Tournament
The day had finally arrived, and it had come cold. January 3rd was the day of the World Archery Tournament, a worldwide tournament held every three years in a different city of the world. Archers and archery schools from all over gathered to show their skills and see who was the best. Equipment ranged from tradition bows and arrows of each native region to the more complex, compound bows and fiberglass or aluminum arrows.
Each country was represented by the top school; the school to go to the tournament was determined by preliminary rounds, held the previous year just after the host city and its country were determined. The archers were then given a year to perfect their skills, which were occasionally evaluated by a member of the tournament committee. If the school or institute "slacked off" in any way, the school that held the second highest ranking would take their place.
This year the countries that were competing met in Tokyo at a local high school. Competitors were from the US, France, England, China, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, India, Canada, Brazil, Russia, Egypt, and, of course, Japan. The Ishikawa Kyudo Dojo, the Li Shooting School of Shanghai, and the Wei Target School of Hong Kong were the only competitors using the tradition styles of archery; all of the other schools preferred their compound bows and arrows.
The current champions of the tournament were the Ishikawa archers, champions for the last six tournaments. Under the former master, Masaki, and under the current master, Rei, the school has improved impressively in the eyes of the tournament council. Their only real rivals were the archers for the Marceau Archery School of France, headed by the headmaster Luc Marceau; they were also the second place holders the last three tournaments. At 24, Luc was the second youngest archery master of his school to enter the tournament; Rei was still the youngest.
On the day of January 3rd, archers, their masters, visitors, and the families of the archers alike filed into the high school. The school grounds were larger than most schools, specially reconstructed the previous two years for the tournament's purpose. Though it was a little cold, most didn't mind as they took their seats or their places to watch or prepare for the tournament events. Commentators announced each school as they arrived, naming the masters and each team member. Last to arrive at the tournament grounds were the Ishikawa archers. By tradition, they would not arrive until every archer had been accounted for and were properly fitted for the tournament.
All eyes turned to them as they filed in one by one, each wearing a kimono made of light but protective wool in a dark gray tone. The mon of the Ishikawa dojo was embroidered on the back, both arms, and both sides of the chest in pale blue and silver thread. A black hakama covered and protected the lower part of the body; slippered feet were covered by tradition zorry sandals. Each archer held their bows in their gloved right hand, a quiver of nearly two dozen arrows slung over their left shoulders. Girls wore their hair tied back, away from their face, by a paper ribbon; their chests sported a dark tanned chest protector.
"And here are the members of the Ishikawa Kyudo Dojo," a commentator spoke in Japanese. His voice was followed by other translators in various languages as he spoke.
"Members of the Ishikawa are known as the elite of Japan's traditional archers. Ishikawa family archers once served the shogun and, for a short time, served the emperor himself. They are the current champions of this world tournament, and may be the champions again. Their master, Ishikawa Rei, is head of the family and the youngest master to inherit the school. The Ishikawa is also the only school that does not have an assistant master as of late.
"And the archers for the Ishikawa Kyudo Dojo are�" A string of names were read off as each member stepped into view. Rei watched each of his students and teammates as they stepped up to the target range, gauging the distance and air resistance. They were all thankful that, although various types of archery were being represented, the tradition target they practiced with was being used, and in the traditional setting. This would make it easier for the Ishikawa archers to shoot, but harder for the other competitors.
"Well well, if it isn't the Ishikawa," an arrogant voice said behind Rei in heavily accented English. He turned to the voice and found Luc Marceau standing behind him, his assistant master, Paul Bernard, and three of his top students accompanying him.
"Nice to see you as well," Rei replied in perfect English. Luc frowned at the greeting.
"Listen, Ishikawa. We've lost to you six tournaments in a row. The last three tournaments we almost won. This year, we're going to be the champions."
"Confident, are we?"
"You and your father are the same. You both thought your traditional ways would always outperform the rest of us. This year, we prove you wrong."
"While we're on the subject of family, you remind me a great deal of your father. I remember when I was twelve and beat him at the tournament six years ago. He was-shall we say-a little ticked." Luc's face suddenly turned red as he grabbed Rei by the front of his kimono. Several Ishikawa students saw the threat to their master. They were about to rush forward and help him, but were stopped by Yuusuke.
