• His stance was flawless, his body unmoving even in the cold air. It beats against us without mercy, yet we are still. The only sound is that of the swaying bamboo.
    We always trained together, it was how we remained flawless. We both came from different places, with different fighting styles. His eyes gave me no hint to his next move, but when he did move it was fierce and graceful . I too gave away nothing, but I unlike him remain motionless. I block every attack from his swift blade. I was always told that killing was not about how much you move, but that the move you make was the last. I follow these teachings, and land the killing blow. That was it, he lost the match. Had our swords been real he surely would have died. I didn’t care about winning, there were other things on my mind. I was taught to only have one mind while fighting, that there was no time for distractions. However, I was always distracted by these feelings. His long chestnut hair, smooth, piercing eyes and graceful movements, invoked something within me. These things made my blood run hotter then any anticipation of battle. For I had no desire to kill. I found him in the bath recovering from the days match. He never seem to care that I join him, his beauty intensified by the still water. There was no point in getting attached to him, but that doesn’t stop it from happening. As we ready for bed, I couldn’t help but wish that we also shared a bed, for the cold winter nights. Or at least that is what I tell myself as I lay down. Sleep came like dishonorable death, swiftly and silently.

    “You don‘t have to hide it anymore.” I hear, along with a gentle touch and warm lips.

    I don’t want to open my eyes. What if it is nothing but a dream?

    “Hide what?” I ask.

    “I see the way you look at me.” I felt him crawl into my bed.

    “How is that?” It is a stupid question.

    “You love me.” He answers.

    I know it is true, I can feel his warm hands caressing my face. I want to see his face so I risk it. Slowly I open my eyes, sitting up. I am alone in my tent, it was only a dream. One from along time ago, when I was younger. We are at war now. I don’t even know what happened to him, the last time I saw him was in the front of our Sensei . Being told that we were going to war, that is when we said the final good bye.