04 - Unravelling the Conspiracy

Thankfully, the Kami has seen fit to not punish my foolish trek in the raging blizzard with a cold. I'm happy to report that I am well, fully able to visit Nayoko in her cell and train in between in the days prior to the contest trials. It has been five days since the Battle on the Wall, and a lot has happened. I sit here writing this entry with a heart heavy with the events that has transpired since then.
 
It started three days ago, when Otomo-Kakita Akihiro-san summoned Hana-chan and I to his quarters. I admit surprise that I had caught his attention, though not so much Hana-chan as. She is the Amethyst Champion; I would be more surprised if she wasn't pulled in every which direction, with people trying to whisper in her ear what they believe the Amethyst Champion could be.
 
When in the privacy of his quarters, I quickly learned of the dire situation we had found ourselves in; a Mahou conspiracy. Revenge against Lord Hida for the death of a brother, as apparently revealed during the Battle on the Wall. But also a plot to undermine and overthrow the Empire. It is so bad that Akihiro-san had us tell truths about ourselves only we could know, if only to eliminated the possibility that someone was impersonating us with the help of Oni magic. A ronin in his service was ambushed after coming into contact with the Mahou in question. I admit my inexperience with such things exposes my youth, my naivete. I've no experience with a Mahou or the dark forces that gives them strength, I cannot truly fathom the horrors that they are. I've heard stories, but stories can only reveal so much.
 
This Mahou in particular was a face thief. Had I known earlier, perhaps things might have turned out differently.
 
I admit I was not of much assistance during Akihiro-san's meeting. I do not believe he thinks too favourably of me, either, though perhaps that was simply my inexperience with the matter. All I could do was identify the type of paper the Mahou used for a list she made - ten years old and of gaijin make. Hana-chan was of better assistance, actually able to read the words on the scroll. If I had been anything like Baa-chan, maybe I would've been able to help more, but alas. It was a list of objectives, from what Hana-chan could read of it, and a list of ingredients. Some sort of ritual the Mahou planned to perform. I know very little about such things. Given the nature of it, writing to Hisashi or Nagi about it would not have been possible, and their responses would have came far too late. It seemed Hana-chan also noticed the hairpiece I had found, too. Upon inquiry, Akihiro-san took an odd interest in my discovery. I'm thankful he believed me when I told him where I found it and that I wasn't, yet again, accused of stealing it. I know my clan does not have the greatest reputation, but it's irksome having to continuously defend myself.
 
I am grateful that I was able to spend the following day in Nayoko's company. I wasn't able to discuss the conspiracy with her, but I also didn't want to. I just wanted to enjoy her company. To chat and roll some dice around. To see and laugh, to relax before the contest. I left her company feeling at ease, and eager to return to her again. I look forward to when we can spend time together outside of her cell. It is cramp and dingy in there, and the Hida guard was hovering near by. It wasn't ideal, but I couldn't leave her on her own. I really am confident that we can become good friends, and the thought of that makes me happy.
 
My relaxation was cut short, however. When I was having thoughts of retiring for the night, Akihiro-san summoned me again, this time to look into the place where "Tomoe" had been staying. I admit confusion, and I admit I considered declining. With the Trials in the morning, I wanted to be well rested. But after what we had discussed in his quarters, I thought better of it. And it was recalling what we had discussed that helped me realise who "Tomoe" must have been.
 
I reached the entrance Akihiro-san's ronin had discovered first. Hana-chan had not arrived, but... I did not wish to wait. I'm aware that this is more foolish than my walking a hour in a blizzard to simply return a hairpiece, but I did not want to waste precious time. I discovered the fates were in my favour after I descended into this madwoman's lair. It was empty, cleared out saved for a few scraps of paper. I wasn't surprised; she had been discovered, and thus compromised. Surely she knew someone would come to investigate. In my search, I discovered two more rooms, each one as bare as the last. I say bare, but I did find something... curious. Black jade, a substance only found on the Isles of Spice and Silk. I am worried of the implications, if it means fellow Mantis are involved in this plot, or if some had been stolen from or killed to acquire this precious item. For the time being, I've confiscated the black jade. It sits in a pouch in one of my drawers until I can figure out what to do with it.
 
