The measure of a man
chap.... er I donno anymore 9? maybe 10? maybe even up to 13! promice there is a climax comming...well.. sorta ... yes but... oh hell jsut if you ahve ltos of time read it!
“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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~<13>~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fire is my blood
drum beats sound of my heartbeat
Water is my soul
Imagine the worse possible nightmare you could find yourself in the middle of. How many times did you say “this would never happen” or would you find yourself dreaming or even scheming of what you would do in order to insure a less then terrifying outcome. How may times did you find yourself the successor and how many times in your darkest nightmare did you live out the plausible truth that lurked in the darkness?
She watched Kaien, ever his shadow. She was placated into her position trying to understand what her Elder brother was possibly thinking. She couldn't help but grit her teeth with anger fearing he was far softer then she ever thought possible. Perhaps his heart really was watered down and there was no fire flowing through his veins. “We only have two weeks worth of food in this house. We're filled with Old farts and only a few fifty fighters. What the hell are you thinking?”
Kaien continued as he had since day one of the siege to stare continuously out the window in the direction of the stately towers that loomed dangerously above the Shiba Estate. “Ration it out to last for three. First week we eat very little, second week little, its the third week we'll eat well.”
Kaien's eyes never left the window. The view was bleak, the gray clouds washed away color from the scene with it's heavy rain. Even the blue tiled roof seamed to be washed out,t he grasses and trees about the estate darkened and muted. The estate rolled back quite someways, all the way to the base of the spires. The natural cathedral seamed to emphasize the sounds of the drums and protect the clan from the back. From the high position in the runtongai district, over looking everything the estate was the perfect spot to launch fire forks for general purpose. The courtyard was awkward, large trees growing with glee in the front, ancient gnarled bark and large thick branches made the aria pleasant to wander through, ideal for practicing the arts. The white washed walls and blue tiled roof surrounded them, this was the only ting keeping them from Seidaima's forces. Already a few holes had been blown into the white side, leaving black charred holes against the guarding bones of the estate.
“Idiot I told you there was food enough for TWO Weeks...” Kukaku's nerves grated against each other the longer she stood there.
Kaien turned with a rueful smirk that boiled Kukaku's blood “We have rice paper wall coverings and some bamboo and leather furniture yes? With enough soy sauce it'll taste as good as your cooking.” He was the only one ever able to get away with a comment like that. A strong arm pinned about Kukaku's shoulders almost dared the beloved Sibling to fight back. “in the mean time, while we're at it, get any and everything that can be melted down into armor and weapons at the ready. I wan arrows, lots of them and pole arms! We'll save swords for those who will or can only fight with them. Anyone who cannot forge a weapon or cook or sew can start learning to beat a Taiko drum. We'll need quite a few, a good twenty and we have to get them to get their stamina up. They need to be able to play for a good hour if they absolutely have to!”
“Tell me what you're planning and I'll do it.” She scowled determined not to play minion to his plans.
“Ohjisan must be made aware that we have food for only a week. If you tell it to Ganju he's the most likely little snot to start yowling about it loud enough for Ohjisan to hear. He'll know I'm lieing and guess that we have two weeks worth. If we get our forces together and survive the last week we eat well, it's in the third week he will attack thinking we'll be too weak to fight.” Kaien explained “He wants to keep the casualties low, after all what we have under our walls are the artists of the family... revenue he'll need after spending all that money for arms and men.”
“And the Drums?” She eyed him, the awe and almost amusement at Kaien's scheming pacifying her anger, just a little.
The grin never faded “All in due time. After all a good Leader doesn't play all his cards at onces Imoto. You moron.” He gave a long sigh “All this for leadership.....?”
“It was painfully obvious that my brother's soul was nothing but water... I discovered rather quickly how dangerous water could be and the silent wrath it could inflict.” the woman shook her head Graciously taking the rice ball as Miyako offered it. The two women watched the rain as it tricked down off the thick leaved trees, the koi in Ukitake's pond leaping and grasping for bug or drop in a strange almost celebration of rain. “When he cried the skys seamed to cry with him.... as retarded as that line is, Shikogonohiko commented it as we all sat watching the rain falling before the big battle. It was as if Kaien's depression kept it raining for a solid three weeks. Was a savior too, after all we lost over half our people from injuries inflicted from the fireworks and other hazardousness crap Seidaima put in his little weapons. It was still shocking how much was shoved into such a small container, even as skilled as I am, there was no way I could have.... Was like he used Magic or something. The idiot.”
“All over the control of the clan? But... If Kaien didn't want to be clan leader, why did he accept the title? It doesn't make sense.” Miyako sipped lightly at her tea, tipping the glass this way and that watching the swirls deep in thought.
Kukaku remained quiet for some time. The soft prattle of rain filled the silence. “The Hell if I know!” Kukaku threw her arms up with a shout laying back down.
Miyako nearly spilled her tea at the sudden exclamation, her jaw bobbling down trying to decide to defend her Fuku-Taichou or wait to ask questions directly.
“Fushimi-dono!” Sentaro flickered into view as he skidded out of flash step besides her, Kiyone not far behind, both 4th seats bowed with their heads and fist to the floor. “We have report from the watchers, They're under attack.”
Miyako grabbed her blade up and stood, Kukaku rising with her hoist. “Shiba-dono, would you care to join us?”
“Delighted” the wild woman grinned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<13>~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Shikaho!” The sound ripped through the rhythmic beat of the drums as the two exploded out from behind their wall of defenders. The sheets of rain did little to nothing to slow the siblings down. Kaien landed first, a slow crouch and a swing of his pole arm severed Seidaima's men at the knees where there was least resistance. Kukaku landed beside her brother hands up as she chanted. An idle twist of his wrist and the direction of the pole arm shifted ripping through the masks of the men before them, a split motion and the pole arm was tucked back as a hand out stretched kido at his very command.
Seidaima's men were stiff with the long wait, slow and almost unprepared as the Shiba Siblings launched their attack. Fifty men against hundreds, two Lords, two teachers and quickly things were being turned to their disadvantage. The Kido Wielding four consisted of Shiroganehiko, Konogonohiko, Kaien and Kukaku, like an arrow point they bore into the onslaught of men, their bright colors brilliant against the droll water soaked armies of Seidaima Shiba.
