A/N: A comment about Guardian Kasane in the ynm discord brought on this oneshot. I just want Hisoka to have a mom who will love him without question.
Kasane's shiki is a handsome kitsune named Kaede. Kaede is shown in some scenes.
Thanks for reading!
-Lucicelo
The initial relief of finishing their first case disappeared the moment Hisoka saw her. A familiar built up of anxiety and tension in the middle of his shoulder blades returned. Echoes of past insults and heart wrenching glares made Hisoka recede into himself. A reaction he never developed when faced with Muraki. That doctor earned his rage and disgust.
When faced with the idea of facing anyone from the Kurosaki family, Hisoka's body froze. As much as he hated to admit that they still affected them, those people made his life a misery. One person in particular flashes into the forefront in his memories. His mother. Kurosaki Rui.
His eyes hyper focused on the beautiful woman wearing a pale green kimono with light brown accents. The sakura blossom hair clips in her hair complimented her attire. Her make up was applied sparingly, but complimented her natural beauty. If he wasn't almost hyperventilating, he would had appreciated seeing a woman in a kimono.
Before his eyes, his mother followed him into the afterlife.
And she appeared at peace.
Peace was an emotion Hisoka never witnessed on her face or aura when they were alive. Kurosaki Rui did everything in her power to reduce her son's self esteem into the ground. Her carelessness during his illness showed the kind of mother she always was.
A neglectful one.
Overall, a cruel and loveless mother.
As far as he remembered, Hisoka learned to ignore her hateful glances whenever he made an appearance for family events. Ever since she learned of his defect, she made it a mission to make him suffer with her thoughts. Flashes of her grimace pushed down his self esteem and elevated her disapproval of his existence. Nothing he did brought a smile to her face. She rejected him at every single turn, never once calling him her son.
At least, that man interacted with him. Through distant and uninterested in his existence, Nagare made sure he received a perfect education. His extra curricular mirrored the ones Nagare participated in as a child and he excelled in them. In fact, Hisoka heard the thoughts of his instructors complaining about the Kurosaki family keeping him from competition. Hisoka knew that the chance of him losing to someone outside of their circles was unacceptable.
His resemblance to her beautiful features meant nothing to him. In a way, he preferred that man's masculine features than to remain boyish for eternity. To his despair, he died young enough to retain her features. The face that entranced many of the Summons Section, was a reminder of the woman who never loved him.
Due to that woman, he detested his own face.
His trained blank face fooled those who thought they complimented him. Tsuzuki calmed down on teasing him over his boy band looks after he noticed his discomfort. In a surprising act of understanding, Tsuzuki didn't comment about it and teased him in other ways. At least, Hisoka didn't have to worry about his partner gushing over his looks.
He thought he escaped her scathing words the moment he drew his last breath. In fact, when he first regained consciousness in the afterlife, he let himself cry for the first time in years. He cried for his lack of a childhood and the soul consuming loneliness.
All he ever wanted was someone to love and cherish him. Someone to step in and show him that he wasn't a monster.
To see her in death, meant that he could never escape his family.
Haruno Kasane returned from a long case overseas with a spring in her step. She changed out of the long dresses she wore in Taiwan and transitioned back into her kimono. The case called for her to blend into the crowd so she bought clothing that suited her more conservative nature. Long dresses, skirts, stockings, blouses that covered her midsection, and run appropriate shoes.
Outside of Japan, her kimono brought copious amounts of attention onto her. In a way, it became a safety blanket and brought back memories of her life walking among the living. The daily attire she wore in her childhood home and during her time as a married woman became a staple in her wardrobe. Ever so diligent in her upbringing, Kasane behaved as expected and wore her kimono with pride. Her hairstyles transitioned from a loose style to the stylized bun of a married woman. As a deceased woman, she loosened her hair to less of a tight bun with tendrils on the side of her face.
Considering the Judgement Bureau's lax rules on appropriate office wear, she took the chance to wear her kimono. She couldn't help but beam in pride whenever someone complimented her color schemes and the patterns in her obi. After all, she took good care of her kimonos and cast various incantations to prevent them from ripping or staining.
Pausing on the side of the hall to adjust her obi, she snatched back her hands when she realized someone walked in the hall. Her face warmed at the idea of someone catching her acting unladylike. Turning to the newcomer, her eyes widened at the sight of the young man who stared right at her. Tucking a stray curl behind her ear, she turned her whole body around and observed his face.
He looked similar to Nagare.
She had not thought of her ex husband in years. Ever since she died, her cleansing and redemption kept the living out of her thoughts. Her grief of losing her child pushed her to an extreme solution that did nothing to bring back her child. Her beloved reincarnated fast. She checked her baby's file and noticed she was reborn in France. Far away from Japan, but thriving with a big loving family. Kasane felt comfort in her child having gotten a chance to live.
If anything else, her own death exposed her to the inner workings of the family she married into. The curse, the reality of becoming master, the reason for the only male main branch. Kasane's eyes opened to the reality of her ex husband's family. Their dark secrets destroyed even the most innocent of family members and warped them into unrecognizable messes.
She pitied them all.
As she stared at the young man, she recognized features from the Kurosaki family. Then again, the young man could be biracial. More and more Japanese people were marrying foreigners and their children displayed flamboyant features. She imagined her child growing into Nagare's features, but this boy showcased a doll like face with an indication of transitioning into a handsome adult.
All of a sudden, the young boy ran off with fury etched on his face.
Leaving Kasane to ponder what angered the young man enough to run in the other direction.
During her lunch break, Kasane invited her partner, Tachibana Ichirou for lunch. Ever since she left to help Taiwan's branch of the Judgement Bureau, Ichirou accepted a role in helping out guardians from Malaysia. Their separation came with a homesickness Kasane had not felt since she left home for marriage. The older man became a mentor to her. He never berated her for her gender or her previous high status. Throughout her first years as a guardian, he helped her through her darker days and became more than her friend.
He became her best friend.
Of course, Ichirou could never replace Rui's place in her heart. Rui was the other half of her soul. Her twin. Yet, Ichirou gave her a grounding foundation for her to gather her bearings. Almost like the older brother her parents never managed to have. He guided her through her most painful episodes and knew how to poke at her to break her out of her sullen moments.
Donned in her kimono, Kasane felt appropriately dressed for a lunch. She went to the main office and avoided Tsuzuki Asato's sudden sprint through the hallway. Around lunchtime, it wasn't uncommon to catch the man running off for some food special in the world of the living. Despite the fact they rarely shared a word, she remembered his welcoming smile when he walked her through the Judgement Bureau.
Smiling light, she entered the office and called Ichirou's name. Looking up from his report, his grimace formed into a grin. As he got up from his seat, she noticed a bit of stubble around his chin. She assumed his mission kept him from self grooming for long periods of time. In her case, she made it a point to make herself presentable before she walked out the door.
