Hoi,

     I said I would be posting something soon so here it is.  The 
completed chapter 1.  I have not seen that many fan-fics based on the 
characters from namcos hit arcade game... Soul Edge or Soul Calaber.  So 
I thought I would come up with one.

Usual disclaimer about characters and who they belong to.

              Finding Your Soul....  Chapter 1

	The evening wind kisses the reeds of tall golden grass as the lone 
swordsman makes his way home.  His black hair and tall brow glisten with 
sweat as the setting sun finally starts to stop sending its pounding 
rays.  His sandaled feet carry him back to his home, a place that he has 
not seen in several months.  The golden light of the sun glides up the 
wooden scabbard of his katana.  He has hopes of reaching his home before 
dark, for Castle Warakame is only a few miles away.  The evening is 
peaceful.  The sky shows no warning of a storm.  The dry heat of the day 
is passing quickly, letting the air and ground cool.  The only sounds 
are the wind in the grass, his footsteps crushing the blades under his 
feet, and the sound of the two men trying to sneak up and ambush him 
from the tall grass.  The Samurai gently places his hands on the hilt of 
his katana as he stops and turns towards the approaching men.  The two 
men stand up letting the tops of the grass whip against their knees.  
They were both dressed in dokis, with their clan�s mon showing on the 
breast.  The dokis fit loose at all the joints yet clinging tightly to 
their chest, hips, and legs.  They were the colors of earth and gold, 
like the grass and ground under their sandals.  Looped around their hips 
is a black belt with a katana attached to the belt. One of the men, a 
good twenty centimeters taller than the other, draws his sword and 
points it at the lone Samurai.  The other places his hands on the hilt 
of his sword, but does not draw.
	�Mitsurugi�, the taller one speaks, �I Sato Homane, Champion of the 
Nichindo Clan, challenge you to combat.�
	�And I, Rashin Koma, champion of the Hemoru Clan.� The shorter one 
interjects, �shall challenge as well.�
	Mitsurugi looks them over.  His eyes looking into their soul to judge 
their fighting spirit.  He draws his sword.  Its fine steel blade glows 
against the setting sun.  He holds it before him, it is a sign that he 
has accepted the challenge.
	�Do you really think that you are so far above us that you don�t reply 
with words?�, Homane yells at Mitsurugi, �Do you think that I will be 
threatened by your silence?  You think wrong Samurai . . .  Koma . . .  
Attack!�
	Mitsurugi guides his sword in front of his chest with the tip towards 
his back.  The two men charge at him across the grass.  They move with 
amazing speed covering the distance in only a few short steps, then the 
dance of the blades begins.  But it is a short dance.  Sato�s blade 
thrusts towards Mitsurugi�s chest as Mitsurugi instinctively goes into a 
move called trapping the soul.  Mitsurugi catches Sato�s blade between 
his blade and guard.  His sword then glides effortlessly across Sato�s 
blade towards his hands, all the time pressing Sato�s sword away from 
him.  He then snaps the sword free, by drawing it across Sato�s guard, 
easily slicing into Sato's neck.  Severing Sato�s chance for a long 
life.  Mitsurugi doesn�t stop the blades motion as he intercepts 
Rashin�s attack and glides into a techinque called the dancing swan.  
The tip of Mitsurugi�s katana cuts up across Rashin�s body from hip to 
shoulder, lightly splitting the skin.  The shock was enough for Rashin, 
that he did not even feel Mitsurugi�s blade as it made another pass 
across his chest, cutting him off from the life force.
	Mitsurugi stands looking down at his fallen assailants, and wipes their 
blood from his katana.  As the sword glides smoothly back into its home, 
Mitsurugi speaks to the dead.
	�I looked for your spirit and I saw none.  You were not ready for this 
challenge and now you will never be.  I will morn your loss, for it 
gives me no pride or honor to take your life this day.  May you find in 
death what you could not reach in life.�
	Mitsurugi, after a slight bow, walks away victorious, yet unfulfilled.  
He did not feel any great victory this day.  The fight had no meaning, 
no purpose.  He must find something to fill the void.  The void has been 
empty for some time now.  He has proven himself a great and honorable 
warrior, but something is just not right, something is missing.  And 
maybe that something could be found at home. 

