Chapter 3: The Punishment
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Held to the light, we have no choice but to reveal our imperfections. As tiny as they are, they loom larger now, and we are forced to pay the cost. Watch as my head bows, as my body accepts just punishment without defiance. I am a lesson in obedience…and for that, you despise me…
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Byakuya stood quietly on the balcony outside his suite, looking out over part of the king's vast gardens…and in particular, focused on a particular sakura tree near the brook. He felt again, the pain inflicted as he was taken, and the words of warning that went with the harsh sensations.
"I know you don't love me yet…and I know you're trying to distance yourself, but I will break you of that and I will make you see me. And soon, I will be all that you see, Byakuya. I will be all that exists for you. That is how love should be, ne? You will grow to love me…to yearn for me…to be willing to die for me. You will give me all of yourself and keep nothing. Ours will be an all encompassing love, Byakuya…a love you will come to embrace."
He felt an odd, sick feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach.
"You wonder, perhaps, why I make this painful? Pain makes an impression, Byakuya. The pain you are experiencing makes it clear to you that you are mine. Don't worry. I won't make it this painful when we are together in the future. I won't need to. Because this will make you understand…"
Footsteps sounded in the hallway outside his room and he lowered his eyes, waiting…
"Remember this. I can give you pleasure or I can give you pain. Please me, Byakuya, and our love will be intense and fulfilling…fail to please me, and you will know pain unlike any you have ever experienced."
The door opened and Byakuya lifted his eyes and turned his head. Prince Tohma stood in the doorway, studying him quietly. He stepped forward, his lips curling into a smile. The door clicked shut behind him.
"Byakuya…"
"Tohma," Byakuya replied.
"You look surprised to see me…"
"No," Byakuya said, stepping in off of the balcony, "I was simply expecting that Torio would be here to see to my preparations for dinner."
"Ah, I did see him in the hallway…and asked him to wait outside for a moment. Come here."
Byakuya walked to him and stopped, looking at the prince questioningly.
"Will you please kneel?"
Byakuya gazed at him for a moment, then slowly dropped to his knees.
"You may have been wondering why I took you as I did. It might seem cruel or somehow wrong, and I am sorry to have hurt you. But you have to understand, I have feelings…feelings inside me that no one understands. All of my life, my father and mother have done nothing, but tell me to follow their silly rules…to live by their standards. So…when I am disobedient as I was in the gardens with you, it is not aimed at you. I defy them."
"I understand," Byakuya said quietly.
Tohma slipped a hand underneath his chin and lifted it, his fingers stroking the skin lightly.
"I know you understand…because I know you."
"Gomen nasai, what are you saying?" Byakuya asked, confused.
"I have pored over every inch of your life, Byakuya, up to the point of your choosing. You see, here in the spirit dimension, the royal family has the ability to consult the book of lives. It chronicles the life of every human, every hollow and every shinigami. Only the royal family is allowed to look upon its pages, because the knowledge contained within could turn our worlds upside down. As part of his training to succeed my father, my brother, Prince Yoshihiro consults this book frequently. I am sometimes included, because if anything were to happen to my brother, I would then become crown prince."
"I have heard of the book of lives," Byakuya said, staring up into the golden eyes, "and I know that one of the trusts placed on those who look upon it, is that they will not use it for their personal gain…"
Tohma smiled down at him.
"Is that what you think I did? Used it for my personal gain?"
"You used it to study me."
"I studied all of the ones they suggested, Byakuya. I took the list of names and while they were otherwise occupied, I researched every one. And they were mostly all the same…dry, boring people, addicted to following the rules. You might follow them now…but there was a time when you did not. They chose you because they imagined that you might tame me…that you might convince me to follow their rules and live according to their ways. And they don't want to look at me until I have been made obedient. They don't want to see how they've hurt me…but you know, don't you? You know, because after your father and mother died, your clan did this to you. They took a beautiful, spirited boy and turned him into the sad shell of a person you are now. I didn't choose you for the same reasons they did. I chose you because I looked at you and I saw myself. And I thought, that out of all of them…you would be the one who would understand…and help me…"
Byakuya met his eyes warily.
"What do you want me to do?" he whispered.
"I want you to be on my side…to listen to me…to love me…and to help me in my defiance of them. I want you to help me turn their plans for this marriage upside down. On the surface, let them think that we listen and obey…but wherever we can…rebel with me…fight them…make them pay!"
Tohma reached down and move his clothing out of the way, revealing his erect member.
"You have been bathed already, ne?"
"I have," Byakuya said, his voice shaking slightly.
"I have too," the prince told him, "We have followed their rules and cleaned ourselves to make ourselves presentable for dinner."
"Tohma…"
"Shh…" the prince said, stroking his cheek, "It is a very small act of defiance, but I need you to do this…to show that you are loyal to me…not to them. Byakuya, pleasure me…dirty yourself."
Byakuya caught his breath in dismay.
