Chapter Forty Three: A Shinigami's Duty
"It's very late for you to be making a call of this nature, Guren."
As Keiichi led the Clan leader into the front room of the old coastal manor, bowing his head in deference to the man's status, the room's other occupant got stiffly to his feet, propping himself up on his walnut cane as he crossed the room to greet his guest. His eyes were grave, but not overly surprised, and Guren's own eyes became slits as he processed this information.
"It is, but you seem as though you've expected me to come, Ojiue," he said softly, inclining his head slightly. Kinnya smiled, gesturing for Keiichi to leave them alone, and the old man bowed once more, obediently withdrawing from the chamber without a word or a backward glance. As the door shut behind him, Guren sighed, fixing his Uncle with a keen, scrutinous gaze.
"I've come to seek your advice," he admitted, "as I've so often done before."
"Oh, I wouldn't put it that way." Kinnya's eyes twinkled with amusement as he returned to his seat, indicating for his companion to make himself comfortable. "You come to see me once each year to make sure an old man doesn't fade away from loneliness. I'm grateful for that kindness – and for your humouring me whenever I choose to speak of the past."
Guren's expression became rueful and he shook his head, settling himself on one of the ornately patterned cushions as though he were still a small boy waiting to hear his Uncle's lesson for the next day. Kinnya had always hid his talents well, but Guren was not fooled. He knew that despite his self-imposed exile, his companion's wits were as sharp and shrewd as ever, and that on many prior occasions he had let Guren air his own doubts and hesitations about a particular policy or plan of action, putting forward his own advice at intervals. Kinnya was a natural politician, but one who had not enjoyed being at the centre of Clan politics, and this dichotomy had allowed him to conceal his true abilities from the majority of the modern Kuchiki court. Yet it had been Kinnya who had tutored both Guren and Seiren rigidly and relentlessly in logic and other skills Senaya had felt it important for his sons to learn, and whilst Seiren had largely resented the man's involvement, Guren had developed a deep respect for his slightly unconventional Uncle.
"Whichever way it is, I appreciate the chance to visit a kinsman who doesn't choose to visit me," he said now, smoothing his thick Clan robes as he gazed up at the old man. "Today's visit was somewhat at short notice, though. On a matter I consider of some urgency – if you'll humour me and hear me out."
"Mm." Kinnya's eyes became sober and he nodded. "Before that, I must offer you my apologies."
"For…?" Guren was startled, and Kinnya sighed.
"I did not come to pay respect to Ribari," he said quietly, and Guren could see the guilt in his eyes. "That was a failing on my part and I should have done it. I am sorry, Guren. I did not mean to disrespect your son's honour in such a way."
"Your health is not what it was. It's all right. I don't hold any grudge for it." Guren dismissed the man's concern with a sad smile. "Ribari was a stranger to you, too. I did not expect you to leave here on his account – your words now are enough. You understand the feelings I have better than most other people, I think – and for that reason too, I know you chose not to come."
"Ah." Kinnya pursed his lips, then nodded. "It is probably the case. I probably did remember Raiko – but there are seldom few days I don't think of her, if I'm truthful."
"We haven't spoken of her for a long time, Ojiue."
"No. By my request, we have not." Kinnya tapped his fingers idly against the uneven surface of his cane. "That was my failing too – since I have recently learnt that her son did not die, but lives and trains as a shinigami with Genryuusai-sensei at his Academy."
"Indeed." Guren nodded. "I saw him when he came to ratify his zanpakutou. He has elements of Raiko about him, for sure, though he is a District child in all respects."
He tilted his head slightly, eying his companion ruminatively.
"Should I have told you of that myself, when it occurred?"
"I don't know," Kinnya admitted. "But since I asked you not to speak of Raiko, I am not cross that you did not."
He stretched out his arms in front of him.
"However, that news seems to have done wonders for my health," he added. "Even though there seems little chance of me meeting the boy, to know he lives means that Raiko's life was not wasted. Perhaps for the first time I'm able to accept her death with more equanimity after more than twenty years. It is a good thing, I think, to think of something other than just the long wait for death to come."
"You do seem in better spirits than I've seen you in for a while," Guren agreed, "and I'm glad. What I have to speak to you about is something of a delicate nature – something regarding Seiren."
"Seiren? I see." Kinnya's expression became one of comprehension, and Guren's eyes narrowed.
"You still don't seem surprised," he observed. "I have no idea how, but I get the feeling you know the reasons for my coming before I've even arrived."
"Seiren is a difficult character at the best of times," Kinnya sighed. "He was dealt a difficult hand from the moment you were both born. His weak body and unruly spirit power meant desperate choices were made that he has had to live with. That I think exacerbates his stubborn character and makes him all the more troublesome to handle at times. But my own views of the man aside – tell me how he has troubled you of late?"
"His actions since Ribari died have been unusual," Guren admitted. "You've probably heard of his pursuing my other nephew Shirogane…probably out of District Six."
"I have, and spoken to his men." Kinnya's expression became knowing. "I reminded them of their legal rights and encouraged them to move on elsewhere."
"I see." Guren digested this carefully. "That's why you expected my coming. You thought Seiren was overreaching his authority and that I might take it amiss."
"Something like that," Kinnya agreed. "Seiren is that type – the overzealous type who will run himself into the ground following a particular belief or conviction. But if you're concerned that he has treasonous thoughts towards you…I would set that concern aside. Seiren is a loyal Kuchiki, and that means he is loyal to you."
"I don't suppose I doubt that," Guren reflected, "but his actions are perturbing to say the least. Furthermore, he seems to have information that I don't have."
He produced the three letters, smoothing them and then holding them out to his companion, who took them with a quizzical expression in his eyes.
"Two were sent to him and one to me, by hands unknown," Guren added. "Seiren believed Shirogane sent them, hence his hunt for the boy – but now he's charged me with finding out who wrote them and why, as if he doubts his own convictions all of a sudden. It's true there's no evidence that Shirogane did send them, and the witness who claimed Shirogane to be involved in wrongdoing has since been discredited."
Kinnya skimmed his gaze over the letters one by one, his expression becoming more and more grave as he reached the final one.
"Seiren gave these to you?" he asked quietly. Guren nodded.
"There was also this enclosed with the letter to me," he added, holding out the torn fragment of old parchment. "Seiren thought it was from Father's nikki, but didn't really want to give me more information than that. Having inspected the nikki, I did discover missing pages, but…"
"I removed a number on your Father's death," Kinnya said simply, setting the papers aside. "Some were records concerning political discussions, others involving me and concerning Raiko. Both Senaya-nii and I decided they were not relevant to remain."
He took the fragment, his brows knitting together.
"But not this page," he acknowledged. "This was not in the book when I took custody of it. Senaya-nii must have decided it irrelevant and removed it himself long before he was killed."
"You know what was removed so well that you can tell it at a glance?" Guren's eyes widened, and Kinnya nodded.
"Everything I removed was after careful discussion with Senaya-nii," he agreed. "He would probably have moved it himself, but he didn't get the chance. You know what he was – everything had to appear perfect. These were discussions or political proceedings he felt he less wanted to leave an account of for posterity – the Clan minutes have the bare essentials, but occasionally Senaya-nii let his emotions get the better of him when he made entries in the nikki. Those things are what I removed. In order for him to leave a perfect record – he asked me that when he died, I remove those sections and I did."
"You did a good job of it," Guren remarked, and Kinnya's lips twitched into a smile.
"I did whatever Senaya-nii required of me and I did it to the best of my ability," he said simply. "That's what a Clan leader's right hand man does. We create the Clan the leader wants."
