Chapter 3: The Price of One's Honor
Byakuya stood quietly in the center of the Central 46 council chambers, with Senbonzakura a silent presence at his right shoulder, and his dark eyes focused on the people who now held his future in their hands. He was deeply aware of the precarious balance in which he hung suspended…that fate could carry him either back to the comfort of home, into a prison cell…or to the Sokyoku. His mind went back to something he remembered Ginrei saying to him many years before.
Honor is no simple matter, nor is responsibility. And sometimes these things, which are good things, will lead you down a difficult path. But even then, they are worthy pursuits. You should be ready at any time to yield your freedom or your life to serve these purposes. And should you stand accused of doing something deemed wrong, and you have done this thing to defend our family's honor, then accept responsibility with a peaceful heart. Whatever you suffer is worth the cost if you have protected what matters.
"I have done as you asked, Grandfather," he whispered inwardly, "Our family's honor is intact, and Kouga is dead. I have kept my promises. I only wait to know the price exacted for this…"
"Kuchiki Byakuya," said the deep, stern voice of the head councilor, "We have summoned you to stand before this council to answer for your actions in relation to the zanpakutou, Muramasa and his master, Kuchiki Kouga. On this matter, you are faced with the following charges…one charge of abandonment of duty in a time of war or unrest, two charges of high treason for deserting your allies and joining Muramasa with the intent of freeing a known murderer and felon who had been sealed away. You are charged with multiple counts of breaking and entering, assault on friendly forces, attempted theft of information, theft of information, and assault on fellow seated officers resulting in great damage to property. You are charged with one count of assaulting a fellow taichou and release of your zanpakutou in that assault. It is understood that while the lesser of these charges might have fallen under the jurisdiction of the Kuchiki clan council, all charges are brought under the jurisdiction of Central 46, due the charges of high treason. The penalty, if you are found guilty of these charges is death by Sokyoku. Kuchiki Byakuya, do you understand the charges against you and the likely penalty if you are found guilty?"
"I understand," Byakuya said calmly.
"You must now enter a plea regarding all charges."
Byakuya took a slow breath.
"With the council's permission, I would like to enter a plea of guilty with mitigating circumstances," he answered softly.
He felt the weight of staring eyes as the head councilor nodded solemnly.
"Very well, then. You are given leave to explain your actions."
Byakuya nodded.
"Before my grandfather left for the spirit dimension, as he passed control of the clan leadership and the responsibility for leading Squad Six on to me, he took me aside and warned me about Kuchiki Kouga. Kouga was a powerful shinigami, who many years ago, was accepted into the Kuchiki family, because of the promise showed in his abilities. Unfortunately, Kouga was accused of terrible crimes and imprisoned. He broke free and was responsible for many deaths…and each one weighed more and more heavily on my family's honor, for that he was one of our own. Finally, my grandfather and Soutaichou were able to seal Kouga away. And the agreement was that, because our family had accepted him and he had become one of us, we must be responsible for killing Kouga, should he ever escape."
"And you have witnesses to testify to these things?" the head councilor asked.
"He does," said Soutaichou's voice from the back of the room.
He stepped forward with a cloaked man at his side.
"Yamamoto Soutaichou," said the head councilor, "you are given leave to speak…but who is this with you?"
The cloaked man drew back his hood. Byakuya gasped softly in surprise.
"I am Kuchiki Ginrei, returned from the spirit dimension to defend my grandson's actions."
"Very well," said the head councilor, "The two of you are noted as witnesses to Kuchiki Kouga's actions. You are given leave to speak. Have you anything to add to Kuchiki Byakuya's explanation?"
"I can testify to the fact that Kuchiki Kouga was imprisoned on suspicion of serious crimes…crimes which we later found to have been falsified by his enemies. But even so, in addition to killing those involved in the false charges, Kouga went on to slaughter innocents as well…and his crimes became so egregious, that Kuchiki Ginrei and I were forced to seal him away for the protection of all. It was then that we made the agreement that Byakuya spoke of…that if he were to escape, the head of the Kuchiki clan would bear responsibility for killing Kouga."
