Deadman Forest

Chapter One

Yuuko POV

Since the day I was five, my grandfather taught me the techniques of the Samurai.

He shared his skills with me, he spoke wise words which I never really understood until after the Deadman Forest.

It's a game where the rich people watch 16 teams of 12-17 year olds fight to find their team mate.

The twist is that they don't know who their team mate is, you're probably wondering 'How do they find their teammate?'. Well, you and your teammate get a heart necklace which glows red when you're close and turns blue when you're apart.

If the necklace goes grey your partner has died and you discover your own gruesome death.

Anyway, my grandfather fought as a samurai for many years until he was too old to do it anymore.
Yes, women were samurai's too but they had another name which is Onna-bugeisha.

My grandfather taught me the skills of the samurai sword, I started off with the Tanto: its a small knife used in much the same manner as Wakizashi. Then I upgraded into the Katana: the longest type of sword, over 24 inches. Generally used for outdoor combat.

The samurai would give names for their sword as they believed that in the sword lived their warrior spirit. My grandfather was a massive believer in this.

First I didn't believe but now I do. I know that if I ever get chosen for going into the Deadman Forest this year, I will win. The samurai sword that I'll use will be my grandfathers Katana, he built it himself and as he told me the Kissaki (tip of the sword) was the hardest part to make.

I will fight in honour with this sword and I'll show my grandfather that his time paid off.

The day:

The letter sat on the table bold as bold could be, I felt my head go dizzy so I sat down.
My mother and father walked out. "You got chosen for this years Deadman Forest games.." My father says as my mum cuddles up to him. "I know you will win, as when grandpa was alive all he would talk about is you winning it. You will be a star.." He gives a reassuring smile. "Grandpa is always right" he whispered so quietly that I could barely hear him.
"Well, with that I need to go get ready!" I ran up to my room.
"Your sister will bring your kimono in a moment!" My mother yelled after.
I'm coming Kim-chan!
My sister walks in with a beautiful black silky kimono.
"Thank you Shiro" I say as she puts the kimono next to me and latches onto my waist.
"Please win the games" she sobs.
"I will" I pull her off and smile then kiss her forehead.
She runs out and I here her crying as she ran, her sobs so dramatic and full of sadness it puts a frown on my face.
I love her and I will win.

With this done and said, I'm ready for this years Deadman Forest games. I'm not afraid.
Bring it on.