"Leave him be," he said softly. "And watch the show." Just as he finished speaking there was a loud crack and a howl of pain. Luc staggered back, clutching his left hand. Rei's face was calm, his eyes steady, as his bow wavered once before his face after it knocked Luc's hand away.
"You'll lose their year, Ishikawa," he said with a snarl, shaking the pain from his bow hand. "And I'm going to enjoy the look on your face when you do." He turned and headed back to his team, his assistant and students following him.
"And I'm going to enjoy the look on your face when you lose�again," Rei said quietly behind him. He turned and looked up when a soft hand touched his shoulder. He allowed a faint smile to cross his face when he saw Yuusuke's worried gaze on him.
"Daijoobu desu," he said to reassure him. Yuusuke said nothing but simply nodded as they both made their way back to the rest of the team.
"Now that all the teams are assembled," rumbled the announcer's words, followed by translations, "it is finally time to get the tournament underway. Ladies and gentlemen, take your seats. This year's tournament proves to be eventful.
"First shooters, step to the line." Rei nodded with a faint smile to the junior high school student who stepped up to the line as the Ishikawa dojo's first shooter. He listened and watched quietly as the hours whiled away and each of his students took their turns. In all, the Ishikawa dojo had brought fifteen archers, including their master, the maximum number of team members allowed to attend as contestants. Those who did not enter the tournament watched and cheered from the stands, lending their support and spirits.
Morning turned into afternoon as lunch came and went. Once the break was over, the high scores were announced, allowing each team that made the finals to choose its final archers.
"Okaeri nasai, minna-san," rang the announcer's voice at the end of the lunch period. "I have just received the scores for each team. The finalists are the Wei Target School from Hong Kong�" At the mention of the school's name, archers and spectators alike gave a ringing shout.
"The Sanderson Archery Company from the US, the Li Shooting School from Shanghai, the Marceau Archery School of France, and the Ishikawa Kyudou Dojo of Tokyo." The Ishikawa archers were the loudest after the announcement of their school. Not one of the students had a doubt they would make it to the finals. Now that they were contestants, they wondered if they would take the title for the seventh tournament in a row.
"These are the five finalists. Each of the fourteen archers have already used all of their arrows. Therefore, the winner of this tournament will be decided based on the marksmenship of the teachers." At the statement, Rei adjusted the glove on his right hand before standing. He took his bow, offered to him by one of his students, and the five arrows given to him by Yuusuke. Once equipped, he took his place on the stage along with the other teachers. He faint caught the smirk Luc threw at him, choosing to ignore it rather than provoke a fight.
"Archers will shoot in the following order; Wei, Li, Sanderson, Marceau, and Ishikawa. Each archer will shoot a total of five arrows. The archer with the highest score will be this tournament's champion. Good luck.
"First archer, Wei!" Rei closed his eyes and listened, rather than watched, the rest of the tournament. His tuned ears told him when an archer had missed his mark; the slight but sharp intact of breath or a low sound in the throat was hardly noticable to most but Rei always caught it.
"Excellent shooting by Luc Marceau!" the announcer's voice rang out again. "The Marceau school is now in the lead. Can the reigning champion from the Ishikawa dojo beat his score?"
"Careful where you aim," Luc hissed as Rei passed him on his way to the shooting line. The young master ignored him, drowning out all sound around him as he aimed the first arrow. It hit the center, as it should. The next three arrows followed in quick succession, all hitting the center mark.
"Impressive shooting, as to be expected from the master of the Ishikawa. The first four shots puts the Ishikawa and the Marceau in a tie. This last shot will be the determining factor." This would be his last shot. If Rei could make this last shot, the Ishikawa dojo would win for the seventh tournament in a row. And, this year, if he made the shot, they would win with the highest marks ever.
The bowstring grew taunt as Rei pulled it back. He blinked slowly, focusing down to the tip of the arrow and his target. He felt the air slowly breeze around him and pulled the string back farther to account for the increased air. But that movement was a mistake.
