Chapter 6: The Ghost of Me
Byakuya entered the Kuchiki Council Hall and turned into the central meeting chamber, walking to the head of the table and waiting as the gathered elders took their places. Head Councilor Nori stood and called the meeting to order.
"The council welcomes Lord Byakuya back from the royal realm and congratulates him on having served his majesty in a way befitting of our noble house. You have honored us with your commitment to his majesty and have served as a model to others through your humility and obedience."
"Arigato, Councilor Nori," Byakuya said, inclining his head.
"But you have called this meeting for another reason, ne?" the councilor went on, "The council has been busy in your absence. We have begun plans for a wedding reception and introduction of Renji Abarai to the subfamilies. In addition, the council members have requested that you soon announce when you have been successful in creating an heir with your new spouse."
Byakuya raised his eyes and motioned for Nori to stop. The head councilor fell silent and the eyes of the elders studied Byakuya with curiosity.
"I know all of you are aware that what Renji Abarai and I were called to do was a tremendous and arduous task…and it put great strain on us, both physically, and in my spouse's case, emotionally. Renji was not raised in a noble house and suddenly finding himself forced into one, he has had a difficult time. The relationship between the two of us is congenial, however, we are not in love and will likely never be. And after what Renji endured in the royal realm, we simply cannot add the weight of forcing him to carry my child as well. The power that makes me able to make heirs with a male is a wonderful ability…given the right situation, but you all know that we will not likely be successful if we are not both committed to the making of the child. Due to the nature of our situation, the fact that we were forced into marriage and cannot, as we are, procure an heir, I make my intention known to study the candidates from among the subfamilies to name an heir. And in so choosing, I wish for the council to acknowledge this choice with a vote to relieve Renji and myself of any obligation to bear children. Simply put, it will only add strain to an already difficult marriage."
Head Councilor Nori stood for a moment, considering his words, then he looked back at the council and sent the group into conference for several minutes. Byakuya stood quietly at the head of the table, thinking back to what he had told Renji.
It was a lie when I told Renji that, because we are male, we will not required to share a bed…and I gave Renji the incorrect impression that children are not a possibility. But by having the council vote to agree to choose an heir from the subfamilies, the lie will become fact. Then the pressure for us to make a child will disappear and we can attempt to settle more comfortably into whatever manner of union that we can manage without unnecessary expectations. In truth, I do wish that children could be a possibility, but Renji only feels anger towards me. He has already been through far too much in bearing the king…and the thought of putting him through the carrying an heir is too much of a weight. In any case, I would have to take Renji again to procure an heir…and I can't even think about that…not after what I was used to do to Renji. No…if indeed, we do improve our relationship to the point of having sexual relations, still, I will never take Renji again.
I don't have the right.
I don't want the right.
And he knew exactly what the elders would think of such a refusal…
So it is better all around to point out what Renji has been through and to make what I feel is a very reasonable request to spare my spouse any more heavy obligation to a family he has already served by helping to make the king.
"Lord Byakuya," Nori said, startling Byakuya out of his thoughts, "we have discussed the matter and although we certainly agree that the honor of bearing the king was difficult for you and your spouse, it is your very ability to assist the king that points to your being able to procure an heir of sufficient strength to guide our clan. Despite the quality of the candidates from the subfamilies, none have the genetic factors present in your union with Renji Abarai. Despite his peasant class, this man possesses ban kai level and great strength. Matched with your power, it will create an equally powerful heir. You simply cannot deny our clan the fruit of the union between two captain level shinigamis."
Byakuya shook his head in disgust.
"Do not dare to treat the two of us as your brood mare and stud! Renji and I are people…and what we have already endured more than proves our commitment to this family and our king. I find it egregious that after what we have done that you would not accord us the space and the comfort of time we need to grow into love!"
Nori cleared his throat.
