Dynasty Warriors

Yonghéng Youyì

Chapter 1: The Girl from Japan

Author's Note: Thus the rewrite of this story has begun. I must say, after re-reading over this story once more, I have found my style of storytelling to be horrid. I could barely even stand reading it, which is sad really, seeing as it's my own work. With that thought in mind, I decided to competely rewrite the story. I had lost what it was I was trying to convey to begin with. As a result, it began to go downhill and is the reason why I feel I should rewrite it, also because my style of writing and vocabulary have take a big step forward.

So, here is the new rendition of my lost story. The chapters still contain much of what was in the originals, but also contain more details as well as expand more on other scenes that should have been included. I have also possibly made it a little more realistic. I hope you enjoy it and please point out anyting that you think is amiss with my writing, I am always aiming to improve.

I will also like to point out some events may seem out of setting or should happen at a later time. I have changed some things to better suit the story, thus some events may seem a little out of place. One of the main changes is within Wu, where one of my characters, the daughter of Sun Jian, is historically suppose to be 10 when her brother, Sun Ce dies. That would set some things off and ruin half of the story I have set up for Wu, so I have changed that so as to allow the story to function. I apologize to any who would prefer that I 'd stay as lose to the dates of the game and history as possible, some things need to be changed for the sake of a better story.


The Great Prince of Wei sat upon his black stallion, trotting around the streets of a small town upon the outskirts of Wei Territory. The small town didn't have a name but was a fishing town, filled with many merchants selling fish, whom of which called out to the Prince who rode in his royal finery. His sharp brown eyes combing over the people around him, looking for potentional recruits. However, of all the men he could spot within the town were old way beyond the years of wars and young boys not even into their maturing ages. Like many of the other towns he had passed through, the towns were picked clean of any capable men who could join in the fight against the other kingdoms.

With a great sigh, he turned his attention away from the villagers around him and set about to finding the exit of this village. At an exit, a young woman with black hair and in similiar looking attire as his own waited there. "Any luck, My Lord?" She asked him in puzzlement, her eyes expressing that she could recogize the mood he was in.

Cao Pi turned his eyes away from the female before him and glared at the sky. "It would appear that Wei has been picked clean of all it's recruits." He returned his attention back to the dark haired woman, "The men residing in this village are too young or too old, no one the age to fight in a war." He shook his head in annoyance, "My father will not be pleased."

The woman looked down the dirt path to the villagers going about their daily lives, "You say men, my Lord, but what of the women?" she prince shook his head, expressing how tiring this task was to him, "Finding a woman who is capable for battle and can handle a sword seems an almost impossible feat, let alone one who would live in such a small village.""Shall I take on that task then, my Lord?" she asked of him, hoping to lessen some of the burden he had to undergo.

"Go about as you please, it is of no relevence to me" he replied and turned his horse around with the riegns, "I shall continue my search as well."

"As you wish, my Lord" she answered him and kicked off down the path, going further into the village.

Cao Pi ran his eyes once more over the many faces in his view, none of which seemed as if they could survive in a battle. With another sigh, he slid off the saddle of his horse. After walking over to a fence and tying the horse to it, he patted the beast and turned to walk down the path. It was a good while before he felt a tug of his sleeve. He turned to see an older women behind him, she appeared to be in her 40s at least. With a gentle smile, she spoke, "Young man, what is it you are looking for?"

He was at first surprised that she had figured out that he had been searching for something but he had let it venture from his mind as he decided to answer her. "I am searching for men to recruit into the Wei Army" he responded in a formal manner.

The woman laughed to herself as she continued to smile up at him, "Young man, you are not going to find any men in this village for your army" she told him. "All of the men here are needed for the fields, so women are who fight and protect the village" she explained.

"Women?" The Cao Pi muttered in puzzlement. He had not see any women walking around the village with any weapons on them. How could unarmed females protect a village?

"Come with me, my Lord, I will show you" she addressed, beckoning him to follow her. He did so and was led to a rather short, but long building. She slid open the sliding door and walked inside. He followed suit, sliding the door shut behind him. The two then walked down halls and she then opened another sliding door, stepping back outside. When he had stepped outside after her, he was amazed by the sight before him.

