Chapter Twenty Two: Nanaki's Gambit
"This meeting is adjourned."
Guren got to his feet, offering his companions a tired nod of the head as he gestured for them to withdraw. One by one they did so, offering their bow to the head of the Clan before leaving the chamber, and soon only Seiren and Guren remained in the spacious council chamber that had been used by generations of Kuchiki going back as far as Clan records did.
Seiren stood, pausing as he met his brother's gaze, and at his look, Guren sighed, shaking his head.
"I know you are not happy." He said quietly. "But I have made my decision, Seiren. I know you want your son's claim to be acknowledged, and I had intended to made a firm statement about that tonight. But events yesterday have made me more cautious. I won't risk more young lives - please understand that."
"You haven't ruled out the idea of Shirogane inheriting this family, have you?" Seiren's question was a direct one, and Guren started, then shrugged his shoulders.
"That would mean a change in the Clan's laws." He said wearily. "As you well know, to achieve that I would have to have a majority vote among all the Clan landholders. I'm not oblivious, Seiren. I know that you've spoken or written already to almost every one of them asking them to back Ryuu's claim."
"Oniisama?" Seiren looked startled, and Guren nodded.
"I would have acted the same in your place." He admitted. "Therefore I have said nothing about it. I do know, however, that you have had many favourable responses."
"This evening I received the last." Seiren agreed. "Not a single one of the communications I've received indicate any plan to oppose Ryuu as your heir. Therefore I had assumed it to be a formality."
He sighed.
"Guren-sama, I must speak with you frankly about Shirogane." He said quietly. "You asked me to observe him, and so I have. You believe him to be well now, but I don't see that as being the case. I have never heard him speak with such reckless abandon as he has done since Ribari-sama's unfortunate death. I think...there is a very real danger that the effects of whatever poisoned him have lingered in his system longer than we thought."
"You dislike Shirogane because you see him as competition for Ryuu." Guren replied levelly. "On those grounds, Seiren, it's difficult for me to know how much faith to put in your opinion. I trust you - I have trusted you ever since Father died and you have never let me down, not once. But I know that Ryuu is everything to you in terms of the future. When Ribari was born, you accepted him as my heir. I think you were the first to do so - to bow down and acknowledge a newborn as your future Lord. I was happy, then - because I knew you put the Clan ahead of your own hopes for your son. But now those old wounds are open once more. Masane is not here to see it, and nor is my own wife. But I am...and it pains me."
"I do not like Shirogane." Seiren admitted. "And I never much have. But the issue of the succession is a matter of bloodline, nothing else. The Kuchiki have always defined status on the father's bloodline. Yet Shirogane's was designated on his mother's at Masane's request. You...well, I admit, I also - were always soft on her. We always gave her her way. But he is not...the same as Ryuu. Even if Masane had been a brother, even then..."
"You are right, of course." Guren nodded. "Ryuu's bloodline is correct. And I have not refused him as my heir, either. Seiren, I need to know him first. I have never had that chance - your son has never been as much in my line of sight as Masane's. I want to know who Ryuu is before I name him. And that he can take this job on. You are his father - you know him, and you have insight that I don't. But because Father trusted this Clan to me - I can't betray that trust. I have to be absolutely sure in my successor before I can name him as the next head of the Kuchiki. You understand that too, don't you? Even as a father who wants his son to succeed."
Seiren sighed, nodding his head.
"Yes. I understand. And I accept it." He said reluctantly. "I know you're right - Father would have wanted you to be sure. And I know Ryuu, so I know you will be able to gain that knowledge, too. He is a good candidate, Guren-niisama. Please do not discard him lightly."
"On the contrary, I do not intend to discard him at all." Guren smiled faintly, reaching out to rest his hand on his brother's arm. "I intend to do my utmost to reach a position where I can accept your son as my heir. The Kuchiki would rest easier that way, and so that is my intention. You should trust me too - as I trust you."
"I will." Seiren returned the smile with a hesitant one of his own. "I'm glad we spoke about it, then. I wanted to know your mind - and now I am put somewhat at ease. But even so, Niisama, my worries about Shirogane..."
He faltered, then,
"I am concerned about behaviour of his - both openly and behind closed doors." He said softly. "I do not speak as an ambitious father, now, but as a worried member of your inner court. Several times I have had the impression he knows something - perhaps remembers something - from the night Ribari-sama died. He has just chosen not to speak about it. He is more prone to losing his temper, too. And...I don't feel that, at present, he is acting entirely on his usual wits."
"Then I will take your concern and reflect on it." Guren promised. "You are right - he has seemed more quick to react of late than I have known him before. But I had put it down to frustration over being so deprived of action. Now he has a job and I believe he will carry that out. He is my Vice Captain - whatever else he is not. And I trust him, Seiren. My son did too. If Shirogane can help find justice for Ribari - then I believe he will settle down."
"I hope you are right." Seiren bowed his head, knowing that he could not raise the subject of the letters before his brother without explaining in detail the cryptic threats contained in their words. "Thank you, Oniisama. Good night."
"Good night." Guren acknowledged the gesture with one of his own.
"Seiren-sama?"
As Seiren withdrew from the court chamber, Shibata shot him a quizzical look, and Seiren started, eying him in surprise.
