[Captains/C46/??] Week 278: Stepping into the Future

[Kago]

As the chaos of emotions roared to life within the library,the acting captain remained silent. Inside his mind, his indignation mirrored the rest of his peers as they reacted to the proposal; however, he knew better than to allow it to reflect in his stoic expression. Despite his perception to the situation – including the reasoning behind Sayis’ selection – Kago did not agree with the timing. Prometheus was still alive and stronger than ever.

“If I may be permitted to speak, Lords and Ladies of the Central Forty-Six,” the Takimoto Patriarch addressed the council respectfully as his eyes met those of Yoshishige Toyotama.

Receiving consent through her silence, he continued. “I reluctantly admit that I agree with Lord Ascania’s proclamation. Removing the Soutaichou from his current position and granting him the honorable title of Judge may bolster the strength and decision making of the Central Forty-Six; however, the same action would only lessen the strength of the Gotei Juusantai both physically and psychologically.

“Bearing that in mind, I wish to suggest different alternative.”

Breaking his gaze from the head speaker, Kago peered down the long table at his fellow shinigami one by one as he spoke. “If your objective truly is to appoint the final judge position to someone who ‘understands the ways of the Gotei Juusantai’ and who ‘possesses the mental fortitude and clarity of perception that befit a judge of the Central Forty-Six’, then select another from our midst.

“Any member of the Gotei Juusantai seated before you would exceed your criteria. Our minds have been tempered by the fires of war and our souls purified through the preservation of Soul Society. We mentally detach ourselves from situations to gain clarity and comprehend the severity and impact of our decisions. In addition, we consciously designate the greater good of the entirety of Soul Society ahead of all other wants and desires - even our own lives.”

Returning his focus to the five judges before him, the Takimoto Patriarch continued in an honest tone. “The Central Forty-Six would be fortunate to appoint any of my colleagues as one of its Judges; however, I will not ask them to step down from the vital role of protecting this world. Therefore, I humbly request this council consider appointing me to its open seat instead of Inuzuri-Soutaichou.”

Murmurs erupted immediately; however, Kago pressed forward and ignored them.

“I do not claim to be more worthy nor do I possess the same level of mental fortitude that the Soutaichou does; however, I have served as a tactician directly under the former Soutaichou Gabriel Faust and as a taichou under the current Soutaichou. Through this experience, I have obtained a vast insight into the inner workings of the Gotei Juusantai. Additionally, as the Patriarch of the Takimoto clan, I will uphold the standards expected of a judge of the Central Forty-Six.”

“If you permit me to serve in Inuzuri-Soutaichou’s stead, the Gotei Juusantai will remain strong and defend against any and all threats.”


[499/712]

 

[Rob]

When Kago was finished speaking, there was no room for thought left in Nana’s mind, nor was there any time to respond to the man’s words by anyone else than the Matriarch of House Amaterasu. “I strongly encourage this esteemed tribunal against appointing Acting Captain Takimoto Kago of House Takimoto of Eastern Seireitei, to take such an esteemed role as the one set before us.

“That is, I do not believe any of us should be considered for this. Yes, we are soldiers and thus we would bring depth to this court of pure souls not found anywhere else, but what good will that really do us?

“Acting Captain Takimoto has shown us, me, that bearing responsibilities is not something he can cope with, the stress proves too great a threat to him. That said, he is also a Patriarch of one of the High Noble Houses of Seireitei.

“That’s like adding another noble judge to a system you wish to be different.”

She remained silent for a moment, her tone devoid of any malice, her gaze devoid of any emotion as she locked eyes with Yoshishige Toyotama.

“The Soutaichou is too important for the job, this is a fact. Our previous Soutaichou met an untimely death, and our current Captain-Commander has only been on the job for so long. You plan to burden him with even more than he’d like to admit he can chew on?

“None of us present are worthy of a seat within this Court of Pure Souls’ esteemed setting. It is tradition that dictates this, it is time that tell us this. I realize we need change, and that this change won’t come by idly sitting by and letting the pieces fall into place the way they want too. We have to force these pieces ourselves, but not through this.

“I am a Captain of the Goteijuusantai first,” she continued, her voice picking up slightly more power as time went on, “but I am more so a Matriarch of a House more important than many of you would like to admit openly! There is a clear line that needs to be drawn between keeping your army at bay, and keeping it as far away from you as possible.