		*		*		*

	The great oaken walls of Castle Warakame loom before Mitsurugi.  
Sharpened at the peaks, they look to be an imposing threat to all who 
would try to take the walls by force.  He can see the flag of the 
Warakame clan gently swaying in the breeze.  The Warakame clan was not 
Mitsurugi�s clan by birth, but it�s Diayamo has allowed Mitsurugi to 
live within its walls.  Mitsurugi often wonders why he keeps coming back 
to these walls.  He has no real love for the Warakame clan, he finds 
their politics boring and feels that they think too much when they 
should act more quickly.  He has no blood ties living here.  In fact he 
is the last of his blood.  He has no one to call sister, mother, 
grandfather, grandmother, or father for that matter.  Or does he.  As 
the large gates open for him to enter he can see many Warakame Samurai 
practicing in the open training fields.  He looks for a familiar face.  
One of wisdom, honor, and kindness.  He looks for the one man he might 
call father.  He turns to one of the Samurai guarding the gate.  He 
stands tall in his soft leather armor.  His soul hanging gently on his 
left side.
	�Where is Master Hee?� Mitsurugi asks while giving a polite bow.
	�He is probably in with the gaijin at his house.� the samurai replies 
quickly.
	�Gaijin?�, Mitsurugi responds inquisitively.
	�A huge man who claims he is from the New World says he was invited 
here by Master Hee.  The Master seemed to be expecting him.�, the 
samurai replied quickly and sharply.  Bending closer to Mitsurugi and 
using a very soft whisper �But between you and me, I think the fortunes 
made a mistake with this one.  He is so different from us and I don�t 
ever see Master Hee leave the castle walls.  How did these two meet and 
how did the tall gaijin know to come here?�
	�The fortunes work in their own ways.  As you know, one who questions 
the ways of the fortunes, may never find his own.� Mitsurugi responds 
with a smile and bows as he takes his leave of the guard.
	�Its good to have you back Heishiro.� the guard said as he smiled and 
bowed letting Mitsurugi into the castle walls.
	Mitsurugi went straight for Master Hee�s home.  Master Hee was the 
Grand Master of the Warakame clan samurai.  He personally over saw all 
the training of the samurai.  He was well respected though-out Japan and 
Mitsurugi knew first hand that he had contacts outside of the oceans 
surrounding Japan.  Master Hee always had an open door policy with 
Mitsurugi and he could come and go as he pleased.  Master Hee often 
said, in public, that Mitsurugi was the finest warrior he had ever seen.  
And he had tried on more than one occasion to officially adopt Mitsurugi 
into his own family.  Master Hee had shared techniques of Chi and Void 
with Mitsurugi that he had never shown another samurai.
Whether it was the lateness of the evening or the tired bones in his 
body that made Mitsurugi forget his manners, one could not say.  But 
without thinking he walks into Master Hee�s study and starts talking to 
the Master, interrupting the Master�s conversation with a mountain of a 
man.
	�Master Hee.  I�m ba-�, Mitsurugi pauses in mid sentence as he finds 
himself staring at the back of possibly the largest man he had ever 
seen.  The large man turns and looks at Mitsurugi, causing two pairs of 
eyes to fall on Mitsurugi all at once.  The large man had a bear skin 
cloak covering his back with the bears head still attached being worn as 
a hat.  The bear�s long white front fangs pointed down and stopped just 
above the tan skinned mans eyes.  The man�s face shows a person of age 
with wrinkling around the eyes and lips.  The man�s skin looks like 
tanned leather from constant exposure to the sun and elements.  The 
man�s muscles, while showing slack from age, still seemed hauntingly 
powerful.  His square jaw, despite the aged weathered look, looked as if 
it could splinter a thick log. Sitting across from the large man 
Mitsurugi could see the small frame of Master Hee.  Master Hee knelt on 
a mat wearing his formal green kimono with gold and silver dragons 
embroidered on the back.  His thin and aging frame showed in his wrists 
and neck.  But as young Samurai quickly learned, a lot of power can be 
hidden within a single twig.
�Heishiro, please have a seat.�  Master Hee says pointing to a small 
pillow to his right. �You must excuse my young student Rock, for as you 
know one cannot have both youth and manors in the same body.�
	Mitsurugi�s face takes on a chastised look as he kneels down beside 
Master Hee.
	�How well I know.� Rock replies with a smile. �The youth in my tribe 
often forget themselves.  Especially at times when it would look the 
worst.  So you are Hee�s star student.� Rock says looking over to 
Mitsurugi.  �I have heard many good things about you.  But from what I 
can see already, you lack The Spirit.�
	Mitsurugi�s face pulls a scowl.  �My spirit is just fine.  I have often 
won fights where skill and muscle could not stand alone.  You insult me 
stranger.�  Mitsurugi says angrily almost getting off his cushion.  
Master Hee places his hand onto Mitsurugi�s leg and Mitsurugi finds that 
he cannot get up.
�You miss understand Heishiro.� Master Hee says calmly. �He did not 
insult your fighting spirit or your will to win.  He states that you are 
missing, The Spirit, It is a concept foreign to me as well as you.  This 
is why I have invited Rock here from the New World to come and show us 
The Spirit and maybe integrate it into our style.�
	�Let me try to explain.� Rock says in a polite voice unoffended by 
Mitsurugi�s outburst.  �Each man, woman, and child on this planet has 
with them a Spirit.  I�m not talking about their internal spirit but the 
spirit of the creatures of the land, and in some cases the earth itself.  
This Spirit acts like a guide.  When one learns to listen to the Spirit 
it can show them things that they never knew.  In periods of great 
loneliness it can give comfort and guidance.  Some people have two or 
three Spirits that will visit upon them in their life time but there 
will always be one that is with you from the time you are born until 
your bones return to the earth.  The people of my tribe call theses 
Spirits, Totems�
	Master Hee sits still on his cushion absorbing and analyzing every word 
that comes from Rocks lips.  Mitsurugi just stares into the wall behind 
him.  Pretending to listen but only catching a fraction of the words.  
His mind still flows with the reason for coming here today and he still 
wants to get it off his chest.  Not listen to some old man babble some 
New World nonsense.
	Rock�s voice continues to roll on.  During a longer than usual pause 
Mitsurugi spies his chance to cut in and takes it.  �This is all very 
interesting Master Rock, but I really need to talk to Master Hee.  It�s 
kind of important, because I don�t think that I will be able to rest to 
well until I have it off my chest.�
	Master Hee turns to Mitsurugi with the look of death in his eyes for 
interrupting Rock.  �Heishiro, you will sit down and you will be quite!� 
Hee says in a stern voice.  �You think I don�t know what is troubling 
you.  Do you think it is a coincidence that you come home on the day 
that I invited Rock to come to visit.  I saw what lurks in your heart 
months ago.  And I know what you are going through.  It happens to all 
warriors at some time.  Your victories no longer give you pride.  You 
find that your opponents are always beneath your skill level and that 
there is no more challenge for you.  You seek a reason to go on 
fighting, not wanting to retire at your young age.  For centuries this 
problem has plagued all the great teachers of our art.  Why is it, do 
you think, our style is the way it is?  We invite other schools to show 
us what they know so that we can better our own style.  To make it more 
complete.  Has this method not proven itself time and time again.�
	�I had no idea you even suspected.� Mitsurugi says with shock and 
amazement.  �I thought I was alone in this.  I�m sorry Master Hee.  I�m 
sorry Master Rock.  Please forgive this unworthy fool.�  Mitsurugi says 
bowing low onto this pillow letting his forehead touch the floor.
	�I will say this about your youth, Hee.� Rock says to smaller man. 
�Your youth sure know how to grovel.� Rock says with a smile.
	Mitsurugi feels his cheeks burning with embarrassment.
	�This is a lesson we teach our youths at a very early age.  Sometimes 
they forget to be courteous and respectful.  But in the end, their honor 
will never be compromised.� Hee says with a smile. 
	The candles burn long into the night as three men sit in a little hut.  
The winds of the forest flow through the night.  Bringing with them the 
sounds of the night and the wonders of the earth around them.  Their 
voices can be faintly heard by anyone who would care to listen.  But to 
do so uninvited is the way of the Ninja.  And no samurai would dare 
cross over to that side of treachery.

