag of what was considered to be Seireitei's most distinguished and deep-rooted Clan.

Kinnya may have distanced himself from the centre of power, but that did not make him any less a Kuchiki.

And that means coming here was right. That we've ignored his existence, but he was Senaya-sama's second in command and he probably knows far more than I do about what I've come here to say.

"So you're Ryuu, are you?"

The voice was soft, the words well-formed and distinctive, yet somewhat hoarse in tone, and Ryuu raised his head slightly, meeting the sharp gaze of a thin individual seated beneath the glow of the only visible window, grey streaked dark hair pulled back from his face in a simple tail and his features somewhat pale and gaunt. Even so, he did not appear an old man, simply a fragile one, and Ryuu reasoned that if the rumours of religious devotion were untrue, the ones regarding ill health were probably not. He was robed in green, a Kuchiki colour, but it was a darker shade than normal, and as the man raised a hand to beckon his visitor closer, Ryuu saw that the second colour he wore was the dark navy of mourning rather than the standard Clan cream. Ryuu had a distinct feeling that his mourning was not for Ribari, but he did not voice such thoughts aloud, remembering instead the reasons why he had come.

He had always imagined Kinnya to be aloof and distant from the Clan as an eccentric or a hermit, but the visible fragility of his great uncle somehow comforted him. He now felt sure that Kinnya's absence from Ribari's memorials had a genuine reason and that this, not any underlying political motive had prevented him from travelling to the main house.

So it was indeed his ill health, then, that allowed Guren-sama to forgive his not travelling from this place, or observing the proper rites for a death of this status in the Clan. It is wrong of me to be put at ease by someone else's frailty - but better that than something more sinister. Senpai has put untoward thoughts into my head – but not everything carries a subversive motive.

"Kuchiki Ryuu, with all honour and respect, seeks a moment of your time, Kinnya-sama." He said respectfully, bowing his head once more. "I am sorry to disturb you, but it is a matter about which I...do not believe I can speak to any other."

"A matter which you can address only to me?" Kinnya's eyes narrowed. "To one you consider a stranger, before all others of your closer kin?"

"Yes, sir. As you say, it is one such matter." Ryuu agreed gravely, and Kinnya was silent for a moment, apparently appraising the young man who knelt before him. The silence seemed to go on forever, then Kinnya raised his gaze to his manservant, flicking his fingers to indicate for the man to withdraw. The servant did so immediately, and as the door shut behind him, Kinnya returned his attention to his guest.

"You are a grown man now." He said quietly. "I call us strangers, but in fact I believe we have had one prior meeting - though you would be far too young to remember."

"Sir?" Ryuu eyed the older man in consternation, and Kinnya nodded.

"I remember your name with some distinct clarity." He agreed softly. "Ryuu, the dragon. The son of Seiren, my nephew. Is that not correct?"

"Yes. Yes, it is." Ryuu's gaze shadowed, and he inclined his head in acknowledgement. "I am Seiren-dono's son. You...you do me an honour to remember it, Kinnya-sama."

"You speak very formally towards me, then." Kinnya murmured, reaching out to touch Ryuu's cheek briefly, then lowering his hand. "Son of Seiren, Ryuu. Surely you know that an old man like me has no position in the Clan these days - that my time of being actively involved in the Kuchiki-ke was a long time ago, and as such, you outrank me. Things have moved on - I am a relic of the past, no more and no less."

Ryuu was silent for a moment, digesting the faint sadness in these words, and then he sighed.

"To me, you are the brother and chief supporter of my honoured Grandfather, a man considered martyr to the Clan and a lord held in high esteem." He said carefully. "As such, you cannot say such things, Kinnya-sama. I am simply one Kuchiki son...whose training is not even completed yet."

"But you are the heir to the Clan now, are you not?" Kinnya's eyes were little more than slits, and Ryuu flinched involuntarily under his scrutiny. "You are Seiren's son, therefore you must be. With Ribari dead...I had received notice to that effect. That the Clan was being rallied to name you as his successor - and by blood, it seems a suitable and reasonable suggestion."

"You know of that then, sir?" Ryuu asked before he could stop himself, and Kinnya nodded.

"I do not involve myself in the Clan, but yes, I know its workings and I am aware of Guren's loss." He agreed regretfully. "I was notified just as all other members of the Clan were...and have since received word bearing your Lord Father's seal about you."

He gestured to himself.

"But as you see, I have been in poor health of late, and so have not been able to leave my manor or respond to the messages I have received. I don't expect Guren would mind my absence - and Seiren would probably not give it much more than a passing thought. Did you come all this way to chastise me on their behalves? It seems a great effort for such a minor matter - you don't need my support in order to inherit this Clan. You need the support of the Kuchiki court and the head of the Clan. It seems you will likely have both, once Guren's grief begins to fade."

"I didn't come for that purpose, sir." Ryuu said quietly. "Any such correspondence is between my Father and your honoured self, but I have no part in it. No official offer of inheritance has yet been made to me, and I will not consider accepting any such thing until I have fully completed my training. Therefore you mistake my motives. I have not come here - nor been sent here - to garner your support for my claim."

"I see." Kinnya looked thoughtful. "You are an astute young man, it appears. Well, so you should be - given the traditions of our family, so you ought to be. But you are still observing full Clan mourning - perhaps my words are premature."

"I am." Ryuu admitted, his cheeks flushing red as he realised the impertinence of what he was about to ask. "Since Ribari-sama's death is a tragedy for all of the Kuchiki, no matter who they are. But...but...I could not help but notice...you are robed in..."

He faltered, and Kinnya smiled, a sad, bittersweet smile of acknowledgement.

"Green? Yes." He agreed. "You are surprised? But the colour one wears is only a matter of formal show. The grief one feels within is the reality - without that, robing in mourning is a pointless gesture. I did not know the young boy whose life was snuffed out...I do not believe I ever met him. I am sorry for Guren - but the dark colours I wear stem from something deeper. It would be wrong for me to wear the full mourning dress for a boy I did not know - not even for one who would inherit the Clan. I am not...a believer in false pretences, despite what others may think or say."

"You consider such mourning to be a facade." Ryuu murmured, and Kinnya smiled.

"Something of that nature." He agreed. "Ah, yes. Now you see, perhaps, why I don't suppose Guren will mind my absence. My opinions are...often to the contrary of the Kuchiki traditions. They have been for many years, I'm afraid - you might call me cynical of such things. Wearing the dark colours doesn't necessarily indicate a grieving heart...quite to the contrary, sometimes it can conceal something even more unseemly."

He shrugged.

"A lot has happened in my long life that has yet to touch you in your short one." He concluded matter-of-factly. "I trust it doesn't, so that you can still wear the colours of your family with honesty and pride when you reach my age."

"Sir..." Ryuu pursed his lips, a troubled look entering his grey eyes. "Please, forgive my intrusion and my impertinence, but I came because...there is a matter I wished to consult you regarding. It relates to...a matter...during the lifetime of your Lord brother, my honoured Grandfather. And..."

"Only one?" Kinnya sat back, looking surprised. "Senaya-niisama was an eventful person, so you will have to be a little more specific."

He smiled, but the smile did not reach his eyes.

"My brother and I were quite different people, you must understand." He murmured. "Unlike me, Senaya-niisama believed wholeheartedly in the power of image and illusion. What people saw was how the Clan was seen - and so he strove to uphold all of the things that I have come to consider worthless and false. Therefore if you wish to ask me about decisions he made, you will have to be clearer on which and when. There are many things that he might be called to account on - but from the serious look in your eyes, I imagine that you consider this to be one of some significance."

"Yes, sir." Ryuu faltered, then, "It relates to...something that was written in his nikki. Something that...was written there, but I believe...was removed. By him, perhaps...some time later."

"Ah." Kinnya's expression underwent a sudden transformation, and he reached out to grasp Ryuu gently by the wrists. "Then this Clan's dark side has already touched you, has it? You are young to bear burdens, but I suppose, if you are Seiren's son, you will have to bear those burdens sooner or later. I believe you are the only one the Clan can turn to now. And as such...I see it in your eyes. You have been reading my brother's writings, then?"

"A...A little." Ryuu admitted. "But it was only by coincidence that I discovered...something of it may no longer be with its...its original. And...so I thought...to come here. Since...from what I read...I thought..."

"That I was also party to the knowledge you don't wish to say aloud?" Kinnya questioned, and Ryuu nodded, bowing once more before the older man. "No, there's no need for that. I won't put it into words either, since the walls might have ears, and I swore to Senaya-nii that I would never speak of such things aloud to anyone even to my grave. I have kept my word these past however many years - it must be a century at least. And I will continue to do so, no matter what is asked of me. A promise is a promise - promises must always be kept."