"A shadow?" Guren asked sharply, and Kinnya nodded.
"Yes. Something like that."
"Seiren said that to me. A shadow doesn't leave its master." Guren frowned. "Despite that, he's withdrawn from the centre of the Clan these past few weeks. He came to give me those letters and seemed very unlike himself – and then he left. Futsuki said he returned to his manor – and even his most trusted retainers don't seem to know what his thinking is at present."
"Mm." Kinnya's eyes became contemplative. "You're worried about him?"
"I suppose I am, as well as frustrated by him. I'm unable to rely on him when I need him the most." Guren clenched and unclenched his fists. "Ojiue, if you understand what those letters mean, please tell me. If there's something that I can do to settle things with my brother…especially with the Clan how it is…"
"I can't tell you anything about Seiren's behaviour. He and I never did have a particularly good rapport." Kinnya shook his head. "But I do believe that your brother cares for the Clan and for your position as its leader."
"Do you?" Guren grimaced. "I wish I knew the same. Ribari is gone…and little by little those around me…"
He sighed.
"You and Father argued often, yet I know you were the person he trusted most," he said wearily. "When Seiren and I argue, it's potentially the end of any fragile truce between us. I still don't understand him or his motives, even now. And with the issue of Ryuu as well..."
"Seiren loves his son a good deal, I imagine."
"Yes. I believe he does," Guren agreed. "I think what happened to Ribari probably frightened him about Ryuu's safety. But to act like this…and those letters…what about Father? Kinnya-ojisama, you must know…"
"Your Father is dead, Guren," Kinnya cut across him, holding up his hands in a placatory gesture. "There are things he took to his grave that are best left buried with him. The family has a strong Clan leader, and it is not without candidates to lead it forward for the future. Seiren will settle. You are a good leader and the Clan will look to you for strength. Don't doubt in the ones closest to you. Frustrating as he is, Seiren understands what it is to be a Kuchiki. And he will not let that go easily."
"To be a Kuchiki," Guren sighed. "All right. Then there's nothing else you can say?"
"Find out who wrote these letters." Kinnya handed them back. "That would be my advice. I think it's unlikely to be the nephew you're so fond of. It's a well educated style and neat and proper in its layout, which suggests a high level of learning. But this is quite a feminine hand, if you want my opinion – I would find it more logical if a young girl had written these notes, not a young man."
"A girl?"
Guren's heart stilled in his chest, and Kinnya's expression took on a curious look.
"That gaze makes me think you have a suspect in mind already," he murmured, and Guren swallowed hard, remembering again the young girl as she had stood battered and bruised before his desk describing her encounters with his missing nephew.
"Kyouraku Nanaki," he muttered, clenching his fists again as anger seared through him. "Is it her, playing us all for fools? The girl with the District Eight pendant who set free the assassin from my jail. Has she concocted all of this as well? For what purpose?"
"Probably the one achieved," Kinnya said softly. "Seiren and Shirogane are not on terms. Shirogane is missing. Guren, he is a shinigami of some skill, I believe, this Shirogane?"
"He is." Guren gritted his teeth. "But it's not just that. I'm fond of him, Ojiue. You know that I am – I've mentioned him before, I'm sure I have. And…"
"Masane was a smart girl, asking you to take charge of her son when she could no longer do it herself," Kinnya reflected. "She knew your kind heart would not refuse to do so, even if Seiren would have stood against him."
"Seiren never did like Shirogane, but it got worse when Masane died," Guren nodded. "Shirogane couldn't cry for his mother's loss, and Seiren found that hard to accept. Seiren was very fond of Masane – she had a bond with both of us, but I often thought her the only person who really understood how he saw things. Quite often she'd stand between us in an argument to play peacemaker, and the more ill she got, it was Seiren and not me who was able to spend more time keeping her company. I think he saw how much she doted on Shirogane, and then to see the boy stand silent and tearless at her memorial bothered him. He didn't understand that grief is a very individual thing. I've never doubted Shirogane's love for Masane – just that he had a different way of handling it than Seiren understood."
"Guren, I will tell you something," Kinnya said softly. "I have made no promises not to, therefore I feel safe in sharing this information with you. But first – you believe your nephew innocent of any crime, don't you?"
"I do."
"You still trust in him despite all allegations to the contrary?"
"Yes," Guren nodded, realising as he did so that he meant it unreservedly. "Shirogane became like another son to me – like a brother to Ribari. Though they had different status, Ribari even said it to me once – that Shirogane had become like a brother more than a cousin, and that he felt glad of it. I don't believe ill of that boy – even if he was with Ribari the night that he died. On the contrary, that fact alone I think hurt Shirogane most of all. But Seiren saw his behaviour as erratic – that he showed grief for Ribari but not Masane maybe made him think of a guilty conscience rather than true raw emotion. But for me, I want to know where Shirogane is. What has befallen him. If he lives. Whether he is safe from the assassins, or whether…"
"He was alive when he left the Coastal Province, two weeks or so ago now," Kinnya said quietly, and Guren stopped in mid flow, staring at his Uncle in undisguised astonishment.
"Ojiue! You mean you..?"
"I did not shelter him," Kinnya shook his head. "Others did. But I did not interfere in his progress. Or maybe that should be rephrased – I did not choose to take him captive, nor did I choose to let Seiren's men do the same."
"You let him flee the District." Guren's expression was one of disbelief. "He came here, and you…"
"You believe him innocent." Kinnya shrugged. "I believe him so too. He didn't meet or speak to me, but I heard his words and I believed them. Guren, the future of the Kuchiki Clan and its unity is something your Father entrusted to me on his deathbed. Not to you or to Seiren, but to me to oversee you and ensure stability continued. I wasn't needed until now – but that promise still holds good. This Clan doesn't just end with you or Seiren. It moves beyond that point towards the future. Shirogane is Ryuu's ally – not his enemy. I do not know Seiren's son, but from what others have told me, I believe him to be an intelligent boy. It strikes me that they together will forge the stable future of the Kuchiki – and that one will need the other to move the Clan past this current crisis. Ribari can't be brought back and I'm sorry for it. I do not like to see such grief in your eyes, especially knowing that this leaves you almost as alone as I was without Raiko. But as Clan leader, my brother used to say, your own happiness is nothing compared with the family's contentment. You feel that too, don't you? So long as everything becomes stable, you will bear your grief and move on."
"I suppose I will," Guren sighed, nodding his head. "And I…I should be angry that you didn't send word of this to me, but actually I'm relieved. Futsuki believes Shirogane would not be safe in District Six at present, even if Seiren was to acknowledge him innocent. There is the danger of factions beginning at the Kuchiki court over those who believe him innocent and those who don't, and there are still assassins lurking in shadows. I do not want to lose him as well – if he left this District safely, I will trust that he arrived elsewhere in one piece. And if he is not here, I cannot summon him to the main house."
"His current situation I can't tell you." Kinnya shook his head regretfully. "But remember what I've said most of all, Guren. Seiren, Shirogane, Ryuu – Futsuki too. They are all important pieces in the Clan puzzle and none of them must be discarded or ignored. Your Father began things that he believed were for the best – now perhaps we'll discover whether or not they were. But most of all this family needs you to be strong – can you do that, even when everything else is uncertain?"
"I must, so I can." Guren got to his feet, nodding his head. "I still feel there are things I haven't been told – but I'll trust them to silence for the time being and return. For now the things right in front of me matter the most of all."
"That's why Senaya-nii knew you would be able to lead this Clan." Kinnya offered him a smile. "And why I felt it safe to retire from my position and spend my days idly here."
