It has been a busy several weeks. I woke after the party and went to the temple to ask of Megumi what he meant. Why SilverWind didn't return to me. I realize now what he meant by there would be a sacrifice. It is a sacrifice that SilverWind made for my greed. I am ashamed of myself. I should commit seppuku, but that would take me from Fuji, and after all I have done to be with him, I couldn't. I am a greedy coward. I do not deserve to live.
Fuji came to the temple while I was there, and informed me that the army was moving out in a few hours. I was shocked that he intended to leave with the army. He assured me he wasn't required to stay on this land, so I agreed to go as well. He tried to kiss me, and I pulled back. I think it really surprised him. I told him it was too soon, which he apologized for profusely, but I simply smiled and shook my head. I told him not to apologize.
I packed my things and began to head out to the army when Fuji's mother stopped me in the hall. I bowed deeply out of respect for the woman. She was of course dressed appropriately for one who mourns for her husband. She placed me responsible for her son. I am to keep him alive. That, of course, is my every intention. One can not marry a dead man. At first I thought the woman would be like her husband, and demand things of me such as leaving him to live his life, or insisting he stay home. She did not though. She simply asked me to keep him safe. She also told me that if I ever need one, I have a home there with her. I was very shocked to hear this. So much so that all I could think of to say was domo arrigato. She had a servant carry my things to the camp that was quickly coming down by many hung over soldiers.
After several long arguments with Kuno about which route to take, we headed out. Fuji insisted on walking with me, as I refused to ride his horse. I am unworthy of riding a steed for sacrificing my brother SilverWind like that. A funny thing happened while we were gathering the troops though. Hida-sama, the daimyo of all Crabs, came out of his castle with an entourage of people, including the Scorpion courtiers that fed us last night. Mizake rode right into the parade and spoke to one, then rode out. The honor guards were astounded, I had to stifle a laugh. I wonder what they spoke of. Another humorous thing is that Jekusu and Kuno have evidently traded swords. Her ancestral katana for his family katana. Their ancestors will surely be wrathful if they have done something imprudent. Although, I often think that Jekusu's foolish actions are like a bowl of rice. You cannot count the grains as you cannot count the actions.
Our journey was uneventful for several weeks, until we reached the portion of the road that passes the Scorpion clan castle. We were stopped and detained while they examined our traveling papers. They claimed they were forged, and we were taken to see Bayushi Shoju himself. Scorpion clan Daimyo, and advisor to the Emperor. The papers they claimed were forged were not our original papers. They were not even good forgeries. Bayushi gave us our original papers, apologized for the mix up, and offered us tea and rice. I am certain he found some way to swap our papers to cause a delay for us in his lands. We all refused refreshment, but we did stay and talk to the man for a while.
I left feeling somewhat manipulated, but I'm not sure what to do about it. I don't trust that man, but I don't trust the Emerald Champion either. Who can I trust? Apparently the Emperor is going on a cruise, and every Daimyo is required to attend. I asked if it was logical to place every ruler in the Emerald Empire on a boat where events such as storms or the shadow can wipe away every semblance of order in the nation? Bayushi said I am very smart, for he hadn't thought of that. He needs to work on his sincerity. I am positive he thought of that exact thing, but I don't know why he would hide that fact. It doesn't make sense.
I can only move on and step warily. He told us he was cast from the courts by Doji Satsume with proof of his treacheries by correspondences from Kuno. I know Kuno has a big mouth, but I also know that we have had no proof against Bayushi, no connections, and no motives against the man. Doji is up to something, and Bayushi knows what it is, but due to his recently being cast from the court, he will not be trusted by anyone, and can therefore say nothing. So I believe he is manipulating us to expose Doji. I don't have any proof on any of this, but it is my gut feeling.
We traveled on while Kuno and Mizake split off to meet someone at Ryoko Owari. Apparently Mizake received a warning from the Bayushi courtier that the Emperor is in danger, and to go to this city under Kuno's mon and she would be contacted for more information.
Jekusu, Fuji and I led the army onward. We traveled through the canyon pass with little trouble, but met it in abundance shortly thereafter. On a narrow road surrounded by rice paddies, we were charged by an army under the black mon. Again. Our constant fighting with these people grows tiresome. They shot the scout we sent ahead in cold blood and charged.
It was a fierce and bloody battle. I struck the general of their army with a bolt of lightening that would have killed any mortal man, no matter how strong, but he shrugged it off while his horse burned to death from it's power. I couldn't believe my eyes. I feared Fu Leng's involvement in this General, and it turns out I was correct.
I stayed in the reserves and shot arrows, but looked over to find Fuji about to meet his end by two yarimen who had already buried their yaris into him. I threw a fireball with every strength of my being, splitting it in two and hitting both of the men simultaneously with the wrath of my fire. I rushed to his side and healed him with the power of water.
Kuno and Mizake returned from their short mission just in time to take down the general who, it turns out, held the other sword of Fu Leng. The one that matches the sword of the former Matsu Daimyo's that Kuno carries. He gave the second sword to Jekusu after she took the general's hands off with the naginata that I gave her that was retrieved from the shadowlands. I warned her of the dangers of wielding that sword. She looked hesitant, but I do not know if she will heed my warnings. I wonder why I bother to speak when they never listen to me. I studied all my life to become what I am, but the wisdom I offer to share with others constantly goes unnoticed, unappreciated, and unheeded. I can only hope things are different with Jekusu in this. I don't want to have to kill Jekusu if she becomes overwhelmed with the power of the shadow.
