Measure of a man *new*
ooo look i'm finnaly filling in holes on the plot!
~Then let the earth overtake the Sky!~ Ohji-san turned the men slowly and yet reluctantly trailing without a fight.~ I tired Kaien. I tired to bring you up as my own son, I see now you are already tainted by his cowardice. Perhaps the war and death of your other clans men you so failed to protect will cure you of this.~ Watching his back, a silver spirit flicking out of the room with seven dark clouds following behind him left Kaien feeling numb. He didn't just hear it, this time He felt the rain.'>
Teal eyes slowly pooled over the information and then to the pleasantly seated woman behind the desk. She had other ideas of the woman in comparison to what she had been told. Eyes back to the papers she carefully examined the maps and Kaien's obvious barely legible 'sparrow markings' Which meant to her, that he had been in a hasty and yet exhausted mood. This wasn't the first time. She leaned back putting the papers down with less formality then was proper. Yet the woman made no indication that it was a bother to her- this made the Devious Shiba smirk.
“Well Shiba-dono, is there any incite you can assist us with?” Miyako kept a formal smile and calm composure around Kaien's Sister. Though Kaien himself was wild, it was nothing like his sister- or so she had been told.
“This is all math and tactics. The only one with any sort of real intellect for it in my family is Kaien.” Kukaku shrugged and stretched out in a masculine manner, one that reminded Miyako greatly of Kaien, “Its a battle technique used by our family for millennia. The Lithius spiral is the same shape that's tattooed to my Brothers arm, the one our family's crest is. In war we would surround or slowly attack from all angles and slowly work our way in closer before finally attacking our prime target. The last battle fought involved it in a much different manner. This is blatant, as if whoever is doing this is purposely trying to get our attention. Kaien doesn't look like it but my stupid brother's easy ta anger.”
Miyako stifled a laugh “A Shiba enduring trait I see.” The piercing glare from Kukaku spurred a soft clear of her throat and an undaunted smile “When I asked about a Seidaima Shiba, Kaien insisted rather forcefully that this could not have been the perpetrator. What are your thoughts?”
Kukaku leaned forward the same serious face on her features “Because the man's dead. To Kaien Ohji-san was everything. A Hero. Seidaima's attention was blind sided to Kaien, after our parents died and he was given the opportunity... no other human existed in Seidaima's world but Kaien. Not even our little brother Ganju or our Cousin and his unofficial son, Koryuu. Koryuu despised Kaien with every last fiber of his twisted soul...He knew just how to toucher my brother without even touching him. If that man had a purpose- it was to torment my brother into blind rage and he succeeded every time.”
A dainty hand rested to her cheek, leaning against Kaien's desk letting the information flicker through “Kaien?” Miyako tried to imagine her ill mannered but benevolent hearted Fuku-Taichou furious, the image just blurred and faded to black- it was not possible “And Koryuu? Is he still alive.”
“That remains a mystery.” Kukaku scowled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~<13>~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Had it really only been 5 years? Taichou, what would you think if I told you all of it, the whole story. Would you think less of me or would you understand? A good story, is like life. There's not one but many elements that combine together to enrich, complicate and yet make it bold enough to bring forth the best feelings in humanity: frustration, pride , anger, love , glory and honor. Where my Ohji-san was a new beacon in my life guiding me through a rather dark and confusing time, there were two other elements that stirred the waters of my travel. I suppose I'll have to pick my path carefully for you know too much in your years don't you Ukitake Taichou? I Still find my confidence in my leadership lacking and I fear I'm not doing the right things and question my every move, I wasn't always like that Sir, maybe there will be a day that you can see what I'm truly capable of.
I spoke as clearly as I could, each word carefully placed Trying to keep myself disconnected from the small time of tragedy in my life. Funny how something so small can damage your life forever. Perhaps the fight past these hardships is what makes one a man.
“The night the mass hollow attack happened on the Shiba Castle left many dead, nearly irradiating the western branch of the clan. Myself, My brother Ganju and a few handful of others were the only survivors. As soon as the news reached the Eastern Branch of our family, condolences were sent with dry words of regret and empty promises for assistance. In my heart I suspected what was happening, but naiveté and that childlike hope was still insisting that the chance coincidences was just that. The Idea of a conspiracy was easy the concept at my age was something I could not grasp. My First ever discussion with my father, one on one as if we were equal was the evening my Sister had been taken to the Shihon family.