Ichirou shoved his chair back into his desk before he walked over to Kasane. He put out his arm and she curled his hand around it. He guided her out to the main cafeteria as they dodged incoming and outgoing guardians. Once they made it to the cafeteria, they separated in order to pick their own selected lunches. Meeting back at the end of the line, they picked a table with a view of the cherry blossoms.
The pair managed to sit down before other guardians claimed the table. Sharing grins, they set up their food onto the table before moving the tray onto the side. Clapping their hands together, they thanked for the meal before they dug in.
Spending a few minutes eating their lunch, Ichirou spoke about his experiences in his Malaysia. Kasane hid her amused smile behind her cup of tea. The last stretch of Ichirou's case caused him to neglect himself in order to complete the case. He forgot to groom himself before he made his way to the office due to forgetting to annotate his case. Two reports he needed to send to Malaysia and Japan's branch of the Judgement Bureau.
Kasane spoke about her stay in Taiwan. She accompanied different guardians in different cases. Nothing big enough to summon her shiki, Kaede, but she summoned him for those cold nights in her hotel room. His soft red fur smelled like sakura blossoms.
As they transitioned into other topics, Ichirou brought up Tsuzuki Asato's newest partner. An event that spread throughout the Judgement Bureau. The man was infamous for his partners transferring out or reincarnating. Something about working with the man caused guardian's to seek other areas of employment. An interesting development when he was well liked throughout the departments. No one talked bad about him unless it pertained to his destructive ways during his cases. Other than that, Tsuzuki jumped into cases and helped his fellow guardians with a smile on his face.
Whenever she saw him after a partner left, Tsuzuki hid his pain behind a well crafted smile. A smile Kasane used during her life in the living. Kasane found herself feeling bad for him. She lucked out in keeping the same partner since she arrived to the Summons Section. He was such a kind young man and deserved a decent partner to stick around him.
Ichirou commented. "The new kid is with Tsuzuki Asato. You know? The guy that can't keep partners for long? Rumor has it that he stuck a fake gun behind Tsuzuki's back and threatened to shoot him with it. His sassiness is appreciated."
Kasane covered her mouth with twinkles of amusement in her eyes. "That man is far too old to let himself get fooled in such a way. What is the young man's name?"
Ichirou swallowed his bite of food before he answered. "Kurosaki Hisoka."
Kasane's chopsticks clattered onto the table. Trembling in her seat, she picked up her chopsticks and moved them onto a napkin.
"Kasane?" Ichirou turned to Kasane in time to see her face pale.
Gathering her bearings, Kasane inquired. "Excuse me? What's his name?"
Ichirou answered again. "Kurosaki Hisoka." He reached out his hand and patted her shoulder. "Kasane? Do you need me to grab some water?"
Kasane shook her head with tears prickling her eyes. "I-I'm sorry." She reached for a napkin and dabbed the sides of her eyes. "It's just...that's the name of my child. I picked it for my daughter and...the last name. He might be... from that family."
Ichirou nodded in understanding. He remembered Kasane's first years as a guardian. She kept on her polite mask of courtesy while going through her training courses. Peeks of her anger and devastation came through in the physical portions of their cases, making her a flight risk when they dealt with kids or babies. She took their plight to heart and risked herself for their safety.
He remembered on more than one occasion where he stayed up with Kasane as she cried into her sake cup. Overseeing her intake, he fed her different snacks to counteract a portion of the alcohol. As a noble lady, Kasane knew when to stop herself from losing control. Yet, the thought of her beloved child dying for nothing made her upset enough to discard her previous etiquette.
In a way, Ichirou felt honored that Kasane trusted him enough to let her inner self come through. He didn't think Kasane opened her soul to her own husband before she died. As much as she claimed to have adored him, he couldn't have possibly listened to her concerns. He abandoned his wife and child for work and didn't fight to return home.
Ichirou reached out his hand, patted her hand, and kept it there as she gained control.
Kasane entered through the library doors to return a stack of books that featured current technological advances. Placing them on the front desk, the Gushoshin greeted her with a smile and a bow. She hated to admit that she panicked the first time she met them. Ichirou had to calm her down outside of the library before she entered the library and profusely apologized for her behavior. The Gushoshin didn't take it to heart and welcomed her in without issue.
"It's good to have you back, Haruno-san." Both of the Gushoshin greeted her.
The one with the red hat collected the books from the counter and checked them back in.
The Gushoshin with the blue hat, continued on talking. "I was wondering if our library would remain empty without you selecting and checking out our books. Half the time, I have to chase away the unwanted ones who don't appreciate literature."
Kasane chuckled into her fist. "Thank you for the warm welcome." She peered around the library and noted the lack of guardians. Attempting to push away the awkwardness, she said. "I'm sure you had people checking out books. I'm not the only one who enjoys doing their own research."
The Gushoshin with the red hat scoffed before he shook his head. "Well, we have one new guardian who takes good care of the books he checks out. The rest still manage to stain or tear a page before they return it."
Kasane didn't try to rebuke his claim. After all, she overheard countless guardians bemoan about having to read a book or write their reports. Ichirou went through his lazy phases in not wanting to write his reports, but ended up doing them anyway. It was hard to recall intricate details months after an investigation ended. Best to have everything in writing before a complication popped up later up in line.
"Are you going to check out more books, Haruno-san?"
Kasane snapped her thoughts. "Ah, yes. I'll look through the new arrivals for my visit." She nodded her head before she dismissed herself. "Thank you for your time."
"No problem!"
Walking to the section in question, Kasane tried not to bounce in her step when she saw new unfamiliar titles. In between cases, she went to the library to skim through different genres, and sometimes left without a new book to read.
Kasane stepped into the historical aisle and paused in place. The young man from the other day was looking through a book. Taking it upon herself to introduce herself, she coughed to gain his attention.
He looked up from his book and turned his attention onto her.
"Hello! I don't know what happened, but I never got the chance to introduce myself the other day." Kasane fiddled with the sleeves of her kimono before she bowed. "My name is-"
"You." Hisoka hissed out as he backed away from the aisle. "How did you manage to find me?"
Kasane lifted up her head in confusion. Sure, the young man was familiar, but she didn't know his name. "Pardon? I don't understand what you mean? I have never met you in my life, young man."
"Don't lie! You are Kurosaki Rui." Hisoka glared at her. "Admit it."
"My name is Kasane." Kasane stood her ground and looked him straight in the eye. "Kurosaki Kasane. Well, Haruno Kasane now. I'm not married anymore. After death, marriages are dissolved for the living to move on. After all, the vows say until death do you part."
Hisoka used his powers to enter her mindscape to filter out her lies. There was no other explanation for this woman to look exactly like Kurosaki Rui. Unless, she was a relative of her side of the family.
