Zuo Ci: Ah! Glad to see that you all wish to continue reading the story of young master Blackout2010. I'm sure he greatly appreciates your kind gestures.
Blackout2010…You're really nice ya know that….it's kind of sad that I'm not sure how much you'll show up.
Zuo Ci: That is true young sir. But perhaps that means that you and the viewers will treasure the small amount of time we have together all the more.
Blackout2010: I suppose. Anyway do you want to do it or me?
Zuo Ci: Well thank-you. Ahem. The young man here (gestures to Blackout) doesn't own the rights of Sakura Wars or Dynasty Warriors. He is simply a fan of the series. (Turns back to Blackout) how was that?
Blackout2010: Great! Thank-you Master Zuo Ci.
Zuo Ci: Glad to help. (Turns back to readers) I hope you enjoy your feature presentation. Please go on…
Ch. 3 To meet a tiger
After parting ways with the strange old master, the star division continued along their path. After about an hour or so of walking the tree started to thin out and eventually they could see the end of the forest. After coming into the clearing the stars noticed that they were near a mountain ridge path that overlooked a barren cracked land with hints of desert, which seemed to extend up into the mountain range further along the way
"Halt!" a voice cried out, as the beating of hooves suddenly came to a stop from the right of the Star division
The stars turned to face where the voice was heard and were greeted by the sight of about twenty or so people all garbed in reddish attire most likely their respective uniform. All the soldiers were carrying weapons ranging from spears to short swords but the most distinct looking individuals were the rider on the horse and the man next to him. The rider was a tan skinned man with a roughly shaved beard that gave him a rugged appearance, his armor while a traditional red like his troops had a tiger striped pattern running down the lower half, giving him an almost regal appearance. His sword rested on his shoulder as he appeared to have been bored until the stars ran across his line of sight.
"Identify yourselves!" the other unique man demanded of the stars
This man was standing next to the rider. He was a very tall well built man and nearly as dark as Charon, in his hand was a wicked looking club-like mace with golden spikes on it with a small shield on his left forearm. His hair was mostly shaved the only hair on his head was in three Mohawk shape valleys. The man was also clothed in the red attire as his companion the exception was that instead of wearing armor the man must have been wearing that era's wife beater as the man looked like he should have been getting off work to grab a few booze, the black boots he had on looked ready to crush a lesser man if a fight were to breakout.
All in all the star division was both in awe and fear of these two individuals in particular, not only because they were easily outnumbered but because the aura being emitted from these two spoke volumes of the harsh lives that they've lived.
The silence that followed was soon to be broken "What are you deaf! Answer the question!" the dark skinned man hollered again, snapping the stars out of their reverent stupor of the men before them
The rider frowned at the outburst by his friend "Now, now, there's no need to be hostile" He then turned his head back to the stars and spoke in a low but clear tone still addressing his friend "They do not appear to be a threat to us"
The club carrying man didn't look any more relieved and spoke a bit more loudly "You should remember what your grandfather told you Lord Sun Jian. Deception is one of the key components to war." He pointed his arm towards the star division "For all we know milord they could be an ambush squad."
The rider now known as Sun Jian seemed to contemplate this little tidbit, causing the Star division to panic slightly at the prospect of being attacked again by a much larger group "Well, you do have a point Huang Gai. Although, an ambush party usually waits till the targets are in the correct position before coming out."
"Wait! We're not your enemy!" Shinjiro yelled almost pleadingly to the two men, hoping to prevent the situation from degrading into a fight, a fight they would very well lose. He did succeed to break the banter going between the two men and got their undivided attention. The question now was whether or not they could avoid a skirmish.
