Disclaimer: see chapter one
Two young warriors circled each other, hands on the hilts of their swords, eyes locked on the other. One was a white rabbit, the other a blue masked turtle. They were both in their mid-teens, yet they had surpassed everyone else in their classes. This was their final test before moving on to the next stage of their training. Their teacher, a wizened rat by the name of Splinter, watched on alongside the young rabbit's father. Both boys had a look of determination on their faces; knowing that, even though they were friends, only one was going to come out on top.
"Hajime," Splinter commanded.
With that order, there was the singing of steel and then the clash of metal on metal as the swords connected. Splinter watched his students closely. The rabbit, Usagi, was already a fierce fighter at such a young age. The same could be said about the turtle, Leonardo; but, it seemed like something was holding him back. Splinter had tried countless times to get his adopted son to talk to him, but Leonardo just locked himself in his room and would only come out when he needed to. And it was clear that Leonardo was distracted by something, since he wasn't attacking as hard as he usually did. Usagi swung his sword, catching Leonardo across the hands and sending his sword flying. Leonardo stumbled back, panting for breath.
"Yame," Splinter called.
Usagi sheathed his sword and the friends bowed to each other. Leonardo retrieved his own sword and sheathed it before joining Usagi who was now kneeling, waiting for Splinter to speak. Leonardo could see the look of approval in Usagi's father's eyes.
"What do you think, Splinter?" the older rabbit asked. "Is my son ready?"
"He is a skilled warrior, yes. But, I am not sure if he is the right one to send," Splinter replied.
Leonardo and Usagi looked at each other before looking back at their teacher. "To send where, sensei?" Leonardo asked.
"You said whoever wins this fight will be chosen to go to the Spirit's Temple," Usagi's father said.
"The Spirit's Temple?" Usagi repeated in awe.
"I thought that was just a myth," Leonardo said.
Splinter looked at his students. "No, my son. It is a very real place. And whomever we send there cannot be just anyone."
"So, send my son," the rabbit insisted. "He's more than capable."
"It is a very difficult journey through jungles and wilderness and a long passage across the ocean," Splinter explained. "Then, there is the climb up the mountain to get to the temple entrance. Mortal feet have not passed over that threshold in centuries." He looked from the father to the boys. "It will be a journey of self-reflection as well as endurance. It will be hard, with no guarantee that whoever goes will come back." Splinter glanced back at the father. "Do you still wish for your son to be the one to go?"
"I'll go," Leonardo said. Everyone turned to look at him, eyes wide. Leonardo swallowed. "I mean, Usagi has ties here. If he goes and doesn't come back it'll be extremely hard on his family." He looked at Splinter. "I'm not saying I'm ungrateful for all you've done for me, Master Splinter. But...you said this was going to be a journey of self-reflection, and Usagi already knows who he is. But, I don't. I've always wondered where I came from, and maybe this pilgrimage will help me find out who I am and where I came from."
Usagi placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You will have my support and my prayers, my friend," he said.
Leonardo smiled. "Thank you, Usagi."
Splinter gave his son a proud look. "If that is what you wish, Leonardo, then you have my blessing," he said.
Leonardo bowed. "Thank you, Master Splinter."
"It will be a long journey. You will have to leave right away," Splinter said.
Leonardo got to his feet and hurried away. The others watched him disappear out of the dojo. Usagi's father turned to Splinter.
"Do you think he knows?" he asked. "Somewhere deep inside, I'm sure he's felt it."
"This journey will decide everything," Splinter replied. He felt his heart sink a little bit. "If he fails, then there is no telling what horrors await us in the future."
Leonardo shifted the sheaths of his swords on his back so that it was more comfortable. He looked down at his pack, knowing that everything he was going to need for the next few weeks, or even months, lay inside. Leonardo glanced up when he heard footsteps coming towards him. Splinter walked up, looking proud and holding a small bundle in his hands.
"What's that?" Leonardo asked, pointing to the bundle.
Splinter held it out and unwrapped the cloth, revealing three items. One was a golden ring that opened up in front into a simple swirl design, making it look like a crown. The second was a bracelet made out of beads, and the third was a necklace that was also made out of beads.
"These are some items that may help you on your journey," Splinter explained.
"How?" Leonardo asked in confusion.
Splinter placed the package in his son's hands. "You will know when the time is right," he said cryptically.
Leonardo shrugged, folding up the cloth again and placed the bundle in his pack. He turned around and gave Splinter a hug.
"Thanks for everything, sensei," he said.
Splinter held his son close. "Good luck, Leonardo. May the spirits watch over and guide your journey."
Leonardo broke away and picked up his pack. "See you when I get back," he said.
He shouldered the pack and started off towards the village gates. When the gates were in sight, Leonardo felt his heart begin to race. As soon as he stepped across that threshold he was on his own. The young warrior took a deep breath, and without looking back, passed under the gate.
It was a strange new world for him, but Leonardo was determined to find his place in it.
Reviews are welcome, flames are not