Farewell to Udon

 

Lady Sun had just begun to creep over the horizon when Togashi Udon laid the scroll at Shosuro Keshijo's feet with a sigh.  Keshijo would understand.  Udon felt Kesh was the only one who would.  He was not what Udon expected of a Scorpion.  It was true that Keshijo was a schemer at times and kept his secrets, but Keshijo used those qualities for good reasons.  Udon was almost acting in the same way now.  Sneaking off to do what was right.  He turned and looked at the sleeping forms of the rest of the group, Kuno the big samurai would help them against physical danger.  Hida Oku looked angry even in his sleep.  Those two will be the death of each other.  Then there was Suzume Sousha.  The Sparrow was well traveled.  He would be able to get them around the empire safely.  It pained him to have to leave, but he had a responsibility.  Habikki was missing and he had promised to protect her as well as the others. 

            "You're up early," whispered a voice behind him. 

            "I was almost hoping you'd wake up."  He saw Keshijo rolling the scroll back up.  "So, are you letting me go?"

            "Walk with me a moment."  Keshijo turned and moved away from the group, furthest from Kuno.  They went a few minutes in silence.  "This should be good.  You know how well Kuno can hear."  Keshijo stared at Udon in a way the made him feel exposed.  "You are sure you want to do this?"

            "Hai. I have a duty to Habikki.  She is one of us.  I promised to protect to protect all the tanto bearers.  Even if she doesn't want to be, she is one of the chosen."

            "They won't be happy about it."

            "Just them Kesh?"  Udon smiled.

            "I won't be happy either.  However, I will not stop you.  I wish you asked me along."

            "You need to keep them together.  Despite all we have been through, despite all you lost these last few months, your family, your clan, you still keep focused on the mission.  You still lay to rest the tainted souls that try to stop us.  You are not what I expected from a Scorpion."  Udon looked at Keshijo's face, trying to read it.  A secret, as always. "Besides, I think you are headed for the Shadowlands next.  Lady Kaede must be worried about her brother.  That can be the only thing.  And this" he indicated his Soaring Crow tattoo "would draw the oni to us like a beacon.  I must go and you must stay with them."

            "Hai.  You are right Udon.  I will wake the others late so you can get a head start.  It is the least I can do.  Just come back soon.  I have to teach you how to fly."

"Thank you, Kesh.  I will see you soon.  I promise."  He turned to go.

"One last thing Udon-sama."  Keshijo grabbed his shoulder.  "I am proud to say you have become what is most dangerous to me.  You are my friend."  Keshijo smiled and held out his hand. 

            Udon grasped his hand and laughed.  He knew Keshijo was not making a joke.