Sun Jian narrowed his eyes on the group, hoping to figure out the motives of the people before him 'Hmm. This kid is strange looking, hell they all have some strange clothes. Let see two boys and four girls, huh!?' Sun Jian's eyes widened when he spied the black woman in the group 'What's a Nan Zhong native doing way out here? Something is up…'
Sun Jian rested his arm on his leg as he seemed to be in deep though which didn't go unnoticed by Huang Gai 'Lord Sun Jian seems to be troubled by these travelers. Though I, myself would be hard pressed to say that the presence of these people is welcomed, especially during these turbulent times. Perhaps I can give counsel to my friend' the man turned and faced his master with a solemn look
Huang Gai spoke up in his usual gruff voice "Lord Sun Jian, perhaps it would be best if we go along with this charade. At the very least we could find out about them."
Sun Jian nodded his head and turned back to face the young group of travelers who looked extremely tense about whatever was going to happen. "So you say that you are not our enemies. Tell me then who are you"
Shinjiro glanced back towards his team and began to converse with them, knowing if he wasn't careful things wouldn't be pleasant for anyone. "I think we should try to be honest with these guys" Shinjiro suggested hoping to believe that the 'honest is the best policy' would be able to help them out of this spot
The other Japanese member frowned slightly "Subaru suggests if we do that we should try and make it half truths or avoid saying things that most people would consider outlandish or foolish."
"Yeah I've got to agree with Subaru on this one guys." Charon nodded her head while closing her eyes "If we're not careful well…" She ran her thumb across her throat making a scclick sound with her mouth. This frightened the local nurse as she uttered a "how awful" raising her hand to her mouth
Shinjiro glanced at Roseita who seemed to be shaking slightly. He had always known the girl to be extremely brave but the incident last night had seemed to affect her deeply and right now anymore killing or dead bodies appearing before her would not serve well for the young miss.
"Hey Roseita" He gently whispered gaining the troubled girls attention before flashing a warm big brotherly smile "don't worry just leave it to us ok?" the action seemed to have a particularly positive effect as the girl stopped shivering and gave an equally big grin and said "Got it Shins"
Satisfied that everything had been settled he turned around to once again face the small army. He took a few steps forward which caused some of them to move slowly reach for their weapons, however this was stopped by a quick glance by Sun Jian who got off his horse and beckoned for Huang Gai to follow him. The rest of the star division took note of the extra man and slowly made an approach of their own, not enough to warrant attack but enough to catch any questions thrown out and answer if Shinjiro couldn't think of something. The three men kept walking until they were about 5 feet from each other. Shinjiro lowered his katana and removed one hand to show his intentions and began glancing back at the two muscular men and was slightly intimidated, whereas the other two were slightly cautious as they may have just walked into an ambush for all they knew.
"I believe this is far enough" Sun Jian spoke his sword still in his hand but resting by his side ready to cut the boy in front of him apart should he try any daring moves.
"You said you wanted to know our names, where I'm from it only good manners to identify yourself before requesting information about others." The young samurai adamantly stated
"I see" Sun Jian replied as he raised an eyebrow 'He wishes to be courteous and keep things civil. I guess I can humor him a bit' a wicked grin broke out on the man's face 'but let see if he can keep up a cool head first'
"I believe you already know our names. Tell me do the rules still apply nameless one?" Sun Jian asked slightly rudely
Shinjiro looked into Sun Jian's eyes "Normally no. But let's just think of it as a courtesy introduction. I know nothing about you." He extended his hand towards Sun Jian "So if you're being addressed as 'Sun Jian' by this man" he moved the arm so it was stretched out to Huang Gai "is a sign of friendship between you, I might end up insulting you, which at this point I'd rather not."
This answer made both men raise eyebrows at the youth's words. Sun Jian brought up his left hand up to his face and started to stroke his chin deep in thought, where as his friends continued to silently observe the boy
'Hmm. How interesting, he quite the gentleman and very courageous too. Not many would look at me in the eye to get a point across. I could grow to like this boy.'
