Disclaimer: I do not own Resident Evil or Dynasty Warriors games. But my OCs are rightfully mine.
Author Note: Crossover, only based on the same scenarios faced in Resident Evil, as well as the zombies. I don't intend on making any RE characters interact with the DW ones. Idea came after playing too much Resident Evil Outbreak and Dynasty Warriors 5. This is my first attempt at writing horror and suspense so any constructive reviews or pointing out mistakes will be greatly appreciated. Don't be afraid to tell me how I'm doing, whether it's bad or good.
Full Summary: Zuo Ci, a powerful and acclaimed sorcerer who had devoted his life to bring an end to China's suffering, died. With his dying breath, he mumbles incoherent words that cause the brave to scoff and the weak to tremble, "Hear now, your future shall end...and the time of the dead shall begin."
The year is 208 A.D., and the division of the land now seems inevitable as three kingdoms begin forming. Zuo Ci's words become lost over time but certainly not forgotten for people still remained in fear until one simple day..the unexpected happens. And soon the land erupts into a new type of chaos..one that goes against what any of the officers have known as they face an enemy that cannot die. As bitter rivals are forced to unite, they realize a terrifying truth...The Age of the Three Kingdoms is over...the Age of the Living Dead is just beginning.
-8 8 8-
The time has ended of your piteous reign
as soon you will only know death and pain
a new age shall I hence name
of the dead who come forth from Hell's fiery flames
The Daoist's body lied limp on the ground as a stream of crimson blood leaked down the wooden platform he had once stood on. The executioner's sword dripped endlessly with red life, the fang of a beast who had just devoured its prey.
The Wei ruler's eyes surveyed the sight of death, his gaze lacking in any sympathy and remorse as he kicked the body to the dirt ground. "Clean up the mess," his face twisted in a look of disgust as he stared at the frightened eyes of his soldiers, "and rid me of these trembling fools with their superstitious beliefs." His dark purple cloak noisily waved behind him as he walked down the stairs, heading back with a group of his loyal officers whose weapons moved noisily with their footsteps.
The Wei captain stared blankly down at the corpse that began leaking its stench into the air;the large crowd began to disperse in the streets of the capitol city, the public display ended.
"D–do as our lord instructed, I want this body gone." The captain's white face seeming paler than before as he stammered out the command. His men simply stood frozen in their positions, fearful to move any closer to the body of the once powerful sorcerer or perhaps. .still powerful.
"That's an order!" His shrill voice shook them. Reluctant to obey, the men hastily gripped the corpse with their trembling hands and lifted the hermit's body.
"Where shall we place it?" A soldier asked hesitantly.
The captain frowned slightly as his eyes clouded briefly, "He deserves no proper burial," the middle aged man paused, "toss him into the river depths where no one shall find him." He noticed the discomfort playing in his men's eyes as they carried the body away, he as well trying to shake himself free from the old man's disturbing words.
"And what of records, captain?" His faithful advisor asked from behind his shadow, remaining dormant until now.
"Speak nothing of this, as our Lord instructed. He wishes no false rumors to spread out among the land or people. Act like nothing has happened–nothing did happen." But as he listened to himself speak these words, the doubt only continued to spread within him. His black coals for eyes looked at the calm advisor who merely bowed, though deeply disconcerted by his orders but deciding to keep his concern to himself.
Grateful for his compliance, the captain began following his men who had successfully wrapped the body in a large cloth; the color red sprouted outward on the fabric, dying the once sheer white cloth now a frightful scarlet, as though emphasizing the cruel manner of the sorcerer's death.
Captain Wong's troubled face looked up to notice the skies beginning to blacken. Thick clouds slipped by unnoticed until devouring the remaining sunlight from fading blue sky, as though foreboding a terribly prophecy no one believed.
The soldiers remained silent as they marched down the lantern-lit streets; the cruel command given by their superior still echoing in their ears. Walking out from the protected walls that bordered the city, the skepticism erased completely from their now frightened eyes.