I wish I can say the night ended there. Unfortunately, I cannot. After meeting up with Hana-chan, we received yet another summons from Akihiro-san. This time to the nearby village. And... I wish I could burn the images from my mind. I wish... that I had known about the Mahou earlier. The Seppun Kaijira I walked with...
 
When we found Akihiro-san, he was dragging Kaijira-san with him. She was unconscious and, judging from her wounds, she had been held captive and tortured since the Sumai. She was not the only one either. I went to the hut where Akihiro-san found her. Even my darkest nightmares could not come up with something such at that. And only one other survivor.
 
The Eta came, helped identify the bodies before the hut was burned to the ground. I was thankfully able to return to my quarters without incident, but it stayed with me the rest of the night. What sleep I managed to get was restless, and I was exhausted for the Trials just hours later. I found myself sitting with Hana-chan and Nayoko as we wanted for the contest to open, perhaps seeking the comfort their presences had to offer.
 
Competing in the Trial of Combat was challenging, but I managed. My first duel was against a Phoenix. A Shiba, of all things, who had the gall to call me "merchant trash". It was not a very original insult, I have to wonder if she had even been trying. But she was one opponent I knew I had to defeat. For the honour of the Mantis Clan, for my own personal honour. Though I admit I had nothing against her, personally. But losing was not an option. The match was called without us dealing injuries to each other, but in my favour. I am unsure how I bested her, but... I am still pleased that I did.
 
I missed the next two matches, having gone to the physician to make sure I really hadn't taken any injuries. Just a scratch that would heal; it shouldn't even leave a scar. But I returned in time to witness Hana-chan's first duel against an Akodo warrior. There was a quick exchange of blows, and Hana-chan got a really hard one to the stomach, but she shrugged it off. I don't know how, most people would have called it quits at that point. But she was able to subdue her opponent and win her first match. As expected of the new Champion.
 
Nayoko was next, and against a Scorpion. I was... worried about what underhanded tactics he might use against her. The Scorpion aren't exactly known for their honourable ways. And the Kuni called penalty on a perfectly legal move! They are supposed to be impartial and judge the fights fairly! It would be naive of me to expect any differently, but it still made me so angry. But I was still given a glimpse at how Nayoko fights. I honestly wasn't sure what was going to happen, especially when the Scorpion refused to submit when given the chance. Nayoko struck him down, I don't believe he gave her much choice in the matter. But she won, her decisive blow determined honourable and the Scorpion was incapacitated.
 
The intermission was too short for my liking. Some rice and tea to help us relax between the matches and, in my opinion, it wasn't enough. Perhaps because I was already exhausted, I didn't know how much longer I would last in the fights. But my rest was longer than Nayoko's. Her next fight was immediately after the intermission, forcing her to fight matches back to back. I question the intention behind this, but we all know that it was not to be a fair challenge for Nayoko. It made my heart ache to see how Nayoko fought, the desperation in her eyes. Though she managed to win, Nayoko was injured. I almost forgot about my own fight against the Ide woman Hana-chan said had a feud with Nayoko.
 
I'd... rather not discuss the details of the duel. In truth, I barely remember much of it. Only that a few blows were exchanged, my armour was damaged, and I knocked Ide-san unconscious. I don't remember much of how I felt, just... horrible about what I had done. I don't even recall the duels that came afterwards. Even my duel against Hana-chan. It seems I was knocked unconscious by her. Hana-chan was there in the infirmary when I woke up, apologising for the injury she caused me. It was kind of her, but not unexpected either. I accidentally slipped though. Called her "Hana-chan", like we are close friends. It hasn't been so long, but it's hard to refrain sometimes. She doesn't feel like an "Hanae-san" to me. Strange, aren't I?
 
The Trial of Culture was... astonishing. I regret to say that I was unable to prepare and, thus, compete. I'm unsure I would have been able to come up with anything worthy of the Trial, but the test to myself was to see what my limits were and if I could surpass them. Surprise myself, as it were, and perhaps those who only see the Mantis as "merchant trash." After all, how can we know what we are truly capable of if we allow others to underestimate and dictate who we are?
 