An image of two girls appeared in his mind. There was a transition to these women holding hands as they walked through a festival. Their different styles of kimono helped to differentiate them from the people who addressed them by their names. Haruno Rui preferred fall themed and plain colored kimono. Haruno Kasane adored flower patterns and accessories to decorate her curls.
The woman in front of him, wore a cherry blossom patterned kimono with a glass spun cherry blossom clip in her hair.
Her name was Haruno Kasane.
She was her twin.
In an instant, Hisoka felt terrible for pushing his resentments onto this woman. She wasn't Rui. She physically appeared like Rui, but her personality was far different from her twin sister. Hisoka didn't need his powers to feel the difference between both women. Kasane exuded a warmness that contrasted against Rui's icy demeanor.
Hisoka tipped his head to her in respect. "My apologies for my behavior, I mistook you for someone else."
Kasane's anxiety lessened down as she let out a deep breath. She didn't want to find out the reason why this young man spat out such vitriol against her twin sister. Then again, she was gone for decades and didn't return after she realized Rui married her ex husband. The sting of the Kurosaki family taking advantage of their family made her sick.
For all she knew, Rui changed into a whole different woman. It took strength to deal with the Kurosaki family. The cool and snarky young woman of her youth could of transformed into someone despised by the young man standing in front of her.
"I-It's quite alright." Kasane gulped. "I don't know what my sister did to you, but for that, I apologize in her place."
Hisoka jerked back, "No need. She's the one who needs to tell those words to me, not you, Haruno-san." He cleared his throat before he bowed low to express his immense apology. "My name is Kurosaki Hisoka. I...I'm her son."
When Hisoka looked up, he saw the tears in her eyes. Her previous nervousness dissipated to bring forth nostalgia and grief. Flashes of Kasane's swollen belly, a crying baby, Kasane's dark thoughts after the death of her baby, and the inevitable jump into freezing waters, caused Hisoka to jolt. The immense emotions that came from her memories made him pity her.
Kasane bore a child for the Kurosaki family and the child wasn't in the family tree. Meaning, the family wiped all traces of Kasane and her baby's existence from the main branch. They were discarded as nothing.
Hisoka breathed through his nose to push away the overwhelming sense of guilt coming from Kasane. Almost as if she felt guilty for what happened to her baby. Of course, it wasn't her fault, the Kurosaki tended to ruin anyone who didn't fit their standard of normal. Himself included.
He stepped forward, reached out his hands, but paused before he held her trembling hands.
He didn't think he had the right to breach her space.
Kasane closed the gap and grasped Hisoka's hands. "I'm happy we cleared this misunderstanding, Hisoka-san. It's a pleasure to meet you and I hope you last as Tsuzuki-san's partner. I want to get to know you better."
Hisoka nodded his head. "Alright. I'll try."
Hisoka met his aunt's partner after he returned from their latest case. One where he found out that Tsuzuki knew how to ballroom dance. Hisoka learned the basics of dancing, but didn't have the opportunity to practice with a female partner. When he grew old enough to attend parties, his family kept him hidden away with the excuse of illness. In a way, they saved him from having to tolerate the emotions from strangers who wanted an opportunity to marry into his family.
He bumped into Ichirou before he entered the Summons Section office. The reason he knew what the man looked like was due to Kasane describing him during a different conversation. The image Hisoka developed in his head was a rough retired fighter with scars all over his body. He was reassured that Ichirou was kind despite his grumpy face.
After their bumpy start, Hisoka made it a mission to build a relationship with his aunt. She shared similar stories of the Kurosaki family treating as lesser due to her gender and her responsibility in providing an heir. It didn't compare to Hisoka's total isolation, but she didn't undermine him when he began opening up about his life.
Hisoka felt validated when Kasane expressed anger on his behalf. Although, her upbringing made her hide behind a demure smile, Hisoka saw past her mask. After all, he learned to differentiate Rui's deadpanned face through micro expressions when she was in an fouler mood than usual. His powers added an extra ace up his sleeve. He saved himself from having to hear callous words due to his own vigilance.
As he looked up at the man, he saw the scar on the bottom of his chin. Ichirou was taller than him and he got a good look underneath his chin. What he didn't expect was that the man was just as energetic as Tsuzuki. They were similar, but Ichirou was a calm light while Tsuzuki blared his emotions without meaning to.
Ichirou stretched out his hand with an unassuming grin. "You're a hard guy to find, but Kasane-san reassured me that you were alright. Pleasure to meet you kid, I'm Tachibana Ichirou."
Hisoka looked down at Ichirou's hand before he shook his hand. "Kurosaki Hisoka." He peered behind Ichirou and noted his aunt wasn't present. The hallway was empty. "Where is aunt Kasane?"
Ichirou released Hisoka's hand and answered. "She is helping out another pair in a quick case. There are certain cases where a woman's presence is better suited than a man. Be glad you haven't received a case where...certain acts were perpetuated on a victim and they seek revenge."
Realization dawned on Hisoka's face as he uttered out. "Oh."
"Yeah, Kasane will be back in a week." Ichirou scratched the back of his neck. "Anyways, do you have time to spare?"
Hisoka arched a brow. "Why do you ask?"
Ichirou reassured him and waved his hands in front of his body. "I just want to get to know you. Kasane is my partner and we're going to see each other more often. You're her family so I know for a fact that she's going to invite you over for dinner. Uh...you can invite Tsuzuki to come along. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
Hisoka remained silent and watched the older man flail during his excuses. His aunt was right about her partner. Whatever intimidating aura the man expressed when Hisoka first saw him was gone.
Kasane revealed the cause of her death while she prepared tea for herself and Hisoka. In a normal setting, such news would had soured the mood, but Kasane and Hisoka slowly opened up to one another. They started their healing process through expressing their experiences while they lived with the Kurosaki family.
As she poured the tea through a strainer, Kasane admitted. "I died from drowning, Hisoka-san."
Hisoka turned his full attention to his aunt.
"My daughter- your older sister - died on her first week of life." Kasane gripped the strainer with tight fingers. "I wasn't able to handle the sorrow and the grief very well. It mattered not that I could always have another. It's just...a child's death is never easy on a woman. Nagare... he wasn't there for the birth either. He never saw her."
Hisoka turned his gaze out toward the window to look at the cherry blossoms. "He didn't attend my birth either."
Kasane let out a humorless chuckle. "Oh? Was it about work? Another conference he just couldn't miss?"
Hisoka tried remembering Rui's miserable memories. Nothing in Rui's mind was positive, everything was tinted in a fog of sadness. The woman's good memories came from being back home with her family, but any image of her sister caused her immense pain. Whenever Rui thought of her nameless sister, who he now knew was Kasane, Rui's guilt overfilled her soul.
