Chapter Eighteen: The Kuchiki Return
"We're safely through the last toll gate."
Mitsuki rested her hand on the sill of the carriage window, peering out beyond the lacquered wooden frames as they travelled through the network of passageways that ran through the centre of Inner Seireitei, a faint look of relief on her face. On either side, tall buildings decorated with the ornately carved emblems of each Clan loomed over them, reminding her that this was the heartland of the Council of Elders. Normally she hated coming this way, for she found the high buildings and narrow, twisting streets somewhat stifling, but today she felt comforted by it, as though they were there to protect her and her cousin on their trip back to District One.
"In a few minutes we'll be properly on the main road through District One, and then it won't be long at all until we're back at the school."
There was no response, and she frowned, turning to glance at her companion to see if he had fallen asleep. He had not, but a quick appraisal of his tense body and troubled expression told Mitsuki that her cousin's mind was far from the journey at hand, and though he had been gazing out of the opposite window for the past half an hour, she was certain he had seen very little of the passing scenery.
She reached over to touch his arm.
"Ryuu?"
"Mitsuki?" At the sudden contact, Ryuu started, turning to face her in surprise, and Mitsuki offered him a smile.
"There's nobody else in here." She said lightly. "So I'd have been surprised if it wasn't me. What's on your mind? I thought you were looking forward to leaving District Six."
"I am. I am very much." Ryuu sighed, leaning back in his seat. "But…us going away for a while doesn't change the fact that a significant number of unpleasant things have happened and may continue to happen at home."
"Perhaps that's true." Mitsuki's own eyes became grave. "But honestly, I'm glad to get you away from it. I've been worrying about you of late – you and Senpai both, to be truthful – because neither one of you have been giving off healthy auras."
"Is it surprising?" Ryuu rubbed his brow absently. "But I am sorry. I did not mean to concern you. You have had plenty of unpleasant things to deal with yourself since all this began."
"Yes." Mitsuki's lips thinned as she remembered the stableyard massacre. "I still can't understand why those men were killed. Ribari-sama either, though I expect there was a twisted political motive behind that. But those stable men – why them?"
"Because I rode from there, perhaps." Ryuu said darkly. "I imagine that there is no other reason such people would lose their lives. I was there, and they saw me leave."
"Why would that have any impact at all?" Mitsuki said sensibly. "Don't be silly, Ryuu. It isn't your fault. If they were killed because you rode from there early that morning, it would imply someone didn't want them to tell anyone you had. Surely if that was the case, somebody would have tried to capture you – or hurt you – or do something else to make that make sense? Besides, it's also the way they were killed. Ribari-sama was one thing, this was another."
She shivered.
"I don't want to think on it much." She added. "On the fact that whoever killed them had no spirit to speak of – but yet did so much damage to theirs."
"I shouldn't remind you." Ryuu looked stricken. "I apologise. I am afraid my thoughts are full of many negative things at present – perhaps you would do better not to converse with me."
"On the contrary, whilst it's just the two of us and we're outside our home territory, I think we should talk." Mitsuki reached across to fasten her window shut, lowering her voice. "The only people with us are your father's soldiers – and they wouldn't let any harm come to you, so we're not in any danger here. But none of them are travelling inside this carriage because you and I said it wasn't needed. That being the case…this is the only time we have for you to tell me anything you think you need to before we get back to school. I imagine you won't be sharing most of this stuff with them."
"No…I had thought not to." Ryuu agreed. "And you're right – I did promise you that there were things you ought to be abreast of. Very well."
He checked the fastening on his own window, then leant forward, indicating for her to do the same.
"It relates to what you told me about those men and what that groom saw." He said softly, his tones only just loud enough for Mitsuki to hear above the rumbling wheels of the carriage. "The gold eyed demon that her whispered to you about before death claimed him."
"It does?" Mitsuki looked troubled. "And?"
"Senpai told me something similar about the night he and Ribari-sama were out on patrol." Ryuu's eyes narrowed. "He hasn't told Guren-sama or Father because everything he remembers from that night is considered a delusion and nobody is there to corroborate what he says. However, I do not believe he is in error. Your words simply confirm to me what he recalled."
"Senpai saw a gold eyed demon too?" Mitsuki only just remembered to keep her voice down, and Ryuu shook his head.
"No. He himself did not." He replied. "Just a shadow in the trees. But he remembers Ribari-sama saying something to him – that he'd seen someone with golden eyes and dark skin. It was the last coherent words the young boy spoke – and Senpai related them to me because he felt I believed him even when others would not."
"I see." Mitsuki twisted her hands together absently as she considered this. "Ribari-sama saw the gold-eyed demon, and then he died. These men saw the demon, and they died. Is that the point? To destroy all who might have seen it? Does it have some kind of innate power – maybe a zanpakutou power or some such thing – that any who lay eyes on it are…"
"That's fanciful and not like you." Ryuu cut across her, bringing her back to earth with a bump. "Ribari-sama died due to poison, and the men in the stableyard were butchered by a blade. Knives and such like, some of which are undoubtedly not zanpakutou…not even the level of knife a Clansman would probably use. Therefore physical weaponry spoke in both cases. Not magical arts."
"True." Mitsuki pinked slightly. "Sorry. I got carried away a little. But the only people who have seen this creature died. That's a little creepy."
"Well, that's not entirely true." Ryuu reflected. "We don't know what Ribari-sama's companions saw. We only know what Senpai heard and that he didn't see this killer himself. I don't think we are dealing with a creature, Mitsuki. His way of relating Ribari-sama's words suggest to me that this is a person, not an animal or some mythical hallucination."
"A Shihouin." Mitsuki murmured apprehensively. Ryuu nodded.
"That's how it sounds." He said grimly.
"But…do you think…that's what happened?"
"I am confused." Ryuu confessed. "Perhaps I could have thought it…some years back. Before the Shihouin fell into disgrace and that Shadow Cat took control. I do not like that Clan, but I do think that it has begun to change. And that now…whatever happened in our history…it is unlikely that they would risk their fragile reconstruction to cause a scandal of this nature. More, I cannot see how it would benefit them. On the contrary, it might ruin them."
"Just like Endou Seimaru tried to do with Shihouin-kun, Onoe-kun and Aitori-sensei?" Mitsuki questioned, and Ryuu nodded.
