Arriving at the Main Camp, the doors opened to reveal that everyone had already arrived and was preparing to move out.

The ground beneath Kai's feet felt as if it was giving way and his heart sped up as the sudden realisation of the fact that he was about to enter a battle hit home. His vision became blurry and his throat began to ache as though something were stuck in it. It wasn't that Kai was a coward, but the thought of dying in battle terrified him.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and tried his hardest to slow his heartbeat.

'Push onwards. I will fight for Lord Cao Cao's ambition and my father's name. I'll be fine. Everyone will be here with me. I'll be fine' He thought to himself, repeating the last words over in his head to calm himself. He couldn't let the men and women of Wei see him like this. Guo Kai, son of Guo Jia had his father's reputation to live up to.

Opening his eyes, he was met with the slim figure of Zhang He approaching him.

"Aaaah Kai you're here and just in time." Zhang He placed his left hand in the palm of the other and smiled. Kai had dressed himself in his armour the previous day and with his shield on his right arm and his sword in his left, he was ready for battle. Nervous...But ready. Kai dismounted his steed and two stable hands calmly took the horse to the stables.

"Thank you Master Zhang He. So what's the plan?"

"We are standing on the tremendous mountain of Dingjun and we are to defend the Main Camp from three sides until our reinforcements from the east and west arrive. Then we will charge the Shu forces for a victory covered in beauty!"

"Did you get all that Kai?" Zhang He inquired. The young man only nodded but stayed silent forever more.

Looking around at everyone in the camp, Kai took note of his allies. There was Wang Yi who was standing over by the tall wooden fence looking out towards the battlefield. Kai had to admit to himself that he was fascinated with Wang Yi. He wondered what thoughts go through her head after all that she has been through. He was not privy to her woes and past struggles but that did nothing but enhance his curiosity.

He saw Guo Huai over by the main tent that had its doors pulled open and aside. The elder man coughed rather violently before he took a sip of a drink and seemed to feel a little better. Kai always wondered what condition ailed Guo Huai and had actually asked him once. Huai told him not to worry about his life but to worry about his own life for how could he carry the dreams of Wei worrying about his elders? He did not remember too much about the conversation apart from that Guo Huai had told him that he possessed a rare lung disease and that whilst there was no cure, Guo Huai was under effective treatment which keeps the disease at bay and him alive.

"Brother!" Kai heard armour clunking and smiled to himself as he turned around and saw his sworn brother Ba and his father walking towards him. Kai wondered what they were smiling about, they were about to go to battle. So why are they smiling?

As he thought to himself, Xiahou Ba patted his brother's shoulder with a smile. It was then that Kai grinned happily for the father and son Xiahou duo always had a smile on their face. No matter what the occasion.

"You're nervous aren't you?" Ba asked.

"I am...But I think i'll be okay. Hehe this is our first battle together as sworn brothers. I'll cover your back brother."

"And you cover mine." The two of them fist bumped eachother before they walked off to retrieve Ba's weapon.

Kai still found it a strange thing...But questioning how it worked always gave him a headache. he was certain not even Ba knew how it worked.

Xiahou Yuan did though.

Zhang He walked over to Xiahou Yuan and observed the young men.

"Look at them Master Xiahou Yuan. The future of Wei will be a bright and beautiful future indeed with them on the field."

Xiahou Yuan scratched his head sheepishly as he looked on "Heh, when you put it like that, you make it sound like destiny."

"And what if it was? Perhaps the three of them are destined to lead Wei into a glorious new age."

"Three?"

"Indeed. Guo Kai, Xiahou Ba and Yu Ning." Zhang He walked over to the two as he finished the sentence; joined shortly by Xiahou Yuan. Both Ba and Kai bowed to the elder officers.

"You two ready for this?"

"Yes Sir!" Kai and Ba shouted at once.

"I'm sure you will all do fine. Kai; defend the southern gate with Zhang He."

"Yes my lord!" Kai said as he readied his sword and shield for battle.

The atmosphere suddenly began to change as Yuan gave his orders and Kai's heartbeat began to pick up again. All emotions he could possibly feel were surfacing, excitement, fear, worry to name a few. But there was no way he was letting himself become clouded with any of those.

"Ba, you're with me for the moment, we'll take the eastern gate."

"Alright! Fighting by your side will be a blast. But make sure you take it easy."

"Hey, I'll have you know that I am not old yet son. I can still whoop your ass in the blink of an eye!" Xiahou Yuan patted his son on the back and joked with him before mounting his horse and heading for the eastern gate.

Kai giggled a little as he watched Ba run off after him.