“This world of intrigue and politics is not suited for our Captain-Commander, Sayis of Inuzuri, nor is it suited for Acting Captain Takimoto Kago, nor Captain’s Uchiharu, Katsujin, or Kyuketsu’s, nor Vice-Captain Adelaide Pierce's, nor is it Lucia Frey’s, Mabara Tsubaki's, Yin Feng’s, or... Morrison’s.

“We may all have our motives, our reasons, our method, our thoughts, dreams and demands, but there is one thing that we are above all else...” Her eyes trailed across the room, from each and every single individual present, then finally rested upon Toyotama’s once more, “and that is being a staunch protector of balance.”

Her voice died down again for a moment, her piercing, almost icy-blue eyes crossing daggers with whoever glanced at them.

“Also... as a more personal, final request, not as Captain of the Goteijuusantai, but as Matriarch of House Amaterasu,” she pressed on, her eyes fixated upon Number Forty-Five, “I would like a formal explanation on Michelle Faust’s appointment as judge of this esteemedcouncil.”

[545/760]

Wewlp

I suppose it was bound to happen someday.

 

[Beaks]

Her eyes darted momentarily to one side at Kyuketsu beginning to place his head down upon the table, an act that could have been misconstrued as either apathy or disrespect in a time when neither would be appropriate. Before she could so much as blink her voice rang out in the Duelist's mind like the boom of a cannon.

SIT UP STRAIGHT, DAMN YOU.

She listened as those around her began issuing their own fettering worries for why Inuzuri couldn't leave them, doing her best to keep a smug smile at bay in the process. They had grown reliant on him, exceedingly so it appeared. A father figure who would suddenly be taken away being bargained for by a gaggle of pouting children.

She had her own thoughts on who could step in, but the time wasn't yet at hand. The opinions and advice of a traitor were only worth so much, and she would likely only have one chance to voice them.

[163/345]

 

[Nargles]

Lucia struggled to stifle an audible gasp. The names struck close to home, familiar to her through legends and bedtime stories alike. Perhaps the revelations could only truly be appreciated by someone how had known the world of nobility from birth. Faust, Ashanti, Yagara, Reigen... some even tied to the Spirit King himself!

But it was only at the end of their revelations did her gut sink. Was this simply another ploy of nobility? How much of it was true faith in the Gotei and how much was it a grab for power? She bit her lip nervously, as her mind harkened back to her teachings to try to make sense of it all. It seemed all too real, dancing on razor’s edge between what was truth and what was simply part of The Liars Game.

“Before going even that far Feng, I question wisdom behind this decision,” her eye involuntarily twitched as she realized that she broke her constructed mask for a pun. Swallowing her mistake, Lucia continued in an articulate tone, “Aren’t we facing threats that grow more and more dangerous by day? Raifuku showed us that their traps are getting more intelligent. The events of Tokyo showed us that they are becoming more deadly. Prometheus showed us that they’re becoming more... well... mad!”

She breathed out silently, “Isn’t stealing away the Captain Commander setting the wrong tone?” Lucia shot a glance at Kago, “Even removing a Bankai user come former Captain may break the fragile system.”​

[581]

 

[Time Lady Katie]

Now was the time for stupidity to overtake good sense.

“The decision to appoint the Commander isn’t about hope, Former Captain Ascana, nor do I necessarily believe it is about our perspective, Captain Amaterasu... its power.” Adelaide’s tone was suitably reverent, suitably polite, but there was sharpness to her words that someone who thought she was here for a trial really shouldn’t have had. “I submit to my fellows from the Gotei that Captain Maikeru could serve to light the imagination and hope of the people of Rukongai were she appointed Soutaichou, and is respected enough for her sharp mind by those assembled that despite their personal ambitions for the title they would follow her. Moreover, she has a record free of the kind of blemishes that preclude some people here assemble from reasonable aspirations for the Commander’s haori. Sayis of Inuzuri is a mentor of mine, and a great man, but he is not irreplaceable.

