Chapter Seventeen: Lurking Shadows
So a skeleton had stepped from the family closet, after so long asleep.
With a little difficulty, Kinnya pulled his stiff body up into a standing position, his fingers tightening around his wooden cane as he allowed his weight to be evenly distributed between it and his own shaking legs. It was some hours now since Ryuu had ridden from the coastal manor house, but even so Kinnya could not shake the discussion from his mind.
After so many years, Senaya-niisama…are all of your secrets going to become public domain?
He frowned, lifting the stick tentatively as he made an uneven, shuffling process towards the long glass windows, pushing back the heavy drapes that concealed the glow of the evening moon from view. As he raised his gaze to it, a faint smile touched his lips and he nodded his head.
Even now you're watching everything, aren't you? I haven't forgotten your arrogance – how you used to say when we were boys that even the moon was part of your domain, and that you would force it to submit to your will if it was your pleasure to do so. Those days seem from another lifetime – you with your big ideas and your covert theatrics, and me, constantly trying to help bring that drama into reality. Not even your sons know the things you entrusted to me before you died. You wanted it that way. Still, the orders of the dead can't last for all time.
A cloud drifted across the moon at that point, and Kinnya's eyes became rueful.
"Just as I would have expected of you, Oniisama." He murmured. "To hide away and play with shadows rather than answer an honest question."
He glanced at his stick, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
"Even death was a word you didn't like speaking. Even when you left this world – the final time you spoke to me, I remember. How you told me you'd been called to your manor on the moon, where you would be in residence indefinitely. Sometimes I wonder if you believed the stars to be your retainers too – I wouldn't have put it past you."
He sighed.
"Leaving me to bury your secrets and keep them hidden in your wake."
"Kinnya-sama, who are you speaking to?" The voice of his man-servant made him turn, and he offered the other a wry smile.
"Myself or the moon." He said honestly. "And of nothing of any importance. A lonely old man has little company – and I cannot always tear you from your other duties to be my companion."
"Your visitor seems to have left you in some good spirits." The manservant observed, coming to close and fasten the shutters. "Please, Kinnya-sama, with the night air, it is better to retire now and save your fragile constitution. I have not met the young lord before – did he come from the main estate?"
"Yes…Ryuu is the heir to the Clan, now. So it seems." Kinnya obediently shuffled back from the window, allowing the moon and its protective clouds to be shut away from his line of sight once more. "But he came to me on a different errand, Keiichi. He brought me news of Raiko – news I did not expect, but which has lightened my heart considerably."
"Kinnya-sama…" Keiichi's expression became one of consternation, and he slowly bowed his head towards his master.
"I beg pardon for my impertinence, sir, but Raiko-dono is…no longer a spirit of this world."
"No…no she is not." Kinnya's gaze drifted back towards the now fastened shutters. "I wonder, sometimes, if she's also a member of my brother's Court of the Moon, up in the heavens."
"K...Kinnya-sama?" Keiichi looked disconcerted, and at his expression, Kinnya laughed.
"No, I have not finally lost my mind." He assured his confused companion. "Though with only myself for company these past twenty years or more, I can imagine that you might think so. Raiko is gone – I know that, and that it can't be changed. But Ryuu…is a student at Genryuusai-sama's Academy. I've paid no interest in this school until now, even though young kin of mine have attended it since it's opening. But now I find myself wanting to know more about it."
He put his free hand to his chest absently.
"Because, you see, Ryuu told me something that for the first time in years makes this old heart of mine beat with a little more resolve." He explained, his voice barely above a murmur. "Raiko's son did not die at his birth, as I had been led to understand from local rumour at the time. He lived. And more, he is now a student at this Academy."
"I see." Keiichi's expression softened, and Kinnya knew his aide well enough to know that even if the other man wasn't sure of the validity of the information, for his master's sake he badly wanted it to be the truth. "Then that would account for your lordship's good mood even despite the gloom that hangs over this Clan at the present time."
"Gloom…" Kinnya's eyes became pensive and he nodded his head. "The murder of Guren's son is not a pleasant happening, though I'm sure that with a little time it will be swept away and forgotten. Not by Guren, I don't suppose – but this Clan is notoriously good at forgetting those whose existences proved less than necessary."