My father had always been a great leader. Upon his death I recovered clearly written manuscripts on his opinion and views on how to run a clan and life in general. It was as if I was able to understand the man as a real person rather then a father or the leader. He became both hero and mentor through only lifeless black characters on pressed rice paper.
I found myself guided by my Ohjisan. Shiba was a brilliant strategist a man who's keen mind would be undoubtedly invaluable during a time of war. There had been an incident which drastically changed my thoughts and pulled me free from his linear thoughts of war and preparation of such. The Night I heard my soul call out to me. It brought over whelming joy to me for I had the chance now to become a shinigami however sorrow as well. The moment I even hinted at becoming a shinigami is when my Ohjisan pulled away. He left and for months stayed south with the mines. I was certain it was his way of grieving over my choice to become one of the many Gote 13 squad members rather then commit myself wholly to our Clan. Betrayal is a fickle thing and how it warps the heart, well only those who have felt and not forgiven can tell you.
A disagreement broke out between the north and southern families of the Shiba Clan. I Was, still am Naive and young and wanted only the butterscotch and rainbow ending.
It was in this war I found how the wondrous and exciting black powder I played with since I was a child could be used in ways that nearly brought us to our knees. I had seen my Ohjisan before fight off a whole invading army by himself and in a vision of fire and death he looked not unlike the pictures of the fire god Kagutcuchi himself. I commanded an army to their death and never wanted to see that again. All over a stupid power struggle and lies. The weapon my Ohji san used agisnt his own family, a firework wrapped with poisons paralyzing agents and gases that would liquefy your lungs and tender flesh as it touched it. It wasn't a War.... Taichou, it was a massacre. I fear we'll be seeing it again.”
Ukitake scowled, his dark brows knitted together in concern and worry as he watched his companion and subordinate get lost in both nostalgia carefully weaving an explanation. There was more, something else that perhaps Kaien didnt wish to speak of, or the medicatiosn Unohana Taichou had given him were taking their tole, So Ukitake Made an exit for himself with a rather sincere question. “You're childhood was a rather dark one wasn't it?” He couldn't help but speak up as he watched Kaien ever so enamored with his own past and the rain as it poured in great sheets outside the 4th's infirmary window.
“hu wha? NO!” Kaien pealed his wistful aqua eyes from the rain just outside to stare bewildered at his Captain. Of course Ukitake-Taichou wouldn't know of the small things in life that happened from day to day that filled his live with both vibrancy and faith for those about him and life in general. To illustrate once more he shook his head and gave a rough laugh “My life Taichou was almost one big festival! Taiko lessons experimenting with different chemicals and powders to create such wonderful and incredible Fireworks! This is what my family's blood is, sulfur and Fire! My Childhood Taichou, I think of with Fondness.” The smile was soft and genuine. “I'll tell ya a little more later right now this old man has to get some rest.”
The brow arched on Ukitake's face as a bemused smile curled his lips “Old man? You? You're just a kid!”
“Yeh? Well my soul's older.” Kaien gave a smirk letting some of the warinesses show upon his face, he was starved but above all else exhausted.
“Alright then old man. Sleep well.” Ukitake humored his Fukitaichou and slowly rose finding Kaien asleep before he had even left the room. “I'm glad to have you back Kaien.” The Wise old captain whispered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~<13>~~~~~~~~~~~~
“My brother was always a blind sided idiot.” the woman scowled with the same teal eyes that usually peered out from behind the desk the woman currently occupied. With a wave of her hand Kukaku looked flustered and annoyed repositioning herself to look Miyako in the eyes. Despite the heavy look, it was so much Kaien's as it was Kukaku's that it made the 3rd seat smile.
“But?” She delighted in watching apparently any Shiba give a light almost flustered curl of their lips as she called them on their next move. The more Miyako conversed with Kukaku the more she saw the similarities between brother and sister and the more she liked this family.