"I see." Relief coursed through Ryuu's system, and he offered the old man a smile. "Then I won't ask any more from you. Really...that was what I wanted to know. Whether...if anyone asked you...you would speak of it or you would not."

"I would not." Kinnya eyed Ryuu keenly. "But you seem happy with that situation. You didn't come here, then, to ask me to act as witness to events that happened before you were born?"

"On the contrary, I would rather they never came to light at all." Ryuu shook his head emphatically. "That you feel the same makes me relieved, Kinnya-sama. I'm sorry to have troubled you - I will leave you to yourself now."

"No...wait a while." Kinnya's features twitched into a look of thoughtfulness. "You have surprised me, Ryuu. You bear some likeness to your father in your face, but your words...are not his, are they? I don't know how you came by the information - but it wasn't something you sought to find, was it?"

"No. It was an accident." Ryuu agreed. "I found the page slipped into an old book - as though someone had been reading it recently. And then, just as soon as I found it there, the next time I went back it was gone. I realised then...that somebody knew about it. And that..."

"If they did, they may seek to use it in some way." Kinnya rubbed his chin. "You said my name was also mentioned?"

"Yes. You were...mentioned directly in the page that I read."

"So you have come here to pre-empt any other who tries to utilise information he has found." Kinnya reflected. "And to ask me not to speak of what I know. I see. I see indeed."

He spread his hands, resting them gently against his knees.

"But I have no intention of talking to anyone. Even if it makes me a liar or a perjurer." He said simply. "The words have not left my lips even through all the things that followed - and they never will. No matter how angry I ever was with my brother for his decisions - a promise must be kept. And I will keep it. It and many others - until my time in this world is done. If I didn't, I wouldn't be able to face my brother in the next life, now would I? To render everything he strove for to be in vain - no, I would not betray his trust in me, not even so long after he died."

"Kinnya-sama...may I...were you...close to Senaya-sama?" Ryuu asked tentatively, and Kinnya offered him a rueful smile.

"Brothers are seldom ever close when it comes to the heart of this Clan." He said dismissively. "Sisters are different, because they hold no power. But brothers are rivals, and so it is hard to build any kind of real relationship. Even so, though, we worked together well. Ours was a partnership of trust, because he knew I did not want the Clan leadership, and I knew he would do anything he could to defend it. I was content in his shadow, which is a rare thing for most younger brothers of Clan leaders. But there were times we argued...times we argued bitterly indeed. He made decisions that even now I cannot fully comprehend...decisions for the benefit of the Kuchiki, he said, but whether or not they were I do not know."

He folded his hands thoughtfully in his lap.

"I would say I was neither close to nor alienated from my brother." He reflected. "My sisters I was quite close to - but Senaya-nii and I had a strange bond which is hard to define even now. Yes, sisters are far less complicated than brothers when it's the heart of the Clan's power at stake."

"I would happily do without my sisters, if I could." Ryuu muttered, and Kinnya laughed.

"I see. I suppose you find a lot falls to you, then, if you remain Seiren's only son."

"I am, and yes. Especially at the moment." Ryuu agreed. "But my wishes and my Father's are at crossed purposes. I won't run away from the Clan, Kinnya-sama - not if they really needed me, I wouldn't. But I don't like how Father seems determined..."

"To make it impossible for anything else to happen?" Kinnya asked, and Ryuu reddened.

"I'm sorry. I'm speaking of things that have no interest or purpose to you, and that I should not..."

"You can speak to me. These old ears hear much, but I rarely repeat anything that's said to me." Kinnya dismissed this with a flick of his hand. "I am considered a hermit by most members of the Clan - disregarded by a few who know my full story. I don't mind either thing. Guren has always treated me well and with respect - he rides to see me at least once in a year, though I have never discussed with even him the matter that so troubles you. On the contrary, I have not seen your father for many years, and my opinion of him is probably jaded by the impression of him as a young man. Still, I have much respect for Senaya-nii's chosen son - he is a good leader. But then we expected he would be...Senaya-nii knew he would be. For this tragedy to strike is...a terrible thing indeed."

"Guren-sama...comes here?" Ryuu was startled, and Kinnya nodded.

"I am his Uncle." He replied simply. "And as such, he feels he owes me a duty of kinship to ensure my continuing welfare. I'm often ill, these days, and seldom ever motivated to leave this estate now that my years are moving on. But I admit, I like it when he comes. I don't have many visitors. Well, unlike Senaya-nii, I never did marry. Nor did I have children to brighten this old estate. My usefulness to the Clan ended when my brother died - perhaps before - and so it has been ever since."

There was a flicker of pain in the old man's eyes as he spoke those words, and in that moment Ryuu made up his mind, shuffling closer to his companion as he once more lowered his head.

"I beg pardon for the rudeness, Kinnya-sama, but I...I don't believe that to be quite...true."

Silence greeted his words, and Ryuu tensed, raising his gaze tentatively. Kinnya was staring at him, shock and dismay in his expression, and Ryuu took a deep breath, swallowing hard.

"A few years ago...on the request of myself...a kinsman discovered some old records in the family estate." He said softly. "They related to...a hime called...Raiko-dono. A hime who...was...if you will forgive me...Guren-sama's cousin and...and...your daughter, sir."

"So you know about Raiko, too." Kinnya sighed heavily, his eyes darkening with emotion as he sank back once more against his cushions. "It seems you have been doing much digging indeed."

"In that respect, I confess I did." Ryuu looked guilty. "It was an unconnected matter to why I came here today, and...there were reasons...I'm sorry, sir. We had no right to do it, but once a thing is known..."

"It is not usually possible to un-know it. Quite true." Kinnya agreed sadly. "Well, then there seems no point in denying it. Unlike my brother, I never considered her existence erased...but these days so few people speak of her, that...it became easier..."

"You know of Genryuusai-sama's Academy, Kinnya-sama?" Ryuu asked softly, and Kinnya nodded, seemingly surprised at the sudden change of topic.

"Of course. It's been much talked of. Why?"

"I study there. I will be returning soon, to enter my final year." Ryuu replied frankly. "And a classmate of mine is named Ukitake...Ukitake Juushirou. It was for his benefit that I researched your past, Kinnya-sama, and I hope you will forgive me for having done so. For this classmate is a close friend of mine in whom I have absolute trust. And for his sake...I wanted to discover some truth about his family. His mother's name was Raiko...and she was a discarded hime from the Kuchiki line. We were able to trace that hime...and the line led..."

"Back to me." Kinnya's eyes glittered with tears, and he grabbed Ryuu's hands once more. "But...are you saying...that Raiko's child lived? The baby she died bringing into this world survived? I had been told he had not taken breath...that he had...they had both...but...are you saying..."

He faltered, clearly beyond words, and Ryuu was struck by the sudden flicker of desperate hope in the old man's eyes. Slowly he nodded.

"Ukitake is very much alive, and training to be a shinigami, just like me." He said solemnly. "As I said, he is someone I consider a close friend. So I hope you will forgive the impertinence of my investigations...but I felt...in the circumstances..."

"Raiko's son lives." Kinnya twisted his fingers together, clasping his hands absently as though he did not quite know what to do with himself. "Guren has never...does Guren know such a thing? Does he know that Raiko's son survived?"

"Yes, sir." Ryuu nodded. "Because when Ukitake raised his zanpakutou, Guren-sama held the leadership of the Council and spoke to him directly."

He frowned.

"Come to think of it, Ukitake did mention that Guren-sama seemed cognisant of his father's name..." He murmured. "Perhaps that was..."

"Guren and Raiko played together as children - and Raiko was sent from the estate when Guren was far too young to understand all the reasons." Kinnya sighed, suddenly looking a great deal older. "Her presence was always a rift between Guren and Seiren, for your Father never got along with her, and probably that explains the reasons why I was never as fond of your father as I was his brother. But Guren retained a liking for her even once she was gone, although there was no reason for him to do so. When he was able, he found out for me where Raiko was and what her situation had become. That she had married and was happy...made me content. But...when she died...I told Guren I didn't want to know any more. So I suppose...this too...he has kept from me for that reason."

"Guren-sama and Raiko-dono were close." Ryuu echoed, his senses reeling. "But...even so...she was sent away?"

"Few at the court accepted her." Kinnya said evenly. "And less so when they discovered her mother had died of the white plague that the Clans were doing their best to eradicate. It took until she was ten, but eventually the court put such pressure on my brother that he had to act. And so he did. We argued about that...more violently than we argued about anything else, I think. He understood what Raiko was to me. Perhaps that was why he took the time to select a suitable guardian for her, and to ensure she was provided for, rather than just cast out or put to death. My brother was capable of ruthless and swift decisions relating to the family and its welfare...so either could have happened. But...I suppose I was keeping a secret for him, too..."

