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Takehai ducked under a foeman's sword, striking with his own. For three straight days he had participated in this battle, and each day had dawned with no apparent end in sight. Each day had seen him slay others constantly and uselessly, all for a perceived slight to someone's honor. Although he knew that this was only an excuse, and that it was really the land that the Scorpion Clan was after, Takehai still felt the injustice of their cause, and knew where his duty lay. Takehai whirled past one foeman's attack, and turning back, unleashed his own devastating counterattack. Turning away from the falling body, he came face to face with another bushi, and prepared to battle again.
"Ise zumi! You fight well for a monk!" The Samurai called over the noise of the battle. Takehai paused, somewhat astonished at the sudden change of tactics.
The other sheathed his sword, still staring at Takehai. Takehai blinked, and did likewise.
"I have always wanted to hunt the Tiger," the Scorpion said. His face was covered below the eyes with the trademark mask, fashioned after the fanged maw of a great cat. Although Takehai could not see his mouth, it was apparent from the crinkling of the eyes that he smiled.
Takehai had to smile back. "Perhaps one day you shall."
The other, clearly puzzled by this, took his stance. Takehai followed his example, remembering his friend Jinjiro's advice: that much can be learned by observing your opponent's stance. If you learn the correct information, you will better know when, and how, to strike.
As Takehai observed his opponent, he tried to analyze the stance, hoping to gain any advantage he could. Unfortunately, being so new to the practice of dueling, the necessary information eluded him. Focusing instead on his opponent's eyes, Takehai reached for his inner peace, to help him know when to strike. He calmed himself, thinking quiet thoughts as his teachers had taught him. As he gazed into the other's eyes, he realized that the other was as well trained in meditation and spiritual attunement. Perhaps he should strike–
In a flash, the Scorpion drew and struck at Takehai. Takehai barely managed to avoid the blow, drawing his own sword at the same time. He gathered his spirit, and focused it into the blow, making the katana an extension of his own spirit, instead of the cold steel blade it appeared. He felt, like it was his own limb, the edge of the blade make contact, slicing through armor and padding beneath as though it were rice paper, to the fragile flesh beneath. The blade bit deeply, and the blood of life spilled forth, staining armor and blade as it rushed to be free.
The other pulled away before the weapon could cause more grievous harm, gasping at the pain of the wound. Cold anger blazed in his eyes, and he raised his blade to strike again. Takehai, however, was just a bit faster, and struck out first. But this time, his strike did not connect. The other also missed, but managed to turn his blade in time to direct its momentum at Takehai's own. Unprepared for this, Takehai lost his grip on the katana, and it flew, ringing from the blow, beyond his reach. The other smiled again.
"Now I shall hunt the Tiger!" He raised his sword to strike again.
Takehai smiled ruefully. "You are mistaken. You hunt the Dragon."
Takehai took at deep breath, and reached again for his spiritual strength. The other shrieked a battle cry, and rushed forward. Takehai breathed out, but not normal Air. Instead, the very Fire of his heart spewed forth, catching the Scorpion in mid-rush, and his shriek changed to one of agony. The Battle around them ceased momentarily, and people stepped back in fear at the sight confronting them.
Takehai, breath expended, stepped back from the burning man, but felt not the heat. He instead felt very cold, from the inside out. As the man before him fell, lifeless, Takehai lowered his head, a single tear falling from his eye.
"May you one day face the Tiger you deserve, Brother of Spirit."
Takehai turned, and retrieving his fallen weapon, returned to the battle.