'For a small guy clad in such heavy armour, Ba can move fast.' Kai thought to himself before moving over to the southern gate, Zhang He was right behind him.

"Ready young master Guo Kai?"

"As ready as i'll ever be."

"Don't worry Scion of the Guo family, you will be perfectly fine. Remember you have allies to call upon if you are need of assistance. When the performance becomes too difficult."

"Thanks Master Zhang He. I will bear that in mind." Zhang He placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and gave him a smile. It seemed to work as Kai smiled and conjured three orbs.

"What are those for?"

"Well the enemy is beyond the gate, they'll be pretty shocked when they see three spiked orbs flying towards them!" As Kai finished a soldier had approached them "Master Zhang He, Master Guo Kai, Master Xiahou Yuan has given the order to begin the march"

"Alrighty then. Here we go!" Kai shouted as the soldier pulled on a rope and opened the gate.

It seemed that the battle was already underway as soldiers clad in blue and green hacked away at each other and fought in the name of their lords. Numerous Shu soldiers rushed Kai as he ran out of the gates with He, directing his left arm forward, his three spiked orbs shot into the ranks of the enemy; pushing them down with unimaginable force. Those three orbs were replaced by two more as Kai ducked underneath the spear of another soldier and returned the favour with a blow from his sword. It connected with the soldier's stomach and he fell down in a flash, ceasing to move.

Turning around, Kai saw that Zhang He needed no help at all as he cut down all soldiers who blindly threw themselves at him, hoping to infringe some sort of wound upon him. Summoning three more orbs; Kai turned around to face another large group of green soldiers racing towards him; Kai counted twenty in all.

A small smirk appeared across his he held his right hand up and all five orbs hovered above his hand in a spherical motion.

"You might want to back away now…" As he finished; the orbs sped up before Kai threw them at them at the enemy, pummelling their ranks and sending all but one tumbling down the hill they ran up.

That one was smarter than most and jumped above the orbs and continued running towards Kai; his sword was interesting to say the least but Kai had no time to admire it, for it was coming straight for him.

The warrior swung his sword left to right. He jumped up high and brought his sword down upon Kai. Holding his sword horizontally and his shield, he blocked the oncoming blow and held it there. Pulling his left hand away from his weapon; he quickly summoned an orb and threw it towards the warrior who responded by jumping to the side and back; he was joined by a few soldiers as Kai was joined by five.

"I am Zhang Bao, son of Zhang Fei!" Bao pointed his sword towards Kai and the soldiers began fighting amongst their opponents. Zhang Bao's sword seemed to be like a blade and a snake fused into one being. Kai had to admire its...Uniqueness.

"Oh I've heard about you. The big, strong son of the mighty Zhang Fei. I'm quaking in my boots." Zhang Bao growled a little at him.

"I suppose you're gonna say something along the lines of 'I will cut you down in the name of my lord Liu Bei and benevolence!' right?" Kai did his best imitation of Zhang Bao's voice and stressed the 'Ence' in benevolence

Kai's mockery of his voice angered Zhang Bao enough to charge him.

"I'll take that as a yes." Readying his weapon, the two traded blows but neither made any lasting damage to the other. Kai swung his sword in an upwards motion but the attack missed. Bao responded by jumping back and up into the air; he came down with the force of an elephant and gave a mighty slash to the left. Kai managed to block the attack but the sheer force of the attack made his arms ache.

'He's stronger than me; I have to think of a way to beat him...' Kai thought to himself as he backed away and summoned an orb, throwing it at Zhang Bao. He deflected the orb and charged at Kai, slashing his arm in the process. The pain was searing but Kai didn't scream. Maybe it was the adrenaline but the pain seemed to go away after a second or so.

'If I can just tire him out, he'll get slower and his strength will decrease. When that happens; it's bye bye son of Zhang Fei.'

Zhang Bao smirked as he landed the hit and came in for another swipe. Blocking the incoming attack; the two found themselves caught in a deadlock. Each young man pushing his weapon against the other's in a test of strength.

"So you're the son of Guo Jia eh? I've heard about you. Always had you for the weakling strategist type."

"Please, if anyone belongs in that category…" Kai stopped talking and delivered a weak but fast kick to Bao's stomach, forcing the Shu Officer to back away.

"It's that idiot lord of yours, Zhuge Liang was it?"

