Yes! We made it! A new chapter! (Comicx dances around while K'van shakes her head in exasperation.) I know that people have been getting annoyed with us with our long breaks and short chapters, but what do you expect from a couple of full-time students? Hope you enjoy this chapter! And HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL!!! (Comicx dances around singing on the top of her lungs only to have K'van lug her off. K'van: Sorry, New year's party and she's drunk…)
Heirs of the Clans: Chapter 9
Subaru stared disbelievingly at the newly arrived fax. He had to be seeing things, he decided as he examined the Sumeragi sigil that was printed on top of the sheet of paper once more. He had not received any correspondence since his grandmother had met Seishirou in their apartment, months ago. Gingerly, as if he was handling a cursed object, he picked up the sheet of paper from the fax machine and began to read.
Minutes later, his eyes were wide as he struggled to digest the contents of the missive.
"Subaru-kun?" Seishirou made his appearance as he came to check on the fax machine for his own share of 'jobs' after a lesson with the kids. However, at the sight of the Sumeragi, he paused, looking Subaru over, taking in the distressed and shocked posture as well as the dilated eyes. "Subaru-kun, what's wrong?"
"I… received a summons from the Council." Subaru said shakily, shock making him stutter as he referred to the group of Sumeragi elders that convened on any matter that affected the Sumeragi Clan as a whole, such as the chosen partner of the current Clan head… or the upbringing of the heir to that title. "They… want me to… bring Seiun to the next Council meeting."
Seishirou blinked, taking only a moment to think over what his partner had said. "Are you sure that is wise?" He asked cautiously, knowing that the errant Seiun hated the Sumeragi Compound in Kyoto with a passion, since her time there had not been pleasant.
The resigned look Subaru gave him was all Seishirou needed to know that the younger man was aware of the extreme prejudice Seishirou had of the Main House. Still, it did not look like Subaru had any say in the matter. "I know that, Seishirou-san, but it's not like I have a choice."
Seishirou nodded, not showing his mental wince. When Subaru reverted to calling him formally without meaning to, it meant that the Sumeragi in question was badly stressed by what was happening. "I'll tell Seiun to behave herself." He offered, knowing that Subaru needed as much help as he could to deal with both the notoriously traditional and narrow-minded Sumeragi Council and the equally exasperating but nonconformist Seiun, who would, on personal principles alone, do her best to do the opposite of what the Sumeragi Council required of her.
"I can only hope that she listens." Subaru answered.
"Papa! Must I go for the Council meeting?" Seiun asked again when they alighted from the taxi that had taken them from the train station to the Sumeragi Compound. Fortunately for Subaru, she had behaved well during the train ride, a complete contrast to the horrified cry she had uttered in the apartment when she was told about her required presence at the council meeting. However, that had not stopped her from voicing her favourite litany of "I must endure… I must tolerate…"
Subaru nodded, feeling glad that Seishirou had talked to Seiun before they had left for Kyoto. Normally, Seiun did her best to 'protect' him from what she deemed were threats, but when it came to the Sumeragi Clan, especially the Sumeragi Matriarch, her philosophy changed to become 'every man for himself'. Still, that belief had merit, Subaru reasoned, since he was more capable of handling his grandmother than Seiun was, the young girl only excelling in aggravating the Lady Sumeragi. He was touched to see that she in spite of her desire to get away from their present location, she surveyed the area with great misgivings before entering the opened gates, preceding him, much to the horror of the two gate-keepers, who saw it as a sign of disrespect to the Thirteenth Head, rather than the behaviour of a suspicious bodyguard.
"Sumeragi-sama," a young man ran up to them and bowed. "Sumeragi-san. This way please." He gestured to one of the small tea rooms at the very front of the compound which made Subaru breathe a little easier. It was customary for high ranking members of the Clan to be offered a place to rest before the Council began and that they merited this treatment meant that the Council was not seeking a confrontation but rather a compromise or a negotiation.
Much relieved, Subaru thanked the young man – who was likely to be a distant relative – and entered the room to rest and wait, Seiun following him quietly after bowing her thanks to their guide, which surprised Subaru, who had expected brusqueness from her.
"Seiun-chan, what brought that on?" He asked as Seiun folded her legs and sat, looking every bit the polite and proper heir.
Seiun muttered something under her breath in reply.
Subaru raised an eyebrow, "could you say that again, please?" He asked, feeling a bit of nervous amusement bubble up in him, realising that he had picked up a few tricks from Seishirou when Seiun looked up reluctantly.
"'Tou-san told me to treat others the way they treat me." She answered, more clearly.