"He didn't want to be anywhere near Rui." Hisoka explained. "I eavesdropped into their conversation once and Nagare exuded anguish in her presence. He tended to think about how that she couldn't take your place. I didn't understand it at the time. No one ever spoke about you."
Kasane turned the strainer and dumped the loose leaves into the garbage. "Of course no one spoke about me. I was the failed first wife who didn't do her duty properly. The Kurosaki family could trick anyone into thinking that Nagare never remarried. But, Rui lost our family as a result of her quick marriage."
"Lose?" Hisoka arched a brow. "I would assume they would be happy that another daughter married into a good family."
Kasane picked up the cups and set them down onto the table. "Not really. Nagare and Rui got married six months after my death. My parents voiced their disgust, but relented in giving Rui to the Kurosaki family to keep appearances."
Hisoka snapped his head toward Kasane in astonishment. "Six months?! Was he not supposed to go through a period of mourning and not go through celebrations until time passed?"
"Not in blue blooded families," Kasane sat sown across from Hisoka. "I remember a Kurosaki family member remarrying almost two months after his wife died. They were childless when she died and his parents pushed for grandchildren. He looked miserable on his wedding day and only ever had one child with his new wife. This happens more often than people would expect."
Hisoka pulled his cup of tea toward his body and inhaled the heavily bodied aroma. "If I'm honest, I never really attended many marriage ceremonies due to being labeled ill. So, I wouldn't be able to tell if someone was genuinely happy to marry into our family."
"I wouldn't be surprised if the Kurosaki groom or bride looked miserable while those marrying in are genuinely thrilled." Kasane swirled her tea cup before she slurped. "Trust me, people would do anything in the name of power and money."
During their newest case, Hisoka brought Hijiri and Kazusa to his Aunt Kasane's home. Of course, he sent a messenger bird to alert her of their arrival and she sent a return message. When they arrived, she stood outside of her modest cottage home in a simple blue yukata and a thick sweater on her shoulders. She beamed at the sight of him before she introduced herself to Kazusa and Hijiri.
Kazusa bowed low and smiled big.
Hijiri bowed low as well. Although, his mood lessened at the sight of his Aunt Kasane.
Hisoka turned to him and noticed tears prickling the corners of his eyes. Flashes of a black haired woman in a simple kimono was holding onto a small hand. Numerous lights and concession stands overfilled his vision. Instances of the faceless woman at home also made their way through. It seemed his aunt resurfaced past memories of Hijiri's mother because of her style of clothing.
Kasane noted Hijiri's solemn mood. "Is everything alright?"
Hijiri blinked back his tears and chuckled to disguise his sadness. "I'm sorry, but you sort of reminded me of my mom. She always pinned back her hair and wore yukata at home."
"Oh?" Kasane moved out the way and let her guests walk through her front door. "I have to say, you look real similar to my nephew." She observed both young men and mused. "Almost like twins."
Hijiri and Kazusa removed their shoes and placed them in the show cubby.
Hisoka sighed as he closed the door and removed his shoes. "Tsuzuki made the same comment."
"Of course, he did." Kasane said.
Dumbfounded at the relationship between the pair, Hijiri asked Kasane. "Wait...Hisoka-san is your nephew?"
Kasane lead them into her living room as she talked to them. "Yes, he's my little sister's son. My own twin sister." She turned on the light of the living room and the group wandered on inside. "I died before Hisoka was born. So, I didn't have the privilege to hold him in my arms as a newborn." Winking at Hisoka, Hisoka pouted at her. "I'm complacent with knowing him as a growing adult."
"Ah." Hijiri sat down on the couch and Kazusa climbed onto her own place. "You two seem close."
"I'm happy that others have noted that we have grown closer." Kasane said. "I think of him as my son after all."
Hisoka jolted at the label and rushed over to sit on the one seater.
"According to modern science," Kasane laid her hands in front of her as she smiled. "Hisoka is my son. I share identical DNA with my twin sister after all. It's almost as if I'm mothering my own child in the afterlife. It's a interesting development considering our job."
Hisoka's shoulders hunched as his face warmed up.
Kasane played the good host, she asked her guests if they wanted refreshments. When they said yes, she made sure that she made warm milk with honey for Kazusa and tea for Hisoka and Hijiri. Hisoka jumped up to help bring in the tray without her having to ask.
Sometime during their visit, Kazusa curled into herself and began spontaneously crying.
Hisoka wasn't surprised. It was about time that Kazusa gave into her fears and released them through her tears. After all, her father died, she was terrorized by a demon dog, uprooted from the nuns for protection, and studied by the dead over the reason demons were hunting her down.
Hijiri attempted to soothe Kazusa, but she kept on silently crying.
An idea popped into Kasane's head as she piped up. "Wait one moment!" She pulled out a fuda paper and chanted the summoning phrase. "Come out, Kaede."
A large fox appeared in the middle of the living room, floating high off of the floor. His evergreen eyes glowed underneath the lights as he floated down onto the floor. He addressed Kasane with a laugh and demanded head scratches. Kasane, ever the doting woman, complied with his request.
Kazusa blinked in surprise as she looked up at the animal. Her earlier sadness disappeared and she exclaimed. "Wow!"
Kasane offered. "Do you want to hold him for a while? He likes belly rubs."
"Really?!"
"What do you think, Kaede?" Kasane looked down at her shiki with a grin. "Kazusa has been stressed out lately and needs a handsome fox to make her happy. I'll serve some snacks for you in a moment."
"I don't mind." Kaede jumped onto the sofa and laid his head onto her lap.
Hijiri and Hisoka watched in fascination as Kazusa relaxed and cuddled against Kaede's soft fur. "I like foxes."
Kaede exuded smugness as he melted in Kazusa's small arms. "Better than other animals?"
She ran her little fingers through his fur. "Far better!"
Kasane chuckled. "Okay, Kaede is not going to want to leave anytime soon." She turned to Hisoka. "Where's Tsuzuki-san?"
Hisoka put his finger to his lips and motioned her out of the room.
Confused, Kasane followed Hisoka out of the room as Hijiri began asking Kaede questions about shikigami. She closed the door behind him before she inquired. "What's going on?"
"Tsuzuki has been acting off." Hisoka lowered his voice. "Ever since he got bit by that demon, he hasn't felt the same. His aura is off."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I managed to catch him slipping when he spoke about Kazuza. I might...have to do something drastic to lure the demon out." Hisoka bit into his lower lip. "I bought a disguise, but I'm not sure if the demon will notice."
Kasane furrowed her brows, "Do I have to intervene?"
"No, just keep an eye out of Hijiri and Kazusa for me. I don't trust Tsuzuki to be near either one of them." Hisoka reassured her. "Besides, even if I get hurt, we have fast regeneration."
Kasane pressed a kiss against his cheek. "I trust you, Hisoka. Just be careful."