"Shibata? But...you did not follow Shirogane?"
"No, sir." Shibata shook his head apologetically, falling into step with his companion as they made the short journey back through the winding halls to Seiren's well-positioned and generously appointed study. "I know you instructed me so, sir, and I apologise. But he was cast from the chamber on Guren-sama's instruction - and I did not feel I could overrule that. I thought...I understood that...Guren-sama had ended our observation of him. And so..."
"For now, I suppose, it's all right." Seiren sighed, rubbing his temples. "The meeting was a little more complicated than I thought, but I am still confident that Guren-niisama understands what must happen next. He has said to me that he intends on trying to reach a point where naming Ryuu as his heir is possible. I will keep faith with that and try and get on with my other duties in the meantime. You too, Shibata."
"Yes, sir."
"In the meantime, we know we have the support of the influential Kuchiki - even Kinnya-ojisama." Seiren mused. "And that will help my brother form his opinion."
He looked sheepish.
"This is important to me." He admitted. "More even than I realised it was. But..."
"Seiren-dono, I beg your pardon for interrupting, but please, stand back." Shibata held out his hand suddenly, darting in front of his companion and approaching the study cautiously. "I think...I heard something coming from inside. Someone is here...please, be careful."
"Someone?" Seiren's fingers slipped automatically towards the expensively crafted katana that hung at his waist, even as Shibata pushed back the door, leading the way inside. Now he could hear it too - but it was not a sound of aggression but instead the soft sobbing of a young girl.
"What the...?"
As he stepped into the study, Seiren saw the pitiful figure for the first time, huddled on the floor in front of his desk. Her arms were bleeding, her dress torn, and red patches on her skin were already beginning to darken to an ugly purplish hue as she raised frightened, hopeless blue eyes to his dismayed grey ones. At the sight of him, she burst into more floods of tears, scrabbling around on the floor to bow low before him.
"Who are you, girl?" Shibata demanded, but Seiren held up his hand, indicating for his manservant to step back. Shibata did so, clearly not happy about the order, and Seiren paused at the edge of the tatami mat, bending down to touch the young woman hesitantly on the shoulder.
"Raise your head and explain yourself." He said quietly. "This is not the place for conduct such as this."
"S...S..Seiren-dono." The girl did as she was bidden, gulping back her tears as she raised her head. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I...I...I..."
She faltered, swallowing hard as her eyes darted fearfully towards Shibata, and Seiren sighed.
"Shibata, you're frightening her. Please, wait outside. I will deal with this alone."
"But Seiren-dono...surely..." Shibata was concerned, but Seiren flicked his fingers towards the sword at his waist.
"I can defend myself against one young girl." He said dryly. "Please. Wait outside. I will handle this situation - whatever it happens to be."
"Yes, Seiren-dono." Shibata's expression became one of displeasure, but he bowed his head, obediently withdrawing from the chamber and shutting the door behind him.
Now left alone with the sobbing maidservant, Seiren sank down behind his desk, casting her a quizzical look.
"Well?" he demanded. "Why is there a maid crying her heart out in the middle of my study? What..."
"Seiren-dono! Seiren-dono, I've come to you for...for...for sanctuary!" The girl scrambled to her feet, making Seiren jump as she rested her hands on the desk, bowing her head low before him once more so that her thick tail of black hair brushed against the surface of the wood. "Please, please hear me. Please here what I must say. Even though I realise to you I hold no status or position, I still...I must speak to you."
"You must speak to me?" Seiren's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, you must?"
"About something important." The girl raised urgent blue eyes to her companion. "Even though you might not believe me, I have to pray that you will, else all might be lost!"
Seiren was about to open his mouth to respond, when something glittering at the girl's throat caught his gaze and he frowned, reaching out a long finger to touch it. The girl flinched back instinctively, and Seiren hesitated, then lowered his hand.
"I wasn't going to touch you." He said quietly, seeing that the young woman was close to hysterics. "I was just curious...about what you were wearing around your neck."
The girl nodded, reaching with shaking fingers to unfasten the chain before dropping it down on the desk before him.
"This is my explanation." She said, her voice trembling. "I should have known a great Lord like Seiren-dono would see it right away. I should have...but I was so afraid. I thought I was going to b...be k..k..killed!"
"Killed?" Seiren scooped up the pendant, glancing at it, and then doing a double-take as he registered the insignia. "Wait a minute. This is...?"
"My father's l...last gift to me, before I never saw him again." The girl admitted tearfully. "I...I realise dressed l...like this, you have no reason to believe me. But m...my name is K...Kyouraku N...Nanaki. And...and I was b...born in District Eight."
"District Eight?" Seiren swallowed hard, gripping the pendant tightly in his hand. "But this is...then this is..."
"My f...father was the previous Lord of the Kyouraku, though Tokutarou...sama does n…not choose to acknowledge h...him." Nanaki sniffled, reaching up to dry her tears as yet more fell. "He w...was defeated in a c...civil battle and t...took his own l...life rather than b...be arrested. Before that, I was...sent into exile. Because people w...wanted to kill me."
She swallowed hard.