“But he's a brilliant idiot.” Kukaku waved her hand as if to dismiss herself from behind caught talking 'ill' of her brother despite being able to say it to his face “When we had a clan war break out you know what is first orders were? 'Do nothing.'”
Miyako blinked, Shiba Fuku-Taichou certainly had a streak in him but he was far more aggressive then he was passive. Granted he had been a bit....shaky since his new promotion but she was sure that would wear off with time, but to do nothing? “We are talking about the same Kaien Shiba right?”
“Yeah...” Kukaku looked out across the flooding court yard “Was raining that time too...”
***
“LORD KAIEN WHAT SHALL WE DO? SEIDAIMA's FORCES ARE 140 STRONG AND COUNTING” Konogonohiko shouted bowing with a fist to the ground in front of Kaien.
“Do nothing.” The words came easy and calm from the boys lips as he watched the rain fall in heavy sheets outside the window. “Pull the servants and everyone inside the main house, lock down everything and set up barriers. Otherwise, we do nothing.”
A silence filed the room nearly devouring the prattle of the water. He turned and looked over the green and blued armor strung ever so formally about his shoulders “I mean now Konogonohiko.” His tone was sharp and with an immediate “hai!” the man left.
Melting form the shadows Kukaku Seethed “Nothing?” She thundered forward each foot fall shaking the tatami matts below viciously “NOTHING?” She seized her brother by the chest plate and struck him as hard as she possibly could across the jaw. To fuel her angler Kaien took the hit and only looked down upon her. She boiled. “Are you TRYING to kills us all you fucking moron?! Where the hell is our brain at Kaien!? Hell with you me and The Twins we could probably easily take out most of Ohji-san's forces! Why are you hesitating.”
Kukaku found herself on the ground with the sharp tang of iron coating a bit tongue and her brother glaring with a fire in his eyes “Do as I fucking say.”
He let her up returning to the window. Whatever it was out there that Kaien stared at she wanted to know. Just barely,she could make out the form, dressed in black the white sleeves and sash making it mistakable “Why don't they help, I thought the Gote 13th were to PROTECT Their people. Seriously if you are just day dreaming about being one of them instead of being one of US Kaien...”
“Honor. Honor and Pride. The Shinigami will not interfere with the Clan's affairs until it becomes a direct threat to the rest of Soul society. They are respecting our Honor Kukaku....” he turned and grabbed his sister by the back of her Hapi and half dragged her form the room “You however.... Get to work you lame ass Coward!”
Retreating with barely a scathed ego Kukaku scowled at her brother's words which she would make him regret later. Her footfalls thundered int eh hallway, her aggression was vented upon the servants and the other family members who sought refuge in the main Shiba house as Seidaima's forces Marched closer. Every day they would attack a new house, a new shop and in general cause anyone with the Shiba name hell and chaos. Business halted quickly and supplies were harder to come by. IF they shut themselves in they would never get out and would eventually starve to death.
If Seidaima's forces were coming and at only 140, then let them come. She was Kukaku Shiba and unlike her brother she wasn't just going to stand back and watch her family get slaughtered.
***
“Kaien just, knows things. He cares a great deal for all those about him. I don't think his Kindness knows any bounds.” Kukaku looked up and scowled seriously at the 3rd seat “Nor his wrath.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~<13>~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The hall was defeatening. The strong pillars of black and muted colors of Green and Gray silks hung above like the bows of trees. To the west was the direct family looking wispy and thin like the delicate papers they weaves, the paper magician, the fire wick makers, Jewelry artists....there were so few still. It had only been 5 years since the attack that had all but irradiated the Western family. To the right the Eastern families. The Miners, all of them looking like roughly carved stone and old mountains awaiting. Kaien could recall almost every little unimportant detail. The weight of the fabric as it flickered with the dull drumming sound about him. The clink of the netzuki and charms hanging from the saya of his fathers sword. Even the smell of the old men, the east smelling of the earth solid and sweaty, the west light and airy like the trees and paper. All the way down to the soft sigh of the mats under his green tabi's feet. With a pause he bowed deeply with great respect to what one could only call the chair to the head of the clan-the thrown of the Shiba.