The Shiba Siblings wore matching blue and green armaments, a cloth wrapped about the lower part of their faces obscuring just who was truly who. Shihakusho and Konogonohiko doing the same. Each using a different weapon, everything to throw the enemy off, especially Seidaima.
Kukaku grinned viciously as her hand sparked, lighting coming to life and struck out at the men before her. Kaien glanced back with the same rueful grin and nodding in approval. A Slight gesture before the two Siblings ripped forward, Kaien's long arm keeping the men at bay, a quick slash from Kukaku's double wakasashi kept them from advancing too closely behind them. Konogonohiko and Shiroganehiko kept the way clean, the twin brothers heaping bodies left and right, ducking under the barrage of arrows that exploded out behind them and into the closing wave of attackers. A Wistful look as they watched their leaders tear through the chaos, a mission of their own to complete. A Silent gesture and the two nodded.
The earth Shook terribly under the sound of the taiko Drums. A steady hard beat that bore into ones soul echoed across the Rungtungai valley. Almost as a warning, perhaps a prelude to what was to come, the people inside the mansion cleared out like rats from a sinking ship. As the rain poured down in droves people lost to what was thunder and which were the drums. They streets for the past three weeks had become inhabitable with the sneaking soldiers of Seidaima's troupes, even now as the battle raged aloft in the risen earth where the Shiba held their estate, the towns folk were wary. Soon their fears would come to an end.
Kaien slammed into the man's body screaming as he ran pushing force and spiritual power into his charge knocking people off balance and clearing the way through the men towards his goal. It was a simple tactic really, cut the head off the snake and the body stops moving- or in this matter, the hired men will realize their employer will no longer pay them. Getting there was Shiroganehiko, Konogonohiko and Kukaku's job. The argument had been brief and quickly stiffed when Kukaku offered to take the job, Kukaku cared but pride was at stake.
It was Koryuu's blade that bite his neck, nothing that was going to forever harm him, later barely a pale line could be visible upon close inspection. Kaien's moments were agile quick, Koryuu's smile and laugh as he slipped past the Charging Kaien let him know, his target wasn't Kaien but Kukaku who was quickly catching up to her brother.
Koryuu's abilities were on par with Kaien's, his ruthless spoke of a heart that might as well just have been left as a hole in his chest. Kaien was sure there were hollows with more emotions then his cousin. His calculated moves, quiet poker face kept Kaien who hid nothing from the world on his toes. The cousin's one talent was to distract and anger Kaien beyond reason. However in this battle any distraction would mean death for any of them; thus the cotton swabs stuck in their ears, to silence or dull the thunderous static beat of the taiko drums. Koyruu's attack for Kukaku was in hopes a way to distract Kaien from his goal a flaunting tease knowing that the real Kaien would do all that he could to protect his immediate family.
His duty as a big brother was to protect yes, his duty as the Shiba lord was to protect the clan. A gritted jaw and a last trust of his pole arm cleared the bodies away till it was Kaien and Seidaima facing each other. Kaien panted hard staring up at his uncle perched atop a white rain soaked steed. His Green and blue armor showing almost brightly in contrast to the dull silvers and grays his Uncle wore. Even as the rain fell it made the pelt of the horse a light silver. With a light gesture the horse turned and shook its mane greatly disgusted with the rain.
“Pole arms Kaien? My how have you fallen to use the weapon of a peasant. So pathetic you drive to be one of them and yet, here you are unwilling to yield your title to me. Why Kaien?” The uncle drew a thin line with his lips waiting for the child to speak.
“because there are some things you are born into, a fate laid out before you and sometimes, just sometimes with enough will you can change that. Isn't that Right Ohjisan? You want to change the Serieti, you want to take the power of the Shiba clan through your own strength. We're not so different then are we?” He smirked and took stance.
“I wish to improve my family-”
“by slaughtering them!?”
“As a leader you have to understand that there are sacrifices that must be made, be it mens lives or their freedom. Any loyal Subject would be happy to give their life for their lord.” The old man stared down through the silver locks with a hard scowl, his hand drawing his sword.
“And how many of your men actually give their lives to you for free? How many of these dead bodies lay here with a full purse? A Purse filled with the money siphoned from the west's hard work? Kill one man and it become difficult, kill five or eight and you're a murderer. Kill a hundred you're a soldier but how many do you have to kill in order to gain the so called loyalty of your subjects? 482 Ohjisan. 482 of the easterner's men, women and CHILDREN and for what?All in the sake of starting a civil war!” Kaien twisted the pole arm keeping his uncle at bay as the blades crashed with anger. The pronged weapon held groaning against real steel.
“Lies Kaien! LIES!” the blade swung down catching light form the lightning as it flashed across the sky.
“I don't need to defend myself Ohjisan....the Truth will always haunt you at night and into your next life.” with a hard sweep Kaien slipped in under the blade catching his uncle in the side, the chipped weapon breaking before doing physical harm to the elder man. The force however pushed the man form his mount. Kaien's blade was in his hand almost the moment he dropped the pole arm. He lead in with the attacks as the ground started to shake.
“You were always a slow learner for the harsher things in life you Fool! Utter fool!” Seidaima's blade ripped through the air with more control and persice movement then Kaien's. The blade flashed white, the end reflecting lightly pink as it curled back for a second attack.
“Because I choose this? Because I actually am given a choice and chose what you didn't want? Shove it old man!” Kaien twisted his footing sure in the water which should have otherwise given him trouble. His blade hissed out and in a second it disappeared under the darkness of Seidaima's silver robes. He leaned in close to his Uncle as the man stood stunned and still “To use the power of the Shiba to recreate the Seriti? Use that which was offered by birth to try to overthrow the king and gote thirteen? These Ohjisan are the thoughts of a free man. Remember that.” Kaien's eyes closed as he felt his uncle's hand about his shoulder.
The man spoke with a soft whisper “There will be others like me and in the end what would you have accomplished? I gave a choice of reformed aristocracy, fairness...justice. Kaien.... the Gote 13 will destroy you....and will destroy the Shiba.”