Young girls and women were grouped in this small clearing in the center of the home, many of whom were fighting each other with short knife like weapons. A few other held longer weapons and some even used bows. Young girls of possibly the age 8 were there, training with older women who appeared the ages of 20 through 30. After the Cao Pi had gotten over the shock of seeing such a sight, the lady beside him clapped her hands, drawing the group of girls and women's attention towards them.

"Good afternoon, students, we have a guest in our humble home today. Please welcome him to our humble school" the woman at his side addressed the people before them. The woman turned her attention to him and smiled once more, "I will introduce you to our greatest student" she told him gently. Cao Pi found himself only nodding to her, after what he had seen, he began to feel great respect towards this woman. "Arrisa, please step out. I would like you to meet this young man" she called into the crowd. After a few hushed whispers, a young woman of possibly 20 or so pushed through the barrier of females. Her straight black hair fell around her like curtains of black water, framing her face evenly with her pale skin standing out against the darkness of her hair.

After she stepped before the older woman and him, she glanced at him with dark blue eyes and then turned her attention back to her teacher. "Haii, Cai-Sensei?" the girl spoke in a language he had not heard for quite some time. It appeared that she was not of China, but of the land that was across the sea.

With a gentle smile like she had been giving him, she spoke to this girl, "It would appear this young man is looking for recruits."

Cao Pi held his tougne about the fact that he had been looking for men, not women and decided to see how this would play out. The young woman turned her attention back towards him, "For the Wei Army?" she switched her speech to Chinese.

"Yes" He replied shortly, unsure as to what he could possibly say to this. Zhen Ji had mentioned about looking for women to join the army, but he had not expected to find any who would be willing.

"Young man, if you are not satisfied with just seeing our girls, could you possibly be interested in testing them?" Cai suggested to him, she appeared to be very eager for some reason.

After looking back towards the female before him, he shook his head, "That will not be nessasary" he stated.

After the words had left his mouth, he noticed a change in the young woman before him, "So, we women are not good enough for the Wei Army" she spoke with malice.

"Arrisa" Cai told the girl sternly, only to recieve a harsh look in return.

The woman named Arrisa turned her ice blue eyes back to Cao Pi, the violence evident in her eyes, "Women can never reach the standards of men, for we are nothing but weak sheep to the might of the wolves." A smirk curved her lips, "But know this, young prince, not all sheep are as innocent as they appear. Many wolves find that wearing a sheep's wool is as powerful as standing proud as a wolf." With that, she turned on her heels and headed back towards the group of women, all of whom formed a path for her.

Before the girls moved back to cover the path, a smaller girl with short black hair walked over to Arrisa. The girl took the woman's hand gently and the two departed from the field into the home.

With a great sigh, Cai continued to smile at him, "It is growing late, if you do not have a place to stay, we have extra rooms for you and your compainion" she told him.

Cao Pi blinked slightly, how did this woman know of his compainion. "I see that you have caused much anger in this home, my Lord" spoke a voice behind him. He glanced over his shoulder to see Zhen Ji standing there at the entrence to the field.

He shook his head at her and turned his attention back to Cai, "Thank you, but I could not impose on your home in that manner" he spoke in a gentle manner.

Cai simply laughed at his reply, "It is no trouble, it would be a welcome sight to have generals dining with us this evening"

Zhen Ji walked up to Cao Pi and smiled at him, "It would be an appricated act, my lord. It is growing late and finding an inn during dark would be troublesome."

With a sigh, Cao Pi decided to listen to the two females beside him, "We would be grateful if you would allow us to dine with you this night" he told Cai.

A laugh issued from the older woman as she smiled kindly at him, "You could have spoke up sooner, I will inform our cook of two extra seats at the table." With that Cai left the two Wei officers to their lonesome.

Cao Pi turned his narrowed eyes to Zhen Ji who simply smiled in response, "So, my Lord, shall we venture the home?" she asked innocently.


When the meal had been prepared, the officers joined the females in the dining hall for supper. It was a quiet, yet active event, the girls chattering among themselves, a few pointing out Cao Pi and Zhen Ji on occassion. Cai sat at the head of the table, Cao Pi seated at the other end. The older woman ate her food in silence with nothing but a smile here and a chuckle there, giving the girls her undivided attention.