"But you really are in stronger health, Ojiue," Guren reflected. "I'm glad to see it. I find myself hoping it's some time before I lose another family member – and I am as fond of you now as I was when I was young."
"The affection is a mutual one." Kinnya got to his feet once more, coming to rest a thin hand on his nephew's shoulder. "I have great faith in you and always have had. We all have secrets – Seiren as well – and we're all allowed a little privacy in which to mull them over. Give him that time – I'm sure all will be well."
"Perhaps you're right," Guren agreed doubtfully. "It's strange but…I suppose at the bottom of it, I am actually worried about my brother. Though we hated each other so much as boys, now I've become accustomed to him being in my shadow. Now I'm keeping secrets from him, and him from me…"
"Share yours with him, and see if he doesn't share his with you," Kinnya suggested softly. "To get trust you must give it. You know that lesson from your very early childhood – it applies now just as it did then."
"I suppose it does." Guren looked rueful. "To you I'm still a young boy sometimes, aren't I?"
"Yes." Kinnya smiled. "But that's no bad thing. To the Clan you're something else – and that matters more than the opinion of a closeted away hermit like me."
"Mm." Guren hesitated for a moment, then, "Ojiue, what do you intend to do about Ukitake Juushirou?"
"Raiko's son?" Kinnya's eyes softened, and Guren nodded his head.
"You seem to have an interest in him," he observed. "That being so…"
"I am an old man with sins to my name that should probably not taint a young one just starting out in his life." Kinnya's tones were full of regrets. "I don't know. Perhaps I will have the fortune to meet him, or perhaps he will choose not to meet me at all. At present I have other responsibilities to concern me, and so I'll focus on them."
"But knowing he's alive has given you hope, hasn't it?"
"Yes," Kinnya agreed. "Even if we never meet, it has."
"He's a funny young boy," Guren mused. "He can have this effect even on those who haven't yet met him."
He smiled.
"I'm grateful for your counsel, as always," He added, bowing his head as though it were still Kinnya and not he who held the highest family status. "And I hope in return that if there's anything I can do in the case of Ukitake Juushirou, you'll tell me so. I have met the boy but once, but I know that he is a close friend of young Ryuu's, and so…"
"I won't force the past on the future," Kinnya shook his head. "But thank you, Guren. Ride safely back to the manor."
"I'm sure I will," Guren agreed. "All right. Take care of yourself too, Ojiue. I expect to see you in just as good health or better the next time we meet."
With that he pulled back the door of the chamber, stepping out into the hallway and glancing for a moment at the faded carvings and tapestries that decorated the old family home.
Raiko hasn't lived here for a long time, and the last time I saw Ojiue, he seemed to lack interest in all things. Now I see life in his eyes and his bearings – even his movement. Plus one other thing, too.
His eyes narrowed.
His reiatsu was more steady and even than it's been for a long time. Each year I've come here, I've worried about it growing more feeble – but this time it seemed strong and resolute. Is that because of his promise to Father or because of Raiko's son? I wonder. Whichever it is, though, I'm glad. I don't want another funeral any time soon.
He sighed, making his way slowly to retrieve his horse and rejoin the cluster of elite retainers who had accompanied him on the long ride across Kuchiki territory to the Coastal manor.
And Seiren…I don't know what to do about that. Leave it and hope for the best, maybe. Wait to find out what Tokutarou-dono has to say about the leads in District Eight. And most of all, hold my Clan together no matter what.
Midnight.
Shunsui pulled his night robe more tightly around his body, perching on the wide sill of his bedroom window as he gazed thoughtfully out across the peaceful grounds of the District Eight. It was a clear night, despite the temperate weather, and something about the faint twinkling of the stars overhead made him feel a little comforted to be back home.
We're not training tonight, Shunsui?
Seibara's voice drifted softly through his thoughts, and he shook his head, leaning up against the wood panelling and folding his arms across his chest.
Not here. Juu would pick it up too quickly, and I don't want to draw Hollows to Nii-sama and the manor. The Academy is different – but there's Haru to think about as well here.
That's not the real reason, is it?
Though he could not see her, Shunsui knew that the nymph-like spirit was gazing at him with anxious eyes, and had she been stood in front of him, he felt sure that her tiny hand would have come out to touch his as though trying to ease his shaken spirits.
You're worried about the girl – and about other things connected to it.
I can't lie to you, can I?
No. Not even if you can lie to yourself.
Then you shouldn't need to ask me.
Shunsui sighed, burying his head in his hands.
I should be sleeping this evening, if I'm not working with you two. But I'm restless. What Riri said has sunk in on a new level now.
Your reaction to it was unexpected – even your friend thought it was out of character.
Seibara sounded thoughtful.
You've spent a lifetime joking about the possibility, but the reality was hard for you to take, wasn't it?
It's not so much that.
Shunsui raised his head, his lips thinning as he remembered Riri's demeanour and the sharp, quick way she had responded to him.
There's a part of me which is angry at Father. And a part of me that isn't. Even in other things, that's true – Otousama is still the most confusing presence in my thoughts, although he's been dead as long as this. A man I didn't know but a man I resemble quite closely. A man who ran away, but a man who disliked causing harm. A man whose dislike for causing harm caused untold damage to himself and to his family – a man who killed the person he loved most, and yet abandoned those who needed him. Speaking to Riri makes me wonder…how much of that man I am too.
Amaki and I understand you best of all.
Seibara's words were thoughtful and soothing.
You aren't Matsuhara-sama. Neither Amaki nor I fear being abandoned now like Tensonshin was. Your path hasn't been an easy one, but we haven't mollycoddled you and we probably won't from this point on either. Just in this one thing you are like your Father. You look back at mistakes far more than you do at achievements, and by doing so you sometimes fail to look forward.
Perhaps I'm afraid of what lies ahead.
Perhaps you are.
It's not just that, though. I've thought those things through and I've made up my mind regarding this business with Riri.
Shunsui's brows knitted together.
You're the one who likes teaching me resolution, so you should be glad.
You intend on making sure she's protected, don't you?
I do. Would you have me do anything else? I'd do it myself only I won't be here to, so…
I was with you when you spoke to Tokutarou-sama, unless you'd forgotten. Amaki and I hear everything you say or think and see everything you do. I know you spent three hours in his office arguing the business out with him until he agreed to make sure she was kept safe. Despite the risks to his reputation here, you've decided that she's your sister, haven't you?
I have. Though she doesn't seem to think of it the same way.
A sad smile touched Shunsui's lips.
I would have liked to have had a sister, I think.
More likely that's your sentiment for that black haired girl coming out.
This time it was Amaki, and Shunsui's expression became rueful.
Saku? Perhaps you're right. She was like Oneesan to me for a long time. Maybe I have an idealised view of what it would have been like.
You're afraid of being lonely, even though you know that sometimes you seek to be alone.
Seibara let out a heavy sigh.
You like to make life difficult for yourself. What happens with the girl is unimportant for now. Probably she's in no further danger. On the other hand…
Juu might be.
Yes, Shunsui. He might.
You think this is Keitarou too?
Perhaps.
Seibara, you and I faced that man's manipulative magic in the worst possible way. Even if I'm paranoid, I can't not think that way. That's why we've been training. I told you – I have resolve in that area too. If it is him or if it isn't, I'm ready. And I won't back away from the challenge.
Even to kill him?
To protect Juu?
Shunsui's eyes narrowed as he considered this.
I'd sooner he didn't know about it…but…maybe. I'm not sure, yet. I don't want to…but if it meant protecting the things that matter to me…
You have learnt a lot.
Amaki sounded approving.
That's why you carry our swords and their name. Don't forget it. To protect the things that matter to you, whatever the cost to yourself.