'This young man is quite interesting. Perhaps he's not as bad as I thought; he at least seems well mannered' Huang Gai broke out into a grin 'He-he, Sun Ce could pick up a few this kids' habits'
"Very well my name is Sun Jian, the tiger of Jiang Dong, and this man next to me" gesturing toward the club wielding brawler "Is my faithful friend and retainer Huang Gai"
Huang Gai gave a quick nod "A pleasure."
Shinjiro nodded to both men first before speaking " I am Shinjiro Taiga and these women behind me are my friends, if you would allow them to introduce themselves things may proceed more smoothly" the two men nodded in confirmation and the girls closed the gap between them and the group of men.
Once the girls were side by side with Shinjiro, Sun Jian spoke up "Now that your 'friends' have joined our discussion won't they now introduce themselves?"
"Subaru Kujo" the small androgynous girl spoke
Roseita put on a huge grin on her face despite being frightened earlier by these two "I'm Roseita Aries! It's nice to meet you!"
"Diana Caprice a pleasure." The blond bowed humbly
Gemini was in full blown fan-girl mode "WOW! I can't believe I'm standing in your presence!" she quickly kneeled down "Gemini Sunrise, an honor to stand before you, your lordships."
The African American lawyer cringed at the sight of her friend's eccentric behavior "Ahh…Charon Archer, it's an honor." Her introduction however drew curious glances from the two men. 'Why the heck are they looking at me for?'
Huang Gai decided to ask what was probably on both his and Sun Jian's minds, although not quite how Sun Jian would have said it "Why is a Nanman Savage this far away from her native jungles?"
Charon scowled darkly and started to grit her teeth "What exactly do you mean 'Nanman Savage' big guy?" as she started to shoot daggers at the man for his rather rude comment. Sun Jian moved to intervene and provide damage control lest he lose his friend to a woman's scorn "Forgive him Lady Archer. Huang Gai has had bad experiences with the 'citizens' of Nan Zhong. I know that it does not make it excusable but please let it go, I assure he meant no harm for his words."
Charon quickly darted her eyes toward Sun Jian before she sent one final glare at Huang Gai admitting a small "fine" in the process. Sun Jian nodded before he lightly smacked him in the back of the head and asked Huang Gai to apologize which he acquiesced to before he resumed his speaking with Mr. Taiga and his friends
"Now that we all know who we all are and have set aside our differences let us resume our talk. Now tell me who exactly you people are and why you are out here."
Gemini spoke up "We are simply travelling entertainers, your lordship." The rest of the star division nodded their heads in acknowledgement of the statement since it wasn't too far away from the truth. Sun Jian gave a quick glance at his comrade before he crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes
The red leader tried to call their bluff if it was such "If that is so then why don't you show us your performance then. Morale is low in the troops and a show or two may get their minds off things…"
The stars were now a tad worry since their half-truth had been called ever so readily before anyone could begin to come up with something else to say, but luck happened to be on their side these negotiations…for now at least.
"We never really had a chance to prepare" Roseita said drawing the attentions of the group "Something…bad happened to our home when we left." She lowered her head to the ground as she now recalled all the people and friends they had left behind back in New York especially her beloved Niccolo, Diana seeing the pitiable girl sad expression calmly put her arms around the girl showering her with maternal affection. Sun Jian eyes softened slightly before he turned back to Shinjiro with a look that clearly said 'Explain'.
Shinjiro himself glanced away from the sheer intensity of the man eyes "Our home…was attacked." measuring his words "As far as we know nobody survived, so we left never looking back. So here we are today." The young captain summarized in a sort of truthful way
Sun Jian let his gaze fall 'Yet another group of victims amid the chaos of the land' before he banished the thoughts away and returned to the matter at hand "Tell me, if we offered you possible sanctuary would you accept?" his words drawing a understanding nod from his steadfast servant
Subaru decided to test the waters of their hospitality next "What exactly would be the conditions of this agreement? It would be best neither of us bit off more than could be chewed." she glanced at the two men, not too eager to express her beginning to hope that perhaps they might catch a lucky break after all
The two men quickly turned and faced one another whispering quietly into each others' ear, occasionally nodding and offering suggestions. The star division themselves were also trying to think of a few suggestions themselves in case if one terms could not be met perhaps another could be offered. After another minute of deliberation the men seemed set and explained their conditions
"You are to surrender all your weapons to us. It will be a sign of good faith that you are not with the yellow turbans and that you will not try and stab us in the back when our guards are down." Huang Gai commanded which caused Shinjiro and a few others to narrow their eyes at the prospect of surrendering their only real means of defending themselves to total possibly hostile strangers.