In the end, Kazusa didn't die from the pillar falling from the ceiling. Kaede intervened in time and swept Kazusa in between his tails. He jumped into a clear section as Ichirou materialized and yanked Hijiri out of way as well. As the building broke down into pieces, Hijiri passed out from a hit to the head and Kazusa screamed out Hijiri's name.
Hijiri woke up to a pulsating headache and the sounds of a knife cutting into something. Opening his eyes, he looked to the direction of the noise and saw Kasane cutting up apples for him. Hisoka and Watari were speaking on the sitting table on the other side of the room. Turning to his right, Kaede was curled around Kazusa's sleeping form on the bed.
"Hijiri-san, how are you feeling?" Kasane inquired.
Watari and Hisoka paused in their conversation to look at Hijiri.
Hijiri jumped in surprise before he chuckled. "I have a bit of a headache, but otherwise, I'm doing alright."
Watari swooped his curls over his shoulder before he snickered. "Ichirou wasn't paying attention when a big piece of the rock flew toward him. The big lug he let you take the hit and rushed you to the infirmary. Well, the leftover pieces of the infirmary. You can blame him for the headache you're experiencing."
Sighing out, Kasane reassured Hijiri. "And Ichirou is very apologetic for his lack of attention."
Hijiri put his hands up with a badly concealed grin. Despite Ichirou's grumpy face, he witnessed the man flailing about when he apologized to someone. "It's okay. Really, it's fine. We were all running through adrenaline back then."
Kasane began cutting individual pieces of the apple. "I'm happy to inform you that Sagatanus has been purged and defeated. You both don't have to worry about him making a reappearance when you return to your normal lives."
Kaede woke up due to the surrounded conversation and managed to untangle himself from from Kazusa's tight grip. Floating over to Hijiri, he patted the top of Hijiri's head with his paw. Afterwards, he lowered himself down into Hijiri's arms and curled on his lap.
Watari teased Kaede. "Aw, what about me? Am I not cuddly enough?"
Kaede glared at Watari. "I'm not about to let you anywhere near my fur. I haven't forgotten that disgusting concoction you accidentally dropped on me. I was the laughing stock of the shikigami world for weeks."
Watari huffed out in fake indignation. "I get no respect around here. My inventions are revolutionary."
Hisoka muttered. "Revolutionary enough to make everyone gain common sense."
All of a sudden, Hijiri wrapped his arms around Kaede for a grateful hug. "Thank you, Kaede-sama. You protected Kazusa."
Kaede awkwardly responded. "No thanks needed. I don't like seeing kids getting hurt is all. Uh..."
Kasane smiled light as she continued on cutting apples. "I don't want to see either one of you in the Judgement Bureau until you're old and grey. Do you understand, Hijiri-san?"
Hijiri furiously nodded his head. "Yes, Kasane-san. I'll try to live a long fulfilling life."
Kasane appeared on board the ship with an expensive kimono that blinded many a passenger walking through the vessel. The appearance of a wealthy unaccompanied woman brought extra stares. Considering the vessel catered to different races, she suspected extra stares due to her genuine kimono. Not that she minded the stares. She liked answering questions when it came to the different materials and accessories.
After answering some curious people, she excused herself and made her way through the ship. She honed into Hisoka and Tsuzuki's base of operations, Hisoka's room. Her room was in a cheaper section, but she needed it to keep appearances. She would use it to sleep at night or prepare a new outfit for dinner. Staying in a man's room wasn't possible and she wouldn't want to interfere. After all, two young men wouldn't want an older woman to overhear their private conversations.
Finding the right room number, she knocked on the door. The door opened and she hid her amusement when Tsuzuki gave her a second look. His mouth opened and shut a few times before he greeted her. He ushered her inside and shut the door before anyone else saw her.
"Aunt Kasane?" Hisoka gaped.
Kasane wasted no time in accepting a long hug from Hisoka. She knew her nephew didn't enjoy physical touch, but he claimed she was calm enough for his powers not to activate. A compliment that Kasane held dear to her heart. Hisoka didn't have enough affection growing up and she was willing to give it to him.
"Kasane-san." Tsuzuki said. "I didn't know you were going to be our backup."
Kasane ran her fingers through Hisoka's hair as she explained. "Tatsumi agreed to my proposal when I thought you two needed another set of eyes for this mission." She smiled demurely. "Besides, men fall over themselves to impress a woman."
Tsuzuki chuckled. "You got that right!"
"I can blend into the crowd and pry out information. Noble women learn to reel out news of gossip and implement their own rumors without seeming obvious. At least. I was taught to not show obvious glee in certain downfalls."
Tsuzuki grinned sheepishly. "Yeah...I'm not good at that. With you here, the snooping will be far easier. What's the game plan?"
Hisoka's lips puckered at the thought of a man flirting with his aunt. Kasane was a beautiful woman. She dressed impeccable and carried herself in a manner that showed her previous status. Her mannerisms and charm would enrapture men and women to tell her anything she wanted to know. It didn't mean he enjoyed seeing someone hit on his mother figure.
During one of their stakeouts, Kasane noted that Hisoka's mask of nonchalance broke.
Inspecting the area, Kasane found the target of Hisoka's growing anger. A silver haired man appeared at dinner and seated himself at Kakyoin-san's table. Kakyoin Tsubaki, the owner's daughter, animatedly spoke to the stranger with sparkling doe eyes. The accompanying guests at the table joined in the conversation further bringing in noise to the dining room area.
Kasane ate a bite of her food before she leaned to her left. "Hisoka, who is he?"
Hisoka breathed through his nose to calm himself down as he explained. "That's the man from the vampire case, Muraki. He is a personal enemy of myself and Tsuzuki. He... wanted to cause a war against the Judgement Bureau."
"That's not enough to cause such a reaction out of you," Kasane pointed out. "Unless, there is something else you are not willing to disclose."
"Not in public."
"I see."
Hisoka licked his lips and muttered. "My illness was not an illness. That man..."
"Ah, so he's the one who hurt you." Kasane concluded. "If you are comfortable, we shall resume this discussion in your room."
Hisoka laid a hand on her left arm and shook his head. "Mom, you don't have to interfere in my fight. Tsuzuki and I can handle him." He realized the moniker he used to address his aunt and went tight lipped. It was too late to take it back.
Thrilled at Hisoka addressing him as mother, Kasane placed her left hand on Hisoka's and rubbed his knuckles with her thumb. "Oh sweetheart, you doubt the ferocity of a mother on the prowl." Her smile went frosty when Muraki turned to look at them and connected eyes with her. She dealt with her share of Kurosaki family members who saw her unfit in her new role. Muraki's taunting glances made her want to laugh.
"Trust me. I'll do anything for you."
