Chapter Thirty: Shinkei's Discovery
"You sent for me, my Lord?"
Takeshi stood before the desk in Tokutarou's study, apprehension clear in his dark eyes. He was the picture of a perfect soldier, Tokutarou reflected, setting his brush down and scrutinising the young man's appearance carefully for signs of strain. His uniform was neat and tidy, the badge of his unit and Tokutarou's own gleaming on the breast, and at his waist hung the empty scabbard which usually housed his sword, polished and clean as if like new.
It was against Kyouraku law for any retainer below Yasuhiro to bear arms in the private quarters of the lord, so here too Takeshi was obedient and accurate to the letter. But in spite of his flawless outward appearance, Tokutarou could see almost at once that Yasuhiro's concerns had had some foundation. Neat and proper the man might be, but there was disarray and confusion in his eyes, and the stiff way in which he stood before his master told more of inner tension than it did of a soldier standing to attention.
"You may be at ease, Takeshi." Tokutarou pursed his lips, taking in the young features and the anxiety that festered deep in the depths of his companion's gaze. "You probably realise that I've sent for you for a reason – but you aren't in any particular trouble."
"Sir?" Takeshi's stance did not alter, his expression becoming wary, and Tokutarou sighed.
"Yasuhiro came to me and expressed some concerns about your situation." He said gently. "It's not my habit to interfere with men of my retinue – that's something I leave almost entirely in his hands. But Yasuhiro is concerned that these are things of a…delicate nature. And your own circumstances mean you are a little…different from your fellows in some regards."
Takeshi did not respond, and Tokutarou rested his hands on the desk, continuing slowly.
"There are, apparently, some tales in the barracks that your fellows seem unsettled by." He said quietly. "There is no way to beat around the bush, so I'll simply ask you straight out. Are there problems in your married life, Takeshi?"
"Problems in my…married…life?" Takeshi started, staring at his master in bewilderment. "No sir. No problems at all that I know of. Chihiro and I are quite fine."
"I see." Tokutarou's eyes narrowed. "Then I'll be even more plain about Yasuhiro's concerns, shall I? Some of your fellow soldiers have reported to him the presence of a certain known prostitute within the vicinity of your property in recent days."
Takeshi visibly stiffened, and it was Tokutarou's turn to be surprised by this apparent support for his retainer's suspicions.
"So you do know something about that, at least?" He asked gently.
Takeshi's cheeks flushed red, and he shook his head.
"Has someone said I've been taking up with a courtesan, Tokutarou-sama? Because things like that are slander and I'd take a sword to anyone who suggested it! Chihiro and I don't have that kind of problem…and with all respect, sir, I have my pride as a husband and a man too! I made my vows to one woman and I don't intend on straying – so whatever rumours have been spread about, there's no truth in them at all!"
Tokutarou tilted his head on one side, absorbing this reaction carefully. There was righteous indignation in Takeshi's expression now, and Tokutarou was sure that had he had possession of his sword, and had his companion been one of equal rank, the weapon would have been drawn. But there was still something unsettled in the young soldier's dark eyes, and it bothered Tokutarou more than he liked to admit.
"I know it's not my business to intervene in such personal things." He admitted at length. "And I'm sorry for the fact that I've become involved. You've probably guessed the reason why I have – that anything which concerns Chihiro-dono might have other repercussions with other people. That being the case…"
"I haven't done anything to disrespect my wife, sir." Takeshi said flatly. "And I have no intention of doing so. Even if she wasn't the sister of Shunsui-sama's good friend, I would feel that way. I love my wife a good deal – and I wouldn't hurt her for the world."
"Then something else is concerning you." Tokutarou said reflectively. "Some other reason why you asked Yasuhiro-dono about the presence of Shihouin in District Eight, and why this prostitute was lurking around your property in recent days?"
Takeshi was silent for a moment, and Tokutarou's lips thinned.
"I will not discipline you for infidelity or lapses in judgement in your personal life." He said quietly. "But if you lie to me, Takeshi, that will be considered in a different light. Whether you see this as my business or not, I have asked you a question. I would like you to answer it. The Shihouin are valued allies and trade partners of the Kyouraku Clan. Therefore whatever your reason for involving them – I would like to know."
Takeshi bit his lip, and Tokutarou saw a flicker of consternation in the dark eyes. There was another long pause, and then, at length, the soldier sighed.
"I cannot," He said honestly. "be as frank as you wish me to be, Tokutarou-sama. I am sorry for it, but I cannot. I have given my word and I must not break it. Somebody's life may be in jeopardy if I do."
"And this somebody…is one even my position could not protect?"
"On the contrary, sir, I think the opposite to be true."
"The opposite?" Tokutarou's eyes widened. "That my protection would somehow put this person in danger?"
"I think it might help to make her a target, sir." Takeshi admitted. "By bringing her into the spotlight and making people aware of her existence all the more. Perhaps…even more than that."
"And by her, I presume you are talking about this prostitute that Yasuhiro's men have seen in recent days?" Tokutarou did not miss a beat, and Takeshi faltered, staring at his Lord in stricken silence. Tokutarou nodded.
"Then tell me what you can tell me." He said calmly. "And I will not ask the things that you cannot."
Takeshi groaned, running his fingers through his thick dark hair in clear agitation.
