"What!" Miya Yoto's outburst draws stares but none knows why the old man yelled. "You," he says pointing to a nearby seppun guardsman. "Find and bring the emerald champion and Kakita Toshimoko."
"Now," he intones, "tell me everything, leave out no detail and be prepared to repeat it for the Champion and Daimyo." While Saburo recounts his tale, Kakita Toshimoko and Doji Satsume arrive. He's then forced to recount it twice more.
"So two of them, might still be alive," asks Doji Satsume? "If the scorpion hasn't killed them yet," replies the Kakita Daimyo. "Some men and horses and a healer," he suggests, "We'll find them and find out why they have dishonored us so." Doji Satsume gives a curt nod and says "I'll will do this."
Kakita Toshimoko meanwhile gives you a sad smile, "You've passed the hunting test, though i am sure the tase of victory will be sullied by these events. I must now go and speak to the public, let them know what has occurred." He sighs, "Should you feel the need to speak on these events, seek me out in the evening." While he was speaking to you all, he pats Saburo on the back? Much more gently than he is used to by now.
"Once we know why you were attacked," says Miya Yoto, "Someone will be sent to find you."
Kiyashi was content to allow Saburo to explain. Kiyashi's storytelling might have a touch more flair than the archer's, but this was not a time for flair. Flair might come later, when explaining Hiruma Do's death to any other clanmates that may choose to ask him about it.
In the meantime, however, Saburo and the two women were Kiyashi's concern, and he bowed to them all.
"You handle yourselves very well. I am honored to have been teamed with each of you, and Denbe as well." He smiled, somewhat ruefully. "Two Scorpion, a Crane, and a Wasp; not the samurai I thought I would meet, perhaps, but worthy nontheless."
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited January 2009
Saburo respectfully thanked the Crane and Imperial, stepping back to speak with his fellow competitors.
"I am honoured to have been part of this team- we worked very well together, and managed ourselves quite well in the face of a deadly threat."
Pausing a moment, he stares off into the distance, taking a moment to dwell on his feelings, not even really realizing he's speaking aloud. "I've never killed a man before. All of that training towards that one goal and...I'm not sure how I feel about it now that I've shot an arrow into something that isn't a target."
Saburo found his musing interrupted by a mighty clap on the back as Kiyashi laughed.
"Come now, those were not men! Those were honorless insects, unworthy of our attention save what it required to gut them. Do not concern yourself with them; they attacked us, after all. They forfeited their own lives."
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited January 2009
Caught as much off guard by the realization he had been musing aloud as by the blow to his back, Saburo blinks and looks embarrased.
"Of...of course you're right, Hida-san. I have to remember I'm to be an adult now, and can't afford the luxury of dwelling on childish feelings... it's time to move past that."
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited January 2009
"Anyway, I for one am hungry and thirsty after all that running and fighting. Could I interest the three of you in a light meal and perhaps a *bit* of drink?" That last was directed at Kiyashi, though with a smile on his face. "It sounds like we may well be called away from our afternoon off at any time, so we may as well stick together and save Miya-sama some trouble rounding us up."
"Besides" he continued with another grin, "I have done nothing but sit with boys since I got here. Sitting with two lovely samurai-ko such as yourselves would be a welcome change!"
Rika smiled and nodded. "Some light refreshment would be pleasant after that... incident. You handled yourself well, Tsuruchi-san. I have never seen a Wasp fight before, your style is quite... unique."
The tall bushi turned to Harukichi, lightly touching her arm. "Kakita-san, will you accompany us?"
Kiyashi snorted a bit at the "bit of a drink", but refrained from any overloud protestations.
"Of course, though I intend to check on Bayushi Denbe when he returns."
Kiyashi himself was not covered in the blood of the fallen, and as such would not be making a side-trip to any temples beforehand, so he merely clapped Saburo on the back again, more gently this time, and then turned to the two women.
"I do believe I met each of you before... the night before the contests. You have both done well. It will be an honor to share a table with you."
After some time spent in the house of laughing carp, where the mood is dour to say the least. A man comes to fetch you at the emerald champions behest. Limping after him is Bayushi Denbe "Oh good i just made it here and i get to go back again, lovely." He is bandaged around the waist, the wound seems to be mostly an inconvenience now that it has been treated.
"Come on, lets all limp back," Denbe says, "appropriately the mood here has something in common with that of a funeral,".
As you're escorted out of the inn and toward the kakita duelling academy the seppun guardsman sent after you speaks up. "Humble apologies, we are to use the side entrance." No further explanation is given. Past the gate and into the cellars of the academy you are led to a lamp lit basement with two of the thugs bodies resting on two empty barrels. In the room are Kakita Toshimoko, a shugenja of the crane clan, the emerald champion, some eta presumably for handling the bodies kneeling with their face to the ground and yourselves. "The emperor, has been made aware of what happened and also of the chilling revelation we are about to share with you." says Doji Satsume as he nods to the shugenja.
The priest pulls away the blanket covering the two men and what is unveiled is a gruesome sight. Shadowland taint has warped these men from the inside out. All their gruesome internal deformities laid bare. Jade powder has been dusted over them to ensure cleanliness. "That'll do," the eta spring up and cover the body again. "Tell me," continues the emerald champion. "There was no, outward sign of this taint you could see?"
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited January 2009
Saburo gazed in horror at the festering corpses... caught totally off guard, he was suddenly overcome with the violent urge to be sick. He managed to hold it in for long enough that he didn't vomit in front of (or much worse on) the assembled notables, rushing out the door to be noisly sick outside.
Harukichi is silent most of the way back. To be honest, she has been rather silent every since she first saw the massacre. The past few hours, she simply drifts along, as if a gaki. Why would they do that? What did those contestants ever do to them?
As questions are asked of her, she simply nods her assent and goes along. After many a silent moment in the Laughing Carp, she and her companions are summoned by the Emerald Champion. Maybe you'll get some of your answers! She perks up slightly at the summoning and nods to the messenger.
She moves along with her companions in to the duelling academy and in to the cellar. She sees the bodies of the men, covered by a blanket. As eta spoke and then pulled away the blankets, her senses are assaulted by the gruesome sight. Shadowlands taint...
She quickly turns away, moving quickly to a bucket, presumably placed there for just this purpose. She expels whatever little food she had eaten since the incident. She closes her eyes tight, "No. There was no sign of... that."
She takes a few deep breaths and recovers herself, standing and turning to the Emerald Champion, the Shugenja, and the eta, "How has so much Shadowlands taint found its way so deep in to Rokugan?"
Kiyashi was not surprised when Saburo fled past him, nor when the crane emptied her stomach. He, however, neither joined them, nor did he answer the Emerald Champion. He was looking over the tainted body, and feeling a dark rage overcome him. Shadowlands taint?! HERE?! And I did not see it. How could I have been such a fool? Did Hiruma Do see it, before he died, I wonder...