Subaru smiled and took a sip of the hot tea that had been set out for them. "That is a good practice."
Seiun grinned wickedly, the smile startling after the prim expression she had worn earlier. "Of course, then when they hurt me, I'll hurt them back."
Subaru bit back a groan. He should have expected that, he told himself. However, he could not help smiling at the grinning girl. Seiun was Seiun, uniquely herself, with her own set of morals, which she stuck to steadfastly.
They had waited for barely an hour when another servant knocked on the door to tell them that the elders had assembled and politely requested that they make their way to the Council hall, which was located deep in the compound.
His steps echoed on the wooden beams of the floor as Subaru led the way to the hall where he had spent many hours listening to the Council debating over details of the Clan, Seiun walking, as Subaru expected, silently, which was eerie, since he knew that the floor was meant to make as much noise as it could to alert people of their approach.
The tall doors of the council hall were open, waiting for them. Subaru stepped in and bowed, seeing that the full council was present, all nine elders were at their seats, with Subaru's grandmother sitting at the head of the table due to her status as the previous Clan Head, in her wheelchair. With Subaru present, the Council was complete. Quickly, he found his place at the other end of the low table, sitting on the flat cushion in the traditional manner, Seiun settling in by his side.
The meeting began just like any other, discussing the trivial matters to 'warm up' then slowly moving up to the more serious matters. Subaru concealed his apprehension by going through breathing exercises, knowing that his co-habitation with Seishirou would be brought up sooner or later.
Seiun, on the other hand, was looking interested in the proceedings, watching as one council member argued 'politely' with another about their different points of view. She supposed it was like one of those tennis matches that Seishirou… Dad liked to watch, only, there was no ball. However, when her eyes met that of the Sumeragi Matriarch's, she narrowed them, giving her great grandmother a glare.
As if offended by the defiance of the girl, the Sumeragi Matriarch drew back a little. "I believe that when this has been debated, we shall move on the situation concerning the present Clan Head and the heir-to-be."
At her words, the collective members of the council sat up straighter and nodded, turning to look at Subaru.
Subaru sat up just a little straighter as well, knowing that this was Clan politics and that each council member had his or her own agenda. "I would like to know what situation requires me to be called out of Tokyo." To his relief, his voice was steady, not showing how nervous he was in reality. Under different circumstances, he would rather take on the Dark Kamui again rather than attend a council meeting. At least while fighting, the rules were straightforward.
Every council member, with the exception of his grandmother and himself started looking through the small sheaf of notes they had before them. One or two gaped openly when they read whatever it was on the notes. Others looked grim.
"I believe that you already know the situation, Subaru-san." The Lady Sumeragi said calmly, her voice flavoured with hate. "When I last saw you in Tokyo, you were living with the Sakurazukamori!"
The utter silence that filled the council hall did not bode well for him. "And if I am?" His calm, brazen answer stirred up a flurry of whispers between the council members.
"You do not deny it?" The Lady Sumeragi's voice trembled with the force of her emotions, hate mixed with horror and frustration. Hate for the Sakurazukamori, who had killed so many of the Sumeragi over the years, horror at what Subaru was so openly admitting and frustration that she had failed to protect her beloved grandson from the heartless monster.
Subaru closed his eyes, knowing that his next words would be akin to a Sumeragi summoning a poltergeist intentionally. "No. I see no point in hiding it."
The storm that his words set off filled the hall with scattered conversations as the council members tried to make sense of what Subaru had said, trying to read his words differently to seek any hidden meaning.
"How can this be?" The eldest council member and one of the Lady Sumeragi's most staunch supporters, Sumeragi Juuji voiced her doubt. "The Sakurazuka are our enemies! Have you forgotten the duty you owe the Sumeragi Ichimon?"
"Let us proceed with this matter calmly." The man next to Juuji said quietly, calming his neighbour. Sumeragi Tsuru was the most contemplative of the current set of council members, always urging caution and playing mediator.
The woman opposite Tsuru nodded at him before turning to Subaru. "I would like to hear more from Subaru-sama [1." When her words earned her a stare from Juuji, she shrugged. "Surely having more information would not harm matters. It is better to be well informed before we make a decision."
Unable to refute the logic in Sumeragi Ame's words, the older woman could only nod grudgingly.
The others remained silent, not saying anything after Juuji's outburst. Probably waiting to see the power shift, Subaru surmised. He was not good at playing the 'game' they carried out here, but he knew how the council worked, how each fraction tried to gather power for themselves in order to have a greater say in the next meeting. With that in mind, Subaru began speaking.