He shrugged his shoulders.

"We never spoke about that after the fact, though, and I came to court less and less once Raiko was expelled." he said frankly. "After Niisama's death, I stopped coming completely. There was no need for me - Guren was capable enough to build his own Clan and since he and your father had reconciled their childhood quarrels, I saw no reason to interfere."

Ryuu's eyes narrowed.

"A death that brought Guren-sama and Father together." He murmured, and Kinnya eyed him sharply.

"For your own sake, I would not pursue that line of thought too deeply." He warned. "It would be considered Clan treason, if you were to speak of those thoughts to anyone else. Senaya-niisama was murdered by Kuchiki dissidents with the involvement of the Shihouin. That is what happened and that is all."

Ryuu stared at him, a cold chill running down his spine as he read the expression in the old man's eyes.

Shirogane-senpai was right. There is more to Senaya-sama's death than just a simple murder. But could he...did he really sacrifice everything on the gamble it would unite my Father and my Uncle into working together?

Out loud he said,

"I'm sorry. I did not mean to give the impression I thought anything else. I have read the official reports - and I am aware of how my Grandfather passed away."

"Good." Kinnya said quietly. "Then I will give you one more piece of advice. Uncovering Senaya-nii's secrets and manipulations can only cause problems for the Clan as a whole. Much as I couldn't do the things he did, I understood that everything Senaya-nii did was for the Kuchiki-ke's sake. Unravelling them can't bring anyone any pleasure."

"I understand." Ryuu said grimly. "Which is why I came here. Because of that one matter...that may...come to light."

"Even if it did, it changes nothing." Kinnya said bluntly. "The succession remains as it is. Your claim remains as it was before. Whoever has that in their possession must know that. You should not worry about it."

"Depending on who has it, or why." Ryuu responded softly. "And whether or not its existence is a motive...for Ribari-sama's murder."

Shock glittered in Kinnya's eyes, and for a moment Ryuu wondered if he had gone too far. Then the old Clansman sighed, shaking his head slowly.

"I was wrong. You have been touched by the darkness of this Clan quite liberally already." he said sadly. "I cannot refute what you say, because I do not know anything to the contrary. But you should be careful. I will not speak of the past to people, and you can be assured of that silence. But you...should be careful in who you trust. You've come to me today without knowing anything of my motives - whether or not I might even be involved in the shadows of this dark plot. You mustn't trust people so easily - when a Clan is in flux, it is often every person for themselves."

Ryuu bit his lip hard, tasting blood.

"I know." He whispered. "But...I think...I can trust you, Kinnya-sama. Maybe it's foolish...or because...you're Ukitake's grandfather, and I know...he's honourable to the point of death. I have not spoken of this to anyone else - nobody at all - and I am decided that I will not. Not unless something comes to light that makes it necessary."

"I see." Kinnya's eyes softened. "My grandson...Raiko's son...is a boy of honour, is he? Even despite his low birth?"

"Yes." Ryuu agreed. "Does it seem strange to you that I would say so - the future heir of the Kuchiki with such faith in a boy born from an illegitimate Clan line?"

"No. It refreshes me." Kinnya assured him. "That a future heir to this Clan might be able to see things with so broad a mind."

"I don't want to inherit this Clan." Ryuu got to his feet. "That's still only a last resort at the moment - certainly I want to know what happened to my cousin first."

"Well, you can trust me to keep my silence - on that matter and on the other." Kinnya assured him. "But...there is one thing this old man would ask in return."

He struggled to his feet, reaching for the walnut cane that rested against his seat to support him as he met Ryuu's gaze directly.

"I would like to meet my grandson." He said quietly. "These mixed colours I wear are not mourning for your cousin, but colours I've worn since the death of my daughter and - I thought - the end of my family line. For her sake, I recovered after her mother died - for her sake I fought hard to make her life happy. But when her life was lost, I lost my purpose, too. Since then I have more or less remained here - sickly and confined to a manor of shadows. My doctors say much of my illness is not physical ague but instead stems from that lack of purpose - that I have simply been quietly waiting for my time to run out so that I can rejoin those that I had loved in the past."

He smiled, but Ryuu could see the real emotion in the other's eyes.

"But now you tell me Raiko's son lived." He whispered. "And for the first time in more than twenty years I feel something stirring inside of me other than grief. That there is someone left. Even when I thought there was not...you have brought me the faintest shred of hope that my grandson is alive."

"He's definitely alive." Despite himself, Ryuu offered a rueful smile. "Ukitake's the kind who'd take his zanpakutou to Death itself if he thought it would get in his way."

"Then in return for keeping secret your concerns about the Clan - I would like to meet my grandson. Just once. To see him for myself." Kinnya said firmly. "If you can do that, Ryuu, I will protect your silence and not even acknowledge that you came to see me if asked. I will not break my promise to Senaya-nii, so that secret remains safe either way. But I wonder what Seiren would think of your coming here...with everything the way it is."

"He would not approve." Ryuu said decidedly. "And I have no intention of talking to him about it. I don't have much of a bond with my father, Kinnya-sama. A little more distance between us won't hurt in the long run."

He bowed his head solemnly, reaching out to take Kinnya's wizened fingers in his.

"I will do my best to honour your request." he murmured. "So long as the power lies within me to do so. It may not be until the current crisis in the Clan has abated - but I will give you my word to try. Like you, I consider a promise binding. And I promise...that if it is within my ability, I will bring Ukitake to meet you at least once."

"Then we have a deal." Kinnya clasped Ryuu's hands tightly, then loosed his grip, a faint glimmer of light in his dark grey eyes. "Ride safely back to the heart of the chaos, Ryuu - if you are to be the next leader of this Clan, I feel inclined to give you my support. Even though it's clearly not what you want."

"I will do what's necessary. That's all." Ryuu said heavily. "If that is to be the next Clan heir, so be it. If not, so be it. Whatever my duty is, I'll do it. But first I want to solve what happened to Ribari-sama, and establish that my family were not involved. Bringing his killer to justice is important to me...now that I know not everything is as I thought it was."

"Be careful." Kinnya said gravely. "I am serious about that - be careful about what you might uncover. Senaya-nii was one of the best leaders the Kuchiki Clan ever had - but it came at a heavy price. What he took to his grave...should not be allowed to hasten you or others to theirs. Understood?"

"Let sleeping dogs lie, in fact." Ryuu remarked, and Kinnya nodded.

"Yes." he said soberly. "That is what I'm saying."

"I will be careful." Ryuu promised. "But I don't think...even if I keep my concerns to myself, things will settle on their own. I have...a bad feeling...that things are just beginning. And that...they may be already out of our control. But..."

He faltered, then,

"Grandfather was a martyr for this Clan." he whispered. "In whatever way you want to interpret it, I believe that he was. More now than ever before. But I don't think Ribari-sama was...and I don't want any more blood to be spilt. For the sake of the Clan Senaya-sama died to protect...I'll do my best as well."

---

"Hey, Tsukabishi! Called back by Uebashi again?"

As Tsunemori sidled out of the Hohou classroom, he heard a voice call his name and he swung around, surprise and uncertainty flickering in his gaze as he recognised Oomaeda Kaneyo, one of the other members of his class. Big-built, with belligerent features and a shock of dark hair that flopped in an ungainly way over his brow, Tsunemori had barely dared to even exchange greetings with the other boy once since term had begun. They shared dorm-space and class-space, but Tsunemori was quite honestly afraid of this bulky individual who seemed to swagger his way around the halls, and whose expensive adorning jewellery had been confiscated in almost every Ouyoudou lesson that the First years had been forced to undertake.

Yet for some reason Kaneyo had chosen that day to single him out, and almost instinctively, Tsunemori began looking for ways to make a quick escape if need be through the halls and passages to the safety of a secluded library alcove or even the branches of a nearby tree.

"Well, why are you staring at me like that?" Kaneyo peered at him through beady, uneven eyes, his heavy lids giving the gaze a slightly malevolent edge. "You know who I am, don't you? And I'm pretty sure you can speak like the rest of us – even if you only seem to do it when we're in class."

"Of…of course." Tsunemori reddened furiously. "I was j…just s…surprised that O…Oomaeda-kun knew my name."

"We do share a dorm." Kaneyo pointed out, lounging against the wall as he met the younger boy's gaze contemplatively. "And I'm not oblivious, even if you are. Stop looking at me like I'm about to slay you – I only wanted a word, s'all."