"There you are again, sir." Keiichi sighed in resignation, holding out a hand to help his master from the room. "Indulging in such cynicism. It's been the same since you came here, after the death of Senaya-sama…quite truly, my lord, if I had known it would make you so melancholy I would have spoken more fervently against…"
"You have served me loyally since I rose to be Senaya-nii's second, and I am grateful for it, because you are the only man alive I now fully trust." Gently Kinnya pushed his companion's hand away. "But you too would do better to forget about things that no longer concern us. And for tonight, I will not need your help. My doctors are fond of telling me that my lack of strength and appetite stem from a lack of interest in life. Perhaps they are right – for this evening I don't feel that the stairs to my chamber will be such a trial on this wretched body."
"As you wish." Keiichi respectfully stood back, and Kinnya sighed, meeting his gaze with a rueful one of his own.
"You've always accommodated my stubborn nature just as much as I had to accommodate my brother's wilful one." He reflected. "But I can't say, on balance, that he was wrong. Just…his ways of doing things were never the simplest. I think it might have repercussions, Keiichi. Maybe it already has done – I don't know."
"You believe the murder of Ribari-sama relates to the actions of Senaya-sama at the time of his death?" Keiichi questioned, as he carefully extinguished the parlour lights before illuminating the lamps that lined the stairway walls. "Is that why you have not yet written in response to Seiren-sama's communication?"
"No…I was not going to write anything at all in regards to that, since I didn't feel it to be my concern." Kinnya said thoughtfully. "But I've changed my mind. Having met Ryuu face to face, I'm quite satisfied that he is a long way from being like his father. In which case, come the morrow, I will write my response to that letter. That I feel certain Guren-sama has a nephew on whose judgement he can rely. Though, of course, that may be entirely separate from whether he has the will."
"Ryuu-sama impressed you, didn't he?" Keiichi observed, and Kinnya nodded.
"He did." He agreed. "I think he would have confounded my brother – which is part of the reason, I suppose, that I'm already inclined to like him. He is like me – he sees through to the centre of things and then does not stand back from opposing them if he disapproves. He has the manner and appearance of a carefully schooled Kuchiki bocchan, but that wasn't the boy I spoke to today. For his young years, I think he understands well and quickly. Even though nobody has told him, I think he also understands things that remain secret within this Clan."
He pursed his lips.
"I only hope they don't bring him into danger." He murmured. "There is an enemy unknown in the murder of Ribari, and that is enough to set any Clan on edge. Unlike when Senaya-nii met his end, I am ill at ease about what this means overall. This isn't like that time. And I think that…perhaps all of my brother's secrets will one by one start to come unravelled."
Keiichi was silent for a moment as they reached the top of the stairwell, merely unfastening the door of Kinnya's chamber and attending to the lamps within. Then he stood back to allow his master to enter, bowing his head in respect once more.
"So long as living souls carry them, my lord, no secrets are truly secret." He said softly.
"Yes, how true that is." Kinnya sighed heavily. "But for now, I have no intention of breaking my word or my silence. The Clan will have to reason this crisis out on its own – just as Senaya-nii and I did all those years earlier. This is just another test of Guren's mettle as leader of his family. If my brother's faith in him was right, all will be well. For now I will assure him of no opposition to Ryuu as his successor, but we will do nothing else. This is not our fight yet."
"You seem preoccupied by something of late, Chihiro."
At the sound of her husband's voice, Chihiro set aside her book, turning to meet his concerned gaze with a troubled one of her own. It was growing late now, day had become evening, and in the small yet comfortable lodgings that befitted Takeshi's standing as a guardsman in Tokutarou's retinue, the fire near the village and the missing prostitute seemed a world away. Even though Takeshi had swords hung over the mantle on the far wall, this place was a peaceful, warm and happy home, and as she got to her feet to properly greet her husband, Chihiro reflected on this more deeply for the first time since her wedding day.
I really am lucky. Even though in comparison to Juu-nii's Clan friends, we're not a rich family – there are a lot of people worse off than we ever were.
Four or five days had passed since Momiji had disappeared without a trace, and that morning when she had called on Riri to find out any news, she had found her friend sitting in the centre of her floor, the trinket bearing the Kyouraku crest laid out in front of her. Momiji's whereabouts were still unknown, and with every passing day, Riri's agitation had grown. Finally, that morning, she had asked a favour of her friend – and Chihiro had been unable to refuse. Beneath the delicate fabric of her light pink obi, wrapped in faded grey cloth was the sword decoration – the only remaining piece of Riri's closely guarded secret.
