The First Step
29 July 2005
by Nate Hansen

Nikana sat patiently on the stone bench that gave the best vantage of the dueling square. He was used to waiting and doing nothing. It was a beautiful day with the sun warming the cool air that lingered from the early spring morning. He had only been at the capital for several days and already he was anxious to be away. Somehow he couldn't escape the feeling that if he didn't leave soon he never would. He shifted uncomfortably on the bench.

Abruptly he rose and turned to face the man approaching from behind. He bowed low but slow enough to see the smile grow on Seppun Kiharu's face.

"Sit with me," the Daimyo said, taking a place on the bench.

Nikana took a spot to the right of Kiharu and gazed at the ground in front of him.

"Tell me young miharu, what have you learned in your travels this past year?" Kiharu asked as he balanced his sheathed katana on his lap.

"I believe Shinsei said it best when...," Nikana began.

"Tell me in your own words," Kiharu interrupted.

"I'd always been told that to serve as a protector is a sacred trust, but actually living it has, well, taught me the truth of it. Vigilance, discipline and focus all gain a sharper edge when someone else's life is in your hands. It turns lessons heard into lessons learned," Nikana answered looking glancing nervously at Kiharu for some clue as to how he liked his answer.

"And," Kiharu said returning the glance.

"That my life is nothing and must be surrendered in death every moment that those I protect may live," Nikana said calmly.

"Hmmmh," Kirahu responded.

Seppun Toma and Seppun Hideki made their way side by side out on to the dueling square, their sandals clicking on the red stone. They finished their conversation quickly as they came to the middle. Toma and Hideki looked together at Kiharu. Kiharu nodded and the two turned away from each other walking 3 paces than stopping. There they stood back facing back, statues holding wooden blades.

"Who do you think will win?" Kiharu inquired of Nikana.

"Toma is the better bladesman but Hideki has more inner calm. However, Hideki doubts himself as well. But Toma is overconfident..."

"So you've decided then," Kiharu asked.

"Hideki, he wants it more," decided Nikana.

"We'll see," Kiharu said with a small smile.

Toma spun, his blade slashing high in the air for a sky to earth cut heading straigh for the back of Hideki's head. Hideki didn't move. Toma's blade raced closer. Hideki sat perfectly still. Toma's blade struck... air... as Hedeki sidestepped, bringing his own blade to bear on Toma. Toma had overextended himself and he wouldn't be able to stop in time to deal with Hideki's blade, which was slicing for his forearms. So Toma did the only thing he could and sped his momentum forward and down, diving and rolling. Hideki also slashed air and shifted his movement to follow Toma. Now it was Hideki attacking Toma's back. Hideki shuffled in, stabbing high at Toma's exposed neck. Toma sidestepped, reversing his grip on his blade. Hideki closed the gap, his blade out before him. Toma stepped back, stabbing for Hidekis exposed ribs. Hideki's move was reckless and had brought him straight towards his opponent's blade, but his body seemed to melt away from it as he released his own blade with his right hand, his left hand driving it forward as his torso twisted — striking Toma solidly in the side. Toma grunted and dropped to one knee.

"Well done Nikana," Kiharu said rising. "Walk with me a ways."

They made their way through the gardens back towards the Palace proper in silence.

"You've proven yourself adequate during the last year Nikana. I'm giving you an assignment I hope you take with the utmost seriousness," Kiharu finally said.

"Hai, Kiharu-sama," Nikana said quickly.

"I'm sending you to the Crane lands. You're going to be representing the Seppun, the Imperial family," Kiharu continued.

Nikana began to grin.

"You're going to attend a festival and take part in the competitions the local Daimyo is holding," Kiharu said slowing down his pace and looking at Nikana.

Nikana's smile shrunk to a thin line. "Kiharu-sama, I am honored...," Nikana said seriously.

"You don't need to pretend you like competitions, I know you don't care for them. I can't blame you, it isn't part of miharu training and it is... frivolous"

"No, I'm not fond of competitions, and I will do all I must to bring honor to our family"

"Relax, Nikana. It is not required of you to come off the victor there. Do your best and keep your eyes open. There is usually more going on at these things than you might think. And be patient, remember that it is from small things that great things are begun," Kiharu advised as they approached the first gate into the Palace.

"When do I leave?"

"Tomorrow."