[007]

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

Sword of life. A sword to... preserve life? I wonder if it really is possible. Perhaps it is what I've been missing. I'm not sure yet.

Hmm.

I guess I could go wander around the town. I haven't stepped outside the castle yet. I need something to help me calm down. I feel so on edge lately!

Comments

[perfectlikeme.livejournal.com]

A sword of life?

It sounds like quite the treasure~ ♥

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

It would be, if it were in my reach...

[perfectlikeme.livejournal.com]

Would it be worth the trouble getting your hands on it, you think?

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

Of course, if would complete me, if it were that which I was missing.

The sword of life need not be an actual blade, but a person... and somehow... I think that could be me. A warrior who can help preserve life! I'm not sure, but... perhaps it is within my reach...

[swallow-cut.livejournal.com]

What? Hahaha! Don't say something ridiculous, Musashi. How is that going to work? A sword? A weapon? It can only take life. That is what it was made for. Don't say stupid things, with that talent of yours.

Why don't you meet me? I'll show you something!

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

Yeah, you're not helpful, but that was exactly how I expected you to reply...

...show me what?

[swallow-cut.livejournal.com]

I am helpful. You shouldn't have funny ideas like that. They're leading nowhere. What do you think that will do?

A beautiful place.

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

No, you're not. What you tell me is what I believed before, but believing in that has got me nowhere, and I remain incomplete somehow.

And what is this beautiful place?

[swallow-cut.livejournal.com]

What changed it?

A surprise. Come with me.

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

Fighting you and drawing. Twice.

...alright. I don't see why not.

[swallow-cut.livejournal.com]

That means we have to train more. And one day, one will cut the other down.

Aren't you glad to have met me, Musashi?

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

I'm quite sure that the way to beat you is not by training more, though I'll do that anyway.

You're a powerful warrior, yeah, but... hmm.

[swallow-cut.livejournal.com]

No? How do you think you will do it?

But? I think meeting you was the greatest thing that happened in my life. You are everything I could have hoped for.

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

That, I'm not a hundred percent sure of yet. But the answer is close.

Because you wanted a powerful opponent...? One to match you, one who is truly a challenge, hmm?

[swallow-cut.livejournal.com]

Good luck. I'm looking forward to it.

That, and more. Somebody like me. Somebody who loves the sword as much as I do, somebody who understands it as much as I do.

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

...look forward to being defeated, Kojiro. Because that is what will happen.

I don't think we're as alike as you believe, man.

[swallow-cut.livejournal.com]

You promise that you will do your best to defeat me? Haha, I'm thrilled. That has never happened before.

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

I'm not going to 'do my best to defeat you.' I will beat you, simple as that. No losing to you, Sasaki Kojiro!

[swallow-cut.livejournal.com]

How exciting! I'll welcome you with open arms, Musashi. Challenge me, whenever you wish.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

You can certainly use a sword to defend life, rather than taking it.

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

You really think that would work? I've always been made to believe that a sword can only be used to take life, but lately... hmmm...

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

I know it does. It takes some ingenuity, certainly - I once pinned a man to a wall with my sword and his - but it's possible.

You just need to be careful - and accept help if you need it.

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

Mmmm... it's something I need to consider a lot.

Heh. Thanks!

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to help.

Might I ask what brought about this new direction?

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

I fought this guy... for the first time in my life, I did not win. It was a draw. And the thing is, I'm certain I'm more skilled than he. When I thought about it, I realised something was missing...

...and somebody mentioned that perhaps it would be better to use my skills to protect life. Which is a new idea for me...

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[softly]

It's not always about how we fight, but what we're fighting for.

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

Not always about how we fight, but what we're fighting for.

Before I only fought to become the best, no matter what. So... that's what is holding me back, then?

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

Perhaps. The drive to protect, to defend - it can carry you past your limits, beyond fear and pride.

Besides, 'best' is a very subjective term. Become the best you can be, and leave others to strive for that as well.

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

The drive to protect and defend. That is katsujinken; the sword of life! You say it IS real. Perhaps that is what I should seek to master.

I suppose you're right about that.

You're a wise guy. What's your name?

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

I say any sword could be a sword of life depending on who is wielding it.

I'm the Doctor - Fifth, specifically, it's all a bit complicated. And you?

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

It's the person who would be Katsujinken, right? Instead of being a Setsuninto, the death-dealing blade.

...ah, Fifth Doctor? I won't ask, heh. Name's Miyamoto Musashi.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

Yes, precisely.

[chuckle] Probably for the best. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[sword-of-life.livejournal.com]

I've found the start of my path, I think...

Heh. Likewise, Doctor! You've given me plenty to think about.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[sincerely] Good for you. It's a noble path to be on.

Brilliant! I do enjoy making people think.