There are things that I can't protect, though.
Shunsui's eyes became clouded, and once more he felt the gentle brush of something against his senses, as though Seibara was trying to comfort his uncertainty.
You don't know that it's the case. You shouldn't worry about things you don't know for sure.
No, but not knowing them for sure makes me worried.
Shunsui bit his lip.
Meeting Riri made the possibility clearer in my head. Therefore I can't not think about it. And more than anything I can't abandon her the way Father did, even if…
"Are you really all right?"
At the sound of Juushirou's voice, Shunsui glanced up, his inner conversation broken by the unexpected interruption. He turned, seeing his friend silhouetted in the doorway of the chamber, and he sighed, shrugging his shoulders.
"You should be asleep," he said softly, and Juushirou smiled.
"So should you," he agreed evenly, "but for some reason, I didn't think that you were. I hope you don't mind a late night invasion, but I wanted to come check on you. I wanted to see if today had sunk in...and if it had, whether you needed some company."
"I don't mind." Shunsui shook his head. "I was only talking to Seibara and Amaki, anyway."
Dismiss us, why don't you?
Amaki snorted, and a wry smile touched Shunsui's lips.
Let him.
That was Seibara.
We're always here when Shunsui needs us. Right now Juushirou is probably the one who he needs to talk to more.
You say you don't mollycoddle me, but sometimes I think you do.
Shunsui reached out to pat his swords pensively.
Thank you, both of you. Even though I'm a pain to live with, I'm grateful that you're there.
"I'm sorry, Katen Kyoukotsu." Juushirou's gaze flitted to the sheathed blades and he bowed his head in their direction. "I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation."
Your friend has better manners than you do.
Amaki sounded resigned.
All right. We'll pull back for now. I'll listen to Seibara, this time – just don't start crying or anything stupid, all right? I won't stand for that.
With a flicker of spiritual energy Shunsui felt the zanpakutou spirits withdraw from his awareness, and he smiled faintly, gesturing to Juushirou to come into the room fully.
"They're gone," he said frankly, as the District boy obediently stepped into the well-appointed bedchamber, closing the door behind him with a soft click.
"Riri's story bothered you, didn't it?"
"Lots of things are bothering me at the moment. We'll just add that one to the list."
"Do you want to talk about them?"
"I don't know," Shunsui grimaced, running his fingers through his messy brown hair. "On the surface of it, what Riri said makes sense. I mean, I honestly do believe her. Everything she's said – I believe it. But I suppose the reality of it is now starting to hit me. I joked about it before – you know I did, that maybe Father had illegitimate children of secret trysts around District Eight. But to see actual proof of it standing before me…"
"Riri's the missing link in the chain, isn't she?" Juushirou said quietly. "The Kyouraku pendant belongs to her, it was given her by your father, Sumomo is her name's other reading – her real name, in fact. Momiji took the pendant to be fixed and was probably killed by Tokutarou-sama's mysterious Masaki. Masaki is…almost certainly Aizen Keitarou, and that's how everything ties up together."
"Riri was attacked because we weren't supposed to find her," Shunsui supplemented gloomily. "But she had the will to fight back and live, and whoever was sent to finish her off was less careful than the person who killed the Kuchiki boy. For that reason, we know all the things we now do. I'm not happy, you know. I had worried about Keitarou – but this almost certainly confirms it in my mind. That and the fact that the person who had this pendant is a black haired blue eyed Clan educated young woman using a pseudonym with a cryptic meaning. It doesn't take rocket science to put those things together and make an assumption – whether she's acting under Keitarou's influence or not, Eiraki-hime is probably also involved."
"Eiraki-hime…as Nanaki, you mean?" Juushirou's eyes became slits, and Shunsui nodded.
"It's clutching at straws," he admitted. "But it occurred to me that Nanaki might be one of Keitarou's mind games – he likes to do things in plain sight to prove he's superior to everyone else, doesn't he? Nana is seven. Ki might be hime. Hence Seventh's missing princess – Endou Eiraki."
"I see," Juushirou nodded with a sigh. "That makes sense."
"It's very obvious, really," Shunsui agreed, "but nobody's suspected it because a lot of people believe Eiraki-hime is dead. Not Hirata, I have to admit, but…apparently Misashi-dono and Sumire-dono both think she's been killed and her body disposed of, rather like this Momiji probably was."
"If Eiraki-hime is involved, she might be being forced into it," Juushirou pointed out.
"True," Shunsui agreed. "I was looking over Tokutarou-nii's notes earlier, and apparently Guren-sama reported she'd been beaten or assaulted in some way when the Kuchiki first found her. That implies coercion of some form or other."
"It doesn't seem like him," Juushirou said unwillingly. "Strange as he is, to beat an ally…it doesn't. But I suppose if it was desperate, or she was fighting him, Keitarou-san might have done that to her. Or it could have been the Shihouin that's dogging this business from start to finish."
"It might be better if it was that way," Shunsui admitted. "Not that I like the idea of a girl being beaten, but if she's being forced into it…it will be easier on Hirata, if and when this whole thing comes to light."
He sank down onto his bed, gesturing for Juushirou to join him.
"That's only one of the things that's bothering me at the moment, though," he owned. "From Riri's description, the Shihouin is probably the missing Onoe. That's not even a mystery any more, given what techniques Aizen Keitarou's sword has. I'd like to leave Keitarou to the Council if possible. Just…"
"Riri's life may still be in danger?"
"Not just hers, but yes." Shunsui leant back against the wall. "A half sister that I never knew about…from the opposite side of society. As a Clansman, that should horrify me – it horrified Nii-sama when I broke it to him, and it took me a long time to convince him that it'd be all right, if his men protected her."
"Tokutarou-sama didn't accept it?" Juushirou was surprised.
"Like I said before, District Eight comes first and that means pandering to the Clan," Shunsui said pragmatically. "Besides, he also knew Father and respected him. It's probably more of a shock to him than it is to me that we have a half-sister and that she's a courtesan in the local town. Deep down I think he feels responsible in some way – that he should have known or done something to provide her with a more discreet line of work without causing him or the family any further problems. But outwardly he has to stand firm against it. It's only because I pestered him so hard that he's given in – he's issued the instructions in my name, not his own."
"I suppose I understand." Juushirou looked thoughtful. "In those terms, perhaps I was a little naïve."
"That's one of your better traits, though." Despite himself, Shunsui offered a smile. ". But I feel differently about it, I think. I don't want her to get hurt because I feel as though she's already been hurt enough. Even if it will be hard to build real bonds with her as my sister, since I realised she was, I don't think I can see her as anything else. She's my kinswoman and I don't want harm to befall her."
"Your father giving her that pendant and shield indicates he really did intend to acknowledge her, doesn't it?" Juushirou asked, and Shunsui nodded.
"Then he died, so nobody ever knew," he agreed, "but I think, despite all his sins, Father cared about what he'd done. When he found out she'd been born – he didn't mean to let her struggle in the way she has. He was just careless…reckless…stupid. His decisions in the last few months of his life were especially haphazard, and he really didn't think."
His eyes clouded.
"That's the thing that bothers me most about this," he admitted. "I'm guilty of the same carelessness."
"You…" Juushirou's eyes widened, and Shunsui shot him a helpless look.
"For a year after Saku and I parted, I lost all sense of reason," he murmured. "I drank, I strayed, and I slept around. I don't know how many nights I was away from the manor – I don't clearly remember every encounter because of the haze of alcohol I was always submerged in during that time. But there were…women like Riri. Probably several, if I'm honest. Women from Teika and the local areas – a past generation of courtesans and tavern wenches whose names I didn't know. They all resembled Saku in some way – that's all I remember. I forgot about them…drifted on…fell back into the same trap when my depression got the better of me and I couldn't deal with it any more. For that year, Father's vices were my vices too, Juu. I've told you that before, but…right now…I'm thinking of it in a whole new light."
