Scarlet Stained Souls
Chapter 4-Story Time
Author Notes: So where is our Damsel in distress heading? Well she has no clue since she's still in dreamland. Let's find out what happens next! I don't own DW, SW or OW.
3rd P.O.V
Twas a long trip for the cheerful ninja. She road in a carriage, under disguise. Even as her 2 horses trot along, she still felt unease. In the back of the cart laying on her was the girl her sons found and rescued.
She still felt bad. To prevent the girl from over exerting herself, and joining in the battle against the demons, she was knocked out. Unable to defend herself, she fell when Nene attacked her pressure points.
There was much scenery that looked familiar to the mother of three. And then some looked rather foreign. "Where are we?" Our horse rider shrieks. "Eeeek! Don't scare me like that!" She huffs as she tries to control her two mares. I didn't think it'd be so easy for an assassin to get spooked...
Groggy our passenger rubs her eyelids. "If that's the case then don't knock people out and then drag them into a carriage." Nene winced. As usual our tigress had a point. Clearing her throat, the subjects changed. "So um, yeah I still don't know your name dear. And does the area look at all familiar to you?"
Shi Na didn't respond for awhile, doing her best to recall the geography of her previous home. A challenge it was. "I have some questions for you as well Lady Nene. Starting with who is Orochi?"
? P.O.V
I have no idea how long it's been since our arrival in this strange dimension. So many had fallen. That however was not the reason for my servitude here. My goal was to discover the latest threat on the rise of the rebellions. The army of Wu.
From my sources the people were locked up used as insurance so the children of Sun Jian would do the Snake's dirty work. Failure to obey or complete their assignments results in death of their lord.
However on the other hand for each time they succeeded in their tasks, one person goes free to assist them. It's foolish on Orochi's part, but it'd be better not mentioned.
Then again, it wasn't so simple...for the one known as Sun Ce at least. For he and his three siblings were ordered to stop the rebellions of the various regions. That command went against all that they believed in.
These organizations were fighting for their survival and freedom. And yet for the mighty tigers to go, stomp on these rebellions, it made them sick to their stomachs. And they weren't the first, nor the last to fall into that position.
We were all brought here thanks to dark magic. Humans of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, all different yet consisted of one similarity...all were great warriors. It mattered not where or when. We were lifted from our way of life to play with the snake in his domain.
Orochi, we know not his background, but he has unfathomable powers. He forces myself and the Little Conqueror's army to destroy all that stands in his way. Under the watchful eye of his little strategist Da Ji...a wicked woman.
She tests our loyalty. Pressuring, demanding we cut down those we know on the battlefield. Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, lovers, friends...no one is spared so long as her twisted smile glows on her face.
But lately she has been irritated, angry even. I noticed ever since the men and women of Wu were brought in. Despite the gloomy expressions, one held pride, glee and confidence all in one. As if he was solving a puzzle and realized he had all the answers.
Of course I asked him why he was so happy being locked up in a dungeon. Where he was fed stale bread, water and gruel everyday. Watching those he loved and cared for fight in a war they shouldn't...nonetheless on the side of evil.
It was there I was told, he said we had a chance to free these people. To turn the tides on this menace. It wouldn't be easy, and to drop our guard would prove to be fatal. But we had a chance, and we were going to use it. I pretend to be irritated and leave him in his cell. When in reality I go to write a report to my lord.
2 hours Earlier-3rd P.O.V
Swarms broke through the front lines. Stabbing and slashing at the mortals. But they were prepared for such an invasion. "Grahhhh!" Pit traps, so delicately camouflaged. The rebels under Hideyoshi's care expected their leading officer to be concerned at the commotion.
Her expression told otherwise. "Bring out the cannons and rifle units!" In a flash sturdy mobile cannons took to position. Taking the front of these overly sized weapons were rows of men with long guns. Loaded they take aim..."Now fire!"
Hot smoke, spinning metal and tiny explosions shot through, embedding into the soldiers. They overpowered the archery section and footmen. The earth shakes from the giant sized balls dropping into the ground.
Both sides suffered great casualties. "Damn Kiyomasa what do we do?!" His grimace spoke volumes. He had hoped that the demon army didn't bring out the big weapons so quickly. But it became apparent that their pit traps proved useless. "Take out those cannons and go to plan B." Or be dealt with defeat.
Masamune Date and Da Ji stood together in the mass panic of fighting troops. Her body language showed such calmness, feeling truly relaxed. She had no doubts that this battle would be swift and simple. Though if you looked hard enough at her eyes. You could still see mild frustrations.
No sign of her target. The one that got away, she has been searching day and night for her. Now seeing how pointless it is for her to stay. She reaches deep within herself for her magic.
"You can finish up here. I'll be elsewhere." A cloud a purple and pink chi enveloped her, where she would tranport back at their main base. In order to give the latest directions of her beloved king to her next miserable set of victim officers.
Shi Na's P.O.V
"So that's what happened…" I swallowed, hard to take in. There wasn't much to go on from what I've been told, except that powerful magic took place. This Orochi trapped us, and now goes to war as a use of entertainment.
Rather appalling to say the least. And to think, this woman next to me is not only from a different country, but a different era in time. It feels as if I'm in a dream, but it's clear as day that this is reality, and a terrible one at that. I am unable to tell what's going through my head. It feels heavy and muddled.
I have no idea as to the whereabouts of my masters. I'm barely able to comprehend the geography of this realm, and if we were to be attacked we'd be in a great disadvantage. Wait a minute...that castle. "I can't believe it! I know where we are!"