The stone pavement converted to a simple dirt road as their boots scraped noisily on the loose pebbles that scattered, entering into the darkened forest. From underneath their helmets, wild eyes gazed about the gnarled branches that appeared more like shadowed hands reaching out for them.
Hearing the roaring rush of water, they gazed widely ahead at the river that had coincidentally began showing the same aggression as the sky above their heads.
Given the order, they eased the body down on the ground at the very edge of the river's icy depths. A chilling wind seemingly emanated from the very embankment where Zuo Ci's corpse laid on, giving off a warning to them to cease their actions while the chance remained optional.
"Let's get him in there." The strong yet uncertain voice of the captain spoke among the group, causing the brave to slowly yet surely inch towards the deceased sorcerer.
Suddenly a thunderous cry pierced the silence and sent all the soldiers to immediately stumble back; a few scattered into the woods they came from, fleeing away.
Only Captain Wong and his second in command remained, tension stiffening their muscles as they waited in fear, half-expecting the body to suddenly rise from the ground but it didn't.
"Damn cowards." Captain Wong swore beneath a shaky breath and he turned and signaled for his remaining officer for aid. Both went on each sides of the old man's corpse, giving each other a nod when they gripped a hold on the ankles and wrist.
Picking the body up from the ground, they moved towards the shallow waters. Wong stifled a grunt as the body's weight pulled down on him, his arms shaking from exhaustion.
Another deafening thunder made the earth tremble, frightening the two and causing them to automatically drop the body. A startled cry escaped them both as a fear took hold of their bodies, freezing the joints and muscles in agonizing suspense as they stared.
Zuo Ci's head peered out from from underneath the blood-drenched blanket. A flash of lightening illuminated the stringy mass of white hair that covered half of his bony cheeks. All except for his right open eye, encircled with a purple tattoo, staring directly at them through its vacant depths.
The captain swallowed with difficulty as he hastily threw the blanket over the ghostly visage of the head, covering the mesmerizing eye. Liberated from its invoking gaze, he forced his lungs to breathe deeply as he directed his officer to help him once again. With their combined strength, they safely dragged the body to the edge without anymore interruptions.
Once the icy waters reached knee level, they stopped descending. Captain Wong untied a thick rope he had wrapped around his slender waist, looking over to his second in command.
"Begin filling the bags Chien." He ordered shakily, calling out above the roaring winds that began to seize the air.
Chien complied as he unleashed a bag from his belt and began filling heavy stones inside, all the while the waters splashing fiercely around them.
"Proceed with tying it around him. Then we can leave this place." Wong said, relieved by the suggestion.
Chien hurriedly tied the rope around the now heavy bag, his hands shaking wildly. Almost as he finished pulling the last knot, a grievous expression appeared on his face causing the captain to frown at the sudden change. "Chien...?"
Chien merely sighed wearily, looking up at his commander, the pity quickly gone from his eyes, "Only speculating sir."
An awkward silence passed between them, as the captain attempted to rub life into his two frozen hands. In spite of the circumstances, they felt for the poor soul before them. No man should have to face such a bitter fate as one such as him; but orders were still orders.
"Chien..." the young man looked up at his name, "You know...you don't have to do this."
As though shocked by the suggestion, Chien shook his head eagerly, "No sir. I cannot abandon my duties," he spoke with utmost determination, "I will complete this task."
But knowing Chien since childhood, Wong simply shook his head, "It's alright. I can take care of this myself. So you can hurry back now to our lord–do so quickly though before I change my mind."
Chien remained rooted in place as he watched Wong kneeldown to the wrapped body, bounding the legs and arms together. His lips itched to speak in protest as he watched his friend attending to the burdening task alone.
"That's an order." Wong simply uttered as he fumbled with a knot. Chien's boots shuffled on the muddied bank as he moved reluctantly away, his quiet voice saying, "Thank you." And left.