"My f...father had allies in District Seven." She whispered. "So I and those with me f...fled there. But when S...Shouichi-sama started purging people with s...spirit power, some of th...those sent to protect me were hunted and killed. I...I escaped to District Six and...and I came here, h...hoping one day I c...could reveal myself and ask for aid to...to reclaim Father's manor in District Eight as m…my right i…inheritance. But...instead..."
She closed her eyes, as though struggling to compose herself, and Seiren's mind whirled.
"And now you think is a good time to ask for such a thing?" He demanded sharply. "Even if you are a hime of the Kyouraku, that District is the least of our concerns and its politics none of our business. We have no quarrel with the leaders there – nor a firm pact of alliance that requires a Kuchiki to act in their favour. Therefore if you have come to beg for aid before me, you have come to the wrong place. Go to District Five and grovel before Kyouki-sama – maybe she will hear you more favourably than my brother or I."
"No. No, you don't understand." Nanaki's eyes became wide with dismay and fear. "The Shiba are allies of my cousin Tokutarou and would probably kill me on sight. Besides, it's not that. I...I'm fine here. I can...I can live. Even in this lifestyle, I can...I can manage. But...then Ribari-sama was...was k...killed...and..."
A shudder ran through her body.
"Yesterday, in the stable-yard, I w...was there." She whispered. "I...I s...saw it. All of it. I s...saw what happened."
"What?" Seiren's irritation was gone in a moment and he stared at the girl in disbelief. "I understood nobody had witnessed that scene. Now you tell me that you did - and yet escaped with your life?"
Nanaki nodded mutely.
"You'll forgive me if I don't easily believe you. Having seen the bodies of the men..."
"I wasn't in the yard itself. I...I was some way away from it on an errand and I heard the screams." Nanaki whispered. "And then I saw...I saw him."
"Him?"
"Dressed in black, with golden eyes." Nanaki's skin was pale, her fingers twisting together as she recounted her story. "I w...was frightened, so I hid."
"Golden..." Seiren's stomach lurched. "You're telling me the person who killed those men had golden eyes?"
Nanaki nodded again.
"But yet you weren't close enough to see clearly?"
"I didn't see his features very clearly, because he was all...all robed in black." Nanaki admitted, her fingers gripping at the desk for support. "But I knew. I knew, because...at the end, he turned and looked right at me. And I saw it...his eyes, staring right into me. And it made me remember..."
She closed her eyes as another shudder ran through her body.
"The assassins that Tokutarou-sama and his father sent after my family." She whispered. "He looked...the same. A...A Shihouin. And the Shihouin are now the allies of the Kyouraku, and so I…I am afraid."
Seiren's brows knitted together, taking in the girl's demeanour carefully. She was physically trembling, as though she had gone into some kind of shock at the memory, and with a jolt the nobleman found that he believed her account. That she truly had seen a gold eyed assassin kill the stable staff.
But...
"If he saw you, why did he not kill you?" He asked out loud, and Nanaki started, staring at him in confusion.
"Mm?"
"This assassin. If he saw you - knew you - why did he not come after you?"
"I...I ran. As soon as he looked, I ran." Nanaki confessed. "Into the house, away from the stables, as far as I could get. I didn't think...he'd follow me that far. And he...he didn't. So I didn't say anything, because...I thought it might make people aware that I was here. With that pendant...I might come into danger. Tokutarou-sama and his family hate my family, so I didn't want to draw attention to myself. Since they signed papers with the Shadow Cat, I knew the only place I could be safe was in a District where Shihouin were mistrusted. That was here…under Kuchiki rule…but now…and then…"
"And then...?"
"Tonight I was fetching water for the kitchen before I returned to my home in the village and I saw them. Talking. And they saw me." Nanaki's voice was little more than a murmur now. "And so he came after me. And he threatened me. And I thought I was going to be killed! But I got away...somehow I got...I got away..."
She swayed slightly, and Seiren realised that his companion was really not far from passing out.
"Who threatened you?" He demanded, reaching across to grab the girl by the shoulders. "Who did you see talking – that gold-eyed assassin was here tonight?"
Wordlessly Nanaki shook her head.
"No. Not him." She said. "I heard them...they said that...the only thing to do was kill the true heir of the Kuchiki Clan. Not Ribari-sama, but…but the other heir. The one who isn't here now. Your son. Ryuu-dono. That's what they said. That they had to destroy the...the true line of...the Kuchiki Clan. That...your son's claim...was...too dangerous..."
She swallowed hard, and Seiren tightened his grip, afraid she was going to fall headlong.
"Nanaki? Who did? Who said those things...tell me now? Who was talking to those assassins - who?"
Nanaki was quiet for a moment, moistening her lips as though struggling to form the words. Then, at length,
"Shirogane...dono." She murmured, and Seiren felt as though a knife had been plunged right through his gut.
Shirogane. So I was right. He is involved. He does know...things he shouldn't know. And maybe...he knows more about Ribari-sama too. Maybe his loss of memory was all a lie - maybe his poisoning was all a distraction. Maybe it's all been a lie - and Ryuu is in danger, even now.
As Nanaki's body went limp, Seiren muttered a curse under his breath, hurrying to catch her before she fell headlong.
"Shibata! Shibata, summon a doctor! The wench has fainted - I think she's gone into shock."