“We stand at a moment where you,” she addressed the Judges, “are vulnerable. More than you ever have been, I’d wager. In two years your compound has been besieged two times, several of your number were slain and an entire army was struck down outside your doorstep just to make a point abundantly clear; you are in danger. The same knowledge hangs over this meeting like a Sword of Damocles. And, my Captain tells me, the groundwork for this grand bargain was made at Inuzuri’s insistence. You need the Gotei more than ever to be at your back, and you are unsure of if you have it or not. You need a Judge that we could not possibly refuse, one we respect too much to. Am I close to the mark?”

Reign it in, Adelaide. The voice in the lieutenant’s mind was careful, cautionary. She also wasn’t wild about Adelaide nominating her for Soutaichou.

“Sayis gives you power enough among your own number to defend against any incursion in your chamber better than the Omitsu ever could, and his appointment to your number would change the balance of power between the Gotei and the Forty-Six massively in your favor. Politically, and for continuity of government, it is a brilliant strategy and one I commend you for. But with the balance of power so altered, one wonders if Inuzuri’s voice alone would have the weight to enforce the bargain we aim to strike here.”

399 Words
1121 Total​

 

[Tenchra]

Lucas remained silent for the entire time listening as each person spoke, taking it all in and thinking intently on where this was going to go. He was shocked by the revelation of the judges, but chose not to show it. They were taking a huge risk in showing themselves and he knew deep inside that there was an ulterior motive for this movement, as he was hard pressed to trust any of them.

As they asked Sayis to join the judges he bit his lip as he thought about it. Should Sayis join the judges all hell would break loose amongst the Gotei and it would end in utter chaos and would result in a power struggle between the captains. Lucas sighed deeply, as this vision played through his mind. So many members were speaking out against this and making a mess of things.

"I think its time for everyone to keep quiet, so many people speaking out, filling the air with nonsense and causing more trouble than was necessary. We're all important here, but that does not mean we all have a right to blurt out everything on our minds. What we need next is to hear from the man who was given this offer. To hear what he thinks, then we can offer our opinions."

[373]

 

[swaswj]

The first impulse was to say, "No," plainly and unequivocally. The reflection of Raifuku's many lives and personas were still fresh in his mind, even such a long time after the fact. Would he become the very thing that had haunted Raifuku through so many lifetimes? The Gotei was still shaky and there was still a lot he needed to do to get things back to a level of stability.

As the protests began coming in, though, Sayis started to question his knee-jerk reaction. The reasons were as varied as the people in the room, but the underlying message bothered him tremendously.

There would be certain benefits to being on the Central Forty-Six. It would ensure that the Gotei had a voice in the decisions that governed the entirety of Soul Society, would enable him to be an advocate for the Gotei's ability to govern itself, perhaps even promote the reunion of disaffected factions. His grey eyes drifted toward Matsurine and the Onmitsu Kidou.

As he did so, the Soushireikan raised his voice. "I must protest against this decision. I will not argue for or against his appointment as Soutaichou, which is altogether a different matter," Matsurine spoke coldly, his tone spelling out in no uncertain terms what his thoughts on that were, "yet when one considers the role of a judge of the Central Forty-Six, one does not consider assassination, death threats, or unmitigated slaughter to be desirable qualities. Sayis Inuzuri has proven to be uncompromising, unwilling to back down from his position, even when untenable."

The unexpected voice of Iha from the other side of the room mused thoughtfully, "I do believe there are other judges with blood on their hands, dear Matsu." His voice was disturbingly masculine for his child-like form. The smile split across his face seemed etched in stone, and the horned researcher's slit-eyes opened just a little wider. "You have quite a share of your own."

Finally, Sayis raised his voice, interrupting a quarrel he wanted no part of. "It was not so long ago," he began, nearly shouting the first words to get everyone's attention, "that I said this would not be an Age of Sayis. The Gotei Juusantai is not made of just myself. The strength of the captains and captain-potentials is not something to be underestimated, and it only continues to grow. Nothing makes this more apparent than the recent events atop Mount Fuji.

"The Gotei Juusantai... is so much more than just one man. It continued after the death of Shinkou Masaru, even prospered under the guidance of Gabriel Faust. Though we are enduring a difficult time with the loss of Faust," Sayis went on. At the judge's table, Michelle's already-nervous smile faltered completely. The white-haired woman closed her eyes, silently mourning her brother. "...even so, I have risen to the challenge to support our shinigami and their continued growth."