"Those are some hard terms if you ask me." Charon gritted out not fond of putting everyone in a possibly even more dangerous situation then they were already in.
"Subaru agrees with Charon on the matter. While we may have your acceptance on the matter that is not to say that all your subordinates will follow suit, if the prejudice outburst by your man here is any indication." She said gesturing to Huang Gai who had the decency to at least look bashful at the jab to his outburst earlier
'Hmm, they are wise as well as cautious, before trusting outsiders.' Sun Jian had come to understand that lesson from many a battle and it had served him well if his continued existence was any testimony to that truth. He eyed the group to ensure no malicious thoughts were to be implemented later on, if his next words were anything to go by
"I do see that you have a point. So what exactly do you suggest so as to avoid an in passant?" The ruler conceded but whose tone said they were beginning to walk out on thin ice, thin ice that would very easily break if pushed came to shove. Shinjiro however decided to ask the demon in his head a rather important question regarding all of this which could make break them.
'Hey Nobunaga-dono, what do you think of this man, can he be trusted?'
'Yes, he appears to be a man of character. I'd say placing trust in him wouldn't be foolhardy.' Nobunaga informed Shinjiro, which caused a relieved smile to grace his face
'Thanks then Lord Nobunaga' Shinjiro thanked the demon before stating his proposition "Lord Sun Jian, Master Huang Gai, would you agree to my terms in which: everyone except me turn over their weapons to you."
His proposition garnered a few wary glances from his team but the moment they looked in to his eyes, they saw the same fire of determination that helped inspire them to invade Nobunaga's castle and confront the demon himself. Their apprehensiveness soon gave way to confidence knowing their leader had an undeniable reason behind him. Sun Jian and Huang Gai both being extremely experienced soldiers noticed the sudden change in demeanor of everyone in the 'troupe of entertainers' and were thoroughly confused by it
'Did I just miss something?' Sun Jian pondered at the sudden change in attitude these kids underwent, within a blink of an eye
'It appears this boys word and actions inspire the rest of them, if I had to guess he's probably the leader for a reason' Huang Gai theorized trying to sort out all the possibilities behind the 'troupe'.
They were both cut from their thoughts as Shinjiro spoke once again confidence brimming in his voice "The reason I suggest this is because both sides seem to be distrusting of each other, so by giving most of our weapons to you we won't be a threat and at the same time we will not be helpless."
"And what will you do with your weapon exactly?" Huang Gai asked in a low tone not entire wanting to believe the kids a threat but one couldn't be too certain, almost immediately as if sensing Huang Gai's and possibly Sun Jian's worry, Shinjiro decided it was time for a put up or shut up action "I will use it to protect my friends. I swear to you upon my Yamato honor that it will not leave it sheath unless it is to defend them."
Sun Jian and Huang Gai glanced back to one another judging what the other thought about the predicament. It wasn't exactly an unreasonable request to be sure, hell the reason behind it would make any logical person agree to it in terms of soundness, plus it did allow the two a glimpse of the character of the person they were now considering giving temporary sanctuary too. They merely shrugged saying they agreed to his terms, and Sun Jian called his troops over and took them back to their main head quarters.