This place is secure, within the confines of the Kyouraku manor and under the protection of their Lord. But in Kaoka-mura, and in Teika-chou…who is being protected there? Riri was frightened…I've never seen her like that before. And I understand why. When she told me…all those things…I understood. So if I can help, even in a little way, to relieve her burden…then I will. If Momiji was targeted, if she was…then five days silence means whoever did that doesn't have Riri on their radar. And if there's nothing in her possession that could arouse suspicions, surely she and the children will be much safer?
"Chihiro?" Takeshi slipped his fingers beneath her chin, lifting her face to his as he shot her a questioning look. "Are you so troubled by my absence that you can't greet me on my return?"
There was a faintly teasing glimmer in his dark eyes, and Chihiro sighed, batting her hands absently against his chest before allowing him to put his arms properly around her.
"I'm sorry." She said softly. "You're right, something is on my mind – and I'm not sure what to make of it."
"I wonder, does that have something to do with the visit you paid to a certain tavern a few days ago?" Takeshi eyed her keenly, and Chihiro started, looking up at him in guilty confusion. "Ah, so you weren't going to tell me about that. Even though you told the landlord you were there on my behalf."
Chihiro winced, looking ashamed.
"I'm sorry." She repeated. "I know I shouldn't…but I had…it was a favour for someone, and…"
"It's all right." Takeshi dismissed this with a grin. "I trust you and I'm sure your reasons were honest. I didn't let on anything to the man – but I was surprised to hear it. Especially since we've been making investigations into a strange affair – and you seem to have been asking questions about it much sooner than we were."
"A strange…affair?" Chihiro repeated softly, and Takeshi nodded.
"You know the jewel trader, Gaugen?" He asked. "Well, of course you do – you go to market as often as my mother and she knows everyone who trades there. He's a gaudy fellow at the best of times, too – I would've thought it impossible not to have noticed him, even if you never spoke to him."
Slowly Chihiro nodded her head.
"Yes. I know…who he is."
"Yes, well." Takeshi rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "The thing is, some kid making a delivery at his house discovered a pretty horrible scene first thing this morning. Came screeching through Teika at the crack of dawn, and straight into the arms of the morning patrol. Turns out he's found a pair of corpses in Gaugen's house – one of which was the old jewel trader himself, and the other seems to have been his wife."
"Gaugen-san…is dead?" Chihiro stared at her husband in horror, colour draining from her face, and Takeshi nodded.
"You look far more upset about that than I'd imagine, given that I doubt you've done much business." He reflected. "Some of the market traders said he hadn't been seen in a few days, but none of them seemed as concerned as you suddenly do. What's up, Chi-chan? Is this something to do with why you were speaking to that bigoted old landlord? Because when I spoke to him about Gaugen, I found out he'd been doing business with some Clansman or other five or six days ago now. From the looks of the bodies, they've been dead a little while, just nobody bothered to come find them. Consequently their corpses remain, but…truthfully…the scene is a congealed mess and the evidence is not as good as it could've been because of that. Probably another couple of days and we might not even have been able to identify them clearly, which means he probably died…about the time he stopped appearing at market."
He sighed.
"That might mean that this mysterious Clansman was probably the last person to see them – so I was surprised and a little alarmed to find that you'd asked questions about him before Gaugen's body was found."
"I don't know anything about Gaugen-san." Chihiro disentangled herself from her husband's embrace, moving unsteadily to a nearby seat and sinking down with a sigh. "I truly…I never thought…such a horrible…"
"It looks as though they had a domestic squabble." Takeshi leant up against the wall. "That Gaugen slashed his wife's throat then was overcome in some way and dropped dead himself. But your expression tells me that's not the case. And honestly, a lot of people are ready to wrap it up as that – as a domestic incident gone bad. But that you were asking questions before this bothers me. Makes me think there's something we've missed."
Chihiro was silent for a moment, gazing down at her hands. Then she nodded.
"I don't know what I can tell you, or even if anything I know has anything to do with Gaugen-san's death." She said slowly. "But there was…a fire outside of Kaoka village the night of the storm. Most people think the house was struck by lightning, and haven't paid it any attention. It was a…a prostitute's house, so a lot of people don't really care about it one way or another. But the girl was…a friend of Riri's. And she's disappeared. So Riri was worried about her."
"And this has a connection to Gaugen?" Takeshi asked softly. Chihiro shrugged.
"I don't know." She admitted. "All I do know is that the landlord told me that Momiji – the prostitute – had spoken to the same Clansman that Gaugen-san had been talking to. Masaki. That's what he said the name was. She met him that night, outside of the tavern. Then she disappeared. Her house burnt, but the rain put it out before it could fully burn down. And the fire…it wasn't struck by lightning. Riri said it and she was right. It was started from inside the house. Not outside."