Sayis leaned back in his chair, solemnly concluding. "The Gotei can continue without me, because it was never just me."

[500/3150]

Note

I'll respond to more of what was said in later turns. I thought people might interrupt here.

 

[Shadowwind]

They do not have to do a thing, we’ll hang ourselves with what little rope they give. Feng thought mournfully, the biologist’s eyes remained forward as he cut off the commander, “Despite how quick certain people are to discard you Inuzuri-Soutaichou or how soon people will turn a great opportunity into a power play for themselves,” there was no hiding the disdain in the man’s voice before he quickly moved over, “But I will agree with you sir. This will currently not go down as your age, not yet. However you have shown yourself to be an effective leader capable of dealing with what the Juusantai goes through. If you wish to take this opportunity I cannot stop you. However, if we leave this meeting, as it already has been shown, we must do so with a Soutaichou otherwise there will be far too much politicking among certain parties.” And people who shouldn't bothering thinking the bandaged scientist seemed to imply.

“From a practical standpoint, Inuzuri-san, you are a man who has proven to wear the mantle of responsibility well, however reluctantly. While it is true the Gotei will survive after you are gone, and that you have not yet branded this age with your legacy, addressing that simple truth I believe is not justification alone for leaving.” If he accepts who then? Mulling over plots and counter-plots, the researcher fell into silence.

[233/833]

 

[Nargles]

Lucia leaned back, in the chair. Her mind continued to attempt the feelings of unease building within her. Every moment, hidden behind the constructed personality, she wanted to leave. Her fingers tapped on the tablet which sat horizontally on her lap. She swallowed, pushing down the unease.

“The Gotei can continue, but losing a man who we’ve considered a leader, a mentor, and a friend is a loss that doesn’t need to happen,” she spoke quietly, her eyes gazing down at the table in front of her, “If this is a meeting is a meeting for change, why are we still talking about games of power? Aren’t we spending too much time looking into the past and too little time thinking about the future?”​

[705]

 

[Beaks]

Oh for shit's sake.

"If you're all done trying to scoop up the man's leftovers..." She paused, heaving a frustrated sigh as she leaned forward in the chair. "...has anyone considered that he could do both? There's no precedent for this, so who is to say it would be breaking any laws? If you both need him you should be good little kids and share."

[65 common sense/410]

 

[Eidolon]

"I have," the shackled man said coldly. Though certainly not malicious, the tone was nothing short of chastising. "And you should know better. A military force without civilian oversight and rule is nothing more than a dictatorship waiting to happen. An army that is used as a tool of the government to enforce its unchecked will on civilians is, perhaps, even worse. The two must be distinct."

The sideways appraisal of Tsubaki finished, Theron once again turned his attentions to 45, face placid but showing no particular expression.

 

[Beaks]

"Yes, and at this point in time we certainly can't afford to do anything stupid, now can we?" Tsubaki leaned forward in the seat, keeping her hands neatly clasped in front of her. "And as we apparently cannot afford to lose him to a civilian organization and none of us are worthy to take the reins in his stead, a point I very much agree with mind you, what do you propose we do?" Her tone remained level but undaunted, treating the man as both someone to be respected but not to be feared in the same stead.

He had come for her head during their last meeting, a fact that was far from lost on the former Templar Queen. "And please please please tell me it is still 'we.' I would hate for all your calm and clarity to be wasted sitting in a drab little cell."

[148/558]

 

[Rob]

“The answer is relatively simple,” Nana responded calmly, solemnly as her eyes flickered across the room once more, first from Tsubaki to Sayis, then from Sayis to Lilith and finally back to Forty-Five. “We appoint the one person who, so far, has remained silent and decided to speak through her Vice-Captain, the one who so boldly, so brazenly put her forward for a position undeserving of her.

“Do not get me wrong,” she continued, her gaze resting upon Lilith’s persona for a moment, “I have no doubt that given the time she might end up becoming a good leader, a good Captain-Commander, but today is certainly not that day.

“Nor is a hundred years from now. I have watched her for some time, clashed with her verbally on numerous occasions, and if there’s one thing I can say with certainty... it’s that if there has to be someone to represent us on this esteemed council, it should not be a man who can hold both his allies—” her eyes sped across the room, resting upon the figures of several people, “—and less fortunate ones alike at an impasse.