		*		*		*

	The morning suns rays break though the mist that so commonly greets the 
earth this time in the morning.  The fort�s occupants are up at first 
light.  Those who guard the fort�s wall during the night look forward to 
a hot meal and then a restful sleep.  All the young warriors begin their 
katas and practice drills.  Mitsurugi finds himself up at dawn just as 
usual even though he was up well past midnight talking with Master Hee 
and Rock.  Rock had some very bizarre thoughts on what these Spirits 
were.  He tries to think what type of animal would give him guidance.  
What sort of creature that roams the earth is he most like.  The parts 
about being able to call the creature to assist you, was just too much.  
How is it possible that you can call something to appear that is only 
with you in spirit. But possibly the most bizarre aspect is that the 
creature chooses you.  The person has absolutely no say in the matter.  
What sort of relationship is that.  An old saying runs through 
Mitsurugi�s mind. �You create your enemies but you must only choose your 
friends.�  Mitsurugi finds himself walking toward the open court yard 
where the young samurai hone their skills by sparing with one another.  
The younger, less experienced, use wooden boken to protect themselves 
and their opponents.  But if Master Hee feels that you are good enough 
and won�t get yourself killed or accidentally kill your opponent, then 
real steel comes into play.  It has been seven years since Mitsurugi put 
down the boken and took up the blade.  He wonders if anyone today will 
graduate to the steel.
	Mitsurugi wanders over to the training mat and as expected no less than 
twenty students stand around waiting for their turn.  Often times it is 
Master Hee himself who presides over these training sessions and 
sometimes he does the sparring himself.  But today it is one of the 
senior samurai.  The fighting goes on and Mitsurugi losses himself in 
watching the students fight.  He sees them using forms that he has long 
since abandoned for faster and more deadly techniques.   They are the 
correct steps to be using for their skill levels to learn the stepping 
and the positioning of the arms and to gather insight.  But in a real 
fight it is the first to make a mistake that losses and that mistake 
usually happens in the first second or so.  Mitsurugi hears the foot 
falls of Rock behind him.  Rock stands next to him watching the samurai 
practice.
	�I have given your plight some thought Heishiro.� Rock says quietly 
�What you are going through is not uncommon among the warriors of my 
tribe.  Have you ever considered going on a Far Tome�. 
	�On a what?�, Mitsurugi says turning around to face the older man.
	�It translates roughly into The Impossible Quest.�, Rock says with a 
small look of wonder in his eyes.  �It is a quest that puts you against 
great odds and greater foes.  Not only is the ending battle the hardest 
of your life but the quest to get there can very well cause the end of 
it.  It is most often a last resort to those who feel they have lost 
their purpose in this life.  It is that one final goal to accomplish 
that lets them go on living, until they find something else that is 
worthy of their life force anyway.�
	�Your saying I should take on a quest that could possibly end my life.  
One so dangerous that I might feel the enjoyment of living once again.�, 
Mitsurugi says with a grin. �Sounds like fun.  So where does one even 
begin to find such a quest.�
	�In my tribe it has always been the Totem that tells what the quest 
should be and even guides the warrior on the path to completion.� Rock 
says with a shrug.
	�How many of your warriors have taken on such a quest?� Mitsurugi asks.
	�17�
	�How many have returned?�
	�One�, Rock replies with a small bit of sadness in his voice.
�You mean that out of 17 men only one came back alive.�, Mitsurugi says 
a little shocked.
	�Actually, 5 total have come back alive.� Rock replies the sadness gone 
from his voice.   �One completed his quest and is now a legend among the 
plains.  The other 4 came home defeated but barely alive or gave up 
because something else happened in their life that gave them focus a 
reason for living beside the quest.  But yes 12 of my tribes men have 
died trying to fulfill their Far Tome.� 
	�Are you one of the five?� Mitsurugi asks with complete interest in his 
voice.
	�Me?� Rock asks kind of shocked. �No I never took on a Far Tome.  I 
have always seen my need to live.  Maybe I will someday, but not time 
soon.  But as I look into your eyes Heishiro, I can see that a Far Tome 
may be the only thing left for you.�
	�That may be so, but if what you say is true.  My, totem is it? Needs 
to tell me what to do.  And to tell the truth I don�t think I believe in 
it.  I don�t see how anything you said last night could be true.� 
Mitsurugi says letting his eyes fall back onto the training mats and 
watching in wonder.
	�You are a true warrior Heishiro.�, Rock says looking at his back. �You 
believe that the only truths can come from battle or witnessed with your 
own eyes.  Well then let me show you what I mean.  In battle.�
	�What?� Mitsurugi turns around suddenly, �You want to fight me?  In 
battle?  I�m sorry Master Rock, but I cant, my fighting techniques have 
become reflexive and deadly.  I can�t even spare anymore or I might kill 
my opponent on accident.  Even using the bokens I have really hurt some 
of the other students.� Mitsurugi says shaking his head.
	�Do not concern yourself with my safety Heishiro.  If it is going to 
take a fight to get my point across then it is a fight you will get.  
Met me back here on your training mat in 10 minutes and bring your 
blade.  We fight for real.� Rock says as he turns and walks away.
	�But!� Mitsurugi tries to protest, but Rock continues walking away.
	�Just do it.� Rock yells back over his shoulder. �9 minutes and 
counting.�
	Not wanting to make a fool of himself like he did last night, he does 
as he was told and waits for Rocks return.  With his Katana at his side, 
he wonders what kind of fight this will be.
In exactly 10 minutes time Rock returns with Master Hee in toe.  Master 
Hee wearing a dull blue and gold kimono walks quickly over to Mitsurugi.
	�Be ready Heishiro.  Rock told me about this fight and insisted that I 
be here for his demonstration.� Master Hee whispers.
	�You mean he is just doing this to show off.� Mitsurugi replies as his 
cheeks burned with anger.
	�I don�t believe that showing off is his intention.  But more like a 
demonstration of his techniques.  Also he knows how strong your skill 
and spirit is.  While he is older, I do not take him to be a foolish man 
trying to feed an ego.  He believes in his techniques and I would be 
careful if I was in your place.� Master Hee says most earnestly.
	�Your serious aren�t you Master?� Mitsurugi says with surprise in his 
eyes. �I will be careful Master.  If what you say turns to be true.  I 
may have a real fight on my hands.�
	Rock walks into the combat area.  His bear skin cloak hanging over his 
back.  His muscles don�t seem to be as saggy as Mitsurugi remembers.  
Mitsurugi takes his place across from him and draws his Katana.  He 
looks over Rock and notices that he has no weapon.
	�I will not fight unless you have a weapon to defend yourself with.�, 
Mitsurugi says letting his guard down.
	�Ah here it comes.� Rock replies looking outside the ring.
	A young Samurai walks awkwardly towards them.  His gate is awkward and 
labored because of the large axe he is trying to balance over his 
shoulders.  He finally reaches rock and sets the axe onto the dirt.  It 
makes a rather loud thud.  The young Samurai bows and backs away.  
Mitsurugi hears him muttering under his breath that the axe is possibly 
the heaviest weapon that he has ever held, and can not imagine how 
anyone could use it as an effective weapon.  Mitsurugi can see the 
strain in Rocks muscles as he picks up the axe.  The head of the axe 
must be at least three times the size of any mans head.
	�Your going to fight me with that� Mitsurugi asks, �It looks like you 