He spoke very quietly after the Crane. "There was no outward sign when we met them. But I cannot say I am surprised." His voice was low, and it had an edge to it. His eyes rose, meeting the Emerald Champion's gaze, then glanced to Harukuchi, answering himself.
"The Taint is not universal to the Shadowlands beyond the wall alone. Pockets of it can be found here and there, as well... It is to my shame to lose a Clanmate to this, but his death has exposed them to us."
His eyes flicked back to the Emerald Champion, and he spoke up a bit.
"If there is to be a search, I will volunteer." Before he had a chance to be ordered anyway. He was Crab, after all; he was no expert, and certainly no shugenja, but all Crab were taught enoiugh to fight their enemy. "I would relish the chance to visit further vengeance upon these..." he hesitated, pausing, casting about in his mind for a curse vile enough; he didn't find it, choosing to fall silent instead.
It didn't even occur to him that he hadn't been confirmed for his gempukku, nor that there may well be better qualified people present. It also didn't occur to him that there might not be more, nor that the Emerald Champion might not choose to simply send out search parties to hunt them down.
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
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Saburo walked back in almost immediately, looking pale but much more composed. Well, now that I've shamed myself... Taking his former place and wiping his mouth on his sleeve, he added his feelings to his compartriots.
"It would be an honour to be assigned any part in ridding the area of this foulness, Doji Satsume-sama. My bow is of course at the ready to serve and protect the Emperor".
Rika nodded, looking at the covered bodies with open distaste. "If such foulness exists in this land, I would be eager to purge it. These men held no outward signs of being Tainted, and if they were touched by darkness... I am sure many others are, as well."
"Why they were so deep within rokugan, is indeed the question." Says Kakita toshimoko. "Sadly we have no true experts on hand, no experienced phoenix or crab shugenja are in attendance. Messenger have been dispatched ofcourse."
"The emperor was displeased to say the least, he has taken drastic action." Doji Satsume adds. "The jade magistrates are not what they once were, phoenix influence has whittled them down to almost nothing. Tomorrow those who attain their gempukku are to become Topaz magistrates. A new position created by the emperor, he is seeing to it now. Empowered to investigate this matter fully. "
"One tainted man might wander alone untill madness claims him, but four? There is some greater purpose." Says Kakita Toshimoko.
"Their blades, my wound," says Bayushi Denbe the question unspoken. The shugenja shakes his head and speaks up, "their blades were new, clean and untainted. Another suspicious fact."
"Keep this to yourselves for now," says Doji Satsume, "tomorrow the others will know what they need to."
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited January 2009
"Of course, Doji Satsume-sama. We will not speak to anyone of this...development. To receive such an honour from the emperor himself..." Saburo bowed deeply to the three Samurai, honeslty shocked that they had been entrusted with such a dangerous mission position. Perhaps it's a vote of confidence in our abilities he thought to himself, or maybe they suspect us of some part of this evil. Whatever the case, we're sure to get a chance to prove ourselves.
The stakes for not proving up to the task, it seemed, had just been raised higher than he would have dreamed this morning.
Nodding to himself Kakita Toshimoko breaks the silence, "We thought it best to tell you now, but we won't keep you any longer. Retire for the evening and banish all evil thoughts. Tomorrow, iaijutsu!" he says with a wan smile.
Doji Satsume, looking thoughtful instead of scornful, sighs deeply. "These are dark omens and we ride north the day after tomorrow, it will fall to you youths to discover the truth behind these events." He takes a last look around before walking out.
The shugenja speaks up again, "We're going to do some further examinations. You will not want to see this." That as much as anything else, is your cue to exit.
Kiyashi nodded, giving a deep bow to each of those present, and makes his exit, glancing once at Saburo on his way out. He leans down, and speaks very quietly into Saburo's ear.
"Feel no shame. It happened to me the first time as well."
He gave the Wasp a small smile, then a light clap on the back, then left him to follow as he chose.
Shadowlands Taint, here.
Kiyashi could not help but feel a cold feeling in the pit of his stomach. It should not be so...
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited January 2009
Following Kiyashi out the door, Saburo nevertheless felt shame burning brightly through him (and most especially through his cheeks). "I just...I wasn't expecting that." Breathing deeply, he tried to regain his composure as they entered the courtyard. "I suppose there's a good chance we'll be testing pinpricks against... heavy armour a bit sooner than we'd planned. That should be pretty exciting."
"Exciting will not be the half of it. I suggest you prepare yourself, Tsuruchi-san. We have an unpleasant task before us."
He said little more, however, choosing instead to forego the evening meal and return to his room. He would spend the remainder of the evening alone, unless events conspired to remove him from his room. He had chosen to take his own advice; he needed to prepare himself for the task ahead.
The mood today before the competition has two sides. The contestants and their entourages are somber due to the deaths of their fellows. The peasants still in the dark about any and all developments are excited and show up in even greater quantities than they did yesterday. Understandable as today even more have been given a day's leave from their duties.
As you enter the kakita dueling academy you see Miya Yoto reclining on a chair and the emperor standing at the speakers stage. As soon as everyone is settled he speaks. "Friends, loyal subjects, today in the school where i learned the art of iaijutsu we hold the final stage of the Topaz championship."
"Under the guidance of Kakita Toshimoko, i learned the art of the duel here. Together with my friend Doji Satsume." he smiles as he holds a hand out toward his friends. "There is a dire need for honorable young samurai, therefore lets this be an incentive. The topaz champion will be granted the blade i learned the art of iaijutsu with. That is all." A ripple goes through the cloud, a personal gift from the emperor is something almost no one can hope to receive. Polite applause starts soon after.
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited January 2009
The Emperor's speech done, the combatants were paired up by Kakita Toshimoko, and the first round began.
Tsuruchi Saburo found himself facing the unicorn, Moto Xuren, and knew he had caught a lucky break. He didn't really pay much attention to the other battles, but secretly hoped the duelists would knock each other out to give him a chance at actually winning the tournament, small chance though that would be.
Facing the Moto, Saburo bowed deeply to him as ritual demanded, and the Moto took a moment too long to bow back. He's never done this before Saburo thought to himself, trying not to appear too confident. As Saburo settled into his stance, the Unicorn did his best to stand so that he looked like he knew what he was doing...and failed. On the sideline, he saw a few Crane shake their heads...
The duel itself was one of the shortest in history. Saburo gave the Moto the chance to focus first, but the unicorn immediately called for a strike, and was instantly hit with the flat of the Wasp's blade, ending the match practically before it had begun.
