Cheng landed his ship, with many thoughts swirling around his mind. Very unusual for him, but yet, considering the current turning point in his life, understandable. He isolated himself from his brothers, spent some time in solitude to clear his mind...with little success.
He walked to the courtyard, a sight for sore eyes that was for him. Full of history, full of good and sometimes even bad memories, but most of all, it felt like home to him. It was a place where Cheng's brothers gathered, his family, that was enough to call it home. He walked past a few guards, they looked at him cautiously, with interest. He was gone for some time, perhaps they even thought he was a betrayer. But that was not the case.
He was walking slowly, observing every little detail, for this was, perhaps his last chance before embarking on his journey. A journey that will change the course of his life. But before that, this needed to be done. He approached the doors to the great hall. The guards addressed him swiftly, probably thinking that he is a threat...
"You have been gone for a long time...what is your business here? Speak!"
Cheng stood still, calm as ever he was observing the guards, he was still in his robes, his kimono and sword were always at his side. He then replied...
[color=#000000]"Konnichiwa my brother, if I may still call you that" he nodded his head and continued, "I am here with a request for the Taishogun, his greatness is the only one that can help me."
The guards were skeptical, but they knew Cheng, they knew he would never betray his brothers. They accompanied him inside nevertheless. He walked slowly across the hall, some familiar faces were there, and they were unclear about this situation as well. The Taishogun was at his throne, surrounded by his guards, clouded by shadows. He saw the commotion.
Cheng suddenly stopped at a fair distance, he could barely even see the throne. He then kneeled down, took out his sword and placed it in front of him. He bowed his head so deep that he was almost kissing the floor.
"Your greatness" he said with the most respectful tone... "I am here to make a request towards you, if you would allow."
Cheng paused for a second, and then continued to talk...
"I do not imagine your greatness knows much about me. I am Cheng Lo, a former hatamoto with the Dragons and your most humblest servant. I have been away for a while, to clear my mind. Some say I have betrayed you, but I would never do such a thing. I would rather take my own life."
"As of late, I have found myself tired, confused, my mind is not at ease. That is why I feel I need to find my place in this world....alone. The Dragons have given me shelter, they have given my life a meaning, helped me when I most needed it. This I shall never forget. But now, I feel it is time for me to gain knowledge in other places. I have given myself a goal, to travel across the world and seek out knowledge, both in battle and peace. But I shall not trouble your already troubled mind with such stories."
He paused again so that he could be understood better....
"This is my request for you. I wish to take my blade, my "Katana" with me. The ship has served me many times, as did I serve you with it. It is a part of me, and I feel that I cannot continue without it. It shall always remind me of my brothers, and it shall always lead me down the path of honor. It shall strike my enemies swiftly, if I am to face any. No matter where I am, my blade will always be available to help my brothers, without any question."
"This is my request for you, before I go, honorable one."
He remained still, facing the ground, and eagerly awaited the Taishoguns response....