"I'm sorry." Tsunemori looked distressed. "I didn't mean…I wasn't trying to be…"

"See, this is what I expect from you." Kaneyo sighed, shaking his head as if he had just proven something to himself. "That you'll fade into the background or flee at the first opportunity. But then, today, you surprised me. I didn't think you had it in you to make that Uebashi lose his temper so thoroughly. What did he give you this time? Extra assignments? Coaching? Or has he decided to send you to the Headmaster on account of your rebellious tendencies?"

He smirked, as though this idea amused him, and Tsunemori cowered slightly at the expression on his classmate's face.

"I…" He faltered, then, "He wants me to come back tomorrow at dawn, before breakfast. He intends me to write the assignment there and then, with him watching over me. And I didn't mean to make him angry, Oomaeda-kun. But…"

"But?" The amused expression faded, and the other boy dropped his hands down firmly on the youngster's shoulders, meeting his gaze squarely even as Tsunemori flinched at the sudden contact.

"Something's up with you, isn't it?" He asked softly, and Tsunemori was startled to see what seemed to be real concern in the other boy's dark eyes. "C'mon, kid, you can tell me. We're classmates, ain't we? It bothers me the way you wilt into a corner whenever one of the teachers asks you to come out to the front of the room…but you're running rings around most of the others when one of the sensei asks us a question. Our first assessments aren't too far ahead – you need to get your head together else you're going to flunk out."

"Why do you care about it?" Tsunemori stared, and Kaneyo smiled, shrugging his shoulders.

"Looks bad for Class One, that way." He said reflectively. "Also, though, it bothers me overall. You're not an idiot, and you obviously are able to speak like a normal person can, even if you are common born and all that. But you slink away from all of us as though you think we might trample you into the dust. It's really starting to annoy me, so I thought I'd do something about it. I waited for you – so you can repay the favour by coming to the common room with me. We're going to play shougi – and you're going to play too."

Tsunemori's eyes became huge, then,

"But I…never played shougi before." He whispered.

"Good. That'll make you easy to beat." Kaneyo said reflectively, grabbing Tsunemori firmly by the arm and hauling him away down the hall. "I told you, come on. I'm not someone you can argue with, you know – if I want to do something, I'm going to do it, so you might as well give in and come quietly."

"Oomaeda-kun, you're hurting my arm!" Tsunemori tried to get free, but it was to no avail, and at length he gave up fighting, allowing his bigger-built companion to pull him down the corridor and into the common room where a small huddle of first year students were gathered in the furthermost corner of the chamber.

"See, I told you I'd get him!" Paying no attention to the fact other students were using the room to study, Kaneyo raised his voice against the general buzz of chatter, yanking Tsunemori into the common room proper and causing him to go a bright, brilliant scarlet as all eyes turned to stare at him – some curious, some annoyed.

"I guess even Tsukabishi can't run away from your charm, Oomaeda." Another first year offered a grin, gesturing for the two to join them. "Well, kid? Are you up for playing shougi? Since Oomaeda's gone to the trouble of bringing you here, the least you can do is play with us."

"He says he doesn't know the game." Kaneyo said succinctly, giving Tsunemori no chance to answer as he tugged the younger boy down to join the rest of the group. "I guess they don't play it in the Districts or wherever it was he came from."

"S'ok. He's smart. We'll teach him the rules." A girl put in. "Well, Tsukabishi-kun? Are you going to just sit there and stare at us, or are you going to actually mix with us for once? You can't keep running away from us all the time. Just because some of our class are Clan and you're not doesn't mean anything to us."

"I…I…I wasn't trying to…run away." Tsunemori murmured softly, and Kaneyo grinned, reaching across for a folded piece of paper and thrusting it into Tsunemori's obi.

"Here. Then that's your new assignment. Read that, and learn it." He ordered. "Then next time you can play with the rest of us. Right now I'm going to thrash the hell out of Urahara, and you can see how a real professional plays."

"Well, well. If it isn't Tsukabishi."

Before Tsunemori could respond, a shadow fell over the group and instinctively the young boy tensed, knowing before he turned around that the speaker was Azusa. He bit his lip, then slowly raised his gaze, meeting the mocking eyes of the fifth year as he cast his glance over the whole group.

"K…Kamaki-senpai…?"

"And some friends, apparently." He observed absently. "Playing shougi – that's high-tech for you, isn't it?"

"I don't know how to play yet, Senpai." Tsunemori murmured. "O..Oomaeda-kun and the others were g…going to teach me."

"That was kind of them." Azusa's eyes narrowed and his gaze rested thoughtfully on Kaneyo's chubby features. "You're Oomaeda, huh?"

"You've heard of me already, Senpai?" Kaneyo puffed out his chest, shooting the older boy a cheeky grin. "Stands to reason you would've. And you're right, of course. I'm Oomaeda Kenreimaresuke Heikkentaroumon Kaneyo. Nobody ever forgets my name once they've first heard it."

"Nobody remembers it beyond the Oomaeda Kaneyo bit." One of the other first years muttered, elbowing their classmate playfully in the ribs. "Pipe down, Oomaeda. He's a senpai, so he ranks over us. Don't tick him off, else he'll be giving us chores to do."

"Sadly not. Only the Senior Class can give orders out like that." Azusa's eyes glittered for a moment at this, and Tsunemori swallowed hard. "But that's beside the point. I've heard of your kin, Oomaeda, and their stupidly, overly showy attitude to the world. Therefore I've heard of you – or rather, can see you glittering from a mile off. But I didn't come here to talk to you, surprising as that may be. I came to speak to Tsukabishi. I have some business with him that remains unresolved."

"Business with him?" Kaneyo looked surprised, and Kamaki nodded.

"Yes. Business." He said evenly. "I think the kid knows what it's about."

His gaze strayed to the scrunched up rules poking out of Tsunemori's obi, and he smirked.

"We might have a little chat about those rules and stuff, too." He added pointedly, and Tsunemori gulped, hurriedly scrambling to his feet.

"I'm sorry, Senpai. I f…forgot you wanted to speak to me after I f…finished class. I g…g…got held back and so I forgot and then Oomaeda-kun…and…"

"Shut up." Azusa cut across him bluntly, fixing him with a dark look. "I don't need your excuses. Just come with me. You can play with your friends later – right now what I have to discuss with you is more important."

"Yes, Senpai." Tsunemori hung his head, casting Kaneyo an apologetic look. Suddenly more than anything he wanted to be included with them – to be involved in playing the game, even though he didn't understand the rules. Kaneyo had come to find him out of curiosity perhaps, but also out of a swaggering sort of kindness, and in that moment Tsunemori understood.

Oomaeda-kun is big and loud and shows off a lot. He probably looks down on me, but he didn't come to hurt me. Whereas Kamaki-senpai…Kamaki-senpai…

"Can't you take the kid after we're done playing, Senpai?" Kaneyo wasn't to be silenced for long. "Since I managed to actually drag him out to join us, it wouldn't hurt to let him be for a little longer."

He eyed Azusa keenly.

"You can play too, if you like." He added. "But I bet I'll beat you. Nobody beats me easily, even if they are a senpai."

"Unlike you first years, Fifth Years have actual work to do and can't spare time to frivolously wait on their juniors." Azusa fixed Kaneyo with a withering look. "I want Tsukabishi now – you brats play what the hell you like, I don't care. You'll get him back soon enough – what I have to say to him won't take long."

His gaze shifted to Tsunemori, who meekly bowed his head towards the other first years.

"I'm sorry." He whispered. "If Senpai needs me…I…I think I have to go."

He bowed again, his heart clenching slightly as Azusa grasped him by the wrist, taking him firmly across the common room and out into the hallway beyond. In contrast to the forceful but well-meaning well Oomaeda had hauled him through the halls, there was something in Kamaki's grip that told Tsunemori the Fifth year student had anything but innocent conversation in mind. As they left the common room, Tsunemori saw that Kobayashi was already there, leaning up against the wall looking bored, and as the youngster glanced at him, he felt a sense of deep unease in the pit of his stomach.

Had they come to hurt him this time?

Furtively he glanced around him, trying to work out whether if necessary he could make a run for it, for despite his puny physical prowess he was a quick runner and adept at hiding in the most unlikely of places. But it would be almost impossible to give both Azusa and Kobayashi the slip, and he sighed, slumping against the closed panel door as he raised his gaze to his companions in resignation.

"You seem to be making friends now, Tsukabishi." Azusa eyed him pensively. "I wonder what that Oomaeda kid would think of you, though, if he knew you were illiterate. His family are rich types – Yamamoto connected and full of themselves and their own grandeur. He'd laugh at you, you know. And the others would follow. I did you a favour just now, taking you away from them. That way you keep your secret, don't you?"

"You seem to be doing the lad a lot of favours of late, Kamaki." Kobayashi observed idly, and Azusa smirked, nodding his head.