"But you did not tell him to seek Kouga or to free him, himself?" asked a female councilor.
"We did not," admitted Yamamoto, "However, it may be inferred that when Muramasa appeared and began to cause trouble, that Byakuya knew the time had come, and that Muramasa would, at some time, attempt to free his master."
"And what do you have to say about your choice to follow Muramasa…and to help him free Kouga?" the head councilor asked Byakuya pointedly.
"When Muramasa first appeared, I did not know who he was," explained Byakuya, "It wasn't until I fought my own zanpakutou, who had been affected by his power that I discovered his identity. I knew that even though he said he was in the Seireitei to free the zanpakutous and to end shinigami rule, that at some point, he would attempt to free his master."
"But there was no reason to believe he would be successful…" another councilor objected.
"To the contrary," Byakuya said evenly, "There was every reason. Muramasa had great power, even without his shinigami. And he was able to convince the others to assist him. I approached Muramasa with the intent of remaining at his side and killing Kouga as soon as he was found. As proof of my intent, Muramasa demanded that I assist him in finding Kouga. I had no choice but to agree or he would have realized what my motive was and he would have destroyed both Senbonzakura and me."
"And you have someone to bear witness to Muramasa's power and the likelihood he would have power enough to free his master?"
"I do…Kuchiki Ginrei was witness to this."
"It is as Byakuya stated," said Ginrei, "Part of what made Kouga so difficult to defeat was the fact that he subverted the will of the zanpakutou of his enemy. This was Muramasa's power. And using this power alone, it is logical to assume he would have the power to free his master."
"Though it is troubling that Byakuya also helped Muramasa to locate Kouga," muttered the head councilor, "Still, given his need to appear to be an ally to the zanpakutou, we concede that this may have been necessary. Add to that the fact that once Kouga appeared, Kuchiki taichou immediately challenged and defeated him, and it is reasonable to find Byakuya's argument plausible. It is also reasonable to assume the lesser crimes were also committed in defense of his mission to find and kill Kouga. But regarding the attack on your fellow taichou…"
"He didn't really have a choice about that," said Zaraki taichou from the group of witnesses at the back of the room, "He was only defending himself, because I had every intention of killing him."
"I see," said the head councilor stiffly, "And what about the attack on Abarai fukutaichou?"
"He didn't attack me," Renji said, also from the witness stand, "I attempted to arrest him and he was really just trying to get away."
"But he injured you," said one of the councilors.
"It wasn't serious," explained Renji, "Believe me, I have felt this man's attack when he intends to kill…and he was holding back. He just wanted to stop me…not to kill me."
Byakuya turned his head and met Renji's brown eyes with a look of gratitude. Renji smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
"So apparently," said the head councilor, "although you would betray your own kind, team with our enemy and help him inasmuch as it furthered your objective, you would stop short of killing innocents?"
"He didn't seem to mind destroying his sister's zanpakutou, however," said a skeptical looking female councilor, "I would like him to explain that…"
"Aiya," said the head councilor, "all of the taichous were told to destroy any attacking zanpakutou involved in the rebellion, so…"
"But he attacked one to prove his intent…that's what I heard. I heard that he was goaded into this by his own zanpakutou. She didn't attack him."
"But the standing order was that the rebelling zanpakutous were to be…"
"But…his own sister's zanpakutou? That he would do this…"
"May I have leave to speak?" asked Senbonzakura, "I think that I can speak to that concern."
The head councilor looked down at him sternly.
"I think we hesitate to call upon a zanpakutou that betrayed his master."
Senbonzakura bowed his head slightly.
"I understand your concern. I was, like the others, overtaken by Muramasa's power. Fortunately, my master was able to defeat me and I regained my senses. Rukia, too, though not managing such a decisive victory, retained enough influence over Sode no Shirayuki to make her useful to us. My master was able to strike her with convincing force to make it look as though he destroyed her…but she survived. She was restored by Kurotsuchi taichou."