"Lord Byakuya, again, we understand your feelings, but as you know, nobles are often called to put their feelings aside and to do what is best for the clan. But we are not unsympathetic. We would be happy to give you as much as ten years to grow into your relationship with Vice Captain Abarai. So the council denies you abandonment of your obligation to procure an heir…and orders that at the end of ten years, the conception must take place."
Byakuya bristled and glowered at the councilors, raising his reiatsu until the room rumbled softly.
"Might I remind this council of the dangers of forcing conception on one not up to the task? Must I remind you of the reason my late wife died? You forced us to conceive, knowing she was weak. She obeyed because she loved me and didn't want me to defy the council again…and because I impregnated her, she died, taking the heir with her. I warn you…do not force this. The cost of doing so would be too much. It wouldn't just be Renji who could die if forced. We are soul bonded. If Renji were to die, then I would die too…you might remember that while trying to force this on us!"
"What about the half-blood?" a female elder asked suddenly, tilting her head and fixing her dark grey eyes on Byakuya, "Kuchiki Tetsuya is a breeder male…"
"Absolutely not," Byakuya snapped, making the room go completely silent as his hissing reply echoed for a moment, "This council is well aware that Tetsuya was greatly wronged by this family and he will never be burdened by any demand this council makes."
He paused for a moment, the anger in his chest making his reiatsu flare brightly around him again.
"The very idea that you dare to make such a comment only shows that this council's soul has grown only more reprehensible in its expectations! Hisana died because of your decision to force us to conceive. Tetsuya was imprisoned and tortured, though at no time, did he ever commit any crime. Renji has already endured far too much, yet you would pile on more expectations until even his strength is overcome. Your lack of any sense of humanity is deplorable! I will not tolerate it any longer. If you…"
"Come now, Lord Byakuya," said Nori calmly, "you are obviously overwrought from your task in the royal realm. You simply need to rest and you will realize that what we ask is fair. We are willing to give the two of you extended time. We feel it is our right to expect you to make an heir. It is not like those other situations. We agree that pushing you and Hisana into having a child while she was weak was a mistake and if you will recall, the family members involved in Tetsuya's illegal imprisonment did stand trial."
Byakuya bristled and started to object, but went silent again as Nori held up a hand and continued.
Byakuya, Renji Abarai is stronger than your Hisana. He will not fall to weakness. So, we are decided. You and Renji Abarai have ten years to make an heir."
Such fury ignited in Byakuya that he barely heard the rest of what was discussed. He could barely believe his ears. He had been so sure that the council would listen to him. But of course, they hadn't seen all of what he and Renji had endured…they didn't know…
He left the council chambers in a daze and stood at the top of the steps, looking back at Kuchiki Manor and knowing he couldn't go back there in the state he was in. He needed to process…yes, he had lost the first round, but he wasn't going to stop working to get the council to relieve them of the responsibility for the heir. It would just take determination…
He turned his eyes away from home and turned instead in the direction of the sixth division. He flash stepped all of the way to the office and stepped inside, immediately having the odd feeling of a sudden return to reality after a long break from it. The only thing missing from the room was Renji.
But it would be a long time before Renji would be fully restored and back at work. In the meantime, he lay at Kuchiki Manor, still unconscious, powerless…a shadow of who he had been…and Byakuya felt an unnaturally strong connection to the forces that had made him that way. It might not have been his fault, but…
But at least I can try to reduce his burden. I'll convince the council to see things my way. I will!
"Captain Kuchiki," said the third seat from across the room, "We were told you were on a month's leave!"
"I will be here from time to time to keep things running smoothly. As you were…"
He dropped down at his desk and made everything disappear by burying himself in a deep pile of paperwork.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Oh my kami…augh…ah…" Renji groaned turning onto his side.
He spotted a trashcan by the bed just in time to use it as he leaned over and emptied his stomach noisily. He sensed someone in the room, but was too busy heaving again to look at the person. He heaved a third time, then fell back, watching the stars spin in front of his eyes. He realized as the stars faded that he had no fucking idea where he was. The last thing he remembered was being in the king's garden, but…
He looked around and suddenly recognized the gardens outside his door.
