Winter court sped by quickly. I was well received there, and am grateful for that. I had feared I would be blamed for the gateway incident. It seems though, that the Crabs are optimistic about Fujizaka's return, especially the Hida Family. I try to be as strong as they are, but every moment we are separated, my heart dies a little more. He will return, of this I know, but that doesn't ease the pain. I miss him so much. The winter passed with little incident though, and it is now time to return north, for the Spring Festival. I don't wish to leave the Crab Lands, for here, I feel closer to Fuji, but I'm not so foolish to ignore Imperial order.Hida Yakamo has returned, and has taken his place as Daimyo. Fuji will be relieved to hear this upon his return. I am traveling with Hida Yakamo-sama and his entourage to the Emerald Castle, where the Spring Festival will be held. I am not looking forward to seeing that structure again. So many lives were lost in the battle against Oni no Satsume.
There is a man here, who seems to always be near to me. He keeps his distance somewhat, so not to be obvious, but he's never far from me. His name is Hida Hisaki. I don't think the man has ever learned to smile. He is marked from battle, in many places. He keeps his head shaven, for what reason I am unsure. It is a bit unnerving to have this hardened man always watching me.We came to a clearing within eye shot of the castle, and decided to camp there for the evening, and arrive at the castle in the morning. I saw a blue collared crane fly into the trees a little ways from the camp. I, of course, left the group, intending to pay my respects to Megumi. After a prayer, the little man emerged from the trees, as I have seen him do so many times before. It never fails to amaze me. He held a string of fish, which he gave me for dinner. Strange. He was unable to answer many of my questions. He doesn't know when Fuji will return, but I am to work with Mizake, and some others, in doing something. He was very vague. He couldn't say what our task would be, or who the others would be. He also mentioned that if I find Fuji too soon, the results would be catastrophic. And that I would still have to choose between the Empire, or my love. This upset me somewhat. I have chosen already. Will I be forced to do so again? I fought beside the Empress against Oni no Satsume. I could have joined Fuji, but I did not. Apparently my life is entertaining for the fortunes. Do they not know how difficult it was for me to not take up Fuji's wakazashi and perform the final cut? I failed to protect him, dishonoring myself, and his family. Megumi said the fortunes had bets going on who's head would be shorn, per my advice for punishment. So my life is a game for them, and I have no choice but to play. Whatever this task I must perform with Mizake is, I will do it.
I emerged from the trees, to see Hida Hisaki watching me, a short distance away. I took the fish to the cooks, who were grateful for the extra food. Supplies have been scarce. I sat in front of another fire to eat my meal. He kept watching me. If he saw me look up at him, he'd quickly avert his eyes. So I stared back. I grew tired of his games, and wish to know why he follows me, and why he watches me, but has yet to speak to me. I am not an animal or a servant. I deserve better treatment than this. And I'm certainly no criminal to be weary and suspicious of. The next time he looked up at me, I winked at him.
The fool leapt to his feet, his tray of food clattering to the ground. Looks of shock, disbelief, horror, anger and fury crossed his face. Then he picked up his fallen tray, and sat back down to finish his meal. Not a word was spoken. I opted not to push any more buttons this evening, and retired to my tent for the night. There is no doubt in my mind that Hisaki was watching my tent while I slept.We finished the ride to the castle quickly, and I was greeted very cordially by the stable hands. We spoke for a short while, and I agreed to let them care for Kiseki. The Cranes told me that they know of me, that my story is famous. I had to struggle not to blush. One recited a love poem about me. I was intrigued. Who would write such things about me? Fuji is no poet, despite his efforts. I asked who wrote the poem, and he replied, "The Empress herself--" But was cut off by Hida Hisaki picking up the small boy by the front of his kimono. He grunted and exclaimed that "She is betrothed." I could have screamed! Why does this stranger interfere in my life?
He pushed the lad aside and picked up my things, telling me to follow him to my room, if I wish to know where my room is. I glared at him, but he merely glared back, and I shrunk under his penetrating stare. I was about to follow, when a young Samuraiko rode up to the stables. She wore a dagger on her belt, engraved with blue collared cranes. I knew immediately she was one of the "others" that Megumi had referred to in my quest with Mizake. The girl had long flowing white hair, but wore a Lion mon. I was baffled. She introduced herself as Akodo Kaze. I discovered that her mother was a Crane, which explained the white hair. I invited her to dinner, as I knew I must get to know this young bushi if I am to convince her to go on this quest. She told me that she purchased the dagger from an old peddler. Interesting.
We were again about to follow the ornery Crab, when a Unicorn bushi rode up to me, and dropped to his knees before me, holding a scroll. I asked him to rise, and explain his presence. He stood, and handed me the scroll. A message from Shinjo Yokatsu himself. The Unicorn Daimyo. I broke the seal and unrolled the scroll. It explained that the bushi standing before me is Iuchi Tukizumi. He is to be my personal bodyguard. What luck. Why must all the world be against me??? I am capable of caring for myself! Why can I not do so now? A self appointed Crab, and now a kinsman appointed by my Daimyo. I had no choice but to follow the sour Crab to my rooms, with Iuchi Tukizumi and Akodo Kaze in tow.
My room. It was the same room I was placed in on my first stay at the Emerald Castle. The room Fuji and I would have shared had he not been rushed off to his wedding by the Emerald Champion. I remember I stayed only one night in that room, alone. Weeping. I still hold bitterness in my heart for that night. There was a note on the table from Empress Asami. I have been invited to dinner with her this evening. It will be interesting to see her again, for such a position is bound to have changed her.