"But there were no guarantees she would be…and if she hadn't been, then Kuchiki Rukia would have been left unable to continue her duties in the thirteenth division. Now…it occurs to me that Kuchiki taichou once before manipulated his sister's future, approaching the other taichous to make certain that Rukia was not offered a seat in any division. She was accepted as an unseated officer, but all of us have seen evidence that she certainly has the power necessary to obtain a seat. So…perhaps he was using this as an opportunity to deprive his sister of any ability to continue in the military."
"Aiya, this has no bearing on Kuchiki Byakuya's association with Muramasa."
"But it does speak to his manipulative nature and his willingness to circumvent the rules. Add to that the fact that several times, he has violated his own clan's rules, and you start to see him in a much clearer light. He is rather ruthless, ne? A ruthless man like that might well be willing to kill innocents to further his own goals…"
"That is out of line, Aiya!" the head councilor said firmly, "and I warn this council that only true evidence may be used to determine this man's culpability. You are hereby ordered to leave Aiya's comments out of your consideration of Kuchiki Byakuya's guilt or innocence. You will proceed based only on facts confirmed by record or witnesses."
"I can certainly call the other taichous to…"
"That will not be necessary," Byakuya said quietly, "I admit that I did take action to prevent my sister from being given a seated position when she was assigned to the thirteenth division. After the loss of my wife, I adopted Rukia into the family to honor my wife's wishes that I protect her and give her a family. When Rukia was to be assigned to a squad, I became concerned that being assigned a seated position, she would face greater danger in the commission of her duties. Rather than allow her to be so endangered, I acted to position her more safely."
The councilors were quiet for a moment, then the head councilor leaned forward.
"It sounds to me as though Kuchiki taichou did use his position to affect his sister's path, and while it was somewhat manipulative, it was also protective…but regardless, his over-protectiveness of his sister has little bearing on the case at hand. And this council will not waste its time on such pursuits. Kuchiki Byakuya, do you have any more to add regarding your behavior during the Zanpakutou Rebellion?"
Byakuya bowed his head.
"I have made my arguments and given my explanations. I trust the councilors of this court to fairly employ the law and to offer me just treatment. I am at peace with my fate."
The head councilor nodded.
"The council will now take a recess to consider all testimony and to come to a decision. Guards, please return Kuchiki taichou to his cell to await decision."
Byakuya let himself be led out of the council chambers and back to his cell. He sat in silence, eating the meal that was brought to him and then sitting on the cot, leaned against the wall. Senbonzakura remained with him, respecting the silence as long as he could until he couldn't contain himself any longer.
"Master," he said finally, "I hope that you were not angered by my interrupting. I meant to help…"
"And you did," Byakuya said softly, "I am pleased that you showed such loyalty, Sen."
He started to say more, but was interrupted by the opening of the door into the cellblock and the echoing sound of footsteps. The guard entered the corridor, followed by a familiar, cloaked form. They paused outside the cell and the guard unlocked the cell door, allowing Kuchiki Ginrei to step inside, then he locked it behind the noble.
"Just call for me when you are ready to leave Kuchiki-sama," the guard said, bowing.
Byakuya turned and remained sitting with his back to the wall, looking up at the man he hadn't seen in over fifty years.
"Grandfather," he said softly in greeting, "It is good to see you."
"I am glad to see you are well," Ginrei said solemnly, "I know that the circumstances are difficult, but I am encouraged by what I read in the councilors' eyes. While I do believe there will be some consequences, I believe that you will be released and that you will be able to put this unpleasantness behind you. I will warn you, however, that you should be careful. Even though you may be vindicated in the eyes of this council, still, there will be those who will not wish to forgive you. You must continue to have a strong heart and to meet these challenges with faith and courage."
"I will," Byakuya whispered, closing his eyes.
Ginrei nodded.
"I will remain here in the Seireitei for the duration of your trial and will return to the spirit dimension after the cherry blossom viewing."
Byakuya sighed.