Ohji-san was barely a step behind the young heir to the right, Konoganahiko to his side. Loyal retainers to the Shiba Clan. As he turned they took their respective spots. Seidaima, the Uncle to the east, Konogonohiko to the west. Kaien took a breath looking down the aisle of black... to the east the men sat like mountains.... giving way to the nearly barren fields of the west. Kaien found himself facing the men with a strange courage, and yet he couldn't shake the feeling that this was all wrong somehow. First born or not, the right person should be both someone suitable and wanting the position. Kaien looked to the back where the maids awaited quietly to bring forth food and sake for the feast. Kaien took one last deep breath of Freedom.
“I am Shiba Kaien, First born son of Shiba Gekkeiju the 435th leader of the mighty Shiba Clan. Hail our Brother in the east, the ground beneath our feet, Hail to our brothers of the west from the skys we take. From the Heavens we shall rise and never shall we fall! Hear ME Shiba! My name is Kaien! I shall be the 436th leader of the Clan, I promise my life to uphold our name, our pride and our Honor from Now until my Death! Let those who Agree lay their swords before them and pledge their life to me,” He would be told later that his voice was ringing clear and true throughout the house. That his words brought pride and hope to all who heard it. Inwardly he was trying to convince himself of the very words and hope they brought others.
Without fail the West pulled their swords from their obi's and laid them before their knees. The east held fast to their weapons. Kaien's stomach twisted, as if someone had dropped the world out from under him. His eyes locked onto his Uncle watching as he sat like a silver statue before the men, strait to his left and dared not move.
“Speak. Why do you not find me suitable to be the clan's leader.” It wasn't a question, a demand. Kaien spoke the words heard the anger and rage but yet his body felt nothing just that falling sensation.
“For 1600 years the Shiba's Western families ruled our clan. For 100 of them we have sat in silence while Gekkeiju sat back and watched as the Clan of the Yahado took our lands. Like a Coward he offered our land and our women as bartering so that we wouldn't have to fight the Yahado and use so called precious resources for fireworks. resources we have asked time and time again to be used for weapons,t o take arms. For 100 years we followed our given word and honor to Gekkeiju and now with the assassination attempt on your very own life, Still you do NOTHING to stop the Yahado. Shiba Kaien, the east finds you nothing but a coward like your father.” The mountains turned their eyes upon Kaien and he felt the ground once more. I watched as the mens fingers slipped towards their hilts. He looked to my Uncle, his disappointment and rage showing through, that fiery rage Kaien feared would one day turn him into ash...and this day very well could be it.
One of the mountains moved, Korha from the furthest families had his sword drawn and like a large raging bull the man thundered for the young leader. Before Kaien could draw his father's sword Ohji-san was there, standing with his arms out.
“Do not be so rash Korha. Though Kaien wishes to take on the responsibilities of the clan it does not mean we should burden him with the sins of those before him.” He turned and looked at Kaien with those hidden eyes a hand placed upon his as it gripped my sword. “Kaien. For your Father's honor, wont you sign the clan over to someone the majority sees fit?”
Seidaima's name was being called from the east, the uncertain wavering whispers from the west. Suspicion and aggression hung like a foul smoke in the air. Kaien looked from his Uncles hand to the mans face trying to read it. He knew what he had read in his Father's Memoirs. It spoke of Benevolence, fairness and unity; how everyone from the simple servant to the highest in the family should all understand that we are all the same. Even more that no one would be left behind or forgotten for everyone was family. The words so truthfully written clashed like lighting agisnt the accusations floating in the air.
“I will NOT hand the Clan over Ohji-san. We can fix this, together! Not Divided. What is my life but the embodiment of this clan? IF I had retaliated towards the Yahado it would have shown fear and ignorance. We are Shiba! Our might and honor lies in our unity. The sky cannot be thus without it's earth.”
“Then let the earth overtake the Sky!” Ohji-san turned the men slowly and yet reluctantly trailing without a fight. “I tired Kaien. I tired to bring you up as my own son, I see now you are already tainted by his cowardice. Perhaps the war and death of your other clans men you so failed to protect will cure you of this.” Watching his back, a silver spirit flicking out of the room with seven dark clouds following behind him left Kaien feeling numb. He didn't just hear it, this time He felt the rain.
