Zang Ba and his exhausted forces fought valiantly against the traitorous curs inside the castle however the exhaustion from the previous battle against Cao Cao's forces took their toll despite their determination. Their movements and reactions simply couldn't match the fresh soldiers as they didn't get involved in the battle. The enemy quickly gets the upper hand of the battle, cutting down each loyal soldier under Zang Ba's retinue one by one. Though despite it all Zang Ba stood defiant, slaying any soldier that dared to stand in his way of his vengeance. After impaling his glaive in a grunts stomach he glanced around and found Wei Xu slaying another loyal soldier under his command. Rage began to consume him as he saw him kill wu Zi before he even had a chance to respond! He sprinted towards him while yelling, swinging his glaive from the right side surprising Wei Xu who managed to block the attack but barely. Zang Ba wasn't content with just letting Wei Xu and Song Xian get away with his treachery. He withdrew his weapon and quickly struck overhead. Wei Xu blocked the attack again and stared at Zang Ba.
'Look we didn't want to do this, but its what Shi Huan said. We just wanted to survive and if that means killing you then we'll take that sacrifice, we didn't make this decision lightly.'
'No you just made the wrong choice you traitorous bastard!' Zang Ba yelled as he pushed further into the deadlock, eventually knocking Wei Xu of his feet. He looked up at Zang Ba bewildered by his strength. Zang Ba plummets his glaive in the ground, though Wei Xu manages to roll away and quickly scrambled to his feet. Before he managed to pull up his glaive Wei Xu thrusted his glaive at Zang Ba. Though in a rare display of speed he sidestepped and caught the polearm shocking Wei Xu to the core. Zang Ba pulled the glaive closer to him, forcing Wei Xu to stagger forward only to receive a punch from Zang Ba in the jaw which made him stagger backwards while still wielding the weapon. As he spits out the blood forming inside his mouth Zang Ba picks up the weapons and charged towards him with a horizontal slash aiming for his neck. Wei Xu blocked the attack and entered a deadlock as they both pushed towards each other, neither one giving an inch to the other.
Mitsuko uses her left snake with the broad sword and stabs at Lu Bu numerous times as if she was a natural fencer. Lu Bu managed to block all of them despite the speed of Mitsuko's attacks. Only the clashing of steel can be heard in the throne room as the blades clash after clash. Lu Bu managed to deflect an attack to her left side, knocking the sword away. As he was about to thrust his spear Mitsuko's smirk only grew wider as she already had her crescent blade coming down from above. Lu Bu couldn't dodge in so he intercepted the attack with his sky piercer. As the crescent blade clashed with the immortalised halberd the left snake quickly righted itself as it hovers above Lu Bu and struck downwards. Lu Bu noticed the snake not a moment too soon as Lu Bu forced away the crescent blade and knock Mitsuko back with the end of her the halberd with the motion causing her stagger backwards while spinning around in a circle. Though he didn't realise how close the blade was before its trajectory changed when Mitsuko changed positions. The blade penetrates the ground in front of Lu Bu. Though he felt pain and liquid running down his hear. He touches it with his right hand and looks at it to realise it was blood. The sword completely sliced through the top of his ear.
Mitsuko can't help but demonically laugh at the bewildered yet frustrated look on his face before she straightened her left snake arm again, this time keeping it planted and using it to propel herself forwards towards him with her deadly crescent blade hovering above her like a guillotine. When she's close enough to Lu Bu she dropped it straight down causing Lu Bu to block the attack with the top of the crescent blade inches from his face as the pole arm blocked the blade at the neck of the blade right before hitting the bottom of the snakes jaw. The two warriors enter a deadlock before the blade is removed from the ground and pulled to wildly swing the sword at Lu Bu while he's pre-occupied. Lu Bu again glanced at the side to see the sword, he growled before pushing away taking a step back and letting go of his left hand, allowing Mitsuko's strength in her scythe to drop down to the ground. He had very little time to grab a hold onto it with his left hand as he pulled it to the right side while gripping very close to the blade.
He twisted his arm so the flat side of the halberd met with the sword, allowing Lu Bu to put more strength in the deflection. He withdrew the blade only to thrust it aiming at Mitsuko's chest. Mitsuko quickly recoiled her snakes by her side with the side of the sword and the tip of the crescent blade meet the tip of the halberd, halting it in its tracks. Lu Bu's shocked at this and attempted to push it further to penetrate her chest, though Mitsuko does the same, preventing the tip of the halberd from moving even a millimetre closer to her. Lu Bu glared at her with a determined and frustrated while Mitsuko had a wide grin, showing off her newly formed serrated teeth as she seemed to be enjoying herself. Mitsuko managed to eventually step out of the way of the blade and pushed the halberd away to her right side. Lu Bu staggered slightly but quickly picks up speed, opting to follow the halberd rather than resisting against the force which may leave him more vulnerable he thought to himself. Mitsuko saw an opportunity as she raises her crescent blade slightly so that the tip hovers over the polearm, the blade twists to the right, the very tip facing Lu Bu. Lu Bu widened his eyes as he bent backwards, narrowly missing the blade. He straightened his back and as soon as he could stop, he twisted his body and slashed at Mitsuko's back. Though she turns her torso only she managed to block the attack from the sky piercer with her broadsword. Lu Bu withdrew his sky piercer and got back into his battle-ready stance as did Mitsuko. The snakes slithering around in the air, occasionally hissing. Lu Bu lunges in for another strike.
Zang Ba entered another deadlock with Wei Xu as more and more of his loyal soldiers got slain around him. He growls at Wei Xu who struggled to keep up with Zang Ba's strength due to his rage. Zang Ba let go with his left arm and grabbed the back of Wei Xu's head and pulled him, kneeing him in the gut. When he let go of Wei Xu's head Zang Ba quickly punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground. Wei Xu shook his head and looked up to see Zang Ba towering over him, ready to impale him with his glaive as he raises it high, his eyes only emitting rage at his treachery. Though just before he drops it, he yelled in pain as he crashed to his knees while trying to grab his back with his left arm. He didn't collapse completely though, he keeps himself stable while being on all fours while holding the glaive with his right hand. Replacing Zang Ba's figure was Song Xian who offered his hand to help Wei Xu to his feet. As he stood up he witnessed the large yet thin gash in Zang Ba's back as blood pours from the wound dripping down and to the side, staining his military uniform.
'Thanks for the save.' Wei Xu stated as he stood up.
