Your name, much to your disbelief has started to hold some weight in China. The Shu, Wu, Wei, and The Yellow Turban Rebels try to no avail to find and recruit you. But you're always one step ahead, being a mercenary always appealed to you more than working for a Lord. If you had your way you would continue this life until you died of either old age or on the battlefield. There is no middle ground for you. But recent events may make that dream a bit more difficult. Yuan Lei, your name has been the talk of the entire country after your performance at Hu Lao Gate, where you became the first warrior in China's history to hold your own with Lu Bu, the Invincible Tyrant. Not that you volunteered to fight at Hu Lao Gate, you kinda just wandered on the battlefield and Lu Bu saw you as another victim. But what he didn't expect was for you to fight him to a draw, allowing the Shu forces to claim victory much to Wei's chargin.
Now Shu, and Wei have started looking for you, but until you started making yourself at home in Wu they never had a name to go off of. But ever since Sun Jian made a false claim that you were under his employment your name has been splattered all over China. You made your leave of Wu not before storming into his caslte, killing half of his guards and injured Zhou Yu, Zhou Tai, Sun Ce, and putting the fear of your name into Lianshi.
Seeing as you had no place to go you decided to make a village near Hu Lao Gate your new home. And for a few months you thought history will leave you be. Not until one day when bandits came to your village demanding your prescence.
"Where is Yuan Lei!? We have had scouts follow you since you left Wu! Now show yourself before we start killing villagers!"
They sounded serious. You have grown quite fond of the people who you now are neighbors with. The thought of them killing your new found friends and family brought levels of anger you never thought possible. You decided to show yourself, grabbing your favorite Odachi which you got from a distant relative in Japan and exited your house. The bandits were easy to pick out, in the short time you've been here you already recognized every other villager.
"And here he is! You think you can just show off your near peerless skill with a sword and expect to disappear? You have challengers all over China, and they will always find you!"
You sigh in defeat. Chance from the sound of things, hates you with a burning passion. You never wanted to be the best warrior in the world, that was too much work. But here you are being praised as one of the best warriors China has ever seen.
"Well, that sucks for me I guess. But if I must live the life of a Vagabond then I will make my mark. First by killing you malicious bastards."
You say as you unsheathe your Odachi, and zooming at the bandits with inhumane speed slaying all three of them with one stroke separating their bodies as if it was butter. The look of shock from the bandits pierces your eyes as you casually walk past them to pick up your Odachi sheath. It seems that conflict is attracted to you like food to a homeless man. You ultimately decide to leave the village after saying goodbye to the folk who happily accepted you in their village. You were convinced that these people would be the only friends you had. And now because of your skill with a blade you'll be putting them in danger if you stayed. And here you are Yuan Lei, a mercenary selling your skills to folks who desire your services. If they can find you anyway. One day while you were in the Shu capital eating lunch, the pseudo poster boy for Shu, Zhao Yun walks up to you. Not one for starting a conversation you continued to eat in silence.
"Are you Yuan Lei, the Mercenary?"
You swallow your food and turn at him.
"I am. You must be Zhao Yun, because you are the only one who dresses like that in addition to that Spear you carry on your back. What does Liu Bei's Right Hand want with me?"
Taken aback by your description, Zhao Yun nearly jumped out of his seat. You continue to eat your nearly finished food.
"Lord Liu Bei sent me to see if you are really Yuan Lei."
"And I'm tellin' you that I am."
You respond with a mouth full of rice, swallowing it in one giant gulp. You then start to ask the chef for seconds to which he happily accepts. You helped him get his restaurant running with your namesake. Now you find yourself in Shu regularly to eat his food. Despite not being a Shu officer you are well known by the townsfolk.
"So, what now? If Liu Bei is requesting me because he has a job tell him to meet me here. Cool?"
Zhao Yun nods in consent.
"Stay right there. I'll go get Lord Liu Bei."
"Of course. *Burp*'
A job from Liu Bei? Seems like you're moving up in the world. However, you have to remember what you are. You're a Mercenary, if he offers a position in Shu's army you must decline. A fact that remains vivid in your head.
"Chef. Make another plate for one more."
"Are you that hungry Yuan?"
"No but we may be having some more company. Call it a hunch."
"Roger that Boss."
The Chef say before he gives you the seconds you asked for. You immediately start eating. Shortly after Liu Bei, and Zhao Yun enter the place. They sit on opposite sides of you. Liu Bei who's on the right starts to speak.
"Yuan Lei? The Sand Dragon?"
You nod in a manner that makes Liu Bei look childish for asking the question.
"I have a job for you."
"Music to my ears Your Greeness."
"I have recently accepted the hand of Sun Shangxiang in an alliance between Wu. But I need someone to escort her here. Will you do it? I'll pay you handsomely."
Ouch, maybe fortune still favors, not you.
"Yikes. Sorry Liu Bei but I can't do that."
"Why not?"
"Well you see, a couple of months ago Sun Jian made a false claim that I work under Wu's forces. In anger I killed half of the guards as well as injuring a chunk of his generals, his strategist, and his bodyguard. I'm pretty sure I'm branded as a criminal in Wu."
Liu Bei, and Zhao Yun are shocked to hear you say that. The three of you know the risks of you going to escort Sun Shangxiang to Shu, considering what happened between the Sun Family and yourself.
"Deep apologies Your Greeness."
"It is alright. Zhao, you will be going in his place then."
"Of course Lord Liu Bei!'
"Here you go Yuan!"
"The food is on me, I eat here for free. Enjoy yourselves."
You say as you finish your second plate and get up to leave the restaurant. When you get outside you see the town in disarray. You hear steel clashing in the distance and you can see shades of Black and Red.
"Oh no."
"This is bad. Lu Bu is attacking civilians!"
"I'll stop him, just get Liu Bei out of here."
"Right you fought him to a stand still at Hu Lao Gate. My Lord we must go!"
"Best of luck Yuan Lei!"