Listening to his fading footsteps, Wong finally looked up, watching his friend disappear into the shadows of the trees. A faint smile came briefly on his rough features before he looked back down on the corpse.
Through the thin sheet, he could manage to outline Zuo Ci's features distinctly—the sharp cheekbones, the thin lips, and two eyes. An unexpected chill raised the hairs on the back of his neck; a tinge of guilt grasping hold of him as he realized he was damning this man to an unmarked grave.
Such is the ways of war; no hard feelings. He turned around, grabbing the end of the stone-filled bag as he tested its weight by lifting with his strong arms.
And though he shivered as the storm proceeded to deafen the land with its increasing rage, the feeble noise his ears picked up immediately paralyzed him.
The rustling came, soft and delicate, like a peaceful spring breeze...moving thin sheets.
"What?" He spun around, able to see from the corner of his eye something moving. The corpse remained as still as before, the sheets tied tightly against the body with the ropes. A frown came over him, somehow certain he had seen the body move.
Quick to shake the suddenly ridiculous thought away, Wong grabbed for the bag and began dragging the heavy weight into the cold waters...
And the rustling started again; more frantic now as though hands pressed anxiously on the fabric, like someone wanting to get out. Was that crazed grunting he heard?
He looked slowly over this time, certain of a raspy panting he heard at his ear, feeling the hot air on his neck. The breathing so slow, inhaling and exhaling, something behind him...
Pupils moved to the corner of his eyes, able to see a white object sitting upright from the ground, it looked much like that corpse...
"Who's there!" He demanded, whirling around to meet whatever eyes he felt on him. Yet, he saw no one and no corpse. Breathing hard he looked down to see the body still bounded with ropes, unmoved from the last time he looked upon it.
He wanted to leave now. His hands gripped the bag once again, heavier now from absorbing the water. Without so much as a prayer he let the bag plunge into the dark depths of the water. Zuo Ci's body jerked slightly as the weight dragged him into the shallow waters.
Relief swept over the captain as he wiped cold sweat from his brow, promising himself a large beer once he reunited with Chien at the ceremony for Zuo Ci's death.
He turned around, the murky water sloshing noisily around his knees as he moved towards the bank–and tripped.
The pain shot through his lower leg as he felt an evident sharp pain enter, piercing through the hard metal of his armor and reach his tender skin. He drank the water in mouthfuls as he tried lifting himself up from the rapid current but couldn't–he was being dragged under!
Wild panic claimed his entire body as his hands dug into the river bottom to keep his head above water level. Something had a firm grip to his ankle and refused to let go, something extremely heavy.
The terror he kept locked inside burst forth with new energy as the cruel realization hit him. In his haste, he had carelessly allowed for the rope to become tied around him. He was going to be pulled under with Zuo Ci and drown.
The irony only enraged him further as he gritted his teeth, his attempted screams barely escaping his lips as he choked on water. No!
Holding his breath, he released one hand from holding for dear life and reach for the dagger in his belt. If he could cut loose...
The current threatened to pull the dagger, his only chance at life, from his hands as he moved to try and cut whatever held him. The weight of the stones seared pain into his back as he felt his single hand slipping from the shallow ground level, his body being pulled into the underwater valley.
The darkness seemed to swallow him up as his fingernails filled with soil from the bottom of the river. His mind raced as he moved the blade back and forth over whatever grabbed hold of him but for some reason nothing--
A howl of pain emerged from beneath the dark depths of the waters, not his. He lost the grip of the blade as his mind locked into a state of complete terror, wondering where that unearthly scream came from.
He managed a look back and his hold on the ground gave as he let out a scream. A monster stared at him–two glowing eyes, one encircled with a purple tattoo, flesh rotting and teeth snarling.
It grabbed hold of him and together they disappeared underwater, the captain's cries only coming out in rapid bubbles that broke upon reaching the surface.
The only witness to the account sat peacefully on the shore.
But it was only a white crane.