But my mind would not have been in the proper place to present anything; my head still ached from my duel with Hana-chan. Compared to the injury I inflicted upon Ide-san, my injury was superficial, even with its lingering effects. But Hana-chan felt responsible and guilty for it. She escorted me to the hall where the Trial of Culture took place, stayed with me until she had to go prepare for her own presentation.
 
Before that, however, we walked through the stone garden of Hiruma Kosen-kun. The boy is not very old, but his garden was magnificent. If he continues to practice the art of stone gardens into adulthood, I firmly believe he will surpass his master and become a master of the art himself. Kosen-kun himself was an endearing little thing, playing with the loose baubles of my kimono while enthusiastically telling us the story of his garden, and sharing his concern about the little kami that had visited but then vanished. I believe he might have been unsettled by Hana-chan, however. As tall as she is, looming over a young child is never a good idea. I hope she'll learn this by the time she has children of her own.
 
That garden, though. Had I not met Kosen-kun myself, I would not have believed a child such as he had crafted it. I wish I had the artistic skill to capture its image, but I don't believe I would have accomplished my intentions. Perhaps it was the innocent imperfections left by the child artisan, but for the time I spent there, I felt... at peace. As if my burdens were far away and my earlier wounds were soothed. I have seen a good many stone gardens before this one; my fellow trademasters liked to show me some as we went about our business, as if the atmosphere would lower my guard. Yoshihiro-san is always particular about perusing such gardens in his attempts to tease me and take advantage of my youth. But those gardens of the past did not make me feel that same serenity and peace as Kosen-kun's did. They seemed... too perfect, I suppose. And the tour of Kosen-kun's garden came without the usual expectations. I did for him what I refused to do for the others; lower my guard.
 
My intentions to sit in the first available seat amongst the Buke was thwarted by Hana-chan. She escorted me to a seat near the seats reserved for herself, Akihiro-san, and Amayaiko-san. While I admit it was likely better for my throbbing head, it was... strange, to say the least. I felt out of place, and like I was on display. Amongst the Buke, I would have blended in with the rowdiness of them, and risked bashing my head in further, but, it did not feel as though I belonged there. The Minor Clans in attendance might have been pleased to see me sitting so close to the Amethyst Champion and the Imperials, knowing that there was hope for them to obtain such a place some day in their future, but how it must have displeased those who concern me trash, that I had one of the better seats in the hall. Who was envious? Who saw me as an obstacle or a threat to remove? Who was plotting?
 
This whole Winter Court had become some sort of plot. One thing after another, with no time to rest and process everything before the next thing rears its ugly head and makes itself known. How in the world did I get caught up in it all? I was only here to trade with the Crab and other clan trademaster who happened to be here. I wasn't meant for all of... this, whatever it is. But I'm involved with it now. I suppose there was no turning back. Thinking about it all made my head hurt more, and peeled back the salve Kosen-kun's garden applied, and I found myself hoping the performances would provide ample distraction.
 
Unfortunately, I had missed a couple of the performances. But, judging from the chatter around me, it didn't matter. The performances that roused the audience had yet to happen.
 
I have to say, seeing Hana-chan standing upon the platform was... amusing. Poor Hana-chan looked like a fish out of water up there, even admitted that to me in confidence. Imagine my surprise when she started to sing. And... not a Rokugani song either. It was a great surprise, though in retrospect, perhaps I should not have been so shock to hear throat singing from an Unicorn. Papa and I would listen to performances like hers at festivals we'd attend on shore leave. And her singing reminded me of that. A simpler time, when I wasn't involved in courtly plots. What a silly notion, considering all the things to worry about when sailing the open sea.
 
I regret to say that I couldn't understand anything in her song at all. It flustered me when she started pointing into the audience, and pointed at me, of all people. For a moment, I wasn't even sure she was pointing at me. But, sure enough. I don't know what I did to invoke a dedication in a song, but I was honoured. Hana-chan later said that she chose me as representative for her line about the Minor Clans, and that was why she pointed at me. Honoured as I am, I'm still not sure if that is accurate to say.
 