can barely lift it.  And if you do, it isn�t all that fast of a weapon.  
I do not see how we can fight.�
	�The problem is you are looking, and not believing or feeling, 
Heishiro.  Prepare yourself.�
	Mitsurugi nods his head and readies his weapon.  He watches his 
opponent for his first move, then finds that all he can do is blink.
	�Before the age of man, you roamed the earth.  The power of the mighty 
oak will fall to your strength.� as the words fall from Rocks lips his 
muscles begin to swell.  They show the signs of youth and a level of 
power that Mitsurugi has never witnessed before. �I call for your 
strength to fill my body as I enter battle this day.  I call on your 
wisdom to guide my strike.�  Rocks eyes begin to glow a soft white as 
the eyes on the bear skull he wears around his head begin to glow with 
life.  A deep foreboding growl, one of primal strength and furry, 
rumbles from Rocks lips as the axe in his hands begin to move 
effortlessly and with a speed that could only be generated with the 
strength of thirty men.  Only then can Mitsurugi pull his eyes away from 
his opponent, as Rock�s attack surge towards him.  Rock�s weapon whips 
through the air towards Mitsurugi.  Mitsurugi first reaction is to parry 
and counter attack.  But the first strike against his weapon sends it 
flying from his grasp.  He manages to duck in time to avoid the follow 
through as the ends of his top knot get clipped by the axes blade.  He 
rolls over to his weapon and stands with it ready to fight.  He can see 
the power flowing from Rocks body as the axe waits in his grasp.  
Mitsurugi gathers his strength and courage and boldly attacks with 
maneuvers that none of the younger Samurai have ever witness and then 
even the older ones have never been able to perfect.  Rock, almost as if 
it was foreseen, glances the strikes off the heavy blade of his weapon 
doing little more than marring its finish. The next attack is Rocks and 
it is the last of the match.  Rock swings the but end of his axe towards 
Mitsurugi�s middle causing him to back off, then using a full swing 
brings the blade to bear in his target with a force that could crack 
open the earth itself.  All Mitsurugi can do is put his katana in front 
of him and hope for the best.  The snap of metal is all that is heard 
and the resounding thud that a over weight axe and a young Samurai make 
as they come to rest on mother earth.  Mitsurugi pulls himself off the 
ground.  His hands still stinging and still holding the broken katana in 
his hands.  He shakes his head in disbelief as he notices that he must 
have been thrown 20 feet out of the ring.  The glow has gone from Rocks 
eyes and he stands with his hands resting on the shaft of the axe and 
the head placed firmly on the ground.  All the Samurai around stand with 
shocked expressions on their faces trading looks from each other.  
Master Hee stands looking content as if he had seen all of this before.  
But Mitsurugi, who knows the master so well, could detect the hint of 
wonder and astonishment in his eyes.  Mitsurugi isn�t sure of just what 
had happened during his fight with the stranger.  He doesn�t remember 
most of his moves or Rocks countermoves.  All he does know is his broken 
katana in his hands, the dirt in his mouth, and that from this minute 
froward, he believes in the power of the totem.
	All the students stand motionless looking at the fallen samurai.  Rock, 
looking once again like the aged foreigner, walks out of the ring and 
finds a tree to sit under.  Another of the student is commanded to take 
the heavy battle axe and return it to Rock�s hut.  Mitsurugi pulls 
himself off the ground and wipes to sweat and dirt from his mouth.  He 
glances across the training mat to see the broken tip of his sword 20 
feet away from him.  The broken katana falls from his grasp ignored.  He 
walks over to the resting foreigner and sits down beside him.
	�I believe you now.  What you did was very impressive.  I don�t even 
think Master Hee has ever seen or done anything like that.�, Mitsurugi 
says looking at the grass beneath his feet.
	�It has been my experience Heishiro that one cannot believe until they 
open their eyes and the opening of the eyes is often a painful 
experience.   But I hope you learned something today.  And I don�t just 
mean the usual humility and ego boosting stuff.� Rock says looking into 
the sky.
	�Oh like what?�, Mitsurugi asks earnestly.
	�Like that fact that there are things in this world that would seem so 
outrageous that they cannot possibly be true until you believe in them.  
Then and only then are the secrets of the world unlocked and one can 
truly grow.  You would do well to abide by Master Hee�s example.  He 
brings fighting masters from all over the world to learn and study their 
techniques so that he can understand why people do what they do.  Not 
just to learn a better technique or improve an already existing one.� 
Rock says looking into the deep afternoon sky.
	Mitsurugi stares off into the distance, thinking about his loss this 
day.  He wonders if the impossible challenge could be the only thing 
that could save his soul.   His mind wanders across all the different 
possibilities of what could be out there.  What is the task that would 
be the hardest challenge for him to over come.  What sort of dangers 
would he have to endure to give his soul the rest that it needed.  His 
mind also wanders along the thoughts of what sort of creature would 
claim him and become his totem.  What creature that crawls the earth or 
flies in the sky would be his guide.  More importantly would he accept 
that which has chosen him.  He looks over the foreigner who had just 
displayed an inhuman show of strength, skill, and willpower.
	�Tell me Master Rock,� Mitsurugi says, �How will I know what my totem 
is and what do you think it will be?�
	Rock eyes the young samurai and a smile crosses his face.  �Most totems 
have already been with you for your life.   It�s just knowing what to 
look for, and more importantly recognize its help, when it gives it.  As 
for what type of creature it is� Well that I couldn�t say, I don�t know 
you all that well.  I will tell you this.  Take caution when you do meet 
your totem.  While you fancy yourself a warrior, one strong and fearless 
against any enemy, your totem may be the gentle swan or the graceful 
sparrow, or something as small and physically weak as mouse.  Quite 
often the totem that claims you is not the one you wish you had.  But 
give it time and it will prove to be your greatest alley.  It will 
protect you in your gravest hour and it will give you the strength to 
over come any obstacle.�
	�How can that be?� Mitsurugi says a little puzzled.  �Your totem is 
obviously the bear.  You would seem to be a warrior.  It gives you 
inhuman strength.  It would seem the exact thing that you would choose 
for yourself.�
	�I can see what your saying.� Rock says looking into Mitsurugi eyes.  
�And yes, Bear is a very strong totem and I have used its gift of 
strength many times.  But Bear is more than strength.  Bear is a 
survivor as well, I use its guide to help me find food and shelter 
against the elements.  Bear is especially careful of its young.  I find 
myself having a strong attachment to the youth of my tribe, stronger 
than most mothers.  Bear is also lazy.  Some days I find it impossible 
to wake up in the morning and have difficulty getting motivated to do 
things.  All aspects of what Bear is, I am.  This is what having a totem 
is.  You must look at your entire self.  All your habits and flaws, 
strengths and weaknesses.  Are you a night or day person.  Do you get 
along with others well or do you prefer to be alone.  Are you 
artistically inclined or is brutish strength the only thing you care 
about.  Ask yourself these questions.  Look at your whole being and your 
totem will introduce itself to you and after that you will know how to 
fill your soul.�  With those last words Rock pulls himself off the 
ground and heads towards his hut.
	�Where are you off to?� Mitsurugi asks.
	�To take a nap.� Rock replies with a smile, �I�m not as young as I used 
to be.�

