“How much longer until we get there, Master **Takeshi?” Amaya sighed.**

**“Maybe two weeks, if you keep talking”, he chuckled. **

**Amaya frowned. “And what if I don’t talk?.”**

**Master Takeshi paused for a moment, his eyes scanning their surroundings.”hush my child, we are drawing near to the **lands of the Kage no Mura," Master Takeshi finished, his voice low and mysterious.

Amaya's frown deepened. "The Shadow Village? I've never heard of it."

Master Takeshi's gaze returned to the path ahead. "Few have. It's a place where the veil between light and darkness is thin. Where one's true nature is revealed."

Amaya's curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

Master Takeshi's expression turned serious. "The Shadow Village holds many secrets, Amaya. Secrets that will help you unlock your potential as the—"

He caught himself, glancing around cautiously.

"As the samurai you're destined to become," he finished.

Amaya sensed there was more to Master Takeshi's words, but she pressed on. "And what secrets do I need to unlock?"

Master Takeshi's eyes locked onto hers. "The secrets of your own heart, Amaya. Your deepest fears, desires, and strengths. Only then can you truly wield the power of the Shinsei no Samurai."

The trees seemed to close in around them, casting long, ominous shadows.

As they walked, Amaya's mind wandered to her friends back home. On their 16th name-day, each girl embarked on a journey with her teacher, learning the intricacies of womanhood. Lady Sakura's teachings focused on elegance, poise, and diplomacy. Lady Emiko's emphasized grace, compassion, and household management.

But Amaya's path diverged. Master Takeshi's training honed her martial skills, strategic thinking, and resilience. The prophecy's weight settled heavy on her shoulders.

"Why must I be different, Master?" Amaya asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Master Takeshi's eyes softened. "You weren't chosen for this path, Amaya. You were born for it."

Amaya's thoughts swirled. Born for it? What did that mean? She recalled stories of her childhood: climbing trees, playing with wooden swords, and dreaming of adventure. Her parents, though puzzled, had always encouraged her passions.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Master Takeshi led Amaya to a secluded clearing. A small pond reflected the starry sky.

"Tonight, meditate on your heart's desires," Master Takeshi instructed. "Listen to your inner voice. What does it whisper?"

Amaya sat beside the pond, closing her eyes. The water's gentle lapping and crickets' soothing melody calmed her mind.

In the silence, Amaya's thoughts emerged:

I want to protect our people.

I want to wield a sword with honor.

I want to fulfill the prophecy.

But at what cost?

Amaya's eyes fluttered open, the starry sky above. Master Takeshi sat beside her, his eyes closed.

"Master, I remembered something," Amaya said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Master Takeshi's eyes opened. "What is it, child?"

Amaya's thoughts tumbled out. "I was a child, playing in the gardens. A wise old woman approached me. She spoke of... of destiny and sacrifice."

Master Takeshi's expression turned solemn. "The Oracle's words. I had wondered if you'd recall."

As the night deepened, Master Takeshi led Amaya to a secluded campsite. A crackling fire cast flickering shadows.

"Tonight, we share stories," Master Takeshi said, his eyes aglow. "Stories of our past, of those who shaped us."

Amaya settled beside the fire, her gaze locked on Master Takeshi.

"I was once a samurai of the Imperial Guard," Master Takeshi began. "Sworn to protect the Emperor, I witnessed darkness within the palace walls."

The flames danced, casting eerie silhouettes.

"A prophecy emerged, foretelling a great imbalance. The Shinsei no Samurai would bring equilibrium. I sought out the Oracle, seeking guidance."

Master Takeshi's voice dropped to a whisper.

"The Oracle revealed the samurai's identity: a young girl, born with the mark of the crescent moon. I vowed to find and train her."

Amaya's heart pounded. "You've known me since birth?"

Master Takeshi's eyes locked onto hers. "I've watched over you, guided your path. The time of revelation draws near."

(Hi everyone! Thanks so much for reading! I just started on this app, no more to say except that I am working on PART 2!) ~Elana Pruitt