"That is what I think." He agreed blackly. "That this is an elaborate smokescreen. Perhaps there is a Shihouin, perhaps there is not. But mark my words, Mitsuki, I do not believe that District Two's Clan are responsible for Ribari-sama's death. I have some serious doubts as to their involvement in my Grandfather's death too, to be truthful, after having reviewed some of the records. It seems there was large suspicion but no actual hard evidence that they did anything actively themselves. Nothing beyond the fact that the type of poison used was well-known among their Clan."
"Eimin-yaku." Mitsuki's eyes clouded slightly, and Ryuu offered her an apologetic look.
"Indeed. I'm sorry. I should not have…"
"It's all right." Mitsuki dismissed his concern with a faint smile. "It was a long time ago."
"I don't know exactly what happened when Senaya-sama died, except that he was in negotiations with Shihouin representatives over some trade deal at the time." Ryuu shrugged. "But the evidence seems thin on the ground, and it is a tenuous link to even suggest history is repeating itself."
"So Guren-sama and Seiren-dono don't know any of this." Mitsuki sighed. "And probably for now it's best they don't."
"I intend to speak to Shihouin about it, if I can find the right time to." Ryuu admitted.
"To Shihouin-kun?" Mitsuki's eyes widened. "But…"
"I know. We are not friends, but I can tolerate his company and I don't believe he is inclined to killing." Ryuu frowned. "I don't know how to raise the subject with him, and I would rather you did not attempt it. But Senpai asked me specifically to see what I could discover. And I will try my best to do so, because I think it may be important."
"Shirogane-senpai is all alone, now, in District Six." A sudden chill touched Mitsuki's spine as she realised this. "You and I aren't there to listen to him, and the atmosphere is growing decidedly more hostile by the day. Seiren-dono is…I'm sorry to say it, Ryuu-kun, but he's acting quite out of hand regarding everything that Senpai tries to say or do. He seems convinced that Senpai is his enemy – and your enemy – and…"
"Almost as though he had something to hide." Ryuu murmured, and Mitsuki stared at him in alarm.
"Ryuu…kun?"
"Nothing." Ryuu shook his head, offering her a hollow smile. "I was thinking aloud. Nothing more."
"Nothing more?" Mitsuki's brows knitted together. "Don't be silly! That's not thinking aloud, that's…Ryuu, do you think your father had something to do with all of this? With the death of Ribari-sama and everything else?"
She sat back, expecting her cousin to react violently against her suggestion, but instead he sighed, meeting her startled gaze with clouded grey eyes.
"I would like to say I could rule it out." He said sadly. "But there are things…reasons…which mean I cannot. The only people of whose innocence I am absolutely assured number very few. You. Me. Shirogane-senpai. And Guren-sama. Perhaps Futsuki-dono – I do not see how he comes to benefit, though there are so many questions in all of this I can't see all of the motives anyway. And Father…"
His lips thinned.
"I am his motive." He admitted unwillingly. "I am his project – these last days his initial grief over Ribari-sama has faded into almost nothing. Things he's said when we have been alone have concerned me more than just a little. His overt hostility to Shirogane-senpai also troubles me. It is as though he sees this as my chance to shine…"
He rubbed his temples, closing his eyes briefly as he gathered his thoughts.
"I cannot read my father's thoughts or understand him easily." He owned. "I never have done, and that makes it difficult. I am not gifted with reading people like you are or like Senpai is…I simply muddle through and try and understand what I can, often too little and too late to matter. I am not sure whether Father's recent behaviour is simply suddenly realised ambition – that he has seen since Ribari-sama died that he has a chance to foist me once more into the limelight as the true heir. Or if this is all more sinister – and has been planned long since in advance."
"I can't believe Seiren-dono capable of that." Mitsuki scolded. "When you were missing, he was worried about you. Why would he be worried, if he was involved in such horrible things?"
"Because Father had no idea where I was. Nobody knew." Ryuu said simply. "I just wasn't in the building. And while I don't think Father is the kind of person to order servants to be randomly murdered, if he had done so, would he not be afraid for me when he discovered I had been near the place where such a thing occurred?"
"I still don't think you're looking at it rationally." Mitsuki said gently. "I know you're upset and you haven't slept much. And Seiren-dono has pushed a lot in your direction recently. But…honestly…I think that's all it is. Ambition and a desire to protect you. You're his only son – in his own way, he loves you. And he's also right. In terms of blood, you are the next heir. After Guren-sama, it was Ribari-sama. Ribari-sama is dead, so it should have been Seiren-dono himself. But since he can't…"
"No…you don't understand." Ryuu began, then bit his lip, shaking his head as if to clear it.
"What don't I understand?" Mitsuki was confused, and Ryuu let out a groan.
"I am resolved not to speak of it. Not even to you." He said flatly. "So do not ask me. I will not tell you."
"Ryuu!"
"I am serious, Mitsuki. It is information that a boy may have been killed because of – until I am sure that was not the case, I will not speak about it to anyone."
"All right. Fine." Mitsuki sighed. "I know you when you get all stubborn and I won't try and tease it out of you. But tell me something else instead."
"Mm?" Ryuu glanced at her apprehensively, and Mitsuki nodded.
"Where did you go yesterday?" She asked evenly. "When nobody could find you and when you didn't return till dusk?"
Ryuu was silent for a long time, then,
"If I tell you that, will you promise not to ask my reasons why?" He asked tentatively.
"I suppose so, so long as it wasn't someplace dangerous." Mitsuki nodded cautiously. "All right."
"I went to the coastal manor. To see Kinnya-sama." Ryuu responded quietly. "My Great Uncle, who chooses to live in solitude."
"Juushirou's grandfather." Mitsuki's eyes became huge. "That's who you mean, isn't it? Juushirou's…"
"Yes." Ryuu cut her off in mid-sentence, nodding impatiently. "But that wasn't why I went to see him."
He eyed her quizzically.
"There. Do you consider it to have been a dangerous errand, now?"
"No…I suppose not." Mitsuki admitted. "But I am confused by it. Why you'd go there, suddenly…but I promised not to ask and I won't. Just I don't like how things are eating away at you. If you can't trust me, your cousin and kinswoman, I don't know who you can confide in."
