Cao Pi
King of Wei
Emperor of China
Posts: 233
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Post by Cao Pi on Jun 24, 2009 15:03:47 GMT -5
Cao Pi stared menacingly towards his brother, his face a silent whisper of the wretched thoughts that were steadily consuming him. He had seen many things, but he had never ever expected for his own brother to have turned against him, was it not for the tigers or his confrontation – he wondered if his brother would have pursued his course of action, maybe had he been alone, maybe he’d be fighting his brother right now, passing sparks of life and death with each passing blow.
He closed his eyes at the thought and clenched his fists over the blade; he could feel the rage swell beneath his torso, pounding deep into the remains of his condemning heart, maybe, he thought.
“You...” He staggered a step or two backwards, before opening his eyes in a quick jerking motion, he had caught the time to hear the strategist’s command, to hear those words embrace his shivering heart as the order was passed and silence resumed again.
“Wo-“He had began to speak, but his brother lunged, he had pulled the sword up automatically, as if the trust between siblings had been severed within the few seconds that had passed, but the blade was nowhere towards him, it flew past his other relative and sliced deep within the tender skin of the strategist, his face a mixture of confusion and pain.
Cao Pi’s brother then dropped the spear, offering himself to the Empire in which they had both fought so hard for. It was then that he felt overcome with emotion, as if something seriously wrong had just happened, maybe it had, or maybe this simply wasn’t real.
“How could I face you in combat Cao Zhang.” He smiled, but his voice still bore a sickening tone, as if something inside of him still ached to kill, to fight, to rebel.
“How could I sit here today had it not been for your many victories, how many generals would be beneath me had you not shattered their morale first, how many of our people would be living happily had you not offered them shelter, protection or aid.”
He paused, and held out his sword towards his brother, “But...I cannot just simply forgive you.”
He smiled, almost sympathetically at his brother, “You will be punished for raising arms against your emperor, but the punishment will be kept a secret, I will make sure the men who attend you are swiftly dealt with after they are finished. I will not shatter your dignity before the people, but I warn you, brother.”
He stepped forward, closing the gap, “If you ever look at me with that expression again, or if you ever barge in my palace baring weapons, I will not be merciful, brother or not – those who stand against me...die.”
He sheathed his sword and turned back to his throne, the young swordsman had presented the second hook, although he had yet to announce how he obtained such a weapon. During that time, Cao Pi turned back to Cao Zhang.
“Your punishment will be decided later, if you have any further business to attend to, then please attend to it, if not, then wait and listen, if I recall correctly, this young swordsman was about to tell me a somewhat fascinating story.”
He smiled with ease that time and allowed everyone’s eyes to turn to the young swordsman, “Please, come closer and continue.”
The man spoke, each word flawlessly repeated as if written by some famed novel. It seemed ironic, that he had defeated such a pair so quickly and with such an idiotic plan, maybe love bore powers he had yet to taste, or maybe that sort of love just simply didn’t exist.
He wasn’t sure which side to believe, all he knew was that his body involuntary moved towards him, as if his ears and eyes were forced to peer within his soul, like a hawk watching its prey, he felt himself getting closer and closer, until he was at the tip of his throne.
“So.” He slouched down, thinking, “You was able to defeat them with cunning, that is an amazing story, but...I wonder.”
He pushed himself forward a little, so that he was more standing then sitting. “One man tackles three of the greatest assassins known to man, all of which vied to have me killed, and you did this in some very interesting ways, you defeated the first in a duel, the greatest spearmen, defeated and then you simply tricked the other two into killing themselves.”
He smiled fondly, unsure of what to do next, maybe he was just being paranoid, or maybe his gut instincts were right – this man was more of a threat then he made out to be.
“But you’re not here to offer me the weapons of these assassins...are you?”
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Post by lyle on Jun 24, 2009 19:26:54 GMT -5
During the calm of the day a man by the name of Shou Shi entered the city, his face covered by cloak. Behind him 20 others mixed in with a traveling carvan began their entrance into the city as well. They all knew what to say, what to do and where to run incase something bad was to occur; this 'mission' was important and none would dare blow it. They would be helping out a true hero, and by order of their lord, their master.
Plus, Shou Shi would kill the shit out of them if they dare screw up.
They had made their way to the market square, where the caravan was depositing its supplies and the many men were steadying their horses. Shou Shi had his eyes pealed, looking toward the palace..
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Sun Ce
Ruler of Wu
The Blazing Spear that is Wu shall never fade from history, rather diminish into it
Posts: 140
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Post by Sun Ce on Jun 24, 2009 23:13:24 GMT -5
Outside the Palace[/b]
A lone man wondered the streets of Luo Yang atop a black horse. Next to him strode a fine brown steed, which he held on to through a robe attatched to the reigns of the horse. He galloped slowly down the streets, his attention scattering around from person to shop, but always seemed to find it's way to the steps of the palace. There were many guards outside the palace, and with each passing of a regiment, he quietly grunted. Despite this, he appeared to be of no danger. He was a man of relative build and fair skin, his head was covered with a drape and his body by robes. A long thin object lie behind his waist, covered and wrapped in cloth.
The man made his way to the market, his shift focusing from one place to the next rapidly almost as if he was looking for something, or someone. A man walked by, and a rather large group of men scattered around, but followed him. Dismounting, the horseman approached the supposed leader of the pack.