"With all of the damage to the Seireitei, I don't know that there will be much to view. Many trees were destroyed in the rebellion."
Ginrei met his eyes squarely.
"Kuchiki Manor has more than enough space to host a viewing. If you have no objection, I shall meet with the elders to open the grounds for the viewing."
Byakuya nodded, liking the idea. He thought for a moment.
"I will send word to Abarai Renji to let my division know all members are personally invited to attend."
Ginrei nodded affirmatively.
"That is a commendable response. You need to reconnect with your subordinates after such a time. It will be a good environment for that."
"I shall also order our own stores of sakura seedlings to be used to replace those lost around the Seireitei."
"Yes," said Ginrei, "There seemed to be more than enough of them for that and for our own needs as well."
The two fell silent for a moment, then Byakuya looked up at his grandfather with quiet, serious eyes.
"Grandfather," he said softly, "You do believe I will be released soon, ne?"
Ginrei met his eyes warmly.
"I hope you will be released, but as we all know, only time will tell. Maintain your resolve, my grandson…and do not lose heart, whatever happens."
Byakuya came to his feet and very slowly and silently set himself in his grandfather's embrace. Ginrei wrapped his arms around Byakuya as his grandson's head came to rest lightly on his shoulder. Neither said a word now, but only held each other and breathed calmly. Senbonzakura stood nearby, watching quietly as the two remained that way for several long minutes. Finally, Byakuya lifted his head and stepped back, his face and body calm. Ginrei turned toward the cell door and summoned the guard.
"It seems that the decision will not be read today," Ginrei said quietly, "I will be there when it is read. Look for me, Byakuya."
"I will, Grandfather," Byakuya replied.
He watched as Ginrei followed the guard out of the cellblock. A moment later, a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind. He turned to find Senbonzakura, dressed only in a yukata and wearing an encouraging smile.
"What are you about?" he asked his zanpakutou.
Senbonzakura smiled.
"I know you worry about the verdict. I was hoping to ease your mind as we wait. Please master, allow me to help you relax."
Byakuya looked at the samurai for a long moment, considering, then slowly nodded.
XXXXXXXXXX
The grand councilor looked down from his place above the others in the central meeting chamber, watching as Byakuya was led out, followed by Ginrei and the captain commander. He waited for a moment, perusing the schedule laid in front of him, then he slammed his gavel down and nodded in the direction of the entry door.
"Bring in the prisoner," he ordered.
The door opened and Kuchiki Tetsuya was led inside, his hands still bound behind him. The guards led him to the center of the room, then one touched a button on a remote device he held, causing the strands attached to the prisoner's wrists and throat to detach, freeing Tetsuya to stand alone before his accusers.
"Kuchiki Tetsuya, you stand accused of aiding your leader, Kuchiki Byakuya as he abandoned his duties as a clan leader and taichou, as he joined forces with the renegade zanpakutou, Muramasa and freed the villain, Kouga, from his bindings. Punishment for such crimes may include imprisonment or execution. Are you aware of the seriousness of the crimes leveled against you?"
Tetsuya shuddered softly and lifted his chin, exposing his bruised and battered looking face.
"I am."
The head councilor nodded, ignoring the young man's injuries completely.
"And…what is your response to these charges?"
Tetsuya drew in a shaky breath, shivering and swaying unsteadily as he answered.
"I am…unable to answer the charges as my advocate has not been allowed to see me or to appear to assist me in my defense."
The councilor's eyes narrowed warningly.
"You realize, of course, that the delay in your response requires that you be held until you are prepared to answer to the charges?"
Tetsuya swallowed hard and nodded.
"I…I do, b-but my protector has not been allowed to…" he began, only to break off as the head councilor banged his gavel down and pointed it in the prisoner's direction.
"You are accused of capital crimes, Kuchiki Tetsuya," he snapped softly, "and you have not entered a plea. As such, you are remanded to the custody of Central 46 and, as a dangerous prisoner, you will await trial…in Muken."