The face of the youth contorted as the blade slashed down in the front, a deadly move for sure as the blue and greened armored warrior collapsed to their knees gripping the front tightly. The uncle pulled the blade free and with a regretful scowl pulled the blade back. Laughter paused the Uncle as the kneeling form seamed all too amused, with such a different voice. As a hand ripped the cloth mask away a smirk curled across feminine lips “Its funny, saying the words, I realize how heavy the weight has been that my Brother has carried all this time.” she slowly let go, the severed armor showing that it was the chest which was bound so tightly for their illusion that had kept the woman from suffering the intended fatal wound.
“Kukaku?! But You..... None the less your funeral has already been preformed, must not keep all those who died at it waiting for you much longer!” The old man swung the blade down for the final strike.
Sparks flew above Kukaku's kneeling form as Kaien swung in with his blade defending his sister. Teeth bared he pressed his old Uncle back with sheer physical power. “A weight I have and will always grateful burden. The could be no true justice or pure reform with the way you have chosen to do so Ohjisan. The weight of your lies and your deceptions slow you down old man! What foul words you speak....such a fucking moron.”
Kukaku grinned like a fool for THAT was her brother! An older brother she would always be proud to call her own, her secret idol.
~~~~~~~~~~~~<13>~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“it is a cruel thing I have done to you today.” The words were raspy whispers upon Kaien's ear. So clear, everything was so clear tot he point the wretched feeling in his stomach never lost it's vulgarity. The sound of the falling rocks and the taiko drums echoed distantly seaming to have no power over the throbbing of his heart. The warmth of his hands as the deep crimson slowly pools and ran out of his Uncle's gaping chest and yet the cold rain could not compete with an icy feeling that spurred from that horrid clench in his stomach. “I do not die with Regret.... Your final Lesson has been learned Kaien...” the uncle grasped at his nephews broken armor and pulled him In close as if holding onto life “to protect life, you must take it.”
Kaien shook with his knees threatening to give way on him, however the grip on his sword could never have been tighter. In his mind the word screamed out but all that Kaien could choke out was a soft whisper of a “no.”
“Ah... you're Eyes Kaien, They have lost their edge haven't they? Where is my Kaien? I want my Kaien back. The one who understood what we were fighting for. Kaien... Did this... did this really break you?” A death rattle followed each short gasp of breath as the man still clung to his Nephew. A firm hand on either shoulder and he gave a Push to look at his Nephew, a sorrowful smile on his lips was the only thing Kaien's mind would allow him to focus on. “You're broken Kaien. I hope, one day, you shall find yourself again... find your measure.”
The warmth of his Uncle pulled away as the man staggered back to the cliff's edge. That smile was still upon those lips, dark eyes hidden under silvery locks that swayed in the rain appeared to fade, looking almost through him with a brown stare. Kaien, hands still gripped upon his sword looked up form the bloody mess at his feet and watched as the old Uncles hair shifted to a white, eyes to a brow and it was instead Ukitake smiling that sorrowful smile as he clutched the hole in his chest bidding the young man good bye as his body plunged off the edge of the cliff.
“GUH!” Kaien startled awake found his head hitting something almost irrevocably hard. Flying he gripped at his forehead finally registering another sound in the room. Through tear bitten eyes he looked out from behind his hands.
With long pale fingers gripping about the silver haired framed face it was hard to make out who was before him. The hands lowered and they stared back with the same tear bit eyes slowly pulling hands away to ensure the nose was not bleeding. “Oh Thank goodness!” In a second they were there touching Kaien's forehead lightly in a ….familiar almost spazzy state “Oh my goodness you're alright arnt you?! I'm sorry you were just having a bad dream and when I tried to shake you you didn't move and I leaned in to say your name and you just... sat up! It was all so sudden!”
Kaien blinked pulled back against the pillow of the bed as the medic checked his forehead for signs of.....whatever it was the 4th did. Startled Kaien found himself staring “You're a WOMAN?”
Instinctively clutching the front of her uniform, cheeks a cherry red as she pulled back. “O-Of course I am!”
It started with a purse of the lips, a little snort, the laugh wiggling out in almost a giggle before Kaien laughed hard enough to clutch his side. “And here I thought you were Kiyone's boyfriend!” Kaien was the only one laughing, for Isane's expression was dark and hidden under her bangs. Kaien rubbed at the back of his neck calming down. “Sorry sorry! Kiyone is just so short I figured that her sister would have been a midget too! You make a beautiful tall woman! So Graceful too!”
She looked up the cheeks flushed still as she searched Kaien's expression finding only a large truthful smile. She gave a sigh and sat back “Ah, Thank you Shiba Fuku-Taichou. Are you feeling better now? Or just smiling for my sake?”
Kaien paused and tilted his head this time studying Isane in order to understand what she meant “ I don't... get it. I'm smiling cause I'm happy, cause what I said was true, no other reason.” his brow slowly curled.
Isane gestured for Kaien to sit up, slowly checking bandages.” You just, don't seam yourself Shiba Fuku-Taichou, you're attitude switches so quickly. I understand that you're in a bit of a bind, Ukitake-Taichou talks about you so much it's quite obvious you do not sit down even for a moment when he's here with us. Even Kiyone has mentioned a few things to me. We all notice it Shiba Fuku-Taichou.” she leaned in “it's your Eyes, they've lost their edge.”
A chill rolled through his back and nested in a knot in the pit of his stomach and the dream haunted him once again in the waking world. A low gurgle distracted Isane, a hand softly to her lips as she covered a small laugh. Kaien slunk int the covers and grumbled. “Guess I shoulda eaten before bed.”
“Sometimes that does give me nightmares too” She winked stopped mid thought as the hard clack of the alarm at the front gate sounded with urgency. Polightly she got to her feet and gave a bow “I'll send someone with a snack for you as soon as I can ok Shiba Fuku-Taichou.” turning on her toes Isane left with silver beaded hair clattering softly behind her.
“LET GO OF ME RIGHT NOW BEFOR I RIP YOUR HAND OFF AND BEAT YOU WITH IT” Kukaku grabbed the 4th squad member with her left hand as if to illustrate her promise, but before it could be executed another taller squad member was grabbing her about the left arm trying to pry her away.
“Please, There's no nee-”
“YOU WANT SOME OF THIS TOO?! Aunngh..” Kukaku staggered a splash of burgundy soiled the ground as the severed stump on her right side throbbed with her exertion. The unassaulted 4th member was right behind the woman ready to catch her, instead catching a fist to the face “I guess you did! What kinda idiots are you when I said I could walk!”