-8 8 8-
Zhou Yu of Wu, devout strategist,shuddered quickly as a discomfort that had gone unnoticed suddenly overwhelmed him and he gripped his arms as they trembled at the piercing cold. His grave eyes directed towards the window that revealed the menacing darkness that gradually began to engulf the land.
His cold hands placed down the book they once held as he moved over to get a better glimpse of the eventual storm that would come. The warmth of peace and security he had felt before, now began to slip into the very shadows that ate the last streak of light as the storm clouds darkened.
Somehow, he knew their time had ended. The serenity of his kingdom had simply vanished before his unknowing eyes.
"Something terrible has happened." He whispered to himself as the first raindrop hit his delicate hand.
-8 8 8-
The Prime Minister of Shu breathed deeply as he listened to the pouring rainfall the heavens had suddenly unleashed in fury upon the land. The highly dignified strategist walked over for the single match that lied upon the messily laid scrolls and books upon his scholar's desk. Reaching for the simple candle with the other, he struck the match and lightened the wick that now beamed brightly with the new flame.
His all-knowing eyes looked towards the doorway to his chamber as he sensed the approaching presence. As expected, he saw his faithful wife enter in quietly, her usual calm face now flustered with an incomprehensible worry as she bowed respectably to him.
"My husband, news from the scouts have been confirmed."
Zhuge Liang positioned his hands behind the back, his court robes of white falling gently against his body in their usual manner of decency.
"The rumors are true then?"
She nodded gravely, "Zuo Ci is dead, by Emperor Cao Cao's hand."
Even though his genius had expected this, his calm demeanor slipped only slightly as a brief look of surprise came over him. "A man of such power so easily defeated?" He shook his head in disbelief, "This does not appear correct."
"Even the most powerful or swiftest of minds eventually fall to death." His wife stated in her usual wisdom she always with held until needed.
Zhuge Liang smiled softly at her and nodded, "Insightful as always my wife, your words ring louder than that of the fiercest gong."
A roaring thunder shook the earth that became pierced by a lightening strike that illuminated the darkness temporarily. Their two faces stared at each other as they glowed brightly in the ominous light until fading into the darkness once again.
The single flame on the edge of the wick flickered dangerously until completely dying out, its flame wisped away by an unknown transparent breath.
-8 8 8-
The Wei strategist turned his sharp gaze from the excitement of the banquet and looked above at the skies, darkness claiming every brilliant light of each star. Sima Yi's smile quickly disappeared as a frown replaced it and he moved over towards the magnificent window where he speculated further. The words of the sorcerer surprisingly came back to him as a shiver crawled up his spine.
No one shall escape its wrath
Of death and destruction in its path
All will die before tomorrow
leaving from this world of sorrow
People, hear me pray
Death will bring to you a new day
A clink of wine glasses shook him from his thoughts as he turned to see the two generals Dian Wei and Xu Zhu roaring with laughter and splurging on the fine wine received for this special occasion. His lord sat in his throne, catching sight of his strategist he nodded and raised his glass towards him.
Sima Yi acknowledged his praise only half-heartedly and raised his own glass although unable to wipe away the disconcertment from his now rapidly beating heart.
Something indeed was amiss tonight.
He looked around the colossal room full of guests and officers who engaged eagerly into conversations, their spirited eyes ablaze as they spoke highly of the future. His temples throbbed as he took another sip from his glass, assuming himself tired from all the excitement as he moved for his lord's side.
Suddenly a strong arm pulled him away from his direction and he turned to see the young hier Cao Pi smiling faintly at him with his handsome charm, "I believe we all owe our gratitude towards you and your genius." He said casually.
Sima Yi smile grew less, still unnerved by the sorcerer's words that continued to race through his mind, "Your praise is well received." He responded stiffly.
"Do not fraternize our hero my dear, can't you see he's been through enough tonight." Lady Zhen said delicately from his other side, her radiant smile only enhancing her beauty. Her evening silk dress cut low around her breasts and revealed her slim stomach before the skirt continued gracefully down to the floor.