At this point you're going to need all the luck you can muster. You unsheathe your Odachi and ran in the direction you hear the fighting. Fighting Lu Bu would be inevitable you think, but so long as he isn't angry when you fight him it wouldn't end in a stalemate like last time. But that would mean that-
"My darling Lu Bu~~~."
Diaochan wouldn't be around. You inwardly curse your luck, and start having thoughts about the injuries you would be patching up later today. At any rate China's most hated couple spot you.
"Well if it isn't Yuan Lei! You showed me a damn good time at Hu Lao Gate! I was hoping I would find you here, rumors circulated that your favorite restaurant was here! It seems like they were right on the money!"
"Lu Bu, attacking defenseless villagers is a new low for you. What do you want?"
You ask while calming yourself. Lu Bu lets go of Diaochan's grasp and walks up to you. He is a lot taller than you are, and the armor he sports makes you look like a Shu peasant. But you don't back down, you held your own against when he's angry a point where he is near unstoppable. You two stare each other down for what seems like an eternity. Lu Bu evetually backs off and laughs heartily.
"Man there is nothing that can scare you huh!? Hahaha!"
Confusion couldn't begin to describe what you're feeling. But all would be revealed when he requested you take him to your favorite food spot.
"This is really good! You sure know how to pick your spots Yuan!"
"Thanks? So, you said that you wanted to hire me?"
Lu Bu points towards Diaochan while he continues to devour the food given to him. You look a Diao Chan hoping to gain an explanation.
"We were looking for you because we have one hell of a job for you. You see-"
"Get to the point Instigator."
Diao Chan visibly gasps in shock at the name you have given her. But you weren't born yesterday, it's clear as the cloudless sky that Diao Chan uses Lu Bu like her personal weapon towards anything she dislikes. But you're his equal and when he is calm, his superior. Therefore you can afford to give her lip. A luxury that no one else has.
"Fine be that way. We want your help to kill Dong Zhuo, and his army."
"Whoa now, that's one hell of a job here. Lu Bu can slaughter Fatso's army by his lonesome if he wanted. Why ask for my help?"
"Lu Bu insisted. You are the only warrior whom he sees as an equal, he knows he can take the army alone but he feels like he would have more fun if you were fighting alongside him."
"It would be a battle for the ages Yuan! Plus we will pay with Dong Zhuo's treasury! It's perfect!"
You think about what you've just been told. You've been aching for a reason to vent your anger after being told that no one will leave you alone due to your skill. Dong Zhuo's forces will make for a perfect target. You decide to accept their offer under two conditions.
"Name it! We'll make it happen!"
The first condition was to leave Shu out of it, under any and all circumstances. Anger will be replaced with sadness if you're favorite food spot is gone.
"Done! Like any of Shu's officers pique my interest for combat!"
"What's the second condition?"
After Dong Zhuo and his armies are dead, you want your name and efforts erased from the battle.
"But why!?"
"Because, unlike you Lu Bu I prefer a quiet life. I was doomed for the mercenary life after the word got out that I fought you to a stand still all that time ago. Unlike you I want to grow old. That's why."
"Fine! We will leave you alone after we rid China of Dong Zhuo!"
"Thank you very much Yuan. We will meet at Hu Lao Gate in two days. Until then, come Lu Bu darling~~."
"Until then Yuan Lei! I expect to see you perform grandiose on the battlefield!"
You scratch your head as you watch the duo leave. The chef starts chatting you up.
"Are you sure about that Yuan? Those two are pretty dangerous you know."
"I know, but I've been around the block enough to know when the ship's about to sink. Here, because they didn't pay."
You hand the chef enough money to pay for how much Lu Bu. Being a well known mercenary pays well so there's that. Despite the near guarantee that Lu Bu won't attack you during your travels with them, one sentence can turn Diaochan into Captain Instigator. Best keep your eyes and ears peeled. You say your goodbyes to the chef and once again exit the restaurant. You decide to walk around Shu to see if anyone would want to hire you for a small job while these two days pass. Eventually while walking past Shu's palace, Liu Bei calls for you.
"Yuan! It's good to see that you're still alive!"
You explain everything to The Emperor of Shu, and he's taken aback at your actions.
"You will really leave us in two days to go and massacre Dong Zhuo and his army with Lu Bu, and Diaochan?"
You nod in a similar manner as you did when you first met him. You also tell him of your plans for now.
"How about going a round with some of our soldiers? They need to know what a defeat feels like my personal guard being exceptions of course. I will pay you after."
Seeing as you have nothing better to do you accept and Liu Bei leads to the training grounds where you meet Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei.
"Ahh so you are the Sand Dragon Yuan Lei?"
Guan Yu asks as he scans you up and down. You do look like you normally traverse a desert hence the nickname. You say that you're flattered with the fact that the God of War recognizes you. He laughs heartily and pats (or slaps.) you on the back pushing you forward slightly.
"Your reputation precedes you Yuan! Liu Bei has told Zhang and I that you will be disciplining our youth."
You agree with the claim. You proceed to ask them why they need to know defeat.
"It's so their heads won't swell up, more so for Zhang's kids than mine. His son can be really cocky at times."
"He is not! Don't believe a word Guan Yu is spouting Yuan! They really just need decent sparring partners besides us. With you filling in our place the defeats will just happen quicker is all."
Was that Guan Yu's attempt at humor? Eh never mind that for now, here come the young ones. The male is Zhang Bao, and the two females are Xing Cai, and Guan Yingping respectively.
"Father. Who's this?"
"This is your sparring partner Bao. You may call him Yuan Lei, the Sand Dragon."
Zhang Bao scoffs at you.
"This is the warrior who fought Lu Bu to a stand still? He doesn't look like much to me."
You smirk with a healthy dose of confidence, and slyly remark.
"Funny, that what everyone of my opponents Lu Bu included said before they became well acquainted with the dirt."
You say with a shrug. Zhang Bao backs off slightly while Xing Cai, and Yingping made failed attempts to hide their chuckles.