"Riri, huh?" Takeshi's eyes narrowed. "Chi-chan, did you go to this prostitute's burnt out house yourself?"
"Yes…" Chihiro admitted reluctantly. "Riri was upset, so I did."
"Even though it might have been dangerous?"
"I suppose so."
"Chi…" Takeshi sighed, then slowly shook his head.
"It's my fault. I discuss too many things with you." He said guiltily. "If I didn't, you wouldn't think to start investigations on your own."
"I think I probably would." Despite herself, Chihiro smiled. "Perhaps I take after Juu-nii a little in this way, but when someone I care about is upset, I want to help them. And Riri…Riri was upset, Takeshi. Momiji was her friend, and she was right – nobody has done anything about her or the fire at her house. She's disappeared and in five days there's been no sign of her. Now you tell me Gaugen-san is also dead – and both of them met with this Clansman."
"Then I'll mention that to my commander, and no doubt it'll be looked into." Takeshi said reflectively. "As Tokutarou-sama's retainers, part of our duty is to protect the local people so I'm sure that they won't ignore it. Riri should have reported it right away – or you should have told me, one or the other."
"It's complicated." Chihiro hesitated, then, "Riri…something of Riri's is also missing. I can't tell even you what, but Momiji had it and now it's gone too. Nothing else is gone from the house, but Riri is certain Momiji wouldn't have stolen it. And you know, now you've told me Gaugen-san also got killed…"
"There's no sign of him having been murdered. Only his wife – it's as though he slashed her and then collapsed of a heart attack." Takeshi remarked. "But what you've said makes me think that was probably an illusion. Besides, I already spoke to Tokutarou-sama this afternoon about this Clansman Masaki. Apparently this stranger claimed to be on Tokutarou-sama's business searching for something – but Tokutarou-sama doesn't know anything about it. More, there are no strains of the Kyouraku Clan who bear the name 'Masaki'. It's a false lead."
"He was an imposter." Chihiro breathed. "Then he wasn't anything to do with the Kyouraku at all?"
"I don't know." Takeshi admitted. "Because I have heard from a few who met him that he bore a Kyouraku crest. Unfortunately now he's missing too, we can't find out if it was real or a fake. Just…Gaugen was an expert in treasures and the like. If he was dealing with this man, he probably thought him to be the real deal. And he would've been able to tell if Masaki's badge was forged. Therefore…it was probably real."
Chihiro's brows knitted together, then slowly she slipped her hand into her obi, pulling out the precious sword ornament and holding it out to her companion. Takeshi shot her a startled look, then took the cloth-wrapped bundle, slowly unwrapping it. As he saw what was inside, he let out an exclamation of surprise.
"Chi…where did you get this?"
"If I tell you, will you promise not to report it to anyone? Your commander – even Tokutarou-sama?" Chihiro begged. "Because I'm worried, Takeshi. Really worried. That something bad is going on here and that people are in danger. People are already dead, and…so…I think…"
"Is it something I should be reporting?" Takeshi demanded.
"I don't know." Chihiro admitted. "But it will make someone's life a lot harder if you do. And I promised to keep it a secret, so I'm betraying that trust already. But Takeshi, I trust you. And you have access to things I don't – you know things I don't. So if telling you helps prevent anyone from being killed…"
"All right. I promise." Takeshi sighed, reaching out to rest his free hand briefly on the top of her dark head. "When you look at me that way, I can't refuse. Tell me where it came from – and I'll try to understand."
"Riri." Chihiro said simply, and Takeshi's eyes became huge.
"From a courtesan?"
"Yes."
"How on earth did she…"
"It's hers." Chihiro responded, meeting her husband's incredulous gaze with a troubled one of her own. "She gave it to me for safe keeping. It was given to her mother by her father, for her. It's a Kyouraku crest, isn't it?"
"Yes. Yes it is." Takeshi's grip tightened on the emblem for a moment, then, "Riri's father gave this? Are you sure?"
"I am." Chihiro reached across to take the object, turning it over and pointing to the back. "You can see it. Right here. The kanji for her name. Riri. It's been engraved here by someone who knew their letters – but Riri's mother was illiterate and Riri herself is only just starting to learn characters."
"You're right." Takeshi took the crest back, tilting it to the light to better see the characters. "But Chi, you know what that implies?"
"Yes." Chihiro agreed. "That Riri's father was a Kyouraku."