Either way, Hana-chan seemed to be enjoying herself as she was singing the song. I can't say the same for the rest of the audience. They did applaud her at the end. I think they were mostly shocked and confused; even I know how unusual it is to hear a language not of Rokugan spoken in the Winter Court. Outside her fellow Unicorn, no one would have understood her song. It was a bold choice, and I applaud her for making it without shame. It isn't something to be ashamed of. Rokugan would benefit greatly from a cultural exchange. But, that isn't my place to say, not with my level of influence.
 
Next to perform was Ikoma Daiyu, though the name and even her performance was soured by the discovery we made later that night during the Trial of Spirit. Ikoma performed a song called "Wedding of Inari." A playful piece that the audience seemed to enjoy with much laughter. Following that was a performance of "Ballad of Bayushi Kaichico" by Kaito Junpei. I admit to enjoying both performances at the time, even if Kaito-san's performance left me with a sense of melancholy afterwards. While my enjoyment of Hana-chan's performance was genuine, there was a sense of duty in watching hers, as my opinion of it could be directly relayed to her during the intermission. With Ikoma and Kaito-san's, that same... pressure wasn't present. I could enjoy or dislike it without needing to be... polite about it later. That in itself helped with enjoying it, something I'd never would have considered before had I not been friends with Hana-chan.
 
Nayoko came after those two, presenting a hairpiece she had crafted herself. She told me a few times that she enjoyed sewing and cooking, and I admit I was most looking forward to what she would present. Her injuries concerned me, however. I had missed her last battle, and it seemed she had lost the use of her left arm for the time being. She must have been in pain while crafting that piece, as small as it was. At the very least, in great discomfort. And I wasn't able to do anything for her. I understand she needed to complete the piece herself, but surely, in her condition, I could've done something. Even if it was just holding her hair back, or passing her the tools out of reach.
 
Though, I don't think she would have needed my aid. The piece she presented to the Imperial Princess was stunning. Silk purple orchids, a yellow rose, a black pearl. Representing the Imperial Princess in several layers. Each part carefully conveying just who this comb was crafted for. I am envious of Nayoko's skill, and that such a gift was given to someone else. I'm sure the sweet words that accompanied the gift also added to the points ultimately awarded her in the end. The Imperial Princess was even wearing the comb come the end of Nayoko's explanation. Nayoko deserved all the praise she got for it. I imagine there would be a market for those combs, if Nayoko was willing to sell them. But, that would diminish the beauty of the hairpiece already made, wouldn't it?
 
The applause Nayoko received for a job well done gave me hope. One step closer to her being out of that dingy cell, one step closer to enjoying her company someplace else, with that promised cup of sake. And perhaps, another friend? If I hadn't gotten ahead of myself in that wish.
 
Of course, the noise around me caused my head to throb, which in turn caused Hana-chan to fuss and apologise to me once again. She and I are very much alike in that regard. I don't know how many times I'll apologise to Ide-san once the opportunity comes. The guilty is tremendous. I don't understand those who can cause injuries worse than this and not feel any remorse at all. It is times like this that make me question my path, that perhaps I am not suited to be samurai. I dislike hurting people. Even those of supposed lower birth. Should I worry that my goals and dreams might be out of my reach?
 
Yogo Misuhara followed next with a play. Quieter and much more sombre in nature, which my head was thankful for. The play, however, invoked such raw emotion from all of us. The tears fell without shame, and the thoughts provoked by her words. I said to Hana-chan that it was not dissimilar to our current situation. There is so much darkness surrounding us, it's hard not to wallow in it. But we find strength in our bonds, joy and serenity in small things like Kosen-kun's stone garden and our friends' accomplishments. It reminded me of the days at sea, how the next day, hour, and even minute could be our last. We pray to survive everything the sea could throw at us. Violent storms and battles with enemy ships and the wild beasts that lurk beneath the surface. Food shortages, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, frostbite, disease. We do our best to make peace with our mistakes and failures. Well, some of us. I'm not sure if there are things I can let go of just yet. But, I'm working toward it, even if slowly.
 
Akihiro-san was the last to perform for the Trial of Culture, and his piece was... well, I wish I could have enjoyed it more. His artwork was beautiful. I am no expert, but I could tell that every brushstroke served a purpose. But, the more of the scroll he revealed, the more I was reminded of the previous night. The blood coating the floor and the walls of that little hut, and soaking into the mattresses. The corpses lined up and faces contorted in fear and anguish, left to rot without decency or honour. I recognised some of those people...
 