'Don't mention it. It's a shame I didn't realise what happened to Huan until it was too late.' Song Xian responded, looking at the ground guilty.
'Yeah, but we got to keep on living right? That's why we're doing what we're doing…even if we don't like it.' Wei Xu replied looking around seeing the remaining enemy soldiers either fleeing or being slain on the spot. The rest cheering at their victory. Zang Ba gritted his teeth as he tried to stand up, he found his strength weakening the more his blood escaped from his body, though he can't die…not before these two bastards! He mustered all the strength he had left, went onto his knees and quickly twisted his body to horizontally slash at the traitors behind him, aiming for their heads. Though surprised, they still managed to dodge the strike. Song Xian quickly struck Zang Ba diagonally upwards, the tip of his spear coated in his blood as it pierces the torso of the body leaving a rather large wound, forcing Zang Ba to collapse to the ground. Zang Ba coughed up a tiny amount of blood as he crashed and cursed his lack of strength as he felt it wane with Wei Xu and Song Xian hovering over him. He ordered his body to roll or stand or do anything at all, though it refused him. Zang Ba knew this was the end.
'I'm sorry.'
'Forgive me old friend, its nothing personal.' Song Xian stated as he readied his spear to be thrusted through his chest. Though he stopped as he hears what seemed to be yelling from his right as they start to drown out the cheers of their own soldiers. Both he and Wei Xu look at the direction to where the sound was coming from and was surprised to see a legion of yellow soldiers with turbans on their heads.
'Wait…yellow turbans? What are they doing here!?' Wei Xu questioned as they frontrunners, equipped with axes charged towards them.
'I don't know but if they want to die then we'll be happy to oblige them. Everyone attack!' Song Xian ordered, the troops intercepted the charge of the yellow turbans, confident after their victory over Zang Ba's forces. However, they underestimated Diamondbacks new and improved warriors. They tore up the frontlines, taking the enemy by surprise. One of the soldiers attempt to slash at a yellow turban as they were sprinting towards him, the yellow turban ducks underneath the blade and used his axe to cut his stomach open. He stopped immediately before the soldier had a chance to clutch his wound to twist his body and slice his neck. Another yellow turban soldier sprinted even faster towards his opponent catching them off guard and attacked him. His Axe slicing through his jawbone, removing it completely as he sprinted past the newly formed corpse who tried to grab his jaw, only to spot it on the ground moments later before collapsing to the ground. One soldier thrusted his spear at an oncoming yellow turban who quickly sidestepped the attack and tackled the soldier to the ground as his fellow allies sprinted past them. When the yellow turban tackled his enemy he quickly began to use his axe to hack into his enemy's chest despite his protests and screams.
Diamondbacks forces quickly started to turn the tide on their enemies. Wei Xu and Song Xian prevented their forces from routing by fighting on the frontlines, leaving Zang Ba alone. After slaying a couple of yellow turbans, shocked by their actual strength Song Xian and Wei Xu defend themselves. Moments later they notice a light blue light emanating from the yellow legion. As the soldiers disperse away they spot Diamondback who takes his time walking to them, the sight of this huge walking lizard horrifies them to the core.
'What's that thing!?' Wei Xu exclaimed, fearful of his life. Doubts begin to fill his mind, Song Xian huffed at him and stared at the demon. He knew there was no reason to be scared now, he made his choice. After inhaling a substantial breath he exhaled and pointed his spear at Diamondback.
'I'm not afraid you monster, come and get me!' Diamondback grinned, showing his sharp teeth as he started to pick up his pace towards Song Xian, he pulled his halberd back in preparation to swing at his opponent when he was in range.
Lu Bu unleashed a volley of thrusts of his mighty sky piercer at Mitsuko, aiming anywhere from her torso to her head. Mitsuko traversed backwards while dodging and blocking the strikes with both of her weapons. She entered a deadlock with the sky piercer with her sword. With enough strength she managed to push the tip of the halberd onto the ground and pin it while she used her crescent blade snake to strike at Lu Bu trying to decapitate him. He leaned back effortlessly however Mitsuko smirked at this, she used the serpents body to wrap around his neck surprising Lu Bu as he grabbed one of part of smooth, scaly body with his left hand to prevent it from crushing his neck. Mitsuko cackles dastardly as he saw Lu Bu struggling. Lu Bu summoned all his might with his left arm while holding onto his trusty sky piercer and spun in place. Mitsuko wasn't sure what he was doing considering he's just going to allow her to go tighter and tighter, it wasn't until she was lifted off the air that she knew his plan. Lu Bu spun as fast as he could and when he was satisfied he let go, forcing Mitsuko's snake arm to unravel and her landing and rolling on the ground. Mitsuko landed face down on to the ground. As she rolled over onto the back she saw the blade of the halberd in the process of being planted inside her abdomen. She quickly managed to recoil her crescent blade snake and used the flat side of it to block the attack. Though Lu Bu put his strength into the halberd, trying to break through the blade as the two stare at each other with hatred filled eyes. Mitsuko gritted her teeth as she found herself in an unfavourable situation with her snake slowly giving way to Lu Bu's strength as it started to press against her chest. Lu Bu smiled gleefully at this change, Mitsuko knew she needed to think of something and fast, she realised that her other snake was lying on the ground between Lu Bu's legs. She quickly recoiled that sword snake however she does it in a way that made it wrap around Lu Bu's right leg. He didn't realise what was happening before it was too late as Mitsuko tightened the grip and pulled towards herself, toppling the mighty warrior over.
As the mighty Lu Bu had his vision of Mitsuko replaced with the ceiling he grunted in pain as he slammed down to the ground. Moments later the tip of the crescent hovered over him and quickly drops aiming for his right eye. Lu Bu rolled to the opposite side causing the tip to be imbedded itself in the ground, inches from his face. Mitsuko jumped straight to her feet after the failed attack, forcing the crescent blade to dig deeper before she pulled it towards her, carving out the tiling as the tiny amount of debris landed behind her. She pulled Lu Bu towards her with the snake arm still wrapped around his leg. Mitsuko lunged in for an overhead attack with her crescent blade though Lu Bu intercepted the strike. He was still strong enough to make the snake fly away temporarily giving Lu Bu a small window of opportunity. He swung his halberd to the other side, aiming for Mitsuko's head. She turned her head however the tip of the blade barely managed to pierce her flesh from part of her cheek to the right side of the lip. She spun around and let go of Lu Bu's leg due to the sudden pain that she felt for the first time since assuming this new form of hers. She returned her snakes to her side as she felt the trickle of blood run down her cheek. Lu Bu arrogantly smirked at this, proving that despite her true form and newfound strength she was just a woman…and women can be killed. Though his smirk is wiped when Mitsuko maliciously grinned widely at him.