"A prostitute was murdered recently." He said at length. "At least, she disappeared. Her house was burnt from the inside, and she…disappeared. It seems improbable that she's still alive, though not impossible. The other night, another prostitute's house was invaded and she was attacked. That prostitute knew the one that vanished very well. She is also a friend and student of my wife's – Chihiro has been teaching her to letter and to sew, and that is the connection between my family and the girl the soldiers saw. She is the guardian of two young children – and so she came to us in hopes of sanctuary, knowing that a soldier's home would be harder for an assailant to breach."
"And you agreed to this?"
"For the sake of my wife's friendship – and the safety of the young ones – yes sir. I did."
"I see." Tokutarou tapped his fingers absently on the desk. "So this is a local matter? A development in an investigation related to town law and order?"
"Yes sir. It is." There was honesty in Takeshi's expression, and Tokutarou nodded, clicking his tongue against his teeth.
"It seems you've gone a little beyond the call of duty in taking this prostitute in." He reflected. "But I understand your circumstances now you have explained them clearly. Also why you don't want to bring such a person to my notice. As well as having a negative impact on your family's situation, if the Clan was to offer shelter in such an instance…it might make the situation far worse."
He grinned ruefully.
"I don't consider myself a proud man in that respect – I prefer to think I'm quite a realistic individual most of the time." He added. "But shielding a prostitute when I have a wife and young son to protect…might draw unwanted attention from some of my kin."
"Yes sir." Takeshi pursed his lips. "The…the courtesan in question said likewise. That she didn't want…to draw unnecessary attention. If not for the children, I'm sure she wouldn't have even come to us."
"And the Shihouin? How does that connect to all of this?"
"I don't really know myself." Takeshi admitted. "But Riri…I mean, the courtesan – she said that the person who attacked her was dressed all in black. All she saw was his eyes – and they were gold. I didn't…we weren't trying to make accusations against members of the Shihouin Clan!" He added hastily, as Tokutarou's brows knitted together in consternation. "But we could not think…what other people have golden eyes."
"The Shihouin, bar none." Tokutarou murmured. "As far as I'm aware, Takeshi, only people with some strain of Shihouin blood are ever born with golden eyes. It's a distinctive Clan feature and one the noble family in District Two are very proud of. But you say this attack happened at night?"
"Yes sir."
"And in the dim light, I suppose a mistake could have been made?"
"It could, sir. That was one reason for my asking Yasuhiro-dono."
"And of course, even if the attacker had gold eyes, they could be simply someone with some level of distant Shihouin blood, not a pure-blooded Clansman anyway." Tokutarou sighed. "On the one hand, any citizen of District Eight in distress should have justice. But on the other…I can't imagine what benefit attacking prostitutes would have to a member of a foreign Clan."
He raised his gaze, meeting Takeshi's with an equally preoccupied look.
"There are things you haven't told me, by your own admission." He murmured. "I wonder if those things would make my feelings on the subject different. There is a reason this prostitute was attacked, I'm sure. There are probably hundreds of courtesans working in this area – yet only two have been attacked. Two with a connection to one another. There is something else, Takeshi, isn't there?"
Takeshi frowned.
"I gave my word." He whispered. "I cannot break it, even to…even if you…"
"Your wife values this friendship that strongly?" Tokutarou was surprised, and Takeshi nodded.
"She does, sir. I'm sorry. I understand if you discipline me – but I can't say more than I already have. I was hoping not to draw attention to the matter at all – but I'm not particularly good at subtlety in these situations."
Despite himself, Tokutarou grinned, shaking his head.
"I like when a man has his own convictions, and when one keeps his word." He acknowledged. "Frustrated as I am by your answer, I won't punish you for that. I'm relieved that Yasuhiro's fears are unfounded – but your words have concerned me nonetheless. For that reason, I will tell you this. To my knowledge there are currently no Shihouin in District Eight. Though some are due to cross borders for the spring trading, none have yet done so. There should not be anyone who fits the description of this courtesan's assailant. And so if you find any further information on that matter – I would like to be informed."
"Yes, sir." Takeshi bowed his head, and Tokutarou flicked his hand towards the study door.
"Then you're dismissed." He said quietly, seeing the relief in the young man's eyes as he made his salute and fled the chamber. As the door slid shut behind him, Tokutarou rested his chin on his hands, considering everything he had just heard.
I believe Takeshi told me the truth, but not all of it. There was obviously something he thought I wouldn't like to hear in the information he kept back, and I think that's as much why he did it as his loyalty to his wife. I can tell Yasuhiro that there's nothing to worry about in Takeshi's marital situation, though – he was willing to risk my disciplining him in order to keep his promise. But that said…the matter is more sinister overall.
He sighed, getting slowly to his feet.
The disappearance or death of a local prostitute is not a matter for my direct involvement. If I became involved – Takeshi is right – it would raise questions with the Clan about my connection to such people and even now Rae has birthed a son, there are still a few kinsfolk who would prefer to take my Shiba blood out of the Clan equation. Besides, unpleasant as it is, there are retainers more than able to take care of solving those kinds of crimes.
He pushed back the door, leaning absently against the frame as he considered Takeshi's expression once more.