Kasane sat at the bar with a bottle of warm sake. The bartender, bless his soul, managed to find a decent brand of sake and prepared a flask for her. He even managed to bring her a small plate of snacks for her to nibble on. Her appreciation of his great customer service made the young man almost fall over his feet to further accommodate her. She shared an amused smile with an older gentleman who nurse two fingers of whiskey.
Sipping her sake, she hummed her appreciation. Mr. Kakyoin's forethought in possible Japanese clients boarding his ship was to her benefit. She needed a bit of a pick me up before she wandered through the groups of socialites and gain information for their case. Her earlier introduction to different people was a good starter, but she needed to push herself in even further.
In many ways, socializing was an easy for her to do.
While Tsuzuki loved speaking to people, his card dealer position gave him an insight to the upper class. He couldn't speak to them as equals and simply observe. His assessments came through overhearing the details the rich provided in their conversations.
Hisoka had the prestige and position as a president's son to provide access, but he was young. Everyone saw him as a rich kid's son who didn't experience the world long enough to give an opinion. He was to socialize with kids his own age, the boat owner's daughter, or greet those who did business with his father.
Kasane slurped her sake.
The warmness spread through her body, making her shiver.
"Lady Rui." Muraki's voice drawled into her ear.
Kasane peered at him from the corner of her eyes as she answered. "Wrong name, wrong woman." She used her hand to keep her sleeve close to her body before she sipped her sake.
Without asking, Muraki sat beside her at the bar, curiosity clear on his face. An infraction of etiquette that Kasane found impolite and out of order. He didn't ask permission to accompany her or introduced himself. A faux pas that anyone with sense wouldn't do in polite company.
"Hmm...then what should I call you?"
Kasane placed her saucer onto the counter. "I'm sure your investigative skills would help you figure it out. Interestingly enough, you found information over our positions in our...company." She quirked up a well sculpted brow. "My identity shouldn't be hard to find."
Smirking, Muraki leaned close to Kasane, almost intruding on her personal bubble. "Now, now, that's no fun. It's only polite to give out your name."
Kasane shot back with a sickly sweet smile and raised her voice. "It's only polite to ask if a person wants company and not intrude in their nightcap. Safe to say, we're both impolite in this matter."
Her comment brought the glances of the bartender and the older gentleman on her right. The older bartender paused in cleaning his cups and the older gentleman peered from the corner of his eyes.
Feeling multiple eyes on his person, Muraki chuckled. He removed himself from the seat, giving her a nod of apology. Impressed at her sudden usage of wiles, the strangers behind him eyed his movements. Men were willing to jump in for a beautiful woman and she knew it. Good plan on her part.
"My apologies."
Kasane tipped her head down. "I'm sure you...were tired. Treating the ship's owner's daughter and finding entertainment this late at night does tire out a person. Surely, you didn't mean to overstep."
The bartender stifled a laugh as he prepared a drink for a new customer.
Muraki's smile stiffened. "Not at all. Excuse me."
Kasane watched him retreat, obvious tension built up in his shoulders. His walk strained as he tried to leave with dignity. Tsuzuki and Hisoka warned her about him, but she couldn't help reprimanding him.
She downed her sake before she placed her money on the table.
Looking at Hisoka sitting one of the room's couches, Tsuzuki huffed out. "Hisoka, go have fun! Tsubaki-hime sounds like a fun girl to hang out with." When Hisoka kept ignoring him, he turned to Kasane. "Kasane-san, please convince Hisoka to go on this date!"
Sitting at the vanity, Kasane used her mirror to stare at Tsuzuki. She dabbed the oil from her face with a wipe and touched up her makeup. "Tsuzuki-san, it would be an abuse of my power to force my son to do anything he doesn't want to do. Besides, the young lady is infatuated with the doctor to genuinely give the same attention to my son."
Hisoka's gaze didn't leave his book when he stated. "Tsubaki-hime has horrible taste in men. I'd rather not be a third in a one sided love triangle anyways. Besides, I would be seen as a fool if I spent time with her. The rich know of her crush on that man."
Kasane winced. "Ah, her reputation is being questioned then?"
"Yeah." Hisoka turned a page. "Since they spent a lot of of time alone in the same room, many of the women are spreading a few choice...claims. Of course, it's not true. Tsubaki-hime imagined a full life with him during our brief...hand holding, but nothing else."
Kasane pursed her red lips. "Let us hope that she realizes her actions are highly speculated now that she is in this higher tax bracket. Her reputation as a woman rides on it."
"She's too bamboozled to figure it out on her own. I don't think she has a guide to help her."
"What a shame."
Tsuzuki furrowed his brows. "Wait...those people think that they...?"
Hisoka looked up from his book and sighed. "Tsuzuki, how did you manage not to overhear what people think of Tsubaki-hime? A lot of the rich people loosened their tongues when they were in the casino!"
"Alcohol does help in that area." Kasane added in. "I learned more than enough information about certain people. "
Tsuzuki sat on his bed with a huff. "Well, I'm trying to figure out what is going on in this case. Gossip about a teenage girl has nothing to do with what we are looking for." He hit the middle of his palm with his fist as he nodded his head. "Then again, any bit of information is helpful. I overheard far worse rumors that make hime's own rumors pale in comparison."
Kasane turned her body around in the vanity. "Go on."
Tsuzuki began describing his findings which sparked a different line of discussion.
Hisoka watched in awe as his mother punched Muraki straight in the nose. He winced at the sound of Muraki's nose breaking, but felt satisfaction over Kasane getting her hands dirty. Her knuckles were bruised from impact as blood trickled out of Muraki's nose. Muraki's blood seeped into her kimono, her pinned back hair was in disarray, and her red lips was pulled back into a sneer.
Muraki managed to dodge another hit as he rushed away to escape. With his knowledge of the boat, it was easier for him to escape, but he didn't count on Tsuzuki's stubbornness. Tsuzuki yelled at them to stay before he chased after Muraki. Their footsteps trailed off, leaving Hisoka and Kasane to tend to Tsubaki.
Kasane crouched down and pressed her handkerchief against the bullet wound on Tsubaki's chest. She knew Tsubaki wouldn't survive such a wound without immediate medical attention. Even if they sent a distress signal, no one would rush there in time to help her.
All Kasane could do was speak to her about different topics to make her passing easier.
Hisoka stood behind Kasane with a hand on her shoulder.
Tsubaki cut into Kasane's commentary to release her inner anguish of having ruined her life for the doctor. Kasane went silent and let her air out her grievances. After all, Tsubaki had to answer for her part in Muraki's plan when she stood before her judgement.
Tsubaki croaked out with a strained smile. "I'm sorry that I used you to get rid of my feelings for him, Hisoka. I wasn't able to do it. I couldn't let him go."
Hisoka nodded his head. "I know." He gripped onto Kasane's shoulder and reassured her. "I forgive you, Tsubaki."