Mitsuko quickly started a flurry of slash attacks from her crescent blade which Lu Bu barely managed to dodge and deflect them as he kept retreating away from her, trying to see an opening for him. Mitsuko strikes overhead causing Lu Bu to block again though this time his polearm made contract with the deepest part of the curved blade, making the tip of the blade hover inches from his right eye. Mitsuko then used her sword arm to smack her crescent blade downwards, the extra strength caused Lu Bu to go on one knee. Mitsuko slammed her sword on the back of her crescent blade again, making the tip of the crescent blade edge ever so closer to Lu Bu's eye. When Mitsuko attempted to do the same thing again, hoping this time she will succeed. As she connected with the back of her crescent blade Lu Bu pushed the blade to his left as he stood up starting with his back foot. He immediately spun his body from the moment when he pushed the blade, while having his back turned to Mitsuko for a brief moment, he moved his right foot forwards and swung his halberd to his side. This forced Mitsuko to block with both of her weapons however the strength of the attack caused her to be fly backwards. As she landed, she planted both of her weapons on the ground, destroying even more tiling as she stopped her momentum. She quickly opened her mouth and fired large dark sphere shape. Lu Bu was in awe of the attack as he felt the intensity of it as it came careening toward him. Though he quickly came to his senses and struck downwards, managing to split the sphere into two. The two halves hover in the air before suddenly emitting a dark light. Lu Bu covered his eye with his forearm as the two caused a weak explosion, knocking Lu Bu backwards though his vision wasn't impaired as a result. He looked in front of him only to find Mitsuko nowhere to be found, he looked around for a second before looking up to see Mitsuko in the air, ready to drop down her sword on her enemy.
Song Xian staggered backwards as Diamondback broke his spear in two straight down the middle as he attacked with his halberd. Song Xian stared at the two pieces of his weapon and then at Diamondback who snarls quietly, showing his razor-sharp teeth. He glanced behind him to see Wei Xu slaying an enemy soldier.
'Wei Xu help me out here!' he demanded. Wei Xu stared at Diamondback who only shot him a quick intimidating glance in response. Diamondbacks malicious gaze pierced his very soul, doubt and fear consumed him as he felt himself begin to petrify under his gaze. He performed a lop-sided smile and licked the top row of his teeth like a predator salivating over his next meal. Wei Xu didn't want to die, he never wanted any of this to happen, he just wanted to live to see tomorrow. He quickly retreated away while screaming out in fear, diamondback chuckles as he placed his gaze back at Song Xian.
'Wei Xu.' Song Xian called out as he retreated, he couldn't believe that he would leave him to fend for himself? Didn't they all promise to look out for each other? That's why he agreed to do this damn insurrection in the first place!?
'Curse you cowards!' he yelled out to him before facing Diamondback who seemed surprised.
'You're not going to flee like him?' Song Xian shook his head defiantly.
'No, that coward can run, I may have wanted to live just as much, I cannot simply withdraw now.'
'Hmph, I admire your bravery. Though I will still cut you down like the traitor you are.' Diamondback stated. Song Xian could feel the confidence in his words though he mistook it for arrogance which made him mad. He wasn't about to go down easy. With a mighty yell he lunged forward with nothing but his fists. As he did Diamondback easily side stepped a punch and swung his halberd, the spikes decorating the halberd tore his stomach open as he flew into the wall near Zang Ba. Song Xian attempted to stand up and continue to fight on, though he quickly slid back down as soon as Diamondbacks halberd penetrated his stomach, he spit out a lot of blood and slid back down on the wall. He grasped the halberd in between the spikes and attempted to pull it out though he was too weak to do so. The pain was so unbearable he didn't know that it could be this bad, he wanted it to end. He wanted to scream though the amount of blood that filled his throat prevented him from doing so. As he saw Diamondback, he hoped he would just end this agony. Though instead of that he left him to his fate and instead crouching in front of Zang Ba.
Zang Ba didn't know what was going on, one minute he was about to be executed the next minute he's being saved by this creature. Diamondback tilted his head at Zang Ba, almost as if it was curious.
'Are you able to stand?' He questioned. Zang Ba mustered all the strength he could to try and stay awake while trying to stand though he couldn't move much at all.
'No sorry, I think I'm done for.' Zang Ba admitted as he released a cough, spluttering blood over the front of his uniform as a drop trickles down his chin. He looked up to the lizard who avoided eye contact, he wasn't sure on what to say regarding the situation.
'You one of Mitsuko's people right?' Diamondback was surprised that this human would know of his affiliation.
'How did you know?'
'You seem like the type she would recruit is all.' Zang Ba weakly chuckled, though a new wave of pain that was flowing through his body quickly silenced him.
'My apologies I couldn't get here in time, is there anything I can do?' Diamondback asked. He didn't know Zang Ba too well however he saw and heard of his loyalty to Mitsuko and despite some of his…tendencies he was quite the warrior. As he was loyal to lady Mitsuko, he wanted to help relieve him of any potential regrets, he thought a warrior shouldn't have any when they die. He knew that too well. Zang Ba gave one last cocky grin on his face as he reached out to Diamondback, very weakly holding his left shoulder.
'Just tell Mitsuko...I'm sorry…and to give her enemies hell.' With that, his sight is consumed by darkness, the last bit of his strength gave way. His head quickly drops to face the ground. Diamondback closes his eyes as the screams of their enemies happen all around him as his yellow turbans slew them.
'Very well, it will be done.' He nodded to the corpse before standing up and walking up to Song Xian's newly formed corpse and forcefully removed the halberd. He heard an enemy coming behind him, he grinned as he turned around and thrusted his halberd right through his stomach. The soldier stood there surprised for a moment before being lifted and thrown away as Diamondback swung his halberd to the other side.
Wei Xu sprinted as fast as he could away from the fight and away from that…monster. He didn't want to leave his friend alone to die, he just panicked. Those eyes petrified Wei Xu that he completely lost the will to fight anymore. He just wanted to run away and hide. As long as he kept low, he can probably blend in a village or somewhere and just be forgotten right? That way he won't have to be forced to fight for survival again. When he exhausted himself, he turned around to see absolutely nothing though the faint sounds of battles could still be heard. He sighs a breath of relief that he finally escaped the madness. He smiled however that smile faltered as soon as he heard a sinister chuckle behind him. He turned around behind him and saw Pang Tong standing there, holding his fan with his flesh hand.