"Seiren-sama?" Shibata appeared at the door, his eyes widening at the sight of the young girl slumped unconscious in his master's arms.
"What happened?"
"She's been assaulted, by the hands of my nephew, or so it seems." Seiren said grimly, gently laying the girl down on the floor. She did not stir, her face still ash pale, and he frowned, holding up the pendant that the girl had carried to the light.
"More, she carries the crest of our neighbours but one, the Kyouraku." He added. "It seems she's an exile from that family, taking shelter here from land allied to the Shihouin. The crest is quite genuine – that much is easy to tell. Her life may still be in some danger – I want her to be protected until we know for certain what that danger is."
"An exile from District Eight?" Shibata came to kneel beside the fallen girl, reaching to examine her hands one by one. He nodded.
"Her fingers show some wear from working, but she has fine hands which are probably not used to long term hard labour." He agreed solemnly. "I doubt she would have had any way to put up a fight against anyone if they had chosen to hurt her."
He glanced at his companion.
"But Seiren-sama, you said that this was…Shirogane-sama's handiwork?"
"That is what the girl claimed to me, before she collapsed – either from her injuries or from simple fear." Seiren agreed, speaking in low, even tones as somehow he managed to contain his temper. "And we both know how erratic and unpleasant my nephew has become in the days since Ribari-sama died. It appears that Shirogane may know something more about Ribari-sama's assassination than he's told us – perhaps even that he was involved in it himself."
He got to his feet, dusting his clothing down.
"More, he has been plotting against Ryuu – I knew his attention to my son lately was a dangerous omen! Doubtless he has befriended Mitsuki so that Teitou would put forward foolish suggestions such as he did tonight, too. He seeks to inherit this family – a snake in the grass that even I didn't see clearly until now."
"Shirogane-dono…was…?" Shibata was stunned a second time, and Seiren nodded.
"So it appears. But before this goes to my brother, Shibata, I need to speak to him – him and I alone, while I ascertain his reasons, his motives and what he thinks he knows that might do damage to this Clan." He said softly. "I am quite sure now that there is something and that whatever it is would be detrimental to my brother's peaceful leadership in District Six. This girl needs a doctor too – she's stable enough and breathing, but bruised and battered and her arms are scratched and bleeding."
He sighed, suddenly weary.
"She was quite terrified, Shibata. Clan hime or common maid, that my nephew has sunk to such a level where he would assault such a young girl…"
"I see." Shibata's eyes darkened. "Then what would like me to do, Seiren-dono? I will act exactly to your word as you command me."
"Go now. Fetch someone who can treat her, and watch over her till she wakes." Seiren instructed. "Her testimony will be important in the days ahead. And then...and then gather some men and go and find Shirogane. No matter where he is or what he's doing, I want him brought before me this evening. Whatever method you have to use to restrain him, do not hesitate to use it. I will speak to my nephew tonight, and find out what he knows."
"What do you intend to do with them, Genryuusai-sama?"
Back at the Academy, it was Retsu's voice which broke the uneasy silence, and at the sound of it Genryuusai sighed, rubbing his brows as he felt a dull ache begin to spread across his skull.
"Wilful boys, taking decisions into their own hands." He murmured. "What would you do, Retsu? Three of my best students –behaving recklessly and roaming the country, using shinigami techniques and fighting Hollows. They could have all been killed…as it is I will have to explain to my Clan why one of my students chose to release his sword in protected territory. More, that it was Juushirou...when I already begged Hashihiko's indulgence by not choosing his son as my Anideshi."
"I see." Retsu looked thoughtful, moving across the chamber to the window and casting a pensive glance out at the dark night sky. "It's a heavy night tonight, don't you think, Genryuusai-sama? They must be frozen to the bone from the rain. They truly did appear as drowned rats this evening – I don't think I've ever seen any one of them quite like that."
"That's avoiding my question, I think you'll find." Genryuusai arched an eyebrow, and Retsu spread her hands.
"If your mind is made up, I won't be able to change it." She said sensibly. "And besides, I know that arguing with my Sensei is no wiser than it would be for one of them to do it."
"I want to hear their reasons. All of them, for such a reckless act." Genryuusai admitted. "It puzzles me why, if they were so concerned about a missing First year, they did not report his absence to a member of staff. But they haven't done that – they've simply gone out on their own into the most awful weather to track him down, regardless of the risk to themselves or to him when they found him."
"Perhaps they remembered their own First year." Retsu mused. "When Senior students went into the mountains to rescue Kyouraku-kun and Ukitake-kun."
"Yes, but on my order, not of their own volition." Genryuusai groaned. "This year group are always like this for me. They are talented, yet they try the limits of my patience and my rules, push boundaries and take the law into their own hands. It's a wonder that none of them have so far been killed – tonight I find myself wondering yet again how that is possible."
"Because they want to live." Retsu turned from the window, her gaze drifting towards the door of the small ante-chamber where Tsunemori had been tucked up safely in bed. "And become part of Seireitei's future. That in itself is enough to drive them forwards. There is a great…expectation among the students of the Senior class this year, Genryuusai-sensei. It makes me curious to see where those talents they're so keen on polishing are going to take them in the end."