"Greetings, good sir. My name is Zhao An Ding. These men are yours, correct?" He said, while aiming his words to the men that followed him, "You wouldn't possibly be interested in some azalea bushes, would you?"
Inside the Palace[/b]
The young swordsman stood still as the emperor Cao Pi addressecd his brother. For a while, the young guest believed he had arrived just in time to witness a coup. But Cao Zhang did no such thing, and the emperor left the young swordsman awestruck as he sent him to punishment for simply startling him. He held onto his reign with great power and authority. He was a man to be feared, but he was also a man to respect. To simply aim a weapon at the emperor was punishable by pain. To threaten his life was punishable by death. Where did these judgments rest? Cao Pi, upon concluding business with his brother, looked toward his guest.
“Please, come closer and continue.”
He looked to his side, and the young swordsman was guided by a court official to step forward 100 paces. Starting far away, he was now close to the emperor. It would seem that the emperor had placed trust upon his guest, or perhaps that he was so enthralled in what was transpiring in his palace this day that he would follow the tradition that ordained a man who serviced his country to draw closer to his majesty's presence. Nevertheless, the young swordsman now found himself a mere fifty paces from the emperor. When he once had to shout to speak to the emperor, he could now lower his voice to a whisper and Cao Pi would still hear him.
“So, you was able to defeat them with cunning, that is an amazing story, but...I wonder,” Cao Pi said, thinking aloud, “One man tackles three of the greatest assassins known to man, all of which vied to have me killed, and you did this in some very interesting ways, you defeated the first in a duel, the greatest spearmen, defeated and then you simply tricked the other two into killing themselves. But you’re not here to offer me the weapons of these assassins...are you?”
The young swordsman had lowered his head to a bow. As Cao Pi spoke, he did not raise his head. Slowly, allowing many tense moments to pass, he brought his head into the view of the emperor. His face showed no hatred nor hint of trickery.
"No, I did not. I came merely to show these weapons to thy majesty. These weapons are proof that those thou once thought to be most endearing thoust own life are dead."
The young swordsman tilted his head, and in a flash, his face changed. Once appearing loyal and belonging to that of a servant of Wei, something changed in his expression. A glimmer of fury sparkled within his eye, and his brow sharpened as he talked. Cao Pi was hesitant the entire time the two spoke, and it seemed that the tension was mounting with each step he drew closer to the emperor.
"It is funny, is it not? The recurring events of betrayal in our land were once thought to be such an evil trait. Dost thou recall the day that the mighty Wei general Shen Ha proclaimed Zen enemies to justice itself? Such a compelling doctrine he addressed to the people, and it drove the people to hate Ba Zeng and his company. Great emperor, I wonder... what happened to such a distaste to betrayal?
"I look at our country and I see no justice. I see the theme of betrayal holding our dear country by bound hands. No longer do I see trustworthy generals fighting honorable bouts be it by army or by swords alone, but I see the deceit of politics and false diplomacy and the turning of backs on men once considered friends. Though sickening it may be, I am afraid I am victim to betrayal's unwavering grasp as well. Was it not I who betrayed a man who loved me as a son only weeks ago as I tortured the wounded heart of his lover until she took her life, an act that was reenacted by him as well? That may not be all, either.
"I come bearing thou a message. Beware whom thou speaks to as enemy and as friend. Whom thy fear as the greatest of foe may not be what thou expects. Thou hast underestimated my perfomances since the moment I spoke of them, this I sense. But thou art correct to do so. Liao Xian... Shi Yu Chen... Shen Ji... these were not thy greatest of enemies," The young swordsman took hold of Lucresenth and Avyentheo, slowly rising to his feet as he spoke the next few words, "And the revolving theme of betrayal... it seems to have found its way to thy doorstep this day as well."
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Lu Meng
Rebel Warrior
General of something amazing!
Posts: 66
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Post by Lu Meng on Jun 25, 2009 1:40:55 GMT -5
Cao Zhang stood at the mercy of his older brother. His weapon was upon the black tiled floor of the palace and one of the two men with him was dead. It was his own doing, but Fu Mao had it coming for expecting Zhang to turn against his family.
He listened to Cao Pi with a blank expression across his face. The threats did not sit well with him, but he understood clearly. He had pushed the limits with his escapade, but just to see the moment of unease, of possible fear, within the Emperor made it worth it.
"I understand" he said, nodding as well in compliance with Pi's demands. Were they not fair enough? He had barged into the palace with armed escort and had the city gripped with fear due to 50,000 soldiers on the horizon. Not only that, he held Wei's leader at spear point with guests in the palace.
Cao Pi needed to make an example of Zhang and to also make sure he was not shown up so he ordered punishment for his younger brother. Both of them knew it would probably never take place, but anyone else would get their ass beat.
"I do have something to inform you of, brother. A group of bandits, not of the normal ilk, have been terrorizing Tian Shui. They go by the name, the Blood Bandits, and their leader is a man called Ryou Kin."
Cao Zhang turned and looked at Cao Chun who was just happy to be alive. The fact that only Zhang was ordered punishment was a stroke of luck for Chun.
"Not only that, but Xi Liang, as you are well aware, is under Rebel control. I ask that you dispatch me to the west to put down this bandit scum, Ryou Kin, and to take Xi Liang in the name of Wei!"