'Well, well if it isn't Wei Xu, how's it going? I'm surprised you survived the water attack.' He responds, edging closer to him. Wei Xu knew just how deadly this hermit can be and begun to take steps back while keeping his gaze at him.
'W-well you know, its erm…it was nothing really you know. Surprised no one else had the same idea you know?' He laughed nervously when he heard the signature chuckle as he tips his hat at him.
'True, you are a man of survival after all. However I am curious, where are your friends Song Xian and Shi Huan? I never thought I'd see you with them.' Pang Tong glanced in his eyes which made Wei Xu tremble. He didn't really understand why, even though he heard the stories from Zang Ba he was only just a strategist…and yet here he is, feeling his legs wobble at the very sight of him.
'Well, unfortunately I can't seem to find them, it is a large castle after all, we were separated after the flood attack and I can't seem to find them.' He lied, trying to avoid Pang Tong's eye contact.
'Oh? I'm sorry to hear that I heard you three were quite close. But I'm also looking for a friend of mine, have seen Zang Ba or Wu Zi anywhere? I swear those two think with their weapons more than their heads.' Pang Tong shook his head and sighed.
'No, sorry can't say I have. Though I think I have some urgent matters to attend to, so if you excuse me, I will need to get going.' Wei Xu tried to excuse himself however as he tried to turn around he immediately bumps into one of Pang Tong's shadow warriors. He yelped in surprise and fell on the ground. Pang Tong could only chuckle at this.
'Oh you can't leave just yet. I mean after all we have a battle to win to the north of us and I know you're not that much of a coward that you would betray your friends to save your own hide right?' Pang Tong revealed his dark, ghost like hand and tightens the hand into a fist in front of him. Wei Xu didn't know what was going on. The very sight of the hand made him crawl backwards in fear. Though he was quickly picked up by the back of his collar by the shadow warrior. Pang Tong walked up to him as Wei Xu struggled to escape the grasp. Pang Tong stopped in front of him in which Wei Xu stopped struggling, fearing for his life.
'Now normally here is the part where I would give you a bit of an option to join us because you don't have any particular strong loyalties for master Lu Bu.'
'Yeah that's right, I-I always hated him I'll gladly join you!' Wei Xu interrupted, immediately accepting the offer, Pang Tong gave him a chilling stare which quickly silenced him.
'However, due to the fact you're retreating from battle, effectively betraying all your friends…including Zang Ba and Wu Zi I'm afraid Mitsuko wouldn't really want me to let you live for long, after all they're blood is on your hands.'
'Wait, please let me explain! It was Shi Huan, he's the one that started this coup! I didn't want to do it but they threatened my life. I didn't want to betray them, but I didn't want to die either, I have a family. I don't want to die here, not now!' Wei Xu begged. Pang Tong scratched his chin with his ghost hand.
'Coup? What coup is this?' Wei Xu opened his eyes in shock, did he just admit that to him!? Suddenly Pang Tong clicked his fingers.
'Ahh so you betrayed Zang Ba and Wu Zi after they tell you from the flood attack did you? Well I know lady Mitsuko will not be too pleased with you…and between you and me I'd prefer to not get on her bad side.'
'Hold on I-' Wei Xu started, though Pang Tong quickly silenced him.
'Because you have betrayed the trust of lady Mitsuko's officers who have offered you a chance to join her forces, you are now a traitor to the serpent. Traitors deserve to be devoured by the serpent herself. Though I am feeling generous, so I'll just let my friend here kill you.' Pang Tong stated. The shadow warrior forcefully turned Wei Xu around and stabbed him in the stomach with his crude sword. Wei Xu hunches over the sword and spits out blood on the ground. Pang Tong casually walks past Wei Xu as this happened but stopped a few feet away.
'You should've taken up his offer while it was on the table. Oh well you live and you learn.' Pang Tong chuckled before the shadow warrior cleaved his way to the side of his stomach and slices Wei Xu's neck. His body fell to the ground with a thud though no one else was around. No one to witness it, no one to save him. He was left alone to bleed and die.
Mitsuko and Lu Bu continued their duel though the exhaustion takes their toll on both of them. They stand on the opposite sides of the room panting and gasping for any air they can get. Mitsuko pants heavily, her snakes recoil and look at her slightly concerned though they quickly revert their gaze to Lu Bu. Even though Mitsuko was stronger now thanks to this new power of hers that she still doesn't have that much of an idea about, to think it still not enough astounds her. She started to chuckle
'What's so funny?' Lu Bu questioned furiously. Was she mocking him? Was she treating him like he was not worthy? The absolute nerve of that dreaded woman!
'Oh nothing really…just the idea of you falling by my blade just really makes me joyous.' Mitsuko smiled demonically causing Lu Bu to furrow his brow and started to charge towards Mitsuko who did the same. They both yell before their blades inevitably clashed again. As the crescent blade made contact with the sky piercer blade they rebound backwards. Mitsuko quickly struck downwards with her broadsword arm from the left side. Lu Bu quickly deflected the attack with the polearm and quickly struck overhead with his blade. Mitsuko blocked it with the top of her scythe. Lu Bu withdrew the blade as soon as it made contact and with it and attempted to thrust the blade into Mitsuko's stomach. Mitsuko quickly used her right snake arm and wrapped it around the halberd. Lu Bu was shocked at this as Mitsuko enveloped the legendary weapon and lifted it in the air and by extension Lu Bu before suddenly slamming him onto the ground.
Lu Bu yelled in pain for a moment as his body bounced off the ground due to the momentum. Mitsuko unwrapped her right snake and used her left sword arm to sliced upwards forcing Lu Bu to fly across the room and rolled on the floor. He quickly stood up and realised the huge horizontal slash hole that pierced his thick armour though the blade didn't pierce his skin. Mitsuko shoved both of her snakes into the ground. Lu Bu was confused by this before he realised they travelled underground knocking away any tiling due to their massive bodies. He readied his sky piercer however the shapes of the serpents simply vanished. Lu Bu didn't know what was going on as he looked around but seeing nothing. All of a sudden, the two serpents emerged from the ground and immediately attacked Lu Bu in two opposite directions. He side stepped the attack making both blades impale the ground. This gave Lu Bu the opening he was waiting for. He sprinted his way towards Mitsuko, jumping over the snakes. She opened her eyes with shock as she retracted her serpents to strike Lu Bu from behind.