"N-no…no, I…I can't."
Tohma glared down at him, then without warning, slapped him hard across the cheek. Byakuya gritted his teeth and forced himself not to react. He knew well enough not to strike the prince…
"Don't disappoint me, Byakuya. I know that you hate all of their rules and ways and posturing. Your heart wants to rebel and you only don't because they trained you out of it. My wedding gift to you will be your freedom, Byakuya! Now…I told you to do something. Obey me at once!"
Realizing that there was no recourse, Byakuya leaned forward and complied. His breath shortened and his body shook softly, but he forced himself to move, slowly and gently, eliciting a soft moan of delight from the prince.
"Ah…ah…" moaned Tohma, slipping his fingers into the noble's hair and encouraging him.
He panted softly and as the pleasing contact continued, he began to move with the noble. Never having done such a thing before, Byakuya was unsure of how much pressure to exert or how long it would be before the prince climaxed. His mind spun with the oddness of it, but given no choice, he continued to obey the prince's command. Tohma quivered and his hands tightened in Byakuya's hair. It was the only warning he received before Tohma moaned loudly and released, choking him. He tried to pull away, but the prince's hands tightened painfully in his hair.
"Byakuya…"
He tried to swallow, but choked and almost coughed.
"Byakuya!" the prince said louder
It was almost impossible with his mouth so full, but he forced it down, then fell back, coughing heavily. He reached up to wipe away some of the fluid that had dribbled onto his face, but Tohma dropped to his knees, wrapped his arms around the noble, and licked it away. He pushed forward, pushing Byakuya down onto his back and moved his clothing aside. Smiling devilishly, he began to return the pleasure that Byakuya had given him.
"T-tohma!" Byakuya gasped.
He lost the ability to speak as the prince's mouth sucked hard, igniting his arousal and making him pant and his heart race. He knew it was wrong, all of it, but he seemed to have completely lost control of his situation. Tohma moved up and down on him, sending beautiful, heady waves of pleasure all through him.
"Please, stop this!" he hissed as the shocks of pleasure continued and his eyes closed in protest.
Tohma's fingers joined the prince's mouth in pleasuring him, and touched off an explosion of intense pleasure. Byakuya gave a hard cry and released violently. Suddenly, he felt Tohma freeze. Byakuya opened his eyes and caught his breath in dismay.
King Tatsuo stood in the doorway, with Ginrei at his side…and both wore expressions of surprise and disgust. Byakuya sat up and backed away from the stunned prince, who rose quickly and stood facing his father defiantly. The two glared at each other.
"What is the meaning of this?" the king asked, "How dare the two of you act out in such a way!"
He turned to his attendant.
"Go and inform the others that we will not be joining them."
He turned back to Tohma, who stared at him, white-faced, but still defiant.
"You and Byakuya are to come to the throne room. We will see to your punishment…immediately!"
Tatsuo turned and flash stepped out of the room. Tohma looked from Byakuya to Ginrei, then flash stepped after his father. Ginrei gazed down at Byakuya in silence. Byakuya set his clothes back in place, then found his way to his feet. He could barely stand as his legs shook beneath him, but he forced himself to look his grandfather in the eyes. Strangely, although his eyes held disappointment, they also registered a certain amount of sympathy.
"Grandfather," Byakuya whispered, "My deepest apologies for disappointing you. I will make no excuses. I will only say I am sorry with all my heart…and I hope you will forgive me."
There was silence for several minutes, then Ginrei sighed deeply.
"I am ashamed at your behavior," he said finally, "but you must know, this is not the first time that Tohma has acted out. The way he chooses to act out is different nearly every time…but the king does not realize what is happening. Prince Tohma is very disturbed…and desperate to save his son from coming apart, the king has called upon you to help him. He sends you away from the spirit dimension under the guise of allowing Tohma more self determination, but he hopes that while the prince is away, he will learn to conduct himself more honorably. I worry for you, Byakuya. You have stepped into a very dangerous place."
"The others…" Byakuya said softly, "There's more to their stories than I've been told…am I right?"
Ginrei nodded.
"Aika was a lovely, spirited woman…and Tohma loved her. But the two ignited each other's defiance. When together, neither respected the rules. She died very suddenly…and it was not known what caused her death. But Tatsuo did not look surprised, and although grieved, Tohma looked as though he knew something we did not. The Shihoin prince was much like his cousin, Yoruichi. He too, was possessed of fine spirits…and though he left a lover behind, he seemed to fall in love with the prince quite readily. But he too, stepped over lines and could not rein in the prince. They said he was unfaithful…but I watched the execution. Tohma and Naoki were very much in love, but it isn't love that his majesty seeks for his son. He seeks one that can turn him around…that can rein him in…that can make him obey. Understand, Byakuya, that if you cannot do this, you will die, too! You must find a way…if it is not already too late."
"What am to do, Grandfather?" Byakuya asked, desperation in his voice, "What am I to say to the king?"