"You think you might…like Matsuhara-sama…like Riri?" Juushirou whispered, and Shunsui groaned.
"I don't know," he admitted, "but if Riri exists, then it's not impossible and I can't help but wonder. True, Father was far worse than I was and for far longer. But it doesn't take…I mean, in a year…I never thought of the effect I had on them, Juu. I was so wrapped up in my problems and my gloom that I didn't even stop and think that I might have such a drastic influence on their lives. They were girls who were already struggling to get by – one or two stole coin from me when I slept in order that they'd be able to eat the next day. Yet till now I never even gave a thought to it - all I did was meander about my own feelings, rather than the consequences of indulging my depression in the way that I did. I am Father's son, and i very well might have done the same as Father. Somewhere…there might easily be a kid of four or five like Riri - a kid with a struggling Mama and no Papa because of my stupidity."
"Shunsui." Juushirou's expression was stricken, and Shunsui nodded.
"It doesn't make for nice listening, does it," he murmured. "I didn't have my Father, because he was a wastrel, a drunk and spiralled out of control until he put himself in the way of Uncle's sword. Riri's future could have been changed if he'd lived, but he didn't care enough to do that. Mine could have been different, too – but he didn't bother most days to even remember what name to call me by. Tokutarou-nii grew up in foreign land because Father could only see his own pain and misery, not anyone else's. And I might have done the same, Juu. I might have done the same."
He clenched and unclenched his fists.
"I won't abandon Riri," he added simply, "because I don't know how to find out whether I made the same mistakes or if I didn't. All I can do is help put right Father's, and hope that there's someone in the future who can do the same for mine if that situation arises. It makes me feel like a bad person - no, a despicable one, to be truthful. But there's nothing else that I can do than that."
"You're not a bad person," Juushirou said thoughtfully. "A foolish one, maybe, during that period of time. But you broke out of that cycle and you moved on."
"It might already be too late, though. I mean, if I have…"
He trailed off, and Juushirou frowned, getting to his feet and coming to stand in front of his companion. Grabbing him firmly by the shoulders, he gave the other boy a little shake.
"Stop it," he said frankly. "You can't change what's already happened. You've already said that you want to make amends – well, by helping Riri, you will be making some amends. You've already learned from the mistake and you won't let it happen again. Besides, unlike Matsuhara-sama, you're not depressed and you're not suicidal. You intend on living, right? Not dying. I don't know whether your recklessness created a life or whether it didn't – but Shunsui, whilst you're alive, you can change how things are. Isn't it you who said that to Kai that first year when he was floundering over his Clan's actions? You should take that advice and roll with it. More than that, Matsuhara-sama ran away from being a Shinigami. He ran from protecting people like Riri. You're not running. You'll take the haori and you'll use it to protect them. Even if there is a child somewhere…even if its life is hard and its father isn't there, you'll still be doing something to protect it by taking your sword and killing Hollows. You noticed it, didn't you? She isn't using it, but Riri has spirit power. Just like Riri, a child of yours would doubtless have it too. And so that's something you can do, isn't it? Instead of worrying about the things you can't."
"I suppose you're right." Shunsui chewed on his lip. "At the moment it doesn't make me feel better, but you are. Just…I wish there was a way to know, because if there was, like Father, I'd like to do…something. I don't even know what, just something. But if Tokutarou-nii found out, I think he'd brain me. He didn't say anything, but Nii-sama's also pretty smart, and I wouldn't be surprised if it occurred to him too, given that we now know about Riri. I'm certain I left him wondering whether there are more illegitimate siblings, and whether there are other illegitimate Kyouraku floating around District Eight. He'd never be able to ask me a question like that, probably, and I'm not sure I know how to raise it with him either, not considering all the things I've already put him and Okaasama through. Something not being said, though, doesn't necessarily mean it isn't being thought about - and Nii-sama does a lot of thinking."
"Well, maybe when you're a Captain, and you have resources of your own, you can find out the answers to some of these questions and put your mind at rest," Juushirou said sensibly. "Right now, though, Riri is right here and in need of support. She's your sister, and even if you have no kind of relationship now, if you're patient and give it time, that can always change. You've more or less said that you don't want to push her away, so don't. Focus on doing what you can for her and the little ones for now. Whether as a Kyouraku or just as Shunsui, you can acknowledge her in Matsuhara-sama's place, like you said. Things will figure themselves out in the long run – there's nothing else you can do but that at the moment."
"That makes it worse, but all right," Shunsui agreed. "At least there is one thing. I won't make those mistakes again. Even if I drink, or flirt, or mess around, I won't ever follow Father's example again."
"Of course you won't," Juushirou said matter-of-factly. "I won't let you, so that's pretty much for sure."
"You're going to be my minder, then, are you?"
"Perhaps," Juushirou grinned. "Though it's a tough job, someone's gotta do it."
"Mm." Shunsui raised a faint smile in return. "Somehow that's comforting, even though I know you just insulted me."
"That's also part of my duty," Juushirou said lightly, tapping his companion lightly on the shoulder. "Now stop worrying about it and get some sleep, all right? It's late, and at this rate you'll become a full blown insomniac."
"I'll sleep now," Shunsui assured him, even as the white haired boy got to his feet. "Thanks, Juu. I'm glad you came back here this summer – even if it was manipulated by my brother."
"Me too. It's given me a complete break from the things bothering me, and for once I feel like I've been able to listen and help rather than just burdening you with my problems," Juushirou admitted. "It should go both ways – you should take advantage of me more."
"If I wasn't tired, I'd find an inappropriate comment to go with that remark," Shunsui stifled a yawn, "but it looks like you're off the hook for now."
"Silly." Juushirou pulled a face. "Just go to sleep already. I'll see you in the morning."
"Or afternoon, depending how long I sleep for," Shunsui said reflectively. "Night, Juu. Sweet dreams."
"You too." Juushirou cast him a final grin, before disappearing back to his own guest room, and Shunsui flopped back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling with a frown.
Even though you hate being protected, Nii-sama said that protecting a friend because you value that friendship doesn't mean you think them weak.
He pursed his lips.
I'm the one who's weak, because I need to have you around. If I didn't, I'd probably fall over myself and slip back, despite all my good intentions to the contrary. I fell into that trap before because I was alone and I didn't have anyone who could put things into perspective for me. I've never been good at talking about things even to those people right around me, and I don't suppose that's going to change any time soon.
You're always there though, Juu. The friend I needed when I was growing up – and I don't intend on letting you fall into danger again if I can help it.
He closed his eyes.
I already know what it feels like to lose you, and I haven't forgiven Keitarou for that. I never will. If he keeps away from you, I'll let the Council deal with him in the proper way. But if he comes for you…if he does…I can't guarantee I'll stay out of it. Not this time. You might not like that it's that way, but I won't let that scientist interfere in the things that I hold dear any more than he already has. Regardless of what that means I have to do.
Across District Eight, in the small parlour room of the barracks house, Riri too was pensively gazing at the stars, watching them twinkle boldly against the velvet blue of the night sky.
"Oniisama…huh?"
Softly she murmured the words, a wry expression touching her lips.
"Foolishness seems to be catching."
She turned to gaze at the sleeping forms of the two small children, huddled up together beneath a thick blanket as they lay oblivious to their guardians thoughts.