"Fine. Brandish your weapon so we can see if you can back up your claims."
You accept his offer and unsheathe the Odachi. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are astounded at the weapon as they've never seen any form of Katana before.
"What Dao is this Yuan?"
"It isn't a Dao. It's a Katana, a weapon from Japan. It's called an Odachi, and it is twice the length of a regular Katana. I have family in Japan so they gave this to me as a parting gift. I treasure it greatly."
An Odachi is a very difficult in of itself to find in Japan so the fact that you, a Chinese warrior owns one is more rare than a Bigfoot sighting. Zhang Bao brandishes his weapon, a Flail Sword. Now you've seen people fight in odd ways hell, before you used any matter of sword you can get your hands on, you fought with a sharpened Dou Dizhi deck of cards. But that's besides the point, a Flail Sword is definitely on the weirder side of the weapons you've seen in your time as a warrior. Like it mattered anyway, as soon the you were given the okay to start the fight you beat Zhang Bao in a matter of seconds. Everyone was shocked at how fast the fight went.
"Whoa Yuan! That was insane! You really showed my son what's what eh?"
You relax as you walk up to Zhang Bao and offered him a hand. He took it and stood up.
"Wow, so sorry for judging you on your appearance. You are a monster that's for sure!"
You shrug in response. You explain about how his stance left him wide open to people who were faster than he is. You ask him if whenever him and his Father fight are the bouts close.
"Yeah actually!"
Point proven. You simply tell him to work on leaving less openings when he fights someone who's fast. He accepts the advice given whole heartedly. Next up is Xing Cai, who fights with a Sword and Shield. People who fight with Swords and Shields are more common in Europe than in China but here you are facing someone who fights exactly like that. You take a second to take an educated guess as to how she fights based on her stance. You can barely see her face only revealing her eyes, sort of like she's pllaying peek-a-boo with her shield. Sensing that she can be easily distracted like this you take out a Dou Dizhi card and chuck it in the air. You then rush at Xing. But what everyone didn't expect was the card to swoop down at her knocking her off balance, long enough where you can knock her off her feet. Cai's face looks beyond shocked. You help her up as you go pick up your card. Zhang Bao notices it however.
"Is that Dou Dizhi card? What was that doing in your pocket?"
"I used to fight with a sharpened Dou Dizhi deck of cards. While I don't do it ever since I became a Swordmaster, I still keep it on my person. You never know when someone wants to play a game of Dou Dizhi."
You say casually.
"Yingping, do you want to go next?"
She frantically shakes her head.
"No, seeing you and Bao get beat that bad is enough."
"Cai, you shouldn't rely on defense too much. If you stay planted in one spot your eyes will be able to pick up anything no matter if it's detrimental to the fight at hand. Find someone who's aggressive like Bao and spar with them regularly. That way while you can pick up on ways to attack they can pick up ways to defend themselves."
Cai nods in agreement with everything you just said.
"Splendid job Yuan! I can see with the skill you have how fighting Lu Bu to a draw was possible. Here's your pay."
It's getting late, you decide to go have dinner. Liu Bei invites you to eat with him and the others, but since you don't want to raise suspicions about Shu, as well as the fact that you're not an officer you decide to take the food and eat outside, out of respect. You stay outside the palace steps, eating in silence when you hear footsteps. Look behind you, and it's the children.
"We heard that you were eating out here and we wanted to join you! If you don't mind."
Cai said. You don't mind at all and you invite them to sit. The four of you continue your meals in each other's company. You tell them of your time as a mercenary, and how it brought you all across China. All of this allowed Yingping's curiosity get the better of her.
"Yuan, may I ask you a question?"
"Sure, I realize that I am a big mystery to you all. Since we're all acquainted I don't mind."
"Your skin is tan, and while you have the facial features of a Chinese man, are you a full blooded Chinese man?"
You laugh and compliment Yingping on her great question. You go to explain that you are in fact, a Chinese man. Your parents were Yellow Turban Rebels when they had you. And when the Yellow Turban Rebellion ended the surviving members scattered across the country, and some even left China. Despite not being related by blood the other members were your uncle and aunts. Your parents decided to live near the Silk Road, hence your darker complexion. Your Father was the one who taught you how to fight with a Dou Dizhou deck of cards. Your Mother was a Swordsmaster, and she taught you her ways before leaving to travel the country. And now in two days you're going to go with Lu Bu and Diaochan to slaughter Dong Zhuo's forces as well as Dong Zhuo himself a fact that causes the children mostly Yingping to worry.
"You can't go with Lu Bu! He'll kill you after Dong Zhuo's dead! He can't be trusted."
"Relax Yingping, so long as he remains calm, he's beatable. I only need to worry if he gets angry. I'll be fine Yingping."
Yingping starts to blush and Bao immediately calls her out.
"Guan's blushing Cai!"
"Oh hush Bao, let her be. Before she hurts you, you know she's more powerful than us both."
You agree with Cai, being the daughter of the God of War means that some of his horrific must've been passed down genetically. You calm Yingping down. You don't want to get an angry Guan Yu on you anytime soon or at all. You get Bao and Cai to help and they do.
"*Sniff* Yuan just *Sniff* make sure you come back alive. You may not be a member of Shu's forces but you're still friends with us right?"
"Of course. I'm only two years your superior but our friendship has only begun. I won't throw it away by dying soon. I promise you this much."
You say reassuringly in conjunction with holding and lightly squeezing Yingping's hand. The other children bring it in for a hug. You all separate and before you leave for your inn you help the children with the plates. You head back to your inn and as soon as you crash on your bed you fall asleep. You wake up feeling refreshed, and as you got up to get dressed you hear a knocking on your room door.
"Give me a second, I'm putting my clothes on. Okay, you may come in."
It was Yingping. Apparently she snuck out of the castle to see you. You ask her why when you she could've just waited until a little later in the day.