"Perhaps that is true." Genryuusai acknowledged gravely. "Though enthusiasm can go too far. Retsu, I'm fond of those boys. Each one of them is like a son to me in their own way. I do not want to lose any of them. But I can't simply ignore what is a blatant breach of school rules just because of that fact."
"Because you favour them, you will be twice as strict?" Retsu asked lightly, and Genryuusai nodded.
"Probably. You are astute tonight, Retsu."
"Ah, or I remember what kind of a Sensei tutored me when I was young and eager to learn." Mischief danced for a brief instant in Retsu's clever eyes. "I understand how fondly you view your students, Genryuusai-sama. I have had the fortune of being among their number, and I know how dear you hold us all."
She sighed.
"But I think...you are doubting them this evening." She added pensively. "And that surprises me. You have never doubted them before - I wonder why this time."
"Doubting them?" Genryuusai shot his junior a startled look, and Retsu spread her hands.
"You have given them their heads in the past, and allowed them to make up their own minds." She said softly. "This year more than any other they must do that. We have not heard their stories yet - possibly I will not hear those confessions, although I understand as well as you what occurred. You're worried because Ukitake-kun broke a law of District One and you will have to explain it to your Clan. But perhaps you should be looking at it from a different angle."
"A different angle? Such as?" Genryuusai eyed his former student thoughtfully. "I'm listening, Retsu. Your perception is different from mine and I don't always agree with it. But I respect it all the same - please share your view with me."
"Tonight, Ukitake-kun took down a Hollow in the forests of District One." Retsu settled herself down on the end of one of the empty sick beds, folding her hands in her lap. "With the power of his zanpakutou, Sougyo no Kotowari. That is what happened. Do you agree?"
"Yes. I agree." Genryuusai acknowledged.
"How would you expect a trained shinigami to behave when faced with such a situation?" Retsu's eyes twinkled. "Did not your Anideshi just react as a shinigami ought? Is that not what you have taught him to do?"
"I admit that's the case." Genryuusai agreed. "But to do so in breach of regulations and rules and the laws of this region, Retsu, that's another matter. I can't overlook it, just because he acted like a shinigami. Juushirou knows that law. I'm sure he released his zanpakutou knowing that law. What he should have done was take the boy and escape. Instead, he released his weapon and fought. He had no right to do that."
He rubbed his temples.
"Shunsui and Hirata only broke curfew. Their crimes are easy to overlook with a simple word." He added sadly. "But I...don't know about Juushirou."
"And as I said, Genryuusai-sama - I am surprised how easily you doubt him." Retsu said simply. "Especially before you have heard him speak."
Before Genryuusai could open his mouth to respond, there was a thud from the ante-chamber, followed by a shuffling sound and then the door slid back, revealing a pale-faced, anxious looking Tsunemori. He was on all fours, dragging his injured leg behind him, yet he pulled himself determinedly through the divide before dropping into a huddled heap on the floor.
"What are you doing?" Retsu asked quietly, though from the tone of her voice Genryuusai suspected she had known full well that the boy was not only awake but listening intently to the conversation beyond. "You are meant to be resting. It's late."
"I'm s...sorry, Unohana-sensei." Tsunemori's voice was barely more than a whisper, and Genryuusai could feel the genuine terror in the boy's aura. "But I…I heard what you were saying. To Sensei. What Sensei was saying. And…and…"
He gulped as Genryuusai fixed his gaze on the youngster, trailing to a stop, and the old man frowned.
"And you felt that you should play a part in the conversation too?" He asked lightly. Tsunemori swallowed hard, his face white, but he nodded, and despite himself the old man could not raise a rebuke.
"There is something you believe Genryuusai-sama should know about?" Retsu questioned, and Tsunemori nodded again.
"Please, Sensei…please don't…don't do bad things…to An…An…Anideshi." He begged falteringly, tears glittering in his eyes as he shuffled awkwardly across the floor towards where the old man stood. "It…it was…my fault. Senpai…didn't report it…because he d…d…didn't want you to p…p…punish me."
"Punish you? For leaving the grounds unauthorised?" Genryuusai lowered his gaze to meet the young boy's, and Tsunemori shook his head.
"For…for t…trying t…to steal h…his z…zanpakutou." He whispered, and Genryuusai's eyes widened.
"What did you just say?"
Tsunemori gulped again, wilting under the old man's stern gaze, and Retsu sighed, crouching at the boy's side and sliding her arm around his shoulders.
"Will you explain from the beginning what happened today?" She asked gently. "Because we don't understand what you're telling us – but we want to know the whole picture. If it will make you at ease too, Tsukabishi-kun – please, tell us what you know."
"Some…people…m…made me steal Anideshi's zanpakutou." Tsunemori lowered his gaze. "They…they s…said if I didn't, they'd m…make sure I g…got kicked out. So I…I had to."
"Who said that to you, Tsukabishi?" Genryuusai demanded, and Tsunemori's eyes became fearful. Fervently he shook his head.
"I can't say." He said hurriedly. "If I do, they'll kill me. I know they will. They said they would. So I…I can't. I can't."
"And these people told you to take Ukitake-kun's zanpakutou?" Retsu asked curiously. Tsunemori nodded his head.
"They w...wanted me to throw it in the river." He admitted, the tears trickling down his ashen cheeks once more.