		*		*		* 

	Master Hee was sitting back into his hut.  He had spent the morning 
trying to understand and think of how this totem aspect could be 
integrated into his style.  The seemingly raw power that could be 
produced was impressive, unfortunately the randomness of the totem was 
something that could not be counted on.  The small smoke trails of his 
burning incense floated peacefully around the room, when a sudden burst 
of air scattered their delicate patterns.  Mitsurugi poked his head 
through the door way and stopped and bowed before the Master.
	�So what do you think?� Master Hee asked of his star student.
	�The technique is powerful and I can see that there is much that can be 
learned.� Mitsurugi says not getting up.  �I think that I would like to 
undertake this impossible quest.  It might just be what I need.�
	�I would have to agree with you.  I have seen into your heart and soul.  
The darkness of the void is present there.� It saddens me to send you 
off on such a mission, but I truly believe that this mission may be the 
only thing to save you.�  Master Hee says getting a small sack off of a 
decorative table, and tossing it to Mitsurugi.
	Mitsurugi catches the bag in one hand and is surprised at its lack of 
weight.  Peering inside it, he notices a bunch of crushed leaves, a 
small plate and a match.  �What is this for?�, he asks.
	�Rock gave me this to give to you.  It is a type of incense that he 
claims will allow you to get in touch with your totem.  He says that it 
will help in creating the mental link between totem and mortal.  He also 
told me to tell you that when you meet your totem, spend some time 
talking to it.  Don�t just ask it a bunch of selfish questions and never 
under any circumstance demand anything from it.  Treat it as a friend 
who has just returned from a trip, a trip that lasted many years.  The 
more you familiarize yourself with it, the stronger your bond to it will 
become and the more likely it will be to help you with what you want.� 
Master Hee says  pacing around the room.  �You will be the first to 
attempt to implant this idea into our school.  I know it sounds foreign, 
but I believe that it will be the first step in a long path that will 
help our school.  But more importantly I feel that it will help you.�
	Mitsurugi looks from his master and to the small bag in his hands.  He 
tries to think of something to say, but his mind is blank.  He bows to 
the old master and takes his leave.  Walking across the interior of the 
fort to where his small hut is located, he can still see young samurai 
practicing well into the night.  He remembers his own late night 
training sessions, but it wasn�t long before he realized the value of a 
good nights sleep vs. endless training into the night.  He finds himself 
at his doorway and pulls the door aside.  Lighting the oil lamp on the 
table, his small room begins to glow with the warm light.  His home is a 
small one.  Especially compared to Master Hee's or any of the senior 
samurai.  It consists of only two rooms.  The first is his welcome, 
eating, and cooking quarters.  It has a small fire stove, a small table 
with some futons and cushions.  It has banners hanging on the wall, more 
for decoration than anything else.  The other room is his bedroom and 
mediation chamber.  That room is completely off limits to every one.  It 
is where he goes to think and study and to spend time in mediation.
	Out of habit, Mitsurugi reaches for his side to untie his sword only to 
find it missing.  His mind flashes back to the fight and his broken 
katana.  He sighs to himself and makes a mental note to go see the clan 
weapon smith to get a new one made.  He can feel his muscles beginning 
to complain about the day�s events, so with little thought Mitsurugi 
places the small dish on a small side table in his bedroom and places 
the incense leaves in it.  Lighting a match he drops the flame into the 
pile of leaves.  As soon as the flame touches the leaves a small ball of 
fire flares out from the plate.  Mitsurugi falls back from the flame and 
can still feel the heat for several seconds after flame ball disappears.  
Looking back onto the plate, Mitsurugi can see a small tendril of smoke 
rising from the plate.  He wonders for a moment how long the leaves will 
burn, but the thought quickly passes.  He is barely aware of any odor 
put out by the incense, with the exception of the smoke patterns 
beginning to form on the ceiling, you would almost never notice that the 
incense was burning.  Mitsurugi lay down on his small futon and watches 
the ceiling.  He believes that he can still see the smoke patterns 
crossing the ceiling even though there is no light.  Sleep comes quickly 
to the samurai and so too does his dream.