Tears of relief gathered in Tsubaki's eyes, "Thank you," She closed her eyes and her voice trailed on. "Do you think daddy will forgive me for hurting him?"
Kasane informed her. "Yes."
"I hope so." Tsubaki murmured before her head lolled on its side.
After the events in Kyoto, Tsuzuki woke up to see Kasane sipping tea at their bedside. Staring at her, he waited for the moment she would begin berating him for his recklessness. To claim that he somehow convinced Hisoka to toss aside his existence and die alongside him. It wouldn't surprise him if she turned against him. He was used to being blamed for everything.
"I see you have woken up at last, Tsuzuki-san." Kasane commented.
Sitting up in his bed, Tsuzuki stuttered out. "K-Kasane-san, I-"
Kasane lifted up her head and looked at him for a brief moment. "Tsuzuki-san. There is no need to explain yourself. I understand why you... wanted to disappear." Her eyes went toward Hisoka's pliant form. "Despite the fact he doesn't show it in a traditional sense, Hisoka does care deeply for you."
Tsuzuki blinked back his oncoming tears. "I don't deserve your understanding, Kasane-san. I don't deserve Hisoka to stay at my side. You should be furious at me."
"Well, I have the right to express my thought process on what I feel about this situation. Let me reassure you that I am not angry at you. I'm angry at the man who caused you to revert back to your self deprecating thoughts and target the Judgement Bureau. As if that doctor has any right to interfere with the dead and our business." Kasane placed her tea cup onto her saucer and got up from her chair.
Tsuzuki stiffened in place as he watched Kasane pull a chair beside his bed and sit down. He waited for her to slap him, prohibit him from seeing her son, but she didn't do anything of the sort. Instead, she reached out her hand and caressed his cheek. She stared deep into his eyes.
Her eyes expressed a deep sense of sympathy.
After all, people who chose to become a guardian ran away from their issues or dealt their with unfinished business.
Tsuzuki couldn't fight back his tears. They trickled down his cheek as he hiccuped. "But, I- I almost killed Hisoka. I almost killed everyone who-"
Kasane cradled Tsuzuki's cheek and shed a tear of her own. "We all have our demons, Tsuzuki-san. I just learned to embrace them and face them head on. My daughter reincarnated and I'm mothering my son in the afterlife. I found my reasons to carry on. I know you will find your own reason for living.."
"I will return in a few days. Please, look after him in my place." Kasane pressed her lips against Hisoka's forehead and left the imprint of her red lipstick.
A surge of determination filled Tsuzuki as he nodded his head. "There is no need to ask me to look after him. I will do it without question."
"Thank you." Kasane returned to her seat to pick up her coat and wrapped it around her body. "I am telling you this in confidence because you wouldn't betray our trust. Maybe, Hisoka will reveal the extent of his life in the future. My sudden visit is to confront Hisoka's biological parents."
"His real-" Tsuzuki gaped. "Why is there a need to do such a thing? Everyone in the Summons Section sees you as Hisoka's mother. There is no need for you to confront the living over what they have done. I don't think you have to, but does Hisoka know you want to?"
Kasane shook her head. "No. And I intended to do this further into the future, but these latest years have raised up my anxieties." She laid a hand on her chest as she mused. "Being a mother to a teenager is a aging thing. Sure, Hisoka doesn't need me to defend him but, I have to do this for my own sake."
Tsuzuki said. "Well, Hisoka doesn't look like he minds. You spoil him. A lot."
"He deserves to have someone fuss over him." She sighed. "Besides, those two ruined a perfect son over superstitions that rose that family into their infamous status."
Tsuzuki mused. "How ironic."
Kasane fiddled with her clothing and made sure everything was in place. Afterwards, she began de-materializing as she said. "Tell Hisoka that I left on an errand. I will be back soon."
Tsuzuki waved with a determined nod. "I will."
When Kasane appeared on Kurosaki Lands, her hands trembled in anticipation. After decades away from this town, she couldn't help but observe her surroundings. She lived there for three years before her death. Before then, she visited the village for the festival which lasted for no more than an afternoon. After all, there were certain aspects that changed. There were more convenience stores and vending machines popping up in the most unexpected places.
Anyone who knew nothing about the legend of the town would awe in amazement of the tranquility and picturesque backdrops. The truth would ruin any illusions from outsiders who visited the national landmark. Tourists were ignorant of their own worlds and didn't notice any different. The sleepy town aesthetic disguised the constant tension the villagers carried on their shoulders.
She didn't find it in herself to feel bad for the inhabitants of the town.
Well, she felt bad for the innocent children.
Teleportating into Kurosaki manor, she cloaked herself and searched through the main wing of the manor. Ignoring the servants cleaning the halls, she checked inside every room she encountered. To her shock, she didn't find any sign of Rui or Nagare throughout the rooms she once lived in.
After ten minutes, she grew impatient. Taking out a fuda paper, she muttered a locator spell and the bird flew through the walls. When it stopped, Kasane was stunned at Rui's location.
The isolation room.
Phasing through the wall, she found Rui in the middle of the room in a thick futon. Standing before Rui's bed, Kasane gulped her nervousness down her throat. She didn't want to terrorize her own sister, but Rui needed to face the consequences of her actions.
Lifting the candle from the side table, she slammed it onto the floor. Rui jolted from her sleep, disoriented and confused from the sudden noise.
When Rui noted her presence. she screamed.
Kasane knelt down onto the floor and placed her hands on her lap. "Rui."
"S-Sister-" Rui gasped out. "I-Is this another delusion?!"
"I'm afraid not." Kasane peered over her shoulder and sensed no indication of the Yatonokami making his appearance. "I'm here."
Rui said. "Why are you here? Dear sister, if you are angry about Nagare-"
"No. Not at all." Kasane shook her head. She long since dealt with feeling a sense of betrayal over Nagare and Rui marrying not too long after she died. "The vows dissolved after I died, but the family didn't have the decency to wait until a year passed. I'm here on another matter."
Rui seemed to relax into her futon. Her cracked lips quirked into a small smile as she asked. "Then, are you here to guide me into the afterlife." She glared down at her swollen stomach with disdain. "I'm suffering. I'm suffering, dear sister. I need you to help me."
Kasane said. "No. You won't die for sometime yet."
Rui's relief snapped into a marring frown. "Then, why are you bothering me?! If I'm not dying, why are you making an appearance? It took you almost two decades to come see me-"
"You didn't deserve that boy." Kasane hissed, her anger seeped into her voice. "Hisoka is a well mannered and intelligent child. Despite this wretched family, he rose above everything to form his own path. He needed guidance, but he managed to surpass his obstacles on his own. He needed his parents to help him through his struggles. You did nothing."
Rui stammered out. "H-He was a monster! H-He should have died the moment he was born."