Whether or not the Emperor would agree to send any men was unknown, but Cao Zhang was heading west. That was, of course, if Cao Pi had no other plans for his beloved brother. He would probably send him into an ambush purposely, making sure there was not another challenge of authority.
Zhang stood there, helmet under arm, and awaited a response from his leader before moving out. He would have liked to stay in the city, for the night, and visit with his sibling, but that was probably not a good idea. Besides, Zhen Luo was giving him the evil eye and she would probably try to kill him in his sleep.
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Zhao Han
Warrior of Wei
General of the West
Posts: 53
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Post by Zhao Han on Jun 25, 2009 10:09:28 GMT -5
As Cao Pi stood and contemplated his decision about the two men before him, a third appeared through the door at the end of the hall. To his left, a young man stood, blades at the ready and knelt before the rightful ruler of this land. To that man's left, and thus the glorious leader's right, was a man grovelling at the king's feet.
Some distance away and behind the spearman, a decapitated body, and blood pooling about the wound. It boded ill, the circumstances of the death hidden from the figure at the door.
The newcomer strode in with an almost defiant confidence, his black robes trimmed in gold and purple, the dark colours traditionally associated with what was once the northern kingdom now sovereign and rightful heir to the whole of the Middle Kingdom. With his eyes carefully set upon the three before the King, and the King himself. As he came closer, he heard the spearman's words carry clearly behind him. The demands for apologies as he slowly came closer, his request for redemption through the pacification of the north-west; all of it carried clearly to Zhao Han's ears. He had no words for this moment of disbelief. Traitors, whatever their reason, deserved only death. Those brought in by force, of course, demanded the harshest and most painful of ends, but even the repentant had to die: by their own hand and peaceably if at all possble however. Giving this repentant man an army to pacify the west could only bring about ill things. Wei was in a precarious place it seemed, especially with open rebellion in all four corners of the empire. If Cao Pi were to take him back...it would only bring chaos, show that he was too trusting.
Looking to the man, now standing, who spoke of Xi Liang, Zhao Han stood now in silence behind the two men vying for the King's attention. He knelt, as he did so, stealing a disapproving glance at Cao Zhang that he could not keep to himself. Silently, he remained as he was, patiently waiting on the matter to be decided with both men before even contemplating standing as an equal before the sovereign. Quickly, various thoughts ran through his head. Initially, he came merely to reaffirm his vows to the Kingdom as per custom; ask perhaps for a governorship in the west, as near to the capital as he could affirm. But now, it would seem that other matters where far more pressing, and if he siezed this moment, far more glory could be won than he had imagined when he first came through the palatial gates.
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Gao Lan
Warrior of Wei
The whole world is a stage
Posts: 89
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Post by Gao Lan on Jun 25, 2009 10:18:40 GMT -5
*The eccentric general waved his arms and pointed to the golden archway at which point his men at arms bowed in unison and marched away out of sight. He next clicked his fingers and his personal entourage of sluts ceased their hypnotic dance and began to leave. The final one to pass Gao Lan was the by far the most exquisite of them all, she was tall, graceful, elegant and her body was in total proportion, it seemed she had been a marble statue brought to life for Lan's entertainment. She smiled showing off her disturbingly perfect teeth as Lan gave her a sly wink before grabbing her arm and forcefully pulling her to his body. He gently careressed her neck moving onto her cheeks and finally ending in her jet black hair. After gazing into each others eyes they passionatly kissed for a minute finishing up with the dancer biting Lan's bottom lip and licking her own. As she walked away she received a slap on her behind which she seemed to appreciate.*
*The slaves still remained , chained together by their necks and feet, ready to carry their master back to his estate. Finally he turned his attention back to his Queen and smiled warmly at her. He began to walk to her but soon turned it into a side step and then a dance ending in a twirl and a drop onto one knee. He maintained a respectful distance but it was clear he wanted to get closer, though he did not wish to be eaten by the beasts.*
'My Queen, I know of your troubles, it is a most ghastly business and I feel your frustration. Indeed, I have yet to give you a reason to trust me, all I can offer at this moment is my word that I could not bring myself to betray your beauty, you are my goddess. Though perhaps there is something I could do for you to prove my words are true. It could not have escaped your gaze that your northern provinces are plagued by banditry, and the one whom causes the people to fear most is a traitor who once served this court, the one they call Mortiss. I could capture this creature for you?"
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Cao Pi
King of Wei
Emperor of China
Posts: 233
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Post by Cao Pi on Jun 25, 2009 14:54:26 GMT -5
Cao Pi slithered back to the safety of his own chair, his hands unfolded, rimming the golden lace that had protruded out in bizarre streaky patterns. The fluff of the inner cushions covered the exterior of the golden lace before weaving back within its internal pattern, then – the pattern came to a stop, cut off by a single black thread that ran its entire length across the width of his chair.
He had probably been gazing for only a few moments, but he felt surprised to see how clearer the detail had been upon his arm bands and throne coverings. Before, he had noticed only the black symbolical tiger that had been etched within the fabric, but upon closer inspection, he could see a whole lot more.