"At present, nobody." Ryuu admitted grimly. "Because I do not want to cause either hysteria or danger. Besides, we will soon be at school, I think. Let us change the subject – I should rather not be speaking of District Six politics when we arrive."
"All right." Mitsuki sighed, but nodded her head. "Then what else shall we discuss? Being Seniors? It seems a little surreal – we haven't even touched on school stuff in what seems like forever."
"A nice normality it will be, too." Ryuu sounded faintly wistful. "To think that our Senior year began with such a thing. We are the last Kuchiki to return to the Academy, Mitsuki. I heard from the men as we left that the others had ridden last night. But Father wanted me to be properly escorted – and I had asked him that he extend that to you, too. So here we are, like this."
"We'll make an entrance." Mitsuki observed ruefully. "Since there are at least six mounted guards in front and behind the carriage and each dressed in your father's colours and armed, too. I wonder if they'll be allowed through the school gates?"
Despite himself, Ryuu grinned.
"I should like to see Genryuusai-sensei shoo them away." He reflected pensively. "I don't suppose even orders from my father could override his will or command."
"Ryuu, do you suppose Shirogane-senpai will be all right in District Six without us there?" Mitsuki looked anxious. "I know he's a shinigami and strong and all of those things, but…"
"We're back to District Six." Ryuu reminded her, and Mitsuki shrugged.
"No, we're talking about Shirogane-senpai." She responded. "It's funny, really. Till Ribari-sama's murder, I kept well out of his way. We barely spoke – I don't think he really knew who I was except for some lower ranking hime with odd aspirations of being a healer. But…"
"In the situation we're in now, you almost outrank him." Ryuu said grimly. "Since Father seems keen to shunt him down to his father's rank rather than let him stay considered as second degree. Senpai is proud, and his pride has been attacked from all angles of late…although he is not foolish, either."
"I know." Mitsuki rested her chin in her hands with a sigh. "Just, I've become quite fond of him – it's like he's opened up to me since I saved his life, and it seems like you and he have begun to form bonds too, despite Seiren-dono's attempts. So…it seems bad that we've abandoned him. If any good thing comes out of this mess, I think getting to know Senpai better is it."
"Yes." Ryuu looked doubtful. "And no. We shall see. So long as Guren-sama keeps him as his Vice Captain, he's probably assured of his rank in Kuchiki society. But his safety? I don't know. And more, whether he will be able to tolerate these continued attempts to erode his position and his integrity, either. Sensible as he should be – detached as he often is – he is not happy. And he has a temper."
"So he does." Mitsuki admitted. "Maybe that's what's worrying me. That he'll be provoked too far and lose it – and then wind up in trouble."
"Providing he stays quiet, keeps his head down and doesn't start talking about the night Ribari-sama died, I hope things will be all right." Ryuu said grimly. "Since I came back from Kinnya-sama's house, I have reflected on this and I have decided…if I must be the Kuchiki heir and if there is no alternative, when I return from the Academy with my graduation complete I will move to make sure that Senpai's position is safe and unchallenged. If I am appointed heir, Father will have no reason to push Shirogane-senpai aside, and more, I will outrank him and be able to tell him to stop. So in that case…it might be all right. If Senpai can keep quiet a little longer – if there is no other way around it, that is what I will do."
"And Ribari-sama?" Mitsuki questioned. Ryuu's eyes narrowed.
"It's my intention to understand what happened to him before I accept any position." He said quietly. "So preferably before I graduate. How much I can do away from home I don't know. But I haven't let it drop, Mitsuki. Mark my words on that – this isn't over yet."
"I can see the gates." Mitsuki turned her gaze back towards the window, reaching to unfasten the catch. "Yep, I really can - and we're starting to slow down. I can't see clearly who's on duty there, but...it looks like Kazoe-sensei came to meet us."
"I suppose an Unohana is as neutral as you can get." Ryuu murmured, and Mitsuki nodded, even as the carriage rolled through the gateway and juddered gently to a stop in the school courtyard.
"Edogawa-hime, Ryuu-sama, we have arrived." Almost at once one of Seiren's retainers rode alongside the carriage, bowing his head respectfully towards them as he dismounted his steed. "I am about to unfasten the door - please sit back so as you don't fall."
"All right." Mitsuki obediently shuffled back, and the man deftly loosened the catch, bringing down the steps and opening the door. Bowing his head once more, he held out his hand to help her down, and Mitsuki reluctantly accepted, realising that to offend an officer of Ryuu's father's retinue would not be a good idea.
Once she was safely on the cobbles, Ryuu made his descent, disdaining any assistance as he stepped out into the spring sunlight. He let out his breath in a sigh, and Mitsuki knew that he was just as relieved as she was to finally be here.
"See to our belongings." He told the retainer. "And that all is taken to our sleeping quarters quickly and correctly. Once you have completed that, you may ride back to District Six. We will not be requiring any further guard now we are back at the Academy."
"Ryuu-sama..." The retainer looked as though he would argue for a moment, but Ryuu fixed him with a steely look and the man swallowed hard then saluted, hurrying to bark out orders to his accompanying men. As the carriage became a hive of activity, Ryuu took Mitsuki gently by the arm, leading her towards where the Kidou instructor stood waiting.
"You made good time." He observed as they approached, his eyes sharp and searching behind his glasses. "You are not too tired, I trust?"
"No. Just glad to be back." Ryuu shook his head. "And eager to make up what time and ground our absence has caused."
"Your fellows are just finishing their weekly Ouyoudou meet." Kazoe turned to gesture towards the gymnasium, and Mitsuki was sure she could feel the mixed reiatsu of her friends at work. "You will not have much time to catch up in - there will be assessments for your year in three days time, and you will be expected to sit them along with the others. Therefore I suggest you speak to them more about academic matters than the reasons for your absence - do you understand?"
"We understand, Sensei." Mitsuki said gravely. "Honestly, we don't want to talk about that too much either. We'd rather just get back into a normal swing - wouldn't we, Ryuu?"
"Yes." Ryuu agreed solemnly. "And if there are assessments, we must try as best we can to prepare for them. Thank you for coming to meet us, Kazoe-sensei. We will both do our best not to shame ourselves when those arrive."
"Well, if you don't match your peers, this time it may be overlooked." Kazoe relented slightly, tapping his stick idly against the leg of his hakama. "I just wanted to be assured that you didn't intend on turning this place into a political hotbed of intrigue. But I can see that you have no such intentions - and so you may go and join your peers."