~Then let the earth overtake the Sky!~ Ohji-san turned the men slowly and yet reluctantly trailing without a fight.~ I tired Kaien. I tired to bring you up as my own son, I see now you are already tainted by his cowardice. Perhaps the war and death of your other clans men you so failed to protect will cure you of this.~ Watching his back, a silver spirit flicking out of the room with seven dark clouds following behind him left Kaien feeling numb. He didn't just hear it, this time He felt the rain.'>
Teal eyes slowly pooled over the information and then to the pleasantly seated woman behind the desk. She had other ideas of the woman in comparison to what she had been told. Eyes back to the papers she carefully examined the maps and Kaien's obvious barely legible 'sparrow markings' Which meant to her, that he had been in a hasty and yet exhausted mood. This wasn't the first time. She leaned back putting the papers down with less formality then was proper. Yet the woman made no indication that it was a bother to her- this made the Devious Shiba smirk.
“Well Shiba-dono, is there any incite you can assist us with?” Miyako kept a formal smile and calm composure around Kaien's Sister. Though Kaien himself was wild, it was nothing like his sister- or so she had been told.
“This is all math and tactics. The only one with any sort of real intellect for it in my family is Kaien.” Kukaku shrugged and stretched out in a masculine manner, one that reminded Miyako greatly of Kaien, “Its a battle technique used by our family for millennia. The Lithius spiral is the same shape that's tattooed to my Brothers arm, the one our family's crest is. In war we would surround or slowly attack from all angles and slowly work our way in closer before finally attacking our prime target. The last battle fought involved it in a much different manner. This is blatant, as if whoever is doing this is purposely trying to get our attention. Kaien doesn't look like it but my stupid brother's easy ta anger.”
Miyako stifled a laugh “A Shiba enduring trait I see.” The piercing glare from Kukaku spurred a soft clear of her throat and an undaunted smile “When I asked about a Seidaima Shiba, Kaien insisted rather forcefully that this could not have been the perpetrator. What are your thoughts?”
Kukaku leaned forward the same serious face on her features “Because the man's dead. To Kaien Ohji-san was everything. A Hero. Seidaima's attention was blind sided to Kaien, after our parents died and he was given the opportunity... no other human existed in Seidaima's world but Kaien. Not even our little brother Ganju or our Cousin and his unofficial son, Koryuu. Koryuu despised Kaien with every last fiber of his twisted soul...He knew just how to toucher my brother without even touching him. If that man had a purpose- it was to torment my brother into blind rage and he succeeded every time.”
A dainty hand rested to her cheek, leaning against Kaien's desk letting the information flicker through “Kaien?” Miyako tried to imagine her ill mannered but benevolent hearted Fuku-Taichou furious, the image just blurred and faded to black- it was not possible “And Koryuu? Is he still alive.”
“That remains a mystery.” Kukaku scowled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~<13>~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Had it really only been 5 years? Taichou, what would you think if I told you all of it, the whole story. Would you think less of me or would you understand? A good story, is like life. There's not one but many elements that combine together to enrich, complicate and yet make it bold enough to bring forth the best feelings in humanity: frustration, pride , anger, love , glory and honor. Where my Ohji-san was a new beacon in my life guiding me through a rather dark and confusing time, there were two other elements that stirred the waters of my travel. I suppose I'll have to pick my path carefully for you know too much in your years don't you Ukitake Taichou? I Still find my confidence in my leadership lacking and I fear I'm not doing the right things and question my every move, I wasn't always like that Sir, maybe there will be a day that you can see what I'm truly capable of.
I spoke as clearly as I could, each word carefully placed Trying to keep myself disconnected from the small time of tragedy in my life. Funny how something so small can damage your life forever. Perhaps the fight past these hardships is what makes one a man.
“The night the mass hollow attack happened on the Shiba Castle left many dead, nearly irradiating the western branch of the clan. Myself, My brother Ganju and a few handful of others were the only survivors. As soon as the news reached the Eastern Branch of our family, condolences were sent with dry words of regret and empty promises for assistance. In my heart I suspected what was happening, but naiveté and that childlike hope was still insisting that the chance coincidences was just that. The Idea of a conspiracy was easy the concept at my age was something I could not grasp. My First ever discussion with my father, one on one as if we were equal was the evening my Sister had been taken to the Shihon family.
