I feel so lonely these days Kabi. Why did you leave us? Life is not the same without you. Mother and Father will not mention your name anymore. They punish me when I ask of you. They tell me that you are no longer a part of us, that you are a ronin. How can this be Kabi? I know that you have honor, yet I have been taught for so long that ronin have no honor. I am confused brother, I pray to the fortunes nightly for help. If only you were here to help me understand. Come home Kabi, I need you.

Since you left, Father has made me take up grandfather's swords. I love to duel, you know that, but I did not wish to wield grandfather's swords. I am not worthy of such honor. My skills are formidable and my will insurmountable, and I am a worthy opponent, but I know that you could beat me brother. You are the rightful heir of these weapons, not I. Please Kabi, come home, and take these from me and stand by our Father's side once again.

* * *

Emiko, my dear sister. There is much you do not understand. Father and I have had a disagreement. He feels that I should forsake my honor in the courts to become a master duelist. I hate to fight, and you know that Emiko. Talking is my strong point, as well it is your own. We both have skills in duelling, but it is our natures that differ. You enjoy the fight, the competition with others. I duel merely to survive. My words may spark conflict in some, and I would need to defend myself. Father believes this as a coward's way. He says that I am not worthy of Grandfather's swords. I did not care for him to give them to you, you are the better of us to receive them, Emiko, do not ever forget that.

I must go now dear sister, I must move on. It is not safe for a ronin courtier these days. Ronin do have honor, Emiko. Just an honor that others do not understand. I will speed this letter to you by the fastest courier I can find. Hopefully this news finds you in better spirits. Give your reply to this courier he will know where to find me. Farewell sister, be happy that I am where I need to be.

* * *

Kabi, how can I understand? You did not want the honor of our Grandfather's swords? You are a ronin, Kabi. You truly have become dishonorable as our father said. I cannot consider you my brother any longer. I do not wish to harm you my brother, but if you attempt to contact me after this I would be pressed to consider it as a question of my honor. You have become my greatest enemy now, Kabi. I am truly sorry that this must be so. I will take our Grandfather's blades, and I will bring honor to them as you were too weak to do.

By my brother, Kakita Kabi is no longer a part of me. You are now merely Kabi to me. The word, brother, now has no meaning. I am Kakita Emiko sole heir to the legacy of Kakita Shino. Our grandfather would have been proud of you Kabi, but you forsake that for a foolish notion. Goodbye my brother. I mourn for your death, and I rejoice in your life. END Back to Tales from the Drunken Scorpion