"Not just any Kyouraku." Takeshi bit his lip, turning the emblem to examine the shield once more. "All the Kyouraku branch families have a slightly different crest, even though the basic design is the same. This was crafted for someone of important blood. Chi, this crest is almost identical to that carried by my Lord and master, Tokutarou-sama himself."
"That would make sense." Chihiro said grimly. "Since Riri told me her father's name when we talked about this just a few days ago. After Momiji disappeared – because what Momiji had went with this. It had the same crest – a pendant – and Momiji was supposed to get the clasp fixed. Probably she spoke to Gaugen-san and that's how he got involved in this. And this mysterious Masaki offered help, then…did something which resulted in Momiji and the pendant disappearing, before killing his key witness Gaugen and leaving town."
"Literally disappearing into the mist from where he came." Takeshi's expression took on a look of alarm. "But…that would mean…"
"The reason I wanted you to not tell anyone is because of that. Because I don't know one Kyouraku crest from another, but Riri told me herself who sired her." Chihiro nodded her head, reaching up to put a finger on her husband's lips. "What you've said has just confirmed her story even more in my mind. And I know it puts you in a bad place, Takeshi, but I'm really afraid for her safety. Just I don't suppose Tokutarou-sama would like it if this became common knowledge, and as for Riri…she's wary and suspicious of the Clan and has kept her head down for a long time. Even if by some fluke she could ask him for help – I don't think she would."
Takeshi eyed her for a moment, then nodded, handing the crest back.
"I could take that and try and firmly identify it to one particular individual, but I don't think either of us really need to." He said gravely. "You haven't said it, but I know what you're telling me. The Crest belongs to the central line of the Kyouraku house – similar to the one held by Tokutarou-sama and his young son, and I believe identical to that carried by Shunsui-sama. But Riri is around your age, and this is older than that, so this doesn't connect to any of them. However…"
"However, Riri told me her father died when she was about four." Chihiro said softly. "Which would fit with…the time that…"
She faltered, then gathered her courage.
"Riri told me that her father was Kyouraku Matsuhara." She said reluctantly. "That her mother had been one of many mistresses but that he had not just walked away when she became pregnant like most Lords did. She said her mother told her he had seemed…sorry. Penitent over it. More, he had acknowledged her by giving her mother those items before he died, perhaps as a promise of support. Probably he intended to keep acknowledging her, even if he couldn't speak to the main house about it – but he lost his life before he could. So nobody has ever known about her."
"But now somebody might." Takeshi's clever eyes became comprehending. "Or they might have mistaken this Momiji for her, being that the wench had the pendant. Momiji is probably dead, then, if that's the case. You realise that too, don't you?"
"Yes. And so does Riri." Chihiro chewed down on her lip. "But I'm most worried about her, if I'm honest. Her and the children she's raising. This Masaki may have got what he came for and gone away – but he may come back. And if what he has also has Riri's name on…and if his intention is to make trouble for the Kyouraku family…this whole business might be a long way from over."
It hadn't gone completely according to plan.
Masaki leant up against the wall of the small chamber, his gaze falling resignedly on the dark-skinned, golden eyed boy as he greedily devoured his evening meal. There was no finesse or neatness in the way he ate – just an instinctive hunger driving him to feed, and despite himself Masaki felt a slight sense of derision as he watched.
Just a creature without will or emotion – a true empty shell lacking even the most basic necessities of human function. When I first discovered that such a vessel existed, it gave me so many ideas – but perhaps my aspirations were too far. What faint spirit traces there might have been when I came across him seem to have wilted and died now. I did not think that my abilities could be so stretched – but it seems I will have to work harder with this one to make him fully mine.
Oblivious to his companion's thoughts or attention, the gold-eyed youth remained fixed on his task, his fingers clumsily shoving food haphazardly into his mouth as though even this basic task he had forgotten how to do properly.
Even the fact you don't leave a lingering reiatsu is proving to be a hindrance rather than a help. In a situation where having you caught or traced would work to my advantage…even in that respect you fox me.
Masaki sighed heavily, turning his gaze away in disgust.
But it is not over yet. I will simply have to think more carefully and act with more precision to compensate for his inability to do so. Whatever stealth or ability he may have had before, it's no longer there – so I will just have to find better ways in which to use the tool I have created.
"I suppose that it's not possible even with my being close at hand to expect him to carry out instructions absolutely to the letter."
At last he broke the silence, resignation in his muddy gaze.