"Oh you're gonna regret that!" Zhang Bao ran forward and slashed at Kai numerous times. Kai did not bother to block but instead dodged each attack. Kai noticed that Bao was breathing heavier than before. He was getting a little tired which is exactly what he had been waiting for. Bao jumped and brought his blade down upon Kai. It extended like a whip and almost hit Kai in the face before he rolled around Bao and using the opportunity presented to him, summoned 4 orbs and swung his sword horizontally towards his opponent, drawing blood from Bao's side. Kai was unsure of how much damage he did but he wasn't about to let this moment slip away from him. Moving his left arm forward towards the Shu warrior, the orbs summoned by him slammed themselves into Bao's back. Kai was now sure he had done some damage as he heard a few snaps and saw blood coming from the wounds created by the spikes. Bao was pushed to the ground by the force of the orbs. Remembering his father's words about killing an opponent; Kai motioned for an orb to return whilst the other three dissipated into the air and faded away.

Kai walked up to Bao who was struggling to get up after the attack

"I'm really sorry about this…" he said

'...I just don't want you killing me today.' He thought to himself.

Kai aimed the orb and at his head; looking to crush it. He threw the orb only for a nameless soldier to take the blow. The face of the soldier and his spiked orb had become one and Kai could only turn his head away quickly to avoid looking at the carnage he had wrought upon that soldier's face. This gave Zhang Bao enough time to get up and jump over behind Kai. His heart skipped a beat. Kai had made a terrible error in judgment and allowed his opponent to get behind him. However Bao did not attack him and was instead running off away from the gate. He was leaving a small trail of blood and Kai was surprised that he was able to run at all.

He stopped running when at a safe distance and turned around to face Kai.

"Listen up Guo Kai, you may have won this round but our next rematch; you won't be so lucky. Men pull back and regroup!"

Upon finishing his sentence, he resumed running with his soldiers following after him. Kai began to chase after him until his hand was grabbed by Zhang He.

"You have won the fight Young Master Kai but don't pursue an enemy if you don't need to. Recklessness can get you killed."

"Ye-Yes my lord." As the last few soldiers of Shu withdrew, the surviving Wei soldiers crowded around Kai and He. Some patted Kai on the back and praised his fighting skills "My lord! That was incredible!"

"Well done Lord Guo Kai!"

"With you on our side, we can't be defeated!"

Zhang He smiled, placed his hand on Kai's shoulder and nodded.

"That was perhaps the most inspired display of beauty I have seen Young Master Kai. If you're father was here, he would be prouder than anyone right now."

"Thanks! I'm just glad i'm not dead." Kai looked at his arm which had been cut, the bleeding had stopped but it was fairly deep.

"Are you in need of medical attention Young Master?"

"No no I am fine. Honest. Nothing a few bandages won't solve when we're all done he-"

" My lord!" Kai, He and a few soldiers turned around to see a messenger on the ground kneeling in front of them "Huang Zhong of Shu has been spotted in the north. He is advancing on Mt Tiandang and Lord Xiahou Yuan has gone to confront him. Furthermore, Lady Wang Yi and Lord Guo Huai have successfully defended the Western Gate and are regrouping their forces."

Kai thought for a moment 'If the enemy capture Mt Tiandang, they'll have a nice view of our Main Camp. I hope lord Xiahou Yuan will be okay...' Kai's eyes widened as he realized something important. 'Stumpy is all alone!'

"Lord Zhang He, if Lord Xiahou Yuan had gone to Mt Tiandang, Xiahou Ba is all alone, do I have your permission to reinforce him?"

Zhang He smiled as he rested his chin on the blunt end of his claws.

"Yes. You may go but take some troops with you." Kai bowed to He and followed by 15 soldiers, he ran back through the Main Camp and towards the Eastern Gate.

Arriving at the gate, it was quite a sight to see as numerous bodies of Shu and Wei soldiers littered the place. However the place was not a graveyard yet as numerous soldiers were still battling it out. Looking around for Xiahou Ba, Kai summoned 6 orbs and surveyed the large group of Shu soldiers that seemed to be crowding around something.

"Get ready for this!" Swinging his right arm above his head in a circular motion, the orbs followed suit and began to spin around his head in the same way. Swinging his arm in the direction of the soldiers, the orbs; following his command as though they were sentient beings rushed towards the soldiers and sweeped through them like a bloodthirsty snake hunting its prey through bushes.

"Hey!" Kai turned around to see Xiahou Ba behind him.

"What the? I thought you was over there." Kai pointed at the group of soldiers that were now moaning in pain with a confused look on his face.

"I thought they were crowding around you."

"Nope. They're crowding around him." Ba pointed to the crowd to see a man clad in teal armour

"I won't be going easy on you kids. So come!"