“Despite what you may want to believe, Mabara-san...” Her voice sounded almost distant enough to be something else entirely, but was there still. “This current Gotei needs the man, but we need him as much as we need the others.

“We cannot accomplish this by having him divide his attention on two fronts, and you are very much aware of this. I’ll admit that my admiration for the man only goes so far, and that if push comes to shove, there’s very little I feel like acting upon if things come as they do.

“But,” she pressed on for one final time, closing her eyes for a bit longer than standard blink as a sigh left her mouth, “I would like it if we could avoid losing another Captain-Commander so soon, whether this is, as Feng-san suggested, atogether, or as you suggested, partially.”

[335/wc]

 

[Time Lady Katie]

Gently, a hand rested on a clenched fist and orchid eyes met emerald ones. There was a calming nature to this before the head of dark hair turned to face the Matriarch of Amaterasu, who had much like Adelaide attempted to nominate her for a position she did not have desire to attain. “My Vice-Captain is hardly obedient enough to speak for me, Amaterasu-taichou. A fact I assume you are already well aware of. In her zeal she has offered me for a title I do not seek. As, Nana, have you.” Moreover, it was a compromise she wasn’t even sure the Judges would be content with.

Though there was far too much vitriol at the Gotei’s table to be considered acceptable to the Mystic Captain. Taking her hand from the calmed Adelaide, she politely folded both of her hands together on the table in front of her. “I do find myself, however, agreeing with Mr. Morrison. We Captains are taking our own perspectives into consideration, and we fear what change might bring. But this decision belongs to Inuzuri-soutaichou. Personally, I do not want to see him leave the Gotei either, but it is not my place to make his decision. Nor is it Yoshishige-sama’s. It is his.”

Adelaide had wanted to breathe fire on Amaterasu in that moment, but Lilith had calmed her, and she remembered that she and Nana had an arrangement that such an action might’ve ruined. So she let the calming and serene voice of her Captain precede her remarks, and found some comfort in their tone. “It is also worth noting that we are here to set the course of history. I don’t think it’s fair for one side to declare an action off-limits, unilaterally. We should all lay all our cards on the table here. If anything is off-limits, than how can we expect to form a new pact to stand the test of time?” Okay, so maybe Adelaide had overstepped her role, but she was adamant that the Gotei had to at least had to fairly consider the offer being made to them.

350 Words
1471 Total​

 

[K3]

Kiro's mind had long since stopped trying to comprehend the events before him. Staring back down at the pages, he began to write. He hadn't expected to need to, but he would be imparting the same methodology that he had been granted to use with matters concerning the Central Forty-Six and classified individuals.

Scrawling in his neat cursive, the spy took careful measure to omit the names that had been uttered in the meeting.

The ink quickly drying, his mind turned over the recent developments. The idea of the Soutaichou leaving the Gotei... was a darkly foreboding one. The moment the proposition was made, it seemed to divide the very core of the captains.

Closing his eyes briefly and leaning back in his chair, he tried to leave the ludicrous lack of precedence the whole situation had behind him. He was no speaker, or representative, but he was nonetheless an asset the Gotei made liberal use of.

Of course, he mused to his zanpakuto spirit, this seems far too sudden when you think of how closely spaced the events of that day.

Sabigyoushou replied in its usual rumbling tone. [ A sword is only dangerous when the tip is pointed towards you. ]

The spy hummed thoughtfully, trying not to draw attention to himself. Perhaps it was a bit dark as compared to the relatively ground-breaking progress being made... but the possibility that the Central Forty-Six were merely levying Sayis into a favorable position for themselves was not one that his mind easily ruled out.

[ 255 / 520 ]

 

[Apeiron]

Haresuno closed his eyes and remembered the events of Gyouga Fukai Meiro. He didn’t doubt his fellow captains and other shinigami had been privileged to watch and even join in events of Seireitei’s history. Above all of those memories, however, was one that stood out as he sat in his tiny chair, was the ascension of Issei.

“Are you all not shinigami? Did you not take an oath to protect these judges? You have interrupted a day that comes once in lifetimes,” barked Samael, “Look towards the man that you are attempting to kill. Look towards the man that will soon sit among the wisest men and women! It will take more than you all to stop Issei Kikuchi’s ascension. And with you power, you will never even touch our high judge.”