The Unicorn bowed to Saburo and whispered: "Good luck, Tsuruchi-san. I'm sure you'll fare better next round than I would have!", before leaving the floor to watch the remainder of the competition from the sidelines.
Kakita Harukichi moves on to the dueling square, her sheathed katana held vertically in front of her as she moves to the starting position. The Lion mirrors her own movements as he moves in to position. They bow at the hip to each other.
Harukichi and the Lion move their katana to their left side and tie it to their obi. They once more bow at the hip to each other. Harukichi adopts the beginning stance for an iaijutsu duel, but the Lion does not move. Harukichi raises an eyebrow at the lack of action by the Lion.
The Lion then proceeds to untie the katana from his obi brings it to his front, this time lying horizontal, forming a bridge between his two hands, outstretched in front of him. He kneels down and places the katana on the ground in front of him and then proceeds to bow low to her.
"He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious," the Lion says rather loudly, echoing the wisdom of his ancestor Akodo. "I concede this match to the Honourable Kakita-san."
Harukichi shifts back to a resting stance, somewhat stunned by the sudden concession. The crowd murmurs slightly, wishing to have seen an iaijutsu match, not a concession. Harukichi ignores the murmurs and mirrors the Lion's actions, untying her katana, kneeling and placing it before her, and then bowing to the Lion. "Your concession is honourably received, Akodo-san. Thank you."
Both bushi pick up their katanas and move from the field. The judge steps forward and declares loudly, "The winner of this match is Kakita Harukichi!"
Rika stepped onto the duelling mat once again, this time facing the Crab who had aided her and Harukichi in the woods. Is the tournament a sign of things to come? Must I always face my allies? Never mind that, I must win. Honor for my family is paramount.
She held her stance, eying the Crab, slowing her breathing as she attempted to read her opponent. Is he truly a worthy foe?
Kiyashi stepped out to face Rika, falling carefully into his stance. It was not very good, but his eyes, it seemed, were perfectly sufficient to read her own.
He would not win this match, he predicted, but he would not concede. The Lion before him had done so, and he understood the intent. But this was not a battle, and this was not a war. This was a contest of skill, and it was to be held before the Emperor himself. He would not step down.
He paused, and said nothing, holding his stance. By etiquette, he had fallen into his own stance first, and could begin the duel as he chose. Holding off on it passed the right to her... a concession borne less of confidence in victory than of certainty in the outcome, but an honorable concession nonetheless.
He fell into stance after her, awaiting the call to strike.
It was almost a certain thing, which of them it would come from, but one cannot always predict a duel.
Rika focused everything on Kiyashi, her mind narrowing down to the single moment that was fast approaching. A bead of sweat trickled down her brow, but she did not break her concentration to wipe it away. And then, the single word from the Crab who faced her.
"Strike!"
With her characteristic speed and fluid grace, Rika's blade sliced through the air, pulling her blow the moment the tip touched Kiyashi's neck.
She sheathed the bokken and bowed deeply. "Well-met, Hida-san."
The duel was, as Kiyashi knew it would be, not in his favor. And yet, there were worse defeats to take. She was simply the better swordsman. Swordswoman.
Kiyashi gave Rika a deep bow, and his voice spoke just loud enough for her, and only her, to hear.
"Any blade in as beautiful hands would be as deadly." He wasn't sure precisely why he said that.
When he rose from the bow, he did not look at Rika, turning instead to bow once to the judges and spectators before making his way off the mat.
He debated, for long, long moments, whether to leave the proceedings... but in the end, he decided to stay. It was safer to stay. If he left, there was a bit too much chance that he would find... other amusements... and he could not risk that.
Not on this day of all days. No.
He would watch the remaining matches. And if he found himself watching the various samurai-ko more than the male samurai, he chose not to dwell on it.
As the names are drawn for the next series of matches, there is a small recess. Bayushi Denbe slightly over the top, Bayushi Denbe limps back to the stands. "I would have had the crane, were it not for this damnable wound." he says to Kiyashi. "Still, my clanmate is still in the running." He plops down on a bench. "Small mercies ey?"
Shiba Takako and Agasha Hanori failed to reach the required points for their gempukku. The phoenix did not do well at all, a fact Tsuruchi Saburo must surely appreciate. Meanwhile Saburo's next opponent is jumping up and down with excitement. Meanwhile Doji Wakao and Kakita Shino are calm and collected for their next match.
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited January 2009
Saburo walked over to the hare, who was to be his next opponent. "Congratulations on your fifth point, Usagi-san. It's always nice to see the minor clans doing well amongst the bigger fish in the pond." Smiling happily, he bowed. "Good fortune to you in our match- I must say I'm glad we were paired up together, given the sea of Crane that seem to remain."
Rika bowed to Kakita Shino as they both stepped onto the mat. A Kakita duellist. At least it's not Harukichi. The tall bushi glanced over her shoulder, checking for spirits. I must win this. If I can face my beloved in battle again... perhaps I can convince her family that I am worthy, and she can retain her status.
She focused on her opponent, gathering her inner strength as she stared into his eyes. Her confidence was unwavering, her posture perfect, and the Kakita cracked first, shifting his weight slightly as he prepared to draw.
Once again, her bokken flashed out faster than the eye could see, and she straightened, a slight bruise marking where she had struck the Crane on his neck.
"An honorable match, Kakita-san. You are a skilled opponent." But not skilled enough. I will win
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited January 2009
Saburo bowed to the Hare as they entered the ring for their quarterfinal match. Saburo felt the mantle of focus and serenity again settle over him, and he regarded the Samurai-ko steadily. She did not seem skilled at Iaijiitsu, but her gaze showed she would be a much more difficult opponent than his first.
As the two Samurai settled down to focus, sweat began to pour down from their foreheads. For what seemed like hours, the two locked gazes, until Saburo felt he must give...and just as he was stretched to his breaking point, the Hare called "Strike!". In slow motion, Saburo's blade left its sheath and he willed it into the Hare's side. With a loud *THUMP*, the match was over, and a panting Saburo bowed deeply to the Samurai-ko.
Kakita Harukichi faces Doji Wakao and bows deeply to him. They perform the opening ritual of an Iaijutsu duel dutifully and then they both assume their respective stances. Mere feet away from each other, they stare at each other intently, each one focusing deeply, determined not to give the other the opening they need.
Doji Wakao was a good duelist, but he is an open book to her. Every nuanced twitch of his body, every aspect of the way he stood gives away vital clues as to his skill, his prowess, his state of mind, glimmers of his hopes and dreams, his fears. It isn't fair, in a way. They were playing a game of Go, but Harukichi knew every move he would make before even he did.