Though Lu Bu succeeded in piercings Mitsuko's armour before the blades reached his back. They stopped millimetres away from his armour. Mitsuko froze as Lu Bu grinned widely, her snakes swallowed her weapons inside them before quickly dropping to the ground. Lu Bu lifted up Mitsuko in the air, her snakes and her legs lie limply as the corpse dangled in the air. Lu Bu began to laugh, did this woman really think she can stand up to the mighty Lu Bu in battle? How laughable! He must admit it was fun little distraction however, once again he proved his superiority over everyone.
'Foolish woman! You should've known that no man, no woman, no serpent can match up to me! For I am the warrior without equal under heaven, I am the slayer of the tyrant Dong Zhuo, I will be the conqueror of this land and everyone will bow down to me! I am-'
'A pain in my ass!' Mitsuko looked up at Lu Bu and smiled wickedly completely catching Lu Bu off guard, Mitsuko's serpent arms rise up in and hiss loudly as they slither their way to Lu Bu, he couldn't react in time as both of them show their fangs and pierces his neck. Lu Bu yelled out loud in pain as he swung his halberd to his left, forcing the tip of the blade to escape from Mitsuko's armour. However as he did so the fangs of the serpents didn't retract, the fangs got dragged through the his neck, especially his right side of his neck causing a huge wound. The fangs finally escaped the flesh as Mitsuko's flies away. Though Mitsuko used her serpents' fangs to dig deep into the ground. Lu Bu went down on knee and grabbed the larger of the two wounds with one of his hands. Blood continuously pouring out of it like a waterfall, already drenching his hand in his own blood. Lu Bu started to panic as the pain he felt coursed through his entire body. He never experienced such pain in his life. Though he knows he can't focus on that right now. He must kill this goddamn woman no matter what. He planted his polearm into the ground and used it to pull himself up. Mitsuko enjoyed seeing him struggle like this, a new side to the once mighty warrior.
'C'mon my lord get up, you can do it.' Mitsuko mocked Lu Bu as he stood up. He gritted his teeth as he fought through this alien feeling called pain. He let go of his neck and hold his sky piercer firmly in his blood drenched hands. Mitsuko smirked as she recoiled her snakes to her side as they hiss at him. Lu Bu yelled loudly as he charged towards her. Mitsuko deflected the swing easier than she anticipated. She blocked it with her sword arm and brought her scythe snake down though is surprised to see that Lu Bu couldn't dodge the attack in time and instead takes another hit that was taken by the armour as it left another large vertical hole that met the previous horizontal one that Mitsuko caused earlier. She grinned maliciously as she recoiled it and took steps back. Lu Bu was unsure what she was doing until she spoke.
'Not bad…not bad at all. I didn't think you had any strength left I'm impressed.' She playfully smirked as he saw his rage become ever so present.
'Don't you fucking dare!' Lu Bu screamed as he swung his sky piercer wildly, more though it was more slowly giving Mitsuko plenty of time to move out of the way effortlessly. Her smirk pissed off Lu Bu so much that at this moment, nothing else mattered. He forgot about the emperor, his ambitions, his stature, his army, his glory. All he wanted was to slay this upstart who dared to mock him! The mighty Lu Bu is not one to be mocked or ridiculed and he will not stand for such impertinence! However he felt his strength rapidly fading and felt his movements slow down. He didn't know what was going on but he knew that he hated this. He hated the fact that he couldn't hit Mitsuko despite his best efforts. She leapt back before continuing to speak.
'Honestly you shouldn't feel too disappointed in yourself, you're a lot stronger than a lot of the other men I have slain. You put up a good fight.'
'Shut the hell up!' He furiously ordered as he lunged in with the rest of his strength as he raised his voice. Mitsuko deflected to the halberd with her sword arm effortlessly. As he ran past her Mitsuko put her right foot behind him and turned her body as she slashes down her crescent blade, piercing Lu Bu's armour at his back aswell as his flesh as he screamed in pain and blood begins to escape the new wound. He crashes to his knees though he kept a hold of his sky piercer that he planted on the ground again to prevent himself from collapsing. He kept breathing heavily out of exhaustion and pain.
'That was the best fight I had in a while. Alas though-' Lu Bu interrupted her by yelling as loud as he can as he stood up and swung behind him putting everything he had into this attack, wanting to cleave Mitsuko's head clean off however the blade stopped millimetres from her face as Mitsuko stabbed Lu Bu in the right side of his chest, stopping him in his tracks. Mitsuko felt so happy to see the realisation of Lu Bu's face that he had lost this duel and effectively his life. The horrified and surprised expression of his face, the rasping of his dying breath told Mitsuko everything she wanted to hear.
'This castle shall become your grave!' Mitsuko laughed demonically as she turned her back on her with the sword still imbedded into him and pulled it out overhead, causing the sword to be dragged up, piercing his skeleton and flesh and leaving a huge hold in Lu Bu's body that's unable to be closed. Blood stained the ground in an arc when the sword was slammed to the ground. Mitsuko didn't turn around but felt pleased especially when she heard a mighty thud behind her. At least, the treacherous mighty warrior has fallen.
Pang Tong reached the remnants of the battle as the final soldiers were fleeing past him or were slain by Diamondbacks warriors who raised their weapons high in the air. He chuckled at this sight and made his way to the very noticeable diamondback followed closely by his specteral entourage. Diamondback was very shocked at the sight of them.
'Pang Tong I didn't expect to see you on the frontines and what are those following you?'
'These? Well I'm not really sure but I believe they may be spirits of ancient warriors or something. They're summoned by this scroll.' Pang Tong revealed his ghostly arm while holding the scroll. Diamondback opened his eyes widen in shock at the state of his arm and the scroll.
'What happened to your arm!? And what is that scroll?'
'Well they're both linked. The scroll burned my arm off and replaced with this one, do you think it suits me? Hehe. But I think this belonged to one of your mystic friends and Chen Gong somehow got it in his possession so I haven't had much time to study it. But that's a story for another time, tell me where are Zang Ba and Wu Zi? I'm surprised I haven't seen them yet.' Pang Tong jovially chuckled before Diamondback looked at the ground but eventually pointed to the corpse of Zang Ba next to the wall. Pang Tong walked towards the corpse and crouched down in front of him, not saying a word as he studied the corpse.