I just have a bad feeling about this one. Some violent things have happened in that town recently. Little things that should be beneath my notice, but they bother me. And also the reports some men brought to Yasuhiro – about a man from this Clan being seen briefly in the area. Who this man is I don't know. But the name 'Masaki' that Yasuhiro brought to me means nothing. There is no Masaki anywhere in the Kyouraku family tree – but two or three of Yasuhiro's men brought back reports from the town that said he carried a Clan badge and gave that as his name. A stranger with good manners, well bred…and who appeared and disappeared like dust on the wind.
His eyes became slits.
Come to think of it, though, Takeshi didn't bring such a report. Takeshi who is shielding a prostitute in order to protect her. Takeshi was part of that unit who investigated in the town recently. But he did not mention any names – or Clan badges – to me. Is that what he was hiding? This crime has a connection to my family somehow?
"Something is bothering you."
A soft voice from the hallway made him jump and he spun round, meeting his wife's amused gaze with a sheepish one of his own.
"I thought I sensed your restless spirit about to go roaming round the halls." She teased lightly, reaching out to pat him on the arm. "You have that look in your eye, you know. The one that says you've got a bone between your teeth and you intend to chew it to splinters if you can."
"You make me sound like a hunting hound more than a Clan lord." Tokutarou protested, and Rae laughed, shaking her head.
"No, but I've been here long enough to know that expression." She said evenly. "Something's got under your skin and you won't rest till you've resolved it."
"Maybe." Tokutarou admitted, slumping back against the wall with a heavy sigh. "It's nothing, really. Specks of evidence in a case that's far beneath the Clan leader's notice. It's something my men are handling and will probably resolve without needing me to do anything – and I have plenty that I need to do without worrying about things like that."
"So?" Rae looked quizzical. "What's the problem, then?"
"I just spoke to Takeshi – the young soldier who married Juushirou's sister." Tokutarou rubbed his temples. "And the amount of things he didn't tell me about his investigation put me a little on my guard. Perhaps I'm reading too much into it, but…"
"You just said your men can take care of it." Rae chided. "And you should let them. Takeshi's a sensible boy not to drag all the District's mundane scandals across your line of sight. I know you'd rather investigate intrigue than follow up fiscal treaties, but the both need to be done. Let your soldiers do their jobs, Tokutarou. You can have faith in them to report to you if they need to – but if you trust them, then let them do what they're trained to do. They're good men – Takeshi among them. Trust their judgement a little."
"You're probably right." Tokutarou agreed ruefully. "As you usually are. All right. I'll trust in them a little longer. It still bothers me, Rae…but even if I wanted to, I don't have the time to start poking into things like that myself. I'll follow your advice and let it lie – at least, for now."
"Good." Rae's eyes twinkled. "Then if you're leaving your study for a while, you can come with me and spend a few minutes with your son. I'm sure he'd appreciate it – and it doesn't hurt for you to take a break now and then."
"You planned that, didn't you?" Tokutarou eyed his wife in resignation. "You saw me away from my desk and took the opportunity to pounce. I realise I've been very busy since Shunsui went back to the Academy, but…"
"You are always busier when Shunsui-kun goes back to the Academy." Rae linked her arm in his, leading him purposefully down the hallway towards the suite of rooms that acted as baby Haru's nursery complex. "I think you miss his company more than he knows, sometimes. If I was a jealous wife, Tokutarou, I'd be cross that you shut yourself away like this when it's just you and me. It's a good thing I'm not, isn't it?"
"I don't neglect you, or Haru!" Tokutarou was indignant, and Rae laughed.
"No, you don't." She said comfortably. "Which you're proving right now by spending time with him and I as a good Father and husband should."
"You know, sometimes I can see how you and Shunsui are first cousins." Tokutarou said with a wry smile. "That piece of manipulation was just his style."
"Maybe I've learnt a few tricks from my brother in law." Rae was unrepentant. "Still, you understand better than anyone that a Father's bond with his son is important, so you know I'm right. Let paperwork and the Clan alone for a little while. Haru will be happy to see you, and you need some time to unwind."
Tokutarou turned to glance back towards his office, then he sighed, nodding his head.
"You win." He agreed. "For a little while at least, I'll come and play."
The forest was dense here.
Shirogane stumbled blindly through the haphazard trunks and branches, pausing occasionally to rest his heavy body's weight against the sturdy plants as he struggled to keep bringing breath into his ragged lungs. He had no idea now where he was, only that he had fled as far as he could, and now he no longer had the strength in his body to maintain the Kyokkou barrier around him.
A sharp breeze whipped between the broad wooden sentinels, and as Shirogane dropped to his knees to take a moment's rest, he realised that he had reached the edge of the forestland - that a bare few feet from where he had stopped, the ground too gave way to a sheer drop below.
Slowly and painfully he dragged himself forwards, resting his hand against the uneven earth as his tired eyes took in the surrounding area.
From here he could see the sea. He could see the paths he had been seeking and could trace the way to escape even though he could no longer force his body to double back and correct his chosen path. He could even see the border that divided District Six from Rukongai, and through the mists, the roof of the Kuchiki castle where the local lord kept himself to himself. Shirogane's mind flitted back to the encounter with the mounted retainer - why had the man let him escape?