My father had always been a great leader. Upon his death I recovered clearly written manuscripts on his opinion and views on how to run a clan and life in general. It was as if I was able to understand the man as a real person rather then a father or the leader. He became both hero and mentor through only lifeless black characters on pressed rice paper.
I found myself guided by my Ohjisan. Shiba was a brilliant strategist a man who's keen mind would be undoubtedly invaluable during a time of war. There had been an incident which drastically changed my thoughts and pulled me free from his linear thoughts of war and preparation of such. The Night I heard my soul call out to me. It brought over whelming joy to me for I had the chance now to become a shinigami however sorrow as well. The moment I even hinted at becoming a shinigami is when my Ohjisan pulled away. He left and for months stayed south with the mines. I was certain it was his way of grieving over my choice to become one of the many Gote 13 squad members rather then commit myself wholly to our Clan. Betrayal is a fickle thing and how it warps the heart, well only those who have felt and not forgiven can tell you.
A disagreement broke out between the north and southern families of the Shiba Clan. I Was, still am Naive and young and wanted only the butterscotch and rainbow ending.
It was in this war I found how the wondrous and exciting black powder I played with since I was a child could be used in ways that nearly brought us to our knees. I had seen my Ohjisan before fight off a whole invading army by himself and in a vision of fire and death he looked not unlike the pictures of the fire god Kagutcuchi himself. I commanded an army to their death and never wanted to see that again. All over a stupid power struggle and lies. The weapon my Ohji san used agisnt his own family, a firework wrapped with poisons paralyzing agents and gases that would liquefy your lungs and tender flesh as it touched it. It wasn't a War.... Taichou, it was a massacre. I fear we'll be seeing it again.”
Ukitake scowled, his dark brows knitted together in concern and worry as he watched his companion and subordinate get lost in both nostalgia carefully weaving an explanation. There was more, something else that perhaps Kaien didnt wish to speak of, or the medicatiosn Unohana Taichou had given him were taking their tole, So Ukitake Made an exit for himself with a rather sincere question. “You're childhood was a rather dark one wasn't it?” He couldn't help but speak up as he watched Kaien ever so enamored with his own past and the rain as it poured in great sheets outside the 4th's infirmary window.
“hu wha? NO!” Kaien pealed his wistful aqua eyes from the rain just outside to stare bewildered at his Captain. Of course Ukitake-Taichou wouldn't know of the small things in life that happened from day to day that filled his live with both vibrancy and faith for those about him and life in general. To illustrate once more he shook his head and gave a rough laugh “My life Taichou was almost one big festival! Taiko lessons experimenting with different chemicals and powders to create such wonderful and incredible Fireworks! This is what my family's blood is, sulfur and Fire! My Childhood Taichou, I think of with Fondness.” The smile was soft and genuine. “I'll tell ya a little more later right now this old man has to get some rest.”
The brow arched on Ukitake's face as a bemused smile curled his lips “Old man? You? You're just a kid!”
“Yeh? Well my soul's older.” Kaien gave a smirk letting some of the warinesses show upon his face, he was starved but above all else exhausted.
“Alright then old man. Sleep well.” Ukitake humored his Fukitaichou and slowly rose finding Kaien asleep before he had even left the room. “I'm glad to have you back Kaien.” The Wise old captain whispered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~<13>~~~~~~~~~~~~
“My brother was always a blind sided idiot.” the woman scowled with the same teal eyes that usually peered out from behind the desk the woman currently occupied. With a wave of her hand Kukaku looked flustered and annoyed repositioning herself to look Miyako in the eyes. Despite the heavy look, it was so much Kaien's as it was Kukaku's that it made the 3rd seat smile.
“But?” She delighted in watching apparently any Shiba give a light almost flustered curl of their lips as she called them on their next move. The more Miyako conversed with Kukaku the more she saw the similarities between brother and sister and the more she liked this family.
