The Snake and the Fox #2

"So, you want a spar with me?"

"No, no." Kagemori raises his hands in surrender. "I'm not that dumb. You would certainly crush me in combat, Achebe-dono. But I do want to measure myself against one of your people if you agree. I think it would be an educational experience for me."

"Mmm, why not? It sounds fun." Shuri smirked. "Soifon, you're up."

"A-Ah, yes, my Lady!"

"Now, seeing as you have no appropriate clothes, I will lend you a uniform." Shuri snapped her fingers and two of the hidden shadows left the room in a hurry to obey the order.

"You have my thanks." The boy bowed as well as he could from his less impressive seat.

Kagemori did his best to ignore the sputtering from his servants, waving the protest about decorum with the grace of someone who's used to the fussing. Keisuke wondered if he was, especially when all pointed to him being a bastard child.

"My grandfather enjoys a grandson that doesn't mind the eternal spoiling," Kagemori answers once he notices Shuri's wandering eyes.

"I remembered Byakuya's early childhood." Shuri allows, faintly amused at the admission.

"My brother insists he's too old for this kind of fanfare, thus I'm the one that has to endure it," Kagemori adds, letting them know that he doesn't enjoy the luxuries and attention as much as he thinks this is part of his duty to his household.

Keisuke takes the information greedily, the boy is a walking contradiction. He wants to see how he fares against Soifon, even when it should be a predictable fight. Kagemori may be a natural talent, one that graduated in a year and a half instead of the usual four, but Soifon is a full-fledged member of the Secret Corps.

And conceited predictions or not, Kagemori doesn't stand a chance. It's all written on his unimpressive aura.

The shadows return with the uniform, offering it to the ginger without saying a word. To his credit, Kagemori is not easily startled and takes the clothes with a smile and a soft: 'Thank you.'

He's also not very modest, having no problem with taking the green kimono and the heavy ornaments off, placing them on the awaiting hands of his companions, before dressing in the uniform.

Kagemori looked good; the top hugged his form like a second skin, the lack of sleeves showed his toned arms and the dark harem pants accentuated his hips. It was almost sinful. And Keisuke wanted to murder the one who had chosen that particular style when he saw Shuri licking her lips with a pleased smile.

He made a clicking sound with his tongue and Shuri's smirk dropped. She turned her head a little, arching an eyebrow. Keisuke raised his chin so their eyes would meet, he shook his head ever so slightly.

'You better not even think of it.'

Shuri could not take this kind of interest in Kagemori. Anything that could pass as courting would be not only complicated but exponentially catastrophic for both of their families, more so when Shuri was not one to keep her lovers for long.

His best friend didn't seem happy but she flashed a hand sign. 'Understood.'

Keisuke allowed himself a silent sigh of relief.

"Any specific rule you wish to enforce, Kagemori-dono?"

"I would prefer if we limited ourselves to hand-to-hand combat if that's alright with you, Achebe-dono?"

Like a gracious monarch, Shuri waved one of her hands. "Sure."

"Excellent!"

Kagemori seemed excited with the idea, Keisuke wondered how long it would last before he was crying and begging for mercy.

Soifon and Kagemori bowed; both using the formalities of the Academy even though Soifon had never attended. Keisuke hummed, wondering if Shuri had taught the little wasp etiquette or if Soifon had learned on her own.

Not long after the combat started it was evident that something was wrong. Keisuke frowned, realizing that Soifon was letting Kagemori keep up with her. Worse, she was going as far as to allow him to connect one or two hits.

Unfortunately, Keisuke wasn't the only one to notice. And before he or Shuri -who had paled as the implications hit her- could do anything, Kagemori was releasing his sword. His expression twisted into outrage.

Sharp winds were freed, biting into Keisuke's skin with vengeance. His mind immediately went to a winter soul, except there wasn't snow in the air. Then, he was hit by the sensation of being observed by uncountable unblinking eyes. Fear curled inside his stomach as anticipation grew, his blood singing in response to the possible threat.

He tasted iron in the back of his tongue.

Murakumo sang in response, howling at the back of his mind. He slapped down the urge to summon her, already standing in front of Shuri, hands raised and energy curling around him as he prepared a spell to subdue the ginger.