He wore Kinnya-sama's emblem and colours, and he saw that I was the captive of two men of Kuchiki retinue. He even knew my name. By rights he should have taken me under arrest. But he didn't. Did he kill those retainers? No. I don't think so. It didn't seem like it was him. But something did, and he...just sat there and let them. To make the land peaceful...to stop bloodshed...but two men were killed without a moment's thought or hesitation. To save my life? But if that was so...when I was injured, why did he not reach out to help me? I really don't understand.
His chest spasmed at that moment, and he coughed, spitting up blood between ragged, painful gasps. Panic threated to rule him, yet he gathered his wits, forcing his body to calm down. He closed his eyes, steadying his thoughts, then cast his gaze down at the slash of blood-soaked, torn fabric that hung loosely across his wounded midriff.
The injury was a bad one. He could not keep running on it.
It isn't just a loss of blood. I thought perhaps they had spared me the worst, but it seems I was wrong. That blade missed my gut...but it nicked my right lung. I thought it might have done, but then in the forest it didn't seem quite so severe. Perhaps just a graze...nothing more. The rush of spirit power back through me when Keiichi-dono loosened my cuffs, followed by my Kyokkou spell...I've made it worse, most probably. I've rent the hole open further and created a bad wound. Little by little my lungs are filling with fluid, and sooner or later, I won't be able to breathe even as much as I am now. I certainly can no longer run.
He glanced at the pooled blood already congealing on the grass, and a bitter smile touched his features as he dashed his sleeve against his lips, examining the faint crimson smudge that now stained the already grimy fabric.
To think I mocked you, Ukitake, each time you choked during our training sessions. To think I derided you when you stood up and continued to face me, blood trailing on your lips. I had no idea that it caused so much pain to cough up part of yourself each time your lungs refused to work. And yet time and time again you dragged yourself upright and stared at me with annoying determination in those bastard eyes. I didn't know then the effort you put into standing up each time. I called you weak. I suppose I knew when you raised your sword that Sensei had been right to focus his attention on you. But I didn't realise any of this. I didn't understand you at all.
He sank back against the ground, shuffling his heavy body up against the reassuring trunk of a nearby tree.
I'm tired, but if I sleep, I won't wake up. I don't know if I can keep breathing even if I stay conscious, but at least if I'm alert, I can try. I don't intend to crawl into a ditch to die...but I never really bothered learning healing kidou. Mitsuki, your skills saved my life. Am I going to lose it so easily, simply because I don't have the abilities you do?
A rueful light glittered in his tired grey eyes.
Mitsuki has been far too much in my thoughts lately, and now Ukitake too. What is wrong with me? I must be dizzy and delirious from blood-loss to suddenly become so sentimental about people who have touched my life so briefly.
Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a stunted, oddly formed tree, and for a moment he fixed his gaze on it, taking in the ugly, knobbled scars that told of a battle for life fought and won despite the hardships.
Even the trees here have more will to live than I seem able to muster. This is pitiful, Shirogane. To train as a shinigami, to fight and work and learn the skills demanded of me, yet to learn nothing about survival in the face of death. Is that the sum total of a Clansman's will? Is that what makes me different from Ukitake and those like him - he never gives up, but I'm falling at the first hurdle?
He drew a hesitant, painful breath into his lungs, fighting against the urge to cough again. He had taken in less air this time than before, he knew, and fear once more trickled through him. At the back of his mind he could feel Ginkyoujiki's concerned buzzing, but he did not even have the strength or concentration to hear his zanpakutou's words or respond to the weapon's apprehension.
I learned the skills to fight and have always fought with pride and confidence, but I have never considered how feeble that talent is until now. I can wield a sword, but when I no longer have the strength to use it, what do I fight with? I want to live, yet even so I can feel my lungs filling up with blood every time I breathe. Is it not enough just to want to live? Is that why Ribari-sama could not be saved? Even as shinigami, can none of us escape death?
He rested his head back against the tree, knowing that his breathing was becoming shallower and more laboured by the minute. It may only have been a graze before, but his flight had undoubtedly made matters worse, and even without looking he could tell that the blood was still streaming from the open wound. He had probably left a trail of red scattered across the landscape, he mused absently. If Seiren had sent a lot of men to seek him out, he would not hide from the soldiers here for long. But even though he understood this fact, he knew that his legs had become heavy as lead and he could no longer move. The soldiers would probably come, and undoubtedly they would find him. But whether he would be alive or dead when they reached him he could not tell.
Is that why that old man let me go? He didn't want to aid Seiren-dono, but he didn't intend on aiding me. Did he let me escape knowing I would die anyway, whether or not he became involved?
He closed his eyes.
Seiren-dono will be pleased. He will no longer have to concern himself with his wilful, dangerous nephew. Ryuu was right. Mitsuki was right. There was danger here. And I...fool that I am...I did not see it. I thought that if I went to District One, I could escape it. But I can't even leave District Six without being cut down by basic soldiers who lack spiritual training. Careless arrogance. Careless judgement. Careless...
He struggled to pull air into his lungs, a gasping, half-stifled breath of desperation that ended in a violent bout of coughing. Blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth and down his chin, dripping slowly and ponderously onto the ground beside him, and he let out an involuntary whimper of pain. The world was becoming dark and hazy, and in the darkness he thought he saw Ribari's silhouette, as though the young man was waiting for him.