The same laws applied to the young swordsman, for at first it was curiosity that had filled his chest, shifting then to anticipation and finishing only with suspicion. He had gazed at the general long enough to notice the change in expressions, of pitch, tone and levels of concentration, he had witnessed it all – and still thought nothing of it.
He cursed himself silently, realising all too late for what was soon to come. Whether or not he had time to prepare he could not say, but one thing he did know – he wouldn’t fall to these sorts of tricks so early in the game.
He rose a little from his throne, his face blank besides the plastered smirk that seemed to hang upon loose lips, his eyes seemed cold, almost distant as they pierced deep within this man’s soul. He could feel, sense and see nothing - Just a figure, a statue, un-nerved by their own predicament.
He released a sigh, his breath cold against the arm that rose to his face, was it time?
“The world would be run by cowards if they feared everyone they met.” He said coldly, “I am not entirely surprised by these....turn of events.”
He motioned for his guards to step back a little, his hand moving forever closer to the blade that sat upon his lap. He hadn’t assumed he’d be of need of such a weapon, but he was glad he had taken the wording of his father, people enjoyed to lie, and as his father had once said, ‘you’re simply supposed to just enjoy it whilst it lasts.’
“But I am surprised by your stupidity.” He smiled, clicking aside the cap that bound his weapon from use, “You speak to me as if you see the world through my eyes, as if you somehow understand the change of today. I am no more of a tyrant than my processor was and the man before he. It is but a simple cycle, you get those who fight for a country of hope, peace, justice – but what are these values, in reality?”
He smiled, his blade edging open as if ready to pounce should the swordsman advance further, “They are but dreams, ideals, cast down by those who blame their current circumstances on the political change of the country around them. It is merely an illusion cast upon the weak to find some sort of higher meaning for their existence. You tell me that wars are no longer fought with honour - that swords do not ring the same melody as was told by our ancestors....people do what is merely necessary to survive, they do what they can to win.”
He rose from the throne, “This world is not mine to dictate, but this land...is mine to control.”
He shot a hand towards the left, extending the elbow and pushing a part of his weight upon his left leg, then – he spoke, his eyes still fixated with his enemies. “I have little to spare Cao Zhang, but the rebels must be stopped. If you would be so kind as to deal with their pesky ways, I have some other business to attend to.”
He grinned, dismissing the hand and focusing back on his target, he had noticed others arrive and go, people talking or muttering in the distance, Gao Lan was one of those people, a man who he couldn’t truly trust – but then again, from what he had gathered, he didn’t need the generals trust, his wife did.
“So, will you now betray my hospitality, swordsman.”
He gazed at the young swordsman, his eyes never parting, never shifting. His body held its ground like a statue, each one merely waiting for the other to finish their lines – as both would soon know what would happen and then it was merely a matter of time and skill.
“Are you so convinced that I am the cause of the lands problems, or will you wake up ...” He smiled confidently, as if this was but another one of life’s many tests, a test that he must pass or be in jeopardy forever.
“But then again...we both know your fate.”
The door to the throne room opened and a young man emerged, wielding a spear in one hand and a scroll in the other, his eyes tore away from the swordsman as he approached towards the rear.
“I have returned my lord.”
Cao Pi smiled, and turned to the swordsman, “Good job..Shen Tian.”
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Zhen Luo
Queen of Wei
Empress of China
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Posts: 189
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Post by Zhen Luo on Jun 25, 2009 19:37:46 GMT -5
Story time it seemed, was over between the young swordsman and Cao Pi. That man however, was none of her concern; her husband could handle anything that the swordsman could give. If for some reason, the stranger bested the Emperor, the two tigers would be waiting to rip the flesh from his bones. No one, absolutely no one laid a hand on the Emperor and got away with it.
Directing her gaze away from her husband and his ‘guest’, Zhen Luo couldn’t help but notice her perfectly manicured hands and the enormous blue diamond that set upon her left ring finger. Cao Pi had gotten her the finest jewelry in the land, but that wasn’t enough. She wanted more; and blue diamonds were her weak spot.
The Empress was brought from her gaze to admire the show that was being put on in front of her once more. The man Gao Lan was treated like, and acted like, a king; so why did he want to serve another?
Rajah seemed content with her surroundings for the moment and she stretched her sleek body out and lay at her masters feet. Raleigh on the other hand wouldn’t lay down until all possible threats were gone, and even then he kept a watchful eye on everyone and everything that moved. Rajah was still alert and ready to strike at a seconds notice, she just liked to rest after a large meal. Zhen Luo placed her hand on her cats large head and coaxed a purr out of her once more.
“Again, Gao Lan, I thank you for your wonderful complements, however mere words about the beauty of a married woman will not gain you my trust.”
Rajah purred louder at the sound of her masters voice, and Raleigh stalked closer to where Cao Pi and the young swordsman stood. Perhaps it was the Emperors angry tone towards a possible threat that raised the fur along his back, or maybe he just didn’t like the swordsman. Regardless, Zhen Luo ignored the happenings between the two men to keep her attention on the performer in front of her.
“Mortiss is a name that rings more than a bell; he used to be one of my most trusted warriors. He betrayed me and the empire of Wei. If you can capture this beast and bring him back here, I will know your loyalties lie with me; because this Mortiss creature is like nothing you have seen before. He is vile and untamed, and any who could capture him would be worthy of serving the great empire that is Wei.”