(Sun Jian's army's camp)
After having most of their weapons stripped from them excluding Shinjiro's since it was part of the deal, Subaru's fans since they couldn't kill and Roseita's guns the stars saying they were merely elaborate stage props, passed through the entrance of the camp flanking behind Huang Gai and the remounted Sun Jian. The camp wasn't much different from a huge camp site with a few hundred tents and occasional horse tied to a tree, nothing to out of the ordinary. Still each of the stars was keeping their eyes on specific things, to report back when they decided to have the next group discussion. Shinjiro kept his eyes firmly on the leaders to ensure they weren't being mislead around the camp and wondering if Sun Jian was related to Sun Shang Xiang their mission, Subaru was searching for any possible escape routes should things go south, Charon was busy staring at the men of the camp trying to get a feel for their presence, Diana was keeping count in her head at the number of people they passed, Gemini was glancing at any weaponry left laying about or being shown off by the soldiers, and Roseita was being watchful to make sure that nobody tried anything while they advanced through the camp. After walking for about 5 minutes they came to a small cottage, no doubt where the lord slept and held important meetings.
Sun Jian dismounted and bid a soldier to give the horse food and water before beckoning the stars into his living quarters, while Huang Gai ordered five more soldiers to stay outside and wait until possibly being called in and then enter himself. Inside the small cottage, the stars were greeted with the sights of numerous scrolls laying about haphazardly on the oak desk and floor, a few swords were lined up side by side against the man's' bed. A few chairs were in the room showing that a meeting of some kind was held here not too long ago. Sun Jian motioned them towards the chairs while he sat on his cot with Huang Gai manning the door to ensure no one got in or out without his master's say so. Once the stars situated themselves into their chairs, they focused on Sun Jian listening intently on whatever made him bring them to his quarters.
Sun Jian gave a weary sigh before speaking to them "It pains me to say this, but for the time being you will have to travel with us as we cannot up and leave in our current situation involving the yellow turbans"
"If you would Lord Sun Jian, could you tell us about these 'yellow turbans' we were attacked not too long ago but are unsure why?" Subaru asked trying to gain any form of information regarding the current status of the world surrounding the stars.
Sun Jian frowned as he leaned forward bringing his interlocked hands underneath his chin so it could rest "You must have been from a very small town if you haven't heard of them. (Sigh) The yellow turbans are a group of religious rebels led by Zhang Jiao and his brothers. They believe in something called 'the way of peace', now normally that wouldn't be a bad thing since the world can use peace every now and then, however the higher ups in the imperial courts have declared them heretical and has ordered them disbanded. Naturally the yellow turbans felt threatened and are now staging this rebellion which could bring down all of china in its wake if left unchecked, which is the reason I, as well as several other, have been dispatched to put an end to it all."
"So if these 'yellow turbans' are dispatched we'd be ok to leave?" Charon spoke up summarizing the problem up nicely for everyone
"You are correct Miss Archer" the gruff voice of Huang Gai announced from his position nearby the entrance
"So these people are leading a rebellion because their beliefs aren't accepted, how sad." Diana commented obviously unhappy at having to help put down a rebellion of oppressed people merely because of a small difference in opinion.
"I completely agree with ya Diana, but it doesn't seem like we'll be able to talk them out of it" Gemini said to try and reassure the medic, thought not too happy at the prospect herself
"I don't wish to admit it, but we don't have a choice in the matter and time is of the essence. We'll need to help Sun Jian." Subaru whispered into Shinjiro's ear, which made him frown but nod
'I personally don't like the fact that I'll be doing this, but IF this Sun Jian is related to Sun Shang Xiang we really can't let him die or turn our backs to him since he did offer sanctuary for the time being.' Shinjiro weighed in his head the possibilities and outcomes "Lord Sun Jian, tell me for the time being would it be possible for us to fight under you?" The young man spoke getting a curious glance from the tiger of Jiang Dong
The man smirked feral-like "Oh? You wish to aid us? I thought you nothing more than a brave entertainer."