"Yes, sir." As one the two Kuchiki bowed, then, exchanging looks with one another, they hurried off towards the large school gymnasium.
"Sensei probably sent him to meet us on purpose." Ryuu observed as they reached the large stone outbuilding. "To make sure we weren't going to drag the Senior Class into the Kuchiki-ke's problems."
"That suits me fine." Mitsuki agreed. "And he's probably right. If we have assessments, it will be all we can do to pass - I'll be reading Sora's notes far more than I will be talking about back home."
"For once I will be borrowing others' notes and not lending my own." Ryuu mused. "And they seem to be finishing. Look, the door is open."
"MIII-TSUU-KIIII!"
Before Mitsuki could respond, a white and red blur shot out from the gymnasium, throwing herself on the startled hime with a delighted yell. "Oh, you really did come back today! I hoped you would, and I wanted to be there to welcome you, but here you are!"
"Sora-chan!" Mitsuki giggled, somehow managing to disentangle herself from her friend's eager embrace. "You don't need to screech - unless you want to deafen me! I'm here. You're here. We can talk at normal volume, you know."
"But I was worried about you." Sora pouted. "Still, you seem okay. And you're smiling. So I guess it's okay."
She hugged her friend again.
"I'm glad to have you back." She added. "There's lots of stuff to tell you and it will be so cool not to have a room all by myself any more!"
"Well, obviously you guys didn't intend on making a quiet return." Shunsui strode across the grass, casting the two newcomers a rueful grin. "You timed that badly, you know - if you'd held on a few days, you'd have missed our assessments."
"It's all right. We're happy to be back." Ryuu assured him. "And I am sure that we'll soon catch up with what we've missed."
"Are you all right, Ryuu?" Juushirou shot him a concerned look. "I mean..."
"I would be glad to talk of things other than my family at present." Ryuu said softly. "But I appreciate the concern. And yes, as you see. I am fine - and so is Mitsuki. We are simply happy to be back."
"You ought to go speak to Mi-chan before Sora steals her away." Shunsui nudged Juushirou, who reddened, shaking his head.
"Sora's been waiting too." He said crossly. "Don't tease me, Shunsui."
"Sora's not stealing me off anywhere, either." Mitsuki added, casting her excited friend a grin. "I'm glad to see everybody. And you seem well, Juushirou-kun - which makes me glad too."
"I've been pretty good, really, of late." Juushirou agreed pensively. "Lots of other things to deal with, so it's been a good thing."
"We should get away from here and go somewhere more peaceful." Hirata joined them at that moment, Kai and Enishi in tow. "Welcome back, Kuchiki-kun."
"That sounds like an idea." Enishi agreed. "You guys are probably tired, right? So you'll want to flop down somewhere and it's still an hour or so before lunch."
"Let's go into the forest and talk." Kai suggested.
"Works for me." Sora cast Mitsuki a quizzical glance, and she nodded her head.
"But where's Naoko-chan?" She asked. "Did you leave her behind?"
"I'm here." Naoko herself joined the group at that juncture, an irritated look on her face. "That stupid Minabe decided she was going to rip apart my sword technique just as the bell went. And of course, you can't tell her to shut up, so I was forced to listen to the end."
She cast Mitsuki a smile.
"Welcome back, Mitsuki-chan. You too, Kuchiki-kun."
"Then we'll head for the woods." Kai decided. He paused, then cast Ryuu a rueful glance. "Although before that I should tell you up front - you and I are room-mates this year, Kuchiki. Whether you like it or not - Sensei has spoken."
"Room-mates?" Ryuu stared at him, then he sighed, shrugging his shoulders.
"I have survived this long with you. I can survive a little longer." he said evenly, and Mitsuki shot him a pensive look, remembering what he had said in the carriage.
Maybe that will give him the chance he is looking for - to talk to Shihouin-kun about something that he doesn't know how to address.
"You're not bothered?" Enishi looked surprised, and Ryuu shook his head.
"I am a little too weary from travel and too happy to be back to concern myself over trivial domestic arrangements." He said simply. "And like I said, I have spent enough time in enforced company with Shihouin since the first year. I am sure I am equal to that task."
"Well, that works for me too. I don't really want to spend all of Senior year arguing with you over stuff." Kai looked relieved. "It's settled, then. For the time being, we have a truce."
"I wouldn't say it's something that clear-cut." Ryuu frowned. "But...we will not engage in petty disputes if they can be avoided."
"That...is a truce, Ryuu." Shunsui laughed. "But we'll let you have your semantics since you only just got back."
"Then bring us up to date." As they settled themselves in a favoured leafy area of the school's forestland, Mitsuki changed the subject. "What's been happening? I had one letter from Sora, but that's about it - neither of us know anything else of what's been going on here."
"I'm sorry." Juushirou looked guilty. "I wanted to write to you both, but I thought it might be...seen as..."
"Probably it would've been." Ryuu said frankly. "It's quite all right, Ukitake. You needn't look so ashamed."
"Getting any messages in and out of District Six's ruling Clan is complicated at the moment." Mitsuki sighed, stretching out on her stomach and resting her chin in her hands. "It's so peaceful here. I could probably fall asleep given a little time and silence."
"Long journey, huh?" Sora asked, and Mitsuki shrugged.
"We came through the tolls, so it wasn't so bad." She replied. "But I am more tired than I thought. I suppose that's the after effect of living on a knife edge - it's just nice to be back."
"It's not been entirely peaceful here, though." Hirata looked troubled. "Our class is mixed with four former fifth years and...there has been...some negativity."
"Negativity?" Ryuu was surprised, and Juushirou sighed.
"Towards me." He admitted sadly. "Because I'm Anideshi, and District, and a Fourth year who's made the jump over them."
"It's really that idiot Yamamoto more than anything." Kai said with a snort. "Sorry, Houjou. I know he's your kinsman. But he is being an idiot about it. He thinks he should be Anideshi, so...hence Ukitake is public enemy number one in his book."
"Sounds to me like a spoiled child who needs a spank." Ryuu muttered, and Shunsui burst out laughing.
"You know, that is what I've missed." He said honestly. "The way you say things like that without warning. You're exactly on the ball, Ryuu. He does."