		*		*		*

	The sun is bright, much to bright.  Mitsurugi can feel a hot wind 
blowing across his face and body.  His mouth feels dry and his vision is 
blurred.  There is a sharp stabbing pain in his back, only when he tries 
to move does he realize that he is laying on the ground.  Sitting up, a 
pounding flash streaks across his eyes and a thundering boom is ringing 
in his ears.  He places a hand on something hard as he attempts to hold 
up his weight.  After a few minutes his vision clears, but his back 
still hurts and his mouth begs for water.  Looking up he can only see 
the massive shining ball that is the sun, there isn�t a cloud in sight 
to smooth out the suns rays.  All around him the only thing he can see 
is red rock formations, nothing like of the flowing fields or forests of 
Japan.  Standing to his feet, he notices that he is fully clothed in 
ceremonial armor.  On his side is a katana.  Remembering his fight with 
Rock he draws the sword to find its shimmering blade, darken and begin 
to crumble like fine dust before his eyes.  The whole blade crumbles 
away until only fine dust remains in his grasp.  Mitsurugi drops the 
dust to the ground and takes a good look at his surroundings.  The 
ground is cracked and looks thirsty for water.  There is no sign of any 
creature or human presence, or even past for that matter.  There is a 
large rock formation, what he guesses to be a few miles away.  There is 
traces scrub brush and rough grass stretching out from the ground in 
small patches, here and there.  With the sun still beating on his head 
he makes up his mind to head for the large rock formation.  There he 
hopes to find some shelter from this blistering heat.  Along the way he 
spies several types of tall plants with wicked spines and needles 
sticking out of them.  He still hasn�t seen any sign of animals or 
people.  After a mile or so he starts taking off his armor.  Its weight 
is starting to pull on him and it does nothing for letting a man�s skin 
breath.  Not really wanting to tote the bulky thing around he just lets 
it fall to rest on the scorched earth in his wake.  His dry mouth is 
doing nothing to help his mood, and his back still aches for some 
reason.  The loose grains of sand slips into his sandals causing walking 
to be less than fun, not to mention the suns relentless assault on his 
head.  All of this put together is just too much for the samurai.
�What am I doing here?!�, Mitsurugi yells out to no one in particular.  
�Where are the clouds and the grass and trees?  I have never seen any 
place like this!  There is no water, the sun is unbearable and there is 
nothing alive around here!  What type of Hell is this?�
	�I don�t know if I would call it Hell.� a voice penetrates Mitsurugi�s 
ears.
	�What?� Mitsurugi says spinning around to see nothing but open sky and 
lots of rocks.  �Who said that?  Am I going crazy?�
	�I did�, the voice says again, �and no your not crazy, yet.�
	�Mitsurugi spins around again notices a large brown and gray hawk 
sitting on one of the needled plants.  Its talons ripping the plant�s 
flesh.
	�Where are you� show yourself!� Mitsurugi says in a voice used to issue 
challenges.
	�I�m right here.  Your not blind, surly you can see me.� The voice said 
again coming from the direction of the bird.
	Mitsurugi carefully walks towards the bird, never taking his eyes off 
of it.  It just stands there looking at him, digging at the plant with 
its talons, almost as if bored and impatient.  Mitsurugi steps within a 
few feet of it and looks around it to see if something is hiding behind 
the plant.  He meets the birds eye and slowly says �Its you isn�t it.  
You�re the one talking to me?�
	�Do you see anyone else here?� the bird answers back, blinking both 
eyes.
	�That�s it, now I know I�m insane.� Mitsurugi says turning away from 
the bird.
	�Where do you think your going?� the hawk asks.
	�To find a nice place to lye down and rest.  My body hurts, I�ve never 
been so thirsty in my life, and I have a bird talking to me.  What do 
you think.� Mitsurugi says as he walks a few feet away.
	�I�m not done with you yet.  Remember you came here looking for me.� 
The bird says at the samurai�s back.
	With that Mitsurugi spins around and stares directly at the hawk.  
�Came here looking for you?� Mitsurugi says a little confused.  �I don�t 
even know how I got here, and you think I came here looking for a 
talking bird.�
	�Hawk�, the hawk says back.
	�Right a hawk�, Mitsurugi says in return.
	�No, not a hawk� but Hawk.� the bird chides back , �Its not what I�m 
called, Its what I am.  I am not a hawk.  I am� Hawk.  A long time have 
I been watching you.  I was wondering when you would come seek me out.�
	Memories of another conversation flashed brokenly into Mitsurugi�s 
mind.  A conversation with a powerful warrior, a man of great strength, 
who mentioned animals as guides and called them by name.  The memories 
were painful in his mind and he forced himself to sort them out.  The 
pain in his head causes Mitsurugi to drop to one knee, but the more he 
fought the pain the more he remembered.
	�Are you alright?� The bird asks with genuine concern in its voice.
	�You�re a� I mean my totem aren�t you.� the words came brokenly from 
Mitsurugi�s lips, but as soon as he said them the pain flushed away from 
his mind and he could swear he saw the hawk smile.
	�Finally, I was beginning to wonder if you would ever figure it out.  
Or if I would have to keep dropping hints until next week.� Hawk says 
smiling, �So now where do we go from here.  I�m glad you finally decided 
to come to me, I was really beginning to wonder if fighting for you was 
worth it.�
	�What do you mean� fighting for me?� Mitsurugi says looking at the bird 
with a very confused look on his face.�
	�Well, lets just say some others wanted a piece of you too.  I just had 
to convince them that you belonged to me.  And no matter how this turns 
out, I want you to know Heishiro that I do believe that I am right and 
don�t regret choosing you.� Hawk says stretching out a wing.  �So lets 
get moving shall we.  We have a lot to talk about.�
	�Go where?� Mitsurugi asks.
	�You were right in heading for that rock formation, I was going to 
greet you there, but after that little out burst you made, I wasn�t sure 
you would make it.  So I came out here.  But its hot out here and I 
hunger for some shade, so shall we go?� Hawk says taking flight from the 
prickly plant and soaring towards the rocks.  Mitsurugi just shrugs and 
begins walking in the same direction.  The last conversation still 
running through his head.
	As Mitsurugi walks closer to the large rocks he notices that they are 
more or less in the shape of a large bird.  One would have to have a bit 
of imagination, but the resemblance is there.  Mitsurugi finds Hawk 
standing on a much smaller, yet still spiky plant.  Mitsurugi walks up, 
and finds some very welcome shade offered by the rocks and still sits 
down.  He is still hungry and his mouth is yet even drier than before.   
He coughs a bit and lets his bones settle down.  Resting his back 
against the cool rocks, he can feel the heat leave his body.  Hawk just 
looks at him with big wide eyes and says nothing.  After a long while of 
silence Hawk looks over the samurai and finally speaks.
	�Are you ok?  You don�t look so good.�
	�It�s the heat.� Mitsurugi says in a flat coughing voice, �that an I�m 
beyond hungry and thirsty and there is nothing around here to drink.�
	�Are you sure about that?� Hawk says looking around, �The first thing 
you need to learn is that all the answers, to every problem, are there 
before you.  You just need to know where to look.�
	�What do you mean?� Mitsurugi says between a fit of coughing.
	�Well for example, your food and water problem.   Looking around I see 
lots of food.� Hawk says plainly, �and the water is here, you just need 
to look for it.�
	�What food?� Mitsurugi says, �The only food I see is you.  But that 
just wouldn�t be right.�
	Hawk thinks about it for a moment and smiles to himself.  �I guess I 
could be thought of as food by something else.  I just never thought of 
it that way.  What I was referring to are these.� Hawk says scraping the 
plant beneath his talons.  �These plants store water and you can eat 
their soft flesh under this tough skin.�
	With those words Mitsurugi lunges at the plant and rips his fingers 
into its flesh.  The plants only defenses doing what they can pierce and 
tear at the flesh of Mitsurugi�s hands and arms.  But the determined 
samurai wins the battle and in just a few moments he is drinking the 
water held within the plant.  He continues to eat and drink the plant 
until he has made a mess of himself and the ground, but his thirst has 
died and his hunger pains begin to leave his body.  The water was a 
little sticky, and the plant bitter to the taste, but anything was 
better than nothing.  After his thirst rage was filled, Mitsurugi begins 
to relax only to notice the small wounds on his hands and arms beginning 
to burn.  The sticky salty sweat from his body is making its way into 
the open wounds, but that wasn�t what was causing the burning.  Hawk 
just watched as the samurai winced in pain and tore off a part of his 
tunic to bandage his hands and arms.
	�Now you learn the second lesson.� Hawk says looking at the samurai, 
�Sometimes the answers to the problems may be painful or even deadly.�
	�Deadly?� Mitsurugi asks raising an eyebrow.
	�For example, the poison found in the spines on the plant you just tore 
apart.�, Hawk says tapping it with a talon. �Its very deadly in moderate 
amounts to small creatures.  It�s the plants way of protecting itself.   
I would guess that you took in enough poison to do yourself some 
moderate harm.  Not enough to kill you, but more than enough to knock 
you out for a long time.�
	�So?� Mitsurugi says with a little concern in his voice.
	�Well normally it wouldn�t be a problem, you would just wake up after a 
while, but your in the desert now.  This complicates things, for if your 
unconscience for long enough you will not be able to drink or eat the 
next time your body will need to and you will die of hunger and thirst.� 
Hawk says.
	Mitsurugi can feel the sleep creeping over him.  At the same time he 
begins to feel nauseous and his hands and arms really begin to hurt.  
�What should I do?� Mitsurugi begs of the bird.
	�Lesson three.� Hawk says, �Think before acting,  and never do anything 
on impulse.  It may have unforeseen consequences.�
	Mitsurugi can feel the pain throughout his entire body.  His vision 
begins to blur and he can feel sleep beginning to overwhelm his body.  
He manages one last look at Hawk before his body goes limp and he falls 
face first into the dirt.
�Rest well Heishiro, we will speak again soon.� Hawk says flying away 
from Mitsurugi�s body.

		*		*		*


	Mitsurugi threw himself off of his futon and woke when his head slammed 
into the hard floor.  He wakes up with a start and stares around his 
small bed chamber.  He hears the sound of footsteps as he looks to see 
Master Hee entering the room with a very worried and surprised 
expression on his face.
	�Your awake!�, Master Hee says looking at the sweat soaked Mitsurugi.
	�I am awake.�, Mitsurugi says a little confused, �And I�m not in some 
god forsaken place, I�m at home.  It must have been a dream, but it was 
so real.�
	�What type of dream lasts for three days?�, Master Hee responds getting 
down and feeling Mitsurugi�s head.  �You were feverish and thrashing the 
whole time.�
	Mitsurugi looks over at an end table and notices the small dish with 
blackened leaves and powder.  A small wispy tendril of smoke still rises 
from it.  �Three days?�, Mitsurugi says looking at the master.  �No 
wonder it seemed so real.   Did anyone try to wake me?�
	�Many times, using many different techniques, none worked.  You were 
dead to the world.� Master Hee says getting back to his feet.  �So how 
do you feel?  Are you hungry or thirsty.�
	�I guess I should be, but actually I feel fine.  Well rested and 
relaxed.  A little confused, but other than that, I feel fine.�, 
Mitsurugi says a little surprised.  �Is master Rock still here or has he 
already left to go home?�, Mitsurugi asks.
	�He is waiting in my house.� Master Hee responds, �He said he could not 
leave until you awoke.  I don�t know what he wants to talk about, but I 
suggest that you go see him as soon as you feel you are able.�
	Pulling himself to his feet Mitsurugi pulls his sweat soaked shirt off 
and flexes his strong muscles.   He looks over his hands and arms and 
notices nothing of the wounds that the spiky plant had inflicted upon 
him.  His body seems to bare no markings from the blistering sun of his 
dream.  Master Hee watches him the whole time, but does not say 
anything.  Almost forgetting that the Master is in the same room with 
him, Mitsurugi begins undressing only to stop and look back at the aged 
samurai.
	�Master Hee, could you please tell Master Rock that I have awakened and 
that as soon as I can get myself presentable I will join him to discuss 
what has just happened.� Mitsurugi says pausing at pulling his pants 
off.
�I will do as you ask Heishiro, but please hurry.  I am impatient to 
hear your tale as well.�, Master Hee says bowing and takes his leave of 
the young samurai.
	Mitsurugi quickly pulls a small bucket of water and dumps it over his 
head.  The water feels cool against his skin and makes the hair on his 
body stand on end.  He washes the sweat and odor of this fever away.  
Reaching out he grabs a dry towel and one of his formal kimonos and 
quickly gets dressed and out the door.