Ling Tong's-P.O.V
Lu Xun murmured while overlooking his scrolls. Poor guy hasn't slept well the past few days, and it's seriously been taking it's toll on him. I couldn't help but sigh at the situation. It's been a nightmare.
A fire suddenly forming in the gardens, to being attacked with catapults and blue freaks. I remember fighting alongside Gan Ning when a fissure in the ground formed. I passed out, hearing a faint scream. It was Ming's voice. I know it was! But when i woke up...i was nowhere near Sun Palace.
I found out a little while after that Ching and Ming protected me and Gan Ning until the end, with Lu Xun hiding us in the forest until it was safe, he had a companion who addressed himself as Sakon Shima. "My lords an unknown horse drawn coach has come." I raise an eyebrow. Who in the heavens would come here?
This place was abandoned when we first arrived. And though our forces were gathering, we've yet to make our identity public. "Whatta ya waiting for Ling Tong? Let's go kick their asses!" Ugh the moron.
Wait when did he get here!? I leap to my feet to try and catch up to the hot head. We've been butting heads more often then not since coming to Chang Ban. Our relationship is almost like it was when he first joined Wu, hostile, violent.
Outside the gates I see his grin as he summons slashes the carriage. The horses sped off, frightened...can't blame em. Two cloaked people appear in the cloud of smoke and broken debris.
"Who the hell are you two?" Brandishing his sword, taunting them. Well I'd say they're not Orochi's men at least, I pull out my nunchaku though. Not willing to take chances here. Our mysterious guests don't move, let alone make a sound.
The idiot pirate sprints. "If you ain't gonna come at me, I'll make the first blow!" Wait a second, that stance...! "Gan Ning stop!" Not listening he tries to slash at the two. "Huh!?" Both vanished.
When suddenly the sword is held between her palms. Her hood no longer hiding her features. "Oh shit..." A small smirk, as she kicks his leg out and flips him. "It's nice to see you too. However I don't think I'll want to be greeted that way on a daily basis." I knew it was her. He should've listened
Lu Xun's P.O.V
I felt my body rumble. As if i was going through an earthquake, but exhaustion claimed my bones and my eyes refused to open. I had just finished writing down my latest notes from the various reports the other rebellions and our spies gave on this world and Orochi's army.
All i wanted was a few more hours of rest. Before presenting it to Ling Tong and Gan Ning. Knowing them they were probably sparring outside, taking out their frustrations on one another.
"You asked for it Lu Xun." Huh? COLD! I fall out of my chair with a thud. I looked at my clothes, now drenched with ice cold water. I couldn't help the glare I presented to Sakon."I told you you had to get up. We have visitors who wish to see you."
A group of chuckles were heard from the doorway. "Had I known he was sleeping I wouldn't have asked you to get him master Shima." My attention immediately returns to the familiar voice as Sakon replies. "He needed to get up anyways. We have much to discuss and this was the best time."
I'm off the floor in an instant. How embarrassing. "Lady Shi Na!" I bow apologizing for my rudeness. She tries to stifle another laugh, seeing the discomfort I feel. "No formalities needed Lu Xun. After all I am only a servant to the Sun family." I was about to say otherwise when I met her gaze.
She doesn't want her true identity revealed. At least not at this time. She claps her hands. "Well then I think story time is in session, should we meet in the dining hall? We have much to speak of according to master Shima..."
Lady Nene started first. "One of my sons is currently pretending to work under Orochi. He told of the Tigers of Jiang Dong being captured along with your other friends. Shortly after, she's found at the edge of the flowing river." Bring us to the present of them fleeing another assault. Where Nene got word from Lord Sakon.
I had a difficult time keeping my eyes off princess Shi Na...it was hard to believe what she went through.
But in this case, we're lucky she's alive, and to think she's practically uninjured. "Damn it...are we all that's left of Wu?!" We all had been praying that more had escaped capture. "Hey why don't you cool it!" Ling Tong gets shoved. "Shut up!" Gan Ning...he's worried about Ching.
"My lords and ladies I bring word. A demon army led by Sun Ce is on the way!" Everyone froze in place. It's just us 4 now...up against our masters and allies,we either surrender and help them. Or we fight, receive aid from other rebel forces, and find a way to free the hostages.
Ling Tong, Gan Ning and I turn our attention to Shi Na. Despite our lack of numbers we are still loyal men of Wu. Shi Na is not only our valued comrade but also our lords daughter. Whatever decision will be of her making.
She inhales, closing her eyes. As the 5 of us wait in anticipation for what she is going to do. "We're going to war." I was stunned. I'm sure the others are also. Never once had she in the past gone against her family. So to here this was quite a shock. She managed a small sad smile before explaining.
"Shao...he prevented me from falling into Orochi's clutches, surrendering would have made his actions vain. Not to mention, this vile Serpent is a menace, he has our loved ones locked up and serving him. Of which we need to rescue them." Lord Sakon approaches her.
Rubbing his chin he asks her a question we all were wondering. "This choice you've made...won't this be considered betrayal to your lord?" Standing tall she looks him dead in the eye. "Whether or not I am considered a traitor is irrelevant."
A pause to look at the us. "This is a race to see who stops that snake and rescues the others first. The Tigers of Sun...or us. We will fight!" I nod in agreement and so does the remaining members of our little group. She is absolutely right. The moment that they see an opportunity, her family would fight back. It's only a matter of time.
to be continued~
Author Notes: Phew that took a lot of editing and revising but I am done with this chapter~ Thank you all for your patience. A few cliff hangers and pov changes but nothing you couldn't follow right? Hopefully i didn't make too many characters ooc...if i did I'm sorry. I also apologize for spelling and grammar ^_^' Tchao for now!