Ribari-sama. Have you come to fetch me? To take me to the world beyond - the world I don't believe exists?
The shadow's lips moved faintly, but Shirogane could not make out the words. Though he tried to lift his hand, he no longer had the energy, and he slumped back against the tree with a faint sigh, surrendering himself to his fate. Soon the fluid in his lungs would drown him, and then the pain and confusion would stop. Soon it would be over...soon...
With that Ribari's image faded, and Shirogane's vision became black. For a moment he drifted in nothingness, vaguely aware of Ginkyoujiki struggling to penetrate the cocoon of resignation he had cloaked around himself. Then even Ginkyoujiki's presence seemed to disappear, and Shirogane lost his fight, slipping deeper and deeper into the darkness beyond.
"Kamikura-sensei really was cross with you this morning, wasn't he?"
As the two young boys walked through the heavy forest, the older of the pair frowned, pausing to pick up a stray branch from the floor.
"He wasn't very happy," He admitted with a sigh, "but he could have been crosser. I did manage to finish the assignment, just about. It wasn't my fault that it got tea on it, or that half of the characters got all blurred together."
"I suppose not." The younger boy snorted appreciatively. "At this rate, Shinkei-nii, I'm gonna be going way ahead of you in studies. Sensei said that I can write most kanji almost as well as Juu-nii could when he was fourteen - and I'm not fourteen for another two weeks yet. Even though you're a year older than me, I'm gonna overtake you soon!"
"Yeah, that's what you think." Shinkei reached across to give his companion a playful shove. "Shut up, Rouhei. You might be able to draw a few squiggles in a straight line, but you're still younger than me in aaaaalll respects. Who is it that, when they go out on errands by themselves, almost always manages to get lost and winds up having to be rescued? That's why nobody'll let you take the forest paths on your own. You're still a kid. Squiggles aren't that important. Knowing how to get about is."
"Hrmph." Rouhei folded his arms indignantly across his chest. "Anika says I'm much more helpful than you are, so there. I don't break half as many things as you do. And you know, if you keep clambering in and out of windows, one day you're going to get stuck. You're almost as tall as Hiro-nii and Sanji-nii already - you're not going to fit for much longer."
"I like that!" Shinkei protested, jabbing his brother's midriff with his broken branch. "I'm not as chubby as you are, and you'd be surprised what nooks and crannies I can get into still! I'm not going to get wedged in anywhere anytime soon - you're just jealous because you've never been able to follow me."
"I don't have to follow you any more." Rouhei tossed his head indignantly. "I'm almost fourteen now. I'm not a kid. And even if I was, you wouldn't need to look after me. You're only a year older than me, so stop acting like it's more!"
"If you don't need me looking after you, why is it me walking into the forest to gather firewood with you?" Shinkei's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Is it because I can scale trees quicker than you? Or because you're afraid to get lost out here in the dark again? You never know - next time a wolf might come and eat you. Grawr!"
He pounced at his companion, and despite himself Rouhei let out a yelp, scrambling away from Shinkei's hands.
"Stop it!" He exclaimed. "I don't like this forest, but I could come here on my own. Tisn't anything to do with you either way. Just, this is where Father got hurt, isn't it? By the Hollow monster that attacked Juu-nii. So I don't like coming here because of that. Can you say it's any different for you?"
"I suppose not." Shinkei relented, shaking his head. "But it was a long time ago, Rouhei. Not a single one of those critters has been seen round these parts in a very long time. Father was unlucky, but that's all."
"Hiro-nii said the monster came looking for Juu-nii," Rouhei's expression became uncharacteristically serious, "because he's not like the rest of us. And since he went away to the Academy place, no Hollows have come here. Do you think...is that true?"
"Are you saying that Father's death was Juu-nii's fault?" Shinkei was angry, and Rouhei shook his head hurriedly.
"No! Of course not, that's not what I meant!" He exclaimed. "Don't glare at me, Shinkei-nii! I know that Father died because of the Hollow, not because of Juu-nii. It's just...well..."
"Well?"
"This is Juu-nii's last year at that Academy place." Rouhei said softly, kicking his feet absently against the dust and grass of the forest floor. "But...if it's true that he's different...a lot different...maybe he won't...come home after."
"Won't...?" Despite himself, Shinkei looked taken aback. "What do you mean?"
"Hiro-nii will be head of the family when he has his birthday, won't he?" Rouhei murmured. "But Juu-nii is the oldest. It should be...only he's gone to train. And...when he's done...he's not going to come back, is he? Things aren't going to be like...they were before. Because...Juu-nii is different from the rest of us."
"That's always been the case, though." Shinkei made some experimental swings with his stick against the branches of a couple of trees, shrugging his shoulders. "Juu-nii's always been different, whether because he's sick or whether because of this. I think...probably you're right, Rou-kun. But...even if you are...I don't think he'll forget us. He'll still come back sometimes, like he does now. Because...well...he's still Juu-nii."
"I know." Rouhei sighed heavily. "I just wish...Shin-nii, if Tousama had never died, maybe Juu-nii would never have been different. And...maybe...he would never have gone away at all."
"Mm." Shinkei frowned, but did not answer, and for a while the two boys walked in silence.