		*		*		*

	Rock and Master Hee both stare at the young samurai as Mitsurugi tell 
his story about what Hawk had said to him.  They sit inside Master Hee�s 
hut, small cups of tea are present for each person, but only Master Hee 
has taken a sip.  Mitsurugi describes where he was and what he was 
feeling.  Mitsurugi finishes his story and just looked up expectantly at 
both of the men.
	�Well, Hawk is it?� Rock says with a smile, �You are in good hand 
Heishiro, or should I say wing.  Hawk is a very powerful totem in its 
own right, you should be proud.�
	�Ok I�m happy that you approve, but Hawk didn�t say what my impossible 
mission is or even when we will speak again.�  Mitsurugi countered.
	�The totems work in their own ways.  Each encounter is unique and you 
would be wise to remember everything that they tell you.  Even the 
smallest of their words hold great meaning and can often be over 
looked.� Rock says flatly.
	�I too am amazed at the story that you have told this day Heishiro.� 
Master Hee says smiling at his student.  �I feel you have taken the 
first step in the healing process, that you seek.  I believe that I 
understand what Rock here is trying to tell you.  Do not let his words 
fall onto deaf ears.�
	�I understand what he is telling me and I also understand what Hawk was 
saying.  First off he says I need more patients.  And I will wait.  Just 
on a personal note, I don�t want to wait too long.�  Mitsurugi says 
taking a drink from his tea cup.  �I also think he was warning me.  He 
was telling me that what I have yet to face is full of hidden dangers 
and that if I�m not careful and act too hastily I will end up dead.�
	�The totems advice is always correct.  It may not seem like it at the 
time, but it always has a way or working itself into your life.� Rock 
says looking at the young samurai.  �Also I would not fret about the 
time you will have to wait.  I believe that you will be given the answer 
you seek soon.  I can see in your heart what is lacking there.  And I 
believe that Hawk will not want to wait too long.�
	Standing up from his seat, Rock arches his back and cracks his 
knuckles. �Now as with all visits this one must come to an end.  I must 
return to my tribe and tend to my youth.� Rock says looking over to 
Mitsurugi. �Heishiro, when I was first contacted by Hee about two months 
ago, I did not know why I was given the Vision that I had.  I want you 
to know that even throughout all my doubts, I can see why Bear wanted me 
to come here.  I can see why I felt a need to cross the ocean and be 
with you these past few days.  And I want you to know that, with Hawks 
guidance I truly feel that you will return victorious.�
	Mitsurugi and Master Hee both stood up and gave a deep bow to Rock.  
The two samurai escort the large gaijin to the castle gate, and give 
their final goodbys.  Rock pulls his large axe onto his shoulder and 
begins the long journey back to the New World.  The mid day sun slightly 
shrouded by some passing clouds, casts a warm soft light onto the large 
man and the rolling fields surrounding the castle.   Master Hee casts 
his eyes at his leaving friend and gives a slight sigh.  Mitsurugi looks 
on past Rock and to the horizon.  His mind floats along it�s ridges, 
wondering just where he might find the one thing that will fill is empty 
soul.

		*		*		*

	Mitsurugi knocked heavily on the thick door of the blacksmith forge.  
Inside he could hear the pounding of metal and could feel the heat from 
the furnace.  After a few moments the doors part and a dirty yet smiling 
man named Kotoya Akira looks out.
	�Good day samurai.  How may I assist you this fine day.�, He says not 
really looking at who his is talking to.
	�I have come to get a new katana made.  My last one broke.� Mitsurugi 
responds trying to get the man�s full attention.
	�Impossible!� Kotoya says between his teeth, �My swords never break.�
	�Well this one did.� Mitsurugi says thrusting the broken hilt into 
Kotoya�s hands.
	�I see.� Kotoya says taking the hilt, and examining the broken part of 
the blade. �Well I would like to help you Mitsurugi, but I�m afraid that 
Master Hee has told me not to begin this project for you.  He thinks my 
time would be better spent finishing what I have already started.  I�m 
sorry.  If you need a katana I suggest you take it up with him.�
	�What do you mean?� Mitsurugi says a little confused.
	�I think he has something else in mind for you.  I would suggest you go 
see him about it.� Kotoya says as he begins closing the doors to the 
forge.  �Good fortunes be with you samurai.�
	Mitsurugi lets the door close in his face and begins walking back 
towards the training grounds.