"It's not that bad." Enishi protested. "Sure, he's not happy, and he's being unreasonable. But that's only because he doesn't know Ukitake properly yet."
"He has quite bad manners at times." Naoko said thoughtfully. "But his friends don't seem quite as unpleasant about it. I don't really care about the politics - if Ukitake-kun is Anideshi, that's fine by me. But Souryou-kun and Michihashi-kun don't know Ukitake-kun either, Houjou-kun. And they aren't stomping around the place looking as though they were robbed."
"In short, it's a matter of bruised pride." Kai remarked.
"Well, I'm not letting him get to me." Juushirou said evenly. "I'm just going to do my job and that's that."
"Like anyone doubted that." Kai said wryly. "Well? What are we all doing now? I was going to go put the final touches to my Hohou paper since Uebashi said he wants them on his desk before breakfast tomorrow and I'm still not done writing my conclusion. Houjou, did you still want me to read over yours? Because if you do, now would be a good time."
"If you don't mind." Enishi nodded. "I've more or less got it, I think, but I'd like a second opinion."
"Then that's what we'll do." Kai got to his feet, flashing the others a grin. "Kuchiki, I'm sure you'll find our room with no problems, but if you're stuck, I'm sure Ukitake will give you a point in the right direction."
"I am quite capable of reading door labels on my own." Ryuu said evenly. "But," As Kai gave him a wink, then grabbed Enishi by the arm, hauling the taller boy off across the grass towards the school building, "Ukitake, it does seem that I must ask of you one favour at the very least. Mitsuki and I cannot submit papers on things we have not studied, but we are expected to sit the first assessment tests in three days time. It seems Kazoe and the other teachers intend to keep us busy so we have no time to meditate on politics back home and it will be a welcome distraction. I imagine of everybody's, your notes will be the most in order. Therefore I would be grateful if you would allow me to look at them."
"Meaning that mine aren't good enough for you?" Shunsui pretended to look hurt. "Ryuu, that's mean."
"Your notes tend to look as though a spider has tried to drown itself in the ink and then staggered across the parchment in its final death throes." Ryuu said archly. "And I have only a short amount of time – certainly not enough to devise a cipher as well as learn the information."
"I feel crushed." Shunsui's eyes danced with amusement, and Mitsuki knew he was not crushed at all.
"Ryuu, that was harsh." She scolded lightly.
"But true." Ryuu offered her a faint smile. "And you should be thinking on the same lines. You heard what Kazoe told us."
"Mitsuki can have my notes." Sora said quickly. "I ranked higher than her and Naoko both on last year's tests, so my notes will be all right – won't they, Mi-chan? You can read my writing."
"I can, and thank you." Mitsuki nodded.
"Then perhaps if the three of us went back to the dorm, we could go over some of the things Mitsuki-chan is missing together." Naoko suggested. "We have a little time now, and it would give us time to catch up on things without interference."
"Meaning that we're interfering, I suppose." Shunsui observed.
"Boys often do." Naoko shot him a withering look, then got to her feet, holding out a hand to her friend. "Well? I might not rank quite as high as Sora but I can help."
"And we can help Mi-chan settle in." Sora nodded, bouncing to her feet and hauling Mitsuki upright before she could react to Naoko's words. "We're going. I can't wait to show you our room – I'll have a room-mate at long last!"
"Hey, calm down!" Mitsuki protested, laughing. "I'm tired! Take it slowly, all right? I know you're excited, Sora, but…"
"I've missed you." Sora said simply. "So has Nao-chan. So don't argue, okay?"
"Sora's worried about you." As the three girls tracked their way across the grass, Naoko shot the newcomer a pensive look. "And I am too, a little bit. You do look tired, Mitsuki. I know you probably don't want to – or can't – talk about it, but…"
"I don't know, really." Mitsuki sighed, rubbing her temples. "It hasn't…been nice. And I don't want to talk about it a lot. I don't think Sensei would want me too, either. But…being back with you both…is making me feel a lot better. A lot more normal. I'm not used to being at the centre of Clan affairs – but I haven't been able to escape them this time."
"I heard a rumour that you were quite the heroine, in fact." Naoko mused, and Mitsuki shook her head slowly.
"I helped Shirogane-senpai, and maybe I did save his life." She said cautiously. "But I couldn't do anything to help Ribari-sama, and I…I can't heal everyone who gets hurt. I suppose I realised that most of all – that I'm still a long way from being the kind of healer Retsu-sama is."
"Most everyone in the Unohana healing squad is also that way though, Mitsuki." Sora looked concerned, linking her arm in her friend's reassuringly. "And you just said you did save Nagoya-senpai's life, right? So you should be happy about that. Even if he was stuck up and ungrateful about it."
"No…he wasn't." Mitsuki shook her head hurriedly. "He wasn't at all. Actually, with everything, I think we've become friends. And yes, I am…glad I could do that. That I could make some difference, even if it was only a very little bit."
"Nagoya-senpai." Naoko's eyes looked thoughtful. "He was Anideshi here, wasn't he, some years previously?"
"Yes." Sora wrinkled up her nose. "He's quite a haughty so-and-so – some Kuchiki son in favour with the head of the Clan and knows it too. But…if he was grateful to Mi-chan and if Mi-chan considers him a friend now…I guess maybe he's not so stuck up deep down inside."
"He is…very proud." Mitsuki said thoughtfully. "And he can react sharply and harshly to situations and to people. But he isn't…nasty, Sora. And he was very close to Ribari-sama, so he's hurting a lot at the moment, too. I was just…trying to help him, I suppose. Because I could feel how sad he was, even after he started to get better. And so…we became friends. We've talked a lot recently."
She dimpled.
"He was the one who trained Juushirou-kun to get his sword, and Juushirou-kun respects him, too." She added, a faint pink colour touching her cheeks.
"Juushirou, huh?" Sora rolled her eyes, offering her friend a grin. "I knew it. You've been missing him, too, haven't you? Being holed up like that in District Six, you must've missed him a whole lot."
"I…" Mitsuki faltered, then she slowly shook her head.
"It wasn't like that." She said honestly. "I was…quite glad really…that Juushirou-kun didn't write to me when everything happened. I was quite glad that…he was nowhere near any of it. I didn't want him to be near any of it."