"They're racking up." He agreed maliciously. "But I've yet to collect on any of them. Maybe it's time we evened that balance. What do you think, Tsukabishi? Don't you think that would be fair?"

Tsunemori merely stared at the older boy numbly, and Azusa frowned, grabbing his hand once more and pulling it back behind the other's body until tears of pain sprang into the youngster's eyes. He bit down hard on his lip, trying desperately not to cry out as Azusa tightened his grip, yanking the arm more cruelly back until Tsunemori was sure it would twist right out of its socket.

"I want you to help me destroy Ukitake Juushirou." Azusa bent to whisper in Tsunemori's ears, his every word sending chills through the frightened boy's system. "And you promised me that you would. But so far there's been no sign of that. I'm getting tired of waiting around, Tsukabishi. Either you think of some way to make Anideshi's life hell, or I do – but believe me, if I have to think of it, you'll come off the worst. Remember what Kobayashi and I know and who we could tell – and keep that in mind. I'll be watching you."

With that he loosed his hold on the boy's arm, and Tsunemori drew it back in front of him, rubbing it protectively as the tears trickled silently down his cheeks.

"You really do cry easily." Kobayashi snorted. "Come on, Kamaki. He's got the message. He wouldn't dare continue to defy you – not considering what you could do to him if you really put your mind to it."

"What I could do to him." Azusa's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, and he nodded, reaching out to grab Tsunemori once more by the shoulders and giving him a little shake. "That gives me a thought – forget what I said before, I've just decided exactly how it is you can repay your debt to me."

"S…senpai?" Tsunemori murmured uncertainly, and Azusa's eyes glittered with spite.

"Anideshi has a pretty, shiny zanpakutou and I've noticed that unlike most of his classmates, he doesn't take to carrying it around the school." He said in low tones. "That means that for most of the day it's shut away in the Nest – and therefore easily obtainable by anyone with the particular drive or impetus to do so."

"He's pretty fond of his sword, so I've heard." Kobayashi added reflectively. "Apparently it's something special, and he thinks the world of it. If anything were to happen to it, I'm sure he'd be very upset."

"Yes. So he would." Azusa seemed amused. "But then he shouldn't be so careless about leaving it around."

He fixed Tsunemori with an even gaze.

"Take Ukitake's sword and throw it in the river that runs to the south of the school grounds." He said softly. "I've heard it has some connection to water, so that seems a fitting fate – sending it to a watery grave. Do you understand, runt? That's your errand. You're to relieve our Anideshi of his zanpakutou – and get rid of it in the river."

"But…but…but…" Horror flooded Tsunemori's gaze, and Azusa gave him another shake.

"You don't have any right to refute or refuse." He said coldly. "You will do this, or else it will be the worse for you. You really have no idea what I can do to you – revealing your little secret is the least of it. I have Clan connections – Anideshi has only his District ways to fall back on. Think carefully about whose side you're better off on, kid – and do as you're told."

Tsunemori swallowed hard, and Azusa released his grip, patting him mockingly on the head.

"Good boy." He said, amused. "I'll give you till tomorrow night to complete your errand. It's entirely up to you how and when you do it – but I will be watching you, and I won't tolerate failure."

He flicked his fingers in the direction of the common room.

"All right, I'm done with you now." He added dismissively. "You can go back to your friends and their games if you like."

Tsunemori stared at him for a moment, inwardly knowing that there was no way he could re-approach Oomaeda and the other first years after his senses had been sent reeling so badly. He was tainted now, he realised, his stomach lurching up into his chest as he contemplated what he had been ordered to do. They would not understand nor forgive him – and even if they would have been able to, Tsunemori knew he could not tell them. He could not tell anyone any of it – he was once more on his own.

Fresh tears glittered on his lashes and he darted off down the hallway, desperately seeking the safe refuge of the dorm where he could throw himself down on his covers and cry to his heart's content without interruption. His dorm-mates were all in the common room, and there was some time yet before the bell would ring, so he hurried towards his sanctuary, struggling against his emotions as tears blurred his gaze.

As he rounded the corner, he tripped over his own feet, falling headlong and landing in a heap against the wall. For a moment he just sat there, then the true awfulness of his situation washed over him and he buried his head in his hands, unable to prevent the tears from falling properly.

"Are you all right?"

He did not know how long he had been sitting there, nor had he heard anyone approach, but a gentle hand on his shoulder and a kind, concerned voice caused him to jerk his head upright, hurriedly wiping his eyes as he struggled to bring the speaker into view. As he did so, dismay flooded his heart a second time and he shuffled back, scrambling to his feet.

"A…A…Anideshi?"

His gaze went automatically to Juushirou's waist, his eyes widening slightly as he realised that Azusa had been right – the senior student did not carry his black-sheathed sword at his side, even though he was authorised to do so. It would be in his room now, then – upstairs, in the Senior wing, and Juushirou was not with it – would the room be locked? Could he undertake his mission now, without being detected? Maybe if he could…maybe then Azusa would leave him alone, and he'd be able to play next time with Oomaeda and the others. Maybe they would invite him again – perhaps if he could just carry out this one thing…

But his thoughts faded as he dried his eyes, taking in the genuine anxiety in Juushirou's hazel gaze.

"You look a little dazed, and you're crying." He said quietly. "Did something happen?"

"I…I fell down. Over my feet. Against the wall." Tsunemori hurriedly gathered his wits, bowing hastily in his companion's direction. "I guess I banged myself. And it hurt. That's all."

"Banged yourself? Your head?" Juushirou reached out to touch his chin, and Tsunemori found it hard to meet the older boy's gaze under his senior's scrutiny. "No, you don't look concussed. Just shaken up, huh?"

"Racing through the halls of this place can be highly dangerous." A second voice put in at that moment, and Tsunemori jumped, realising that Juushirou had not been alone. Some way behind him stood another figure, his eyes solemn behind his glasses, and despite himself, Tsunemori could not meet this stranger's gaze.

"Should we take you to the Healing Bay, just in case?" Juushirou wondered, and Tsunemori shook his head.

"I'm fine, Senpai. Really. It was just…just a shock." He gabbled. "I'll be all right now. I was going to my dorm and I was late out of class so I needed to get something and…"

He trailed off, unable to continue, but to his surprise Juushirou laughed, ruffling his hair playfully.

"It's a lot to take in right at the start, isn't it?" He said warmly. "It's all right – if you're sure you're fine. Just try not to trip over your feet too much, all right? I'm sure Minabe-sensei will have plenty to say about it if you hurt yourself before you even get to holding a weapon."

"Yes, Senpai. Thank you Senpai." Tsunemori mumbled, bowing yet again. "I'll go now. Thank you. I'm fine."

With that he made his escape, taking the stairs two at a time towards his dorm and pushing back the door with a heavy sigh.

Anideshi is kind. He's always kind to me, and friendly, and warm. He's a nice person – why does Kamaki-senpai want to hurt him so much? I don't understand. I don't understand at all.

He buried his head in his hands.

But if I don't do what they say, I'll really be in trouble.. And I might not like it here, but it's not as though there's anywhere else for me to go. With Mother gone…

A fresh spasm of grief stirred in his heart at this thought and he frowned, forcing it back down.

I'm on my own and I can't be kicked out of here. This is all I have, now. So even if it's unreasonable – even if Anideshi is kind. I have to do what Kamaki-senpai says. Otherwise…otherwise everything will be over for me. I have no choice. Even if it's a bad thing – even though I know it's a bad thing.

He screwed his eyes up tight, forcing his tears back.

I'm sorry, Anideshi. I'm sorry. I don't want to hurt you, but I have no choice. I have to do this…no matter what!

---

"So that was Tsukabishi-kun, huh."

Hirata slipped his glasses from his nose, wiping them absently against the sleeve of his white hakamashita as he turned to cast Juushirou a quizzical look. "The boy you were talking about – the one that Sora told you reminded her of me?"

"Yes. That's him." Juushirou frowned, nodding his head. "He can't be more than fifteen or thereabouts, and he scampers around the halls like a scared rabbit most of the time. It's little wonder he fell over – I've almost collided with him in the corridor at least once before today."

"You think that's all that happened?" Hirata asked lightly, and Juushirou pursed his lips.

"I wasn't sure." He admitted. "But then, the kid has no reason to lie to me. To either of us, in fact. Why?"

"Hrm." Hirata sighed, returning his spectacles to his nose. "I'm not sure. Just…I do sort of see…what Sora meant."

"I wasn't implying you were a scared rabbit, by the way." As they made their way towards the Senior study, Juushirou shot Hirata a rueful grin. "Don't take the comparison literally – I've just realised that was a bit offensive, wasn't it?"