'We arrived too late, the enemy cut him down aswell as his brother in arms over there. My apologies.' Diamondback stated however Pang Tong didn't say a word as he kept looking at the corpse before tipping his hat forward slightly before sighing.
'Its not your fault. The enemy outmanoeuvred them, Ba thought he could count on his friends and he paid the price. Still didn't expect them to die yet though. Oh well, we can't mourn too much, victory requires sacrifices at times. This just happens to be one of those times. We'll endure as well as Mitsuko.' Pang Tong stood up and glanced at Diamondback who nodded in agreement.
'Of course. Victory above all else. Mourning them for longer will insult their memories.' As soon as Diamondback responded the entire unit heard a war horn nearby. They look to the north and found a new unit of Cao cao's men led by two rather unique looking individuals. They couldn't get a good look at them but they saw one holding a large polearm with a spinner like weapon attached, decorated with spikes. While the other is armed with two hook like blades.
'Oho? Well that didn't take long, looks like we'll need to buy Mitsuko a little more time. Do you think your yellow turbans can deal with them?' Pang Tong questioned, chuckling to himself. Diamondback stepped forward smirking confidently and pointed his halberd at the enemy.
'Of course, a demon officer of the serpents army will not be beaten by these humans. Everyone charge!' Diamondback ordered as he personally led the charge. The troops quickly followed Diamondback into battle once again, the adrenaline coursing through their veins prevented them from simply standing there doing nothing. Cao Cao's unit quickly sprint towards them aswell, eventually to the two battle lines clashed fiercely. Diamondback entered a deadlock with the warrior armed with the spinner. The two weapons collide as they stare at each other, neither one willing to give in to the other.
'I have a bad feeling about you.' The spinner warrior quipped making the lizardmen laugh.
'Is that so? You'll also feel my halberd piercing your flesh soon enough!' Diamondback responded as he used his immense strength to push the warrior back. Diamondback didn't relent though as he swung his halberd overhead, the warrior side stepped and swung his spinner horizontally. Diamondback raised his shield to block the attack and turned his arm and the halberd horizontally. He attacks again from the other side hoping to catch him off guard. The warrior spotted the hidden attack and put as much strength he had in his attack and jumped up, clearing the halberd and landed on his feet. The warrior then pushed the spinner forward making it further away as it brushed passed the shield. Diamondback saw what he was planning to do when he saw his arms twist slightly. He quickly dropped his head down as he saw the warrior pull his weapon back, narrowly missing the spinner from impaling the spiked through his head. He quickly pushed the spinner back at Diamondback who managed to raise his shield in time. He pushed the weapon to his side and raised his halberd high and struck downwards. The warrior closed his eyes, awaiting the inevitable as he couldn't pull back his weapon in time. He opened his eyes as he heard a metallic sound and saw one of his friends hook blades block the attack.
'Thanks I owe you one.' He expressed his gratitude.
'Please think nothing of it, I'm happy to assist a fellow ally.' The brown haired warrior responded as he quickly turned his gaze to Diamondback. He entangled the crescent hook around one of halberds spikes and pulled him slightly leaving him off balance as he attacks with this free hook. Diamondback blocked the attack with his circular shield once again as he drops it down overhead in front of his face. He heard the other warriors yell as he swung his spear. Diamondback had to come up with a solution, he tackled the hook blade warrior to he ground making the spinner miss him. He quickly turned his back and attacked the spinner warrior overhead. He side stepped the attack and stepped back as he Dodomeki continued his assault. He struck overhead to which the black haired warrior blocked with his polearm. Diamondback glanced behind him to see other warrior coming in to attack. He blocked one of the hooks with his shield however as he was pre-occupied he used the free one to attack to Diamondbacks arm on the inside and though it doesn't penetrate his hard scales he is able to pull Diamondback and swung other hook forward aiming for his head.
Diamondback managed to deflect it with his halberd by attacking the outside of the arc of the hook. He withdrew the halberd and attacked the same warrior again though he saw the spinner coming towards his head. Diamondback swung his halberd and raised shield. Both hook blades intercepted the halberd while the shield blocked the spinner. All three sets of weapons were in a deadlock, they all withdrew their weapons and took a step back. Diamondback kept switching targets, swiftly looking at both of his enemies watching to see who ever will make the first move while the other two warriors.
'Impressive humans. Might I know your names? Its not often I get this much of a by one of your kind.' Diamondback requested.
'I am Li Dian, your worst nightmare.' The spinner warrior stated getting ready to strike.
'And I am Yue Jin but who or what are you?' He hook bladed warrior questioned.
'I am diamondback, demon officer of the serpent and the one who will be victorious this day.'
'Do you really think you can beat the two of us?' Li Dian asked.
'It will be a challenge I admit but that's what makes it exciting wouldn't you agree?' Diamondback grinned at him. Meanwhile on the outskirts Gyuki and Lu LingQi are making their way towards the battle. Gyuki sprinted as fast as he could and spotted the fight and noticed Diamondback, Li Dian and Yue Jin.
'Ahh there's Diamondback, great!' Gyuki almost jumped for joy at the sight of him, he knew that diamondback was a strong demon and they needed him.
'Would he happen to be the one with the diamonds out of his back?' LingQi asked.
'How did you know!?' Gyuki was astonished at her guess.
'The diamonds were a give away. But if he's your ally then that means that he's an ally of Mitsuko right?'
'That's right.'
'Then throw me.'
'What?' Gyuki asked, not sure if she heard him correctly.
'Throw me, he can't handle two warriors at once and you can't get there fast enough. Throw me!' LingQi demanded, eager to save her newfound ally. Gyuki did as he was told as he grabbed LingQi with his right hand and threw her like a dart at high velocity that LingQi had to cover her eyes with her arm due to the high speeds she was effectively flying for. Though when she passed enemies of her she sliced their bodies and they didn't react until a second later. She recoiled he glaives and swung as her body was going to Yue Jin. He didn't see her until the last minute and could only block both glaives with both hook blades in front of him. Though due to the momentum of LingQi's velocity he was severely pushed back and swept off his feet, his back was slammed into a the wall of a building. Yue Jin spluttered out blood as the impact was made while LingQi tumbled to the ground. It was a struggle for her to get up as her body in various places produced bruises though she knew she had to get back up and fight through it. She managed to stand up and sprint her way to Yue Jin who's still struggling to get up. He barely managed to roll out of the way of LingQi's glaive as he thrusted it deep into the wall. As he saw the opportunity to attack he quickly retreated as LingQi dragged her glaive out of the wall while attempted to strike down Yue Jin while wearing the same expression on her face back in the forest.