At Cai's right was the black haired female, Arrisa, her cold eyes turned down to her food but her head held high in dominace. Even though she was not of this land, she fit in well, but also retain that which made her different. There were times she would mutter to a small black haired girl beside her in Japanese, which Cao Pi found surprising when the girl would reply back in a similar manner. The little girl was either a sister or someone who Arrisa had taught the language to.

The meal ended at a late hour, to which ended upon the departure of Cai, who was clearly the head of the home. "I wish you all a good night" she told the girls with a bow of her head, turning her attention to the officers, "I will now escort you to your rooms." Cao Pi nodded in reply and stood from his place, Zhen Ji following his lead. The three departed from the room and the girls went about clearing the table.

After walking down a hall for a few minutes, they stopped to a room, "My Lady, this is to be your room" Cai motioned with a wave of her hand and a bow of her head. Zhen Ji smiled and returned the bow, looking to Cao Pi gently as she entered the room. Cai then lead Cao Pi to the room next to it, "My Lord, your chambers" she addressed in a similar fashion to Zhen Ji.

Cao Pi nodded and gave her a small bow in gratitude, "Thank you for the rooms and meal."

She smiled happily and nodded her head, "Of course, it would have been rude of me to turn you away at such a time." After she had finished, she departed from his side to head to her own chambers for the night.

Cao Pi watched her depart and then stepped into his room, it was not extravagent, but humble and welcoming. He sat upon the bed, realizing just how silent the home really was. After a few minutes, however, the voices of the girls were heard as they passed his door. None of them knocked or distrubed him in any manner, leaving him in peace. It was not long that the silence returned as the girls had entered their own beds for the night.

Cao Pi suddenly felt cornered upon realizing that he was surrounded by females, women who were training to be soldiers no less. It was then that Cao Pi worried of a trap, which was unlike him. He would have been more cautious than this, would have not blindly accepted the old woman's request for them to stay. However, he also scolded himself for being too paranoid, not everyone was out to harm officers.

Regardless of these thoughts, upon shoving them away, he realized that they were drifting elsewhere. To that female for example, Arrisa. For someone who was of different origin, she did not appear as weak as most females he had encountered. Quite the opposite, she seemed far superior. He was lost in thought for some time and soon realized that much time had passed.

Upon this realization, he soon decided it was time to rest. He discarded his heavier clothing and stood with only a loose shirt and his pants. He made sure to keep one of his weapons with him as he laid to sleep, but his peace was interrupted by a sound outside. He rose from the bed and looked to the door, hearing the quiet sound again. The sound could only be that of footsteps, quiet falls of one who was trying very hard not to be heard. If he had not been on the look out for such things, he would have completely overlooked it.

He slipped from the bed and approached the door, rested his back against the wall next to it. He listened intently and found that the steps had moved away from his door. He gently and quietly opened the door, slipping out of the room silently. He looked to the sound and saw a figure walking ahead of him, heading to the field to which he had first entered the home. Following silently behind, he kept a distance between himself and the figure, unable to discern their features.

Once the figure had made it to the field, it was then that he could see who it was. The moonlight gave enough light to bounce off the raven black hair and white skin. Arrisa, but why would she be awake at such a time. The girl reached a hand behind her and pulled out what could only be a blade, to which she gripped in her hand gently. She then appeared to take a breath and laid her other hand against the blade. Silently, she took steps and swung the blade, it whistling through the air with such speed.

She did this for some time, taking small steps and swinging the blade in many arcs around herself. If he had not been so focused on the fact that she was wielding a blade, he would have thought her dancing. Her moves were so fluid and came almost naturally, so much so that he was surprised to see such skill from an individual such as her. He stood there, watching her silently, hidden in the darkness of the hall, leaning against the wall slightly.

There were moments when she would pause, take a breath, lower her arms and seem to stand there. It was almost as if she were thinking, of what, he could only guess. However, these moments did not last long and she quickly moved back into the motion of swinging the sword. He turned his attention to the blade, it was not of the standard kind. A bit thicker and shorter, possibly two-thirds of her arm in length and just as wide. It appeared to be heavier as well with how much it whistled through the air.