"This is still an experiment in progress – I shouldn't anticipate a perfect result right away. I wasn't on the scene – and with this basic level of manipulation, I should have expected errors. If I wasn't sure that anything stronger would kill him outright…"
He faltered, rubbing his temples.
"I did tell you that you can't trust him to do anything right."
Nanaki pushed back the divide at that moment, stepping into the small room and settling herself down in front of the fire as she reached out to warm her fingers above the gently burning flames. Masaki glanced up, realising that his words, which had been more than half to himself, had attracted his young companion's attention.
"It's a cold night out tonight, and the water in the stream is freezing cold." She added with a sigh. "But as regards that thing, if you want him to slash and kill, he's quite good at that. Anything more subtle and it's a lost cause. He cut chunks out of them…and then fled the scene before anyone could catch him. I thought the point was for him to get caught this time."
"At the very least, I expected him to be seen by a witness who would live to testify to that effect." Masaki admitted, spreading his hands in an acknowledgement of defeat. "But like I said, its experimental. I've never had a study like this one before and I don't know what might happen from one day to the next. He's a dull beast, Nanaki. He has no way of differentiating between gentle and hard because those nuances are no longer inside of him. I've never had a subject like that – in the past, they've always had some latent will or inborn skills of their own which I've used to my advantage. But this one is different to those. I order him to kill and he kills – but he does so with reckless abandon. He would probably have killed you too, had he seen you in the midst of his frenzy – such a reaction is base at best, but with the level of control I have, probably understandable."
"I would have killed him first." Nanaki did not even move her gaze from the fire, a note of contempt in her words. "I still carry that potion with me, just in case. I'm not going to be slashed up by a dirty animal like him, so I would have killed him before he even had a chance to swing his sword in my direction."
Despite himself Masaki laughed, coming to kneel at her side and resting a hand on her shoulder. She was not a child any more, he reasoned, but a young woman, and just as he had anticipated, she had blossomed into an attractive one with her thick dark waves of hair and her vivid blue eyes. But it was more than that, he mused, that tied the two of them together. It was the dark glitter of something deeper than just youth and life that simmered in the depths of those eyes – the emotion that Masaki knew he had nurtured inside of her, but more than that, he knew was native to her soul. He had simply awoken it when he had freed her from her cage – and she in turn had lived her life waiting for one who noticed it was there.
"I am still surprised sometimes when I hear you speak like that." He murmured now. "That you've grown up in such a short space of time comforts me more than you know. That you've come to see the world so clearly makes it so much easier for me now. And I'm sure you would, Nanaki. I have a lot of faith in you – I hope you still have faith in me."
"I wish you wouldn't call me by that name." Nanaki twisted around to face him, a plaintive look in her blue eyes. "It's as though you're cheating on me with another woman, when you do – I don't like it at all."
"I know." Gently Masaki touched her on the nose, offering her a smile as her cheeks flushed pink. "And I don't like to do it, either. But if we keep up the façade in the privacy of our own quarters, we're less likely to slip out of those roles out in the open. So humour me, at least for now. All right? Consider it our secret – you and I are the only ones who know the truth."
"Being in Seireitei really is dangerous, isn't it." Nanaki sighed, shooting the golden eyed assassin a dark look out of the corner of her eye. "And he's a liability. I had to think on my feet, you know – otherwise it would have just seemed like a random attack. Since it didn't implicate the Shihouin, and since I couldn't implicate them because I wasn't supposed to have been there…"
"You did well." Masaki assured her. "Seeing Ryuu-dono leave the estate early was a good thing, and you created enough uncertainty about his safety to salvage the scene somewhat. If nothing else, it has increased the animosity and suspicion in the Kuchiki manor."
"But nobody seems to know where Ryuu-dono did go." Nanaki said regretfully. "It was coincidence that I happened to see him leave his room and follow him to the stables."
"Coincidence that works in our favour is not to be scorned." Masaki chuckled. "But you're right. Being in Seireitei is dangerous, and we mustn't outstay our welcome. I obviously can't send him into battle again yet, not if he's not going to perform to the best of his abilities. Instead, I think, I will have to rely on you."
"On me." Nanaki's fingers automatically went to her throat, and she nodded. "Because of this, you mean?"
"Yes." Masaki agreed. "I don't suppose we can implicate the Kyouraku easily in the Kuchiki's suspicions, even though you said they had identified the knives as coming from Eighth District. But there are other angles of infiltration. I learnt on my travels that the Shihouin and the Kyouraku have formalised a mutual agreement of peace and trade between District Two and District Eight and as a result the relations between those two families have become firmer."