The Faust lord’s voice still rang inside the captain’s mind. It was almost haunting how similar the scenario was. At any moment Haresuno expected the doors of the Cardinal Spirit Library to fly open, and attackers barrel down through the doors to kill any one of them. But it was a senseless worry, a distraction from the real worry he felt. With Sayis gone from the lead of the Gotei, which of them would lead? How would they be chosen?

Those worries and more bubbled up from inside the Founder-Captain, and so he raised his hand hoping to silence anyone else before they interrupted him. “If it’s all the same,” he began, his voice filling the walls of the library, “I’ll throw my support for Sayis.” Cyan eyes flickered to the Soutaichou, then back to the Judges, “Provided he will have ample time to make a smooth transition.” He didn’t doubt that Sayis wouldn’t see to the transfers personally, but he wanted the guarantee. Whether the Judges would acknowledge either Haresuno’s support or condition, however, wouldn’t come and he knew it. Instead he pushed ahead, “As much as a great event that this is - seeing the Soutaichou nominated for Judge Forty-Six - I’d like to know what you plan to do with Theron Ascania.”

[616]

 

[swaswj]

Unexpectedly, it was Forty-One... Yuuto who offered, "Perhaps it would be best to allow the Soutaichou a moment to consider. The offer to become a judge is surely an apprehensive thing for a man already in a position which is, in many respects, of parity to the position. While Sayis of Inuzuri considers the options, we shall attend to another matter." His cold eyes fell on Haresuno. "Our concerns for the vizard," he stated flatly, refusing to address Theron by name, "will be addressed in due time. Let us instead deal with the simpler matter of Michelle Faust's appointment."

Michelle looked over, a bit surprised. She sat up straighter. "I believe I can--"

"I may be new to these proceedings myself," Ashanti Osei interrupted, "but I don't believe this is a topic of merit for this meeting. Of what concern is it to the military?"

Reigen raised a hand to cut short the protest. "To some degree, you are correct, Forty-Two." Even with their faces revealed, he referred to the others by number. "However, in the vested interest of establishing trust in order for our new pact built upon a strong foundation, let us be open and forthcoming." Turning to Matsurine and then Nana, Reigen calmly explained, "Number Forty-Four's appointment was a matter of great debate, and so it is not surprising for it to be questioned here. Let us make one thing abundantly clear, however: despite the most recent unfortunate circumstances, the Faust family has ever been loyal, dependable, and trustworthy in the extreme. We have often taken issue with their blood, but only for overzealousness in the pursuit of their ideals, never in disagreement with their weal."

Nodding somberly, Yuuto added, "Michelle Faust is no exception. She never sought a position in the Central Forty-Six, previously, else she would have been one centuries ago. While her brothers and father established their legacy as soldiers, Michelle was ever a spokeswoman for the people, seeing to the needs of the many who live as vassals to their estate." He seemed to list her virtues only reluctantly, and Michelle watched curiously, seemingly unsure if he was sincere or sarcastic.

Sayis tuned out the unnecessary adulations, considering seriously the decision at hand. As Soutaichou, there were many, many things he had to do, but ultimately the majority of his time was spent in overseeing the daily maintenance of the Gotei. Though he was the strongest shinigami by a wide margin, his strength in battle was rarely in demand. What they needed wasn't necessarily the strongest warrior as a leader... but someone who could lead with a steady head and a fair mind.

Being a judge of the Central Forty-Six was far from his ideal plan, though. Having the ability to influence law seemed like a perfect way to begin changing things for the better, for the Gotei, for Rukongai. Yet, Raifuku's existence still remained as a warning against that. How many others had entered into the Central Forty-Six with that exact same goal in mind, only to find themselves corrupted over time..? In fact, when he considered the role, was he not already considering how he could better benefit the Gotei?

How easy it would be to offer him some leeway for his shinigami, if only he would support some other, unrelated matter.

Would it be worth it, though? Sayis scratched at his chin, while the judges continued listing various reasons why Michelle qualified to be a judge, consciously skirting around the subject of Uriel Faust's treachery.