Rajah stood up quickly and leapt the distance between Zhen Luo and Gao Lan. The tiger circled the Wei hopeful once and then looked him in the eye as if to say; My master is giving you a chance, don’t screw it up. The Empress laughed at her pet and called her back to her side before addressing Lan once more.
“If you can do this simple task for me, and bring me blue diamonds, you will be rewarded handsomely.”
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Sun Ce
Ruler of Wu
The Blazing Spear that is Wu shall never fade from history, rather diminish into it
Posts: 140
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Post by Sun Ce on Jun 26, 2009 0:31:28 GMT -5
The young swordsman had been a guest in the halls of Luo Yang's grand palace. He had come posing a servant of Wei, a gifted soldier to the cause that Cao Pi fought for. He had come with stories of great conquest of great warriors and great assassins. These assassins were hunted down and killed by a greater one. It was this assassin, the same man that stood so near to the emperor, who was the most skilled, the most able assassin to strike the emperor a fatal blow.
The three fallen assassins, Shi Yu Chen, Shen Ji and Liao Xian, sat dead. But perhaps even now they were smiling, laughing at their opposed foe Cao Pi for the situation he now was in. He had security all around him, yet he was doomed. He had guards at his side, yet they would be unable to guard him. He had a sword at his waist, but his sword skills would not match his assassin's.
He had listened to the stories the assassin presented, with each tale passed he gained trust, but at the same time he gained suspicion. With each step closer the assassin took, he prepared himself for his attack. Cao Pi grew more and more aware that his stories seemed flawed. They were not flawed in sense of exaggeration or dishonesty, but they were flawed in the sense of their purpose. The assassin's performances were not done to protect the life of the emperor, but rather to endear it. The warrior-assassins who wished to claim the life of Cao Pi were killed by the young assassin only so that he could get closer to the emperor, and now was his time to strike.
“The world would be run by cowards if they feared everyone they met.” He said coldly, “I am not entirely surprised by these....turn of events.”
Cao Pi sent aside his guards. It would appear that he knew the situation he was in. Guards, should they be thrown at the young assassin, would simply slow his step before they were killed and thrown aside. The sword at the emperor's waist was raised along with the hook swords held by the assassin. It would be a short bout before the emperor would fall. He was not a bad swordsman, but the assassin was too much for him to match.
“But I am surprised by your stupidity,” Cao Pi said as he readied with weapon, a smirk crossing the young swordsman's face, “You speak to me as if you see the world through my eyes, as if you somehow understand the change of today. I am no more of a tyrant than my processor was and the man before he. It is but a simple cycle, you get those who fight for a country of hope, peace, justice – but what are these values, in reality?
"They are but dreams, ideals, cast down by those who blame their current circumstances on the political change of the country around them. It is merely an illusion cast upon the weak to find some sort of higher meaning for their existence. You tell me that wars are no longer fought with honor - that swords do not ring the same melody as was told by our ancestors....people do what is merely necessary to survive, they do what they can to win,"
What the emperor next said, the swordsman figured, contradicted his entire speech: This world is not mine to dictate, but this land...is mine to control.
"Thou speak as if thou art a god. But that is not so... that is not close to reality. Thou act as if the world has changed, but all that has truly changed is the values of its leaders. When the honor of leadership is dismantled, the people sink into hollow shells and no longer see the true colors, only a spectrum of gray. Because of this, thou art indeed a tyrant, as is any who claims such a foolish rant to be true. With the changing times, it seems our leadership has descended from honor to tyranny.
"Thou speak of happiness and tranquility as if it is false bickering, but I ask how it can it be artificial if it has been seen before? Oh, great emperor... perhaps thou forgets that before the days of thy father and of his enemies, peace was a truth that the people enjoyed.
"This land is not of thy possession. These people are not of thy reign anymore. This day, even if I die, thy tyranny will end. Thy majesty will fall!"
The two were at a standoff. Each was prepared for battle, the palace sat back in disbelief. There was nothing anyone could do. The assassin's mission was now inevitable, and it would succeed by only the falter of the swordsman's inability to strike down the emperor. The eyes of the two never left each other's glance. As the words of hatred fell upon Cao Pi's ears, he responded.
“So, will you now betray my hospitality, swordsman.”
The young swordsman, the assassin of a new legend, sunk his head, allowing a wicked smile to edge his face. Bringing it up to reconnect eye contact with the emperor, he maniacally responded.
"I will."
He did not allow the emperor anything else. The time to tell tales was over. The time to discuss the events transpiring was over. There were no words in a hall of warriors. Words had started the assassin two hundred paces from the emperor, words had brought him fifty paces, and now words have sparked an assassination.
From a still stance, the assassin shot forth. From fifty paces he charged, with each step the emperor drawing closer and closer and a rapid rate. He was fast, he was quick... he was swift. From fifty paces, he covered thirty in the time it would take Cao Pi to reach down and grip his sword.
Launching to the air, the assassin ascended toward the throne. The assassin linked his hook swords together through the curved ends of their blades. The swords snagged onto eachother just as two hook would if you pulled them when facing opposite directions. The Lucresenth in hand, and Avyentheo linked at its end, he spun off in mid-air to gain momentum with his blade. As his rotation went half circle, he held out Lucresenth, ready to strike. By the time he completed the mid-air spin, Avyentheo would be crashing down upon the emperor in a deadly strike should he not have the reflexes to bring his sword to parry.
