I rode next to my cousin, Shinjo Jekusu, on the way to the Topaz Tournament. I am still not certain why I have come here. Perhaps the fortunes will tell me to compete here, and earn my own gemmpuku. The journey was long and tedious, but something strange happened near the city.
An old peasant man fell into the river and Jekusu helped him out. Jekusu's friend Kuno kept walking… said something about wasting time with peasants. I was hesitant to help, I'll admit this. I considered helping, but something was odd about that little man. However, Jekusu was quick to assist. A very strange thing occurred though: the peasant's clothes were dry after Jekusu pulled him from the river. Jekusu was soaked, but he was completely dry. Out of appreciation for her help, he performed the tea ceremony for her, and I assisted by mixing the herbs and water. They began to boil without fire, and without any herbs that have that ability. I kept to myself, for this man is surely more than he appears. Megumi was his name. He wore a blue silk scarf around his neck, and gave Jekusu a mahogany box as a gift; a thank you for her help. She gave him her tanto in return. Surely not a fair exchange, but who am I to judge? Megumi offered to let us stay in his home while in Tsuma for the tournament. We accepted graciously, of course, and parted from this strange little man. It is a lovely home, with great gardens. Two beautiful paintings cover the wall in the sitting room. I believe they depict some famous occurrence in Rokugan history, but exactly what escapes me at this time. I am pleased we accepted Megumi's offer, for here we have more room than we would at the dojo. Jekusu wants to go further into the village and get something to eat, so I will cease my writing now.Tsuma is a great and beautiful city. It is the home of the famous Kakita fencing school. Perhaps this journey will not be a waste of time after all. There is a beautiful temple here that I hope I will have the opportunity to spend some time there, studying. As Jekusu and I were exploring the city of Tsuma, we were invited into a Sake House by a rather large, muscular Crab man. He challenged us to a drinking contest of sorts. I declined and sipped my sake, watching Jekusu get drunk off her mind. The man introduced himself as Hida Fujizaka. He had nice eyes... He won the contest, of course. Jekusu barely held her dignity enough to leave the room. Perhaps I am imagining it, but I think Fuji was looking at me strangely… looking as if he enjoyed looking. It gave me a nervous flutter in my stomach. He is rather handsome. It is probably in my mind.
This afternoon the Imperial Barge arrived in Tsuma. Everyone gathered to watch them arrive. The Emerald Champion, Doji Satsume, was there, and the Emperor himself came. Even his son and heir was on that ship. With the ship came many rumors. Rumors of possible war between the Lions and the Cranes, rumors that the Emperor is refusing to step down from the throne for his son, and rumors that the Scorpion Bayushi Sugai is being allowed to enter the tournament even though the deadline has past, and he is too old. This evening, the opening ceremonies were held. The city was decorated with paper lanterns, and iris blossoms. Costumed shugenja acted out epic events in Rokugan's history, and there was much revelry with firecrackers, dancers and jugglers. I thought I saw that Crab, Fujizaka looking at me at the event. I am not sure though. I must get sleep now though, for I am to compete in the tournament. I was entered without my knowledge, and I fear that if I fail, I'll lose the respect of my friends and family. And to do so in front of the Emperor??? Fortunes favor me, for this is the most prestigious gemmpuku tournament in all the empire. Everyone will know and see if I fail this. When Jekusu found out I must compete though, she gave me a look of pity. Even she thinks I cannot do this.
Today the competition began, and I wish I had not been entered. I must win five events to pass the gemmpuku, and I'm not sure if I can do it. I am performing well enough, but my rival that I am to compete against in every category is Hida Fujizaka, that Crab Samurai. Needless to say, during the Sumai portion of the event, he tossed me right out of the ring. My behind is still sore. How can they ask a small shugenja like myself to fight against a Crab Clan Bushi? What possess me to continue? There is something dark going on here. I suppose that's what keeps me going with this event. That, and I couldn't stand to be in Jekusu's gloating presence if I fail and she does not. She is a bit younger than me, after all. I'm afraid she already thinks I'm a weak person. It's a bit humiliating for me, since I'm supposed to be better, being older. How untrue that is...
After Sumai wrestling, we competed in Heraldry. I won that event by the skin of my teeth. Pure luck. Perhaps the fortunes are smiling on me. I know nothing of heraldry. I was not brought up in the courts! I was brought up in a temple! I suppose the only thing that saved me was that Fujizaka is a Crab, and they are not known for such things as heraldry, being busy protecting the Empire from the Shadowlands and all.
The Athletics competition followed Heraldry. We had to race through an obstacle course, over logs, climbing walls, running over needles, and other such nonsense. I won that one easily enough. Ironically, running is probably my best skill. Jekusu would laugh at that. If I cannot fight, I run. I would much rather live to see another day than to die. Jekusu would frown at my words. She and I don't always get along. She would rather die than to run away. Why is it that Bushi act with their swords instead of their heads? However, one cannot run from arrows, so I must learn to protect myself better. I noticed a rope on the obstacle course though. It's as if someone used it to cheat when crossing the needles. I have my suspicions that Bayushi Sugai did it, but there is no proof.
