Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 1298
AN: As I mentioned as we progress to the climax the chapters will be on the long side. This chapter in particular is from Byakuya's POV as he goes into the first meeting of the Elders. Also there are a couple OCs this chapter considering we don't really have an idea of who the Kuchiki Elders are. Its a peek at how a council might play out- albeit not in too much detail.
Thanks guys!
A Kiss for Shelter
On Trial
It had not been a council, but a tribunal.
He may have sat upon the raised dais at the end of the hall as though presiding, but he was well aware that he was not called upon to act as mediator or judge; he was the accused.
Each face he recognized; he knew their lineage, the members of their immediate families, he was even aware of their affectations.
His gaze settled on the woman that would speak for them all. She dyed her hair the deepest of reds; she had done so for all the time he had known her- since he was a child. Her face was only slightly lined and she had a lovely shade of brown eyes, yet any gentleness in her features had leaked away long before he had met her.
The kimono and outer robe she wore marking her as an elder of the Kuchiki clan were impeccable and she stood with barely a rustle of the heavy garments.
"We have gathered to hopefully put to rest the recent rumors that have reached our ears," Sushiko Kuchiki addressed the hall. She turned her sepia gaze on him after a moment and every muscle in his body grew tight, "Kuchiki Byakuya, will you submit to this council's questioning?"
Briefly he warred; once upon a time he might scoff and merely tell them that they had no authority to pass any sort of judgement on him.
But it would do no good to rile the hornet's nest further. Etiquette dictated that he listen without prejudice.
It seemed the hall was holding its breath in anxious expectation.
With a gracious nod Byakuya responded, "I will."
And so it began.
He kept his composure, answered honestly, and carefully countered any falsehoods. But with each question, the frustration in the room was growing.
The Elders were incensed, outraged, and many could not disguise their contempt.
At one point, once all the truths had been dispensed it grew truly heated.
"Simply put the girl aside, Kuchiki-sama! Or would you rather relinquish your position?"
"You threaten my rightful title?" Byakuya spoke indifferently, but his eyes burned as they fell on the man who'd spoken, Elder Makoto, a greying man with a trimmed beard.
Elder Makoto shook his head and spread his hands, "Your questionable choices have put this clan in a precarious place. It is within our right to demand you step down if you cannot come to your senses!"
The hall was abuzz now, murmuring and arguing on either side.
When the forewoman cleared her throat a degree of hush fell.
"What we are trying to say is that we can overlook your folly if you can make the most judicious decisions now." Sushiko stated calmly, casting a glance at the huffing old man in warning.
Byakuya cocked a brow at this, "Judicious, you say? Meaning those you will no doubt outline and arrange in contract form."
Sushiko lifted her chin, "We have been discussing the best options under the circumstances…" Her eyes held each council member accountable, alighting on them one by one as the room stirred restlessly.
His eyes were unmalleable steel and his hands rested on his knees, his regal posture unmistakable. He stared down the aisle before him, ignoring the intense gazes on both sides, "Whatever suggestions you have discussed, are unnecessary I assure you. I have my own solution..."
…
There was more warmth to the winds now. Even in these midnight hours Byakuya could feel that the season would change swiftly, haru steps away it would seem.
Spring was always viewed with anticipation- looked upon as a time of renewal- fortuitous perhaps. The child was expected during this time; during the month of Yayoi.
An appropriate name to consider. He reasoned.
He had stopped, his eyes closed. Behind his eyes he couldn't quite envision the future, but he anticipated warmth, fond memories, the life unexpected and thus blessed. The only certainty was that this future was with the woman who had placed this new life before him.
The Elders had attempted to back him into a corner decades ago; he could not be intimidated by their threats.
Yet…
If I had not acted so rashly, gone to them first, perhaps I would not be in such a predicament. Will they really request that I cede my title?
After they had dispersed and he had swept from the formal meeting hall he found himself on the western side of the manse, on the covered walkway over the pond.
He knew Sushiko was not far behind him. He stared out across the water, waiting.
"If you wanted a true companion, why could you not have gone about it in the proper way? All discretion would have been observed and I could have found you a suitable bride, Kuchiki-sama, one that would make your family proud." Her smile wasn't exactly kindly, but she no longer looked quite so cold. He could hear the sincerity in her tone; she was his aunt after all.
Still he glanced at her wearily before looking away. He heard her take a breath and she stepped up to his side, looking out over the water.
"You've been in mourning for some time, Kuchiki-sama. While we've all hoped you'd eventually submit to an arrangement for legacy's sake, we did not force the issue. It was a pure love you held and none could deny that and trample on your feelings of loss…" She sighed then, shaking her head as she admitted, "Hisana-san surprised us all with her grace and fortitude. She made a fine lady of this house." Her light-shaded brown eyes alighted on him finally, angling herself so that he could see the unwavering expression that settled on her face.
"But this time… you've really pushed the envelope. At times I think you search for ways to alienate yourself from this clan…" The lines of age on her face seemed to grow pronounced as her jaw tensed, anger sheltering behind the stern look, "She is a courtesan, Byakuya. How could you think that this- situation would be acceptable? How could you not consult us- consult me?"
Byakuya's reply was quiet, but no less adamant, "It is my child."
Sushiko hesitated a moment, wavering as though weighing some slight sentiment. But she looked firm and unforgiving again as she lifted her chin, "I cannot vouch for you this time. I will not. Please… Consider this clan's reputation as well as your own. And think of what might befall this century's old noble house if you relinquish your seat for the sake of one who has no thought to your position."
He listened to the brush of the elder woman's kimono on the floor as she turned to walk away.
His knuckles pressed tight against his skin as he insisted with a hint of heat, "She is worthy."
The woman paused casting a glance over her shoulder at him. "Is she?" Her words dripped with icy skepticism.
He squeezed his fists until he felt pain, listening to his aunt's quiet retreat.
Recalling it all he felt the familiar anger coiling in his stomach. They would not dare try to unseat him!
Seeking peace he closed his eyes and lifted his face; the moon's rays caressed his milk-pale skin and crowned his onyx locks with a silver halo.
'The moon goddess is a rebel,' Xochitl had told him once, 'Foolish perhaps and fated to repent for her actions. But still, she holds a place in the sky and is adored.'
With a wistful expression he wondered whether the rebellious deity would caution him against impetuousness or would encourage him to stay his bold course.
What must I do for the sake of my family?
AN: The goddess that is referred to, the moon goddess, is named Coyolxauhqui. She is one of the Aztec pantheon and said to have led an attack on her own mother because she was embarrassed by her (let's face it that's some extreme teen angst). In any case she didn't succeed and was dismembered by her brother who threw her head into the sky where it became the moon. Gotta love the creative origin stories!
*Yayoi (or sangatsu) would be the month of March and does mean "new life". It's often used as a name.
*Haru is the season of Spring.