As Cheng was flying towards a familiar place, a place that he called his only and true home so long ago, he could not help but remember his brothers, his family.. He left to seek out something more, to fill a gap in his heart, but after he left he made a promise to his brothers, to his Shogun, to his leader...
His thoughts were interrupted by the navigational computer within his ship. He was there. Upon docking, there was only one path he could walk upon, the path which was so familiar to him. He had to set aside his own needs, and think of his family.
As he set foot on the trail leading to the Dragon Court, his pace got slower. He looked around for signs of change, but there werent many of them. Things were still just as they were when he left. Peaceful, glowing with memory and sacrifice. As he approached the gate to the Court, two Dragon guards stood on his path. Though, Cheng noticed something strange in their eyes, as if they recognized him. He bowed before them and the Dragons spoke..
"Hold! Your appearance, your robes, your sword... a Ronin. But they are somehow familiar to me... Hai, I recognize the sword, but you left us so long ago. How can this be?"
Cheng bowed before the guards and spoke.
"Konnichiwa my brothers, if you still allow me to call you that. I may have left you in body, but my spirit was with you at all times."
He put his hand on the sword at his waist and looked the Dragon in the eyes.
"Now, I have heard the call of Hideyoshi once more. I must speak with the court, may I pass?"
The guards sheeted their weapons, bowed and opened the gate as response.
As Cheng was once more in this great hall in which he used to meditate to calm his mind so long ago, his heart was overflown with memories again. As he made a few slow and steady steps, the hall noticed him. Some recognized him, and some did not. He reached the center of the hall, took out his sword, placed it in front of him on the ground and kneeled. He bowed once again deeply and spoke...
"Honorable Dragons, my brothers.."
The hall grew silent as Cheng voice was firm and full of determination.
"..I wish to speak with the Shogun."
He remained bowed, looking deeply at the floor, almost touching it with his face while waiting for a response.