“Shiba- Dono, Please try to keep it down.” Miyako caught the woman partly as Kukaku staggered still in a battle frenzy. “We'll let you walk if you can just stand still long enough for us to properly wrap your arm...”
“Not You too! I swear I'll-”
“Shiba?” the sweet voice was in start contrast to the grating irritated voice of Kukaku's. Isane descended the front steps giving soft orders to the uncertain 4th members to attend tot he other 13th squad members stepping up to the shouting woman and a fellow 3rd seat. “Shiba Fuku-Taichou's Sister?” Upon receiving a sharp look from Kukaku Isane simply smiled a hand up in either defense or to wave insult. “Please do keep it down and come with us and we'll do our best to preserve your Dignity, Nothing to-”
“Dignity?! It's just a damned Scratch! I'll go back there and -'”
“and you'll What?”
The court yard went silent, All eyes upon Kukaku and the new player on the field. Soft authoritative foot falls appeared to make the boisterous firey Shiba woman calm and steel herself against the worst even as the color, already depleted, faded more.
“And you'll What?!” Kaien growled stopping in front of Kukaku standing a few inches taller looking down at her, eyes shifting from his sister's eyes to what was left of her right arm.
“And I'll take my Revenge.” she stood up to him, jaw tight and steady as she thrust her jaw forward to meet her brother.
The loud crack stunned people in to silence, Kukaku flying backwards and easily off her feet, he floundered to stand attempting to on a ghost of a right hand finding herself face first in the dirt instead. “THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?”
“YOU MORON I LOST MY ARM! WHAT THE HELL ELSE COULD BE WRONG?!”
“YOU DONT JUST LOOSE AN ARM! ITS NOT DETACHABLE!”
“WELL APPARENTLY IT IS WHEN A SWORD IS INVOLVED!”
Miyako held her breath watching the hospital robbed elder brother scream at his sister who was scrambling to find her way to her feet. It was awkward at best to stand there and listen but no doubt all had the same fear- intervene and incur the Shiba Wrath.
Kaien grabbed the front of Kukaku's shirt a fist pulled back, Kukaku held fast but without moving to block. The hand unclenched and wrapped about Kukaku “you fucking moron. You cant even block my messily punch when I can barely stand and you talk about taking revenge. Moron.”
“You're the one shouting about some damn arm when you're hitting like little sissy.” Kukaku leaned her forehead against Kaien's shoulder.
Kaien left his arm about her shoulders and turned her for the 4th “Alright then! I guess I'll have to submit and let you be my crutch while we head back inside. Yo, Kotetsu-San, I think I need you to take a look at some of my stitches, something might have ripped....” he grinned momentarily.
The expression changed when Kukaku gave a slight chuckle to his kidney “You melodramatic jerk.”
Isane looked to Miyako for explanation. The 13th squad 3rd seat gave a light smile and a shrug of her shoulders. “....Because they're Shiba?”
Ukitake lingered in the doorway, his pale longer fingers tracing the edge of the privacy screen a few times as he weighted his options. The whole unit could finally sleep after he had been told Kaien quieted the woman down, how she looked so peaceful in the golden glow of mornings new light was in stark contrast to what he figured the poor 4th squad members could have only witnessed. His heart ached watching Kaien sitting there, for hours he hadn't moved from Kukaku's bedside. Sitting like some loyal guard dog, or a stone statue ready to burst to life and render the threatening limb from limb. IT was the change in Kaien's shoulders that was the first clue, broad and squar, as if poised ready to hold the whole world up if he had to. Just how much could, rather would, the young man take on alone.
Kaien jerked startled as the warm blanket was placed upon his shoulders. Ukitake took a slow seat in the empty chair besides Kaien. The young man gave his superior officer a smile, soft, deceiving. “Thanks Taichou. Kinda early, shouldn't you be resting?”
“Odd thing for you to request.” That no nonsense look was rather recognizable from the old Captain. He placed a hand down on the spiraling tattoo on the young man's arm “You look like death warmed over Kaien. Kukaku is safe now and no longer in danger. I'm sure your two retainers have Ganju looked over carefully.”
“How are the others?” Kaien threw in a slight diversion.
“All of them have minor cuts and wounds thanks to your sister, they said she took the brunt of the fighting and did it well!”He was sure to inform Kaien with almost the same pride he'd take in another one of his squad members. He watched a smile flicker onto Kaien's face before the features pursed into something more serious.
“I've been thinking.” He pushed aside his Taichou's concerns transfixed upon his resolve “I've been too laxed in my duties, I've let that which is most precious to me be left unprot4ected by what I've done.”
“Your sister is a woman now you can't-”
Kaien looked to Ukitake with a hard set jaw, fierce eyes “I've been bending far too much lately. It's beyond time I started standing up for my family, for myself. Taichou, please, I have to get back to the squad, we cannot afford to linger here any longer. I cannot, my pride will not let me and I will not let it faultier again.”
Ukitake gave a soft saddened smile “There you are. I'll see what Ic an do in the morning, after you've had some sleep.” He gave a bit of a smirk he probably picked up from Shunsui “Please do not make me request some more tea.”
Kaien stretched and yawned folding his arms “Alright then.” he laid his head down.
“In a bed Kaien.”
He smirked “You really think she's going to be quiet when she wakes up? If I'm here asleep she'll behave herself- or I'll punch her.” He gave a wolfish smirk.
Ukitake just shook his head and tugged the blanket up more about his Fuku-Taichou's shoulders. He gave a soft pat before turning to leave. He paused and cautiously set the question “You're not doing this for revenge, right?”
The long pause worried Ukitake, the elder narrowing his eyes studying Kaien's still form. “My family and my pride is involved, how can it not be about proving myself right for once? I have been silent and tolerated much from others these past 20 years. Taichou.... I'm done with it. I'm done with reigning it all in. Is there something so wrong with wanting to protect that which I hold dear while I protect my pride?” The young man looked over his shoulder with a different set of teal eyes.
“No, I suppose not. Just be sure that is truly your resolve Kaien. I trust you.” The old captain left it at that, it was now up to the young man to decide on his own.
truth is we're ALMOST to the part that I wrote this whole damnd fic for X.x jsut l... almsot there. really!