They stare at each other for a good while until Doji Wakao twitches ever so slightly, just the thing Harukichi was waiting for. She moves forward ever so slightly, her sword freeing itself from the saya, much earlier than one trained in Iaijutsu would normally draw. The premature draw caught Doji Wakao off guard and he feebly tried to move his sword to defend against her strike, but she was moving the sword to a very different place than Doji would expect. His sword misses completely as it tries to block and Harukichi's sword arcs wide, missing Doji Wakao on its out swing until it comes to its apex at the left side of his head.
It's at this point that he notices something key: when she drew her sword, it was reversed. The unsharpened back edge of the blade was the side that led her swing. Now, the sharpened front edge of the blade faced the side of his head. He had heard of the various tricks of deception inherent in her ancestor's Iaijutsu methods, but had never experienced them. He had realised he was bested.
On the back swing, Harukichi taps the front edge of the sword against Doji Wakao's ear, bruising it slightly, and then skillfully places the sword back in her saya. She nods to Doji Wakao and he returns the nod. They bow deeply to each other and the judge calls out, "Harukichi has won this match!"
As soon as the quarter-final matches are done without intermission they tournament continues on with the semi-finals. Mirumoto Otakan versus Tsuruchi saburo in what most of the audience silently whisper is a foregone conclusion. Kakita Harukichi versus Soshi Rika in a match that for some reason has Kakita Toshimoko smiling ear to ear. The emperor looks on thoughtfully, wondering to himself who will earn his old blade and how his new magistrates will fare.
Kakita Toshimoko rises and announces the semi finals. Saburo and Otakan take their place at the dueling circle. While Saburo made a good attempt at the dragon, otakan's nerves remain steady. He dodges the strike and retaliates cleanly, sweat pouring from his brow immediately afterward. A victory but one fought for hard. A bow to Saburo conveys his respect.
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited January 2009
Saburo bowed back to the dragon, acknowledging the respect and returning it, and turned to the Emperor and bowed deeply. Wishing the dragon good luck in the final, Saburo turned and walked back to the stands to sit beside Kiyashi. Though tired from his efforts and inevitably disappointed by the loss, the young archer was nevertheless proud of the showing he had made. He smiled at the Crab and took his seat to watch the other semi-final match, and the eventual crowning of the Topaz Champion.
Harukichi steps on to the dueling field and takes a deep breath, facing her opponent, the beautiful Soshi Rika, her clandestine lover. She bows to Rika, subtly mouthing to her, "I'm sorry if I beat you... and I love you." They each rise from their bow and adopt the beginning stance.
Her hands tremble slightly before they begin, but she summons a deep breath and all of her focus. I must beat you. If I am the Topaz Champion, then I become too valuable to marry some common Lion. Her hands steady and they find their way to the tsuka of her sword. Rika mirrors her own actions.
And it begins... They begin to stare at each other intently. Her mind desperately tries to summon up memories of their hot passionate nights together, but she forces them into the dark recesses of the back of her mind. She cannot fail this duel. She must triumph.
Her breathing is slow and steady, her eyes fix on Rika, noticing her subtle movements, movements which she is so familiar with. She takes a deep breath and banishes those thoughts. They continue to face each other down for several minutes, each one not yielding anything about themselves.
Four minutes in, Harukichi sees her opening. Rika made a slight shift on her foot, a sign of slight unease. Her focus was momentarily interrupted. Before Harukichi even had a chance to think of it, her instincts take over and she moves forward, her sword flying from its saya. Rika reacts quickly to the attack, drawing her own sword quickly.
The blades clash against each other. Rika's blade was extended straight out whereas Harukichi's blade was held higher, the tip dropping to her left. As the swords maintained their contact, Harukichi drops the tip of her sword just a bit more and taps Rika's wrist with the tip, a perfect kote hit.
Rika nods and Harukichi smiles slightly, again mouthing, "I love you." Each duelist drops their swords and places them back in their respective sayas and then back from each other. They bow to each other respectfully and then turn to the judges and bow to them. The judge speaks up loudly, "The winner of this match is Kakita Harukichi!"
Kakita Toshimoko rises and announces the final round, "The final round will be between Kakita Harukichi and Mirumoto Otakan. This match will be an answer to the age old question of which style is superior!" The crowd claps enthusiastically. Harukichi notices Kakita Shino who looks on especially eagerly. Harukichi nods to Shino and he returns the nod.
Harukichi and Mirumoto Otakan move to the centre of the dueling field. They bow to each other deeply and adopt their opening stance. Harukichi smiles wide; she has several powerful motivating factors in this duel: the love of Soshi Rika, the honour of her academy, her promise to Kakita Shino.
The contest begins and each remains perfectly steady. Their eyes watching each other intently, looking for the weakness or opening that will deliver them victory. The crowd adopts a hushed silence and the only sound present during this duel is the subtle moan of the wind.
Each duelist maintains the utmost of concentration, knowing that even the slightest lapse of concentration would lead to defeat. The two best duelists in the competition face each other, the two best dueling styles face each other. But the inaction cannot last forever; one of the competitors will falter.
Otakan falters first, but not in any way he would expect. Harukichi notices the slight twitch in his eyelid, an indication that he was about to blink. A single blink of the eye isn't normally enough of an opening to strike; it's too quick to close the distance, draw one's blade, and strike. But this wasn't a normal blink. Harukichi could tell it was a heavy blink. It would last longer than a typical blink of the eye. It was just enough to make her strike.
Otakan's eyelid began to drop and Harukichi moved quickly. She closes the distance with a bout of unreal speed, her sword flying free from its saya with unnatural grace and fluidity. The tip of the sword frees itself effortlessly and moves towards the strike. Otakan's eyelids have now completely dropped, utterly unaware of Harukichi's strike. As he blinks, he feels the slightest of pressure on his throat, barely indistinguishable from a mosquito bite, followed quickly by the slight rush of air past his ears.
When his eyelids open, he no longer sees Harukichi in front of him. His eyes widen, confused and disoriented. From behind him and to his left, he hears Harukichi's soft voice, "A second sword does you no good when you don't even have time to draw the first. A perfect suki* strike." Otakan's mouth drops open as he hears her words, he quickly turns to his left and sees Harukichi behind him, her sword already back in its saya. The pin prick of pressure on his throat was her sword. He stands there for several moments in disbelief.
The crowd's silence breaks into a chorus of confused mumbles. Many in the ground didn't even see her strike, only the before and after. The mumbles are composed of a cacophony of "What happened?" Kakita Toshimoko smiled ear to ear, having seen everything. It was such a perfect strike, the likes of which he may never again see. Kakita Shino mirrored Toshimoko's smile, having also seen the strike.
The Emperor leans over to Toshimoko, "My eyes are not as trained as yours, but did I just see what I think I saw?" Toshimoko nods and whispers quietly in return to the Emperor, "You did. If Kakita Harukichi was dueling god, god would be cut."