Michelle herself finally seemed to have enough of it. "My fellows, if you please!" she entreated, raising her voice but not quite shouting. "They are not concerned with my stature among our people." Sighing, she clasped her hands in front of her, idly twisting a ring on one finger. "The Faust family have always been champions for Soul Society, that much is true. Beginning with Leviticus the First, we have always supported the prosperity and well-being of those around us, as we have rooted out and cut down evil. My brother, Gabriel, he embodied all the virtues of our legacy. Yet, I suspect your concerns are hedged more around our eldest brother, Uriel.

"I will make no excuses for his actions. Uriel was as dear to me as Gabriel and Raphael, but never would I condone the recklessness and bloodthirstiness of his actions. He loved Gabriel as much as I, but instead of mourning him, he looked for someone, anyone to blame. In his quest for vindication, he tarnished everything our family stands for. You have my solemn vow that while I regret his actions, I must fully endorse his sentence. My only hope is that one day, he will recognize that I do not do it out of malice." Her gaze hardened and she straightened her shoulders. "What I plan to do is continue to champion the cause Gabriel fought for most of his life, but I am not a soldier or a hero. As a judge, though, I will be able to touch the lives of many, not just those who live upon my own lands."

Although Matsurine didn't seem entirely convinced, he visibly calmed when Michelle voiced her thoughts on Uriel. Her words touched Sayis in a different way, however, lending clarity to some of his internal struggle. When it came down to it, Sayis never wished to be a soldier. If he could have a measurable impact upon the world without resorting to the sword... and if in so doing, he could lend support to those who continued to carry swords to defend the world of the living as well as Soul Society... would it not be worth it..? There was no desire to abandon his position, no desire to relinquish the haori on his back.

By making that sacrifice... by giving up his freedom and donning the robes of a judge... how much change might he be able to set in motion? Reluctantly, Sayis lifted his head. "I--"

[1000/4150]

 

[Time Lady Katie]

You don’t want this, the words of the Mystic rang in the Soutaichou’s mind. She saw it on his face, in his body language, she read it as plainly as if she could see into his very heart. And she essentially could. You don’t. You want what’s best for the Gotei... what’s best for everyone. But you don’t want this.

“Maybe,” continued the dark-haired woman aloud, “we are all right. You are right about it being the age of the entire Gotei and not an Age of Sayis. But without you, we would consume ourselves trying to replace you. It would be the most horrible insurrection since the Mask War. Yin-fukutaichou was right to be concerned about who would be the next Soutaichou. Takimoto-fukutaichou and, as much as it pains me to admit, Amaterasu-taichou were also correct in the solution. Rather than replace Inuzuri as Soutaichou, you should choose another at our table to serve as Judge Forty-Six. Vice-Captain Pierce was also right to say that you need strength and someone the Gotei cannot refuse to work with. I submit that Takimoto-fukutaichou meets these requirements and he willingly offered to serve.”

The redheaded Vice-Captain shook her head, “No, they can’t select him. Same reason it can’t be me, or Nana, or Lucia, or Feng, or Captain Uchiharu, or Mister Ascania. Nobility is a tapestry, and every choice is political. If they elevated Kago, they elevate House Takimoto. If they elevate me, they elevate House Pierce. Every noble has an enemy, a political rival for power. Elevating one insults the other, so a balance is necessary. I’m guessing that’s the kind of political capital they spent on you, Judge Faust; refreshing though your selection may be it means that they need someone without... baggage. They also cannot select Tsubaki because of her checkered past, nor can they select Igasho, nor Ishin. That leaves Lucas, Commander Inuzuri, you and Captain Kyuketsu.

“Lucas, as much as our past isn’t a good one, could probably competently defend the Forty-Six, but they doubtless are looking for something in the area of overwhelming force, and they need one of us who is a unifying figure. Simply not a big enough name. Kyuketsu, you could meet the criteria of overwhelming force quite nicely, but they need someone who is known for diplomacy and pragmatism, and the Eleventh isn’t a place to harvest those particular traits. That leaves Commander Inuzuri and Captain Maikeru. Nana was right, Captain. If Commander Inuzuri doesn’t take this position, you are the only remaining option,” Adelaide knew her next few words were selfish, so she sent them telepathically to Lilith, And I don’t have any desire to lose another Captain.

