Winds of Change

Winds of Change

5 Years ago, Kaita Dueling Academy
   Shinjo Shu was sweating. He never had faced such a challenging opponent as the young woman who stood opposite him. The eyes of the entire dojo were on him, but he didn't seem to notice, his opponent was the only person in the room who he was aware of. In an instant it was over. His strike had been true and he managed to cut the sleeve of her gi cleanly. He re sheathed his blade and took a step back and bowed deeply to his opponent.
   "Thank you for the challenging duel Usagi-san. It has been some time since I faced such a skilled opponent."
   Usagi Hibiki returned his bow and smiled shyly. "The honor was mine Shinjo-san."
Both Shu and Hibiki returned to their Sensei, Shu stole a glance back over his shoulder and was suprised to see Hibiki doing the same thing and a broad smile spread across his face. As he turned back he could see a smile on his sensei's face.
   "Well done Shu-chan."
   " It was thanks to your instuction that I was able to prevail mother"
   " Your concentration was magnificent, I've never seen you so focused in a duel, your opponent was no push over either. She comes from a fine line of duelists and it's no suprise she was invited participate in this exchange, coming from a minor clan as she does." His mother smiled more broadly. "But perhaps it wasn't just the duel that occupied your attention?"
   Shu looked at his mother with suprise. "Mother, you are as perceptive as ever. It's no wonder you are such a skilled duelist. It is true though, she is quite something. Of that I'm sure..."

****
2 years ago, The Golden Plains of the Unicorn

   "Shu-San."
   Shinjo Shu stood with the grass waving about him seemingly lost in thought, when suddenly a blade of grass blew past his face. In an instant, the blade of grass split length wise. Resheathing his blade, Shu looked toward the source of the voice.
   "Moto-chui, how can I assist you?"
   " You have new orders Shu-san. You are being detatched from the Junghar for duty with the Imperial legions. You are to report to Shiro Ide to meet the rest of the soldiers selected for this duty. I'm sure you will do the clan proud. I had meant to promote you to Nikutai, but unfortunately that is out of my hands."
   "The honor is mine Moto-chui. It has been an honor serving under you. Good fortune!"
****
    As he knealt at a table in the barracks of Shiro Ide, Shu was trying to decide how best to word his letter to Usagi Hibiki.

Dear Hibiki-chan,
   I fear I have been remiss in writting you as of late. Unfortunately duty has precluded me from responding to your letter as promptly as I had liked. I recently have been informed I have been detailed to the Imperial Legions. I look forward to the day I might see you again. My mother is well, thank you for asking. I was sorry to hear news of your father's passing. I heard he managed to defeat many of the bandits that attacked the village he was assigned to. I shall remember him in my prayers when next I have the opportunity to visit a shrine. As always I am occupied with thoughts of you when I am not otherwise occupied with duty. With any luck we will meet again soon.
            Shinjo Shu