Focusing on Akihiro-san's voice helped a little. He accompanied his artwork with a short poem. And though it was short, it was quite powerful. There was disgust and horror on the faces around me, but I cannot say I'm surprised. Akihiro-san spoke the truth with his poem and his art, a truth that many here deliberately turn a blind eye to. I'm more surprised by the lack of shame they displayed, though even that didn't surprise me as much as it should have. The six years I've spent as trademaster has taught me a lot.
 
I'm pleased to say that the Trial of Culture ended with Akihiro-san placing second, and Nayoko placing third. Unsurprisingly, Yogo-san placed first. Many of the audience were not satisfied with the results, but art is subjective, and their votes were not the ones that mattered.
 
Dinner was a rather quiet affair, but that was interrupted by the Kuni Shugenja, coming to tell us what we were required to do to prepare for the Trial of Spirit. An hour of mediation, reflecting on the events of the day. I couldn't help scoffing; there was so much to reflect on, an hour wouldn't be enough for it. Followed by a mile trek out of the village, followed by climbing the nearby peak so we could report to Cedar Peak Temple. After the other night walking in a blizzard, this seemed simple enough to me, though we were informed we had to be there by midnight.
 
I had not expected to be asked to strip down to my underwear in the dead of a winter night, but everything about this Trial was still a mystery to us. I am accustomed to doing it - ships were rarely warm places - but I imagine some of the other participants were much more reluctant. And freezing. It was cold, even I would admit to that. The old ice burn ached a bit, though, reminding me the price of arrogant confidence.
 
Shortly into the second bout of mediation, I received this message:

Through the Day, I have had eyes on any and all through the crowd and competitors for the Blue tattoo that reveals our conspirator. In this test, Hida and his eldest volunteered to help you, but the remaining on the list, are all people that were reported by my watchers to keep an incredibly careful cover over their wrists through the day, making sure to never uncover. Many of them also expressed desires to leaving, but never did. Use the Kuni to sort out who the Mahou is. Capture her.... or if worst comes to worst. End her.

 
I already had much to think about, but now this was added to it. I'm unsure what the others thought about while they were meditating, but my mind couldn't help but wander the events of the previous day and evening, even before my arrival at the Temple. As I've mentioned before, the discovery of black jade in the Mahou's lair was unsettling. Even more unsettling when I received a beautiful gift during my meditation. That sounds odd, but...
 
I received a pendant of pure blue jade with black jade accenting it. This note came with it:

From those of us, who don't get the representation the court allows. Thank you. - The Crew of the Niwatori, Washi, and Kamotoi

If there are Mantis nearby, I will meet them soon enough. But it shames me that for a moment, I was filled with doubt. Until I meet with them, I cannot be certain of the legitimacy of this gift. I couldn't help but wonder if it was a trap sent by the Mahou. I couldn't help but wonder if anyone of these crews, a member of my own clan, had fallen victim to the Mahou. Did the black jade I found in the Mahou's lair come from one of them? Was it stolen? Had someone been killed for it? Even worse, was someone in my clan involved with this plot against the Empire?
 
And if the gift is legitimate, how can I accept it? I can scarcely repay the crews for it. Am I even worthy of it? It's gorgeous, I still can't believe something like this is in my possession!
 
As if I didn't have enough to worry about.
 
The rest of my meditation went without further interruption, and I was able to clear my mind somewhat. The feeling of the cold prickling my lungs was familiar, and I chose that as my focus. Remembering what it's like to be a sailor, and remembering how much I miss sailing. Six years. Six years since I've sailed a ship. Sure, I've been on ships, but only as a passenger. On Crane ships. The effort it takes to not cringe while they ignore my advice and do everything wrong...
 