As they reached the edge of the pathway, however, the older one paused, reaching out to put a hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Don't say things like that around Miyabi." He said gruffly. "You know how much she clings to Juu-nii - especially since Father's death. If she thought he wasn't going to come live with us again, she'd cry. And we...we're some of the oldest, now. With Juu-nii gone and Chi-nee married, you and I are third and fourth oldest left. So don't say stuff like this to the kids, all right? You'll only upset them."
"I wasn't going to." Rouhei looked indignant. "S'why I waited and talked to you now. I wanted to know what you thought about it. That's all."
"I think Juu-nii's going to do stuff we'll never really understand." Shinkei rubbed his chin pensively. "Maybe Shiki-chan will, too. But don't look so gloomy over it. Things that can't be helped just can't, right? There's no sense making a fuss."
"Mm." Rouhei nodded slowly, and Shinkei cast him a keen glance, taking in the uncertain expression in his dark eyes. Despite the fact they were only a year apart, and in academic matters, Rouhei had the most skill, their relationship had always been this way, with Rouhei looking to Shinkei for advice and guidance. They had got into many scrapes together as a result, for Shinkei was given to mischief in a way that even his older brother Hiroyuki had not been, but despite it all they had somehow managed to scramble through and survive. Since they had been small, the two boys had spent much time together, and a strong bond had formed between them. As much as they might tease, Shinkei knew that Rouhei rarely confided his thoughts in anyone else.
But he often thinks things through more deeply than I do, and he's probably right, when it comes to Juu-nii.
Shinkei swung the branch once more against the trunk of a tree, before tossing it aside and turning to his companion.
"Shall we take a detour and walk up to Father's tree for a while? Anika won't mind if we're a little late, and I don't really want to see Sensei again any time soon, so if we take a little longer it won't matter."
"All right." Rouhei's expression cleared, and Shinkei knew he'd made the right call. "Let's do that. When Juu-nii's away, probably Father gets lonely anyway. So if Juu-nii does go permanently...well...we'll have to make sure that Father knows we haven't forgotten."
There he goes again.
Shinkei shot his companion a fond smile as they crossed the worn trackways to the path that led up to the precipice and the stunted, odd tree that Juushirou had denoted 'Father's Tree' following the man's death several years before. Though Hidenobu had died of his wounds at home, somehow that place had become a significant memorial for the whole family, and so when any of them wanted to spend time with their Father's spirit, it was the tree and not the family mausoleum that they visited.
Maybe Rouhei's going to be more like Juu-nii than any of us, thinking and looking at things like that. I don't know. But I'm sure that Hiro-nii and Sanji-nii wouldn't have thought of something like that.
Out loud he said.
"I'll race you up to the ledge. I bet I can still beat you, considering how tubby you're getting!"
"I'm not fat!" Rouhei rose immediately to the bait, indignation in his dark hazel eyes, and Shinkei laughed.
"Looks like too many of Anika's rice dishes to me." He teased.
"I told you, I'm not fat! I can beat you!" Rouhei put his hands on his hips. "You'll see...I'll get there first!"
"If you don't get lost." Shinkei returned neatly. "But all right then. Prove it. We'll race. First one to Father's tree is the winner. Go!"
Before his brother could respond he was gone into the trees, skipping expertly over stones and dead tree roots as he took the familiar short cuts through the woodland to the edge of the Ukitake family's land. Having grown up here, and with a natural ability for navigation, he knew every single one of the pathways without needing to even look at a map, and it was not long before he broke through into the clearing where his Father's memorial tree grew.
Rouhei, despite his words, was still crashing around through the trees some distance behind, and an amused smile touched Shinkei's lips as he heard his brother's stampeding.
He can't catch me, even if he wanted to. Sorry, Rou-kun. You might be better at squiggles, but I'm still better at this.
He took a step or two towards the bent young sapling, then paused, as out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of something cream and green against the natural woodland colours.
As he turned, he realised that it was not an object at all, but a person, slumped against the trunk of one of the broader trees. It did not take the world-wise Shinkei long to realise that the stranger was wounded, for his kimono was thick with blood, and his skin was as pale as the moon. His eyes were closed, and for a moment Shinkei thought that the individual was dead.
"You cheated! You took a short cut!" At that moment, Rouhei burst through the trees, red in the face and panting for breath. "You always do that, Shin-nii! I swear, if you played fair..."
"Shut up." Shinkei cut across him, grabbing him by the arm and pulling him back. "Look."
Rouhei's gaze flitted to the base of the big tree, any indignant words fading from his lips as he registered the presence of the stranger. His eyes became huge, and he stared up at Shinkei in horror.
"Did...a Hollow come here?" He whispered, and Shinkei shrugged.
"Don't know." He said abruptly. "But there's...a lot of blood, isn't there?"
"Is he...dead?" Rouhei took a tentative step forward, his own face pale, and Shinkei sighed, holding up his hands to prevent the youngster from coming any closer.
"If you're going to be funny about a little blood, you stay there. I'll check." He said brusquely. "He's sure pale...but the blood looks quite fresh, like it's been bleeding a short time. So..."
He paused, kneeling cautiously at the man's side and reaching out a tentative finger to brush it against the pale neck. As he did so, he was sure he heard the faintest of rasping breaths, no more than the most shallow gasp and his eyes narrowed as he felt the feeble pulse still throbbing in the man's neck.