"And you didn't know how to stand out against them?" Genryuusai murmured. Tsunemori lowered his gaze.
"I was frightened." He whispered. "So I…w…went to his room while you w…were all meeting. But…a girl came there and she took me by surprise. I d...don't know who she w...was, but she…she took the sword off me and I…I knew she'd report me so I r…ran away. I was scared…I thought that I'd…I'd be in trouble, so…I left the school and w…went to hide. But I fell and h…hurt my foot. And then…the Hollow came."
"The Hollow attacked you?" Retsu was alarmed.
"S…senpai stopped it." Tsunemori said miserably. "Senpai saved me, Sensei. Because he used h…his sword. The s…sword I almost t…took from him. He s…saved me with that s…sword."
"What he should have done was take you and escaped the area using his shunpo." Genryuusai said grimly. "He knows that as well as I do. Even if he acted to save you..."
"He couldn't." Tsunemori was petrified now, but somehow he stood his ground. "Sensei, it was because...I was stuck. By the tree. I couldn't m...move. And the Hollow came. And S...Senpai had to...to stop it. Because it w...wanted to kill us. Both of us. S...Senpai took it away fr...from me using his s...sword. And fought it. And when he beat it, he c...came to help me. He c...cut me free. But while the Hollow was there...he...couldn't. And...that's all."
Genryuusai's eyes widened at this broken, stumbling account.
"This is the truth, Tsukabishi?" He asked gently, and Tsunemori nodded his head sadly.
"Senpai is k...kind, even though I did a bad thing to him." He murmured mournfully. "And I...I didn't want him to g...get punished. Because h...he s…said he w…wasn't going to report me, so that I w…wouldn't get sent away. But I d...don't want him to be sent away e...either. Because he s…said I should believe in my own ability. And that he th…thought I wasn't weak."
"Well, then there it is." Retsu cast Genryuusai a glance, offering him a slight smile. "You should probably go to your office, Genryuusai-sama. Some sorry Seniors will be waiting for you."
"I will speak to them about this." Genryuusai's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "And tomorrow, Tsukabishi, we must talk more about what kind of people put you up to such a reckless act. More, what made you so afraid that you couldn't resist them. I won't have bullying in my school - so I want to get to the bottom of it."
"I...can't." Tsunemori shook his head frantically. "Sensei, I can't. They know something...I can't tell you. And they'll...I can't. Please...don't..."
"For now, you would do best to go back to bed and sleep." Retsu reached down to pat him gently on the head. "Don't worry about Ukitake-kun. I also don't believe he should be punished for acting out his training...especially since it seems clear now why he behaved as he did. I won't allow anything bad to happen to him on your account. I promise."
"Retsu, can I remind you whose school this is?" Genryuusai raised an eyebrow, and Retsu offered him a serene smile.
"Of course." She said evenly. "But I am Ukitake-kun's medical representative, as appointed by you when first he began here. And his body will not take too much more strain this evening. He understands the severity of what has happened, and that itself is a learning curve. I'm sorry, Genryuusai-sama. I will not let you discipline him for saving the life of one of his juniors."
Genryuusai sighed heavily, but something in his former student's gentle gaze made him realise that he was beaten.
Though truthfully, I am relieved. That there was another reason...why Juushirou didn't simply take the boy and flee.
He nodded.
"I will go to my office, then, and speak to the three of them." He reflected. "Perhaps they can add a few more details to this story once they know that Tsukabishi has spoken to me."
"And I shall tend to my patient." Retsu said lightly. "Good night, Genryuusai-sama."
"Hrmph."
Genryuusai turned on his heel, pushing back the sliding door and stepping out into the hall. It was not a long walk between the Healing Bay and his own study, and by the time he had settled himself properly behind his desk, there was a tentative knock at the door.
"Come in." He said soberly, and the divide slid back, revealing first Juushirou and then his two companions.
Genryuusai gestured for them to stand before his desk, taking each one of them in in turn. Shunsui's demeanour seemed nonchalant, but Genryuusai knew him well enough to realise that it was largely an act, and when he thought he wasn't being watched, his gaze kept flitting to Juushirou as though he was concerned about something that he wasn't ready to say out loud. Hirata's pale blue eyes were also clouded and troubled behind his glasses, his fingers twisting together absently as he stood silently before the desk, and Genryuusai was suddenly struck by the similarity between the Endou heir and the young District boy who had fled into the forest to hide from his tormentors.
But Hirata has grown into an effective young man. Even if he is not ever the loudest voice, what he says often holds merit.
Genryuusai rubbed his beard pensively.
I'm sure he saw that too. That Tsukabishi was just like him, the day he fled Seimaru's clutches and started to forge his own path. The way that young rascal looked at me in the Healing Bay was just the same as the way Hirata looked at me the first time I spoke to him about his Clan. Perhaps tonight has been a turning point for Tsukabishi in a way I hadn't expected.
He drew his gaze to the centre of the group, running it slowly over Juushirou's tense form. His Anideshi's expression was even and calm, but there was something in the hazel eyes that told the old man he knew the severity of what he had done. A faint flush to his pale cheeks reminded him of Retsu's words about the boy's physical condition, and his lips thinned as he realised the arms folded across the boy's chest were not in defiance but rather a defensive gesture, protecting his frail body from penetrating eyes.