After athletics, there was an intermission wherein we all had lunch. Fujizaka joined me out in the gardens and apologized for throwing me so hard in the Sumai competition. He seemed very concerned for me. He has much brute strength, but inside, he seems to be a very sweet man. After intermission they held the Horsemanship trials. Being a Unicorn, that was easy enough to win. Then came the Law, Etiquette, and Bushido competition. Both Fuji and myself were at a loss here. While I'm sure he knows something of the Bushido, as I do not, neither of us is familiar with any type of law or etiquette. I won this after they had to change their questions several times. Again by luck. The fortunes must be smiling on me. With this ended today's competitions, and I have obtained four points. I only have to win one more to earn my gemmpuku. It is a strange thought, for I had no intention of even entering the competition.
After the trials there was a dinner held for all contestants. It was obvious that there was much going on there politically, but I have no idea what. Jekusu and I relied on Kuno's experience in court to get us through the dinner. Another Unicorn, Otaku Shiko, asked if she could join us in a drink at Megumi's home, which we readily agreed to. After that stuffy dinner, sake was a much needed diversion. We crossed the river, and found the bodies of five murdered men with poisoned shuriken still imbedded in their bodies. One was even killed from behind, and one was the Badger Daimyo. Assassins. For what purpose? We were looking around for clues when Bayushi Sugai, the scorpion in the competition, and nephew to the Emperor's advisor stepped from the shadows and demanded to know what we were doing there. He threatened us, and made us leave. We all suspect he is responsible for those deaths, but there is no proof. He claimed he killed those responsible for the gruesome sight. We had to return to the dojo and give our testimonies to Doji Satsume, the Emerald Champion, as well as the Emperor himself. They all thanked us for our help, but brushed it off, not having any solid proof against Sugai. We were about to leave when Otaku Shiko expressed her disgust with the way things were handled. She blamed Sugai out loud, and he blew up in anger. Sugai insisted his honor had been slandered and that they must fight to regain it. Shiko was outmatched and killed quickly. Such a waste of lives this evening. One day I will get revenge against Sugai for his treacheries.Day two of the championship proved to be just as eventful as the first. The first event was weaponry. I lost miserably. I just can't compete against Fuji when it comes to fighting. I tried to wield a katana, and I managed to dodge his first attack, but the fight was short, and I was mangled by his tetsubo. Ouch that hurt! I don't understand why he used that though. I thought it was only used on non humans. The second event was Poetry, and I won that one fairly easily. I am not much of a poet, but still, you can't expect a Crab Bushi to be much of one either. Here is my haiku from the competition: Silver flashing light / Illuminating wet nights / Lightning in the rain.
That made five wins for me, and I passed the gemmpuku, but I had to compete the rest as well. The third event was Courtier. Unbelievably, I knew the answer and won this event as well. During the intermission, Fuji was very apologetic for hurting me so badly with his tetsubo. I suppose I should have been angry, but he was just trying to win. He complimented me on my eyes. Said they were very pretty. It made me feel good. No one has ever really made me feel like that before. What is it about this Crab? Each time I see him now, I get these funny butterflies in my stomach, and I find myself staring at him when I shouldn't. Perhaps I have been hiding under a pile of scrolls for too long, when the sight of this man can make me feel such things.
Fuji also told me that he saw Matsu Shorisuro in Kuno's room. He suspects they have become lovers of a sort during this tournament. I am a bit surprised at this, for I thought Kuno was still in mourning for another Matsu woman. I'm not certain what his story is. All I know is Kuno is a cunning warrior, and a pompous ass. He assumes far too much and has little respect for others. I don't understand why Jekusu insists on associating with him.
After intermission was the Go tournament, which Fuji won instantly. Archery was after that and I put up a fight, but ended up losing as well. The final round was Hunting. We were to find Tsu Fish eggs, and we were allowed to work together. Jekusu, Kuno, Matsu Shorisuro, Fuji, and myself worked together and found a large stash of eggs. Many fish lying on the banks and in the trees guarded them. The fish were brilliant blue with iridescent emerald fins and tails. Jekusu, being her stealthy and cunning self, quickly climbed the tree and managed to return with an egg in tow, without waking a single fish. We decided to take a more active stance in obtaining eggs for the rest of us. Shorisuro set the tree on fire, and the fish scrambled down. I summoned a tsunami and washed them all downstream while the two men gathered eggs for everyone. It was almost a pity to take the eggs, for the fish themselves were quite beautiful, despite their large sharp teeth. The men killed one of the fish to take back for dinner. It was a great victory, but proved to be short lived. On our way back, we were attacked by bandits, and our eggs taken. I suspect Sugai put these men up to it, but I was not about to give up my life for some silly eggs. I wanted to go back and gather more for Fuji though, because he still needed the point to pass the gemmpuku. There was no time. I feel horrible. He did not pass, and it was my fault. I was the first to turn over my eggs. If I had not been such a coward, perhaps he would have passed. Sugai was the only competitor who passed the Hunting trial. He returned with three eggs. I am not surprised.