He shifted his weight slightly and suddenly a creak against wood was heard, causing his body to go stiff. One of the floorboards had shifted under his foot, with his weight now on it, it gave out a groan. To the silent night, it seemed louder, almost like a crash of boulders falling down a cliff.

As if called into action, Arrisa turned sharply at the sound and raised her weapon. The two of them stood there, frozen. Her, wielding her blade in a defensive angle, prepared for any strike that would come at her. Whereas for him, he hadn't even the time to reach for his sword still settled into it's sheath in his hand. It was a long time before Cao Pi realized he had been holding his breath, this small span on a time seeming to last hours.

After another minute or so, he finally released that breath and raised his hands. He knew he may look hostile with the weapon his hand but he was not about to drop it before an armed individual, female or not. Once he had taken a step out of the shadows and into the gentle moonlight, he heard a release of breath. He quickly realized it was Arrisa and saw her lower her sword, though she did not sheath it.

She raised her brow at him as he too lowered his arms, an almost teasing smile on her lips. "Tell me, Prince, what keeps you awake at this late hour?" she questioned him, shifting her weight only slightly.

In turn, Cao Pi too raised his brow, restraining the urge to smirk back at her. "I could ask you the very same question, my lady." Her expression turned from that of her teasing manner to that of irritation. Her cold blue eyes narrowed and her lips moved from a smile to a frowning sneer. A look most unfitting on her face, he could not help think before he checked himself.

"I do not need to answer that..." she muttered angrily, obviously annoyed with him. She glanced around before raising her eyes to him once more. "I may do as I please in my own home..." she paused, glaring suspicously at him, "You, on the other hand, are a guest." The question, or rather, accusation that was not spoken was clearly express in her tone and face.

He simply shook his head in reply, setting his sheathed sword's end upon the boards of the walkway. "I simply was awoken by a noise in night, so I came to discern what it was."

"Well, you have found your source. You may depart" she snapped back, clearly growing irritated with him. For whatever reason, he could not fathom. He tilted his head at her request, he was rather surprised to find such a person who thought they could speak to an official like that so easily. He was willing to take into the fact that she was not of this country and possibly couldn't understand their customs. However, when he thought about it, didn't the land beyond the sea have similar respects.

With that in mind, he realized that she had to know she was disrespecting not only a high officer of the Wei army, but the son of the lord himself who governed the land. He was ready to tell her of this disrespect when he thought otherwise. This attitude may be just wanted they needed in their troops. It was for sure this woman would rise in the ranks quickly, becoming that of an official instead of a common officer. Then there was the matter of her skills, she was no weakling and could handle a blade with more skill than most men.

He wondered what other marvels would be discovered from her. A small smile had trace his lips as he continue to stare at her, "You have formidable skills with a sword" he told her. "And you have the spirit of a warrior." he said with praise, causing her to look puzzled. "I may have been wrong to assume too quickly the ability you had. You are fully capable for the Wei Army, possibly even past my expectations." he finished, his eyes gentle.

She narrowed her eyes, her expression blank aside from the slightly glimmer in her eyes. She shifted her gaze away from him and to the sky, staring directly into the moon. He wondered what it was she was thinking before her eyes moved back to his. "I suppose I will accept your offer. I will speak to Madam Cai at dawn about my departure." she said gently and sheathed her blade, which was strapped to her back.

She walked towards him and he moved to the side to allow her to pass. She silently walked down the halls and turned a corner, leaving his sight. He felt a strange sensation come over him, one he knew too well of. His gentle expression turned to that of annoyance and he pushed the feeling away. He departed for his own chambers to rest for the night.


There was much noise outside at the dawning of sunlight, chattering and quick steps resounding around through the walls. Cao Pi opened his eyes slowly but quickly became aware of his surroundings. He was out of the bed and dressed in a matter of minutes before a knock sounded at his door. After straping his swords to his hips, he approached the screen door and slid it open. It revealed the gentle face of Madam Cai, who gestured him to follow her.