We had barely stepped foot into the room, when I heard Kakita Mizake walking down the hall. I nearly pounced on her in an embrace. It has only been a few months, but it seems like it has been so much longer. She had with her a scruffy looking Ronin. Haichi, by name. It appears that Mizake has been appointed Crane Daimyo by the Empress. I am impressed.
The Ronin is Mizake's bodyguard, or something to that effect. He carries a boken engraved with blue collared cranes. I can't say I was surprised to see that. Just then, I heard a familiar voice across the hall. Jekusu. So we are all together again. Except Kuno. I have heard he has disappeared. And Fuji, of course, but that will be remedied shortly, I'm sure.
We talked for a short while, and I got a chance to discuss with Mizake the situation with the young lion, Akodo Kaze. She seemed to understand perfectly.
Just then, a group of samurai entered the room, followed by Empress Asami. We all fell before her of course. She looked as lovely as ever. She ordered the guards to leave, then demanded we rise, and began talking with us informally. She made teasing remarks about there being three men in my room, and invited them to come to dinner this evening as well. I can't say I am pleased about that. I would much rather have left my "guards" behind. I did introduce the foolish men to her though, and she seemed quite taken by Iuchi Tukizumi. He is a very handsome man, I'll allow her that opinion. Asami was also very disappointed in Akodo Kaze's dress. I hadn't noticed before, but the Lion wears only drab grays and black. Asami has also graciously invited her to dinner.
Asami spoke to me seriously about something that is happening in the Empire. Bodies are found, with no blood, and missing the heart and liver. She doesn't trust anyone but her own friends to check into the matter. So this is the quest Mizake and I are to undertake. She refused to allow Jekusu to join. Jekusu is to return and finish establishing her clan.
Asami is having problems with men. So many men are competing for her attention, even more so now. She was the catch of the Empire before, now as Empress, she also attracts the power hungry, and everyone else. Doji Kuwanan, the poor fool who was the favorite for last year's Topaz Championship, and dishonored by losing to Jekusu (also dishonored by Kuno in his ridiculous duel) is also competing for Empress Asami's attention. He intends to compete in the Emerald Championship.
Asami made an exit nearly as grand as her entrance, and bid us farewell until this evening. I led my friends... and guards... to the tower which Doji Satsume took me to on my first visit here. The tower with the giant telescope. Hida Hisaki remained at the base of the tower, and Iuchi Tukizumi positioned himself at the top of the stairs as Mizake, Jekusu, Kaze and I took turns looking out the giant glass. I don't recall if Haichi looked through though.
Then she showed up. Bayushi Kachiko. The woman makes my skin crawl. She was blatantly flirtatious with Iuchi Tukizumi when she passed him. Not that I mind that. She can have him. But I can't help but to wonder what kind of ulterior motive she would have in acting that way. She spoke to me as if we have always been the best of friends. She and I have never spoken to one another before. I find this very odd. She told me that there are rumors of a man who came from deep in the shadowlands, claiming to have fought Fu Leng himself. She says this man is currently in Ryoko Owari. Journey's End. I had to suppress my excitement a this news, for surely this is Fujizaka, but I keep hearing Megumi's warnings echoing in my head. Timing. What was that supposed to mean?
Kachiko offered to have the man brought forth, and I refused to allow her to do that. She is sending men to gather information. Just information. If I discover she has done more than this, I will break her lovely neck. I don't see how information can hurt. To know that someone has seen him, talked to him, and confirmed that he is safe, that is all I need to rest easy. The time for our reunion will come. Kachiko expressed her desires to remain the best of friends, she and I. Friends. With Kachiko. A friendship that may end with my throat slit. I do not trust this woman.Dinner was lovely, and Asami presented us all with gifts. My gift... well... it was not appropriate to be holding up in front of everyone. Asami explained it was for well wishes for my future. With Fuji. I hope I didn't turn too bright a shade of red. Asami cut the dinner short, explaining that the opening ceremonies for the festival were tomorrow, and she had a punishment to dole out, so she must get rest.
After dinner, Mizake and I made our way to the bath house. I couldn't wait to soak in hot water after the journey from the Crab lands. And I wanted to get out of the sight of Tukizumi who is never more than a few feet from me. At least Hisaki gives me a little space. While we were bathing, Kachiko came in as well. I wondered for a moment, why she bothers dressing, since she looks the same dressed as she does naked. She spoke for a while about Iuchi Tukizumi, and how handsome he is. I shrugged. I am betrothed, I told her. Mizake's attentions lie elsewhere as well. She wasn't there long, and I was glad to see her go. When I returned to my room, I only barely noticed that Iuchi Tukizumi was not guarding the bathhouse door. I wonder where he went.The opening ceremony for the festival was beautiful. Asami did a splendid job with her speech and her kimono was breathtaking. Then she began another speech. She explained that the throne was blatantly disrespected just after the death of her father, and that advice from a wise person left a punishment to be dealt to the guilty party. She then drew a tanto, and cut all the hair from her head with it. She swore fealty and honor to the throne, swearing to do her best for the Empire. Her words were moving and beautiful. I struggled to keep my eyes dry after her touching oratory. The crowd cheered, and she declared the Festival's games open.