Dynasty Warriors: Strength to Change the Land
Chapter 9 of my Dynasty Warriors story; enjoy :)
Reviews
Diao Lover: Thanks.
AncientHeartlessKai: Yeah, I know, Sun Jian's death is always a tragedy. Yeah, I wanted to work in a scene with the family; especially with Cao Pi being younger. Yup, Cao Cao grows ever stronger; however things are going to start changing, swiftly.
Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Dynasty Warriors belongs to Koei.
Chapter 9: Battle of Xu Province
A whole year had passed since Cao-Cao took over Yan Province. In the year that passed Sun Ce had broken free of Yuan Shu and taken over Yang Province. With that victory he became a major power in the land; however Yuan Shu now had his hands on the Imperial Seal. Li Jue and Guo Si remained in power in the Capital and Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan's wars continued to rage. Cao-Cao however felt that his position was secure and contented himself on building up his strength to make his next move. However fate conspired against him, forcing his hand. A messenger arrived with grim news for him.
"My Lord; your father, Lord Cao Song…" The messenger began, his voice choked. "While a guest of Lord Tao Qian of Xu; he was…he was assassinated."
There were gasps and cries of grief and despair, mostly from Cao Ang and Cao Pi at losing their grandfather. Cao-Cao sat in stunned disbelief at the news he heard; finally he shook his head and stood up. Blind rage gripped his heart.
"I will see these men pay for what they've done." He growled. "We advance on Xu Castle at once; I will not rest until Tao Qian is dead and my father's spirit put to rest."
With that the army rallied and prepared itself before marching out to attack Xu Castle.
When Tao Qian heard of the approaching army he immediately rallied his men for a defensive battle. However he knew that his army was too small to match Cao-Cao's. So he sent his trusted officer Mi Zhu to Kong Rong to beg assistance. Meanwhile he prepared to defend the castle using whatever traps and defensive capabilities he could muster. Cao-Cao and his army arrayed in their camp outside the castle; the castle and its nearby surroundings were garrisoned with Tao Qian's men. Cao-Cao saw the way the enemy had dug in and glared.
"This will not save them." He declared angrily. "I will drag them from their hiding spots; no matter the cost; Cao Ren, you are in charge of the vanguard, advance!"
Cao Ren bowed. "Yes, my lord. Yue Jin, Li Dian, Guo Jia, come, we have our orders."
So the army took up their positions and began the advance. However the advance was soon impeded when suddenly a trio of dragon statues at the side of the path began spitting boulders down on Cao-Cao's forces, crushing several of the men.
"I have a feeling the only way to stop these traps is for one or two of us to get past them." Li Dian stated.
Guo Jia nodded. "You are right; hmmm, okay. Li Dian, Yue Jin; pull our men back, try and keep further damage to a minimum. Lord Cao Ren, let us break through and find a means to stop this menace."
They agreed and carried out their tasks; Cao Ren using his Spiked Shield to defend himself and Guo Jia as they advanced.
Finally they escaped the boulders and came out the other side. It was then Cao Ren saw something.
"There Lord Guo Jia." Cao Ren cried. "Catapults."
Guo Jia smiled. "Heading to attack our main camp no doubt." He remarked. "Well, let's take them off the enemy's hands; then we can use them to destroy those boulder traps."
Cao Ren agreed and they charged forwards; Cao Ren used his Spiked Shield as a weapon too; Guo Jia fought with his usual Orb and Sceptre. Together they defeated the soldiers and officer in charge of the catapults. They then moved the catapults into range and began using them to destroy the boulder traps. Once successful they re-joined the main unit and advanced further. Then however Guo Jia stopped them.
"Wait my lord; I don't like the look of this forest." He stated. "Something tells me there's an ambush ahead."
Cao-Cao grunted. "We can't let that stop us; press on, Yue Jin, take some men and go down the left path, Li Dian, you take the right. We'll lure out and destroy their ambush units."
Guo Jia nodded. "A perfect plan, my lord, let us begin then."
So they followed the plan to the letter and took out the ambush. Now they were directly before the castle gates. The outer defences of the castle shattered.
Tao Qian began to fear for his life when finally Mi Zhu returned with Kong Rong and his men; with them were three people Cao-Cao recognized. Liu Bei and his sworn brothers, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.
"They dare to interfere." Cao-Cao growled. "So be it, I shall cut them down too."
He urged his army to continued attacking the castle while also preparing to meet Liu Bei and his men in battle. However despite this he found that he would be unable to accomplish either as at that moment a messenger arrived.
"My lord, terrible news. Yan Province has been overrun." He declared. "Lu Bu's forces have attacked the castle; the men left to defend were scattered."
"What?" Cao-Cao gasped, "Urgh, one disaster upon another. I cannot lose Yan Province; I must call off the attack. So be it."
With that he pulled his army back and called off his assault on Xu Castle; appeasing Liu Bei in the process. So he was able to return to his camp and gather his army, finally calling those scattered from Yan Province together.
"So the beast dares to attack one of my provinces." Cao-Cao remarked darkly. "So be it, he shall pay for this; everyone, gather your fortitude and prepare, for we march to battle against the might Lu Bu."
His men quickly made preparations; knowing that, despite Lu Bu's strength they were in a dire position and that defeat was not an option; they had to succeed at all costs.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.