"You didn't want to see Juushirou?" Sora stared, and Naoko shrugged her shoulders.
"Mitsuki's reaction is normal, Sora." She said frankly. "Clan issues are Clan. Ukitake-kun remains far beyond Clan. His bloodline would have made any contact difficult and inappropriate, especially with Mitsuki being cast so much into the gaze of her Clan leader."
"It's not that." Mitsuki sighed. "It was more that…I didn't want him to get dragged into it. Because he's partly Kuchiki, and because it's a bad connection…I wanted him to be well away from it all. In case it was dangerous. Because bad things have already happened, and I don't think they're going to stop yet. Nobody knows why Ribari-sama was killed, not even Guren-sama and certainly not me. Until that's resolved, I don't think the Kuchiki-ke is very safe. And because of that…"
She trailed off, then,
"I missed Juushirou-kun a lot." She admitted with a frown. "I won't lie about that – I did think about him. But he did the right thing to stay out of it, and I did the right thing not contacting him, too. This isn't his problem, it's a Kuchiki problem. His family is in District Six, and his aspirations of becoming a Gotei Shinigami in the spring depend on him having a blemish-free copybook among the Clans and their heads. Nobody at the main house would forgive him trying to interfere in this the way he got involved with the Endou-ke or Shihouin-ke's problems. We're a different kind of Clan."
"So you'll protect him from it? That's sort of romantic." Sora grinned, and Mitsuki blushed, shaking her head.
"I didn't mean it like that!" She said hurriedly. "Juushirou-kun is my friend. He'll always be my friend. I'm not going to push him away or stop speaking to him or anything like that. I'm just…not going to involve him in problems that aren't his. That's all. Does that seem unreasonable to you?"
"It seems perfectly logical to me." Naoko assured her. "Ignore Sora. She's hyperactive because you're back here – that's all. You make sense, Mitsuki – it would do Ukitake-kun no good at all if he was to fall into the black books of the Kuchiki Clan."
"Naoko-chan, you're so unromantic." Sora protested, and Naoko snorted.
"Romance has nothing to do with it." She said pragmatically. "Mitsuki and Ukitake-kun are just friends by their own mutual admission. And you know as well as I do that a District shinigami must have the permission of the Clan in whose District they reside to enter the Gotei. Ukitake-kun obtained Guren-sama's agreement when he released his sword, but that favour could be withdrawn quite easily. Mitsuki's judgement is completely sound."
"I suppose so." Sora sighed. "Growing up is a pain, though, with all of those big political things to have to wrestle with."
"I've never had to before." Mitsuki admitted. "But the last few weeks have opened my eyes to how dangerous the Clans can really be. And…to the fact that I…I suppose I am a Kuchiki deep down. Even though I'm a healer, what happens in this District affects me. People there are hurting, and I don't like it. Guren-sama. Shirogane-senpai. Even Ryuu, though he's bottling it up far more than he ought to. Tensions are rife. Suspicions too. That kind of atmosphere affects me more than it would most people…it's a real relief to be away."
"You and Nagoya-senpai really have become friendly, haven't you?" Naoko looked thoughtful, and Mitsuki nodded.
"I'm worried about him, being back there on his own now Ryuu and I are here." She admitted. "It's hard to explain, but it feels like we're the only allies he really has at the moment…and he's still not over Ribari-sama's murder at all."
"No accounting for taste, I suppose." Sora reflected. "But Nagoya's a tough fighter. He's a shinigami, a squad Vice Captain, and more than capable of fighting his own corner. More than either you or Kuchiki, so you shouldn't worry about him."
"Mmm, I know." Mitsuki's eyes became troubled as she remembered the confrontations she had somehow managed to diffuse. "But it isn't really that which concerns me. I can't put it into words – not properly. Just that I have a very bad feeling…and that we shouldn't have left him. That's all."
She shook her head as if to clear it, offering her friends a rueful smile.
"But we have assessments in three days, and I'm probably a long way behind." She added. "So lets head to the dorm and go over those notes, all right?"
"If you're sure." Sora looked doubtful. "But if something's troubling you, Mi-chan, you can talk to us – you know that, right?"
"I know, and I do. I have already…probably more than I should." Mitsuki acknowledged. "For now, though, let's just study. I've had enough of the Kuchiki intrigue for a while – in exchange, Kidou notes and Hohou theorems even sound vaguely appealing."
"Well, if that's what you want." Sora shrugged, but nodded her head. "Naoko and I will help you as much as we can to catch up, so let's go."
"It seems a little backwards, somehow, that you're the one borrowing my notes for a change."
Juushirou set the pile of notebooks down on the library desk, watching as his companion ran his finger along the shelves of books for the ones he was seeking. It was only a short time later, for Ryuu, eager to catch up on what he had missed had pressed Juushirou to let him read through the study notes as soon as possible, and so Juushirou had acquiesced, suggesting they go to the peace and quiet of the library in order to go over the term's lessons to date. Privately, the white-haired boy was concerned about his Kuchiki classmate, but Ryuu had quickly agreed, and so, forty minutes before the bell rang for the midday meal found the two boys in a secluded alcove of the library's study section, hunting up likely textbooks that would help to flesh out Juushirou's handwritten scribings.
"I don't suppose they're up to your standard, either – but if they help, then I'm willing to lend them."
"I'm grateful." Ryuu paused to offer his classmate a grateful smile. "I don't imagine I will get my grades up to my usual rank within three days, but to have something to focus on at present is helpful and I am glad of it."
"I'm not going to ask you questions about District Six, don't worry." Juushirou settled himself beside the window of the little study alcove, casting his companion a pensive look. "Because it's not my business and even Sensei has made it clear it's not something that anyone outside should interfere in. But even though that's true, Ryuu, we are your allies. You know that, don't you?"
"I do. And it is enough for now." Ryuu nodded, pulling a thick Kidou tome from the shelf and absently brushing the dust from its covers. "Thank you, Ukitake. I appreciate your understanding and your concern."
He set the book down on the table, taking the seat opposite his friend and flicking it open.
"And I am sure you have some concerns about your family's well being, too – do not worry. My Clan are not in the habit of involving the lower orders in their disputes. I am sure they will remain quite safe."