“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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~<13>~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fire is my blood
drum beats sound of my heartbeat
Water is my soul
Imagine the worse possible nightmare you could find yourself in the middle of. How many times did you say “this would never happen” or would you find yourself dreaming or even scheming of what you would do in order to insure a less then terrifying outcome. How may times did you find yourself the successor and how many times in your darkest nightmare did you live out the plausible truth that lurked in the darkness?
She watched Kaien, ever his shadow. She was placated into her position trying to understand what her Elder brother was possibly thinking. She couldn't help but grit her teeth with anger fearing he was far softer then she ever thought possible. Perhaps his heart really was watered down and there was no fire flowing through his veins. “We only have two weeks worth of food in this house. We're filled with Old farts and only a few fifty fighters. What the hell are you thinking?”
Kaien continued as he had since day one of the siege to stare continuously out the window in the direction of the stately towers that loomed dangerously above the Shiba Estate. “Ration it out to last for three. First week we eat very little, second week little, its the third week we'll eat well.”
Kaien's eyes never left the window. The view was bleak, the gray clouds washed away color from the scene with it's heavy rain. Even the blue tiled roof seamed to be washed out,t he grasses and trees about the estate darkened and muted. The estate rolled back quite someways, all the way to the base of the spires. The natural cathedral seamed to emphasize the sounds of the drums and protect the clan from the back. From the high position in the runtongai district, over looking everything the estate was the perfect spot to launch fire forks for general purpose. The courtyard was awkward, large trees growing with glee in the front, ancient gnarled bark and large thick branches made the aria pleasant to wander through, ideal for practicing the arts. The white washed walls and blue tiled roof surrounded them, this was the only ting keeping them from Seidaima's forces. Already a few holes had been blown into the white side, leaving black charred holes against the guarding bones of the estate.
“Idiot I told you there was food enough for TWO Weeks...” Kukaku's nerves grated against each other the longer she stood there.
Kaien turned with a rueful smirk that boiled Kukaku's blood “We have rice paper wall coverings and some bamboo and leather furniture yes? With enough soy sauce it'll taste as good as your cooking.” He was the only one ever able to get away with a comment like that. A strong arm pinned about Kukaku's shoulders almost dared the beloved Sibling to fight back. “in the mean time, while we're at it, get any and everything that can be melted down into armor and weapons at the ready. I wan arrows, lots of them and pole arms! We'll save swords for those who will or can only fight with them. Anyone who cannot forge a weapon or cook or sew can start learning to beat a Taiko drum. We'll need quite a few, a good twenty and we have to get them to get their stamina up. They need to be able to play for a good hour if they absolutely have to!”
“Tell me what you're planning and I'll do it.” She scowled determined not to play minion to his plans.
“Ohjisan must be made aware that we have food for only a week. If you tell it to Ganju he's the most likely little snot to start yowling about it loud enough for Ohjisan to hear. He'll know I'm lieing and guess that we have two weeks worth. If we get our forces together and survive the last week we eat well, it's in the third week he will attack thinking we'll be too weak to fight.” Kaien explained “He wants to keep the casualties low, after all what we have under our walls are the artists of the family... revenue he'll need after spending all that money for arms and men.”
“And the Drums?” She eyed him, the awe and almost amusement at Kaien's scheming pacifying her anger, just a little.
The grin never faded “All in due time. After all a good Leader doesn't play all his cards at onces Imoto. You moron.” He gave a long sigh “All this for leadership.....?”
“It was painfully obvious that my brother's soul was nothing but water... I discovered rather quickly how dangerous water could be and the silent wrath it could inflict.” the woman shook her head Graciously taking the rice ball as Miyako offered it. The two women watched the rain as it tricked down off the thick leaved trees, the koi in Ukitake's pond leaping and grasping for bug or drop in a strange almost celebration of rain. “When he cried the skys seamed to cry with him.... as retarded as that line is, Shikogonohiko commented it as we all sat watching the rain falling before the big battle. It was as if Kaien's depression kept it raining for a solid three weeks. Was a savior too, after all we lost over half our people from injuries inflicted from the fireworks and other hazardousness crap Seidaima put in his little weapons. It was still shocking how much was shoved into such a small container, even as skilled as I am, there was no way I could have.... Was like he used Magic or something. The idiot.”
“All over the control of the clan? But... If Kaien didn't want to be clan leader, why did he accept the title? It doesn't make sense.” Miyako sipped lightly at her tea, tipping the glass this way and that watching the swirls deep in thought.
Kukaku remained quiet for some time. The soft prattle of rain filled the silence. “The Hell if I know!” Kukaku threw her arms up with a shout laying back down.
Miyako nearly spilled her tea at the sudden exclamation, her jaw bobbling down trying to decide to defend her Fuku-Taichou or wait to ask questions directly.
“Fushimi-dono!” Sentaro flickered into view as he skidded out of flash step besides her, Kiyone not far behind, both 4th seats bowed with their heads and fist to the floor. “We have report from the watchers, They're under attack.”
Miyako grabbed her blade up and stood, Kukaku rising with her hoist. “Shiba-dono, would you care to join us?”
“Delighted” the wild woman grinned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<13>~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Shikaho!” The sound ripped through the rhythmic beat of the drums as the two exploded out from behind their wall of defenders. The sheets of rain did little to nothing to slow the siblings down. Kaien landed first, a slow crouch and a swing of his pole arm severed Seidaima's men at the knees where there was least resistance. Kukaku landed beside her brother hands up as she chanted. An idle twist of his wrist and the direction of the pole arm shifted ripping through the masks of the men before them, a split motion and the pole arm was tucked back as a hand out stretched kido at his very command.
Seidaima's men were stiff with the long wait, slow and almost unprepared as the Shiba Siblings launched their attack. Fifty men against hundreds, two Lords, two teachers and quickly things were being turned to their disadvantage. The Kido Wielding four consisted of Shiroganehiko, Konogonohiko, Kaien and Kukaku, like an arrow point they bore into the onslaught of men, their bright colors brilliant against the droll water soaked armies of Seidaima Shiba.