Ginrei took a slow breath.
"Tell him that you are sorry to have dishonored him…and accept whatever punishment he gives you. And if the prince objects…stop him. That is the only way I can think of."
"Arigato, Grandfather…and again, I am sorry to have dishonored you."
Ginrei nodded in acceptance, then flash stepped away. Byakuya left his suite and found Torio waiting in the hallway.
"S-sir," he said, his voice shaking, "I am t-to take you to his m-majesty."
Byakuya nodded silently and followed Torio to the throne room. The guard motioned them inside and closed the door behind them. Tatsuo sat on his throne and guards held Prince Tohma in place as Byakuya stepped forward and knelt at the king's feet. He waited silently, with his head bowed until the king spoke.
"Kuchiki Byakuya, I have heard from my son that he was the one who led you into this disgusting act of defiance…that you did not want to go along with it…and that he forced you into it. Even so…you did not stop him…and that is a matter of concern. You are about to gain a royal title, but you do not have one yet, nor do you enjoy its protections. My son has admitted guilt…but I am somewhat limited in how it is possible to punish him. The royals face imprisonment, but are never beaten, and so shall my son be imprisoned…until his wedding day. You too, will be placed in a guarded tower. But before you go, my son will see the result of his defiance. For though he is royal and he may not be whipped…you are not royal…and your punishment will be the harsher for it. Perhaps then, you will understand your responsibility in marrying my son. It will be your final warning."
"Father, no!" shouted Tohma, straining against the hands of the guards, "You can't hurt him! He's mine! He's mine!"
"Hold him," Tatsuo said quietly, "Make sure he sees. I want him to know the damage he has done to this one he loves. Perhaps it will make him rethink his choices…"
Two members of the royal guard stepped forward. One bared Byakuya to the waist, while the other stood ready with a heavy whip in hand. Tatsuo looked down at Byakuya sympathetically, but said nothing more. He nodded to the guardsman holding the whip.
There was a hissing in the air, then pain erupted across Byakuya's back. He forced himself to remain still as the whip rose and fell. After ten lashes, his entire back felt as though it was on fire.
"Father, stop! You've made your point! I'm sorry! Don't do this! Don't!" Tohma pleaded.
The whip continued to snap across Byakuya's tormented flesh. It stung until tears rose in his eyes and he could barely breathe. As they passed fifty lashes, his head spun and his eyes glazed over. He hardly registered the pain and he had grown so dizzy that he could barely remain upright. As they neared seventy, he fell forward and caught himself on his hands. He lowered his head as the whip continued to snap across his back.
"Father, he can't even hold himself up! Father, please! Father!" the prince howled, "I won't let it happen again, I swear! Please, stop them!"
The whip snapped across Byakuya's back again, and the noble felt something give way inside. His arms gave way and he collapsed. Out of the corner of an eye, he could see the whip rise again.
"Halt," the king's voice said softly.
Byakuya heard Tohma give a muffled sob.
"F-father," he said in a choked voice, "I am s-sorry for what I did. P-please…allow me to heal my fiancé. I will ask for no more. And I will not misbehave again."
There was a long pause.
"Release Prince Tohma. Allow him to heal Byakuya…then remove them to separate towers until the royal wedding."
Byakuya heard retreating footsteps and a closing door, then suddenly Tohma was beside him, leaning over him and extending his hands over the bruised and bleeding skin of Byakuya's back.
"I am sorry," he said in a low, trembling voice, "This is my fault. You tried to do the right thing and I wouldn't listen to you. I was the one who did wrong…but you paid the price. It's always like that…and it's not fair. Aika…Naoki…and now you. Byakuya…I won't let him…"
Healing power flared around the prince's hands and sank into Byakuya's body, dragging a low sigh of relief from the exhausted noble. As Tohma's hands moved over him, the prince continued to speak to him in a soft voice.
"I won't let this happen to you again. I will behave myself until after the wedding. After that, you will have your royal title and he won't be able to do this to you. And we'll be in the Seireitei. We'll have more freedom there. Things will be better, Byakuya, they will…I promise you. I won't let you be hurt like this again…ever…"
He lifted one hand to stroke the noble's hair gently.
"I love you, Byakuya. I'm sorry he hurt you because of me. He hates me. He hates everything about me. He wishes he could whip me like a slave. He wishes he could make me disappear. But he can't whip me or make me disappear, so he hurts the ones around me…for no better reason than that they can't make me behave any better than he can. It's all about changing me! Why can't he love me? Why does he hate me so? Why?"
Byakuya was beyond using words to answer, but as the prince continued the healing, he slipped a hand into one of Tohma's and squeezed it gently. After that, the prince quieted. And by the time the healing was done, he had become oddly calm and docile. He kissed Byakuya gently on the cheek and followed the guards out of the room without comment. The remaining guards helped Byakuya to his feet and led him away to the waiting tower.