"I was looking through my telescope back at the palace and I noticed Lu Bu and Diaochan, so I rushed to see if you were okay. I know you said that you will be fine, and you most likely will be but I can't shake the feeling that something bad might happen to you."
You thank her for being so thoughtful before reiterating that you will be okay. But to make her feel better you tell her that you will be extra careful around the duo, more so than normal. You're smart enough to know that anything can happen with those two. Yingping calms down slightly after hearing all of this.
"Thank you Yuan. I'm sorry to just barge in on you like this. I wish you the best in your travels. Hopefully you'll come back to Shu soon."
She said before kissing you on your cheek. You never considered yourself a looker but you were given second glances whenever you were talking with an attractive female client. When it came to understanding women's feelings you were never taught how complex they were. But you decide to end your possible relationship with Yingping by giving her a hug, and kissing her on the forehead. Which definitely helped the situation. You separate from her and gather your things.
"Goodbye Guan Yingping."
"Goodbye Yuan Lei."
You start for your food spot but Lu Bu calls for you.
"Yuan! We are leaving early so come on!"
So much for eating before you find more work. You guess that they want to kill Dong Zhuo so you all can go your separate ways. A relationship like the one you're about to enter will last for so long before it implodes. The personalities of the party were far too different. You were a mellow kind of guy who fights as a means of living. Lu Bu is a bloodthirsty puppet, and Diaochan was the puppeteer. But you keep thoughts like this to yourself. You meet up with the pair and you three head for Chang'an where Dong Zhuo and a majority of his forces reside. It would take all day for you three to get there. On the way you ask Diaochan on what the plan is going to be since kicking down the door and declaring that the three of you are going kill everyone in the city is one hell of a stretch.
"Well since you asked, we are going to pretend to bring you in as a prisoner as you are branded as a super criminal in Dong Zhuo's eyes. We'll bring you in front of him, and before anything bad happens to you Lu Bu will start killing the soldiers around you. In the chaos I'll free you of your binds and we may join him. After that we'll work our way through the main path of the city and clear it of any remaining soldiers. Great plan right?"
In all honesty you've heard worse plans. Getting rid of Dong Zhuo and his closest soldiers would kill the lower ranking officer's morale before you three kill them. You tell Diaochan that the plan will do. And then you asked her if she ever planned on telling you this plan if you never asked. She merely chuckled at the latter.
"I don't know Yuan. You tell me handsome~~."
Is Diao Chan really flirting with you with Lu Bu being literally right next to you?
"Diao, you should be careful as to what you say and who you say it around. I feel like Lu Bu here is the jealous type."
"I am. But I don't mind sharing Diaochan with you Yuan. We're equals what's mine is yours and what's yours is mine. A true token of our friendship wouldn't you agree?"
What an odd day so far. First Yingping, and now Lu Bu, the Bloodthirsty Tyrant is now calling you a friend. Well you could have worse friends nowadays. Maybe he won't bug you for fights when you get down to the nitty gritty, but you swiftly brush those thoughts away. When you arrived to the gate to Chang'an the three of you put the plan in action. Diaochan puts the binds around wrists. You then ask Diaochan for reassurance that the plan will work.
"What Yuan? You don't trust me?"
She asks you, the flirtatious tone still present.
"Do you really want to know the answer to that question?"
You ask in a slightly annoyed tone. Diao Chan chuckled lightly unfazed by your sarcasm.
"I guess not. Come, it's time to put our plan in action."
You concede and start to move. But Diaochan stops you.
"I'm going to have take your sword too. To further sell the point that you are a prisoner."
Now you're being skeptical. Give someone else your Odachi? It was like giving away your child. Diaochan can see the look of worry on your face.
"I promise no harm will come to it. Please Yuan."
I finally relent and hand her the Odachi. She quickly looks it up and down.
"It's really lengthy isn't it? What's the point of a sword this long?"
"The same reason why people fight with lances. Range, but lance slice things only stab. Swords can."
Diaochan nods intently at the knowledge. She grabs your binds and the pair lead you through the center of Chang'an as the citizens looked at you with either fear, or bitterness. In truth, you never even met Dong Zhuo before, but when your name became synonymous with the man who fought Lu Bu to a standstill he immediately branded you a super criminal in Chang'an. The binds around your wrist were starting to burn your skin, Diaochan was a woman of many talents, knot tying included. At last you three have arrived at Dong Zhuo's palace. Lu Bu opens the door to the throne room, and you finally see him. Dong Zhuo, in all of his gluttonous glory. He sat on top of his throne with his hands around two of his many concubines. Diaochan was also one of his but they never did anything intimate, not when Lu Bu was around. You get down on your knees feigning defeat.
"Lord Dong Zhuo, I bring you Yuan Lei, the Sand Dragon of the Silk Road."
"Ahahahaha! Very good my Diaochan, and you too Lu Bu my stepson. Who do you think you are, fighting the great Lu Bu to a stand still! You should've stayed hidden Insect!"
"To think that the great Dong Zhuo would be a short, fat, gluttonous, boar of a man. Don't bite me, I might contract a disease."
Hey, just because you had to feign defeat didn't mean your sharp tongue had to go with it. It looked like Dong Zhuo was about to start snorting like a boar. That remark earned you a front hand slap on the cheek. You spit up a little blood before responding.
"You hit like a girl."
"Hmph! Any last words before we execute you Beetle!?"
"Yes actually. It shall rain blood in this throne room today."
You say as Lu Bu instinctively starts attacking the soldiers near him, you stand as fast as you can and using your enemy's weapon cut the binds off of your wrists.
"Yuan!"
Diaochan calls for you. She is hiding behind one of the pillars, and when you spot her she throws you your Odachi. You grab it unsheathe it, and start killing officers. You tell Lu Bu to spare the women, like they would willingly be married to a man like Dong Zhuo. Lu Bu laughs heartily.
"Of course! Tonight, a Demon runs wild!"
"Wait, where's Fatso?"
You quickly scan the room and notice that Dong Zhuo is fleeing through the back.
