The Crab Clan - By Shawn Carman

When it had first been constructed, Koten was intended to serve the same purpose for the Crab that the sacred Hall of Ancestors did for the Lion: it was to be a place of interment for the Crab’s greatest heroes, that the tales of their deeds might never be forgotten. Unfortunately, the well-intended souls who conceived of such a project had little experience with the reality of patrolling the Shadowlands. The solemn truth remained that many valiant Crab heroes died with no remains to be interred, and thus Koten never rose to the greatness of its counterpart.

All that had changed when Kisada returned.

Hida Kisada. The Great Bear. The Fortune of Persistence. He was more than a legend. He was, in a very literal way, a god, and the Crab flocked to his banner. His grandson took no offense at his loyal adherents, content to allow the Crab to serve their lords in whatever manner they chose. There were times when Kisada wished that the Crab Champion would wield his power with a stronger hand, and forcibly command those who had sworn fealty to the Great Bear to show the loyalty they truly owed to Kuon. He had not wished for command or power. In truth, he felt he did not deserve either; he had too many sins for which to atone. Now that he had returned, now that others followed him, would he make the same mistakes? At times, he could hear the whispered accusations… spoken with the voice of his son, Sukune.

“My lord.” One of the officers under his command stepped forward and bowed curtly. “The long range scouts you deployed have returned. They are ready to make their report at your convenience.”

“Bring them forward,” Kisada said in a resigned voice. More than a month ago, a representative from the Lost had come to him and told him an incredible tale. He had heard the corrupted man’s story then resolved to find out for himself if such things could be true. Now, it seemed, the truth would be revealed.

“All glory to the Great Bear,” a scout said, kneeling as he approached the dais. “It is my honor to serve you.”

“Rise,” Kisada said with an impatient wave. “I wish to hear of your experiences in the Shadowlands.”

The man nodded. “I am Hiruma Hiroji, commander of the sixth scouting detachment. My men and I have completed the patrols you requested, my lord.” He paused for a moment, a flicker of grief passing over his face

“The honor of those who have fallen is eternal. Your comrades will be recorded in Koten for all time,” Kisada said.

The man looked up at Kisada, his weathered face brightening considerably. “Hai, my lord,” he said. “The Lost samurai’s account appears to be accurate. The northernmost regions of the Shadowlands are in upheaval. The beasts that dwell there have been driven into a maddened rampage by forces unknown. They destroy everything in their path save on another. Even the Nezumi in that region have abandoned their homes and fled.”

“Do they move north to the Wall?” Kisada asked.

“No, my lord,” Hiroji said. “They march south.

“To the City of the Lost,” Kisada replied grimly.

Hiroji nodded. We dared venture far enough south to see the battle lines where the armies of demons already face the Lost in battle.” He paused for a moment, seeming to struggle with something.

“Speak your mind,” the Great Bear commanded.

“I did not think I could never mourn for those lost to the shadows,” Hiroji said after a moment, his voice quiet. “But the battles we saw… I could not help but feel pity. An endless line of human warriors… of samurai… standing their ground against wave after wave of the most nightmarish creatures I have ever seen. It was hopeless, but they did not falter. It was… difficult to watch. Some of my men chose to stay, to help fight.”

“And they died,” Kisada replied.

Hiroji nodded. “The Lost were hopelessly outnumbered,” the scout said.

Kisada rose. “The loss of your brothers, of all our brothers, weighs heavily on your, Hiroji. As it does on all of us who lose men that serve us. Your feelings are natural, but you must put them aside. Evil feeds upon itself, as it always must. The Lost and the demons have turned on one another, and though we may aid one side against the other, it is only for the future of the Empire that we do so. Do not pity them, and do not mourn them.” He paused and looked at all his assembled officers. “Do you understand?”

“Hai, Kisada-sama,” they answered in unison.

“I once swore never again to stand with the Shadowlands,” Kisada said, more to himself than his men. “That is not what we do here today. For centuries, the Lost have turned the people of Rokugan against one another, caused us to destroy our own.” The Great Bear looked grimly at each of his men in turn. “Now the time has come to return that favor.”

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