Harukichi's sensei looks on, also smiling wide, tears forming in his eyes, tears of pride. He looks like he has seen the most beautiful thing in the world and looks purely content at the experience. The Dragon's confusion begins to blow over, the amazing realisation of what happened coming to the fore. His hands move away from his swords and he turns to face Harukichi and bows deeply, "From this day on, there will never again be any question at which sword style is superior." And from that day on, there would also never be any question as to the brilliance and legacy of Kakita Tetsuo; none would ever again roll their eyes in disbelief at claims that the duel that ended his life was stolen from him by treachery.
Kakita Toshimoko rises and loudly announces, "The winner of the final Iaijutsu competition is Kakita Harukichi and the style of Kakita Tetsuo! Kakita Harukichi is this years Topaz Champion. Congratulations, Kakita Harukichi-ue." Harukichi's eyes widen at his use of the -ue title, a sign of deep respect from the Emerald Champion. To be addressed with such a suffix is humbling beyond belief.
Kakita Harukichi faces the Emerald Champion and falls to her knees and bows deeply to Kakita Toshimoko, "Thank you very much, Kakita Toshimoko-sama." She stands, turns slightly to face the Emperor, and falls to her knees, bowing deeply to the Emperor, "And thank you, Most August Emperor, for gracing us with your presence at this humble competition. My triumph here is all for your greater glory."
*suki - the name for a strike to the throat in Kenjutsu.
With the iaijutsu tournament over, the individual gempukku ceremonies can begin. Contestants walk up to one of their clan's envoys and receive their Daisho. Representatives from every clan in rokugan are present, even those not represented in the championship. Also well represented are the, to be, spouses of the contestants, among them Matsu Masaru, harukichi's intended and Doji Yuriko, Kiyashi's wife. Doji Yuriko walks up to her husband and says "Husband, i am glad you performed as well as you did."A compliment, though perhaps slightly backhanded. Matsu masaru is staying clear of his intended for now, seeing as she is quite near the emperor.
The Topaz champion receives an additional sword, the emperor's former training sword. A fine blade, a tad worn but of exquisite workmanship. Some might balk at using it in combat, but its perfectly serviceable. "Take good care of her," he says, "I never named her, but she's a quite the lady." He and Kakita Toshimoko share a hearty laugh.
The festivities continue, large amounts of food and drink are passed around. Yesterdays death's not forgotten, but mourned in another way. Bayushi Denbe is seen skulking around talking to various female courtiers. The emerald champion is seen exchanging a quick word with Tsuruchi Saburo. All in all everyone seems content with how the third day went, horrible events of the second day notwithstanding.
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited January 2009
Saburo walked over and greeted Kiyashi, an ecstatic but slightly concerned expression on his face. "Hida-san, we did it! We are men!" he grinned as he said it, but even Kiyashi could tell that something wasn't quite right with the archer. He looked...apprehensive about something, even through his happiness.
Kiyashi, when Saburo approached, was stiff, stock-still. He was not smiling, and he was not the boisterous, laughing Crab Saburo had come to know. His voice was low, tight as he answered the comment the Wasp had missed on his approach.
"I am pleased you were able to come." He hadn't acknowledged Saburo yet... he wasn't trying to be rude, really... "That you found time away from your other... duties." Though I wish you hadn't bothered.
Only then did he acknowledge Saburo, and his voice was lacking in any of the qualities the Wasp had come to associate with the Crab... not the least of which was the sudden pain in his back.
"Ah. Greetings, Tsuruchi-san. Yes. We have both acquitted ourselves well." For a moment, he considered saying nothing more, but he really did like Saburo... and he did not want to be rude.
"Allow me to introduce you to my wife, Yuriko. Yuriko, meet Tsuruchi Saburo. I expect you will treat him with all the respect our household can manage." Which, naturally, in Kiyashi's mind, at least when it came to his... wife... was remarkably little.
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LEVEL 50 SWORD JUGGLER/WIZARD!
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SkiddlesThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
edited January 2009
Saburo was somewhat taken aback by this...unexpected turn of events.
"Your wife?? Well, that is a surprise! I am honoured to meet you!" with a bow, he continued on quickly- he was fairly sure that something wasn't right here; perhaps he had somehow intruded, since both husband and wife were looking somewhat..frosty. "I hope I haven't interrupted anything- I was just going to invite you...both... to an archery demonstration I'm holding in a half hour or so. The...um...Emperor and his court will be coming!"
Saburo managed a confident-appearing smile, but JUST underneath that exterior thoughts of oh gods oh gods what have I gotten myself into?? rolled over him in waves.
Posts
"Now," he intones, "tell me everything, leave out no detail and be prepared to repeat it for the Champion and Daimyo." While Saburo recounts his tale, Kakita Toshimoko and Doji Satsume arrive. He's then forced to recount it twice more.
"So two of them, might still be alive," asks Doji Satsume? "If the scorpion hasn't killed them yet," replies the Kakita Daimyo. "Some men and horses and a healer," he suggests, "We'll find them and find out why they have dishonored us so." Doji Satsume gives a curt nod and says "I'll will do this."
Kakita Toshimoko meanwhile gives you a sad smile, "You've passed the hunting test, though i am sure the tase of victory will be sullied by these events. I must now go and speak to the public, let them know what has occurred." He sighs, "Should you feel the need to speak on these events, seek me out in the evening." While he was speaking to you all, he pats Saburo on the back? Much more gently than he is used to by now.
"Once we know why you were attacked," says Miya Yoto, "Someone will be sent to find you."
In the meantime, however, Saburo and the two women were Kiyashi's concern, and he bowed to them all.
"You handle yourselves very well. I am honored to have been teamed with each of you, and Denbe as well." He smiled, somewhat ruefully. "Two Scorpion, a Crane, and a Wasp; not the samurai I thought I would meet, perhaps, but worthy nontheless."
"I am honoured to have been part of this team- we worked very well together, and managed ourselves quite well in the face of a deadly threat."
Pausing a moment, he stares off into the distance, taking a moment to dwell on his feelings, not even really realizing he's speaking aloud. "I've never killed a man before. All of that training towards that one goal and...I'm not sure how I feel about it now that I've shot an arrow into something that isn't a target."
"Come now, those were not men! Those were honorless insects, unworthy of our attention save what it required to gut them. Do not concern yourself with them; they attacked us, after all. They forfeited their own lives."
"Of...of course you're right, Hida-san. I have to remember I'm to be an adult now, and can't afford the luxury of dwelling on childish feelings... it's time to move past that."
"Besides" he continued with another grin, "I have done nothing but sit with boys since I got here. Sitting with two lovely samurai-ko such as yourselves would be a welcome change!"