"Lu Bu! He's going out the back! Finish him off! I'll deal with the soldiers in the city!"
"Right!"
Lu Bu finishes off his opponent before chasing after Dong Zhuo. You turn to see an enemy about to attack you but he was cut off by a chain whip.
"I can fight too Yuan. Come, we must slaughter the others~~."
You nod in agreement. You playfully bow and reach for her hand.
"May I have this dance milady?"
You ask jokingly. Diaochan plays along and takes your hand.
"Of course My Lord Yuan."
You two head out for the main city, and when you do you are attacked by any and every soldier in sight. But you two are more than a match for the cannon fodder that is Dong Zhuo's army. You find an old man, but before you can attack, Diaochan stops you.
"No, that's my father. Father! Over here!"
"Diaochan. It's good to see that you are safe."
The Elder gives her a hug. On releasing her he notices you.
"Ahhh, you must be Yuan Lei. I am Wang Yun, Diaochan's adoptive father."
"It's nice to meet you Wang Yun, but we're in the middle of a battle right now, and Chang'an is in chaos."
"Yes, as I planned it. It was I who suggested to Diaochan that her and Lu Bu find you and ask for your hand in Dong Zhuo's destruction. Is he dead?"
"Lu Bu is chasing him as we speak, so he will be shortly. We were just clearing the city of his army."
"Ahh, smart. I would love to join you but this sickness of mine has finally begun to take its toll. I fear that my time on this earth may run out soon. Go you two, and do me proud."
Wang Yun stated before heading back inside his small home.
"Your old man is really intelligent. I can see where you get your smarts from."
Diaochan blushed openly from the compliment.
"Thank you Lord Yuan. We must finish what we started. Come~~."
She has been keeping up with this flirtatious tone with you ever since you asked her about the plan. She must be playing with you, as she normally does. But you appreciate the banter regardless. After killing the rest of Dong Zhuo's men the two of you return to the throne room to find Lu Bu holding Dong Zhuo hostage.
"Ahhh I thought you two would never come back! I have caught him as you can see!"
"Good kill him Lord Lu Bu. End his miserable life at once."
Lu Bu thrusts the Sky Piercer through his throat killing him near instantly. You nod in content.
"Well that's that. Now to find his treasury."
You start to look around but Lu Bu calls for you.
"What is it Lu Bu? Can't you see I'm looking for my payment? And remember the conditions in which I agreed to do this, you will leave my name out of what happened today."
"Of course. Because you will no longer be alive when word reaches the kingdoms!"
Lu Bu responded as he swung wildly at you but you dodged it. You ready yourself. It seems Yingping was right, but thanks to the promise you made to her you were more keen to your surroundings. You stare at Lu Bu in confusion. Why is he doing this, you ask him.
"I cannot be considered the greatest warrior in China when I have an equal. You must die Yuan Lei! It is the only way!"
"Lord Lu Bu, stop this madness at once!"
Diaochan commanded but Lu Bu much to your surprise ignores her.
"You think that I didn't know of you and your father's plans to manipulate me into killing Dong Zhuo? I knew of your true intentions from the day you "fell" for me. In truth I was going to kill Dong Zhuo then his land would be mine, but you helping me was the icing on the cake."
"Then why ask for my help?"
"Because, I still respect you as a warrior. What a way to die wouldn't you say? Committing genocide on the most hated man in China's soldiers before dying of your wounds? It is a warrior's dream! This is all a part of my plan, now raise your sword and face me Yuan Lei!"
"So you never cared for me Lord Lu Bu?"
"Never woman. You play with my emotions, and in response I did the same."
Talk about shockers eh? But you had an expectation that something like this would happen. You get ready for the fight of your life as Lu Bu rushes at you. Steel makes a mind piercing noise at you and Lu Bu's furious duel. Lu Bu goes for a ferocious vertical swing but you dodge and retaliate with a swing at his hip which grazes him. The first of many wounds that will make their entrance in this duel. As time slowly begins to feel forgotten, the bout you two are having becomes more and more fierce. Wounds are all over your body and face. But none too grievous. The same can be said for Lu Bu, his armor has been partly destroyed exposing his extremely toned upper body, the Sky Piercer became slightly duller, and both of your breathing became pretty heavy. Diaochan watches with a glint of fear in her eyes in the fair chance that if Lu Bu wins, and kills you she will be next.
"You never cease to amaze Yuan Lei! You have shown me a fight that I will never forget for as long as my spirit remains on this earth!"
"We're both getting weary Lu Bu. This duel needs to end soon, or else neither of us will see the sunrise tomorrow."
"I agree. Come Sand Dragon! Let's finish this!"
Lu Bu said before coughing up blood. He finishes and he starts running at you with a use of adrenaline, going for another vertical strike. You telegraph this and swing horizontally landing a deep clean cut on Lu Bu's abdomen. You feel a fresh wound on your cheek, but when you turn around you see Lu Bu on the floor, facing the sky. You walk your way over to him. The wounds you received are starting to catch up to you now as it takes a lot of energy just to sit, but using the Odachi you safely plant your butt on the floor.
"Are you there Yuan? Normally I, would bypass the pain to move but the wound you just gave me is too deep for me to do such a thing."
You respond telling him that you're sitting next to him using your sword as leverage. He chuckles before coughing up blood. You then asked for the real reason as to why he attacked you.
"I was speaking the truth when I said that there can be only one of us in China. Only one of us may live to see happiness, and this was the battle to test this. Who gets the glory, who gets the respect they deserve."
He paused to breathe in a deep breath.
"Who gets Diaochan's hand."
You were shocked by the last remark. You ask him what you meant.
"I….. I am a jealous man Yuan. Normally Diaochan wouldn't bat an eye at another man. But when she first saw you after our very first duel, I can tell she was becoming enamored with you."
You respond by telling him that Diaochan was starting to develop feelings for him in all actuality. Lu Bu once again chuckled at the remark.