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Lu Meng
Rebel Warrior
General of something amazing!
Posts: 66
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Post by Lu Meng on Jun 26, 2009 1:55:44 GMT -5
As Cao Pi went back toward the throne, Cao Zhang put his helmet on and picked up his weapon. He was anxious to leave and defeat the rebel scum, Ryou Kin, but he needed the command from his leader. Thousands of soldiers were outside the city, the massive army that Ziwen arrived with, but they were needed elsewhere throughout the empire. He knew his brother was also not foolish enough to relinquish command of another large force to him, especially after what had just transpired, but he hoped for a few thousand.
The words of Cao Pi comfirmed what he had thought, stating that Wei was strapped for men. Still, Zhang had an army that could move against the rebels in the northwest. He was hoping that the Blood Bandits did not recruit many more men while he was messing about at the capital.
Zhen Luo addressed some of the guests next and Zhang glanced toward her with what could be considered a not so friendly look. She had threatened his life just 10 minutes ago, though the bond of love can uncage a beast if the other is threatened. If Cao Pi did not halt her, she may have made an attempt at his life. He was glad that she would be in Luo Yang when he was riding away to the west.
Cao Chun was watching both men closely, the swordsman and Zhao Han, but not so much the strange Nanman character. If he was up to anything, it was most likely trying to get naked with the Empress.
The tigers were still aggressive due to just feeding on a fallen official. They were waiting patiently for their owner's to allow them to devour their side dish of Fu Mao, the late strategist of Cao Zhang. Meanwhile, one of them encircled Gao Lan and he probably soiled himself. Either that or he had wild creatures of his own at home seeing as how he was introduced in a tribal type show.
It seemed though, the young swordsman paid no heed to the creatures watching him closely. What happened next was quite shocking, but very predictable. It was not because the swordsman was not good at what he did, but the fact that he had the full attention of Cao Pi and most everyone else in the hall. Guards were already alerted when Cao Zhang stormed the city with armed escort so it was bold, to say the least.
When the assassin bolted forward Cao Chun immediately unsheathed his broadsword and headed toward Zhao Han. He moved ready to intercept another possible threat and positioned himself between the new arrival and the Emperor.
"Guards!"
Fifty paces was quite a distance, but it seemed the assassin had extraordinary speed. However, it was doubtful that he would get to Cao Pi before a weapon was drawn in defense. The swordsman had been telling stories for so long that he had all the attention and therefore his movements were recognized right away.
Cao Zhang watched as the enemy moved toward his brother and it was time to act. He darted toward the throne to attack and was the closest to Pi from the beginning. Even if the enemy could get a successful attack off, he would be facing a painful death. If not by Cao Zhang, then by Zhen Luo, and if not by Zhen Luo then by hundreds of soldiers. Hopefully he would not get the 'special', which was being boiled alive!
Ziwen had his double spear ready and he thrusted it forward toward the Emperor's would be assassin. The swordsman's momentum was locked, caught now in the control of gravity, and if he intended on his killing stroke to be a success he would have no choice but to die. There was no way to attack and defend simultaneously. The attack from Zhang was aimed at his enemy's back, most likely due to his position near the front of the throne. He was trying to pierce through and stabbity stab his black heart.
Guards by now probably moved in from all angles to apprehend any who were not a member of the Wei kingdom. If the other guests were not careful, they could all be cut down just to avoid any future threats to the throne of China.
Cao Zhang had received his orders and moved out of the palace with Cao Chun. They would call off their portion of the Wei force and head west toward Tian Shui.
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Cao Pi
King of Wei
Emperor of China
Posts: 233
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Post by Cao Pi on Jun 26, 2009 11:31:25 GMT -5
(I don’t know Ryan, I guess we’ll see if this is a story or if this is an actually assassination attempt lol)
Cao Pi said nothing in retaliation; in fact his mind was far too busy calculating his enemy’s movements to even comprehend half of what this assassin was telling him. If he had guessed, it was probably something along the lines of ‘you’re a tyrant and I kill tyrants’.
He wasn’t sure if that was an accurate translation of what he had said, and it really didn’t matter. His body was set, his mind focused – his sword...forever ready.
He dropped his sword arm as the man finished, the scabbard falling to the ground as he had uncapped it whilst still on the throne. He was ready – and his enemy didn’t even realise it.
The assassin charged, 50 paces was not a long distance to run, but it was more than enough time for the emperor to decide and calculate every inch of his counter-attack. The assassin edged closer, leaping the beginning of the thrones carpet and towards his position.
He had caught witness to the linking of blades, a foolish thing for anyone to do whilst in the midst of combat, the hook swords would have proved far more dangerous had they have both been wielded then connected, besides – hook blades couldn’t be kept connected.
They linked from openings in the curved blades, meaning if a counter-weight was pushed against the plain surface of the metal, it would simply roll back, thus breaking the link. It was at that time he suspected the next move, for it was the only logical move to make considering his opponent was running quickly.
The emperor took a large step to his right, lifting his right elbow high whilst holding the sword with both hands clenched, the assassin leapt, spun in mid circle just as he had finished his stance, the weapon then dropped – fast as lightning, crashing hard against the sword he held extended to the left, it’s point bounced, but his plan would work, it had to work...