Kasane slammed her hand onto the wooden floor, making Rui cry out in fear. "My son is not a monster." Rui's eyes widened. "Oh yes, I took that boy as my own. I listened to his life story. How you rejected him because he developed abilities that came with the clan! I became his mother!"
"No."
"You tossed away the bond of a mother and son for nothing."
"P-Please Kasane, dear sister-"
"No excuses!" Kasane snapped. "You will hear everything I say and you will not escape my wrath."
The servants ignored the sudden screams coming from the isolation room.
After all, Rui went into hours of wailing and screaming without provocation. Nothing new.
Kasane waited a day before she confronted Nagare. She used a spell to turn herself invisible in order to roam throughout the town. Memories of good times popped into her head. When she first arrived, she glanced around, but didn't take her time to soak in this new version of this town. It was nice. This time around, she didn't have people leering at her wherever she went. She remembered their eyes peering down at her flat stomach as Nagare escorted her on a romantic walk.
Looking back on it, Kasane knew she was naive of their overwhelming kindness. Their kindness was nothing more than a sham. Every time they shared their concerns, they disguised their worries over the Yatonokami returning because of the lack of children.
No one was stupid enough to reveal the Kurosaki family curse in polite company.
Satisfied of her walk, she teleported to Kurosaki manor and located
It was fascinating to watch Nagare's still form as he prayed. His hands were clasped in front of him, head bowed over his hands, and he kept his eyes shut. He tuned out outside voices as he relayed his words to higher entities. Kasane wasn't sure of the identity of the god in question, but she had to admit a lack of interest to find out.
Kasane coughed into her hand. "It's been a long time, Nagare."
Nagare's eyes snapped open. Slowly unclasping his joined hands, he looked over his shoulder. His heart skyrocketed. He knew the Yatonokami was cruel. It loved to torture him and taunt him about his uselessness as the master of the family.
He pinched his arm to rid himself of the illusion and denied her presence.
"N-No." Nagare dug his fingernails into his skin, his hand trembling as he applied more and more pressure. "Y-You're not real. Kasane," Blood began pooling at the area he pinched. "That vile snake, how dare he show you? You of all-"
"Nagare." Kasane stepped forward and removed his fingers from his skin. "I am dead, but I have returned to...speak to you. If you may, please, escort me to a proper room. This is not a conversation to have in the open."
"Yes, of course."
Nagare gulped down the lump in his throat as he lifted his arm and Kasane curled one of her hands on his bicep.
He walked in a daze through the manor and entered a nearby entertainment room. Kasane removed her hand off of him, giving him the chance to retrieve a sitting pillows. He set them a fair distance from one another and he debated in calling for tea for the both of them. If this was a delusion, a great fabricated one, he didn't need the servants to whisper about his descent into madness.
Nagare bowed low onto the ground. "Kasane...I..."
Kasane glowered. "You know, our daughter reincarnated into a lovely family in France." Nagare flinched. "I visited her during my European trips and she clamored over my kimono. She bonded with Hisoka almost instantly. Almost as if she recognized her little brother, but I assume the appearance seemed familiar to her. A semblance of deja vu."
Nagare lifted his head up, exposing the sudden paleness of his skin.
Kasane said. "Originally, I wanted to scream at you for your lack of action when it came to Hisoka. I exhausted myself with Rui that I rather lay out your truths in this situation." She placed the cup onto a coaster before she began. "Hisoka would have broken the curse if he lived to become master. His powers would have devastated that creature and liberated you all. He was born to free this family. You were all given a chance. Now, you will suffer with Yatonokami until the family dies out."
Nagare choked. "How were we to know? He wasn't- He wasn't a normal child to begin with."
Kasane laid her hands on her lap before she dug her fingers into her skin. "Had I given birth to him, I would have protected him as he grew into himself and his abilities. Even then, I would support him without question. That's what a parent does for their child." She glared at Nagare. "You two couldn't do the bare minimum. How disgusting."
Nagare reeled back from her callous words. He knew his sins would come back to haunt him, but it was cruel for the universe to use Kasane to do it. She didn't soothe him or even gently relay her devastating blows. No. Her voice turned cold and unfeeling. It was obvious she didn't care for him anymore. Her pure love refocused onto her son.
"The legends of this family are based on superstition and reality. The fact none of you thought that Hisoka might have been the key to freeing you all is blasphemous at best." Kasane watched as Nagare lowered his head again and didn't look at her. "You will deal with your consequences in life and death."
"I know."
"Nothing you can do will absolve you of your errors. Rui is already being punished through that parasite in her womb and you..." Kasane gave him a wince of sympathy for the ritual itself. "You lost your ability to live a full life."
As Kasane exited the backside of the manor, she heard Nagare running after her. Despite it all, she saw the affection he held toward her. Even after decades apart, his memories of their time resurfaced. She couldn't help but smile light at those memories herself. After all, she couldn't had gotten a worse husband through an omiai. He treated her with respect and they connected through their shared interests.
She was lucky.
So lucky.
The universe pushed Nagare into her path, saving her from a marriage with a less reputable man. She was the envy of other young ladies who complained about their husbands behind their backs.
Their love story ended due to outside forces intervening in their path. Tumultuous and painful emotions where both of them suffered due to the decisions of other people. Her decision to follow her daughter ended anymore thoughts of the future.
As she made it closer to one of the larger cherry blossom trees of the property, Kasane gaped at the sight of Hisoka standing beside it. He didn't appear distressed at her actions. Quite the opposite, he looked concerned for her.
Rushing to his side, Kasane said. "Hisoka."
Hisoka reached out his arms and tugged her close to him. "Mother, you didn't need to confront them. Not them."
Kasane ran her fingers through his hair. "I needed to. I put off having to speak to them for a decade. Nagare and Rui need to seek redemption before passing on the other side. If anything else, I wanted them to regret what they did to you. You were my driving force to go thought with it."
They paid little mind to their interloper.
Nagare's knees buckled. He fell onto the ground at the sight of his son. His only son. His second born child. The one who managed to survive long enough to become etched into the family tree.
He remembered the husk of a shell that was his son on the day of his death. The illness ravaged Hisoka until he died in his sleep. In death, Hisoka regained the vitality of youth. He showcased the features that enraptured outsiders to the Kurosaki family.
He thought the crunching leaves would gain Hisoka's attention. It didn't. In fact, his attention stayed on Kasane as she fussed over him. Hisoka loved her. He stared at her with warmth and fondness. Nagare never saw these emotions whenever he crossed paths with his heir. Why would he? Their bond as father and son was fractured before he thought of ever fixing it.
Hisoka didn't once look at him before he curled his arm around Kasane's shoulders. He guided her away from the Kurosaki grounds and said nothing else before they disappeared.
Nagare curled his fingers into his yukata and broke down into tears.
The end.