"That may be so, but it was too late for me. My path had been set, and I didn't want her to become involved in my war-seeking life. One wrong move and I would make a decision that I would come to regret for the rest of my life. If Diaochan were to die because of me I wouldn't be able to take it. Whether if she was manipulating me or not. I have come to care for her too much to not forgive her, no matter what she does to me. But back to our duel."
He stated before coughing up more blood. You start doing the same though not as much blood comes out as Lu Bu.
"I have staked my name. And I have fought, with all my being. As you have, while you may not favor combat like I in fighting me at your best you have honored me in ways neither of us thought possible. Yuan Lei, I wish to ask you two favors, honor a dying warrior's wishes."
You accept and ask what they are.
"My first wish is for you to take my Spear, have a blacksmith reforge it into a sword that is fitting of a warrior like yourself. And whenever you deem it necessary to make your physical and mental superiority felt, take that sword slaughter all who oppose you."
Diaochan was now standing next to you in tears.
"Lu Bu why? I loved you so much."
"I know, and what I said about you wasn't true. I would love you even you never wished to see me again."
He stated uncharacteristically softly before coughing more blood and breathing heavier.
"Diaochan my love. I want you to live your life however you see fit. Dong Zhuo is dead, the nightmare for you is over."
Diaochan can only nod in agreement.
"As for my second wish for you Sand Dragon. I want you to take care of Diaochan for me in my place. Love her as I would have, and she would do the same for you."
"You know I can't do that Lu Bu. Her heart belongs only to you, I can't fill the void that you will leave in her heart."
"You underestimate yourself Yuan. Before we arrived at Chang'an I have said that what's mine is yours and vice versa. Diaochan has no choice but to love as she did me. Isn't that right Diaochan?"
Lu Bu asked before coughing up even more blood. Diaochan wipes the tears out of her eyes and responds.
"Of course Lu Bu. Even if he doesn't feel that way at first, I will convince that he is worthy of my affections."
"That's my girl. If you can't do this as an honored warrior, then do it as my friend Yuan. Please?"
"How do you know that I'll survive? I'm slowly succumbing to the wounds you gave me too, if I don't get treated soon I'll be dead as well."
Lu Bu breaths are starting to become unrhythmic and sporadic.
"Because…. We were followed."
"Yuan!"
"Brother Yuan!"
"Sand Dragon! We have come to help!"
Out of nowhere the children as well as Liu Bei, and Guan Yu show up.
"Oh no this is bad. We have to get you back to Shu at once. Diaochan, come with us."
"I will. I will stay by Yuan's side from now on."
"Green Man."
"Yes Tyrant?"
"Two things before I succumb to these wounds. One, if you let Yuan Lei die my spirit will haunt you for the rest of your days."
Liu Bei visibly gulped in fear.
"And two?"
"Take my Ji, bring it to a blacksmith and have him reforge it to a sword for Yuan. That's an order, and a demand understand?"
"Understood. We must leave at once!"
Not long after you heard that you blacked out. When you next awoke, your head starts to ring slightly. But you shake it off. You scan the room, and see green banners and light green walls. You must be inside of the Shu palace. You see bandages all across your body, arms, legs, and feeling your face you feel a bandage on your left cheek. Look to your left and you see Diaochan asleep on a chair. On the bedside table you see an empty cup and a teapot. Diaochan slowly stirs awake, and on seeing that you're conscious broke down into tears.
"Oh my Gods. You're alive *sniff*. You're alive!"
She pounces at you giving you a deep hug that you instinctively return despite the great pain it brought to your arm. What you didn't expect was for her to give you deep kiss afterward. But after realizing what is happening you return that too. Instead separating the embrace becomes deeper and deeper, and you feel her hands intertwined with yours. You finally separate and see that the tears are still flowing.
"I thought you would never wake up! You've been out for two weeks!"
Two weeks? It felt like a few hours for you! You ask her how did you survive?
"Normally the wounds you received would be to problematic but, Zuo Ci showed out of nowhere and gave us this cup and teapot with tea inside. He instructed us, well mostly me, to have you drink it. Phoenix Tea he calls it. After I had you drink it, he told me that you would be fine so long as I never left your side. So I didn't, and now you're okay. I'm so happy!"
She stated before hugging you again. She broke the hug sooner than you'd like and got off the bed.
"I'm going to go tell everyone that you're awake. Stay right there."
She joked before running out of the bedroom. Zuo Ci was here? Amazing, you always wanted to play him in a game of Dou Dizhi. Even though he would absolutely destroy you, it would be a nice experience regardless. Shortly after thinking of that Liu Bei, Yingping, and Guan Yu enter the room.
"Welcome back Dragon. You truly are made of tough stuff if you can best Lu Bu and live to tell the tale."
"We're sorry for following you, but Yingping insisted. And it was a good call too, otherwise you might've died as well."
You ask about Lu Bu's Halberd.
"I took it to the army's blacksmith and ordered him to reforge it into a sword for you. It was Lu Bu's request."
Yes, he asked that of you before Liu Bei and the others arrived. You thank them for coming and for saving your life. They brush it off.
"It was nothing compared to what you did for all of China. Killing Dong Zhuo, and Lu Bu two of China's most feared men is a justice that no amount of favors can repay. If anything it is us who should be thanking you."
"But we would rather tell you this in person than a tombstone."
Guan Yu said. You agree with him, even though you are in an unreasonable amount of pain at least you're alive. Yingping walks up to you and gives you a big hug.
"I'm glad you're alive. You have so much to tell China, and you're death would've been catastrophic on us all."
Immediately after she breaks the hug off Diaochan returns to the room.
"Lord Liu Bei. Lord Guan Yu. Lady Yingping. May I speak with Yuan alone please?"
"Of course. While you may still refuse to join Shu, until those wounds are healed you are one of us. Let us help you, if you need anything all you need is to ask."
"Speedy recovery Yuan."
Liu Bei and Yingping start for the door. Guan Yu kneels down so you two are level.