'What the? Where did she-' Li Dian was interrupted as Diamondback's halberd clashed with his spinner again and leaned closer towards him. His demonic breath hitting Li Dian in the face.
'Never mind her, you're fighting me!' He stated before pushing him away and lunging in for a strike.
Mitsuko walked slowly and hovered over the beaten warrior while wearing her sadistic smile. She saw the amount of blood leaving his body from his open wounds as he's fighting to stay alive even though its futile. Mitsuko dipped her crescent blade in the various puddles of blood, coating it in its crimson glory before wiping it on Lu Bu's face, leaving not a patch of his skin visible, only his own blood.
'I told you I was going to paint you red! Hehe, now your ready to die.' Mitsuko stated as she raised her crescent blade high.
'Is that so? Then t-tell me. What about my daughter?'
'What about her?' Mitsuko was confused, why was he so concerned about his daughter now?
'hehe, what will she think of her actions this day?' Lu Bu chuckled very weakly he could see the shocked expression of Mitsuko's face. She realised she didn't take into account about LingQi's thoughts on this. She may have done it for her but she's beginning to comprehend, she just killed her father…how was she going to react? Sure he was a bastard and deserved it but…she never considered her feelings on the matter.
'What will you do if she ever comes for your head? Will you kill her?' Lu Bu arrogantly laughed weakly. Mitsuko never considered that option, she just went and did it because she finally felt free of her shackles of weakness. Was this something she was going to regret? She didn't want to do this without any reason, if he wasn't like himself Mitsuko wouldn't have minded. Mitsuko's mind replaced the image Lu Bu with LingQi, the very idea paralysed and struck fear into her very core. She shook her head defiantly, now wasn't the time to think about such things…not yet.
'I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.' She simply stated before withdrawing her blade and started to walk away. She thought it was better this way for LingQi's sake. That was before she could hear his arrogant laughter once again.
'You really think she'll forgive you for what you did to me? What will you tell her? Can you live with yourself lying to her? She'll kill you because she's my daughter. I own her.' That set Mitsuko off, she quickly returned to Lu Bu's decaying body and promptly stomped on his stomach, causing him to regurgitate a lot of blood.
'Listen carefully as these are the last words you'll listen to before you suffer in hell. You do not own her, got it!? She's her own person and she can make her own goddamn decisions! She doesn't owe you anything, in fact you owe her a childhood you robbed off her! She's not your slave or some investment you make and expect to be paid back ten fold. She's your fucking daughter got it!? She may kill come and kill me and she may succeed, but it won't be because of you. It will be because she a strong warrior in her own right, her own person not your goddamn slave you can command at will!' Mitsuko declared before she stomped on Lu Bu again causing him severe suffering, she grinned sadistically at this until she a lot of footsteps coming from behind and an alien calm and regal voice.
'Well well, you must be the serpent Mitsuko, correct?' She turned around to see Xiahou Dun, a platoon of soldiers armed with shields and spears with a man in regal blue and red robes with a cape also with that scheme with a hat very similar to tacticians.
'Cao Cao.' Mitsuko stated his name in surprise. She was so caught up in the fight that she forgot about the very fight happening outside.
'Ahh you know of me? Excellent I'd hope to meet you under…better circumstances.'
'What do you want?' She asked in an abrupt tone.
'Hey calm your tongue or I'll cut it for you.' Xiahou Dun raised his sword at Mitsuko who went in her battle stance with both her snakes hissing angrily at him.
'I'd like to see you try!' She threatened before Cao Cao raised his hand at him.
'Now Dun, calm yourself it is ok.' Xiahou Dun grunted before lowering his weapon though Mitsuko kept hers raised.
'Lady Mitsuko I see you a woman of remarkable strength, why you even cut down the villainous relic of the past Lu Bu, not too many can claim that. I kept my eye on you for a while. You took down a member of my family and his unit of Tiger and Leopard cavalry.'
'I'm not apologising for it. He had it coming as did his men.'
'You misunderstand me while I was angry when I first heard his death was your doing I was also fascinated as the name you were starting to make for yourself was quite something to behold. As you may or may not know, I seek a world beyond this chaos. In order to quell it I will need strong warriors, as such I would like to ask you to join me on my journey.' That was something Mitsuko wasn't expecting and neither was everyone else as everyone else gasped with a few whispers going around the unit.
'My lord forgive me, but you know she killed Cao Chun and massacred his entire cavalry force. Not only that but she struck down her lord, do you really want a woman like that under you?' Xiahou Dun spoke out, he knew that his cousin needed strength to achieve his ambitions though when he hears of the serpents tales about her, he's weary about letting her join for Cao Cao's sake.
'If that's the case Dun I'm sure you'll be able to keep me safe.' Cao Cao laughed regally, Xiahou Dun grunted while shaking his head in dismay.
'On what authority do I have that if I join you I won't suddenly get backstabbed by your men?'
'You have my word, you'll find I'm not treacherous as that wild animal you took down.' Mitsuko contemplated this. Joining Cao Cao? It surely wasn't a bad deal, if the battle of Chi Bi goes their way they may conquer the land quite quickly and peace would be restored. Though something is telling her not to, that small voice in the back of her mind telling her to resist. If she did what's to say that he wouldn't be a new Lu Bu? Someone who didn't respect her, he's shown he doesn't really care too much if he's willing to employ someone that killed a family member. But there's something else, something that's building up inside Mitsuko the moment she began to formulate this coup of hers. Why should she shackle herself to the confines of another lord? All her life she was shackled by fear and laws and society. Now she has the opportunity to change the world the way it needs to be changed, was she really going to willingly shackle herself in those very chains again? If she did, would she look her friends that supported her all the way in the eyes again? Especially LingQi? When she realised what she was thinking she started to chuckle.
'That is quite the generous offer Cao Cao. It would be foolish to reject such an offer from you.' Cao Cao smirked and even continued to do so when she kept talking and pointed her crescent blade at him.
'However I think you can take that offer and shove it-' Mitsuko stopped herself as she felt quite a large amount of pain in her crescent blade arm, suddenly the other arm started to feel pain. She didn't know what was going on until fountains of blood formed from the scales as cracks started to show. She never felt such agonising pain before when suddenly the snakes shatter like glass. They revealed Mitsuko's human arms still in their armour holding the weapons while the arms themselves are covered in what seems to be slime or saliva. The excruciating pain was too much for Mitsuko to bear and started to have blurred vision.
