Ayasha Miakoda

Today is the first day of the Last Sim Standing competition and Ayasha is ready. The instant she arrives at the compound, she makes her way to the arena, taking in the metallic tang of blood and the mild aroma of old sweat intermingled with the clean grass. The other competitors have made their way into the compound, more interested in what lies beneath the arena than in the arena itself, but Ayasha knows it is here that her fate will be decided, here she will succeed or fail. As she wanders through the grass, headstones mark the ground where last year’s competitors lie in two neat rows beneath the soft grass a definite reminder of what is at stake. She had made a deal with her father Ukito and grandfather Kinto and one she plans on honoring whatever the cost to her.   

Thoughts of the last confrontation with her grandfather are still haunting her; lots of bitter words had been exchanged in his opulent study; the one he always used when conducting business. Ukito is a stern, honor-driven man who is very traditional in his beliefs and she has more a more modern mindset; and ambitious, like oil and water. Her father had been present also and shared the ideals of HIS father; already first in line to take over the family business when the old man says it’s time. Kinto also had spoken harsh words to her, but agreed hesitantly that she was right about one thing; modern society was changing fast and the family business needed a leader who could handle change; not a strong suit for either men in her estimation; a fact which she most loudly proclaimed.

In the end they had agreed with her assessment of the situation and promised her that they would both step aside and let her take the reins should she prove herself worthy. Ever respectful of her father and grandfather’s power and influence, she asked how such a thing could be done and they spoke plainly of her needing to be not only physically and mentally strong, but creative and brutal in overcoming obstacles that appear in her path.

It took many long nights of staring out her window at the city below or lying on the bed; soul-searching and seriously pondering the gravity of her options before she sought an audience with them once again, speaking eloquently and elaborating on her decision to enter the Last Sim Standing competition this year; confident in her skills learned at the Miakoda family dojo and utterly confident in her survival instincts to dominate the competition.

She looks out and watches as the other competitors shuffle in, gazing awestruck at the simplistic grandeur of what will be their home for the next few weeks. Seeing them for the first time, she wonders truly if she made a mistake joining this deadly competition. The five men and two other women come from all around the world and all seem to be skilled in combat, by the grace with which they move or how their eyes seem to take in their surroundings in a glance. As they go below to their new home she wonders how well she will get along with the others and if their personal agendas or goals will become obstacles for her, or become something she can use to her advantage.

She makes her way to the graves of last years’ competitors and as she walks among the solemn graves and idly wonders if she will soon be lying here beside them or if she can manage to overcome the odds and actually win this competition. Ayasha knows that she has no fear of death, and she can’t imagine a more honorable way to die than in the most arduous competition in the world. All she can do is make the attempt and hope she has what it takes, so that she doesn’t end up like these forlorn souls at her feet.