"First of all, I would like the council to know that my living with the Sakurazukamori," merely saying the title Seishirou held made some members of the council flinch. "Is voluntary. I was not forced into it, nor am I under a coercion to do so." His words rang clearly in the hall. "Next, I will not leave him." He said this part firmly, putting his authority as the Thirteenth Clan Head and the most powerful of the Sumeragi onmyouji into the words.
His words and actions clearly startled the council members, who were used to having a mild and pliant Subaru who always listened to what they asked of him.
Watching his grandmother flush with anger, Subaru paled a little but did not stop speaking. "I have pledged myself as his partner and have gained his pledge in return. We will not be separated."
"SUBARU! Have you lost all your common sense?!" The Sumeragi Matriarch cried out, unable to hold her emotions in check, fury apparent on her pale features. "You… cannot possibly want to live with that… that MURDERER! He… He killed Hokuto!"
At her cry, the entire council froze. The death of Sumeragi Hokuto, Subaru's twin sister had been a forbidden subject ever since 1990, when she had 'disappeared' while Subaru was in a catatonic state. Her disappearance had brought Subaru out of his catatonia, but after that, he had placed himself in intense training and study, with the goal of killing the Sakurazukamori.
"When I called her back, she approved." Subaru said calmly, trying not to show just how stressed he was. It was not unknown for an onmyouji to summon the spirit of a loved one for a short 'visit'.
That made everyone's eyes widen.
"She…approved?" The Lady Sumeragi was trembling, her voice a mere whisper, her face white with shock.
Subaru nodded. "She gave him and me her blessings."
Another spate of babbling began as the Sumeragi Matriarch sank back in her wheelchair, looking faint. Unsurprising, since her favourite granddaughter actually approved of the very man who had killed her as the partner of her brother.
"Perhaps… some good can come of this." Tsuru said pensively, addressing Subaru. "I presume that… you have some influence over the Sakurazukamori since you are… pledged to each other. Therefore, you can…reduce or limit the amount of…misuses he creates in the Onmyoudo [2."
That got everyone's attention! Never before in Sumeragi history had there been a chance to influence the Clan Head of the Sakurazuka, otherwise known as the Sakurazukamori. The Sakurazuka Clan was as reclusive as their Sumeragi counterparts were forward in dealing with onmyoujitsu. Even during the regular annual conclave of all Onmyoudo-practicing families, the Sakurazuka only sent a representative, the Mouthpiece of the Clan rather than having a Clan Elder or the Clan Head present. And while it was common knowledge among the older generation that the Sakurazukamori existed, only a handful of members within the Sakurazuka Clan knew who the title belonged to. The only exception to them, other than Subaru that is, was the discreet and well-protected government contact that the Sakurazukamori maintained.
"Tsuru is right…" Instantly, several members began speaking up at once, all voicing their on ideas on 'how to influence' the Sakurazukamori.
"No." The simple syllable cut through the chatter. "Any influence I have on him will not extend to his… work, just as he will not influence mine."
The wide-eyed looks that Subaru got clearly said that some people had forgotten that living together went both ways and that Subaru would be under the same 'influence' that the Sakurazukamori had and vice versa. Subaru fought the desire to rub his temples the same way he would when Seishirou or Seiun were being particularly trying. Honestly, there were times when common sense seemed to vanish from the council.
"Subaru-sama." Sumeragi Chiriko called and silence descended on the room. Chiriko was one of the members of the Sumeragi clan who was particularly astute and in tune to possibilities in the future. Moreover, she rarely spoke unless she considered it necessary for her to intervene. So each time she said something, it was weighed carefully and considered from all angles. "We shall discuss the merits of your new… living arrangements and come to a decision. It would be wise if you do not participate because of your…relationship."
Subaru opened his mouth to refuse despite the sinking feeling in his stomach. He could guess what the council would decide. He could be detained before he left the compound and forced into meditative seclusion until he recanted from his decision. There was no way he would hurt the ordinary members of his family, no matter how distant their family connection. However, there was something in Chiriko's eyes that made him stand and bow slightly before leaving, Seiun getting up and walking by his side as he left the council hall and returned to the tea room they had used, knowing that he would be summoned when the decision was made.
To her credit, Seiun was silent as she walked beside her father, something that was exceedingly out of character for her normally active self. The girl had sensed that Subaru was uneasy and wanted to provide support for her adoptive father. Knowing that Subaru found talk excessive unless he was with Seishirou, who always managed to engage Subaru in the conversation, Seiun decided to show her care for Subaru by helping her father pour the tea and waiting quietly as he sorted the maelstrom in his head.
