Letter to Shosuro Keshijo, Mystic Demonhunter of the Scorpion Clan and Phoenix Tanto Bearer

 

Shosuro Keshijo-san,

 

            The Tao says, “Belief in Prophecy gives it life.” With the prince missing, Shoju-sama will fail and the Prophecy will still have an opportunity to be fulfilled. I apologize for being blunt, but that is what will happen. That is the very nature of Prophecy. I am truly afraid of the darkness I see in Rokugan’s future. I too, believe that the Empire will be strong again, but I feel it may not be seen in our lifetime.

 

            As Tanto Bearers, what is our place in this? We are involved, but we need to remain somewhat removed. We are, after all, tools of the Kami’s. As such, we must not support a side. We must support the Empire. Harder still, we must be of one mind with this. For how can we help to unite the Empire, if we are not united with each other? We must always side for the Empire, for peace and for the destruction of He-who-should-not-be-named. We are the Tanto Bearers and that is our task. The tools of the Kami’s cannot falter.

 

            I want you, friend Keshijo, to understand this. Without the support of the Dragon Clan or the Crab Clan, the Scorpion Clan will be destroyed. Again, I am sorry for being blunt. I fear there will be no help from my clan. I do not see my cousin Hitomi ever siding with the Crab Clan and Hida Yakamo, the man who killed her brother. Togashi Yokuni-sama, gave her control of the Dragon armies and he often allows her to follow her heart. If that is wise or not, is beyond me to say, but I will always trust Togashi Yokuni-sama. If the Scorpion Clan does not survive the coming dark days, I ask you to consider the mountains of the Dragons as a new home. Regardless of how fate unfolds, I believe that our roll as Tanto Bearers will not be complete until this path the Scorpion Clan has lead all of Rokugan down has been followed to its completion.

 

Finally, understand this. You have nothing to apologize for, my friend. There is no doubt in my mind. I would wish to be no other place then by your side.

 

Your friend,

 

Togashi Udon

 

 

Darkness falls ready,

As one we will climb for light,

Destiny is ours.