But Chihiro was right about one thing. Shunsui is kind. Whatever background I have and whatever the complications it throws up, he seemed sincere.
She sank down beside them, reaching out to brush a wisp of stray hair from Shizuka's brow as the small girl let out an involuntary murmur.
Maybe it's because he calls a District boy his good friend, or maybe it's because he really is soft-heartedly foolish, just like Father. But Takeshi-dono said that Tokutarou-sama had issued an order for increased guard at the barracks, in Shunsui's name. Takeshi-dono said it seemed unlikely that Tokutarou-sama would want to speak to me again in any capacity, and that he'd handed the matter to his brother. That means that his interest in us is satisfied – and we shouldn't be afraid any longer.
She ran her fingers absently over Shizuka's dark brown hair.
For the both of you, I want a safe future. I've sacrificed enough for that already, and I'll sacrifice more. If Shunsui can help me to ensure you both have that future…I will sacrifice even my pride to him. Your mother was a prostitute, and I'm one too. But I won't have that for you, Shizuka-chan. If I can break the cycle, I will. For your sake and for Inori's, I'll do my best.
She bent to kiss the sleeping child's brow, then,
For Momiji too. I feel today vindicated her a little bit, too. Whoever took her and killed her…she was my trusted friend to the last. I believe that now more than ever. My pendant got you killed, Momiji – and for that I'm sorry. But maybe by trusting Shunsui and Chihiro's brother, your killer will find some justice. Since that's all I can try to give you, I will.
She sat back, glancing at the moon once more.
Takeshi-dono said Tokutarou-sama had officially referred to the incidents in Teika as murder. Gaugen and Momiji – both killed by a man masquerading as a member of the Clan. He acknowledged that you weren't a thief, but a victim, and my heart is a little bit at rest because of it. Maybe justice does exist for prostitutes here in District Eight. Perhaps I've misjudged my noble kinsfolk with the same prejudice I've believed them guilty of. Perhaps from now on that fact will change.
Shunsui was kind, and I liked him. But to call him brother…is too soon. Too unwise. There is too much space between us.
She gazed at her fingers pensively.
Still, it had a nice ring to it. And his voice did too. He wasn't repulsed by me, but instead protective of me…in a way nobody ever has been before. Perhaps we will meet again when you return my pendant to me, Shunsui. Perhaps that will be the end of it.
She slipped her hand across to tuck Inori's small fist more securely beneath the blanket.
Or who knows? Perhaps it won't.
The clouds were heavy over District Two that night, making the sky seem claustrophobic and stifled as Shirogane made his way carefully and quietly through the trackways that lay between the open stretches of swamp that lay near the District One border. The moon was almost full that night, but its hazy glow was mostly hidden by the heavy weather, and Shirogane pursed his lips, wondering if they were going to have another deluge of rain like the one that had hit them a few days earlier.
I hope not.
He shivered as a sharp breeze whipped around him, pulling the rough cloak more firmly around his undernourished frame as he soldiered steadily on. At this time of night, he knew the border patrols would likely be on a minimum of staff, and if he could reach the divide before the dawn, he might even be able to slip past the guards on duty and into District One without having to resort to any kind of shinigami magic. Though he had felt Ginkyoujiki's presence more clearly in the last few days, he was not fool enough to think that the demanding trek from District Three to his current location had allowed his already fatigued body any time or space to heal, and so he had resolved to use as little magic as possible, knowing that keeping his reiatsu to a bare minimum was far more important if he was to remain unnoticed.
District Two had been surprisingly peaceful, and Shirogane had been struck by the prosperity of the local communities as they had travelled from town to town. In several locations they had received good coin for their wares, and in the last several young children had gathered to listen to Shirogane's flute, begging him to play tune after tune until Saiji had announced it was time for them to leave. Shirogane had been strangely reminded of Shikiki and the Ukitake children, and had startled himself by obliging the young ones with a repertoire of simple, light-hearted tunes he had learnt as a boy. As he reflected on it now he once more mused ruefully that had they stopped and stared at him in the street, even his closest kin would probably not have managed to pick him out.
Shirogane has taken second place to Gin – but from hereon in, Gin will have to vanish.
As he reached the furthermost point of the path, where the swamps gave way to rocky mountain terrain, Shirogane turned to glance back with a feeling of regret to where the rest of his travel party were currently gathered, sleeping peacefully under the closed sky.
I'm sorry that when you wake up, I'll not be with you any more. It's been fun to be Gin for a while, but he's not who I really am. Nagoya Shirogane is who I have to be now – and hope that I can find a way to gain allies here where I couldn't gain them at home.
The checkpoint was another ri walk ahead, but Shirogane was a good navigator, even at night, and though he had refrained from using shunpo to conserve his energy, he felt confident that he would be able to cover the distance before the sun began to rise over the hills of District One. Beyond that, he estimated it would be maybe a half day's walk to the vicinity of the Academy – providing he did not get waylaid on the way by Yamamoto retainers looking for trouble. He had no way of knowing whether Guren had contacted his old teacher or vice versa – but in times like this, pragmatism came to the fore. He could not know, therefore he would keep going.
I have to return Orihime to Shikiki, therefore I can't be killed. If I can't be killed, I won't let myself get into a situation like I did with those guards. Therefore I'll be all right – and somehow I'll reach Ryuu and Mitsuki before anyone else catches up with me. I made a promise and I must keep it – so in order that I can, I won't be caught.
With this thought uppermost in his mind, he regathered his resolve, striding forward once more towards the familiar peaks of District One.
"You know, I thought you at least had the honour to say goodbye."
The voice, coming as it did so suddenly out of the blackness made him jump, and frightened for a moment he swung around, trying to make out the speaker in the gloom. The next moment a thin white hand shot out of the darkness, closing itself around his wrist and yanking him off the path into some low scrubland, and Shirogane found himself gaze to gaze with an indignant trader's daughter.
"Funaho-san," he whispered, and Funaho's eyes narrowed as she glared at him coldly. There was hurt and anger both in her expression, Shirogane realised, and with a jolt he understood that though he had thought all of his fellow travellers were sleeping, not all of them had been.
Once again I'm fooled by a lack of clear spirit power. I was too focused on my thoughts to pick up her feeble reiatsu behind me, and now…and now…
"We said we'd take you to the border." Funaho's grip around his arm tightened, and she gave him a little shake. "And yet you choose to creep off in the dead of night, like you don't want us to see where you go. Are you really going to District One, Gin? Or is there something else you're hiding from us – something you've maybe taken with you as a token of your time with our group?"
Her other hand automatically went towards his ragged sash and, mindful of the fact Ginkyoujiki was concealed beneath it, Shirogane hopped back, pushing her away.
"I haven't stolen anything," he said hotly. "I'm not a common thief. I have my own reasons for leaving at night – they're not your business. Go back to the others, Funaho-san. You've no business coming after me like this."
"If you've nothing to hide, why won't you let me search you?" Funaho's eyes became suspicious. "Was the nice gentle flute player all an act? Have you duped all of us?"
"If I have, and I'm really a travelling rogue out for profit, you've done yourself no favours separating yourself from allies to trail me," Shirogane pointed out archly. "I might just as easily slit your throat, or rape you, or both – since there's no witnesses here to protect you."
"Rape…me?" Despite herself, Funaho took a step back, and Shirogane snorted, shaking his head.
"I'm not the kind of man who assaults a woman," he said flatly. "Not even if she accuses me of being a thief. I wanted to cross the border in darkness because there will be less people there guarding it. That's all."
"That didn't bother you when we crossed from Third to Second," Funaho snapped. "You were quite happy to play your flute even, as we went through the checks."