If the hooks were connected by the tips of their extended blades, then any movement would deflect the weapons, hooks didn’t lock – they merely linked together, to the emperor, it’d be no different than joining two plates shaped as the letter ‘L’ to one another by the piece of metal that extended outwards, yeah, it expands the weapons’ reach, it delivers a nasty blow – but it doesn’t tolerate well with deflections and it certainly isn’t used during an assassination attempt.
The hook that was linked stayed connected to his extended sword, as his arm continued to move down, hitting the beautiful floor that Zhen Luo had personally purchased from the traders bordering many of Wei’s rivers.
Cao Pi didn’t wait to think of what to do next, the hooked swords fell apart as the assassin thumped back onto the ground, his arm extended but low to the floor, one of his many weapons sliding off of the sword that Cao Pi suddenly swerved.
He did not charge his foe, but he did attack, he pushed his left leg forwards a little, pushing his right hand down a little and then sweeping in a diagonal; slash that aimed from top-left to bottom-right.
The assassin would need to be quick, to both avoid the weapon and the tiger that had began to run. The tiger had waited, almost purposefully for the assassin to get close, then – when the assassin would least expect it, it would charge, jumping, scratching and clamping its jaws on the assassins leg should he not flee.
Shen Tian had a better idea; he slammed the doors to the throne room – extended his spear and rushed to the other side of the room, between Zhao Han and the open doors that led into the gardens. If this assassin wanted to flee – he’d need to escape a tiger and a master spearman.
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Sun Ce
Ruler of Wu
The Blazing Spear that is Wu shall never fade from history, rather diminish into it
Posts: 140
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Post by Sun Ce on Jun 26, 2009 13:28:44 GMT -5
He had prepared for a year. His planning stretched across the land of China itself, where he had to devote his very life to the distinguishing of many fierce battles against some of the finest warriors and assassins in the land. He had succeeded at every turn, and it had seemed that even now, his plan worked perfectly. He calculated almost everything correctly. From the telling of his tales of heroics, he knew he'd be brought closer to the emperor. He knew that the palace would be busy, and attention would not be focused on he and he alone. He knew that by the time he attacked, he would be close, and he would be swift enough to deem every guard in the palace useless.
There was but one thing he did not account for. He did not expect Cao Pi to be so well prepared. Linking his swords by their hooks at the end of the blade, he lept to the air, swinging his momentum in a spin while preparing to bring the blade down on his target. The assassin only briefly took his eyes off the emperor, while he spun he had to turn his head around. But in that flash of a second, Cao Pi had gone from preparing to defend himself to swiftly placing his sword in the premier location to direct the assassin's blades affray.
When the assassin landed, he could feel his plan beginning to fail. He could feel the palace itself crushing in on him. Guards rushed to protect their emperor and doors began to shut closed. Regardless, the assassin would die. All that was left to claim was a victory through the completion of his mission. He would have to kill the emperor before all closed in on him. But he had little time, enough for perhaps one last strike. But he had no time at all to do so, Cao Pi brought his sword forth to attack, and to his side he heard the roar of a tiger behind the throne. The tiger lunged at the assassin along with the blade of the emperor.
The assassination was foiled. Perhaps if he had enough time to see one more bout through, he could have found flesh cleaved through the steel of the Black-Hilt Blade. But even such a devoted assassin as this young swordsman knew when impossibility came into play. His current situation was dire. The assassination was now impossible, and him even escaping with his life was almost as probable. In a feat of desperation, he lunged to the right just as Cao Pi's sword neared him, just as the tiger lept to the air.
He felt the paw of the tiger barely graze his back, and he shouted in pain as his flesh was torn and blood fell out the wounds. Quickly, he swept the Black-Hilt Blade at the floor, sweeping Avyentheo, the blade that had fallen to the ground with Cao Pi's well-placed parry, up to the air by linking the swords at their hooks once again. While running, he grasped Avyentheo from the air, and he bolted as swiftly as he could to the only escape he could see: an open door that led out to a garden.
But the path was blocked by guards, and by a general. The assassin would need to be as precise as possible, as he could hear the pounce of the tiger closing in from his rear. Without breaking stride, he slashed his swords wildly left and right, slaying a few guards who came to prohibit his escape. As the general, Shen Tian, closed in, he brought his spear down overhead. The assassin ducked backward, crossing his hook swords to lock the spear in place, where he then threw his weight to the right, forcing the spearman to follow. As he released the spear, he evaded the general, and sped out through the door into the gardens. Guards pursued, and archers lined up to fire, but before either could close in, the assassin lept the eastern wall and escaped into the alleyways of the estate district.
The estate district was a wealthy area, but the alleyways were filled with dirt, and they were extensive. The assassin had come to know the layout of the city, and he knew where he was headed. The guards were quick on his tail, but dashing through alleyways constantly threw them off until he reached the streets of the city, where he could cover himself through buildings and people. When he reached the marketplace, he wrapped his swords in cloth and slung them over his back, then covered his body in a dark red robe, lifting a hood over his face. When the guards sped to the chase, they could see nothing but a marketplace filled with hundreds of people, and no assassin in sight.
The young man whose mission had failed made his way to the western side of the market, where he spotted his apprentice and an officer of his master.