“But he's a brilliant idiot.” Kukaku waved her hand as if to dismiss herself from behind caught talking 'ill' of her brother despite being able to say it to his face “When we had a clan war break out you know what is first orders were? 'Do nothing.'”
Miyako blinked, Shiba Fuku-Taichou certainly had a streak in him but he was far more aggressive then he was passive. Granted he had been a bit....shaky since his new promotion but she was sure that would wear off with time, but to do nothing? “We are talking about the same Kaien Shiba right?”
“Yeah...” Kukaku looked out across the flooding court yard “Was raining that time too...”
***
“LORD KAIEN WHAT SHALL WE DO? SEIDAIMA's FORCES ARE 140 STRONG AND COUNTING” Konogonohiko shouted bowing with a fist to the ground in front of Kaien.
“Do nothing.” The words came easy and calm from the boys lips as he watched the rain fall in heavy sheets outside the window. “Pull the servants and everyone inside the main house, lock down everything and set up barriers. Otherwise, we do nothing.”
A silence filed the room nearly devouring the prattle of the water. He turned and looked over the green and blued armor strung ever so formally about his shoulders “I mean now Konogonohiko.” His tone was sharp and with an immediate “hai!” the man left.
Melting form the shadows Kukaku Seethed “Nothing?” She thundered forward each foot fall shaking the tatami matts below viciously “NOTHING?” She seized her brother by the chest plate and struck him as hard as she possibly could across the jaw. To fuel her angler Kaien took the hit and only looked down upon her. She boiled. “Are you TRYING to kills us all you fucking moron?! Where the hell is our brain at Kaien!? Hell with you me and The Twins we could probably easily take out most of Ohji-san's forces! Why are you hesitating.”
Kukaku found herself on the ground with the sharp tang of iron coating a bit tongue and her brother glaring with a fire in his eyes “Do as I fucking say.”
He let her up returning to the window. Whatever it was out there that Kaien stared at she wanted to know. Just barely,she could make out the form, dressed in black the white sleeves and sash making it mistakable “Why don't they help, I thought the Gote 13th were to PROTECT Their people. Seriously if you are just day dreaming about being one of them instead of being one of US Kaien...”
“Honor. Honor and Pride. The Shinigami will not interfere with the Clan's affairs until it becomes a direct threat to the rest of Soul society. They are respecting our Honor Kukaku....” he turned and grabbed his sister by the back of her Hapi and half dragged her form the room “You however.... Get to work you lame ass Coward!”
Retreating with barely a scathed ego Kukaku scowled at her brother's words which she would make him regret later. Her footfalls thundered int eh hallway, her aggression was vented upon the servants and the other family members who sought refuge in the main Shiba house as Seidaima's forces Marched closer. Every day they would attack a new house, a new shop and in general cause anyone with the Shiba name hell and chaos. Business halted quickly and supplies were harder to come by. IF they shut themselves in they would never get out and would eventually starve to death.
If Seidaima's forces were coming and at only 140, then let them come. She was Kukaku Shiba and unlike her brother she wasn't just going to stand back and watch her family get slaughtered.
***
“Kaien just, knows things. He cares a great deal for all those about him. I don't think his Kindness knows any bounds.” Kukaku looked up and scowled seriously at the 3rd seat “Nor his wrath.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~<13>~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The hall was defeatening. The strong pillars of black and muted colors of Green and Gray silks hung above like the bows of trees. To the west was the direct family looking wispy and thin like the delicate papers they weaves, the paper magician, the fire wick makers, Jewelry artists....there were so few still. It had only been 5 years since the attack that had all but irradiated the Western family. To the right the Eastern families. The Miners, all of them looking like roughly carved stone and old mountains awaiting. Kaien could recall almost every little unimportant detail. The weight of the fabric as it flickered with the dull drumming sound about him. The clink of the netzuki and charms hanging from the saya of his fathers sword. Even the smell of the old men, the east smelling of the earth solid and sweaty, the west light and airy like the trees and paper. All the way down to the soft sigh of the mats under his green tabi's feet. With a pause he bowed deeply with great respect to what one could only call the chair to the head of the clan-the thrown of the Shiba.