"But I won't be crossing this time with you," Shirogane said sensibly. "We'll part ways. And I won't have that protection, will I?"
"…Oh." Despite herself, Funaho looked disconcerted. "But you didn't even say goodbye. If you were going to leave this evening…"
She faltered, glancing at her hands.
"I wanted to at least see you off," she murmured, "because I've liked having you with us. And it's cold, Gin. To just sneak away like this. It's bad manners – you should always say goodbye because you may never meet someone again."
"I suppose that's true," Shirogane acknowledged. "I'm sorry. I didn't think of it that way."
His gaze flitted towards the mountain path.
"There are people in District One who may not want me to get through the barriers," he said honestly. "They might be looking for me to stop me. I didn't want to involve anyone else in my family's problems – or get anyone else hurt. You people have been kind to me – the kindest thing I thought I could do was leave you so that if anyone asked you about me, you couldn't answer them."
"That sounds as though you're wanted by someone," Funaho's eyes narrowed. "As though you're in trouble of some kind, Gin. And you just haven't told us about it."
Shirogane shrugged, beginning to walk away down the path to the mountains.
"Everyone has things they don't talk about," he said softly. "Even you do, Funaho-san. Goodbye. I wish you and your companions safe travel beyond here – probably we won't meet again."
"Gin!"
Funaho called him back, but Shirogane did not heed her shout, taking one purposeful step after another as he put more and more distance between them.
Gin is gone. Gin doesn't exist. Shirogane will cross the border, and Shirogane has no business with you or your friends. He'll only bring them trouble - so go back to them and forget about Gin the flute player.
There was no further sound, and Shirogane sighed, rubbing his temples. He did not stop moving, however, nor did he look back, for despite the necessity of the parting and the shortness of the acquaintance, he had become accustomed to the kind words and friendly banter that had occupied his daily routine since his departure from the Ukitake farm.
No, he corrected himself. Before that. From the moment Shikiki and her companions had found him and ferried him back to their home, he had been surrounded by warmth and gentle kindness. And yet all of that kindness had come from District hands.
As though somebody wished this karma on me to make me understand that they are people.
Shirogane bit his lip, tasting blood on his tongue.
I have ridiculed them, dismissed them, insulted them in every possible way since I can remember. And yet in my time of crisis, it is District people who have helped me. Without questioning me, and even when their own supplies are low, they took me in, sheltered me and enabled me to go on. If I can make any difference at all to my Clan's future, it's because of the District people. Not because of those born of noble blood. You idiot, Shirogane. The world is changing and you thought you could remain above it. But Genryuusai-sensei is right. He was always right. The Districts have value. And we should...we should be making the most of that value before it's too late for this world.
At that moment, an ear-splitting shriek pierced the night sky and the shinigami froze, stopping dead in his tracks as he realised from where the sound had come.
"Funaho-san!" He muttered, and then the next second he felt it - the dull, twisted hum of dark reiatsu that was only too familiar to his Gotei-honed senses.
Hollow.
He cursed, turning on his heel and hastening back the way he had just come, not even stopping to think about what he was doing or why. As he reached the place where the mountain path began, he saw that Funaho was huddled on the ground, her eyes two black pools in a chalk white face as she stared up in horror at the beast that lumbered over her. Her reiatsu was not significant, and by Shirogane's standards, not even worth mentioning. But of the travelling tradespeople it was easily the most potent - and with Shirogane's own kept at base minimum, it had been Funaho whom the beast had sought out.
She was shaking, visibly trembling with fear, and the monster let out a roar, raising a club-like paw and swinging it down in her direction.
"Hadou no Sanjuu San! Soukatsui!"
Before Shirogane even knew what he was doing, the words were out of his mouth, a blue barrage of fire-hot energy rocketing across the uneven terrain on a direct course for the creature's outstretched hand. It made contact, exploding against the Hollow's arm and knocking the unwieldy limb free at the elbow, sending it disintegrating into the night air.
The beast howled, lumbering around to face the person who had suddenly attacked it, and Shirogane drew breath into his lungs, the blue light still prickling against his finger tips as he realised he had now drawn the monster towards him instead.
But that might be better.
Funaho forgotten for the moment, he slipped his right hand beneath the worn peasant sash, groping for the wrap of cloth that concealed his precious zanpakutou. Ginkyoujiki was humming with impatience and anticipation, and as the Hollow lunged forward, teeth bared in an attempt to decapitate the shinigami where he stood, Shirogane pulled the glittering weapon out into the night air, his eyes narrowing as he fell easily into the habits he had been trained in for so long.
The beast's other limb came down, but Shirogane was ready for it, parrying it back with Ginkyoujiki's sealed blade as he contemplated his best course of action. The Hollow was not one of the strongest, but nor was it a weakling - and Shirogane's own strength was still somewhat compromised. Yet he knew he could not risk the arrival of other shinigami on the scene, and so in a split-second he made his decision, thrusting his sword out in front of him as reiryoku swirled through his travel-worn body.
"Saite, Ginkyoujiki!" He commanded, and immediately the weapon was coated in a haze of silver light, splitting into petals of spinning shrapnel that shot out across the night sky like shooting stars. They embedded themselves in the Hollow - some in his body, some in his remaining arm, and a few lodged in the skull like mask that cloaked his face, causing him to shriek and groan in pain and fright. Shirogane's eyes became slits, and he drew down the hilt of his weapon, allowing the natural magnetism of his blade's magic to pull the shards back together, cleaving them through the Hollow's thick skin and heavy mask as they did so.
As the silver petals broke apart the Hollow's lumbering form, Shirogane watched with an almost detached air, the pieces of the creature dissipating into black wisps like shadows before disappearing completely into the ether.
Breathing heavily, Shirogane gave his sword hilt a little shake, and one by one the stray fragments of his zanpakutou's blade returned to their proper positions, allowing him to seal the weapon back into its normal sleeping form. It had taken some effort to release his sword this time - but he had managed to do it, and to control it, also.
I'm almost better, then. Almost fully recovered, even despite the last two weeks travel. So much to the good...I suppose this body is stronger than I gave it credit for. Either that or it's become obstinate. It doesn't want to die.
"G...Gin?"
Funaho's wavery voice brought him back to the present, and with a jolt of dismay he turned to face her, remembering all too late the reason that the Hollow had emerged in the first place.
"Funaho-san," he whispered, and at the sound of her name, Funaho scrambled unsteadily to her feet, taking a step or two back towards the swamplands and away from the man who stood before her, sword still glittering faintly in the dim light.
"What...who...how..." It was clear that the girl could not form coherent words, and for a moment Shirogane stared at her, uncertain whether to conceal himself and flee, or whether he should even attempt to take her with him, for he could not let someone roam free who had seen him release his sword. If he wasn't careful, connections might be made, and if they were, here in the Shadow Cat's District Two...
Shirogane sighed, the adrenalin seeping out of him as he sank to the ground, taking a deep breath of air into his lungs. Funaho had not fled, but stood still some distance away, her gaze fixed fearfully on the weapon that he still held in his hand.
"Who are you?" she murmured, and Shirogane gazed at her hopelessly, knowing that even if he had wanted to silence her, he would not be able to do it.
Assaulting a woman is something I do not do. Not even to protect myself. Which leaves only one avenue open to me.
"That thing...what...did you do?"
At Shirogane's continued silence, Funaho took a nervous step forward, faltering the moment she saw the shinigami's sword move. Shirogane pursed his lips, wrapping Ginkyoujiki once more in the tattered fabric that had concealed him, and meeting Funaho's gaze with a grave one of his own.