The man was holding a spear and walked slowly but rather menacingly towards them. Readying their weapons, Ba charged his siege spear as Kai summoned an orb, it began to circle his entire body rather slowly, as though it was cautious itself. A few foolish allied soldiers behind them threw themselves at the warrior but in the blink of an eye; were swept clean aside by the warrior's spear.

As many soldiers attacked and met the same fate, he held his gaze with Kai and Ba; instilling fear within them. But neither boys allowed themselves to be overcome with their fear and held their gaze with him.

He drew ever closer; not speeding up nor slowing down. It was as though he knew his presence was somewhat frightening. However Kai had no time to contemplate what was going on as the warrior seemed to flit towards them. Kai threw two orbs at the warrior but just like before, he jumped over the orbs and shot his spear like a javelin towards the two. The weapon connected with the ground and emitted a blue shock wave that threw both boys back a bit, Kai drew his sword and proceeded to whack the spear and break it.

Sadly this maneuver failed instantly for no sooner had the warrior landed had he grabbed his spear and attacked Kai, slashing at his chest. Whilst the chestplate protected him from damage, it still caught him off guard. The skilled warrior did not stop there as he sweeped Kai's leg from underneath him with the blunt end of his spear. The Wei teenager fell to the ground with a hard 'Thud'. Not wishing to die here, Kai rolled to the side away from the officer.

Rising to his feet, he looked up at the warrior, who had moved to Xiahou Ba. For the most part, the son of Xiahou Yuan was holding his own against the officer's relentless attacks.

Taking the opportunity to attack him, Kai threw an orb at him and ran with it, jumping up and bringing his sword down on the warrior. This however also failed as he turned around and blocked Kai's sword and kicked Ba in the gut at the same time.

Kai held his shield in place with the sword behind it and tried to push against the spear with all his might but in actuality, he was the one being pushed back; he would have preferred fighting Zhang Bao over this guy any day! Xiahou Ba had recovered from the kick and with his siege spear charged and ready, he held onto its handle as it sped straight for Kai and the officer as if it had a life of its own.

Kai gasped before pulling away and rolling well out of the way of the siege spear; so as not to get caught in its own violent momentum. He always pestered Ba about how dangerous that machine can be.

The hostile officer had just about avoided the full impact of the spear but not before receiving a punch from Xiahou Ba on his way past. As he dismounted from his destructive weapon, he ran over to Kai who was breathing heavily, rather tired from the ordeal, his gaze was fixed with the warrior's eyes who had regained his composure "You two fight well. Your father's would both be proud to see you able to hold your own against me-"

The warrior was cut off as a messenger for the enemy approached him and knelt down "Lord Zhao Yun, enemy reinforcements from the east have arrived. If we do not pull back now, we will be cut off from our allies!"

Zhao Yun, the famous Zhao Yun. Guo Kai had just fought with Zhao Yun and held his own! He couldn't help but smile as not only had he fought with one of the greatest warriors around but he earned praise from said warrior.

Zhao Yun issued a retreat to his men and took one last look at the boys "Well done both of you. Until we meet again!"

With that, the Devil of Chang Ban as Kai knew him ran off into the distance and towards the south. Now that things had calmed down a bit; Kai took a deep breath only to be met with a sharp pain as he remembered the blow he took to the chest.

"You okay Kai?" Ba placed his hand on Kai back and had a look of concern for his friend on his face

"You kidding? We just fought off Zhao Yun and lived to tell everyone about it!" Placing his sword back on his back and clenching his right fist, he held up his arm in the air to meet Ba's own arm. Their victorious moment was cut short when another friendly messenger appeared from beside them and knelt.

"My lords, our reinforcements from the east and west have arrived and Lord Guo Huai has given the order to charge the enemy Main Camp."

"Can never catch a break can we?" Ba complained

"No worries Stumpy. When this is all over, i'll grab Lord Cao Cao's bottle of wine when he's not looking and we can share it!"

"Aye ya…I don't think that would be a good idea you know. You don't want to see me drunk."

"Oh but I do!" Kai laughed as he bounced an orb in his palm, not even noticing the spikes that were hitting his hand.

Another messenger approached them.

"My lords, Lord Zhang He's unit have begun the march. Lord Guo Huai and Lady Wang Yi have also begun to move."

"Well then, I guess we should probably get a move on." Ba said as he charged his spear.

"Yes I think that would be a grand idea." The boys turned around to see the Jia Xu behind them on his horse and followed by his troops.

"Ah Lord Jia Xu!" Ba was pleased to see the reinforcements

"How you doing old-timer?" Kai joked as he approached the horse and stroked it beautiful; velvety mane.

Jia Xu gave Kai a stern look before his mouth slowly began to curve into a smile "I will have you know that this old-timer can still beat you at Go in under five moves."