Shorisuro did not pass the gemmpuku either. She is required to commit seppuku for failing. I can't believe her daimyo is requiring this of her, but it is none of my business. There is nothing I can do for her. We did manage to drag back the giant Tsu Fish though, and Jekusu prepared a great feast at Megumi's. A feast that Kuno did not participate in. He remained at the dojo, and I suspect he wants to spend time with Matsu Shorisuro. She is to commit seppuku in the morning. Jekusu gave Kuno a stern lecture on where his loyalties should lie. She also knows about his affair with the Matsu Shugenja. He should help her in finding a way to live. It is no dishonor to fail the gemmpuku, especially since Matsu Shorisuro competed against Jekusu in each category. There is little Kuno can do to help her, but I hope he does all he can to ease her suffering.
Fuji joined us in the meal. I couldn't help but laugh at his inability to take the spices Jekusu cooked the fish in. Unicorns are the only clan who like spicy food I guess. He was kicking back the sake to wash it down. Although it was an amusing sight, he was drunk before the meal was finished. He was in no condition to go back to the dojo, so Jekusu and I invited him to stay. He got himself settled in Jekusu's room, then Jekusu promptly locked herself in mine. I was furious! How dare she assume so much? I pounded on the door until she finally came out - and left to sleep outside in the garden.
Perhaps, deep inside though, I wanted her to stay locked in, for I puttered around the small house for a while. I was in the kitchen, and Fuji stepped from his room. He was not wearing his kimono - just his hakama. His muscular chest shone even in the dim lantern light. I must admit I began to tremble. He is a very handsome man. He was now sober, and the spices were coming back to haunt him. He saw me, and immediately apologized and retreated. It's odd that he has turned out to be a bit shy. I had to quickly stop him from leaving. I invited him for tea. We stayed up talking for quite a while. He was very gentle and kind. He kept telling me how beautiful I am, and complimenting my hair and eyes. He gave me the poem he wrote for the competition. The haiku was about war and flowers… an odd combination, but wasn't bad at all. I'm a little surprised I won that competition. If I hadn't, we would both pass the gemmpuku... And his smile… a woman could get lost in his smile. By the time it happened, my heart was thumping with anticipation, but finally, he kissed me. He put his big strong arms around me and kissed me. Never have I felt this way about a man before. Never. We spent the night together, and I feel no shame in this. Some would see it as treachery, or dishonor. I do not. I feel as if we were meant to be together.Today the Topaz Championship came to a close. The Matsu shugenja committed seppuku as was required of her, aided by Kuno. I wonder what goes through his mind. Why would he betray his lost love for this girl, knowing she was to die too? It seems strange that he is doomed to care all too much for Matsu women.
The final challenge was a dual between the finalists. When it was my turn, I was to go against Jekusu. I stepped down. She is my better at the dancing of swords, and I was not in the mood to be cut. Jekusu won the title, and Kuno came in second.
Oddly enough, Megumi, the man who's home we have been staying in, appeared at the closing ceremonies. He turned into a blue collared crane and flew away. I am unsure that anyone saw him but me. As I suspected from the beginning, he is far more than a mere man. I murmured a quick prayer in his honor.
Our small group did well at this tournament. Kuno was challenged by a Crane Samurai, who was the favorite in this contest. I am not even certain why he challenged him. Perhaps he felt dishonored that he lost the tournament. It was a silly challenge, though, for the Topaz Tournament was over, and the Crane had nothing to gain. Kuno easily won, and humiliated the Crane. The Emerald Champion was there watching, and was impressed by his abilities. He gave Kuno the title of General, and a small army, and a unicorn horse. All he needs to do is travel to the unicorn lands and pick one out, and he would meet his troops there. I wonder, really, what Kitsu Kuno thinks of all this. It has all fallen on his shoulders very quickly, and he wasn't even the champion. Kuno asked Jekusu to be his second, and Fuji to be his morale officer. I am to be his shugenja. I'm not sure what that is supposed to mean. Often, a General will take a shugenja as an advisor, but Kuno did not specify that. He wouldn't listen to me anyway, I'm certain. Kuno listens to no one.
The Emerald Champion has also ordered us to take his Kakita Asami with us. She is a beautiful woman, but I distrust the motives that place her with our group. However, she does have knowledge that may come in handy. She is a Crane, and knows much about heraldry and court life. Such things are unknown to me, and probably to Jekusu as well.