A few moments later, Doji Keitomaru appears, trailing his father, Doji Sokoji. The two bow to you, and Sokoji says, in smooth, honeyed tones, "Our greatest congratulations, Kakita-san. You have brought great honor to our Clan this day, and we all owe you a debt for it." He then steps aside, allowing his son to approach. "Megumi-san," he says slowly, and too quietly for his father to hear over the hubbub, "I ask your forgiveness for my... behavior... yesterday, throughout the day. I know you tried to help me last night, and I appreciate it; had I been alone, I would have fallen to my weakness, but your presence kept from that. Thank you. If you ever have need of a friend, you have only to call on me." Then he too steps into the crowd and is gone.
That night, Isawa Tsutakito approaches you and bows, the bow of a child to an adult. "Kakita-sama," he says quietly, "I wanted to congratulate you on your victory today. It was well-earned, and over an opponent who... well. Let me say that I appreciated your involvement in Tamori-sama's... efforts... two nights ago. You have shown me what honor is, and I shall not soon forget it." He bows once more, then turns away.
"Hida-san,
It has been some time since we met, brief as it was, but I hope the memory has not entirely slipped away from you. I am writing you to tell you two things. First, the Crane questioned and released me, convinced that I had nothing to do with the events at the Topaz Championship last spring, neither the thing between the Isawa and the Matsu nor the assassination of the Emerald Champion. I tell you this because I want no suspicions about me to linger in your mind.
The second thing is this: your son was born three weeks ago, healthy and strong. We will not trouble you again, but I wanted to you know."
There is no signature.
Looking back one last time before the Crane holdings were out of sight Nagatsuna thought on everything that had transpired. The murder of the Emerald Champion, another Lion disgraced, Megumi the new Topaz Champion, the Emperor's blessings, his own victories and defeats, and Oroko.... He mused for a moment about how he would be able to tell the story about how he had defeated the current Lion Champion in single combat. THAT was a story! Tossing his tetsubo back on his shoulder and turning to face the long journey ahead of him he disappears into the distance wondering whether his path would cross agian with any of the many people he had met here........
Shisumo:
Her initial worries her tryst might have had consequences lasted for a month of anxious waiting. Despite her tendency to judge herself harshly, this one time she just could not conjure up horrible results - should she be pregnant, there would be one single proper way to deal with it, and she was willing to make these amends.
But as time went by, she realized she had flirted with disaster heavily herself. Had she told him off quickly and decisively instead of coyly mixing encouragement and rejection, he would not have been there that evening. When she received his note, against better knowledge, she had not the heart to burn it, as was safer. Instead, she folded it tightly, and placed it among the few keepsakes she had retained from her childhood. While it was bitter in many ways, a certain sweetness couldn't be denied.
She had no illusions - he would not choose her welfare over his clan. She just hoped he might choose it over personal opportunities - and remarkably, felt confident he would actually do so.
Heihachi travels back to the crab lands with Nagatsuna, he truly only felt at ease with his clanmates, and Nagatsuna is even larger than he himself is, not having to look down upon one of your own station is much easier.
As those who have earned their gempukku are lined up before the Emperor, Yukari can't help but feel a strange mixture of nervousness, delight and pride in being given such an honour. The Emperor's bow to the group completely catches her offguard, and she is as shocked as the rest of the crowd at such a gesture.
As she has been taught, she offers her fealty, almost in a daze at the thought of finally earning her daisho, and in such a fashion, too!
After the tournament's closure and everything had returned to (almost) normality, Yukari prepared to leave for the long journey back to Unicorn lands.
** spoiler omitted **
Troubled by this thought, Yukari calls softly to Arashi, wanting to be on her way again.
Throughout the entirety of the ceremony the new Topaz Champion is quiet and reserved. She seems pleased that her deeds are recognised, especially by the Son of Heaven himself! There is little Megumi can do but to accept such praise, even though such praise is a little undeserved in her own eyes.
The meetings with Keitomaru and Tsutakito are well-received also. Though Megumi seems surprised to see the Phoenix she appreciates his kind words. Keitomaru is treated as a friend even though the meeting is brief.
When she finally has a moment to herself the samurai-ko doesn't hesitate and begins to seek out a familiar face. Hoping he is at the academy she arrives and looks around for Kakita Saburashi.
** spoiler omitted **
On Amiko he is more generous, only offering a dismissive, "If you two intend to brawl in the streets, child, have the courtesy to do it where I need not watch," and he is almost positive when it comes to discussing the final duel with Ryuko. "A gifted girl," he observes, "but untrained; she relies more on bravado than skill. A pity the Isawa did not advance further - she might have benefited from the experience. Then again, perhaps not."
"Sensei, do you suppose. That is if you were here. Well-" Megumi's words fail her and frustration begins to show through. She stammers a little then becomes rather embarrassed. After a minute or two she looks him in the eyes, her own grey orbs showing the heartfelt sincerity in the question that follows.
"I do not deserve the title of Topaz Champion, do I?"