"You three." At length he spoke. "Well, in your own words, please. What possessed you to run out into the rain to play hide and seek with a First year?"
"The blame is mine, Sensei. It was my decision."
Before either Hirata or Shunsui could speak, Juushirou had raised his voice, his words calm and even although there was a flicker of fear in his expression. "I decided to go into the wilds to look for Tsukabishi. I decided not to inform you or any other member of staff what had happened. It was my decision."
"And I suppose that I'm meant to believe Shunsui and Hirata don't have minds and wills of their own?" Genryuusai looked sceptical. "I beg to differ. I know full well that you like to lead your companions and often do, Juushirou. We've discussed such things before. But I also know that Shunsui is not one who's easily led, and that if Hirata's made up his mind to something, he will see it through regardless of what anyone else says."
"We chose to go of our own volition, Sensei." Shunsui agreed gravely. "I couldn't find Tsukabishi, and when I told Juu, he said he was going to look. Hirata and I decided to go too. We weren't asked to. We just decided we would."
"And we have no intention of letting Juushirou-kun take all the blame." Hirata added firmly. "Even if he thinks he should."
"Hirata!" Juushirou shot his friend a startled look, and Hirata returned it with a reproachful one of his own.
"You're not responsible for everything that happens." He said frankly. "And you should only take the blame for things you are responsible for. Otherwise you'll cause misunderstandings."
Genryuusai's eyes widened slightly at the unexpected criticism, and despite himself, Juushirou's cheeks flushed a deeper red.
"I was just saying that it was my decision." He murmured. "And it was. That's all."
"Very well." The old man gathered his wits. "So far as I see it, Shunsui, Hirata - the both of you chose to break curfew by choice, but neither one of you did anything more than that when in the forest. You neither one of you released your swords, correct?"
"We didn't, Sensei." Hirata agreed quietly, and out of the corner of his eye Genryuusai saw Juushirou flinch. However, he ignored it, focusing instead on the other two.
"Seniors have to obey certain rules about leaving the school, just like any other student." He said levelly. "And they must report things such as missing students to a member of staff. Those aren't things I should have to tell you - either of you. There is a good chance for both of you to wear haori in the future - please bear in mind that your choices carry weight and you must live with the mistakes you make."
"Yes, sir." Both boys murmured, and Genryuusai sighed, gesturing to the door.
"You are both dismissed." He concluded. "No, Shunsui, I don't want to hear it," As Shunsui's lips parted to protest. "Juushirou and I have a few more things to say before I'm finished with him. Go to bed and to sleep. This does not concern you."
"We should go." Hirata shot Juushirou a worried look, but reached across to take Shunsui by the arm. "Come on, Shunsui-kun."
He dropped his voice, and as he guided his reluctant classmate towards the door, Genryuusai was certain he heard the younger boy say,
"We can wait for him at the Nest, but let's not make his situation worse now."
Until the door had closed fully behind them, however, the old man did not speak, observing the final remaining student carefully all the time. Juushirou was uncomfortable, he knew that. Anxious and apprehensive about what was about to be said, but also in some physical discomfort, and Genryuusai pursed his lips.
"Sit down, Juushirou." He said quietly, gesturing to the cushions that lay before the desk, and Juushirou started, staring at him in confusion.
"I should rather you sat down than fell down." Genryuusai explained. "You've taken some harm from this evening, I think - and I don't want to make that worse."
"I probably deserve it." Reluctantly Juushirou did as he was told, and Genryuusai felt a little bit of the tension seep out of the other's aura as he took the weight off his feet. "I'm sorry, Sensei. I know you're cross with me, and I don't really have an explanation. I know I shouldn't have released Sougyo, or fought the Hollow. I know that I broke an important law and...and that the punishment for that will be...be harsh."
"Mm." Genryuusai's eyes narrowed. "But you have no explanation for me as to why you did it?"
"I...wanted to help Tsukabishi-kun. Because he was in trouble, and hurt." Juushirou said unevenly, and Genryuusai realised with a jolt that the boy was only just fighting against the spasms in his chest. "I reacted...stupidly. I know that. But..."
"Why did you not report to me that the boy was missing when you first realised it?"
Juushirou looked stricken, and Genryuusai eyed him keenly.
"You can't answer that?"
"I..." Juushirou wavered for a moment, then shook his head. "I suppose I just wanted to do something as Anideshi. To prove myself, or something. I don't really know why else. It was silly."
"I see." Genryuusai's lips twitched into a faint smile. "And so you don't know anything about an attempt to steal your zanpakutou?"
It was impossible for Juushirou to look any more floored, and Genryuusai nodded.
"Tsukabishi told me." He said quietly. "That he had gone to your room at the behest of another to steal your zanpakutou and throw it in the river."
"The...river?" Juushirou swallowed hard, his fingers unconsciously going towards Sougyo no Kotowari's hilt as if to protect it. Genryuusai nodded solemnly.
"And that he was caught at the scene, so left the sword and fled the school proper." He continued gravely. "Out into the stormy weather. Are you going to tell me you knew nothing of this?"