XXXXXXXXXX
"You are sure this is all right with you, Master?" Senbonzakura asked softly, his eyes meeting his master's questioningly as they faced each other in the quiet cell.
"Yes," Byakuya answered solemnly, "You are free to do as you wish."
Smiling, Senbonzakura stepped closer and released the tie at Byakuya's waist. He slowly removed the noble's clothing until he was clothed only in a yukata as well. Byakuya sat down on the cot and Senbonzakura knelt, facing him. He leaned forward and brought his mouth to the noble's, kissing him lightly several times, then nipping his lips gently, and running his tongue along them. With a hungry sigh, he pushed his tongue into Byakuya's mouth seeking the noble's and pleasuring it until Byakuya's breath shortened and he moaned softly.
The samurai's dark eyes met his and Senbonzakura moved on to pleasure the skin of his throat, to tease his way down the noble's chest, then to push him slowly down onto his back. The spirit continued to crawl down his body, tasting and touching everything he could reach and leaving Byakuya breathless and panting softly.
"Sen…" he whispered. "maybe we should…stop…"
The samurai continued to work his way downward, warming Byakuya's body with kisses and pleasant strokes. One smooth hand slid down and wrapped around his sac, taking away whatever words he might have said and leaving him barely coherent. The spirit's tongue ran up his length, paused, then followed the questing fingers to his sac…then slid back even further, teasing and probing his entrance.
"Please, Sen," Byakuya hissed, "we can't do this here. Someone could come in. We should wait until…"
He broke off and fell silent as the samurai's mouth wrapped around his swollen and leaking arousal. Byakuya barely held on to his composure as Senbonzakura alternated between long, heavy strokes and hard, passionate suction. The noble closed his eyes tightly and struggled to control his breathing as sweat broke out on his forehead and his body shivered with delight. Finally, he could take no more. His hips pushed upward of their own accord, driving his throbbing erection deeply into the samurai's mouth. His body shuddered and hot seed pulsed out of him and into Senbonzakura's mouth. The spirit tried to swallow as he had seen Byakuya do before, but did so imperfectly and choked. He gasped and coughed, still trying to swallow, then licking away the fluid that had escaped his mouth. The outer door in the cellblock clanked and footsteps sounded. Instantly, Senbonzakura and all of his clothes faded from view. Byakuya sat up and tied his yukata closed, trying to calm his breathing as the guard appeared with a pitcher of water and a cup.
"I thought I heard you coughing, Kuchiki taichou," he said, passing the items to Byakuya through the bars, "This should help."
"Arigato," Byakuya managed, feeling heat on his face, "I will be fine."
The guard nodded and watched as Byakuya took a drink of water.
"Just let me know if you need anything else, sir," the guard said, turning and walking back out of the cellblock.
Byakuya sat quietly on the edge of the bed, regaining his composure as Senbonzakura reappeared, looking somewhat sheepish.
"I am sorry, Master," he said, apologetically, "I watched you and I thought I knew how…"
Byakuya shook his head.
"It is merely a matter of practice," he assured the blushing spirit, "But perhaps we should save this kind of thing for a more appropriate time and place."
"That's probably for the best," agreed the samurai, biting back a smile, "I think that guard would faint if he saw…"
"Yes…and remember, my grandfather is in town and may come to visit unexpectedly. We must be careful to be discreet."
Senbonzakura frowned cutely.
"Why…is there something wrong with us enjoying each other's bodies this way?" he asked.
Byakuya sighed discontentedly.
"I don't know, exactly…but I have a sense that others might consider it wrong."
"But it doesn't feel like what we are doing is wrong," objected the samurai.
"Yes…well…remember that you will not be in this form forever. This is temporary, Senbonzakura. And I don't want to indulge too deeply and cause you pain when it is time for you to leave me…"
"I won't leave you, Master," Senbonzakura promised, kneeling and wrapping his arms around the noble, "Aishiteru yo…"
"Sen…" Byakuya whispered in surprise.
He knew he should say something more, but found himself inexplicably speechless.