"Zhao An Ding... my sword..."
The assassin looked to his apprentice, who opened his robe to show the broadsword of his master. It had been confiscated at the front of the palace, but Zhao An Ding had recovered it while his master was executing his plan.
"Conceal it. If all works well, we will not need blades any further. The assassination has failed and to see me here alive is but a stroke of luck. Master Shou, I have a message for your master, what say we fly to him fast. The guards will not rest until I am dead."
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Lu Meng
Rebel Warrior
General of something amazing!
Posts: 66
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Post by Lu Meng on Jun 26, 2009 13:39:31 GMT -5
I have modified my previous post.
*Cao Zhang has left the palace*
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Zhao Han
Warrior of Wei
General of the West
Posts: 53
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Post by Zhao Han on Jun 27, 2009 11:31:35 GMT -5
Amongst all of these curious happenings, Zhao Han could only remain in silence and obedience knelt as the others acted. The tigers that roamed the palatial hall unnerved him, and while every muscle and bit of sense in his body told him to stand and turn his blade on the beasts. By some miracle, the animals ignored the prostrated man as they turned on so many of the others. The visitor from Nan, the swordsman too, were assailed by the creatures, and seemed well under the thrall of the spearman, apparently kin to the King. His eyes narrowed as his hand slowly went to his sabre, the steel glinting somewhat, the light catching the polished metal just so.
He said nothing before the two that had arrived before him had left. At that moment, he stood, looked to Cao Pi and stepped forward to the appropriate place at just the appropriate moment. In this moment, he seized the initiative.
"M'lord, if your other subjects shall not, I fear that I've little choice but apologise for the...mess...that they have caused you in your own domain. They've no respect for you, and if you would pardon my boldness, I'd not have let either leave this palace with a head upon their necks. But it is not of my concern, nor my reason for coming to the palace," Zhao Han began. He remained knelt, his head bowed before Cao Pi.
"I come, Lord, to reaffirm my allegiance to you as per custom. And knowing the troubles that plague these lands, to seek permission to aid in the suppression of these rebels wherever they may lie.
"Where then, sir, shall I go and engage these reavers that seek to destabilise your lands? And to which corner would you soonest send my retinue and I?"
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Cao Pi
King of Wei
Emperor of China
Posts: 233
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Post by Cao Pi on Jun 27, 2009 17:44:50 GMT -5
Cao Pi gazed after the assassin, leaving his body empty as his mind travelled perilously through the events that had just transpired. He had done everything perfectly, that much he knew. But it was still a shame to see the wretched thing flee from his palace, taking a few guards with him before dashing off out of sight.
It annoyed him, no, it infuriated him, how anyone could have gotten so close to him, how could he have been attacked within his own palace!
He turned violently back to his throne, the golden lacing just not looking that appeasing anymore, in fact, it looked ugly – it all did. The entire room emitted an ugliness that just purposefully radiated around his head, clogging his mind and dampening his nostrils. He couldn’t get rid of it, the ugliness – it was just there, forever existent within his mind.
What the fuck had this assassin just done to him, why could he find no peace – the assassin had failed, and yet he lived, but why?
“Call off the guards.” He sat on the throne, not knowing why he had called the order, but he wasn’t ready to retract his wording, he had ordered it... and somewhere, deep within his conscious – he had meant it.
“Let him go.”
He turned to Shen Tian, who gazed puzzlingly at him, he wasn’t surprised – it wasn’t every day an Emperor allowed someone to try and assassinate them. But there was definitely something different, he could feel it. That assassin had to surface again.
“May I?”
“No.”
Cao Pi held his hand up as he spoke and Shen fell silent. “There is a destiny that even I cannot surpass within that man’s life. I do not know what it is, or how great it will become, but he isn’t going to die here, even if I call every soldier in the city.”
He turned to Zhao Han and smiled, “But, I do thank you in particular general. At least you have the decency to show the correct courtesy to one who controls this world. Not through tyranny, but through honour, strength and intelligence.”
He lifted himself from the throne and walked down the few steps that blocked his way, “Let this be known to every man and child, that Cao Pi was attacked – deep within his own palace walls, by that of the greatest assassin in this entire world. Let the people know that their loving Emperor faced this great man and walked away with nothing, not even a scratch. Then let them know, that our enemy has a mark – a parting gift of our tigers to bear with for the rest of his life.”
He laughed suddenly, but kept his composure steady, “Ahh, what a tale it will become.”
He turned back to Zhao Han, his face suddenly hardening at the general’s patience and manner, “You are a fine warrior, a brave warrior – one with dignity and I am proud to have you among my empire Zhao Han. But there is nothing we can do against these rebels right now. Our empire large and our soldiers extended, tell me – what would you propose we do against the filthy Tuo Tuan, whose only goal is to have me killed.”
The guards nodded at the approach of Xiahou Dun, listening to his words before the minister of the interior stepped forth.
“Oh general.” He muttered, almost smiling, “You know you don’t need to go through us, the Emperor is waiting for you.”
He signalled for the gates to open and then stepped aside, “But do hurry, I heard there’s been some weird things going off in the palace, I can’t wait till my break is finished, then I can go snoop it out.”
He chuckled as he continued, keeping the door open long enough for Xiahou Dun to pass before slamming them shut again.
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