"I'm not worried about them." Juushirou replied. "Kai said the same – that the Kuchiki tended to keep their disagreements within noble ranks. I won't say that that's a good thing – but…"
"It is better than civil war. Yes." Ryuu nodded, then he sighed, resting his hands on the book's cover.
"In truth, I am tired." He murmured. "Very tired, and not just physically. The last few weeks have been some of the hardest I have ever had to face. For that reason, I am not sure how much of this I will absorb in a short space of time. But I would appreciate it if you helped me nonetheless. I don't want to take your books from you when you probably need them yourself, but…it seems that education in Senior Class moves at a fast pace, and I need to find that pace quickly if I am not going to be left behind."
Juushirou eyed Ryuu keenly, noticing the shadows under his eyes and the slightly pinched pallor of his cheeks and he frowned, pursing his lips. Despite his anxiety and his curiosity, however, he did not ask any questions, instead reaching for his Kidou notebook and pushing it across the table.
"Most everything we've covered in Kidou theory since term began is stuff we've gone over before." He said frankly. "Practical has meant we've been reviewed on all the spells we should've learnt up to the point of last year's exams – Kazoe-sensei did a random spot test on us all from first year spells upwards just to see what we could remember. Other than that, though, we've had to write a paper about battle techniques and strong Kidou versus lesser Kidou and tactical thinking – that was submitted yesterday, so you're probably exempt from that. I think the assessment will be something tactical too, because Kazoe's theory lectures so far have been much more about the active use of Kidou in confrontation as opposed to just the mechanics."
His eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"Although now I think about it, I do remember him making some throwaway remark about re-reading the last chapter of a particular text book." He added. "I have a copy in my room at the moment, so you can borrow it later, if you like. It isn't a book we've studied – last year's Fifth years did – so I took it out of the library at the first opportunity and I've been reading it on and off between other things."
"Very well." Ryuu nodded, and Juushirou could tell he was relieved by the change of subject. "I have managed to do some extensive reading this past break, believe it or not, and so if it is incantations, I may well be able to muddle through. Things like tactical awareness should not be a problem either – but I should like to look at that volume if I may. If Kazoe mentioned it, likely it is of some import."
"I thought so too." Juushirou agreed. "There's a reference copy here still in the library somewhere, but it's been in high demand – so I've already let Hirata and Kai borrow the one I have on loan. I've read it, so if you like, you can have it until the assessment. It might help."
"That would be helpful." Ryuu flicked through the pages of Juushirou's neat Kidou notes, scanning the contents with tired grey eyes. "And at least your kanji is legible. While it is true that Kyouraku may be a highly skilled individual, I did not really want to have to spend time trying to work out his characters."
"Shunsui's writing is unique, kind of like him." Juushirou grinned. "My sensei when I was growing up would have been cross, though, if I hadn't learnt my characters correctly and neatly. It's thanks to him that I know as much kanji as I do – with the stuff we're given to read here, I'd quickly fall behind if I couldn't follow the texts."
"Some of them do use extremely awkward and antiquated vocabulary." Ryuu agreed, sitting back in his seat and stifling a yawn. "But I must admit, Ukitake, that your wide knowledge of such things has always i…impressed…me."
He stifled another yawn, and despite himself, Juushirou laughed.
"Perhaps you'd do better going to the dorm and taking a nap rather than trying to absorb complicated theories." He suggested lightly, and Ryuu frowned, shaking his head.
"I have not slept easily for a few days, it's true." He admitted. "But I do not really…want to sleep. I should sooner keep my mind busy. It's just b…been a long journey and I…I suppose that alone has taken its toll."
He yawned again, meeting Juushirou's gaze sheepishly.
"You are probably right." He added. "But please, for the time being, humour me. At least if I can wear myself out completely, I might be able to sleep without disturbance until the morning bell."
"Ryuu…" Juushirou bit his lip, but slowly he nodded.
"All right." He agreed. "If that's what you want."
"What have you covered in the other classes? I know you had a Hohou assignment, but what about Sakusen?"
"Sensei's been giving us open debate sessions, pretty much." Juushirou said thoughtfully. "He says that we have all of the pieces now, but its up to us to put them together properly. He hasn't given many details, but there are rumours that the bulk of this year's Sakusen grade doesn't rely on classwork at all, but something else. A project, or an expedition, or…something else. None of us know for sure, though, what that is. Not even me, though I've been asked."
He grimaced.
"Being Anideshi does not make me Sensei's repository." He added wryly. "There's still plenty that I don't know about what this year is going to hold."
"That's quite an admission coming from our most Senior Senior student."
Before Ryuu could respond, a fresh voice cut through the discussion, and both boys turned to see Akira standing beneath the alcove's archway, his gaze flitting from one to the other.
"You aren't invincible, huh, Ukitake? That's good to know."
"Can I help you, Yamamoto-kun?" Juushirou's brows knitted together. "As you can see, Ryuu and I are studying, and he has stuff to catch up with, so unless you've something important…"
"That book, if you don't mind." Akira cut across him, reaching out to indicate the volume that lay open on the desk at Ryuu's side. "I've spent the last ten minutes looking for it – I should have known it would be you that had it."
His gaze lingered briefly on Ryuu for a moment, then,
"Should I know who you are?"
"I imagine not, seeing as this is the first time we've happened to speak." Ryuu shut the book with a snap, pushing it across the table pointedly. "But even if you lack the manners to correctly introduce yourself, I won't be so lax. My name is Kuchiki Ryuu. And you might be?"
"Kuchiki, huh." Akira's eyes narrowed. "I see. So you're one of our missing classmates, then – loitering around in District Six observing family rituals instead of making it back to school on time. Well, each to their own, I suppose."
He shrugged.
"Yamamoto Akira." He added off-handedly. "Though if you really didn't know that, the Kuchiki are more insular than I thought."
"Yamamoto-kun, do you have any idea what's been going on in District Six?" Juushirou began, but Akira snorted, casting him a disparaging look.
"I am Clan. I imagine I know far more than your peasant grapevine has allowed you to find out." He said disparagingly. "Pipe down, Ukitake. I know all right – that some Kuchiki bocchan got cut down in his own territory and that his kin have been flapping around doing nothing about it except cause confusion among themselves. The Yamamoto are a far more organised Clan when it comes to matters of this nature."
Ryuu's eyes darkened, and for a moment there was silence. Then, in icy tones, he spoke.
