FYI THIS STORY HAS BEEN REWRITTEN...PLEASE REREAD IF YOU HAVE ALREADY READ BEFORE...
disclaimer - I do not own any of the dynasty warriors characters in this story...
I have kind of a random pairing for this story and I think it is going to be really good one so plz incourage me to continue it with reviews. thank you
The New World
It had been a near victory for Wu. The two kingdoms of Wei and Shu had not been successful in any battles as of late, but Wu was still going strong. The leader of the Wu army, Sun Jian, was the father of the Sun Family. He had died in a previous battle. It was then that his oldest son, Sun Ce, took to the battlefield to avenge his father's death. Months later Sun Ce suddenly began to grow ill, and he gradually died from his illness. This left his father's second son and younger brother, Sun Quan, in charge of Wu thus forth.
The strategist of Wu was Lu Meng. He often spent his days plotting and improving Wu's tactics. He was a quiet man when it came to socializing, but on the battle field they say his voice could be heard for miles; commanding his troops and supporting the officers with his well thought out tactics.
Assuming their victories wouldn't last forever if they didn't raise morale or plan accordingly for a surprise attack, Lu Meng concentrated on what he thought was best for Wu. Glancing at a nearby map he noticed the kingdom of Shu's land off to the west. If Wu could somehow gain control of that land, they would decree all of the southern land leaving only the north left to conquer Wei. He knew this plan would take some time, but if he could use Liu Bei to his advantage to unite the southern land, Cao Cao would be defeated. Using his prior knowledge of the past he recalled a time when Liu Bei fancied the youngest of the Sun Family, the daughter, Sun Shang Xiang. He conveniently formed the idea to arrange a marriage between the leader of Shu and Sun Shang Xiang. This would ensure Wu would have the south, an ally, and in time the fall of Wei.
Lu Meng studied his plan thoroughly in his mind and on the map. He wanted to make sure all his loose ends were tied up before he advanced to Sun Quan with his proposal. Wu claimed one half of the southern provinces and Shu had the other, or so he thought. Scanning the map again, Lu Meng found to the south west of the Shu territory was an uncharted area. Surprised he had missed this earlier he checked it over with a similar but updated map of the land. The same spot was unclaimed there as well.
He stormed out of this tent and went to find his apprentice strategist, Lu Xun. Lu Xun had potential, and Lu Meng had no doubt that one day he would surpass him in not only intellect but also might. He could count on Lu Xun to determine this problem.
"Do you see what I see?" Lu Meng asked.
"The land appears not to have been conquered." Lu Xun replied.
"So it's not just my old eyes playing tricks on me," Lu Meng was thrilled. He had just realized the perfect strategy.
"Lu Xun! Call an officers meeting, quickly!"
With that he hurried out of the tent to prepare his presentation. Lu Xun swiftly did as he was asked and it wasn't long before the main camp was filled with every officer of Wu, waiting to hear the announcement.
"There!" Lu Meng exclaimed as he showed his fellow comrades an enlarged map of the area of land he projected for takeover.
"This land is ideal for Wu and exactly what we need in order to have the upper hand of Shu and raise our troop's morale."
The leader Sun Quan was the first to speak his abjections.
"How do we know that this land has not yet been taken by some suck as Yuan Shao or the Yellow Turbans, they are uncharted armies. What if this is just one of Shu's tricks to ambush us. Since the land is so close to theirs, why have they not already taken it for themselves?"
Lu Meng turned to his leader.
"My lord, I have taken all this into consideration and though this may sound unjust, if an uncharted army does happen to inhabit the land we will simple have to conquer it in the name of Wu."
Many officers seemed pleased by this and eager to go forth and triumph over another territory, but Sun Quan still remained uneasy about it.
"We need to have this foothold in Shu, if we plan to make them our ally and bond them with marriage, Wu must have a secure place within the kingdom in which we can retaliate in case of a rebellion or betrayal. I implore you to reconsider, my lord."
As Sun Quan looked into the face of the man who had led Wu to many victories, he knew Lu Meng could be trusted. He looked over the room to see the happy faces of many generals with this proposal. One of those officers being Gan Ning, the notorious pirate who wore bells to entice fear into his enemies who heard him coming. He longed for adventure and as Sun Quan stared at him smirking at just the thought of leaving he decided to take a chance. Remembering how his father had often made risky decisions but putting his full trust into Lu Meng, they always seemed to work out. Sun Quan arose from his seat, and everyone stood at attention.
"Prepare the boats, we leave at dawn."
Now that the strategy was in place and decided, Sun Quan had to choose the officers accompanying them on the mission. Lu Meng and Sun Quan were in a private room discussing the material and dividing the officers and the troops. When matters were settled, Sun Quan made the declaration.
"I myself will be making the journey to this unmarked land so this leaves Sun Shang Xiang in charge of the kingdom while I am gone. I also want Lu Xun, and Zhou Yu to stay behind and help protect and govern with her. As for the people coming I place Lu Meng in command of this voyage. His five officers will be as followed, Huang Gai, Taishi Ci, Zhou Tai, Ling Tong, and Gan Ning. All of you be ready to sail by day break. Arrange whatever necessary rations we may need to make it to our destination. Rest well my warriors for tomorrow is an important day."
With that Sun Quan retired to his chambers where he could rest for tomorrow. His officers and troops bowed respectfully as he exited the main camp. When he was gone the generals disbursed and returned to their quarters to pack. Everyone was looking forward to the expedition, all except Ling Tong. He couldn't stand the fact he had to live in the same kingdom with him, let alone stay on a ship with him for god knows how long. He wasn't even sure that the boat could carry the weight of his thick skull. However, for the sake of Wu and his lord Sun Quan, he would set aside his differences with Gan Ning and focus on the objective.
Back in his tent, Gan Ning had easily gathered all his provisions for the voyage. He was a former pirate, and rationing his belongings for the high seas was his specialty. He sat down and pictured being out on the open sea again. It brought a smile to his face. He happily relaxed like that for a while until the thought of a particular crew member altered his demeanor. He was no fool. He knew Ling Tong hated him. He couldn't blame him really, for what he took from Ling Tong when he was only 15. How could anyone forget, let alone forgive, the man who killed their father.