Then, as sudden as it came, the aggressive aura was gone.

The heaviness in the air remained but Keisuke knew Kagemori had no intention of spilling blood; at least not with his own hands. And yet, after the show of power, Keisuke was shaken. He had failed to see how carefully Kagemori held his bloodlust, how close to his core he hugged the madness to only transmit benign feelings.

He knew he, himself, was unable to do that.

"Do you dare to disrespect me like this?" Kagemori hissed, voice deepening and eyes flashing with barely contained anger.

Keisuke gulped, this was bad.

An offense like this would make even the eternally composed Gunrei-sama angry; treating his grandson like a member of the Council of Cranes was synonymous with calling the boy (and by consequence the entire of the Kagemori's Household) weak, deficient, and lacking.

To someone who were warriors at the core, this would be the worst kind of wrongdoing close to murder.

This could start an inner conflict between the great clans, which in time could easily transform into a full-on war. He shivered. The last time a war between the Six Heavenly Clans had devastated the Pure Lands and had been the bloody foundations of the Silver City.

"I—I wasn't…"

"Silence," Shuri demanded, causing Soifon to close her mouth with a snap. "My sincere apologies, my lord. It seems this subordinate of me is stupid. I assure you the Achebe have no ill intention towards the Kagemori, our houses have a long story of being allies. My grandfather and father with your grandfather, and my own with your brother. I would never tarnish that."

Kagemori had pointed his sword to the ground, showing he was at least willing to listen.

Now, how to make amends? They knew very little about this person. His temperament was unknown; they didn't know if killing Soifon would satisfy him. Or if he would want another kind of offer as repairs.

Keisuke bit his lip, considering the options.

There weren't many and the least disastrous one was to offer something related to the reason for the visit, something more interesting... but it would be a gamble at best. Shuri would not consider it; she would offer to punish Soifon.

And should Kagemori demand it, she would kill her even if it broke her heart.

"Would you be interested in sparring with me?" Keisuke said, interrupting whatever had been about to leave Shuri's lips.

He couldn't let her do this, not if he could avoid it. If there was a chance of avoiding Shuri's pain, he would take it. Even if the consequences were moving the punishment for insubordination towards himself.

Keisuke could sense Shuri's muscles tense, her back going even straighter after hearing his voice. Kagemori's eyes moved from Shuri's to Keisuke's face, Keisuke relaxed a little at noticing the spark of curiosity.

"And who would you be?"

"This one is Hiso. Third seat in the Second and Commander of the Detention Unit." Keisuke saluted, violet eyes never leaving Kagemori's brown ones.

"Arsenic?" Kagemori arched an eyebrow, sounding fairly amused. "It's true, then. The members of the Secret Corps receive code names. Alright, I can't say I'm not interested."

"I will forget this even happened as long as you spar with me intending to win." Kagemori flashed a bright smile, making Keisuke almost sigh in relief.

"I would never do anything else," Keisuke reassured him.

Winning didn't mean crushing, though. He could hold back and still fulfill his promise.

Shuri takes Soifon and retreats to the margins of the hall, pressing herself against the wall. The servants followed her after Kagemori nodded at them. Keisuke and Kagemori move to the center of the room, both of them knowing this would be a more destructive battle than the one before.

"No sword?" Kagemori asks.

"I don't need it," Keisuke informs him in a deadly warning. 

The answering smile is all teeth. "Good."

Keisuke stared at him with coldness, he wouldn't give Kagemori the satisfaction of being the first to move. The boy's eyes are bright as he launches himself forward. Kisuke sidesteps the trust, pushing Kagemori's shoulder with his open palm.

He doesn't seem to mind, laughing as he tries again. 

Keisuke continues to sidestep. Yet, every trust is quicker and harder. Deadlier. The boy learns fast, almost incredibly fast. Keisuke is quickly forced to start attacking instead of just blocking, his hands don't touch the boy's skin again.

It's both annoying and alluring.

"Kǔnbǎng."

A binding spell that Kagemori doesn't even notice, his spiritual energy fluctuating to counter the spell.

Keisuke smiles, interest finally coming through. The next spell is Jīn liàn and the chains trap Kagemori instantly, pressing the sword to his chest.Keisuke waits, wanting to see if Kagemori can free himself.