A smile touched Hirata's lips, and he shrugged.

"I probably was one." He said honestly. "I don't mind. You never abandoned me, so I grew out of it soon enough. But that kid…something about him bothers me. I can't put my finger on what it is yet – just that there's something."

"Something, huh." Juushirou echoed. "Well, if you work out what it is…"

"He's homesick, probably, but it isn't just that." Hirata reflected. "There was something in his eyes as he looked at you – he went from startled to relieved to suddenly stricken and then he couldn't meet my gaze."

"He might just be scared of us as Seniors, though?" Juushirou suggested.

"I don't know." Hirata owned. "Maybe that is it. I know I was terrified of everyone, so it's not impossible. But he was crying his eyes out, Juushirou-kun. Really crying, and I don't think that was just from falling over. It seemed something other than that to me."

"So what? You think I should look into it further and try and find out what?" Juushirou eyed him quizzically. "Because for a Senior to interfere directly with the First years – that might do more harm than good, surely? He hasn't asked for help, and when I've offered it he's told me he's all right. Surely it would be better if the kids in his own Class took care of him."

He sighed.

"Though I also don't like it if you're right and something's upset him beyond just a careless fall in the halls." He said sadly.

"Right now I'm not sure there is anything you can do. Not if he's insistent that he's fine." Hirata said pensively. "But I get the feeling that boy is hiding something important. Just like me, when I first came – with everything going on at home, and suddenly being thrust into a place like this where I knew nothing and nobody."

He smiled slightly.

"I don't know if there is a Juushirou-kun in this year's First year class and if so, whether or not that person will see and be able to help him." He added. "But I am sure of one thing – that inside of him is something he can't talk about. And unless someone reaches out to him, it will probably break him."

"Break him?" Juushirou looked alarmed, and Hirata nodded.

"Then surely we ought to get involved? If something bad is happening to him – or his family – or something else, surely as Anideshi…"

"You can't rescue him unless he wants to be rescued." Hirata said soberly. "He doesn't want your help, Juushirou-kun. You've already said you've offered it – but maybe the gap between Senior and First year is too big for him yet. There's nothing you can do about it at the moment."

"I ought to be able to, though." Juushirou looked frustrated. "Otherwise why am I Anideshi, if I can't help my juniors to solve their problems?"

Hirata was silent for a moment, his gaze drifting in the direction that Tsunemori had fled. Then he let out his breath in a rush.

"I can't answer that." He admitted. "I don't know what the answer is. All I know is that…the way Tsukabishi-kun looked at you…he didn't want you to help him. He didn't want to talk to either you or I – and trying to interfere would probably only scare him more."

"Then all I can do is watch from a distance and see if anything seems strange?" Juushirou asked. Hirata nodded.

"I guess so." He agreed gravely. "And hope nothing happens in the meantime. Because there was something in that boy's eyes, Juushirou-kun – a desperation that I didn't like. I've been there myself – forced between a rock and a hard place without knowing where the way out is. So I guess…all I'll say is…if he wants to talk to you, listen to him. If he asks for help, give it. Because I think he will…sooner or later. I just hope it's sooner – for his sake, I think it would be better."

"All right." Juushirou rubbed his temples. "I have a bunch of notes to write up anyhow before I finish Kazoe-sensei's assignment, so it's not as though I don't have anything to do. It just bothers me, that's all. If a junior is unhappy – it bothers me a lot."

"Me too." Hirata agreed. "So I'll keep my eyes open too, and we'll see what happens from hereon in."

---

The sun was already beginning to set over District Six by the time Ryuu brought his tired steed over the cobbles and into the main courtyard of the Kuchiki estate. The stableyard was a flurry of activity, with retainers and soldiers running this way and that and as Ryuu reined his horse in, he paused to stare at the chaos in complete confusion.

I have only been away a few hours – what could have occurred in that time?

He dismounted, slipping his hands through the reins and leading the beast carefully towards the melee of people. It whinnied and nickered, tossing its head as though it too had picked up something uneasy on the wind and as Ryuu drew closer, he became aware of something faint and red staining the cobbles.

A chill touched his spine.

Something…even in the time I have been away, something bad.

"Ryuu-sama!" At that moment one of the soldiers spotted him, and at once several retainers converged upon him, surprise and relief reflected in their gazes as they hurried across the yard. "Ryuu-sama, you're safe! You've returned without injury – thank the lord!"

"Someone run and report this to Seiren-dono at once!" The man in charge rapped out an order, and before Ryuu could say anything at all a junior officer had hared off across the cobbles towards the main building, as though wolves were at his heels.

Ryuu frowned, his grip tightening on the horse's reins.

"Why would I not be safe?" He asked softly. "I merely went riding from the estate – surely all of this chaos is not because of that fact? It is hardly unusual for a Kuchiki Clansman to ride around the local area – I do not understand why I should be greeted with such a reception."

"Ryuu? Ryuu!" Before any of the officers could respond, an indigo-clad blur darted through their ranks, flinging her arms around him and Ryuu reeled back, almost falling under the weight of this unexpected assault.

"Mitsuki?" At length he managed to disentangle himself, holding his cousin at arm's length and staring at her as though she had lost her wits. "Not you too? What is this? Why is everyone so relieved to see me – what's going on?"

"Somebody take my cousin's horse and deal with it." Mitsuki turned to a nearby guardsman, taking Ryuu's hand and unwinding the reins from his grip. "I'll take him myself to Seiren-dono and Guren-sama, so that you can continue with your work here."

"Yes, Edogawa-hime." The guardsman bowed sharply at her instruction, immediately taking the reins and beginning to lead the unsettled steed across the cobbles towards the stables proper. As they went, Ryuu felt another sense of unease begin to stir inside of him.

"Why would a soldier tend my horse?" He murmured. "Mitsuki, what is going on here?"

Mitsuki did not reply at first, merely taking him by the arm and leading him away from the chaos of the stableyard. Once out of earshot, however, she wheeled on him, and Ryuu was taken aback by the real anger in her grey eyes.

"Where on earth have you been?" She demanded, uncharacteristic annoyance in her tones as she glared at him indignantly. "We've been worried sick, and you just march in now like…like you thought nobody would even notice you were gone!"

"I went riding." Ryuu gaped at her for a moment, then recovered himself, eying her in consternation. "That is all. It was early and nobody else was up, but I was restless. I did not sleep well last night – perhaps everything here is preying on me a little too much. So I went for a ride…and that is all."

"A ride that took all day?" Mitsuki exclaimed. "Not even you are dense enough to lose yourself for that amount of time! Tell me the truth, Ryuu – where have you been?"

"Mitsuki, calm yourself!" Ryuu frowned, seeing flickers of anxiety and hysteria in his companion's demeanour. "I'm sorry if I worried you. I am here now, and as you see, I am unharmed. Why are you haranguing me like this – I do not understand!"

"A maid saw you go to the stables this morning." Mitsuki said in low tones, clearly trying to keep control of her emotions. "Though an unconfirmed report, that was all we had to go on. I suppose when you rode from here, the stables too were peaceful and at ease?"

"Yes." Ryuu was nonplussed. "I spoke to the stablehands and the groom, and I assured them I would be back as soon as possible. Why?"

"I'll have to take your word for it." Mitsuki sighed, suddenly looking very tired. "Because all of those men you spoke to then are now dead, Ryuu. They won't speak for anyone any more."

"Dead?" The cold sensation that had been pricking at the edge of Ryuu's awareness suddenly engulfed his heart in a frozen deluge of fear and doubt. "What do you mean…dead?"

"What I said." Mitsuki's voice softened as she seemed to realise her companion's shock was genuine. "Some time after you left – it can't have been long after you left – the stableyard was attacked. Four stablehands and the groom on duty were killed, so since then the area has been on high alert and no menial staff have been allowed to resume duties there. Whoever did it got away, you see – there were no witnesses, and nobody knows if it was a one-off attack or if it might happen again. The guardsfolk have been searching for clues – and so far have found very little."

"What?" Ryuu grabbed Mitsuki's hands, staring at her in horror. "Because of me? Did that happen…because of me?"

"I don't know. I don't know why it happened or if they were aiming at you or what the situation was." Mitsuki shook her head. "I don't think they were – even a foreign assassin would have known from their dress that those in the stable were menial hands and not noble sons, and if you had already left the estate, they wouldn't have bothered to attack at that time. No, I think there was another reason – but we couldn't find you, and there was a fear…Seiren-dono was afraid…"

"That I'd been kidnapped or hurt or some other such thing." Now Ryuu understood. "I am sorry, Mitsuki. I did not intend to cause such anxiety. Truly I went to clear my head – and to ascertain something firmly for my own satisfaction. If I had known that such a thing would happen in my absence…"

"You couldn't have." Mitsuki put a hand on his arm, and Ryuu realised she was no longer angry with him. "And I'm sorry for shouting. Just, I tried my best to help one of the men – but it was beyond me. Both Shirogane-senpai and I thought you'd sense my spirit flaring if I was using healing Kidou, so you'd have come to make sure I was all right. But you didn't…so…we didn't know where you were."