It was only after Subaru finished the second cup of tea that Seiun opened her mouth, unable to keep silent any longer. Caring she was, but there was only so much silence an active nine-and-a-half year old could handle. "Papa, why do they have to talk so much about something that is already over and done with?"
Subaru blinked, startled, belatedly realising just how patient Seiun had been. "What do you mean, Seiun-chan? What is over and done with?"
Seiun gave Subaru a look, one that said plainly that he was being particularly dense. "You're the Thirteenth Clan Head! If you want to live with...the Sakurazukamori, it's your choice, not theirs!" She stumbled a little over Seishirou's title, having been warned not to say Seishirou's name while they were within the compound
Subaru gave the girl a wan smile. "It doesn't work that way, Seiun-chan."
"Well, it should!" Seiun continued heatedly, letting loose all her frustration of earlier. She had been biting her lip in the council hall, doing her best not to speak up. Now, there were no such restrictions. "You staying with…him doesn't harm no one. And 'Kaa-san always said that if it doesn't hurt anyone, you can do what you want. It's… It's not like you are asking him to massacre for you!"
Subaru's wince told Seiun that she had said the wrong thing. However, while the Sumeragi sipped his tea as he fought the urge to correct Seiun's grammar and wonder how she learned the word 'massacre', he mused over her words and found truth in them. Seiun was right. His living arrangements were under his personal discretion and not under the council's jurisdiction. Theoretically, he could refuse to agree to whatever stipulations the council gave in regards to staying with Seishirou. It was his right. Also, with his position as Clan Head, they could not refute his choice unless there was proven danger, such as there being an actual attempt on his life in his living quarters. Since the possibility of that was nil with Seishirou around, there was no way they could force him to leave Seishirou. At that thought, Subaru brightened a little, the knot in his stomach easing somewhat, permitting him to select and nibble at a tidbit from the dish before him. Under normal circumstances, he would never think of enforcing his will as the Head but he would not leave Seishirou.
Seiun chewed on her lower lip, uncertain what to say after her outburst. She fidgeted, trying to think of something else to say then sneaked a peek her father and straightened up, surprised at the determined look Subaru wore. "Papa?"
Subaru smiled at her, a true smile, not the watery one of earlier. "You're right, Seiun-chan. I will stay with him no matter what."
The honey eyes widened then Seiun began to bounce a little in delight before running around the table to hug Subaru. "Tell them who's boss!" She crowed.
A quarter of an hour later, a servant appeared at the door to inform Subaru that the council had reached its decision and he was to join them.
Subaru nodded and stood, taking in deep breaths to calm himself as he made his way to the council room. It would be the first time he had ever openly defied the council in person.
Managing a look of false calm, he took his seat, looking the at the faces of the council members, most of whom were studiously blank, with the sole exception of his grandmother, who looked like she had swallowed something very, very bitter.
"Subaru-sama." Chiriko greeted him, obviously the designated spokesperson for this matter. "After much deliberation, we have concluded that it is to the merit of the Clan that you continue your current living arrangements."
Subaru stared, shocked, uncertain that he had heard what she said correctly. They wanted him to continue living with Seishirou?!
As if oblivious to Subaru's shock, which must have been written all over his face, Chiriko pressed on. "Given my understanding, after your current living arrangements were established, all Sakurazukamori-related events among the Sumeragi have decreased to non-existence." At the blank look Subaru gave her, she clarified. "There have been no casualties lost to the Sakurazukamori. And, overall, that is satisfactory." She continued when Subaru managed to incline his head to show that he understood. "We have concluded that we will permit your living arrangements provided that you obtain a binding promise from the Sakurazukamori that neither he nor his successors will harm another Sumeragi."
Since that was almost identical to the promise that Seishirou had made him soon after they had pledged themselves, Subaru was almost delirious with joy. For once, the council was actually conceding to something he wanted badly. He was so happy that he was barely able to say something that resembled an agreement to the condition the council had set.
"And now, on to the next item on our agenda." The Lady Sumeragi interrupted Subaru's almost dizzy thoughts of joy, sounding exceedingly unhappy.
Subaru struggled to pay attention to what his grandmother said, trying to figure out what she meant when she gave a short speech ending in Seiun's name. That is, until Seiun stiffened and answered back.
It was only when he heard Seiun's answer did Subaru realise what his grandmother had been talking about, making him flush a little in embarrassment that a child had figured out the convoluted speech before he had. The Sumeragi Matriarch had suggested to the council that Seiun would be better off under the care of the Main House supervision than just Subaru's, using the reason that the Sakurazukamori's presence would adversely affect her. After all, children were much easier to manipulate than adults.