		*		*		*

	Mitsurugi gently raps his knuckles against the solid door of Master 
Hee�s home. After a few moments the samurai is greeted by his old friend 
and mentor.
	�Please come in Heishiro.� Master Hee says, �I have something for you.�
	Without questioning, Mitsurugi enters the small door, but stops 
abruptly as the old Master quickly turns around with a long wrapped 
bundle in his hands.
	�What is this?� Mitsurugi asks, taking the long package from Master Hee 
with a low bow. �A gift?�
	�More like an expression of the things to come.� Master Hee says 
looking over the package.  �Well go ahead and open it.�
	Mitsurugi, already knowing what the package contained by its weight, 
began to slowly unwrap the katana.  But what he did not expect was which 
katana the wrapping protected.  Mitsurugi�s eyes widened at the golden 
emperial crest, embedded into the swords scabbard.  His eyes dance over 
the intricately worked guard as a depiction of an intense dual played 
out before him.  The hilt, tightly wrapped in shark skin, glistens with 
a fresh coat of oil and one could see the strength in the design.  The 
strong, impossibly sharp, steel blade glided out of the scabbard without 
a sound.  The blade was perfection in design, balance, and weight.  It 
was truly fit for the emperor, not a lone samurai.
	�I cannot accept this.� Mitsurugi says gliding the blade back into it�s 
scabbard.  �I never will be worthy of such a weapon.�
	�You can take it, and you will take it.� Master Hee responds flatly.
	�I�m not worthy of such a weapon.� Mitsurugi counters.
	�Please, my son.� Master Hee responds with a voice soft and full of an 
emotion few have ever seen from the master �Please take this gift from 
an old friend.  I do not know what you will be facing in the days to 
follow.  I could not, in good conscience, let you tackle such a task 
without the finest of equipment to back you up.�
	Mitsurugi, a little taken back by this show of emotion from his master, 
friend, mentor, and possibly the one man he could fall father.  
Mitsurugi takes control of his own emotions that begin to well up inside 
him, and with a low bow graciously accepts the katana.  The two men just 
stare at each other and finally it is Mitsurugi that breaks the silence.
	�Where did you get such a fine katana.�
	�It was a gift from the Emperor himself.� Master Hee says smiling �And 
now I give it to you.  You may not think yourself worthy of this weapon.  
But personal feelings aside, I know what you have done, what you can do.  
And there are few that I could name that are worthy of this weapon.  
Rest assured it is my professional, not personal, opinion that you 
should use this blade.  I would not dishonor the ancestors by giving it 
to someone unworthy.�
	�Again, I thank you�, Mitsurugi says bowing and blushing at his friends 
kind words.
	�There is something else you should know about this blade and the task 
that I will set out before you.� Master Hee says placing his hand onto 
the samurai�s shoulder.  �This blade is in a way an enchanted blade.  It 
has the blessing of all who have owned it before you.  It has never seen 
defeat in a dual or in any of the great battles it has participated in.�
	Mitsurugi raises his eyes to look into the Masters face.  His mouth 
begins to work the makings of a question, however the process is cut 
short by Master Hee�s voice.
	�I know what you are thinking, my student.� Master Hee says with a 
smile, �I may, in your eyes, no longer seem to be a simple instructor.  
There is much I would love to tell you about my long life, but those 
things will have to wait for later date.  Just understand that what I 
do, I do by my free choice.  I am living here because I want to.  I am 
your friend because I choose to be.  
	�Now let me finish.  This katana is a part of a matched set of 
equipment.  There is also a suit of armor that belongs with it.  However 
I do not possess the armor in question.�
	�Then who does?� Mitsurugi asks.
	�A ninja master named Toki.� Master Hee replies while taking a step 
back, already knowing what his students reaction will be.
	�NINJA!� Mitsurugi says with acid in his voice and fire in his eyes.  
�Those honorless dogs will weep at the sound of their own despair when 
I�m done with them.�
	�Heishiro, please calm yourself.� Master Hee says placing his hand onto 
the samurai�s shoulder.  �Its not what you think.  Master Toki is a good 
friend of mine and his ninja are not exactly what you think they are.�
	�What do you mean?� Mitsurugi asks taking control of his temper.
	�They are a clan of Oni hunters.  Their job is to keep the evil spirits 
in line on an island that they live on.� Master Hee says looking into 
Mitsurugi�s eyes.
	�Oni?� Mitsurugi says with wide eyes.  �You don�t really believe in 
those children�s stories?�
�Only a fool would not believe what he has seen with his own eyes.� 
Master Hee responds flatly. �The Oni do exist and it is up to Toki and 
his clan to control them.�
�I�m sorry Master.� Mitsurugi says bowing his head. �I should have 
thought differently.�
�It looks like Rock was correct.� Master Hee says smiling. �You do 
grovel well.�
Mitsurugi could feel his cheeks burn at the small joke that Master Hee 
had made.  But in his heart he knew that the old samurai said it with 
love.
	�Anyway,� Master Hee continues getting back to the original 
conversation. �I would like you to go to Oni Island and retrieve the 
armor to use in your quest.  I feel that you will need its protection 
more than the steel that we have around here.  It is my understanding 
that Master Toki�s ninja have worked with the armor and it is now more 
than it was.  I cannot say what they have done to it.  But I trust 
Master Toki�s work and know that it will be good for you.  Besides I 
know how you are aching to begin this journey of yours, and I thought 
that this might help get you going in the right direction.�
	�I will do as you ask Master.� Mitsurugi replies softly and then pauses 
a moment.  Master Hee can see the conviction building up in the young 
samurai and knows instinctively that what ever words follow, the samurai 
pledges with his soul.  �I will go to this Oni Island and retrieve the 
armor as you have asked.  I will wear its strength in battle, and use 
your gifts with all of the skill that you have taught me.  I will take 
on whatever quest Hawk puts before me and I will triumph over all 
adversity.  I will bring honor to myself and the Clan, but most of all I 
will not betray the trust you have put into me, nor will I betray the 
life that I hold.�
	A broad smile forms on the Masters lips and he watches his star student 
attack the katana to his belt.  Without realizing how long this 
conversation has taken, both the men are a little surprised to see the 
evening sun setting.  Its golden rays skimming across the horizon.  The 
Warakame flag cracks its edge like a whip as a small gust of wind pushes 
against it�s fabric.
	�I suggest you go and get something to eat.� Master Hee says looking 
back to Mitsurugi. �You will leave tomorrow morning for Oni Island so I 
suggest you get a good nights rest.  I will meet you at the castle gates 
first thing in the morning.  I will have a map and some provisions 
brought at that time to help you with your quest.�
	�Thank you again.� Mitsurugi says as he turns to leave.  �I will see 
you at first light then.�
	Mitsurugi walks slowly away from his Master and heads towards his small 
hut.  All the while pondering about the things that he has learned this 
day about his master and friend.  His mind also floats to the thoughts 
of Hawk and some of the things that happened during his �dream�.  
Mitsurugi finds himself smiling to himself.  Stopping in his tracks he 
has to make an effort to realize why he was smiling.  Finally the answer 
comes to him, for the first time in a very long time he actually is 
looking forward to the days ahead.
	The morning light drew dark shadows among the men standing need the 
gates to Warakame castle.  It was a small gathering of men, but not an 
insignificant one.  Mitsurugi bows low to Master Hee as he take charge 
of a small bundle that the aged samurai presents to him.   Clan Master 
Warakame Tabasuo looks over the shoulder of Master Hee and gives a 
reassuring and approving nod to Mitsurugi.  He hasn�t said a word since 
arriving at the small gathering of men, but his mere presence has 
already spoken volumes.  The other three men were the standard guards of 
the castle gate.  The eldest of the three bows to Mitsurugi as he hoists 
his travel pack onto his back.  The other two begin pulling on the rope 
that removes the large locking bar on the doors.  The large gates of 
Warakame castle crack open as Mitsurugi gives one last bow to his 
friends and comrades.  Mitsurugi takes one last long look over the 
castle grounds and in his mind he wonders if he will ever see it again.  

 
To be continued...

Authors Notes:
I will apologize right now for the problem I have with changing tenses 
in mid paragraph or in some cases mid sentance.  It is a problem I have 
had all my life and I'm trying to work it out.

Several of the characters contained in the story were of my own 
creation.  Master Hee and various guards and castle officals.

I made Rock alot older than 25 (his age in the arcade)  He is more 
around 50-60 and has fully adapted his life and religion to the Ways 
Native American.

I have made an attempt to bridge Native American Religion with Asian 
Philosophy, in such a way that it does not seem too odd.  I personally 
follow tenants of both ideals and it works well for me.

The idea of one fighting school learning and adapting ideas and 
techniques from other schools is not uncommon.  I currently am taking 
classes in just such a school.  Also I am currently studing Kenjitsu and 
while, I'm not the best at it, I hope I bring some of the true 
leathality of it to life.

C&C is very welcome as is all flames.

Thanks for reading.

***    Knife Sharpens on Stone... Man Sharpens on Man     ***
***    - Tao                                              ***

Jayden Stormwalker


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com