The Shiba Siblings wore matching blue and green armaments, a cloth wrapped about the lower part of their faces obscuring just who was truly who. Shihakusho and Konogonohiko doing the same. Each using a different weapon, everything to throw the enemy off, especially Seidaima.
Kukaku grinned viciously as her hand sparked, lighting coming to life and struck out at the men before her. Kaien glanced back with the same rueful grin and nodding in approval. A Slight gesture before the two Siblings ripped forward, Kaien's long arm keeping the men at bay, a quick slash from Kukaku's double wakasashi kept them from advancing too closely behind them. Konogonohiko and Shiroganehiko kept the way clean, the twin brothers heaping bodies left and right, ducking under the barrage of arrows that exploded out behind them and into the closing wave of attackers. A Wistful look as they watched their leaders tear through the chaos, a mission of their own to complete. A Silent gesture and the two nodded.
The earth Shook terribly under the sound of the taiko Drums. A steady hard beat that bore into ones soul echoed across the Rungtungai valley. Almost as a warning, perhaps a prelude to what was to come, the people inside the mansion cleared out like rats from a sinking ship. As the rain poured down in droves people lost to what was thunder and which were the drums. They streets for the past three weeks had become inhabitable with the sneaking soldiers of Seidaima's troupes, even now as the battle raged aloft in the risen earth where the Shiba held their estate, the towns folk were wary. Soon their fears would come to an end.
Kaien slammed into the man's body screaming as he ran pushing force and spiritual power into his charge knocking people off balance and clearing the way through the men towards his goal. It was a simple tactic really, cut the head off the snake and the body stops moving- or in this matter, the hired men will realize their employer will no longer pay them. Getting there was Shiroganehiko, Konogonohiko and Kukaku's job. The argument had been brief and quickly stiffed when Kukaku offered to take the job, Kukaku cared but pride was at stake.
It was Koryuu's blade that bite his neck, nothing that was going to forever harm him, later barely a pale line could be visible upon close inspection. Kaien's moments were agile quick, Koryuu's smile and laugh as he slipped past the Charging Kaien let him know, his target wasn't Kaien but Kukaku who was quickly catching up to her brother.
Koryuu's abilities were on par with Kaien's, his ruthless spoke of a heart that might as well just have been left as a hole in his chest. Kaien was sure there were hollows with more emotions then his cousin. His calculated moves, quiet poker face kept Kaien who hid nothing from the world on his toes. The cousin's one talent was to distract and anger Kaien beyond reason. However in this battle any distraction would mean death for any of them; thus the cotton swabs stuck in their ears, to silence or dull the thunderous static beat of the taiko drums. Koyruu's attack for Kukaku was in hopes a way to distract Kaien from his goal a flaunting tease knowing that the real Kaien would do all that he could to protect his immediate family.
His duty as a big brother was to protect yes, his duty as the Shiba lord was to protect the clan. A gritted jaw and a last trust of his pole arm cleared the bodies away till it was Kaien and Seidaima facing each other. Kaien panted hard staring up at his uncle perched atop a white rain soaked steed. His Green and blue armor showing almost brightly in contrast to the dull silvers and grays his Uncle wore. Even as the rain fell it made the pelt of the horse a light silver. With a light gesture the horse turned and shook its mane greatly disgusted with the rain.
“Pole arms Kaien? My how have you fallen to use the weapon of a peasant. So pathetic you drive to be one of them and yet, here you are unwilling to yield your title to me. Why Kaien?” The uncle drew a thin line with his lips waiting for the child to speak.
“because there are some things you are born into, a fate laid out before you and sometimes, just sometimes with enough will you can change that. Isn't that Right Ohjisan? You want to change the Serieti, you want to take the power of the Shiba clan through your own strength. We're not so different then are we?” He smirked and took stance.
“I wish to improve my family-”
“by slaughtering them!?”
“As a leader you have to understand that there are sacrifices that must be made, be it mens lives or their freedom. Any loyal Subject would be happy to give their life for their lord.” The old man stared down through the silver locks with a hard scowl, his hand drawing his sword.
“And how many of your men actually give their lives to you for free? How many of these dead bodies lay here with a full purse? A Purse filled with the money siphoned from the west's hard work? Kill one man and it become difficult, kill five or eight and you're a murderer. Kill a hundred you're a soldier but how many do you have to kill in order to gain the so called loyalty of your subjects? 482 Ohjisan. 482 of the easterner's men, women and CHILDREN and for what?All in the sake of starting a civil war!” Kaien twisted the pole arm keeping his uncle at bay as the blades crashed with anger. The pronged weapon held groaning against real steel.
“Lies Kaien! LIES!” the blade swung down catching light form the lightning as it flashed across the sky.
“I don't need to defend myself Ohjisan....the Truth will always haunt you at night and into your next life.” with a hard sweep Kaien slipped in under the blade catching his uncle in the side, the chipped weapon breaking before doing physical harm to the elder man. The force however pushed the man form his mount. Kaien's blade was in his hand almost the moment he dropped the pole arm. He lead in with the attacks as the ground started to shake.
“You were always a slow learner for the harsher things in life you Fool! Utter fool!” Seidaima's blade ripped through the air with more control and persice movement then Kaien's. The blade flashed white, the end reflecting lightly pink as it curled back for a second attack.
“Because I choose this? Because I actually am given a choice and chose what you didn't want? Shove it old man!” Kaien twisted his footing sure in the water which should have otherwise given him trouble. His blade hissed out and in a second it disappeared under the darkness of Seidaima's silver robes. He leaned in close to his Uncle as the man stood stunned and still “To use the power of the Shiba to recreate the Seriti? Use that which was offered by birth to try to overthrow the king and gote thirteen? These Ohjisan are the thoughts of a free man. Remember that.” Kaien's eyes closed as he felt his uncle's hand about his shoulder.
The man spoke with a soft whisper “There will be others like me and in the end what would you have accomplished? I gave a choice of reformed aristocracy, fairness...justice. Kaien.... the Gote 13 will destroy you....and will destroy the Shiba.”