"He's alive." He said softly. "But he won't be for long if we don't do anything."
"Shiki-chan!" Rouhei's eyes opened wide, and Shinkei nodded.
"Can you run still?" He asked. "And can you find your way back home without getting lost? I don't want to leave him alone, because I don't think...he's doing too good, and someone should be here."
"We could try and carry him?" Rouhei suggested, but Shinkei shook his head.
"Neither one of us would manage it. He's at least as old as Juu-nii, I think, and he'd be heavy." He said grimly. "Besides, moving him would mean more bleeding. It's stopped because he's not moving, but I think...he's bled a lot so far. Run home, Rouhei, and get...get Kamikura-sensei. And Shiki-chan. Her too. Go quickly! He'll die if we don't help him soon - he's really not breathing very well at all."
Rouhei nodded his head, turning on his heel and disappearing back into the woodland. Shinkei sighed, settling himself more comfortably at the unconscious stranger's side and casting his gaze around him pensively.
Blood all over the place. Maybe it was a Hollow.
His eyes narrowed as he took in the faint trail of blood that had trickled from the corner of the stranger's mouth, drying against his chin.
Like Juu-nii. But no. This isn't like that. He's got blood everywhere. He's hurt. Not sick. And whatever hurt him...has it gone? Is it still here? I can't do whatever it is Juu-nii does when it comes to finding those monster things. But if one of those came here...
He shivered, pushing the thought aside.
Maybe I jinxed things by saying they haven't come here for a long time.
He put his hand gently against his companion's chest, feeling the rhythm of the heart. It was somewhat erratic, and Shinkei knew that though the man was still breathing, the amount of air he was bringing into his lungs was insubstantial.
"And so you fainted." He said out loud. "Which means that you're quite badly hurt. Shiki-chan will be able to help you, though. I'm sure she can, so hang on a while, okay?"
Shinkei frowned, taking in for the first time the man's attire.
Clan?
His eyes narrowed as he digested this thought.
"Are you a shinigami? Like Juu-nii?" He wondered absently to himself. "Did you come from the manor, then? Did you fight with one of those creatures and kill it, but got hurt? I wonder."
His gaze shifted to the man's waist, and his lips thinned as he recognised the unmistakeable hilt of a unique sword cased in an expensive carved sheath. With one eye on his patient in case of any reaction, Shinkei slipped his fingers into the man's obi, loosening the scabbard and pulling it free from its fastenings. Setting it down across his lap, he examined it carefully.
Juu-nii's has his name engraved on the scabbard. Shunsui-nii had it made for him, and he said that all Clansfolk have their names on their scabbards. He said it was a mark of identity, to have their names on their sword sheaths. So if that's the case...
He turned the sheath over, resisting the urge to pull the weapon from its resting place as he searched for any sign of identification.
At last he found it, silver characters against the wood, and he frowned, half-wishing he had bothered to study his kanji as diligently as his younger brother.
I can't read it fully. I don't know what those two characters say, although I'm pretty sure they don't say 'Kuchiki'. But that one says Gin. I'm quite sure. I'm certain that's the kanji for silver.
He set the weapon down, resting his hands in his lap.
So probably...you are a Clansman. And a shinigami. And that's your zanpakutou. Something major took you down. I wonder if it's safe to watch over you...maybe it would've been better to go back with Rouhei. But...
He sighed, rubbing his temples.
Juu-nii would say that we should help you. I don't need Rouhei's perception to know that. So...
"Shinkei-nii! Shinkei-nii!" At that moment Shikiki's voice broke through his thoughts and he glanced up, surprise in his expression as he saw the young girl, Sanjirou and an exhausted Rouhei in tow.
"Sanji-nii and...Shiki-chan...were walking...up to...Father's tree." Rouhei gasped out, dropping to his knees as he struggled to catch his breath. "Sanji-nii...is strong...so...I thought..."
That was as much as he managed, but Shinkei nodded, gesturing to the fallen shinigami.
"He's hurt and quite bad, I think." He said grimly. "I don't know what hurt him, but I don't think he should stay here. I thought Shiki-chan might be able to help him."
"Trust you to stumble into something." Sanjirou sighed, adjusting his spectacles in resignation as the small girl hurried forwards to examine the blood-stained Clansman. "But you're right. We can't just leave someone here half-dead."
"He's Clan." Shinkei picked up the sword, getting to his feet as Shikiki scrambled down beside the unfortunate warrior. "His clothes are all expensive and silky, even though they're dusty and covered in blood. And this...is like Juu-nii's. But I can't read what's written on the sheath, so I don't know who he is or where he came from."
"His colours are Kuchiki." Sanjirou frowned, reaching out to take the scabbard. "But Juu-nii is the one who knows about Clan, much more than we do."
He glanced at the scabbard, and his eyes narrowed behind his glasses.
"Really, Shin-kun, if you can't read this level of kanji yet..." He said despairingly.
"Just tell me what it says." Shinkei grimaced. "I can tell that last one is 'Gin', but otherwise..."
"You're wrong." Sanjirou's expression became grave, and he tossed the sword back towards his brother, Shinkei catching it deftly in his right hand. "It is the kanji for silver, true enough. But I don't think that's what it says."
