Vagabond

the lone Swordsman roamed the land in search of a greater challenge.

"to become the best in the world." he would goad himself when times were harsh.

"to be the greatest swordsman in the world." he would chant to fend off the cold.

"to have no equal." he meditated to stave off his hunger.

his journey was long and arduous.

and he would slay many men on his climb towards his dream.

after each victory he would think to himself, "i draw nearer to my goal."

looming over each new defeated opponent he would reassure himself, "soon my journey will end."

after many years of travel and having seen much death, the Swordsman was finally confronted by his most powerful, and final adversary.

"i have travelled long and hard to find you." breathed the Swordsman.

"and so have i travelled far and wide to find you." came the reply.

"after i slay you, i shall be the strongest swordsman in the world."

"after i win, i shall have no equal."

both men drew their swords and stood poised, ready to fight.

"in a few seconds my journey will end."

"with one stroke of my blade, this will all be over."

"goodbye.."

"farewell.."

the sky and the land was tainted red with the blood of the fallen as the roars of both men echoed into the distance.

"..Friend."

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inspired by Vagabond, Takehiko Inuoue