The tall bushi turned to Harukichi, lightly touching her arm. "Kakita-san, will you accompany us?"
"Of course, though I intend to check on Bayushi Denbe when he returns."
Kiyashi himself was not covered in the blood of the fallen, and as such would not be making a side-trip to any temples beforehand, so he merely clapped Saburo on the back again, more gently this time, and then turned to the two women.
"I do believe I met each of you before... the night before the contests. You have both done well. It will be an honor to share a table with you."
"Come on, lets all limp back," Denbe says, "appropriately the mood here has something in common with that of a funeral,".
As you're escorted out of the inn and toward the kakita duelling academy the seppun guardsman sent after you speaks up. "Humble apologies, we are to use the side entrance." No further explanation is given. Past the gate and into the cellars of the academy you are led to a lamp lit basement with two of the thugs bodies resting on two empty barrels. In the room are Kakita Toshimoko, a shugenja of the crane clan, the emerald champion, some eta presumably for handling the bodies kneeling with their face to the ground and yourselves. "The emperor, has been made aware of what happened and also of the chilling revelation we are about to share with you." says Doji Satsume as he nods to the shugenja.
The priest pulls away the blanket covering the two men and what is unveiled is a gruesome sight. Shadowland taint has warped these men from the inside out. All their gruesome internal deformities laid bare. Jade powder has been dusted over them to ensure cleanliness. "That'll do," the eta spring up and cover the body again. "Tell me," continues the emerald champion. "There was no, outward sign of this taint you could see?"
As questions are asked of her, she simply nods her assent and goes along. After many a silent moment in the Laughing Carp, she and her companions are summoned by the Emerald Champion. Maybe you'll get some of your answers! She perks up slightly at the summoning and nods to the messenger.
She moves along with her companions in to the duelling academy and in to the cellar. She sees the bodies of the men, covered by a blanket. As eta spoke and then pulled away the blankets, her senses are assaulted by the gruesome sight. Shadowlands taint...
She quickly turns away, moving quickly to a bucket, presumably placed there for just this purpose. She expels whatever little food she had eaten since the incident. She closes her eyes tight, "No. There was no sign of... that."
She takes a few deep breaths and recovers herself, standing and turning to the Emerald Champion, the Shugenja, and the eta, "How has so much Shadowlands taint found its way so deep in to Rokugan?"
He spoke very quietly after the Crane. "There was no outward sign when we met them. But I cannot say I am surprised." His voice was low, and it had an edge to it. His eyes rose, meeting the Emerald Champion's gaze, then glanced to Harukuchi, answering himself.
"The Taint is not universal to the Shadowlands beyond the wall alone. Pockets of it can be found here and there, as well... It is to my shame to lose a Clanmate to this, but his death has exposed them to us."
His eyes flicked back to the Emerald Champion, and he spoke up a bit.
"If there is to be a search, I will volunteer." Before he had a chance to be ordered anyway. He was Crab, after all; he was no expert, and certainly no shugenja, but all Crab were taught enoiugh to fight their enemy. "I would relish the chance to visit further vengeance upon these..." he hesitated, pausing, casting about in his mind for a curse vile enough; he didn't find it, choosing to fall silent instead.
It didn't even occur to him that he hadn't been confirmed for his gempukku, nor that there may well be better qualified people present. It also didn't occur to him that there might not be more, nor that the Emerald Champion might not choose to simply send out search parties to hunt them down.
"It would be an honour to be assigned any part in ridding the area of this foulness, Doji Satsume-sama. My bow is of course at the ready to serve and protect the Emperor".
"The emperor was displeased to say the least, he has taken drastic action." Doji Satsume adds. "The jade magistrates are not what they once were, phoenix influence has whittled them down to almost nothing. Tomorrow those who attain their gempukku are to become Topaz magistrates. A new position created by the emperor, he is seeing to it now. Empowered to investigate this matter fully. "
"One tainted man might wander alone untill madness claims him, but four? There is some greater purpose." Says Kakita Toshimoko.
"Their blades, my wound," says Bayushi Denbe the question unspoken. The shugenja shakes his head and speaks up, "their blades were new, clean and untainted. Another suspicious fact."
"Keep this to yourselves for now," says Doji Satsume, "tomorrow the others will know what they need to."
The stakes for not proving up to the task, it seemed, had just been raised higher than he would have dreamed this morning.
Doji Satsume, looking thoughtful instead of scornful, sighs deeply. "These are dark omens and we ride north the day after tomorrow, it will fall to you youths to discover the truth behind these events." He takes a last look around before walking out.
The shugenja speaks up again, "We're going to do some further examinations. You will not want to see this." That as much as anything else, is your cue to exit.
"Feel no shame. It happened to me the first time as well."
He gave the Wasp a small smile, then a light clap on the back, then left him to follow as he chose.
Shadowlands Taint, here.
Kiyashi could not help but feel a cold feeling in the pit of his stomach. It should not be so...
"Exciting will not be the half of it. I suggest you prepare yourself, Tsuruchi-san. We have an unpleasant task before us."
He said little more, however, choosing instead to forego the evening meal and return to his room. He would spend the remainder of the evening alone, unless events conspired to remove him from his room. He had chosen to take his own advice; he needed to prepare himself for the task ahead.
The mood today before the competition has two sides. The contestants and their entourages are somber due to the deaths of their fellows. The peasants still in the dark about any and all developments are excited and show up in even greater quantities than they did yesterday. Understandable as today even more have been given a day's leave from their duties.
As you enter the kakita dueling academy you see Miya Yoto reclining on a chair and the emperor standing at the speakers stage. As soon as everyone is settled he speaks. "Friends, loyal subjects, today in the school where i learned the art of iaijutsu we hold the final stage of the Topaz championship."
"Under the guidance of Kakita Toshimoko, i learned the art of the duel here. Together with my friend Doji Satsume." he smiles as he holds a hand out toward his friends. "There is a dire need for honorable young samurai, therefore lets this be an incentive. The topaz champion will be granted the blade i learned the art of iaijutsu with. That is all." A ripple goes through the cloud, a personal gift from the emperor is something almost no one can hope to receive. Polite applause starts soon after.
Tsuruchi Saburo found himself facing the unicorn, Moto Xuren, and knew he had caught a lucky break. He didn't really pay much attention to the other battles, but secretly hoped the duelists would knock each other out to give him a chance at actually winning the tournament, small chance though that would be.
Facing the Moto, Saburo bowed deeply to him as ritual demanded, and the Moto took a moment too long to bow back. He's never done this before Saburo thought to himself, trying not to appear too confident. As Saburo settled into his stance, the Unicorn did his best to stand so that he looked like he knew what he was doing...and failed. On the sideline, he saw a few Crane shake their heads...