"Sensei would be most aggrieved if he knew how ill-mannered one of his noble kinsfolk was." He said acerbically, his cold gaze boring into Akira's own defiant one. "However, since I have been raised to use good manners, I have no intention to rising to your bait. Whether it is I or Ukitake who you wish to rile, you are wasting your time, as well as ours. We have assessments to study for. I suggest you take the book,"
He patted it firmly,
"And go find some more useful endeavour, since we do not have time to indulge you here."
"Ryuu." Juushirou put a hand on his friend's arm, feeling the tension running through the other boy's body, then he turned to Akira, who was already bristling with indignation.
"I am not going to referee a fight in the library over anything." He said firmly. "You can go of your own accord, Yamamoto-kun, or we will go – but I won't tolerate any more of this. You've crossed the line, because Sensei has made it clear we're not to bother Ryuu or Mitsuki about what happened in District Six. If you continue, I will be forced to report you."
His eyes hardened.
"And don't think that because you're his kinsman, or a fellow Senior, I'll balk from doing it." He said grimly. "Because it doesn't matter to me. I'll do it regardless – so if I were you, I'd take the book Ryuu's giving you and go."
Akira stared at him for a moment, then an unpleasant look entered his gaze. He snatched up the book, turning as if to leave, but at the last moment he swung back, fixing Juushirou with a black look.
"You think you have power over everyone." He said quietly. "You'll learn soon enough that you don't."
With that he was gone, and Juushirou let out his breath in a rush, sinking back down into his seat.
Ryuu pursed his lips, tut-tutting softly under his breath.
"So that is Yamamoto Akira." He murmured. "I was right to term him a spoiled brat. What an unpleasant personality."
"I think it depends who gets him." Juushirou sighed, rubbing his temples. "You're tainted on first meeting because you're here with me. And he seems to hate me to an irrational level. I can't read it – I just know that he does. He's not like this with Enishi, and his friends are…fairly benign most of the time. Michihashi-kun doesn't seem to like arguments and Souryou-kun speaks his own mind and makes his own decisions about things. But…sometimes Yamamoto-kun is…very hostile towards me. And…I'm sorry it spilled over onto you and your Clan too because of it."
"I don't believe it's your fault, if someone else behaved in an unacceptable way." Ryuu said simply. "And we were studying. So we should continue."
He paused, trying to stifle another yawn, and Juushirou sighed, shaking his head.
"For now we're going up to the dorm." He decided, getting to his feet and gathering his books together. "You'll drop this afternoon, otherwise, and I won't be responsible for that. Even if you don't sleep, it'll be more peaceful there and you can read without interruptions. Sensei wants to speak to all of us in the Gymnasium after all normal classes are done for the day, but we have nothing else timetabled between now and then. You might miss lunch, but you look like you need sleep more than food at present."
"You have obviously already forgotten the identity of my room-mate." Ryuu said dryly, and Juushirou looked surprised.
"I thought you and Kai had a sort of truce over this already?" He asked. Ryuu nodded.
"Yes." He agreed. "But even so, I would not term it exactly, 'peace and quiet'."
He sighed, running his fingers through his thick dark hair.
"But…perhaps you are right." He acknowledged reluctantly. "I'm not particularly hungry. I am probably too tired to read or think coherently, and I am going to snap at people who annoy me until I have managed to get some rest. Perhaps here I will sleep more soundly than at home – in either case, perhaps that would be for the best."
"Then I'll show you where your room is." Juushirou decided. "And you can get to moving in."
He was running out of time.
As Tsunemori cowered in one of the storerooms that led off the main corridor, he clenched his fists tightly, fighting against the panic that threatened to well up inside of him.
Twice he had got up his nerve to make it as far as the Senior corridor, but twice the sound of voices had made him retreat and now, in his lonely, dusty hiding place, he contemplated miserably the path ahead of him.
First three girls, then, a short time later, Anideshi himself followed by another boy who Tsunemori did not know. They had not noticed him, but the longer he had lingered, the more his nerve had broken, and he drew a shaky breath into his lungs, trying to calm down.
I can't do anything while they're there. But...I have class this afternoon, and...and...
Slowly he pushed open the door of the storeroom, padding sadly down the corridor towards the stairs that led to his own dorm.
If I miss that, Kazoe-sensei will probably use his stick on me. He doesn't like late people or lazy people. And I'm already in Uebashi's bad books enough. But...then when...when...
"You look troubled, kid."
A hand reached out suddenly from a study room along the hall and he gasped as he found himself roughly yanked inside and wheeled around to face the speaker.
"K...K...Kamaki...senpai?"
"Hello, Tsukabishi-kun." Azusa offered him a benign smile. "Well? I wondered how you were doing with your little errand?"
Tsunemori reddened, struggling to pull his arm free.
"I...not...yet." He said unsteadily. "Because...right now...they're there. In the rooms. I can't..."
"I see." Azusa tut-tutted. "But you are planning on doing it?"
"Y...yes." Tsunemori dropped his gaze. "I will. I will do it. So please, senpai, don't..."
"We had a deal." Azusa clapped his hands down on the boy's shoulders, but Tsunemori was not fooled by the false joviality in the other's tones. "But your time is running out. Ah well. Lucky for you today is a good day."
He laughed.
"I'm in a good mood, suddenly." He reflected. "And so I'll tell you something I found out that might help you. Two things, actually."
"Senpai?" Tsunemori sent his companion a wary look, and Azusa tut-tutted.
"You shouldn't look at someone like that when they want to help you." He scolded. "You should listen to me."
"Sorry." Tsunemori's cheeks reddened again. "What is it, please?"
"Number one, it seems Anideshi is not in the habit of locking the Nest." Azusa dropped his tones, and Tsunemori felt the other boy's fingers dig deep into his bony shoulders. "And two, Genryuusai-sensei has called a meeting of the Senior Class in the gymnasium this evening after general classes end. Do you see what I mean? If Sensei has called them...of course they'll all go. And then..."
"The Senior landing will be empty." Tsunemori's heart twisted in his chest. Azusa nodded.
"Yes." He agreed. "So that's your chance. While they're away from their stronghold, as it were."
He chuckled.
"I'm counting on you, Tsukabishi." He added pointedly. "So whatever you do - don't let me down."