Looking For Hope [Komugi, Shishiyuki]

The small steps she made toward the estate were hurried and desperate; the small Shinigami couldn’t help but feel worn by the events of the week - The Gotei United had disbanded and she’d been overhearing rumors of what’d take it’s place amongst other whisperings. She was… Scared, that her dream of having her family here with her, in safety, was now over. Her only hope seemed to lie in approaching the Koizumi, what little she’d manage to catch gave her enough confidence that there was still someone interested in upholding what the now fallen institution upheld, that people like her…

She was up long past her sleeping hours, the sunlight baring down on her petite figure as she’d approach the guards, coverings in addition to her shihakusho preventing it from touching her skin, her tail hidden and face obscured by the black kasa atop her head that bore darkly tinted fabric hanging from it’s rim. It was a wound to her pride to hide herself, but approaching on the other party’s time and terms was only appropriate.

“Good morning,” She’d speak through the darkness of her coverings, her voice had a softening of exhaustion to it, “I am Komugi Yadou,” She stopped herself - her heart sinking in recollection of the reality; there wasn’t much use in introducing herself with a title she no longer had, huh? A clearing of the throat would predate her question, “...Is the head of the Koizumi available?”

She had heard of the catastrophe upon their house; she couldn’t help but feel a little glow of admiration for the willingness to continue on despite the tragedy amidst her sorrow.

Another visitor; Shishiyuki was not displeased by it, but she was still getting used to it. After all, this had been what she promised to Erika, to Komamura. She would host those who required a home in the wake of the Gotei's disbandment, those who had been loyal to Murasaki's vision or had simply been secure under her.

"I am, depending on your purpose for being here, Miss Yadou."

Shishiyuki stood atop the gate to her estate as she looked down at the woman, studying her curiously. She could certainly step down to open it, if she became so inclined; but, for now, she had no reason to do so.

Her obscured face looking up, the light-filtering cloth that just draped her shoulders shifting along with her head's movements as a bit of surprise would strike her posture to see the woman she sought audience of atop the gates; that didn't seem normal, she expected to be escorted to somewhere on the premises, not seeing the lady show herself - usually nobles were uptight about appearance and all that, but here she was. If her tail weren't hidden, it'd be visibly fluffed for a moment; all that was present to her was now the need to explain why she was here... Rei-o where should she even start? Her stomach felt butterflies; Komamura-sama had trust in them, she had to steel herself; it was more than what the other nobles were presenting themselves as... Just breathe, show loads of respect, she shouldn't be turned away if she just gives a proper impression.

"Th-thank you for your appearance, Koizumi-sama," She remembered those lessons Nara-chan had her do when it came to dealing with those of higher class, clasping her hands and performing a small polite bow, the tension bringing cold sweats to her, "I have approached because I am in search of a path, since the Gotei United has now been dismantled, ma'am. I... I fear for what threatens to replace it."

She was being cautious of what she said out and exposed like this, she hadn't an idea of who could be listening, "I fear I may not be allowed a place within what comes next, but I heard you were a party interested in upholding the values of Captain Commander Murasaki. In turn, I wish to have an audience with you in discussion of it, if you would allow..."

Her tiny form visibly had a small tremble, even beneath all of the coverings; it was a mix of instinctive respectful fear for her betters, yet cautious admiration for the appearance of strength that stood above her.

Shishiyuki had expected people such as this to come, those who would be in need of support in these troubled times, and who would support the needs of her missing niece. It was, she imagined, the sorts who Komamura-dono had spoken of.

"I would allow. You may enter."

With a flash step, Shishiyuki moved to the ground below, and opened the gate to the estate before gesturing inward.

"Those who support the ideals of my missing niece are welcome here. Speak, and I will listen."

Her rising excitement to being acknowledged was quelled; Nara-chan said having unwarranted excitement in front of nobility was a huge no-no for them, that there were almost no other way to have them disrespect you than to act like a child. Her arms were firm behind her back in a squared formation. Stiff, rigid, proper... All things she hated but begrudgingly presented for her own impression's sake...