"I refuse." Seiun's voice was like a knife, cutting through her great grandmother's speech. "My place is by…Subaru-sama's side."
"Surely it's better to be trained in the main house, where Subaru-sama himself was trained…" Sumeragi Tokaki cajoled, trying to persuade Seiun to his point of view. The child was rebellious, unlike Subaru, who had been a quiet, pliant and malleable child. Left alone under Subaru's care, who knew how she would turn out? It would be better to keep her under the eye of the entire clan…
"I'm sure that you've heard of the Sakurazukamori, child." Juuji said firmly. "Do you want to be hurt by him? See him kill people? So do as you are told."
Subaru tried to intervene, seeing that Seiun was slowly, but surely losing her battle to control her temper. "As my heir, she should stay under my teaching."
"And your teaching is superior to the teaching you received at the main house?" Juuji cut in roughly, displeased that the council had decided to rule in the errant head's favour. "If your teaching is derived from what you learnt all those years ago, then it would be better for the child to study the art of Onmyoudo here."
"My name is Seiun." Seiun interrupted, eyes glinting, her temper roused. "Not 'child'. And Pa… Subaru-sama teaches me far better than what I learnt here!"
"Seiun!" Subaru called out, hoping to calm the girl down as she started in on who she considered the most hidebound of the council, only second to the Sumeragi Matriarch.
"Studying with Subaru-sama is much better! Especially if I don't need to see your face!" Seiun spat out.
"How dare you speak to me like that?!" Juuji began to rise from her seat, intent on punishing the impudent child.
Seiun stood as well, eyes narrowed, wordlessly showing challenge in every line of her body. If the council hall was not warded against onmyoujitsu, she would have already summoned her shikigami.
"Subaru-san! How can you be considered capable of teaching her if you cannot even control her!" The Lady Sumeragi said sternly, intending to shock her grandson with her words, only to have them backfire as Subaru stood and grabbed hold of Seiun.
"Seiun! Listen to me!" Subaru commanded her with the same authority he used when confronting stubborn spirits who had no wish to move on and wished to continue making mischief among the living. "I want you to behave!"
Seiun froze, unused to having her 'Papa' scold her. She looked at him with wide eyes, taken aback when almost glowing, intense emerald met hers. Knowing that she was in the wrong, she looked down at the floor. "I'm…sorry…" She murmured softly.
Her sudden capitulation left the council speechless for several long moments before Lady Sumeragi spoke up. "It… appears that we were wrong about you, Subaru-san." She said quietly, unsure how to handle the sudden onset of confidence and authority that Subaru had acquired, the circumstances distracting her from her previous anger.
"Wrong?" Subaru looked directly at his grandmother. "I am fully capable of teaching Seiun-chan what is needed to prepare her for her time as my successor. There is no need of her being trained here where she isn't used to nor will be happy in."
Tokaki coughed. "It is better for her to be raised traditionally. She is the Heir…"
A hand over his face made him pause, to look up and see it was Tsuru intervening. "The placement of the Heir is determined by the Clan Head." He said quietly, his words dropping from his lips like droplets into a pool of still water. "We cannot interfere unless the Clan Head is proven unfit to do so."
"And Subaru-sama is plainly able to control her…" Ame mused.
Almost as one, the council nodded. "This issue will be dismissed."
There was a pause as the sentence took some time to sink in. Then Seiun's cry explained it all.
"YATTA!" [3
[1 'Sama' means 'master'. It is used for someone who is considered superior in position. In Subaru's case, he is accorded the title because he is the current clan head. His grandmother can get away with not using it because firstly, she is his senior and secondly, she is his predecessor.
[2 Onmyoudo is the term for the brand of magic (Comicx: I don't know what else to term it, so sue me!) what Subaru and Seishirou practice.
[3 It means 'all right'.
It's done! It's done! (Jumps around and bounces off ceilings!) I thought I wouldn't get it done on time because I had two school projects to complete in the same duration. (How mean is that? Projects during holidays?) I hope this one is up to your liking. I know there was one reviewer who seemed to read my mind about how meek Subaru was behaving in the earlier chapters but what was I supposed to do? It's not like there are a lot of situations where Subaru can put his foot down. Bar arguing with Seishirou about what attentions he would be enjoying in the night but eheheh… I digress. This is one of my favourite chapters so far. K'van's favourite should be coming up soon. In three chapters or so. Do you know what was one very annoying thing I found out while writing this chapter? No one knows what is the name of Subaru's grandmother! So I'm stuck writing her as 'the Lady Sumeragi', which gives me finger cramps. So pity the suffering writers and write in some reviews? Please?
And have a HAPPY 2008!!!