"Kuchiki Manor?" he gasped, placing a hand on his stomach and turning to look out the garden doors again.
"Ah…good day, Master Abarai," said a pleasant male voice, "I am Tetsuya. Akio, here, and I were asked by Lord Byakuya to attend you, sir."
"Augh…erm…Tetsuya, sorry, I feel like hell and I'm kinda confused…you mind telling me when I got here? Or am I still unconscious?"
"Oh…well…you arrived yesterday, quite suddenly. You were still unconscious and needed stabilization, so my cousin assigned us to look after you."
Renji pushed himself up so he was sitting and pulled his yukata tighter around him. He looked around the room, noting quite a few familiar items and boxes neatly stacked in the closet.
"H-hey," he asked, frowning, "is this…my stuff? From my apartment?"
"Yes, Master Abarai," the young man beside Tetsuya answered respectfully, "Lord Byakuya sent word that we should empty your apartment and bring all of your belongings here. We unpacked some things to make you comfortable, but you may change things to your liking as long as the room does not become cluttered."
"Cluttered?" Renji repeated, blinking.
"Yes," Akio answered, "Lord Kuchiki hates clutter. All of the rooms are kept spotlessly clean…but you can ask me or another attendant to clean for you if you wish…in case you are too busy or unwell…"
He studied Renji's lost expression for a moment.
"Are you hungry, sir? Oh…sorry, maybe not. Would you like to bathe? We have a lovely tropical themed bathing chamber. I can show you."
Renji climbed slowly to his feet.
"I guess that sounds good…" the redhead muttered.
"Good, Master Abarai, I'll get you a fresh yukata."
Akio disappeared out of the room, leaving Renji alone with Tetsuya.
"Are you in any pain right now, Master Abarai?" Tetsuya asked kindly, "You looked uncomfortable when you woke. Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?"
"Well, short of giving me back my fucking life and disappearing…" Renji muttered, groaning.
"I-I'm sorry?" Tetsuya stammered, blinking in confusion, "Ah…"
"Aw fuck," the redhead sighed raggedly, "Forget I said that. I mean, it's not your fault that I'm messed up like this and my life is shot to hell."
"Sh-shot to hell," Tetsuya repeated, frowning as he considered.
Renji felt a little jolt of surprise as the young man nodded and looked him squarely in the eyes.
"I understand," he said quietly.
"Do you?" Renji asked, an edge of tension returning to his voice.
He felt another flicker of surprise as Tetsuya nodded again and continued.
"I also have endured much on behalf of the Kuchiki clan. My struggles were different than yours, but I think there are some similarities as well. Still, even though we must inconvenience you, please know that the ones attending you are sympathetic, and we only want to help you as much as we can. We wield no power to change your fate, so all we can do is to offer what comforts are ours to give."
Renji's brow furrowed and he started to answer, only to be stopped as Akio reappeared carrying a fine quality yukata.
"You know, I have a few comfortable ones of my own," he commented.
"Oh, I see," said Akio, "but when we brought your things over, the house seamstress went through them and decided they were too threadbare and stained, so we had these made for you."
"I like my old, comfortable stuff…"
"Well…perhaps within your room for sleeping, but all of us are required to be properly dressed when we are outside our rooms."
"Huh…whatever," the redhead grumbled, "but it sounds kinda anal to me."
"Oh no, sir, it isn't arbitrary. Lord Kuchiki often has important visitors…"
"Yeah, yeah and he doesn't want them seeing a slob like me, ne? Keep going…we can talk as we walk…I really want to get into that hot water…"
"I will examine you again and offer you healing when you return," Tetsuya offered.
"Thanks."