"So?" Nanaki looked quizzical. "You just said we can't implicate the Kyouraku, so what does that mean to us?"
"It means that in turn the relations between the Kyouraku and the Kuchiki have become more distant, I imagine." Masaki rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Since the Kuchiki are nursing a grudge that goes back a generation - the murder of their lord Senaya. I remember, you know, the chaos that erupted in District Six when that happened. Even though I was not involved in any of what occurred, I remember vividly that for a while it seemed like the Kuchiki would wage war on the Shihouin and they were looking for Clan allies to back them in battle."
"But they didn't succeed?" Nanaki snorted. "No wonder, considering what a messed up Clan they are. Who would ally with the Kuchiki?"
"Senaya was a very proud Kuchiki, and he only entertained alliance prospects if they were directly to his advantage." Masaki sat back thoughtfully. "I never met him, of course, but I heard that often said. That he believed he could control even the stars in the sky if he wanted to. He was an arrogant man who was cut down because he was arrogant. And nobody felt much like avenging the murder of such an annoying person."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Well, for me it was one less enemy to consider, so I didn't care what happened. If war had been declared, if it had not - either was all right with me."
"Senaya-sama was...part of that Council, wasn't he?" Nanaki's eyes narrowed. "The same Council that...a century ago..."
"Yes." Masaki did not let her finish her question, reaching out to rest his hand on her head. "The same council. Shouichi-sama was the last one...they are all dead now."
"Mm." Nanaki looked troubled for a moment, and Masaki eyed her keenly.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't like it, when you talk about that." Nanaki admitted. "I feel as though...something terrible happened and...and..."
"And you couldn't do anything to change it?" Despite himself, Masaki smiled. "You can't feel responsible for something that happened before you were born. I've seen more sunrises and sunsets than you, so it stands to reason that I've seen more blood spilt and felt the taint of betrayal more times. But you're here now, by my side. That matters to me more than anything. It's the first time in a very long time that I've had someone in whom I can put my whole trust."
"I'll always be that person." Nanaki's eyes lit up at this, and she turned to meet his gaze. "From now till I die. I promise."
"I know." Masaki gazed down at her, taking in her eager expression and noting that faint glitter of something more once again in the bright blue eyes.
It really is the case, too. Perhaps at first I saw you as being my tool, but instead you've become my ally. Almost my partner. Because you have as much to hate about this world as I do, or so it seems. And hate that is strong enough to bind two people together is firmer than any superficial words of trust. Well, so much to the good. It's better to have a willing accomplice than a creature tied by force.
His gaze flitted back to the golden eyed boy.
Or one such as that.
Out loud he said,
I want to increase the suspicion Clans have for one another as well as bring the Kuchiki Clan down. Whilst I don't suppose the Kyouraku are hostile to the Kuchiki, the fact they entered direct talks with the Shihouin must mean any likelihood of a Kyouraku-Kuchiki alliance is remote. Well, you can tell me...do you see Kyouraku representatives visit the Kuchiki court, or paying their respects to the murdered son of the Lord?"
"No." Nanaki shook her head. "Only the Unohana. The head of the Unohana was there for a few days - and she attended a memorial. But no other."
"As I thought, since the Unohana are considered a neutral Clan." Masaki nodded approvingly. "In which case, this is a chance to widen the rifts between other families. The Kyouraku are a stable and prosperous Clan, now. You have seen that with your own eyes, and their District is peaceful. But it was only a short time ago that they were waging war themselves, was it not? You do remember that too, I think - that it is less than ten years since their civil war. I think that is a fact we can use to our advantage."
"Oh, I remember that." Nanaki's eyes darkened. "I remember an idiot looking for allies in a fight he didn't win. Yes, I remember. A lot of bother it was too."
"Exactly." Masaki looked amused. "Which is knowledge I think you'll find useful in the days ahead. Remember that the Kuchiki are only the first targets – the test model, if you like – topple them and the others will not be quite so difficult. Besides…perhaps it was Senaya's arrogance, but I have never really liked the Kuchiki."
"You will keep your promise?" Nanaki was anxious, and Masaki nodded.
"Don't worry. There is one Kuchiki whose life I don't seek to threaten." He assured her softly. "I haven't forgotten. I know your mind on this matter and I acknowledge it."
"Thank you." Nanaki's eyes lit up and she grinned, grasping his fingers in hers. "And it will be easier for me to move, soon. The Kuchiki who know me won't be there beyond tomorrow – and once they're not, the risk of me being found out decreases too. There'll be nobody to dispute anything I say or do."