He's not disappointed.

Kagemori's eyes narrow and he's surrounded by a black burst of energy. The spell shatters much to Keisuke's amusement.

Kagemori is an unrivaled talent, there's no doubt about it anymore. He spent half a year more than Keisuke in the Academy but Keisuke wonders just how much of it was to make connections with the Kagemori scion. They seem to have similar learning curves, plus the similarities in their sword's abilities.

Keisuke eyes the younger reaper differently, closer to a subject of study than an opponent. If Kagemori notices, he doesn't seem to mind. Shuri on the other hand, did notice and she showed she minded by making a hissing sound; Keisuke pretends to not have heard it.

"Of course, you would use spells," Kagemori says, lips twitching down. "Fuck me."

Keisuke smirked, "Not very good with spells?"

"I hate them," Kagemori admits with a grimace.

Oh? How curious. Keisuke opens his mouth to ask why but is rudely interrupted by Kagemori's energy slamming against him.

His breath is stolen in the same way as if a punch had connected with his stomach. This surprises him more than harms him but it costs him valuable seconds in which Kagemori is right over him, sword swinging to decapitate him, the blade creating an arc of the same evil-looking energy.

Danger, his instincts screamed.

Kill him, Murakumo whispered.

Keisuke summons his sword, using the blood shield to absorb the wave. Dǎjí forms a blue sphere over his knuckles; something cracks when it connects with Kagemori's chest.

Kagemori is sent flying a few meters, crashing into the wall.

"Kagemori-dono!"

Shuri is at the boy's side immediately. Soifon has left to bring a medic, the servants are screaming bloody murder. Keisuke is frozen, Kagemori's blood splattered over his face.

He hadn't meant to do that.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Kagemori said, pushing Shuri's hands away. "There's no need to fuss about this. It's fine. I'm fine."

"Are you dumb? There's no way you're fine after that!"

"I've had worse." Kagemori insists.

He raises, using his sword to push himself straight. Refusing both Shuri's and his companion's help, once up, he vanishes the sword. He looks straight at Keisuke's eyes and he smiles. It's bloody and it looks painful.

"This one is grateful for the sparring match, Hiso."

The use of a formal bow shook Keisuke out of the mist that had trapped his mind. He returned the gesture by pure memory reflex, still too stunned to answer verbally. Thankfully he wasn't the only one that was unable to form words, Shuri and his servants were both gapping at the strange boy.

If it wasn't so bizarre, Kisuke would have laughed.

Kagemori turned to Shuri, "Thank you for allowing me this, Achebe-dono. I'm aware of how weird this proposition was but I truly had fun. Your men make you justice, it seems my Grandfather's respect is well earned."

Shuri blinks at him, Kagemori's smile is smaller this time. No teeth. If anything, the gesture was perfect for a well-mannered noble rather than a warrior.

"Unfortunately, I don't think we would be a good match."

"You never had the intention of serving in the Second." Shuri said, her lips twitching into a smile of her own.

"Afraid not." Kagemori laughs, "You would eat me in my first week. But I've heard so much about you that I couldn't help myself. I wanted to meet you, to see your power reflected on your reapers. You don't have to worry; I'm not offended and I will take all responsibility for my injuries. Should have known better than to poke an uhura, huh?"

Shuri tilts her head back and barks a boisterous laugh. "Oh, I like you."

"The sentiment is mutual."

"Then, Tomoe-kun, let us get to know each other better with a cup of sake." Shuri hit his shoulder, playfully. He grimaced. "After you had seen a healer, of course."

"I don't need a hea… Fine. I will see the healer and we can have a drink afterward."

Keisuke blinked at seeing the bold ginger cower at his servants' glares, shoulders dropping in resignation.

"Good, good."

Shuri guided Kagemori by the elbow, exiting the room to move to what Kisuke could only assume would be a more private room, where they could have the illusion of privacy while getting to know each other better.

The servants followed and Kisuke was left alone in the room.

Unsure if this was a good thing or not, and too afraid to enrage his master, Kisuke remained where he was. Allowing himself to vanish his sword but little more. Soifon returned ten minutes later, a frown on her face.

"Lady Achebe says to wait in her room."