"My daughter is really fond of you isn't she? I'm glad that you are alive, it would do her much harm if you died. I will speak with you tomorrow but for now, rest up. You of all people deserve it."
Guan Yu said before leaving the room leaving just you and Diaochan. She walked up and got in the bed with you. She takes her hand and intertwined it with yours. She squeezes it softly. She started to speak with a soft tone.
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what?"
"It was my fault that Lu Bu wanted to fight you so much. When he gets angry he normally blacks out, and can't remember what happened relying on me to recall what happened. When I told him of you he smiled for the first time. So in conjunction of plotting to kill Dong Zhuo, we also made efforts to find you on the battlefield."
"So all those times when Lu Bu found me-"
"Was on purpose. Being a mercenary makes you easy to predict. Including when we first came to Shu. Now because of me he's dead, and you almost died. I'm such a fool."
You shake your head in disagreement.
"No, you were just trying to make your lover happy. He wanted all of this to happen so who are you to beat yourself up over it. Think positive."
You say reassuringly before kissing her on the forehead.
"You're so kind and compassionate. If you don't mind since we'll be together from now on, I wish to know you're dreams. But if you don't want to-"
"It's fine. I'll tell you my dear."
You tell her of your simple dream of growing old with a family. You also tell her of your other dream of dying in battle but being with her made that dream is pretty much dead. You tell her that you'll be there for her until death comes for you.
"That's refreshing to hear. I don't think I can take it if you up and died so suddenly. Not after today anyway."
Diaochan states sadly before squeezing your hand. You pull her hand up and kiss it, causing her to blush madly.
"This may be sudden but, I love you. I love you so much."
"I love you too Diaochan. I will never leave your side."
"Thank you. You make me a happy woman."
She replied before leaning in and laying her lips atop of yours. Like your previous embrace she can do nothing but deepen it and deepen it. What initially started as a simple kiss on the lips slowly devolved into her getting very physical with you. She started aggressively tugging on your clothes. Her hands guide yours until they make contact with her heavenly frame.
"I want you. I need you Yuan my love. I want to feel you inside of me. Mark your territory."
Diaochan suddenly states with a sultry voice. You accept her proposal, what better way to solidify your love for her by making her yours?
Warning! Lemon incoming! If you want to ignore it, keep scrolling until you see the all clear! Otherwise, Happy Reading!
Diaochan starts shedding off your clothes as you're fiery embrace continues. Before you knew it you're nude in the bed. Diaochan reaches for your cock and starts stroking it. She kisses you on the lips again this time, having her tongue slither around you as moans desperately escape her lips. They weren't apparent but you remind her to keep it low. You two aren't alone.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'll try to keep it low, but I can't make any promises."
She cooed before moving in to kiss you once again, as if you're lips had a magnetic attraction to hers. Your lips separate but her hand remained wrapped around your sex, determined on making you feel pleasure unrivalled by anyone else who was lucky enough to share a bed with you before Diaochan did. She leaned and kissed the tip, making you shudder a little. She showered your meat pole in kisses before slowly taking it in her mouth. Your cock slowly disappears as Diaochan engulfs more of your sex inside her mouth, all the while her beautiful eyes give you a lust filled look. She shortly took your cock out of her mouth and started stroking once again, this time using the saliva as lubricant, allowing for smoother strokes. She leaned in and pecked your lips.
"Let me show you how much I appreciate your love darling~~."
She cooed in a sultry voice, voluptously descending and licking your shaft becoming entranced with fulfilling your sexual needs. She started sucking on your cock with vigor and passion occasionally deepthroating your entire length before leaving and stroking it more lubed up, it was the perfect set up. Fitting for the perfect woman in Diaochan. She had give you an unforgettable first time to gain your loyalty, not like she had to, you promised Lu Bu.
"And now the moment we've been waiting for~~."
She laid on top of you and lined her swollen lips against your rock hard phallus, teasing herself in the process. You can see drool about to leak from her mouth from the pleasure she was giving herself. She let out a sultry grunt before sticking it inside her, causing her gasp. She then laid there, stuck.
"My~~ love. I need help, please stroke it for me~~."
You agree to help and you start moving your hips slowly and you can feel her pussy slowly loosen. She laid her hands on your chest moving them up to cup your face, then she moved them back down to your chest. Except she pressed down on it harder, and she started moving herself up and down with passion matched by no one else. Her ass made a slamming sound against your pelvis, and your pussy made a heavenly squishing sound. Before you two can go further you hear knocking on your door. Diaochan looked furious.
"Who's there!?"
"Uhm it's Yingping. Yuan are you still awake? Can I come in?"
Diaochan looks at you with an annoyed look on her face.
"Calm Diao. I have a plan."
You motion her to come closer so you can tell her. She complies and you whisper the plan. She gasps but maliciously agrees with your plan. She gets off and lays down next to you.
"Yes Ying, you may come in."
"Okay. I'm coming in now."
She opens the door, and the sight you (and Diao.) see is not what you expected. You see Ying, nude. She notices your bewildered look and blushes.
"I….. I normally sleep without clothes. Can I… I sleep with you tonight?"
"You can do more than that."
You respond before reaching for her hand. She gives it to you and you lightly pull her in towards you. You cup her face and bring it in for a kiss on the lips. She immediately melts into it. What she didn't expect was for Diaochan to pull her into the bed. Ying looked shocked upon seeing her.
"Lady Diao?"
"Shhhh, child. We can share Yuan together. It's okay."
Diaochan pulls Ying in and kisses her passionately on the lips. Ying slowly consents to her desires and returns the kiss. Diao pulls back.
"How did that feel~~?"
"Soft. I've never been with a girl before. But it feels good."
She said blissfully before leaning for a second taste of Diao's lips. This time with her full acceptance the embrace was more fiery. Ying's fingers wandered around Diao's body feeling her womanly curves. Diao was placing fingers inside of Ying's pussy lips loosening up her sex for your now throbbing. Ying saw your mushroom tip and gasped.
"It's even bigger than I- Ohhhhhhhh~~."