The duel itself was one of the shortest in history. Saburo gave the Moto the chance to focus first, but the unicorn immediately called for a strike, and was instantly hit with the flat of the Wasp's blade, ending the match practically before it had begun.
The Unicorn bowed to Saburo and whispered: "Good luck, Tsuruchi-san. I'm sure you'll fare better next round than I would have!", before leaving the floor to watch the remainder of the competition from the sidelines.
Harukichi and the Lion move their katana to their left side and tie it to their obi. They once more bow at the hip to each other. Harukichi adopts the beginning stance for an iaijutsu duel, but the Lion does not move. Harukichi raises an eyebrow at the lack of action by the Lion.
The Lion then proceeds to untie the katana from his obi brings it to his front, this time lying horizontal, forming a bridge between his two hands, outstretched in front of him. He kneels down and places the katana on the ground in front of him and then proceeds to bow low to her.
"He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious," the Lion says rather loudly, echoing the wisdom of his ancestor Akodo. "I concede this match to the Honourable Kakita-san."
Harukichi shifts back to a resting stance, somewhat stunned by the sudden concession. The crowd murmurs slightly, wishing to have seen an iaijutsu match, not a concession. Harukichi ignores the murmurs and mirrors the Lion's actions, untying her katana, kneeling and placing it before her, and then bowing to the Lion. "Your concession is honourably received, Akodo-san. Thank you."
Both bushi pick up their katanas and move from the field. The judge steps forward and declares loudly, "The winner of this match is Kakita Harukichi!"
She held her stance, eying the Crab, slowing her breathing as she attempted to read her opponent.
Is he truly a worthy foe?
He would not win this match, he predicted, but he would not concede. The Lion before him had done so, and he understood the intent. But this was not a battle, and this was not a war. This was a contest of skill, and it was to be held before the Emperor himself. He would not step down.
He paused, and said nothing, holding his stance. By etiquette, he had fallen into his own stance first, and could begin the duel as he chose. Holding off on it passed the right to her... a concession borne less of confidence in victory than of certainty in the outcome, but an honorable concession nonetheless.
He fell into stance after her, awaiting the call to strike.
It was almost a certain thing, which of them it would come from, but one cannot always predict a duel.
"Strike!"
With her characteristic speed and fluid grace, Rika's blade sliced through the air, pulling her blow the moment the tip touched Kiyashi's neck.
She sheathed the bokken and bowed deeply. "Well-met, Hida-san."
"The winner of this match is Soshi Rika."
Kiyashi gave Rika a deep bow, and his voice spoke just loud enough for her, and only her, to hear.
"Any blade in as beautiful hands would be as deadly." He wasn't sure precisely why he said that.
When he rose from the bow, he did not look at Rika, turning instead to bow once to the judges and spectators before making his way off the mat.
He debated, for long, long moments, whether to leave the proceedings... but in the end, he decided to stay. It was safer to stay. If he left, there was a bit too much chance that he would find... other amusements... and he could not risk that.
Not on this day of all days. No.
He would watch the remaining matches. And if he found himself watching the various samurai-ko more than the male samurai, he chose not to dwell on it.
Shiba Takako and Agasha Hanori failed to reach the required points for their gempukku. The phoenix did not do well at all, a fact Tsuruchi Saburo must surely appreciate. Meanwhile Saburo's next opponent is jumping up and down with excitement. Meanwhile Doji Wakao and Kakita Shino are calm and collected for their next match.
I must win this. If I can face my beloved in battle again... perhaps I can convince her family that I am worthy, and she can retain her status.
She focused on her opponent, gathering her inner strength as she stared into his eyes. Her confidence was unwavering, her posture perfect, and the Kakita cracked first, shifting his weight slightly as he prepared to draw.
Once again, her bokken flashed out faster than the eye could see, and she straightened, a slight bruise marking where she had struck the Crane on his neck.
"An honorable match, Kakita-san. You are a skilled opponent."
But not skilled enough. I will win
As the two Samurai settled down to focus, sweat began to pour down from their foreheads. For what seemed like hours, the two locked gazes, until Saburo felt he must give...and just as he was stretched to his breaking point, the Hare called "Strike!". In slow motion, Saburo's blade left its sheath and he willed it into the Hare's side. With a loud *THUMP*, the match was over, and a panting Saburo bowed deeply to the Samurai-ko.
He would move on to the semi-finals.
Doji Wakao was a good duelist, but he is an open book to her. Every nuanced twitch of his body, every aspect of the way he stood gives away vital clues as to his skill, his prowess, his state of mind, glimmers of his hopes and dreams, his fears. It isn't fair, in a way. They were playing a game of Go, but Harukichi knew every move he would make before even he did.
They stare at each other for a good while until Doji Wakao twitches ever so slightly, just the thing Harukichi was waiting for. She moves forward ever so slightly, her sword freeing itself from the saya, much earlier than one trained in Iaijutsu would normally draw. The premature draw caught Doji Wakao off guard and he feebly tried to move his sword to defend against her strike, but she was moving the sword to a very different place than Doji would expect. His sword misses completely as it tries to block and Harukichi's sword arcs wide, missing Doji Wakao on its out swing until it comes to its apex at the left side of his head.
It's at this point that he notices something key: when she drew her sword, it was reversed. The unsharpened back edge of the blade was the side that led her swing. Now, the sharpened front edge of the blade faced the side of his head. He had heard of the various tricks of deception inherent in her ancestor's Iaijutsu methods, but had never experienced them. He had realised he was bested.
On the back swing, Harukichi taps the front edge of the sword against Doji Wakao's ear, bruising it slightly, and then skillfully places the sword back in her saya. She nods to Doji Wakao and he returns the nod. They bow deeply to each other and the judge calls out, "Harukichi has won this match!"
Kakita Toshimoko rises and announces the semi finals. Saburo and Otakan take their place at the dueling circle. While Saburo made a good attempt at the dragon, otakan's nerves remain steady. He dodges the strike and retaliates cleanly, sweat pouring from his brow immediately afterward. A victory but one fought for hard. A bow to Saburo conveys his respect.
Her hands tremble slightly before they begin, but she summons a deep breath and all of her focus. I must beat you. If I am the Topaz Champion, then I become too valuable to marry some common Lion. Her hands steady and they find their way to the tsuka of her sword. Rika mirrors her own actions.
And it begins... They begin to stare at each other intently. Her mind desperately tries to summon up memories of their hot passionate nights together, but she forces them into the dark recesses of the back of her mind. She cannot fail this duel. She must triumph.
Her breathing is slow and steady, her eyes fix on Rika, noticing her subtle movements, movements which she is so familiar with. She takes a deep breath and banishes those thoughts. They continue to face each other down for several minutes, each one not yielding anything about themselves.