Akio led the redhead away and as they entered the bathing chamber and Renji gave a low whistle of appreciation at the artistic placement of plants and flowers, grass and a waterfall shower that rained down into a large pool. He paused at the edge, jumping as Akio pulled the tie free on his yukata.
"Hey there!" he laughed, "Come on. We barely know each other. You can't be trying to get my clothes of until at least the second date!"
Akio laughed softly.
"You are very funny, Master Abarai. But I have to undress you if I am to bathe you."
"Wh-what? Bathe me?"
"Oh yes, sir," Akio said, pulling his yukata off and baring him.
Renji started to object, then got a good look at his body.
"Shit! Oh shit! What the hell? What the…"
"Master Abarai!" said Akio worriedly, "Gomen nasai, did I do something wrong?"
"Oh…oh holy hell! Where the fuck…? What?" Renji stammered, turning and examining himself.
Then he saw the golden bands on his wrists…
"Oh…oh kami, this just gets worse and worse…"
"Can I…help you somehow, sir? Should I bring Tetsuya?"
Renji sighed miserably.
"Can you find Captain Kuchiki?" he asked, "I need to talk to him."
"Ah…Lord Kuchiki is indisposed at the moment. He…"
"Well, you tell him I need to…"
"Master Abarai, sir…he isn't here. He went to a meeting of the elders and then he sent a hell butterfly to tell us he was at work."
"He's…at work…" Renji muttered, his mind spinning.
"Sir, come into the water. I will bathe you. It will relax you. I can give you a massage if you like."
"I don't want anyone massaging me, thanks," Renji said, pulling away from the youth.
Renji waded out into the water, muttering darkly and worked his way to the waterfall, enjoying the heat of the water and beginning to relax. He reached the waterfall and turned under the water, enjoying the way it pounded down on his skin, relaxing him even more and bringing him back to life. He turned to look for some soap and nearly jumped out of his skin at the sight of Akio standing in the water, wrapped only in a towel and holding the soap. He stepped forward, blinking questioningly as Renji stepped back.
"Whoa, wait a damned minute," he said sharply, "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to bathe you, sir," the youth said calmly, "Lord Kuchiki said that you would be surprised sometimes. I was, when I was new here too. But you will get used to it."
The boy stepped forward and began applying soap to the redhead's skin before he could object again.
"I came from the Rukongai, too," Akio said as he bathed Renji, "so I know everything seems strange and different…but it isn't so bad, sir. And you are not a servant, but a family member."
"Yeah, sort of…"
Renji couldn't chase away the flush on his cheeks or the feeling of discomfort at having someone he barely knew, touching him all over like that. As Akio closed in on his genitals, Renji stepped back.
"Look, I know that this is probably fine for the noble's, but no one touches me there unless we're lovers."
Akio smiled understandingly.
"I know it's strange, but once you get used to it…"
"No way, kid…sorry. I'll put up with most things, I guess, but no one's touching me there without my say so, got it?"
"Well…I…I guess…"
"You mean to tell me that everyone here gets bathed like that? Rukia too?" Renji asked, shocked.
"Yes…well, except that her attendants are female."
"Ah," Renji said.
He returned to the edge of the water, grabbed the fresh yukata and had it on before Akio managed to scramble out of the water.
"Sir," the youth said patiently, "I know you don't like being faced with all of these rules and odd ways, but Lord Kuchiki is certain that you will adjust. That's why he wanted me to…"
"And why doesn't Lord Kuchiki get his ass in here and tell me that, himself?" Renji asked.
Akio's eyes went wide for a moment.
"Ah…erm…well, the head of household has many duties to attend to…and he…he said Master Tetsuya I should help you settle in."
"Oh, so now he's too fucking busy to talk to me?" asked Renji, frowning, "I know he's this high and mighty clan leader, but we are married…I thought he'd at least come and see me when I woke up."
"Sir, I can send a message…"
"Don't bother. I'll get dressed and go see his highness, myself!"