"Although they've so far done a poor job of finding you, even hidden in the open like you have been." Masaki observed. Nanaki snorted, nodding her head.
"They're mostly stupid and stuck up." She said matter-of-factly. "So they don't even look at their servants. And I've kept completely out of the way of the one who might notice the most – so so far it's all been fine."
She stretched her hands over her head, then,
"So what does happen now? How are you going to use me? We've killed a bunch of people, but none of those deaths are going to help our cause. I didn't like that – killing people who shouldn't really be killed for no reason. We're not going to do that any more, are we?"
"You don't mind if they're Kuchiki, is that it?"
"If they're Clan." Nanaki shrugged. "If it's something that helps us, no. That's different. But those were just normal people. They didn't have any say in any of this."
"But by dying, they will have a greater impact on everything." Masaki turned her around to face him properly, meeting her gaze solemnly with his own mud-slurried eyes. "The future of Seireitei is in the hands of the strong, not the rich and the powerful. By opening up the Kuchiki estate like this and launching an assault with no warning, we've proven that the Clan is vulnerable. Those men died for our cause and that helps everyone to see how the Great Families are not so great overall. If you think on it like that, can you accept it? That they didn't die unnecessarily?"
"I suppose so." Nanaki sighed. "All right. Then what do you want me to do?"
"Mm." Masaki's expression became thoughtful and he sat back pensively on his heels. "That is the real question. Even despite what I just said about alliances, the truth is that I invaded District Eight and took the lengths I did as a back up policy. It was something I only intended to use as things moved on beyond where we are now, but I think…we're going to have to fall back on it regardless."
He eyed her pensively.
"You've been working as a maid this long, though – making someone believe you're a Clanswoman…"
"I can do that, you know." Nanaki said indignantly, and Masaki ruffled his fingers affectionately through her dark hair, entertained by the sudden hot pride that rushed through her expression.
Oh yes. I know that well enough. That beneath that maid's kimono beats the heart of a true Clan hime.
"I know." He said aloud. "I know that. But no, we have to be careful. And I will have to go back to Eighth District. Because that pendant belongs to a powerful Kyouraku line, and might even be enough to spark a political incident if we're very careful. The more I think about it, the less likely it is to me that there could be two such articles floating around that vicinity. But the girl I took that from was definitely not a blood kinswoman of the Kyouraku. She could've passed for an Endou, perhaps – but not a Kyouraku."
Nanaki did not answer, and Masaki pursed his lips.
"So that means I have to go back to make certain there's no loose ends." He said regretfully. "Which will mean leaving you alone. You've already created suspicion and mistrust of the lord Shirogane, and I want you to keep doing that by any means you can. Use whatever techniques to inveigle yourself into the trust of the Clan members – I will leave it up to you whether you target Shirogane or his Uncle as your ally and which you choose to make an enemy of. But continue to build the rift between them – and use the Kyouraku connection in whatever way you can. You have been to the Kyouraku land and estate, and you must use that knowledge to make your story convincing. Understood?"
"Yes." Nanaki nodded, a faintly resigned look touching her features. "But I don't want to…if any of them touch me…I will…"
"For my sake, even if it meant betraying our bond, I would forgive it." As she trailed off, Masaki bent to kiss her gently on the lips. "For the sake of the cause, no price is too high."
"I don't like the idea." Nanaki shivered, pushing him back. "I'm your wife. I'm nobody's whore."
"To build a new world, we all make sacrifices." Masaki said gently. "But it's all right. I won't ask you to do anything you don't want to do. It's in your hands – I trust your judgement. You are clever and quick-thinking and an adept ally in whom I have faith. So whatever you feel is right – I believe will be right. You've made excellent choices thus far and I have no doubts you'll continue."
"What about him?" Nanaki sent a look of undisguised hatred towards their darkskinned companion, who, having finished eating, was staring at her with a fixed, empty look in his golden gaze. Masaki sighed, then he nodded his head.
"I'll take him with me." He said at length. "I obviously need to work on my control of him, and it will be easier to do that with just the two of us. It will mean you're alone here, though – is that all right?"
"It's better than being stuck looking after him." Nanaki nodded. "I'll be all right. Trust me."
Author's Note
In honour of 13th Division and Friday 13th, this week's chapters are being posted today. And yes, I did say chapters. Since it's about time the Kuchiki got back to the Academy, don't you think...?