"I would have done, of course." Ryuu acknowledged, letting out a heavy sigh. "What you are telling me is that while I was out riding today, five men of no political significance were cut down unnecessarily…to make some kind of point that nobody understands?"

"That's how it seems." Mitsuki nodded. "And they really were cut down, Ryuu. Whoever did it…didn't see them as people. They were just…objects. And they were slashed up accordingly."

"Such a thing…" Ryuu clenched and unclenched his fists against his own rising indignation. "And with no witnesses – there are also no clues as to who might orchestrate such a random and pointless attack?"

Mitsuki was silent for a moment, turning her gaze back towards the cobbles, and Ryuu's eyes narrowed.

"Mitsuki?"

"Mm." Mitsuki turned back, and Ryuu could see the troubled expression in her eyes. "I'm glad you're back, because…I think I ought to tell someone. But I was afraid to tell anyone…"

She sighed, rubbing her temples.

"I think I lied to Guren-sama." She said softly. "Twice, in fact, I told him untrue things. I told him that Senpai was with me when he was not – and I told him that I could not make out more than my name when the dying man spoke to me."

"You don't think Senpai is involved?" Ryuu asked sharply, and Mitsuki shook her head.

"No. He isn't. I know that, because I sensed the attack and his reiatsu wasn't there." She said frankly. "Even if I didn't already believe him innocent, I would be in no doubt now that he is. But Seiren-dono is…really hostile towards him. And I…didn't want them to fight, so I…I lied and said he was with me."

"I see." Ryuu sighed. "I should've been there. And the other thing? What you couldn't tell Guren-sama…about the man who died?"

"I may have misheard, and I didn't want to generate panic based on what might've been my mistake." Mitsuki lowered her voice, meeting Ryuu's gaze with a clouded one of her own. "But the more I think of it, the more I wonder if I should have raised it anyway. Just…it's such feeble evidence, and…I didn't want to cause trouble for Shihouin-kun or anyone else, so…"

"Shihouin?" Ryuu's eyes widened. "Wait a minute. What he said had something to do with the Shihouin?"

"I don't know even that." Mitsuki confessed, looking helpless. "All I made out – if I even did make it out right – was something about a gold-eyed demon. That's all. Just when he said it, I thought of Shihouin-kun and that family's distinctive golden eyes. And so…"

Ryuu's eyes darkened and he nodded his head.

"You were right not to raise it, if you are so unsure." He said quietly. "Without proof, such an allegation could make for difficult political circumstances and with our Clan as it currently is, that would be unwise."

"You don't…seem as surprised as I thought you'd be. Or as angry." Mitsuki observed, and Ryuu sighed.

"I can't talk to you about anything here." He said heavily. "There are too many people, all of whom may be the wrong ones to overhear. But when we leave here, Mitsuki, I have things to tell you. Things that in light of what you just said, I think you should know. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Mitsuki's eyes became apprehensive. "In which case, we should go and find your Father. He'll want to know you're back safely…whatever else is going on."

"I would rather not speak with him presently, but I suppose there is no other option." Ryuu sighed. "Very well. You are right."

"You said you went somewhere to ascertain something for your own satisfaction." Mitsuki remembered, as they made their way through the halls. "Can you tell me where or what?"

Ryuu pursed his lips, then slowly shook his head.

"I think for now it would be better I didn't." He said slowly. "I'm sorry, Mitsuki. I think it's probably best that way."

"If you say so." Mitsuki shrugged her shoulders. "Just if you're worrying and not sleeping properly…"

"But tomorrow we will ride from here, and then I am sure I will sleep far more comfortably." Ryuu said heavily. "I am looking forward to returning to District One with each passing moment."

"Ryuu!" Before Mitsuki could answer, Seiren descended upon them, a mixture of emotions in his grey eyes. He paid Mitsuki no attention at all, but grabbed his son firmly by the shoulders, giving him a rough shake before pushing him up against the wall.

"Don't tell me that in times like this you were truly fool enough to ride from this place alone?" He demanded, his expression glittering angrily. "I won't tolerate carelessness from you at any time, but particularly now, when things are the way they are…"

"Seiren-dono, please, Ryuu didn't know something bad would happen." Mitsuki tried, but Seiren shot her a black look.

"I have always tolerated your friendship with my son, but this is a matter that goes far above your level of birth." He said coldly. "Please refrain from involving yourself in matters between father and son – your presence here is currently superfluous and you are dismissed."

"Otousama, if you are cross with me, please direct that anger at me and not at Mitsuki." Ryuu wrenched himself free from his father's hold, tension flooding through him as he read his father's body language and realised that, just like the day in Guren's study, Seiren's temper was on the verge of exploding. "It is not her fault I rode from the manor without a word to you or anyone – she knew no more than you did and I believe has already endured enough for today."

Seiren's gaze flitted to Mitsuki briefly, then he frowned.

"I have no reason to be angry at the girl." He said quietly. "But this is above her position and she has no place in a conversation between us."

"I'll go and see if I can help the guards any more with traces of reiatsu." Mitsuki bowed her head hurriedly. "I'm sorry to have caused a nuisance, Seiren-dono – and if I caused you any offence by interfering."

With that she was gone, and Ryuu sighed, feeling suddenly irritated at his Father's brusque treatment of his friend.

"She was really just as worried for me as you are, Father." He said softly. "And almost as cross with me too. I am clearly the one at fault – and even if you say otherwise, it sounded as though you were somehow angry with Mitsuki too."

"Your fondness for that girl sometimes baffles me." Seiren said flatly. "I tolerate her – and I will continue to do so, since she has now reached some level of acceptance with Guren-niisama and is making herself of use to the Clan. Be glad of that fact, else I might have him send her back to her own manor instead of indulging her constant presence here."

He took Ryuu by the arm, pulling him forcibly along the hallway towards his own study, and Ryuu did not resist, though inwardly he was still smarting at the tone of his father's voice.

"Now we are properly alone, we will discuss this in more detail." Seiren shut the door of the chamber firmly behind them, turning to fix his only son with a black glare. "I want an explanation of your conduct today, Ryuu."

"I don't believe I have any conduct which needs explaining." Ryuu said quietly, meeting his father's glower with a stony one of his own. "I rode from the manor this morning and have just returned now."

"Where did you go?"

"Nowhere of note." Ryuu shrugged his shoulders. "Much has happened here lately and I wished to clear my head. I did not sleep well last night – and since tomorrow I will be travelling by carriage through the toll paths, I thought it would allow me to shake some of the cobwebs from my thoughts."

"You expect me to believe you spent a whole day riding randomly around District Six, with no escort, only a matter of weeks after your cousin was murdered?" Seiren's tones were low as though he was suppressing an outburst of rage, and Ryuu took an instinctive step back, nodding his head slowly.

"I lost my path a little." He lied, inwardly hoping that his companion did not press him for too many details, for he had never been a good liar and he did not want Seiren to know he had paid a visit to Kinnya's estate. His great uncle had insisted on him taking the midday meal there and it had lengthened his time away from the main house a good deal. The old man had pressed him for more details of Juushirou and at the genuine interest in Kinnya's eyes and tone Ryuu had found himself unable to refuse. He had found himself rather comforted in the presence of this member of his family who had managed to detach himself so successfully from the core of the Clan's intrigue, and something about the quiet coastal manor had helped settle his ruffled feelings. As a result, he had accepted the invitation - although now in hindsight he realised it had maybe been a bad idea.

But I didn't know that anybody was going to be killed.

Seiren stared at him for a moment, then he sighed, rubbing his brow.

"My only son and he does not know the geography of his home District well enough to navigate it without help." He muttered, and Ryuu felt relief crash over him as he realised Seiren had accepted his answer. "This land you might soon be heir to rule over, and yet…"

"That is exactly the case." Suddenly Ryuu saw his way out and he took it, offering his father a faint, almost rueful smile. "I know very little about the wider geography of District Six, despite having lived here my whole life. I have only ever been concerned with travelling from our manor to this one and it has dawned on me that such a narrow understanding of the area will no longer suffice. Therefore…"

"I see." Seiren groaned, sinking down into his seat behind the desk. "Therefore without a word of reason why, you slipped out to do some private investigation, because you were too proud to admit to me that your knowledge in that area was lacking. I don't know if to commend or condemn your judgement, to be truthful – that you are showing some awareness of the District and some interest in its layout makes me relieved, but that you would take such a risk and show such a lack of awareness for your own security…"

He reached across to finger Ryuu's indigo robes.