"Tsukabishi-kun...told you that?" Juushirou seemed bewildered, as if unsure what to say, and Genryuusai nodded.
"The boy seems to like you. Admire you. Even to the point where he'll speak up for you, although he was petrified raising his voice to me to do it." He said softly. "I've told you before that you have a particular effect on those around you. Tonight, you seem to have reached out yet again. I know, Juushirou, because he told me - that you weren't going to tell me about the invasion of your Nest so that I wouldn't punish him for it. But he told me he didn't want to see you punished for it either. Because you used that sword he tried to steal in order to save his life."
Some of the tension seemed to seep out of Juushirou's body at this, and he rested his hands on the floor, taking a deep breath into his battered lungs.
"What you did this evening was wrong, undoubtedly." Genryuusai continued. "You released your sword without permission, and you didn't report something you should have reported to me or another member of staff. You know that - I don't need to tell you that."
"Yes, sir."
"But Retsu-dono reminded me of something else." Genryuusai sighed. "That this evening you acted like a shinigami. On instinct, you did what you'd been trained to do. And she's right. In the situation, there was nothing else you could have done. Not reporting the boy's disappearance to me was reckless, but it has gained you that child's loyalty, and given him the strength to speak up in your defence. You realise how strong a power that is, I hope? More, because you used Sougyo no Kotowari, you and he both live to see another day. I had not appreciated that his foot had been trapped, but Tsukabishi told me that, too. He said you freed him - after the Hollow was beaten."
"It kept...he couldn't control his spirit power, because he was afraid." Juushirou whispered, and Genryuusai half wondered if the boy was going to pass out, for his skin was pale and he was trembling. "I could...hold back mine, but he...and so the Hollow kept going back towards him. And then the Cero...I'm sorry, Sensei. I'm sorry I was reckless. But I didn't want to see a Hollow kill anyone else. And I felt like it was my fault. That he'd had to steal my sword because...someone made him. Someone I'd made hate me."
"Do you know who those people are?" Genryuusai asked, and Juushirou shook his head.
"He didn't tell me." He admitted, raising his gaze. "I don't know, and I won't accuse without evidence. Just, I don't think it was him. I mean, I don't think he wanted to hurt me. Hirata said...that he had things going on and that they would spill over sooner or later. I wasn't able to reach him in time, so...I think some of it is my fault too."
"I will tell my Clan that you released your zanpakutou to save a life that otherwise would have been lost." Genryuusai said frankly, getting to his feet and coming to help his student to his. "And we will say no more about this incident. You are tired and battered, and you have a lot of things to think about."
"You...aren't going to punish me any further?" Juushirou was startled, and Genryuusai shook his head.
"I don't think it would help anything if I did." He admitted. "You are my Anideshi, and...now I understand what happened...I'm relieved. Just...promise me that in future you will report any missing students to me directly before going off to save them?"
"I promise." Despite himself, Juushirou managed a faint smile.
"Then go. Go to your room and sleep - you look like you need it." Genryuusai said gently. "I can tell you're not feeling at all well, so if you want to go to the Healing Bay, I'm sure Retsu-dono wouldn't turn you away."
"No...I just need to rest. Now I'm warm and dry, I just need to sleep." Juushirou shook his head. "Sensei...about Tsukabishi-kun? Will...he be...?"
"I intend on finding the truth out, but I won't punish the boy, no." Genryuusai shook his head. "Because he showed some spirit tonight to defend you. And when I saw that, I remembered another scared young boy who you guided forward into a strong, capable young man. Perhaps I hope the same will happen again."
"You mean Hirata?" Juushirou asked.
"Yes."
"He said that himself. Hirata. That he understood Tsukabishi's feelings because he'd been in the same position." Juushirou looked thoughtful. "Hirata's really very clever about stuff like that, Sensei. If he hadn't mentioned it to me, I don't know that I would've understood...quite as well as I do why Tsukabishi was upset."
"Don't underestimate yourself, my boy." Genryuusai rested his hand briefly on Juushirou's arm. "But for tonight, that's enough. Go. I won't expect to see you in my class tomorrow unless you really feel you're up to it. Understand?"
"Yes, sir."
"Can you make it back to your room alone?"
"Yes. I can, sir." Juushirou got to his feet, resting his hand on Genryuusai's desk for a moment to steady himself before shooting the old man a rueful look.
"I always cause you trouble, don't I?" He murmured, and Genryuusai laughed.
"The best students always do." He reflected, resignation in his expression. "Because they have the spirit to push for what they believe in. Go on with you. Quickly, before I change my mind about being so lenient."
"Yes, sir." Juushirou bowed his head, hastily withdrawing from the study, and as the door closed behind him, Genryuusai sighed.
Tsukabishi spoke in Juushirou's defence, and Juushirou reached out to protect Tsukabishi, even at his own cost. I've chosen an interesting Anideshi this year. No doubt what he says is true - he's the kind who will continue to cause me trouble so long as he's within my reach. But in some ways, I'm glad of it. Retsu is right. He is a shinigami, now. More than he even realises. And though tonight was foolish...it has let me see clearly that my faith in training him was right.
He folded his hands pensively in his lap.
Well, who knows? Perhaps...my ideas for his future are not so farfetched after all.