She took her fingers out of Ying's pussy and placed it inside her mouth and she started sucking on it.
"How do you taste Ying?"
"Sweet~~. Come here, taste me too Diao~~."
Diao pounced on her and the two shared a fiery make out session. But Diao was the one who brought it back to you.
"Sorry my love. We should be pleasing you not each other. Look how hard you've gotten for us~~."
Diao cooed.
"Ying, do you want it inside of you?"
Ying nodded lustfully with her biting her finger lightly holding herself back. Diaochan takes Ying and helps her get on top of you. She lines you up and Ying slowly descends down on your cock. She instinctively gasps at your girth, and Diao helps her move up and down, while sucking her breasts and touching herself. Ying couldn't help but hug herself, pinching her free nipple causing her to yelp once a minute.
"Fuck me doggy my love."
You exit Ying and get Diaochan into position. Her perfect ass and swollen pussy lips on display for you and you alone. You instruct Yingping to lay down on the bed. You stick your sex inside her wall and Diao grabs Ying's legs and starts going down on her. Ying's breaths became more and more heavy as the seconds turned into minutes. The sight of Diao eating Ying out causes you to stroke harder inside of Diaochan's tight pussy. All of this is making you fuck harder and with force none of your other partner's have ever seen. But alas you're nearing climax. You tell your lovers this.
"Cum in my mouth Yuan my love~~."
You exit Diao and she grabs your dick and starts stroking it hard and fast. Ying starts sucking on your balls while Diao strokes and sucks on your shaft. You started losing it when Diao started to suck on the tip exclusively. Without warning your cock, erupts and waves of warm semen venture into Diao's mouth. Ying takes your cock out of her mouth and takes the rest in her's. They both swallowed and both showed you their empty mouths. The girls kiss one more time before Ying makes her way back to her room.
"Did you enjoy yourself?"
"I did. Thank you both. I'll see you in the morning."
She kisses you both on the cheek before leaving the room. Diaochan takes your hand locks hers with it.
"For an injured man, you were great my love~~."
You thank her for the compliment while compliment her for being the best you ever had.
"The best only deserves the best. And that is only a taste of what's to come my dear."
She kisses you on the lips with decaying amounts of lust in between embraces. You feel her hard nipples pressing against your chest. You felt your cock get hard again. You inwardly apologized for being greedy before descending on her kissing her neck before reaching her nipples and sucking on them. You lift her erotic body up and place her back on the bed.
"You want some more honey? Then use me all you want. I am yours."
You swiftly place your cock inside her and begin moving fast hard. You suck her nipples whilst stroking, disorienting her nerves due to the pleasure. You feel her legs around your back. Your lust must be contagious because her's has been reinvigorated.
"Don't stop, don't stop fucking me please~~."
You exit her sex, stand her up and turn around. You push on the bed a little so you can get on the bed with her. You get her to kneel, and you do the same before sticking your phallus back inside her. You rest your head on her shoulder, and she cups your face with her hand and arm. You feel up her breast and more and more moans escape her mouth from the euphoric feeling.
"Ahhh shit, it feels so good~~. Your cock feels so good inside my pussy like this. Ahhh~~~~."
You continue to fuck her brains out. You feel her grip on you tighten, and you realize that she's near climax. You decide to up the ante and move faster. You stop abruptly moving in a choppy rhythm. But the strokes are still hard.
"Keep going, I'm nearing my love. Keep fucking me like that."
She takes her hand and she starts touching herself. That didn't last long because about a minute later she cums hard.
"Oh my Gods~~. Ohhhhhhhh~~~~~."
She gets down on all fours and realizing that your cock is still inside her she starts to move her ass against your cock. You can't take anymore at this rate so you pull out. Only for her to grab your cock and shove it back inside her. She then said ravenously.
"Cum inside me."
"What?"
"Do it. I don't care if I get pregnant. If it means harboring your child I'll let you cum inside as much as you want. I want to feel you. Please~~. Please~~. Please~~."
You couldn't take anymore. Your cock explodes inside her womb, and you feel extremely tired. Diaochan falls out of your cock into the bed. She gets up soon after. Worry starts to could your head, but Diaochan calms you down.
"Don't worry Yuan. I won't get pregnant, but I felt like if I didn't say that I would've never got you to do it. Besides I wasn't expecting you to be redy for another round so soon, so I had to be ready. I'll be fine Honey, relax."
She kisses you on the nose in reassurance.
"You go to sleep dear, I will go shower and join you shortly`~~."
"Okay. Goodnight."
She grabs her clothes and goes to the palace bathroom while you grab your clothes put them back on and laid down.
All Clear! Now get back to reading, Killjoy.
You lay there thinking about the day and how crazy it was. First Yingping worrying about your safety, to meeting (and have a hand in slaying.) Dong Zhuo, to killing Lu Bu, to what just transpired.
"Oh you're still awake my love? Well let me in so we can snuggle up."
Diaochan was already finished with her shower? That was quick. You give her some room and she crawls into bed and cuddles with you. She whispers into your ear.
"You feel so warm. Thank you so much for tonight. I love you so much~~."
"I love you too. Goodnight."
"Goodnight my love."
What I'm trying to say is that you Yuan Lei, are one lucky bastard.
And so concludes chapter 1 of Through the eyes of a Mercenary! Stretching out to the Warriors series now, in one of the reviews for Stories someone suggested I give the Warriors games a shot, so here we are. Now if you're asking about the stories and if those will be discontinued, I'm here to tell you, no they will not be discontinued. They will be on hiatus for a bit though, I'm going to take a break from writing stories with plots for now, they are so draining on me right now. So for now, I'll update Stories, TLAD (if I'm up for it.), and this story if it does well in the next few days. So anyway, R&R as usual, and I'll see you all soon! Make sure to go vote on my poll, I always have at least one poll on my page. And while you're at it, give my other stories a read and tell me what you think eh? I'll see you all soon! Bye-Bye now!