The face of the youth contorted as the blade slashed down in the front, a deadly move for sure as the blue and greened armored warrior collapsed to their knees gripping the front tightly. The uncle pulled the blade free and with a regretful scowl pulled the blade back. Laughter paused the Uncle as the kneeling form seamed all too amused, with such a different voice. As a hand ripped the cloth mask away a smirk curled across feminine lips “Its funny, saying the words, I realize how heavy the weight has been that my Brother has carried all this time.” she slowly let go, the severed armor showing that it was the chest which was bound so tightly for their illusion that had kept the woman from suffering the intended fatal wound.
“Kukaku?! But You..... None the less your funeral has already been preformed, must not keep all those who died at it waiting for you much longer!” The old man swung the blade down for the final strike.
Sparks flew above Kukaku's kneeling form as Kaien swung in with his blade defending his sister. Teeth bared he pressed his old Uncle back with sheer physical power. “A weight I have and will always grateful burden. The could be no true justice or pure reform with the way you have chosen to do so Ohjisan. The weight of your lies and your deceptions slow you down old man! What foul words you speak....such a fucking moron.”
Kukaku grinned like a fool for THAT was her brother! An older brother she would always be proud to call her own, her secret idol.
~~~~~~~~~~~~<13>~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“it is a cruel thing I have done to you today.” The words were raspy whispers upon Kaien's ear. So clear, everything was so clear tot he point the wretched feeling in his stomach never lost it's vulgarity. The sound of the falling rocks and the taiko drums echoed distantly seaming to have no power over the throbbing of his heart. The warmth of his hands as the deep crimson slowly pools and ran out of his Uncle's gaping chest and yet the cold rain could not compete with an icy feeling that spurred from that horrid clench in his stomach. “I do not die with Regret.... Your final Lesson has been learned Kaien...” the uncle grasped at his nephews broken armor and pulled him In close as if holding onto life “to protect life, you must take it.”
Kaien shook with his knees threatening to give way on him, however the grip on his sword could never have been tighter. In his mind the word screamed out but all that Kaien could choke out was a soft whisper of a “no.”
“Ah... you're Eyes Kaien, They have lost their edge haven't they? Where is my Kaien? I want my Kaien back. The one who understood what we were fighting for. Kaien... Did this... did this really break you?” A death rattle followed each short gasp of breath as the man still clung to his Nephew. A firm hand on either shoulder and he gave a Push to look at his Nephew, a sorrowful smile on his lips was the only thing Kaien's mind would allow him to focus on. “You're broken Kaien. I hope, one day, you shall find yourself again... find your measure.”
The warmth of his Uncle pulled away as the man staggered back to the cliff's edge. That smile was still upon those lips, dark eyes hidden under silvery locks that swayed in the rain appeared to fade, looking almost through him with a brown stare. Kaien, hands still gripped upon his sword looked up form the bloody mess at his feet and watched as the old Uncles hair shifted to a white, eyes to a brow and it was instead Ukitake smiling that sorrowful smile as he clutched the hole in his chest bidding the young man good bye as his body plunged off the edge of the cliff.
“GUH!” Kaien startled awake found his head hitting something almost irrevocably hard. Flying he gripped at his forehead finally registering another sound in the room. Through tear bitten eyes he looked out from behind his hands.
With long pale fingers gripping about the silver haired framed face it was hard to make out who was before him. The hands lowered and they stared back with the same tear bit eyes slowly pulling hands away to ensure the nose was not bleeding. “Oh Thank goodness!” In a second they were there touching Kaien's forehead lightly in a ….familiar almost spazzy state “Oh my goodness you're alright arnt you?! I'm sorry you were just having a bad dream and when I tried to shake you you didn't move and I leaned in to say your name and you just... sat up! It was all so sudden!”
Kaien blinked pulled back against the pillow of the bed as the medic checked his forehead for signs of.....whatever it was the 4th did. Startled Kaien found himself staring “You're a WOMAN?”
Instinctively clutching the front of her uniform, cheeks a cherry red as she pulled back. “O-Of course I am!”
It started with a purse of the lips, a little snort, the laugh wiggling out in almost a giggle before Kaien laughed hard enough to clutch his side. “And here I thought you were Kiyone's boyfriend!” Kaien was the only one laughing, for Isane's expression was dark and hidden under her bangs. Kaien rubbed at the back of his neck calming down. “Sorry sorry! Kiyone is just so short I figured that her sister would have been a midget too! You make a beautiful tall woman! So Graceful too!”
She looked up the cheeks flushed still as she searched Kaien's expression finding only a large truthful smile. She gave a sigh and sat back “Ah, Thank you Shiba Fuku-Taichou. Are you feeling better now? Or just smiling for my sake?”
Kaien paused and tilted his head this time studying Isane in order to understand what she meant “ I don't... get it. I'm smiling cause I'm happy, cause what I said was true, no other reason.” his brow slowly curled.
Isane gestured for Kaien to sit up, slowly checking bandages.” You just, don't seam yourself Shiba Fuku-Taichou, you're attitude switches so quickly. I understand that you're in a bit of a bind, Ukitake-Taichou talks about you so much it's quite obvious you do not sit down even for a moment when he's here with us. Even Kiyone has mentioned a few things to me. We all notice it Shiba Fuku-Taichou.” she leaned in “it's your Eyes, they've lost their edge.”
A chill rolled through his back and nested in a knot in the pit of his stomach and the dream haunted him once again in the waking world. A low gurgle distracted Isane, a hand softly to her lips as she covered a small laugh. Kaien slunk int the covers and grumbled. “Guess I shoulda eaten before bed.”
“Sometimes that does give me nightmares too” She winked stopped mid thought as the hard clack of the alarm at the front gate sounded with urgency. Polightly she got to her feet and gave a bow “I'll send someone with a snack for you as soon as I can ok Shiba Fuku-Taichou.” turning on her toes Isane left with silver beaded hair clattering softly behind her.
“LET GO OF ME RIGHT NOW BEFOR I RIP YOUR HAND OFF AND BEAT YOU WITH IT” Kukaku grabbed the 4th squad member with her left hand as if to illustrate her promise, but before it could be executed another taller squad member was grabbing her about the left arm trying to pry her away.
“Please, There's no nee-”
“YOU WANT SOME OF THIS TOO?! Aunngh..” Kukaku staggered a splash of burgundy soiled the ground as the severed stump on her right side throbbed with her exertion. The unassaulted 4th member was right behind the woman ready to catch her, instead catching a fist to the face “I guess you did! What kinda idiots are you when I said I could walk!”