Kai blushed slightly and looked down at his feet, embarrassed as Ba sniggered in the background

"Now come on you two, we have a Main Camp to raid."

"Yes sir! Troops! Regroup and follow us!" The two teens bowed to the elder and ran off down the hillside.

Kai's heart had been beating with the speed of a tiger throughout this entire battle and now; it felt as if it was going to pump right out of his chest and onto the grass.

'Keep going.' He thought to himself as his vision became blurry once more. Stopping for a moment he rubbed his eyes and shook his head to clear his vision.

"Is something wrong Kai?" Jia Xu asked as he slowed his horse down

"I'm fine honestly."

"Glad to hear it. it would be a shame if you just dropped on the floor unconsci-"

"My lord!" Another messenger appeared and bowed towards Jia Xu.

"Oh look another messenger." Kai turned to face him as Xiahou Ba ran back after seeing the two officers halt their advance.

"We have received orders for everyone back to the Main Camp. We are to regroup there immediately."

Kai and Ba both glared at eachother, confused by the orders and looked to Jia Xu who seemed equally confused.

"Yes boys, it is rather strange."

Kai's heart began to sink. It felt as though it would descend right through the earth and take him with it.

"Something...Isn't right Lord Jia Xu. I can feel it. In my heart…"

"What do you mean?"

"I can't quite explain it...But, something isn't right."

"Yes, I think I understand what you mean kid. I feel it too." The older strategist rubbed his sharp beard.

"C'mon then boys, no point standing around waiting for death. Lets get a move on and see what's what."

Arriving back in the Main Camp, Kai felt it almost immediately. The solemn mood. It was like an airborne virus, you breathed it in and it got stuck in your throat and made it hurt, before you knew it the rest of your body had followed suit. Kai felt a stinging ache in his throat; like he was expecting something unpleasant to happen. He turned to Jia Xu who had dismounted his horse.

"I'm going to see Master Guo Huai."

Kai nodded and turned to Xiahou Ba who looked worse than he did; he looked worried.

"Ba, what's wrong?"

"Where's my father?"

His voice broke a little upon saying 'father'.

Kai looked around to see if he was outside with them; Kai could only assume he was in the tent with the others.

"He's probably in the tent with the others."

Kai looked around and surveyed the area a little more, he saw Wang Yi who was sitting down, looking miserable as usual.

That was probably her happy face.

Hearing numerous footsteps, the golden haired teen looked to the right to see Jia Xu, Zhang He and Guo Huai approaching. Each one looking sadder than the last. Kai bowed to all three but couldn't help but notice Ba not bowing. Was he lost in his own thoughts? Or just being rude?

"Young Master…" Zhang He spoke and his tone of voice told Kai everything he needed to know. His heart felt heavy and he could only watch as the grief he had experienced twice already; came back for a third, unhealthy time.

"Where...Where is my father?" Ba's voice broke numerous times; as though he had something stuck in his throat. Kai held his heart as it began to sink even further and wiped away his own tear as as the ice cold, hard reality of the situation hit home for both him and his best friend.

"I'm...I'm terribly sorry Young Master…" Zhang He wiped away a few tears and Guo Huai grabbed Ba and forced him into a hug. Kai's ears ringed with Ba's sobs and protests, that his father couldn't be dead, that he would show up anytime now. Refusing to believe what he probably already knew.

"I'm so sorry Ba...I'm so...So...Sorry Ba…" Kai felt his own flurry of tears building but tried to stay strong and hold them back. He has to be strong.

"I hate them!" Ba screamed as he pulled away from Huai aggressively. He wiped his eyes with the soft part of his gloves and gritted his teeth

"For as long as I live and breathe, my father...I'll avenge him...and Liu Bei...Liu Bei will fall! They'll all fall! I hate them! I'll kill them!" Ba broke down and knelt down on the ground.

Crying some more, he cursed their enemies under his breath. Kai went over to him and put a hand on his shoulder before Xiahou Ba slapped it away. Kai knew when to leave him alone and he took a deep breath as the ache in his chest got worse.

He turned to Jia Xu who looked sad but showed no signs of shedding any tears.

"Kai."

"Ye….Yes master?"

"Go with Wang Yi and gather all remaining troops. I am issuing a retreat"

"But...But Lord Jia X-"

"Do as I say Kai!" Jia Xu's change in tone and volume was enough to silence Kai's protests. He stared at Jia Xu before bowing and moving to complete his assigned task.

The brave men and women under Cao Cao were at a loss without their commander and had to pull back from the mountain. Now was the time for action, grief had to take a step back for a moment.