Four minutes in, Harukichi sees her opening. Rika made a slight shift on her foot, a sign of slight unease. Her focus was momentarily interrupted. Before Harukichi even had a chance to think of it, her instincts take over and she moves forward, her sword flying from its saya. Rika reacts quickly to the attack, drawing her own sword quickly.
The blades clash against each other. Rika's blade was extended straight out whereas Harukichi's blade was held higher, the tip dropping to her left. As the swords maintained their contact, Harukichi drops the tip of her sword just a bit more and taps Rika's wrist with the tip, a perfect kote hit.
Rika nods and Harukichi smiles slightly, again mouthing, "I love you." Each duelist drops their swords and places them back in their respective sayas and then back from each other. They bow to each other respectfully and then turn to the judges and bow to them. The judge speaks up loudly, "The winner of this match is Kakita Harukichi!"
Harukichi and Mirumoto Otakan move to the centre of the dueling field. They bow to each other deeply and adopt their opening stance. Harukichi smiles wide; she has several powerful motivating factors in this duel: the love of Soshi Rika, the honour of her academy, her promise to Kakita Shino.
The contest begins and each remains perfectly steady. Their eyes watching each other intently, looking for the weakness or opening that will deliver them victory. The crowd adopts a hushed silence and the only sound present during this duel is the subtle moan of the wind.
Each duelist maintains the utmost of concentration, knowing that even the slightest lapse of concentration would lead to defeat. The two best duelists in the competition face each other, the two best dueling styles face each other. But the inaction cannot last forever; one of the competitors will falter.
Otakan falters first, but not in any way he would expect. Harukichi notices the slight twitch in his eyelid, an indication that he was about to blink. A single blink of the eye isn't normally enough of an opening to strike; it's too quick to close the distance, draw one's blade, and strike. But this wasn't a normal blink. Harukichi could tell it was a heavy blink. It would last longer than a typical blink of the eye. It was just enough to make her strike.
Otakan's eyelid began to drop and Harukichi moved quickly. She closes the distance with a bout of unreal speed, her sword flying free from its saya with unnatural grace and fluidity. The tip of the sword frees itself effortlessly and moves towards the strike. Otakan's eyelids have now completely dropped, utterly unaware of Harukichi's strike. As he blinks, he feels the slightest of pressure on his throat, barely indistinguishable from a mosquito bite, followed quickly by the slight rush of air past his ears.
When his eyelids open, he no longer sees Harukichi in front of him. His eyes widen, confused and disoriented. From behind him and to his left, he hears Harukichi's soft voice, "A second sword does you no good when you don't even have time to draw the first. A perfect suki* strike." Otakan's mouth drops open as he hears her words, he quickly turns to his left and sees Harukichi behind him, her sword already back in its saya. The pin prick of pressure on his throat was her sword. He stands there for several moments in disbelief.
The crowd's silence breaks into a chorus of confused mumbles. Many in the ground didn't even see her strike, only the before and after. The mumbles are composed of a cacophony of "What happened?" Kakita Toshimoko smiled ear to ear, having seen everything. It was such a perfect strike, the likes of which he may never again see. Kakita Shino mirrored Toshimoko's smile, having also seen the strike.
The Emperor leans over to Toshimoko, "My eyes are not as trained as yours, but did I just see what I think I saw?" Toshimoko nods and whispers quietly in return to the Emperor, "You did. If Kakita Harukichi was dueling god, god would be cut."
Harukichi's sensei looks on, also smiling wide, tears forming in his eyes, tears of pride. He looks like he has seen the most beautiful thing in the world and looks purely content at the experience. The Dragon's confusion begins to blow over, the amazing realisation of what happened coming to the fore. His hands move away from his swords and he turns to face Harukichi and bows deeply, "From this day on, there will never again be any question at which sword style is superior." And from that day on, there would also never be any question as to the brilliance and legacy of Kakita Tetsuo; none would ever again roll their eyes in disbelief at claims that the duel that ended his life was stolen from him by treachery.
Kakita Toshimoko rises and loudly announces, "The winner of the final Iaijutsu competition is Kakita Harukichi and the style of Kakita Tetsuo! Kakita Harukichi is this years Topaz Champion. Congratulations, Kakita Harukichi-ue." Harukichi's eyes widen at his use of the -ue title, a sign of deep respect from the Emerald Champion. To be addressed with such a suffix is humbling beyond belief.
Kakita Harukichi faces the Emerald Champion and falls to her knees and bows deeply to Kakita Toshimoko, "Thank you very much, Kakita Toshimoko-sama." She stands, turns slightly to face the Emperor, and falls to her knees, bowing deeply to the Emperor, "And thank you, Most August Emperor, for gracing us with your presence at this humble competition. My triumph here is all for your greater glory."
*suki - the name for a strike to the throat in Kenjutsu.
The Topaz champion receives an additional sword, the emperor's former training sword. A fine blade, a tad worn but of exquisite workmanship. Some might balk at using it in combat, but its perfectly serviceable. "Take good care of her," he says, "I never named her, but she's a quite the lady." He and Kakita Toshimoko share a hearty laugh.
The festivities continue, large amounts of food and drink are passed around. Yesterdays death's not forgotten, but mourned in another way. Bayushi Denbe is seen skulking around talking to various female courtiers. The emerald champion is seen exchanging a quick word with Tsuruchi Saburo. All in all everyone seems content with how the third day went, horrible events of the second day notwithstanding.
"I am pleased you were able to come." He hadn't acknowledged Saburo yet... he wasn't trying to be rude, really... "That you found time away from your other... duties." Though I wish you hadn't bothered.
Only then did he acknowledge Saburo, and his voice was lacking in any of the qualities the Wasp had come to associate with the Crab... not the least of which was the sudden pain in his back.
"Ah. Greetings, Tsuruchi-san. Yes. We have both acquitted ourselves well." For a moment, he considered saying nothing more, but he really did like Saburo... and he did not want to be rude.
"Allow me to introduce you to my wife, Yuriko. Yuriko, meet Tsuruchi Saburo. I expect you will treat him with all the respect our household can manage." Which, naturally, in Kiyashi's mind, at least when it came to his... wife... was remarkably little.
"Your wife?? Well, that is a surprise! I am honoured to meet you!" with a bow, he continued on quickly- he was fairly sure that something wasn't right here; perhaps he had somehow intruded, since both husband and wife were looking somewhat..frosty. "I hope I haven't interrupted anything- I was just going to invite you...both... to an archery demonstration I'm holding in a half hour or so. The...um...Emperor and his court will be coming!"
Saburo managed a confident-appearing smile, but JUST underneath that exterior thoughts of oh gods oh gods what have I gotten myself into?? rolled over him in waves.