"The Hollow is gone. You're safe," he said quietly, "but you now hold my life in your hands. Since I just saved you - I hope you'll return the favour by not telling anyone about this. If you do - it may mean my death."
"Your..death?" Funaho looked stricken. "But...because you killed that monster? Someone would kill you, because you...?"
"Because I'm not meant to be here." Shirogane got slowly to his feet, dusting himself down. "And if it was to be found that I was...I don't know what might happen. If people found me, perhaps they would kill me."
He closed his eyes briefly for a moment, then,
"In this land especially, since I'm not authorised to release my sword in District Two, and I doubt the Shadow Cat would look on me doing so with kindness."
"Release your...your sword?" Funaho took another hesitant step towards him. "You...that's...a shinigami...sword? It is, isn't it? To kill monsters with...that's what it is, isn't it?"
"Yes. Yes it is."
"But why...why do you have one, Gin? Why could you make the whole area explode into blue flame...how...?"
She was almost within reach of him now, still shaking from the fear of her close shave, and instinctively Shirogane reached out to take her hands, meeting her gaze head on with a sombre one of his own.
"Because I'm a shinigami," he said gravely. "And that's why I'm going to District One."
"A shinigami?" Funaho echoed faintly. "But...if that's true then...why...Gin...with us...why...?"
Shirogane paused for a moment, gathering his wits. Then he nodded.
"If I tell you, then my life really will be in your hands," he said quietly. "You might think that's an exaggeration, but it's not. I've already had my life threatened at least once in the last few weeks, and it's not impossible that I'll be arrested the moment I cross into District One. But it's a risk I have to take, because I have kin there I need to see. A cousin of mine was murdered, and I have to find out why."
"A cousin of yours?" Funaho was slowly regaining her wits. "And the people who killed him...might come to kill you?"
"I don't know. I don't know much at all," Shirogane admitted, frustration clear in his gaze. "My family believe me guilty - of something, maybe even murder - but I was framed, and forced to flee. Since then I've been dodging the retainers and hiding where I can. I'm not a travelling musician, Funaho-san. That was a lie and I'm sorry for it. It was a lie that got me safely from District Three to Two - and closer to my goal."
"A lie." Funaho bit her lip. "But you play the flute so beautifully. How can that be a lie? You've spent two weeks with us, near enough. Are you saying all of that was a lie? Talking together, laughing together, sharing jokes at the market - that too?"
"No." Despite himself, Shirogane smiled, shaking his head. "No, that wasn't. On the contrary, you and your friends taught me a lot of things. Things I didn't know about the Districts, and how kind the people are there. Things that make me ashamed of some of the things I've always believed. You and your friends are people to whom I owe a debt I can't repay. So at the very least I didn't want to involve you in my situation any further. That's why I left in the dead of night. Because my problems aren't yours to contend with, I don't want to return kindness with bringing people into harm's way."
"District people." Funaho's brow creased, and she stared at him as if seeing him anew. "But that means...you're Clan? Oh God, of course you are. Of course, a shinigami..."
She pulled back from his hold, horror and embarrassment in her dark eyes.
"And the way I've spoken to you, and all of those things..."
"You spoke to me as a friend and an ally," Shirogane shook his head. "As Gin's ally. You have no idea how much that has helped me."
"Gin's ally." Funaho let out a small sigh. "Gin...isn't your real name, though, is it?"
Shirogane shrugged.
"Yes and no," he admitted. "My true name is Shirogane. Shirogane means silver, just like Gin. Therefore my name is Gin. From when I was small, a cousin of mine called me 'Gin', so it's a name that belongs to me too."
"Shirogane...dono." Funaho spoke the words softly, and Shirogane nodded.
"And you came from District Six." Funaho's eyes suddenly widened and she grabbed him by the sleeves, alarm in her expression.
"The rogue that Saiji-san was talking about! The criminal from District Six - it is you! Even though we were so casually talking - we were talking about you, and none of us even realised it! That the person himself was right there among us...hiding...hiding among us..."
"Do you believe me to be a criminal?" Shirogane asked evenly, and Funaho started, staring at him uncertainly. Then she exhaled slowly, shaking her head.
"You just saved my life," she said unsteadily. "You risked my seeing your true self, and not only that - on others seeing it too. But you still saved me. I know you came back because of that, didn't you?"
"A shinigami's duty is to save people from Hollows," Shirogane said matter-of-factly. "Nobody who bears a blade stands back and watches someone die when they could save them. Nobody with honour of any kind could act in that way, and especially not anyone who considers themselves even a fragment a part of the Kuchiki Clan."
He reached out to touch Funaho on the shoulder.
"I'm sorry," he said sincerely. "I didn't want you to see behind Gin's facade, or bring you into danger because you did. But what I've told you is serious information. If you tell anyone...even a little bit of it..."
"I won't." Funaho's gaze became resolute and she shook her head, dark tail of hair swinging out behind her. "You saved me and I'll return the favour. Just as you asked me to. But..."
She frowned, and Shirogane caught the wistful look in her expression.
"I wish Gin had been real," she admitted. "I might have managed to meet him again, one day, if he was. And though two weeks is too short to know it for sure...I think if he had been real, I might have...come to like him much more than I do already. Perhaps we would have been close. But you...you're not Gin. Not really. And...there's probably a hime who's waiting for you when all of this dies down."
"There's no hime." Shirogane was taken aback. "But Funaho-san..."
"It's all right." Funaho offered him a faint smile, though Shirogane was horrified to see the glimmer of tears against her lashes. "I'll go back to the others and I'll go to sleep. When they wake, I'll tell them you left in the night and I didn't see or hear anything. I'll keep your secret, I promise. As a favour to Gin, because his flute made me happy. For a while, it made me forget losing Father. And I'm grateful for that at least."
"I'll walk you back," Shirogane suggested, but Funaho shook her head.
"You'll lose time. You wanted to cross the border by dawn, didn't you?" she reminded him. "I'll be all right. The Hollow's gone now, so I'm safe, and I know my way. But..."
She paused, ferreting in her sash for something small and square which she pulled out, taking Shirogane's hand and pressing it awkwardly into his palm.
"Use this to cross the border," she murmured, "as thanks for Gin's flute playing. You'll find it easier that way."
"Funaho-san...but this is..." Shirogane glanced at the border token, his eyes widening in surprise. "This is yours! You need it to travel, how..."
"I can get another, and most border guards don't take any notice of a peasant woman travelling here or there trying to drum up trade," Funaho said wryly. "When we travel in a group, often it's only Saiji-san whose token gets us through. You've seen that yourself once already. So take it. Use it to pass through. I don't need it back. It's my thanks for everything - my life and everything. And my apology...for suspecting you of theft."
"I've been accused of worse, lately." Shirogane pulled a face, but obediently slipped the token into his own sash, alongside Shikiki's flute. "But I appreciate it. It will make my passage easier, so thank you."
He eyed her for a moment, then,
"Stay safe," he said softly. "Perhaps the next time you and your friends visit Sixth's sakura festivals, all will be peaceful with my Clan once more."
With that he turned on his heel for the last time, making his way slowly back along the path towards the border with District One.
Although he didn't turn back, he knew that she was still there, watching him until he disappeared from her line of sight. Though he didn't see her face, he knew that the tears that had lingered on her lashes had probably started to fall, and with a lurching sense of guilt, he realised he had unwittingly stolen her heart.
Or Gin did. Shirogane did not.
He gazed down at his left hand, rubbing the residue from the Kidou spell from his finger tips.
And Shirogane is the one who's going to District One. I have no choice now. No looking back. If I don't cross soon, people may come here to find me. I can't waste any more time - the sooner I get to the border crossing, the better.