Prologue

"Focus your mind. All of your concentration has to be on your surroundings. Fix your stance, you know this. Pull your elbow back, not your wrist, Child, this isn't your first day. Don't lose your life because of a childish mistake." he said in a low voice as he slowly circled her.

"Sorry, Sir." she mumbled, adjusting her position, before glancing to him for approval. He nodded, and pulled back an arrow of his own bow. Silence seemed to drag on forever as he drew in a long breath. He waited as a small leaf drifted down from the branches of a nearby tree. Releasing his grip, he let the arrow free of its string. Streaking forward, the arrow pegged the small leaf to the trunk of a tree about 300 or so yards away. "Hah! Going easy today, aren't you? Do you think nothing of me?" she sneered, taking aim. She took a deep breath and released it as she let her arrow fly. Easily surpassed her mentors, all momentum suddenly lost with a resounding thud as it struck the trunk of a thin tree around 400 yards away. She grinned as she turned to glare at her mentor with a challenge in her eyes. He gave a small nod of approval.

"You've done well." he murmured softly, a small smile on his lips. "Shall we try your hand at swords today, then?" he inquired as he turned away.
She made a face at his back before plastering an innocent grin on her face as he turned a glare on her over his shoulder. "Mind telling me what that was about?"

"Bother... Do we have to spar with swords today? You'll just win in half a minute. I can't win against the man who taught me, my movements are basically the exact as yours." she grumbled, walking briskly to catch up to him.

"Then we should be evenly matched, should we not?" he asked, glancing at her intently.

"But you-" he cut her off, raising a hand for silence. He closed his eyes, listening closely. A moment later, came the just barely audible whistle from far off through the trees. He gave a loud, annoyed sigh.

"I must leave you now. I'm needed back at the camp." he growled, walking towards the tree line. He paused in his tracks, turning back around, to face his apprentice. She waited, not moving, until he beckoned her to him. Carefully, she stepped forward, crossing the clearing to stop about a foot away from the bigger man. "I believe that you are ready to become a warrior." he said solemnly. Her eyes flashed up to his.

"But Sir, I-" he raised a hand, again, for silence.

"You've trained long and hard. And it is my belief that you are ready." he said softly. She lowered her eyes and gave a single nod. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her gaze to his. She found his eyes staring down at hers with a piercing intensity. A look she'd hardly ever seen. A glimpse of pride. After a moment, he began to speak in a clear voice. "Suri Minamoto, your strongest weapon by far is the bow and arrow. Loyal apprentice for four years, longer than most, but therefore the most experience. You are the most devoted apprentice I have ever, and will ever train. You follow command with..." he trailed off, trying to decide on his next word. "Well, we'll just say you get the job done, despite the amount of complaint. You have grown to become a fine archer. Do you swear to defend and fight for your clan, even if it means your demise?"

"Yes." he said, her eyes shining in excitement.

"And should the task fall to you, do you swear to lead and guide those who depend on you with clarity, wisdom and valor?"

"I swear," she said as strongly as her wavering voice could allow.

"Then you are now a full member of this clan. You have already shown your devotion years ago; as such, I have made the decision to make you leader of the warrior sector. The clan will welcome a warrior of such skill, loyalty, and promise. Welcome to the clan." he smiled down at her proudly.

"Leader...?" she gawked openly.

"Yes, Leader," he chuckled. "Ah, that reminds me..." he dug about in his pocket and removed a silver chain, with a small crystal dangling from its clasp. She held up her hair as he clipped the chain behind her neck. She dropped her hair as he stepped back. "Beautiful." he whispered. "Oh, and one more thing." he added, waving her over as he strode over to the trunk of an old tree, where the center had long since rotted away. She watched, intrigued, as he carefully reached inside. "I've been saving this for you." he said as he pulled out the bow. It was a beautifully white bow, it looked as if it was made of ivory, though it clearly held the texture and weight of skillfully crafted wood. The bow was decorated all over with golden designs that glimmered in the sunlight that managed to reach through the trees. She stared, wide-eyed as he placed it in her hands. "It is yours." he said, smiling at her. She stared at it still, not trusting her voice. Again, he turned to leave.

"Wolf?" she asked, barely loud enough to be heard.

"Wolf?" he asked, stopping in his tracks, still facing away from her. "Since when do you address me by my name?"

"Dad?" she tried again.

"That's better. Yes?"

"Thank you, Dad." she said wistfully.

"Hmm." he said, surprised. "This truly is a special day. It's not every day I hear a thank you out of you, Suri." he said, sighing as he disappeared into the protection of the denser forests.