He fell into stride with her, realizing that Zhen Ji was not far behind. She lead them to the same dining hall they had sat in the night before for supper. It was loud and active with the chatter of the girls. The food had not yet arrived and the girls sat awaiting it. Cao Pi and Zhen Ji took the same seats they had before and too waited for the meal to arrive. However, before it could make its entrance, Cai appeared to want to make an announcement, gaining the attention of all the girls with nothing but the clearing of her throat.

The room silenced and everyone's attention had turned to that of Cai. Cao Pi was again in awe at the rapid response to this older woman. "Girls, today, the Lady Zhen Ji and Lord Cao Pi will be leaving us after the morning meal." Many of the girls gave quiet groans, it would appear that they do not get guests often. "However, a third will be departing with them." She gestured to Arrisa who sat near her, "Our top pupil has finally been accepted into the ranks of the Wei Army, requested to join by Lord Cao Pi himself."

All the girls shifted their attention between Arrisa and Cao Pi, some whispering quietly amongst themselves. However, upon Cai clearing her throat once more, the whispers turned silent. "Wish her a heartfelt leave and pray that her battles and travels be overcome." Upon finishing her announcement, she took her seat and the food came swiftly afterwards.

The meal was loud, the girls asking Arrisa when she had been asked, how she had answered, if she was ready to join the army, what she was going to say to the other officers. Once she had finished her meal, Arrisa requested to be excused and she lefted the room, mostly likely to pack. Once she had left, the girls' hungry attention turned to Cao Pi, to which he remained silent to. Much to their disappointment, they eventually left him alone to eat in peace.

Once the meal had ended, the girls went about cleaning up. Cai lead both officials out of the room and towards the door that led outside. Their horses were waiting for them, held by some of the other girls who had not joined in the meal. Cao Pi was surprised at first to see a third horse but came to realize it must be Cai's, to which she was letting Arrisa use. Said female appeared quickly, carrying only one sack of her belongings.

"Is that all of your things?" Zhen Ji questioned, it would appear she had expected more.

Arrisa turned her eyes to Zhen Ji and simply smiled lightly, "A soldier must travel light if they are to be worthy of war." Zhen Ji nodded slowly in approval, smiling at the girl. She moved to her horse and mounted it, taking the reigns one she was seated. Cao Pi followed suit and turned to watch Arrisa. The girl turned to Cai who she hugged, "Arigato, Sensei" she muttered, switching to her native tongue.

Cai smiled and gave Arrisa a peck on her forehead, "I knew when I saved you that you would be a great warrior. You had that spark in your eye that I saw in myself." she laughed, patting Arrisa on the shoulder, "Now go, prove to the people of China that a girl of the land across the waters can stand with the men of war."

Nodding, Arrisa turned and took to her own mount, a pitch black steed that matched her hair. She looked back at the home to see all the girls looking out the door and windows, waving to her. She smiled at them all and waved, sad yet happy to be leaving. Soon after, she turned to the two officers and nodded. She was ready, taking that sign, Cao Pi turned his horse down the road, heading in the direction of the castle.


A/N: Well, that's finally the end of that rewrite. I was surprised by how long that took me. I kept on getting writer's block and could only get bits of it done at a time. After playing a bit of DW7Empires, I finally got to finishing this. I finished on a similar note at the previous edition but I feel I have done much better with this. I have taken some things out but I have also included more. I feel that it has a more realistic vibe to it and doesn't... well, seem childish. I read over my previous writings and they... are very childish, not quite fit for the setting I had in mind.

Which also reminds me... the rating has gone up from Teen to Mature, seeing as I will be changing themes. I am going to make this more adult orianted, which makes sense considering the era and age of the characters. Also, I would like to state that one character has undergone a name change. Which is to be featured in the next chapter. Sun Kanasha, I love this character to bits but I soon realized that her name doesn't quite fit. I actually have no idea where I even got the name Kanasha. As a result, I went about finding her a new name, which suits her so much now. Sun Ran. Short, simple, and fits very well with the theme I have for her.

Anyway, enough of that, I hope you enjoyed this and look forward to upcoming chapters. The next chapter will hopefully not take nearly as long as this one did. I have a good idea of what I would be changing in that chapter and what to keep. Let's hope it goes smoothly.