“Shiba- Dono, Please try to keep it down.” Miyako caught the woman partly as Kukaku staggered still in a battle frenzy. “We'll let you walk if you can just stand still long enough for us to properly wrap your arm...”
“Not You too! I swear I'll-”
“Shiba?” the sweet voice was in start contrast to the grating irritated voice of Kukaku's. Isane descended the front steps giving soft orders to the uncertain 4th members to attend tot he other 13th squad members stepping up to the shouting woman and a fellow 3rd seat. “Shiba Fuku-Taichou's Sister?” Upon receiving a sharp look from Kukaku Isane simply smiled a hand up in either defense or to wave insult. “Please do keep it down and come with us and we'll do our best to preserve your Dignity, Nothing to-”
“Dignity?! It's just a damned Scratch! I'll go back there and -'”
“and you'll What?”
The court yard went silent, All eyes upon Kukaku and the new player on the field. Soft authoritative foot falls appeared to make the boisterous firey Shiba woman calm and steel herself against the worst even as the color, already depleted, faded more.
“And you'll What?!” Kaien growled stopping in front of Kukaku standing a few inches taller looking down at her, eyes shifting from his sister's eyes to what was left of her right arm.
“And I'll take my Revenge.” she stood up to him, jaw tight and steady as she thrust her jaw forward to meet her brother.
The loud crack stunned people in to silence, Kukaku flying backwards and easily off her feet, he floundered to stand attempting to on a ghost of a right hand finding herself face first in the dirt instead. “THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?”
“YOU MORON I LOST MY ARM! WHAT THE HELL ELSE COULD BE WRONG?!”
“YOU DONT JUST LOOSE AN ARM! ITS NOT DETACHABLE!”
“WELL APPARENTLY IT IS WHEN A SWORD IS INVOLVED!”
Miyako held her breath watching the hospital robbed elder brother scream at his sister who was scrambling to find her way to her feet. It was awkward at best to stand there and listen but no doubt all had the same fear- intervene and incur the Shiba Wrath.
Kaien grabbed the front of Kukaku's shirt a fist pulled back, Kukaku held fast but without moving to block. The hand unclenched and wrapped about Kukaku “you fucking moron. You cant even block my messily punch when I can barely stand and you talk about taking revenge. Moron.”
“You're the one shouting about some damn arm when you're hitting like little sissy.” Kukaku leaned her forehead against Kaien's shoulder.
Kaien left his arm about her shoulders and turned her for the 4th “Alright then! I guess I'll have to submit and let you be my crutch while we head back inside. Yo, Kotetsu-San, I think I need you to take a look at some of my stitches, something might have ripped....” he grinned momentarily.
The expression changed when Kukaku gave a slight chuckle to his kidney “You melodramatic jerk.”
Isane looked to Miyako for explanation. The 13th squad 3rd seat gave a light smile and a shrug of her shoulders. “....Because they're Shiba?”
Ukitake lingered in the doorway, his pale longer fingers tracing the edge of the privacy screen a few times as he weighted his options. The whole unit could finally sleep after he had been told Kaien quieted the woman down, how she looked so peaceful in the golden glow of mornings new light was in stark contrast to what he figured the poor 4th squad members could have only witnessed. His heart ached watching Kaien sitting there, for hours he hadn't moved from Kukaku's bedside. Sitting like some loyal guard dog, or a stone statue ready to burst to life and render the threatening limb from limb. IT was the change in Kaien's shoulders that was the first clue, broad and squar, as if poised ready to hold the whole world up if he had to. Just how much could, rather would, the young man take on alone.
Kaien jerked startled as the warm blanket was placed upon his shoulders. Ukitake took a slow seat in the empty chair besides Kaien. The young man gave his superior officer a smile, soft, deceiving. “Thanks Taichou. Kinda early, shouldn't you be resting?”
“Odd thing for you to request.” That no nonsense look was rather recognizable from the old Captain. He placed a hand down on the spiraling tattoo on the young man's arm “You look like death warmed over Kaien. Kukaku is safe now and no longer in danger. I'm sure your two retainers have Ganju looked over carefully.”
“How are the others?” Kaien threw in a slight diversion.
“All of them have minor cuts and wounds thanks to your sister, they said she took the brunt of the fighting and did it well!”He was sure to inform Kaien with almost the same pride he'd take in another one of his squad members. He watched a smile flicker onto Kaien's face before the features pursed into something more serious.
“I've been thinking.” He pushed aside his Taichou's concerns transfixed upon his resolve “I've been too laxed in my duties, I've let that which is most precious to me be left unprot4ected by what I've done.”
“Your sister is a woman now you can't-”
Kaien looked to Ukitake with a hard set jaw, fierce eyes “I've been bending far too much lately. It's beyond time I started standing up for my family, for myself. Taichou, please, I have to get back to the squad, we cannot afford to linger here any longer. I cannot, my pride will not let me and I will not let it faultier again.”
Ukitake gave a soft saddened smile “There you are. I'll see what Ic an do in the morning, after you've had some sleep.” He gave a bit of a smirk he probably picked up from Shunsui “Please do not make me request some more tea.”
Kaien stretched and yawned folding his arms “Alright then.” he laid his head down.
“In a bed Kaien.”
He smirked “You really think she's going to be quiet when she wakes up? If I'm here asleep she'll behave herself- or I'll punch her.” He gave a wolfish smirk.
Ukitake just shook his head and tugged the blanket up more about his Fuku-Taichou's shoulders. He gave a soft pat before turning to leave. He paused and cautiously set the question “You're not doing this for revenge, right?”
The long pause worried Ukitake, the elder narrowing his eyes studying Kaien's still form. “My family and my pride is involved, how can it not be about proving myself right for once? I have been silent and tolerated much from others these past 20 years. Taichou.... I'm done with it. I'm done with reigning it all in. Is there something so wrong with wanting to protect that which I hold dear while I protect my pride?” The young man looked over his shoulder with a different set of teal eyes.
“No, I suppose not. Just be sure that is truly your resolve Kaien. I trust you.” The old captain left it at that, it was now up to the young man to decide on his own.
truth is we're ALMOST to the part that I wrote this whole damnd fic for X.x jsut l... almsot there. really!