"Think of it as a sign of good faith." Shinjiro replied back to the smirking tiger who now seemed to go into deep thought over the idea, possible running over the fact they could be yellow turban sleeper cell given their first encounter.
An unlikely, but still feasible conclusion
"Very well though to stay on the safe side, your team will not join you. They may tend to the wounded though from the rear because I'd rather not lose sleep over the fact that I may have been sending women to their possible deaths. It is not becoming of a gentleman, although the smaller boy sitting next to you may join if he wishes." Sun Jian reasoned, getting an undetectable scowl from Subaru (1) and a few snickers from Roseita and Charon, which confused Huang Gai who was still looking on at the conversation
"I do agree to this…although I request that Subaru stay with the girls as well. She doesn't have any formal combat training in the sword, spear or bow to the extent of my knowledge and won't have enough time for training if she lacks in those areas." said Shinjiro trying to keep his entire team and friends' safe until the storm blew over
Sun Jian nodded quickly but then started to process what Shinjiro had said and when it clicked he put on a rather unique look on his face. His eyes grew wide and his eyebrows flew up, his mouth parting into a small o and slightly blushed from embarrassment "I am sorry Miss Kujo. I didn't mean to insult you like that I beg your pardon" The gentleman pleaded to which Subaru dismissively waved off, after seeing his over the top yet earnest apology
"Anyway, I think that's all for today. Please join me tomorrow, and I will explain our strategy."
"Very well, thank-you for your hospitality Lord Sun Jian, as well as you Master Huang Gai." Shinjiro spoke as he and the stars rose from their chairs preparing to leave the tiger to his own devices
"You may rest in the tents I've had prepared for you, by my soldiers. If you have any questions or complaints please don't hesitate to ask, because personally I'd rather the girls stay in my cottage but given our current situation it isn't possible. Now then, Master Huang Gai if you would please show them the way." The leader said to his man as he lay down to prepare to sleep himself.
"Yes milord!" the man bowed as he walked out leading the star division away for the night
To be continued…
Sun Jian: Hmm. I see very well.
Sun Jian :(Sigh) perhaps that boy and Huang Gai would be enough.
Sun Jian: Next episode of Sakura Warriors 'Skirmishes'
Sun Jian: I really don't want to explain to his friends if he dies…
Sun Jian: Bang to the roof tops!
Author's notes:
Ok to some of you out there who might interpret that me taking away all of the star except Shinjiro out of the battle sexist allow me to explain.
To the extent of my knowledge (ME personally) I don't know if any of the other star members were trained in the form of combat with other weapons. Reason is:
Subaru uses regular folding fans in battle (Stars universe); this wouldn't provide any real damage except maybe disarming the enemy like she did to Shinjiro in their duel in the construction site.
Roseita is a little girl it's out of the question that they'd (Gai, Shin, Jian and ME) send her (an 11 year old kid) out to kill people
Diana is pacifistic and a doctor so she's better in the rear. (Doesn't mean she'll be stuck their forever though)
Charon wouldn't be too hard to see out there since she knows how to fight and probably seen people die before but I doubt she has any formal martial arts training especially with weapons
Gemini is like Charon in that you could see her out there. It's only because Sun Jian ordered them unable to participate and the fact I can't see her killing yet (It was Geminime who wanted revenge NOT Gemini)
Now that you've read my explanation you understand. This DOES NOT mean they won't participate in battle in this fic, I'm just waiting further on in the fic to actually give them training to FIGHT.
A Stars explanation
Subaru scowled because the way she is dressed in her stars attire along with her voice should make it a tad more obvious she is a woman, and is a little miffed at being called a boy since; although, she hadn't given any such indications otherwise could have been asked…as to whether she would answer is of course another thing altogether…after all Subaru is Subaru nothing more nothing less.
Author's note:
While I have posted this…I haven't quite returned to it. I posted this merely as a token gesture and at the behest of yuki-sama. I think I only have one chapter after this, so I may not scrape this idea and start anew. I will have to think on it though.