Because the Head's room was the only place the elders would hesitate to intrude, even if it was to berate him. Keisuke nodded, relieved. It seemed like he hadn't messed up, at least not enough for Shuri to abandon him to the malicious claws of the elders.

And yet, sitting on the bed and waiting for her return, felt similar enough to face an execution.

Even if Kagemori said he wouldn't blame them for the injuries (and Soifon's offense), Keisuke had injured a member of one of the Six Heavenly Clans. There was going to be a punishment.

Keisuke just hoped to continue to have all his limbs afterward; surely, they wouldn't take his hands, would they? He could survive without eyes or a tongue. Even some fingers. But he needed both of his hands to continue his work.

If he was rendered useless…

Keisuke closed his eyes, lips pressed in a line.

He didn't want to think about that. And yet, the possibilities danced in front of his eyes, taunting him. He should be feeling some kind of bitterness, some kind of resentment but there was none.

He didn't regret his actions, not even for a single moment. Whatever the punishment, it would be better than allowing Shuri the pain of having to kill Soifon with her own hands but the fear was something that had taken root deep in his soul.

Shuri enters, alone, a few hours later. Her expression falls the moment her eyes take in his pathetic form.

"Oh, Keisuke…" Shuri moves slowly, letting him trace every spam of her muscles. "You're shivering. Here, let me. That's better, lean on me. Relax, old friend. I have no intention of letting anyone hurt you."

"The elders…"

"They can't force my hand into doing something I don't want." Shuri's voice is firm, leaving no room for doubts. And suddenly Keisuke is glad he can't see the thunderous expression that always accompanies that specific tone. "My father is gone, Keisuke. He can't harm you and neither can anyone else. You're mine and I prefer you at my side, safe and in perfect condition."

Shuri's admission is pretty much what he always wanted to hear; relief settles deep in his bones and Keisuke can't help but melt into her embrace, feeling his ears burn and lips forming a big grin.

"Yours." Keisuke promises.

Shuri sighs, hugging him tighter, and presses a kiss over his hair.

Sometimes he wonders, what would they look like to an outsider. Do they look like lovers? Many seem to consider the idea as rumors seem to follow him wherever he goes. He doubts they look like siblings.

Their father once claimed they were opposite mirror images of each other: Shuri with her dark skin, black hair, golden eyes, and powerful limbs was the proud image of a lioness. Keisuke with his purple eyes, white hair, and (at the time) skinny and clumsy limbs, resembled more a half-baked ghost than anything.

Shuri looked like an Achebe, Keisuke like a bondservant. His father had hated him on sight.

"How did it go?" Keisuke asks, looking to shake the weight of the memories.

"Surprisingly, very well." Shuri admits, "I wasn't expecting him to push the issue but even Isuke would have asked to punish Soifon, if not you. He seems like the type of man that loves battle as much as you do."

She chuckles, utterly amused.

"Yet, it seemed unlikely he would let the offense go… I'm glad he did, though. He also invited me to his home next week."

"Like a playdate?"

"Something a little more political, I think."

"Huh."

"It's good news, it means the friendship between our families is still going strong. Maybe even stronger than before."

"I'm glad." Keisuke says sincerely. Then, he moved away from the hug and raised his head so they could see each other's faces. His expression was one of deep seriousness. "You love her too much."

Shuri winced at the accusatory tone; Keisuke couldn't come to regret it. Having such an obvious attachment is the worst kind of mistake for someone in Shuri's position.

"Soifon is mine, Keisuke."

"She is yours." Keisuke agrees because it is not his place to berate her. His job as one of her commanders is to point out the danger and wait for her decision, nothing more. After all, Shuri is Head of the Clan and her word is law.

Keisuke's own opinion has little relevance.

"Are you hungry?" Shuri changes the subject abruptly. "I can order the servants to bring dinner for you."

"I'm fine."

Shuri sighs. "Don't move. I will ask for someone to bring us dinner."

Keisuke nods, hesitantly.

Shuri seemed upset. Has he made a mistake? Maybe it wasn't an offer, maybe Shuri wanted to eat and had been annoyed that Keisuke had put her on the spot by not accepting.

His wince was so strong he couldn't hide it.

"C-Can we have udon?"

Shuri's eyes sparkled in response, "Of course, Keisuke."