Ugh, just thinking about it now irritates me. But it also reminded me of... just how lonely I might be. I think about those around me, wondering how many of them might've been in relationships, how many friends they might have. Honestly, Hana-chan and Nayoko might be the first friends I've had since Hisashi. I'm unsure of where I stand with Akihiro-san and Amayaiko-san, but I think we get along and might be comrades. I've never been in a relationship outside of my business ones. I couldn't afford it, especially when there were people like Yoshihiro-san trying to use my youth and naivety against me. As dire and chaotic the situation might be, then and now as I write this, I find myself glad to be attending this Winter Court. It has been filled with so many new experiences that I might have missed out on if I stayed in the Port That Never Sleeps. I think I might have gotten off track, lost sight of my goals. Perhaps that scathing note sent to me was right, and this Court is providing the way back. I put myself in a shell, and now I'm ready to come out of it.
 
When the Kuni finally came, I was given this odd wooden goblet with this even odder fire. I'm unsure how much detail I should go into about the ritual, but this is my own private journal, so perhaps it'll be fine to go into the particulars here? The fire, though warm, had no fuel. I had never seen anything like it before, and I doubt I'll see anything like it again, unless I take this ritual again. We were led from the chambers up some more stairs to the peak of the temple, and were told to pour our goblet fires into different points of a pit. The whole thing lit up like a bonfire. Apparently, it was a test of our spiritual strength, and failure would result in our death. Our instructions were to walk through the flame and pray to the gods, then step out. Simple enough, right?
 
It was that moment that I realised how foolish I have been. I thought I would be fine with this test. I had lived my life honestly and honourably, there was no reason to believe my soul could be tainted. Curses exist, but not within me, right?
 
How wrong I was. The flames brought forth unpleasant memories. Memories of the sea, fears regarding my heritage, the guilt of the harm I've caused over these last few days. And the flames... they burned. My skin is still pink from the exposure. I learned that I was lucky; coming out of the flames at all was a blessing for some. Hana-chan was burned by the flames, as was Akihiro-san. I believe the only one who wasn't truly affected by the flames was Hida-sama. And poor Nayoko, apologising to Kagami. If... I'm correct, she may be referring to Agasha Kagami, who died just over a year ago. I thought it was a workshop explosion, but judging from the immense guilt Nayoko is exhibiting, I wonder if she was somehow involved...?
 
There was no time to ask her about it. She needed to go to the infirmary and have her new burns treated, and I had offered to go with her, but the... "main event" of the night had just begun. I mentioned earlier how Ikoma's performance had been soured. It turned out that Ikoma Daiyu was not Ikoma Daiyu after all. She was, in fact, the Mahou we were hunting, the one called Tomoe. I remembered seeing a vial in that hut last night. Just a small one, containing a dry, dark substance. It read "Daiyu". I thought it was another instance of black jade, but I was wrong. I realise now that it was blood. Blood that must have been taken from the real Ikoma Daiyu. And when confronted, Tomoe was... remarkably easy and accommodating in telling us her story. How she infiltrated the ritual for a chance to kill Hida-sama. She offered her cooperation, oni artefacts and relics, information about her cohorts... in exchange for Hida-sama's life.
 
I don't know if the others considered it, but it was not a deal I was willing to entertain. I would not be able to trust a single word out of Tomoe's mouth. What if we gave her what she wanted, and she only fed us information that would only send us further into chaos? I also did not want to entertain the wrath of Hiruma-sama if we could not protect her husband. It seemed obvious to me.
 
I got ready to fight, but... I am shamed to admit I didn't do much. And I didn't last long. Hana-chan and Akihiro-san took the lead, and beheaded Tomoe before anyone could really act. It... made me sick to witness. Her head was... just lopped off. A clean cut, sure, but.
 
Gods, it makes me sick thinking about it. How my stomach churned, how I exposed myself in front of everyone in my weakness. I was scared, and I couldn't hide it.
 
Nayoko, bless her, comforted me and took pity on me. She listened to my selfish request for her to stay with me the rest of the night. I couldn't be left alone with my thoughts, else I would never be able to sleep. We treated each other's burns with ointment from the infirmary, and I... fell asleep laying into her. It had been a while since I had done something like that. And... it was with Papa. But it felt... good. Comforting. And like something I want to do again with her. She was good to me, and she treated me with such kindness and care. I hope she thinks the same of me. And... I find myself looking forward to seeing her again.
 
I hope it will be soon.