"So..?" Shinkei looked bewildered, and Sanjirou sighed.
"I'm fairly sure that the name on that sheath is read as Shirogane." He said softly. "The other two characters say Nagoya. Nagoya Shirogane."
"Wait a minute!" Rouhei's head shot up and he stared at his older brothers in dismay. "Isn't that the name of...the person who...?"
"Juu-nii's sword shishou." Sanjirou nodded, his gaze flitting back to the still form beneath the tree. "Yes."
"So this guy...is Juu-nii's teacher? A senpai?" Shinkei swallowed hard. "So what's he doing here? Like this? Miles from home?"
"I don't know." Sanjirou said grimly. "But if Shikiki can stabilise him, we should try and take him back to the house. Probably it's something we shouldn't get involved in - almost certainly it's none of our business. But..."
"If he's Juu-nii's shishou, we have to help him." Rouhei said soberly. "Because Juu-nii said...raising his sword saved his life. Because of it...haibyou won't kill him. So we have to...don't we?"
"Juu-nii would want us to." Sanjirou nodded gravely. "Shiki-chan, what do you think?"
"He's very poorly." Shikiki raised her aqua gaze, meeting Sanjirou's with a troubled look. "His lungs are all full of blood and stuff and I think he's had a sword put right through them. But I...I can fix it. I think."
She sat back with a sigh.
"He can breathe a little bit more now." She added. "It will take a bit of time, but I think I can mend his lung properly. My magic should be able to do that."
She placed a chubby finger against his cheek.
"Juu-nii's told me about Nagoya-senpai, too." She added sadly. "I think we should help him, even if it's dangerous. If Juu-nii hadn't raised his sword, he and I would never have met. So I want...I want to help him, Sanji-nii. It will be all right, won't it?"
"We're going to help him." Sanjirou confirmed, and despite himself, relief crashed over Shinkei's body.
"If you say so, Hiro-nii won't argue, and nor will Okaasama." He observed. "Better you tell them than me, since they'll think it's just another of my wild whims."
"It is, somewhat. You found him." Sanjirou pointed out. "But we can't just leave him here now you have. Even if he wasn't someone connected to Juu-nii - leaving a hurt person to die would be wrong. We'll have to try and help him. Father would expect it of us."
"Yeah." Rouhei's gaze drifted to the broken tree, and Shinkei followed his glance, knowing what his younger brother was thinking.
You believe Tousama brought us here, don't you, to find and help this Nagoya Shirogane guy?
"He's lost a lot of blood, so I don't think he'll wake up for a while." Shikiki said with a frown. "But I don't think he'll die, now, if you carry him, Sanji-nii. Shinkei-nii can help, if he's heavy. I can't put the blood back, so he'll have to do that on his own. But I have...repaired his lung enough for him to breathe better. It should be all right to move him. And I'll finish...when we're at home. I'll mend it all properly, and then he should be all right."
"All right." Sanjirou got down beside the wounded man, and Shinkei stepped forward to help lift the dead weight up into his brother's arms. Despite his studious appearance, at eighteen Sanjirou was as tall and almost as strong as the elder Hiroyuki, and so once he had Shirogane tightly clasped in his arms, he offered Shinkei a smile.
"You bring the young ones back," He said softly, "through the short cuts you know and tell Okaasama what's happened. All right? Tell her to have a bed ready, and to get Anika to boil water to clean the blood up with. Hiro-nii won't object, when he understands."
"Got it." Shinkei nodded, reaching out to grasp Rouhei's wrist in one hand and Shikiki's blood-spattered paw in the other. "Heard that, you two? Follow me. We're going to be the advance rescue mission, and make sure everything's ready for when Sanji-nii brings our foundling home!"
Author's Note
So I thought that people might want to see some more of the Ukitake-chibis! Well, they're not really chibis any more, but I thought folk might like to see them anyway. Sadly I haven't got to finishing that first year omake at Juu's house, and so the true joy of Shinkei's climbing in and out of windows instead of using stairs and doors has not been shared with the world outside of my LJ at this point . However, even though they've not all appeared in the stories so far, all of the seven siblings have distinct personalities in my mind and I wanted to bring as many of them in - even for a cameo - as possible before the end!
That said, this element of the plot has a greater significance than simply bringing the Ukitake family into the story. I'll explain that at a later point though. Now it would spoil too much.
Also, in note to an anon-reviewer from last chapter re terminology (I apologise for not being able to PM this):
To say something "baldly" means to say it plainly, without adornment – stating things clearly and as they are.
Dictionary definition: "baldly: plainly, without tactful circumlocution".
(That sounds like something Ryuu would say and coincidentally is the way in which he generally speaks). The more common meaning of 'bald' relates to hair loss, but in contrast 'baldly' normally refers to a style of speaking.
To say something "boldly" means to state it with a certain amount of confidence.
The two terms aren't interchangeable and should not be read as such.
Regarding unfazed/unphased – you're quite right. I'm afraid that's a lazy habit picked up from my childhood and my 1980/90s UK education. I know it's not right, but there's something deep inside me that rejects z for s and f for ph. xD. There are many English words which in American change s into z or ph into f,so this is kind of a false friend that's easy to overlook. ;)