Ohji-san was barely a step behind the young heir to the right, Konoganahiko to his side. Loyal retainers to the Shiba Clan. As he turned they took their respective spots. Seidaima, the Uncle to the east, Konogonohiko to the west. Kaien took a breath looking down the aisle of black... to the east the men sat like mountains.... giving way to the nearly barren fields of the west. Kaien found himself facing the men with a strange courage, and yet he couldn't shake the feeling that this was all wrong somehow. First born or not, the right person should be both someone suitable and wanting the position. Kaien looked to the back where the maids awaited quietly to bring forth food and sake for the feast. Kaien took one last deep breath of Freedom.
“I am Shiba Kaien, First born son of Shiba Gekkeiju the 435th leader of the mighty Shiba Clan. Hail our Brother in the east, the ground beneath our feet, Hail to our brothers of the west from the skys we take. From the Heavens we shall rise and never shall we fall! Hear ME Shiba! My name is Kaien! I shall be the 436th leader of the Clan, I promise my life to uphold our name, our pride and our Honor from Now until my Death! Let those who Agree lay their swords before them and pledge their life to me,” He would be told later that his voice was ringing clear and true throughout the house. That his words brought pride and hope to all who heard it. Inwardly he was trying to convince himself of the very words and hope they brought others.
Without fail the West pulled their swords from their obi's and laid them before their knees. The east held fast to their weapons. Kaien's stomach twisted, as if someone had dropped the world out from under him. His eyes locked onto his Uncle watching as he sat like a silver statue before the men, strait to his left and dared not move.
“Speak. Why do you not find me suitable to be the clan's leader.” It wasn't a question, a demand. Kaien spoke the words heard the anger and rage but yet his body felt nothing just that falling sensation.
“For 1600 years the Shiba's Western families ruled our clan. For 100 of them we have sat in silence while Gekkeiju sat back and watched as the Clan of the Yahado took our lands. Like a Coward he offered our land and our women as bartering so that we wouldn't have to fight the Yahado and use so called precious resources for fireworks. resources we have asked time and time again to be used for weapons,t o take arms. For 100 years we followed our given word and honor to Gekkeiju and now with the assassination attempt on your very own life, Still you do NOTHING to stop the Yahado. Shiba Kaien, the east finds you nothing but a coward like your father.” The mountains turned their eyes upon Kaien and he felt the ground once more. I watched as the mens fingers slipped towards their hilts. He looked to my Uncle, his disappointment and rage showing through, that fiery rage Kaien feared would one day turn him into ash...and this day very well could be it.
One of the mountains moved, Korha from the furthest families had his sword drawn and like a large raging bull the man thundered for the young leader. Before Kaien could draw his father's sword Ohji-san was there, standing with his arms out.
“Do not be so rash Korha. Though Kaien wishes to take on the responsibilities of the clan it does not mean we should burden him with the sins of those before him.” He turned and looked at Kaien with those hidden eyes a hand placed upon his as it gripped my sword. “Kaien. For your Father's honor, wont you sign the clan over to someone the majority sees fit?”
Seidaima's name was being called from the east, the uncertain wavering whispers from the west. Suspicion and aggression hung like a foul smoke in the air. Kaien looked from his Uncles hand to the mans face trying to read it. He knew what he had read in his Father's Memoirs. It spoke of Benevolence, fairness and unity; how everyone from the simple servant to the highest in the family should all understand that we are all the same. Even more that no one would be left behind or forgotten for everyone was family. The words so truthfully written clashed like lighting agisnt the accusations floating in the air.
“I will NOT hand the Clan over Ohji-san. We can fix this, together! Not Divided. What is my life but the embodiment of this clan? IF I had retaliated towards the Yahado it would have shown fear and ignorance. We are Shiba! Our might and honor lies in our unity. The sky cannot be thus without it's earth.”
“Then let the earth overtake the Sky!” Ohji-san turned the men slowly and yet reluctantly trailing without a fight. “I tired Kaien. I tired to bring you up as my own son, I see now you are already tainted by his cowardice. Perhaps the war and death of your other clans men you so failed to protect will cure you of this.” Watching his back, a silver spirit flicking out of the room with seven dark clouds following behind him left Kaien feeling numb. He didn't just hear it, this time He felt the rain.