A loud crack was heard, followed by a soft cry as the bowstring snapped in half. The bottom half of the string fell away harmlessly; the top half arced through the air, slapping hard against Rei's drawing hand. He dropped the bow to the floor, grabbing his nearly twisted right wrist with his left hand. Rei sank to his knees, biting his lower lip to keep back the pain. He wasn't aware of Yuusuke and the others rushing forward until they were kneeling around him and Yuusuke's hand was on his shoulder, his voice softly calling him.
"Rei?! Daijoobu ka?" Yuusuke's voice, normally cheery, was laced with concern, worry, and a bit of anger. Rei said nothing, leaning against him until his head came to rest against Yuusuke's shoulders. One of the students picked up the fallen bow and examined the bowstring.
"Mite yo," he said softly, kneeling in front of Rei and Yuusuke. Everyone leaned in close as he held up the string.
"It almost looks like it was cut. Look, half of it is cleanly cut away." Anger began to cloud Yuusuke's eyes as he whirled on the Marceau team. They said nothing, watching the group, but a faint smirk crept across Luc's face.
"Kisama�" A soft hand rested on Yuusuke's, stopping him from moving or saying more. He turned to Rei, anger once again replace with worry.
"Let it go, Yuusuke," Rei said softly.
"Demo!"
"You can't prove they did it."
"We know they did it though! Who else could have done it? They wanted to win so badly they would have done anything, especially something like this."
"But you can't prove that they did it. We still have one shot left."
"That you do, Ishikawa team," a referee said, coming over to inspect their situation. "Your wrist looks like it was nearly twisted, Ishikawa-san. Would you like to have a replacement? All of your team members have already had their shots, but any one of them can take your place." The team members looked at one another before turning back to Rei.
"Let me do it, Sensei!"
"Iya, o re desu, Senpai."
"I'll do it," Yuusuke said. He was about to stand when he was again stopped by Rei's hand.
"It's my shot," he said softly. "I'll finish it."
"Demo, Rei�" Serious, calm green eyes looked up at him. Yuusuke knew that look well, and he knew it was useless trying to argue when Rei looked that way.
"I want to prove them wrong. Let me do so, Yuusuke." Reluctantly, he nodded. Rei shook his head, not wanting to hear anymore protest from the other team members. He nodded once to the referee, finalizing the judgement. The referee nodded in return, standing and returning to the judges' table to relay the message.
As an announcer announced the decision over the intercom, Yuusuke helped Rei to his feet as the other members resumed their places off the stage.
"Tell me honestly," Yuusuke said, gently rubbing Rei's wrist. "Do you think this has anything to do with that tradition your grandfather spoke of? You are the only one of us that doesn't have a charm after all."
"Maybe, maybe not. I intend to prove Ojii-san wrong today as well." Yuusuke smiled, softly kissing Rei's fingertips through the glove.
"I'll be praying for you," he said softly before walking off the stage. Rei sighed softly, accepting the extra bow and arrow from one of his students before setting up the shot again. He bit down on his lower lip, trying to push the pain away. Words his father used to tell him began to fill Rei's head as he sighted down the arrow.
Keep your eye on the target. No matter what goes on around you, never take your eyes off your target. Sound gives way to silence; sight focuses only on the target; pain is nothing. Never waver, never falter. You are the arrow; head for your destination.
The words echoed through his mind. As quickly as they had started, they silenced. Rei went deaf to the world as the sounds around him ceased. The sharp pain from his almost twisted right wrist diminished. His eyes focused on nothing save for the target face and the round black mark.
He heard the wind whistle as it rushed by his ear the moment he released the arrow. Rei watched it carefully, following its path. His green eyes never left the arrow's tip until it struck home�in the very center of the target face.
"For the seventh tournament in a row, the Ishikawa dojo wins with 251 points!" The air around him exploded into noise as Rei closed his eyes. He didn't need to see to know that Yuusuke had just rushed over to his side and enveloped him in an embrace.
"You did it, Rei," he whispered into his ear against the noise. Rei simply shook his head, leaning against him as the Ishikawa students surrounded them.
"We did it, Yuusuke," he said softly. "We all did it."