Lilith was perfectly still as she listened to the somber tone in Adelaide’s voice, and felt the reluctance from the man she sat beside. She looked to the unscreened Judges as if they would provide some alternative, some exit. As if they would step in and tear down the logic of her subordinate. They remained quite unsympathetically silent. Tell me you really have this ambition, Sayis. Tell me this is something you want for yourself. There was a sadness in the tone of her thoughts to her former Captain. She looked down at her still-folded hands.

She did not like, at all, the idea of abdicating her duties. She had crafted the Tenth Division into what it was, and they all counted on her. Adelaide clung to her like kelp to a boat. More than that, she had filled the role left vacant by the man who she now sought to protect from political machinations and nightmares of bureaucracy unlike that even a Soutaichou had to deal with. She was about to be buried while she was still very much alive. And then there was Ishin... Ishin. She was contemplating joining the people who had oppressed him, who had chained him. And that squeezed her heart in a vice.

But the Tenth would be well-tended. Adelaide wasn’t perfect; brash and perverted and still far too idealistic, but she would treat the Tenth Division well as its new Captain, Lilith was certain of this. She loved the Division with a passion rivaled only by Lilith’s own. And as for Ishin, and Theron for that matter, she could help them so much more from the other side of a paper screen. She could use that position to do good. But she couldn’t serve as Captain and Judge at the same time. That was too much power for one person to have and she knew that all too keenly.

Tell me, then, Soutaichou, she thought, the sadness now on her face as well as in her tone, that I... that this is the right thing to do. Tell me, as my leader and my friend, that... that I should offer myself for this. So that both you and the Gotei might thrive. She was more suited for this task than him anyway, and she knew that as well. She just didn’t want to leave her post. She didn’t want to turn her back on her duty.

850 Words
2321 Total​

 

[swaswj]

Sayis sat back in his chair, awash with emotion. I have no desire to leave the Gotei, he admitted, immediately wishing he had another answer, wishing even that he could lie to prevent what he realized she was about to do. Nor do I have any desire to lose you, he quickly added. From there... silence. Neither he nor Lilith thought at one another while an uncomfortable silence filled the room.

It was Toyotama who finally spoke up. "We have no desire to force this upon you, Sayis of Inuzuri. There is ever an abundance of candidates from which We may pull a suitable individual. Please know, however, that We have other matters of importance to discuss." Her voice had a tone of finality to it as she suggested, "Put the matter aside, that We may proceed."

For me, it is merely a cage... but a cage from which I can influence a lot of good. Sayis' thought were rushed, trying to impress upon Lilith his feelings. For you, I believe it would be no less painful, but it may also be an opportunity for new things. My life is the Gotei. I had nothing of note before it, and there is nothing outside it that calls to me. He sighed aloud. I can think of no one better suited for the role than you, Lilith, but I don't know what it means to you.

Turning to meet her eyes directly, letting her see the worry and uncertainty, he added, But I do know... my body is a tapestry of scars. I do not want to think of the same thing happening to you. Aloud, Sayis spoke solemnly. "It is not something I feel capable of accepting. If it holds weight, however, I must say that Lilith Maikeru has my full and heartfelt recommendation, should she be willing to accept this honor."

Lady Toyotama seemed surprised at this, but rather than reject it outright, she adopted a thoughtful expression. The other judges had expressions varying from smug to disappointed, but Forty-Five had a look that seemed to examine things more deeply.

[350/4500]

 

[Kago]

The nobleman leaned forward slightly so that he could glance over and see Lilith’s face. Her expression was stoic; however, her eyes hinted at the struggle waging in her mind. Clearly, the mystic felt the same as he did; sacrificing her position for the betterment of Soul Society would be a difficult yet worthy endeavor. As much as Kago did not want Lilith to ‘fall on her sword’ for them, he realized that she would be more suited for the position than he was.

As the acting captain returned to his proper position, he locked eyes with Adelaide for the briefest of seconds. In that moment, her former vice-captain offered a sympathetic and apologetic look – for he knew that she would not like what he was about to say.

“I wholeheartedly second Inuzuri-Soutaichou’s recommendation should she accept the nomination,” Kago added as he met the gaze of the council. “And I stand by my previous words. The Central Forty-Six would be fortunate to appoint any at this table to the position, especially one with such clarity and understanding as Maikeru-taichou.”


[180/892]