(I do not own these characters as Koei owns them. I just put my twists on them and try to follow the story lines of Dynasty Warriors 8.)
Chapter 1-Awakening of the Beast
"Momma, when can we visit Papa? Why are we in this room?" Wang Yi looked at her eldest son who was fidgeting in his blankets. "Papa is busy helping the town. No more questions, go back to sleep." After rubbing his back, watching her son fall asleep, she went over to her window to still see seven guards outside of her house. She grunted in frustration and opened a bottle of wine. She poured herself a glass and sipped it. It's all she could do when her and her boys were placed under house arrest. Her weapons were taken out of the house, for fear of killing the guards.
She looked up at the night and closed her eyes thinking of her husband, anxiety shooting through her body, wondering if her husband is being ill treated. Liang Province was thrown into disarray when the Ma clan had destroyed the way of life. Typical invaders killed people, ravaged crops, and took their women, and the Ma clan were no different. Zhao Ang was forced to serve as an adviser for the Ma clan, when hell began…..
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Lady Wang Yi," Jia Xu looked at her intently to what seemed like a blank expression on her face. Becoming impatient, he stepped in front of her to get her attention. "Lady Wang Yi, you don't look so well, maybe you should…"
She got up abruptly catching herself in her flashbacks, "I am fine Master Jia Xu. Just preparing myself of what lies beyond those gates." Trying to make herself busy, she played with her armor to make it look like she was working. The last thing she needed before this battle, was to be killed because she cannot control her emotions, or for someone to remind her that she is not fit to fight, because of her gender.
"I'm ready for whatever challenges lie ahead if it speeds up the process of taking 'his' head." Jia Xu laughed, "Indeed, and I believe that's why many citizens have defected to our side, as we are not the only ones who see that the Ma clan are inept of ruling. They couldn't even rule a jungle." He took a sip of his tea, "Our lord Cao Cao owes a great deal to Master Zhao Ang, if he did not forewarn us about the Rebellion."
Wang Yi kept silent as Jia Xu continued, "He died with honor Wang Yi, his death did not go in vain…." Wang Yi slammed her fists on the table, "But NOT at the costs of my entire family!" She stopped abruptly realizing she was out of line and bowed. "Forgive me, I need to prepare myself, and focus on helping Lord Cao Cao accomplish his goal." She stormed out abruptly from the tent as Jia Xu watched the sun's ray's envelope her silhouette. He sighed and went back over to his paperwork.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Isn't it nice to see both of them playing when they're not fighting over the last dumpling?" Wang Yi looked up as Zhao Ang put his hand on her shoulder. She smiled and looked back at her children. "Of course, and it's less mess to clean up." Both of them chuckled. " I do remember when you made me that when I was sick, I couldn't stop eating. I don't say this often, but you've made me the happiest man. You've fulfilled my dreams of being a father as well."
Wang Yi looked back her husband and touched his hand on her shoulder, as they both sat there watching their children play…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cao Cao stepped outside of his tent to get a visual of his troops. "We cannot have another mass casualty, like we suffered at Chi Bi. However this worthless alliance with the Ma clan cannot continue. A brat who is all of age twenty, and has no idea that his actions, has caused severe consequences."
"And the devastating effects of Chi Bi will not occur in this battle again, cousin. However you cannot keep dawning on Chi Bi's battle. We need to learn from it, and make sure, it doesn't happen again. You do not want to worry the troops. It could cause damage to our morale…."The one eyed man walked right next to him to view the surroundings.
"Xiahou Dun, what do you think of this, the rebellion against us, was I wrong to take Ma Teng's head?"
Xiahou Dun laughed, "If you start asking me questions like that, I will have to ask of it was wrong of you to rebel against Dong Zhuo! That fool had it coming and there are always consequences for your actions." Cao Cao nodded as he did have a point as second guessing could ruin this battle.
"Besides, if it weren't for Master Zhao Ang, and Lady Wang Yi, we would of suffered more casualties. Like the people of Liang, they believe in you, and your troops. You are, the suppressor of chaos.
"I see your point Xiahou Dun. Come, let us make sure everything is on track."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Lord Ma Chao! The…The enemy Lord Cao Cao is right outside Tong Gate!" Ma Chao got up abruptly to get a better view, only to see Wei banners surrounding the fort just before Tong gate.
He chopped his table in half. "God DAMNIT! How could this of happened!" He looked outside to see that an arbalest was destroyed. His rage only grew more " ARGGHH, that traitor Cao Cao, he seeks to destroy the peace of this land! He will feel my wrath of vengeance, after killing my father!" He picked up his spear and threw it into a chair, as everyone watched it explode into several pieces. The officers stood quiet, for fear of saying anything, in case it were to upset him further.
Too worried for his lord, a tall general stepped forth towards Ma Chao. "Master Ma Chao, as leader of the vanguard, please bestow me the honor, to die on your behalf as I take his army on." He knelt down offering his weapon to the young lord. The crowd was became restless as there were whispers of concern that shot through the officers.
Heaving with anger he spat out, "My father's most trusted friend, you will prove your allegiance, by killing Cao cao's men. Now!" More whispers traveled through the crowd as another brave general had step forward and knelt besides Pang De. "Young lord, it's suicide to send master Pang De as he is our most loyal…"
Ma Chao whirled around in a rage and grabbed Han Sui by his shirt, "Are you, Han Sui, questioning MY judgment? Or are you a wei sympathizer?" Han Sui's heart skipped a beat as he tried to maintain a level voice, "I am your father's best friend, your grandfather was like a father to me. I watched you grow up as if you were my own. I would never dare such a thought my lord." Han Sui felt his breathing on his face.
"Cousin please, let go of Master Han Sui, besides he has three generations of our clan. He would never do that."
"Ma Dai, stay out of this," He let go of Han Sui and proceeded towards the table. "Han Sui, you will release the Liang Cavalry through the first part of Tong Gate. That should create havoc among the beasts." Too shaken up, Han Sui bowed in acknowledgement. He was frustrated having his allegiance, called into question.
"Get out to your positions!" Every general except Ma Dai, left immediately.
"Why are you still here Dai?" With a concerned look, he walked over to his cousin, "Cousin, hear me out before you say anything." Ma Chao stood, silently waiting and viewing the map of Liang.
"This anger, I also share, as well as our troops. He wasn't just a father to you, but to all of us. He was a father, son, friend, and mentor to us all. You're not the only one that grieves. The same with Master Han Sui."
Ma Chao stood silent as Ma Dai continued, "Our common factor is Lord Ma Teng, we fight for his dreams, as well as yours. I understand that you're pissed, but be a little understanding with us. They're trying their very best to cope with this." Ma Chao closed his eyes. Dai was right, the death of his father has had him on edge since day one.