But even beneath the film of darkness that hid her face, the glimmering eyes of admiration would be on Shishiyuki as she had come closer to her own level. Though she wasn't literally much bigger than she was, she did have the sensation of a walking mountain before her; she could tell the woman was experienced and strong by her body alone, she almost got swept up in it before she remembered herself. Noble, even if she isn't like the cruddier nobles she was explicitly worried about. Act proper. A quiet breath left her.

So the Captain Commander really was missing... That was disheartening, on top of the already sinking bit of news after news she got. Felt like the more time went on past this catastrophe, the more things seemed to go wrong. This wasn't like the Demonic Incursion at all... It was chalking up to be worse.

"Thank you, my lady," She'd speak considerately, keeping a comfortable distance but still in reasonable conversational walk. She looked smaller, unassuming as she came along, not like a sneaking ghost but more like a meek predator before an elder as a show of respect, "I have been hearing of many troubling things... I hate to sound crude or offending, but I don't trust the decisions of Central 46. I'm afraid... What Gotei they want, will be a lot more particular of a case like me.."

Well, she was in some sort of shade - better now than otherwise; she might as well know what she's dealing with. Undoing the small tie around her chin, she'd remove the stylized kasa hiding her features, her feline face apparent as she did so, drooping in energy with the glints of sunlight - ugh.

"...I don't see myself, or anyone like me having a place in their Gotei - their Seireitei," She squinted, her gaze hard on the floor as she tried not looking directly into the light, "If you are upholding o-of Captain Murasaki's ideas... I hope you're in understanding."

She'd grip the rim of her hat tightly with gloved hands; just focus on the shadow beneath her... "I might have failed to protect the Seireitei, but that doesn't mean I want to give up because of that failure. I want to get stronger, fight to my last breath if it means I can help create a safer place. If you're welcoming of me, I will be a tireless worker - ever improving and at your side... If my aniki were present, he would be here speaking the same."

She couldn't express that selfish desire, not yet. She wanted her to know full well she wanted to be here - not at a price.

Shishiyuki considered the words of the visitor here, taking a moment to comprehend her concerns and, of course, the reason behind them. It was natural that someone like her would be doubtful of whatever might replace the Gotei United, with Central 46 behind it. Kuchiki had simply established himself as a slave to their whims, not that she was surprised about such things. After all, it would be inconsequential for them to take their funding away if he acted against their interests.

"I am indeed supportive of the Captain Commander's vision, Miss Yadou, and that is why I am here supporting the efforts of Lady Masamune and Lord Komamura. However, if you intend to follow in the footsteps of my niece, then I feel compelled to make it clear that I support them. I do not necessarily embody those ideals in the same way."

That much was simple fact, as far as Shishiyuki was concerned. Though she had ambitions of her own, they were just that; her own. She intended to better the realm in her own way, with her own hands, but that was not the same ambition those two had.

"Those two are far better individuals to follow if you wish for guidance. You are correct, that their Gotei is one built on old principles. And so I feel it prudent to direct you toward those who embody the ideals of something beyond those old principles. This estate, these lands, are a place where their supporters are welcome. I have sworn to provide a home and support to all those disenfranchised and cast out by Central 46, but I make no pretense that it is I who will create any organization that might succeed the Gotei United."

The small shinigami kept her emotions tempered as Lady Koizumi made clear of her role and intentions, keeping her posture and gaze respectful; the fact her attitude didn't change at all when addressing her did far more than her actual words, and the knowing for sure that Komamura-sama was supported by her, it made it less scary to ask.

"I understand. I had conversed with Komamura-sama just recently; I didn't realize the support had gone through," Tone measured and calm, she'd breathe before getting her next question out, "If you're housing supporters of this effort... I have a selfish request of you."

Her head would raise to look at her proper, her expression hesitant to convey what lied behind those round yellow moons, before she'd confess, "My position isn't the only thing I came to discuss with you. I had been working tirelessly for years to afford for my family to be brought to the Seireitei, to safety, where they won't go hungry or be constantly in fear of outside attacks. I had put them ahead of my own personal dreams or aspirations, but under this new rule those efforts to bring them would likely amount to nothing."

Komugi's expression grew stern, wanting, "I would ask if you could please bring them under your protection Lady Koizumi; they're hard workers, they just need a chance that no one out there is willing to give them; no amount of charity would ever go unpaid, I swear to you. They're good people..."