"Even in mourning, you are easily identifiable as a member of our Clan." He added softly. "Bandits may not know who you are by name, but they would easily see you as a target should they choose to attack. Wielding your zanpakutou against common villains might only serve to draw Hollows to your location – and there are still unknown assassins whose motives are as yet completely unfathomed."

"I suppose so." Ryuu dropped his gaze in an imitation of penitence. "In District One, as students, such things are often…it is a safe environment thanks to Genryuusai-sama, and so such thoughts…"

"You should not take your safety for granted." Seiren instructed, resting a hand on his companion's shoulder. "You are the only surviving heir to this Clan now. You understand that? Your bloodline is more important than any other bar Guren-sama himself, and you are the only one who can succeed him. More, you are the only one who should. This will be your Clan one day – if you cannot think to protect even yourself from harm, where will your subjects and subordinates fare when following your decisions?"

"Maybe I'm not really cut out to lead a Clan, in the final analysis." Ryuu murmured, and Seiren frowned, his grasp on Ryuu's shoulder tightening.

"You have been raised and prepared to do such a thing from the time you drew your first breath." He said softly. "Your mother and I do not always agree, but on this matter we are both in accord. You were born the rightful heir to the Kuchiki Clan. And that is once more what you are."

Ryuu jerked his head up, staring at his father in dismay.

"But Ribari-sama…" He whispered, and Seiren nodded.

"While he lived, that honour was Ribari-sama's and his alone." He acknowledged. "But his life was to be brief and in the end, those duties were not to fall on his shoulders. When you were born, the stars were particularly favourable, which is why your mother and I gave you such an elevated name. The dragon's own constellation appeared bright and clear in the sky overhead on the night that you were born – a sign that you were born to lead and guide those below you and that you were blessed by the great beast itself. You know that, don't you? That you would be a son who would bring great pride and promise to this Clan and who would make decisions to shape its future and help it prosper. Your stars, Ryuu. Your destiny."

"If that destiny caused my cousin to die, Father, I have no need of it." Ryuu said frankly. "I don't believe in trampling in the blood of kinsfolk to reach the top."

"Why should you think of doing that?" Seiren seemed genuinely surprised. "Your cousin's claim was just and valid but he is gone and there is no bringing him back. Tragedy as that is, the family has to look forward. You are that future. You do understand that, don't you? How important you have now become."

There was a long silence, then Ryuu closed his eyes, feeling the tension seeping out of him as resignation overwhelmed his tired body.

"Yes, sir. I understand." He murmured. "I'm sorry. I shall not act so carelessly again."

"I will report the matter to my brother." Seiren reflected. "And hope that he will overlook your naivety this time. As it stands, I don't have time to spend scolding you and neither does he. That you have not been abducted will be of relief to him, I'm sure – but it does not advance our investigation any into what occurred this morning."

"Yes." Ryuu opened his eyes at this. "Mitsuki told me what happened – but that there were no witnesses, and very few clues."

"The only thing the killer left behind were knives, but they are generic and they have no significant reiatsu on the hilt or blade beyond that of the victim they killed." Seiren responded. "Futsuki has them in his custody at present – but there's not much to be gleaned from his investigating them. Though they were crafted in District Eight, they're the kind who would have been easily exported – so we really have not much to go on."

"District Eight?" Ryuu stared at his father in surprise. "The knives were crafted in Kyouraku territory? But…"

"As I said, they are not distinctive. We have retainers here who have swords made by the same people and I'm sure other Clan retainers in other Districts could say the same. You needn't look at me like that, Ryuu. I'm aware you consider the Kyouraku lord's brother a close friend and I am not casting slurs on his family. We have no suspicion at all of their involvement in this."

"Well, of course not." Ryuu murmured absently. "They aren't that kind of a family."

But that wasn't what I was thinking. I was wondering more where that gold-eyed demon of Mitsuki's got knives made in District Eight, if he really was a Shihouin.

He sighed.

"Father, Mitsuki and I will be allowed to leave here tomorrow in spite of this, won't we?"

"Yes." Seiren eyed his son keenly. "If I could get you off tonight, to be truthful, I would, but I cannot spare enough men to escort you safely till the morrow. What today's events meant I don't know – but it seems unlikely that this has no connection to Ribari-sama's death. That means that whoever is behind one is behind the other – and the Kuchiki are still someway in their sights. Therefore if they still have hostile intentions towards us, I want the Clan's only legitimate heir to be away from here – and in the protection of one as powerful as Genryuusai-sama, I can cease to concern myself for your safety."

"Otousama." Ryuu looked startled, then a faint smile touched his lips. "You really are worried for me, aren't you?"

"I am." Seiren inclined his head in agreement. "You're still not trained enough to be able to defend against all levels of danger, and if you can go wandering around District Six without protection, you obviously still have things to understand about your own security. Therefore the sooner you are gone from here the better – and I have instructed my own personal retainers to be ready to escort you at dawn tomorrow morning. You'll take the toll path through Inner Seireitei, of course – and be there as quickly as is possible…I expect within the day."

"Mitsuki too..?" Ryuu asked, and Seiren let out a heavy sigh.

"Guren-niisama has asked it of me, so yes, my protection will extend to her too." He said reluctantly. "But Ryuu, I want your assurances on something beforehand. Your friendship with that girl is nothing more than that, I trust? She has always been your satellite and she is extremely informal in her manner of addressing you despite your differences in rank. I have never pursued it before, but what you said to Guren-niisama was true, was it not? That you have no ideas regarding her that would be deemed…inappropriate to the Clan?"

"I don't suppose I would be forgiven if that were the case." Ryuu said cryptically. "No, Otousama. You have my word. Mitsuki is very dear to me indeed – dear as a fifth sister might be, perhaps you could say. But I have no aspirations beyond that. Mitsuki is not…like other Kuchiki. Her vocation is away from this Clan, even though she will no doubt bring the family honour in the future."

"Good." Seiren looked relieved. "I had thought that to be the case – you have never lied to me, but I worried, with Guren-niisama asking you so directly…whether you might have thought on the spot of something to say. But I believe you are telling me the truth – and so I will not ask again. Mitsuki has proven she has uses to the family and perhaps she will be as you say. But she is not appropriate as the bride of a future Clan leader."

His eyes narrowed.

"And she seems far too fond of your cousin, too, which at present is somewhat inadvisable."

"Shirogane-sen…Shirogane?" Just in time Ryuu remembered that his father had told him not to use the term 'senpai', and Seiren nodded.

"I do not trust him." He said unnecessarily. "Whatever he was before Ribari-sama's death, now I do not feel a word he says is true. Had Guren-sama and Futsuki not been present this afternoon, I believe he might have drawn his sword against me. Certainly he implied a threat of doing so – that he carried a weapon and would not be afraid to use it."

"Sen…Shirogane said that?" Ryuu was taken aback, and Seiren nodded darkly.

"Which is why I do not wish you to spend time in his company." He said flatly. "Tonight you will dine with me, and tomorrow you will leave. You are not to speak to him – understood?"

Ryuu eyed his father for a moment, then he bowed his head.

"I understand, Otousama." He murmured. "I'll do as you say."

---

Author's Note: The Dragon Constellation, dragons in general and the Kuchiki name rainbow.

Also known as 'Draco', the Dragon's constellation has been intertwined with mythology of many civilisations going back several millennia. In both Japanese and Chinese tradition there are also significant references to dragons and to the stars and so what Seiren is talking about is a combination of those things. Yes, the Kuchiki believe in astronomical superstition.

In historical Japan, the dragon seems to have been a protective spirit and an image often adopted by the Imperial houses as well as powerful Clans. In 1185, at the end of the Genpei War, the child Emperor Antoku was drowned. Following his death and the destruction of his Clan were a series of earthquakes and disasters. Some sources around the time interpreted this as the work of the 'dragon' that Antoku, as the eighty eighth human emperor was alleged to have really been. Consequently offerings were made to try and appease the 'dragons' in order to prevent other disasters from taking place.

Ryuu's birth was especially auspicious for his family, especially since at the time Guren had no son of his own and Seiren and his wife Shouko had already had three daughters. For the three or four years between Ryuu's birth and Ribari's, he was considered in many sectors as the future heir of the Clan, and is very much the pride of both Seiren and Shouko, even though they despise one another. Ryuu's birth portents were in line with future greatness in the Clan.

Therefore Ryuu does not have a "colour" name like so many of his kin.