Sima Yi blushed, "Yes well," dismissing their comments quickly with a look of annoyance, "I suggest we not let ourselves celebrate just yet. Carelessness only brings about weakness."
"Relax will you?" Cao Pi stated firmly as he gave a friendly yet aggressive pat on the tense strategist, his strength sending Sima Yi a few feet forward, "Our enemy is no more because of you."
Sima Yi attempted a smile but let it fall when the couple retreated back to their group of guests, becoming engrossed in the pointless conversations. He straightened his violet robes andheaddressbefore resuming his walk over to his lord who smiled at his approach, "You have done well Sima Yi, I congratulate you."
"Thank you milord," he bowed respectfully, "I am honored you believe so."
A chuckle escaped the Wei ruler, "Do not be so modest," his moustache curling along with his grin, "Enjoy one night for once."
Sima Yi frowned slightly as he turned himself away, finding his eyes looking back at the shadows among the walls. For some reason, they appeared menacing tonight, as though a malice had entered into the room.
"Another victory for Wei!" The archer Xiahou Yuan declared loudly above the crowded throne room, standing on one of the tables and raising his glass toward Cao Cao and Sima Yi.
The audience imitated Yuan as they too raised their glasses. "Glory be to Wei!" Their unison voices shouted all at once.
Cao Cao rose from his seat, "My people," he began loudly, silencing everyone, "this is only the beginning of many victories for us. Soon we shall have all of China kneeling before our rule and rid the land of fanatics such as this one. Let it be known that chaos will reunite the land and restore China back to it's former glory!"
"Three cheers for the chaos!" Xiahou Dun proclaimed above the rest, repeating his brother's actions from before.
The echoing cheers rang excitedly around but remained deaf to Sima Yi who watched with half satisfaction while his mind continued to try and decipher the last dying words of Zuo Ci.
The doubt and fear began to rise considerably and he clutched the strategist fan he always carried, touching its soft ebony feathers. He bit his lip as he considered, was Zuo Ci really all that powerful? Was the decision for his execution truly necessary?
The joyous music played by musicians sounded in the background as few guests decided to dance happily with the song played. The laughter became more obnoxious as they indulged themselves too fully on the alcohol.
Cao Cao smiled, content on seeing one moment of peace during the time of war. However, his lips frowned upon seeing Sima Yi's grave expression as he stood there, too stiffly.
"Sima Yi." His firm voice startled the man as he turned to his lord, an apologetic look on his face. "Y-yes milord?"
"You seem quite distracted, is there something troubling you?"
An awkward pause came between them, the silence filled with the drunken singing of a few guests whose poor voices followed the fast rhythm of the music. "Just speculating," he lied, "I am only going through events that occurred today."
"Do not worry yourself anymore with this matter," Cao Cao spoke as he waved a dismissive hand in the air, "Captain Wong's soldiers should be heading back now any minute with their report. Zuo Ci is no longer a threat to us."
Sima Yi opened his mouth to respond but the words never escaped him.
The two enormous doors that led into the throne room suddenly burst open as the laughter and cheers ceased instantly. All eyes turned to see a lone figure standing in the doorway, his clothes soaked as they dripped furiously on the carpet.
Cao Cao frowned as he stood up from his throne, Sima Yi moving closely to his side as he narrowed his eyes on the unexpected visitor.
The man staggered inside, face extremely pale as his lips moved furiously while mumbling incoherent words. The guests stepped away, forming a path for him as he proceeded towards the throne.
"My–my lord!" He stammered, intense fear plastered into the depths of his wide eyes, "Z–Zuo Ci is—!"
And to the gasps and screams from the crowd, Captain Wong fainted on the floor.
Hear now your future shall end
and the time of the dead shall begin
Author Note: Please review and tell me if you want me to continue. I'm open for any suggestions and questions as well.