'Wh-what the hell?' She stuttered weakly before suddenly collapsing forwards. She closed her eyes before she hit the ground though before he lost consciousness she noticed she never hit the ground. Dodomeki suddenly appeared in front of Mitsuko, he ran at such speed he was pretty much unnoticeable until he caught Mitsuko's body over his right shoulder. Cao Cao was intrigued while Xiahou Dun drew his weapon out again. Mitsuko's body while unconscious still kept a hold of both of her weapons.
'And who may you be?' Cao Cao inquired to the cycloptic demon.
'I am Dodomeki, officer of lady Mitsuko. As you can see my lady is very exhausted. Too exhausted to give you a proper answer Cao Cao. If you would allow her and her forces to leave she will give you an answer when she is ready.' Dodomeki requested. He knew Cao Cao was a man of intrigue and cunning and wouldn't pass up the idea of potential recruits. He wouldn't normally care for such diplomatic matters and simply flee over the soldiers. Though on the off chance of any mystic involvement that may be a problem for him especially with him carrying Mitsuko, he didn't want her harmed and wanted to do his best to make sure no one ever will.
'Interesting, though why would I do that?'
'Because you know how strong she is. We would follow our lady and if she says we are to join you then so be it. If you do not you would be throwing away a potential resource.' Dodomeki had to bite his tongue when referring to her as just a resource however he knew he couldn't afford to fight Cao cao's soldiers, his right hand man aswell as mystics. The risk of Mitsuko getting damaged is far too great. Cao Cao stroked his beard pondering this proposal before closing his eyes and chuckling.
'I see you are a loyal follower to the serpent Dodomeki, it is a sight to see. All right, I will let you live.'
'Cao Cao are you sure? I mean look at him, look at the serpent before. These are not just mere men, do you rally think its safe to let them go?' Xiahou Dun questioned, not knowing what's going through Cao Cao's mind.
'Indeed, they may not look human like us however it is because of her and her forces that we didn't suffer as many casualties as we realistically should've while also felling the beast of the old age over there. This is a reward if nothing else, though I do expect an answer from her shortly Dodomeki. I trust I will get this soon?' Cao Cao asked.
'I'm not sure when, but I can guarantee you will get one.'
'Hmph, well that is good enough for now. Let them through!' Cao Cao ordered. The unit quickly did what it was told and separated into two groups, allowing a corridor for Dodomeki to run through.
'You have my thanks Cao Cao.' Dodomeki stated before preparing to run though Cao Cao stops him temporarily.
'Before you go take this.' He holds out a parchment for him. Dodomeki runs up to him and takes it and reads it.
'It's a letter for my troops to stand down and to let any enemy flee this time.'
'You had this written down already?' Dodomeki asked.
'I had a feeling Lu Bu wouldn't have the most loyal officers dedicated to his cause.' He simply explained.
'I suppose, thank you again.' Dodomeki expressed his gratitude, nodding at him before sprinting down the corridor.
Mitsuko struggled to open up her eyes, however when she did she awoke to the bright sun hitting her face along with a gust of wind. She struggled to sit upright though she managed to as she placed her hands behind her on the ground which seemed to be full of grass. Grass? How did she get here? What happened? She remembered the fight with Lu Bu…then Cao cao showed up and then it went dark after that. Is she dead? No this can't be, this isn't hell. As she examined her surroundings, she finds herself in a tent of some kind with the entranceway open, leading to the sun to hit her in the eyes. She covered her eyes as she made her way out of the tent. As she exited the tent she found herself surrounded by yellow turbans. Wait yellow turbans!? Was she captured by them while unconscious!? Though their tunics and turbans themselves were black not their usual yellow. She tried to find a weapon though none was there straight away in her vicinity, she didn't know what to do and panic before she quickly saw LingQi racing towards her. LingQi!? What was she doing here?. She thought she may have been dreaming before LingQi enveloped her in a tight hug which almost made them fall over.
'Mitsuko! I'm so glad your safe.' Mitsuko takes a second to comprehend what's going on before giving a tight hug back.
'The same can be said of you, I thought you…you know. You…' Mitsuko didn't know how to finish her sentence, she thought she would never see her again.
'I know, I thought the same however I was rescued from that terrible fate.' She smiled genuinely at Mitsuko who was glad to see it again.
'Rescued? By who? And where exactly are we?' As if on cue the ground started to tremble slightly as Mitusko could hear thuds in the ground. Mitsuko panicked though LingQi was unusually calm.
'What's this? An earthquake!?'
'No, not quite.' Mitsuko didn't know what she meant before she turned to her left when Mitsuko did the same she noticed Gyuki which surprised Mitsuko as she fell backwards. She saw the hulking demon along with Pang Tong on her back.
'What the hell!?'
'Greetings Mitsuko it's a pleasure to meet you.' Gyuki barely could contain his excitement in meeting Mitsuko. She didn't know how to really react though he felt familiar to her for some reason, it was just something she didn't expect to see.
'I see, the pleasure is mine…erm?'
'Gyuki the great devourer at your service my lady.' He planted his club on the ground and bowed before her. Pang Tong slid off gyuki's shoulder and landed on the ground, being careful to reveal his ghost hand. Since she has just woken up he doesn't wish to overload her with too much information.
'Greetings Mitsuko I trust you slept well?' Pang Tong chuckled as Mitsuko rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment.
'You could say that, where are we anyway?'
'Well our camp of course?'
'Our camp?'
'Yeah, we managed to flee from Xia Pi, as a result we're now a wandering vagabond unit and these soldiers are under your command.' Pang Tong explained.
'Wait my command? Why mine, surely they should follow LingQi, aren't you like the heir now or something?' Mitsuko questioned, unsure why they would willingly follow her lead.
'After what I heard is the death of my father this is just the remnant of our forces and I believe I am not the one to lead us.' She explained with a sad smile on her face. With that smile, she remembered Lu Bu's last words to her. Wait did she know about what happened there? She clenched her first tightly but then relaxed as she realised she needed to actually respond to her.
'Are you sure? I mean I don't really want to usurp you or anything.'
'Oh is that what you would call it after she's giving you command?' Pang tong laughed jovially. She laughed nervously, LingQi noticed that she's more tense than usual.
'I suppose so yeah. So it seemed a lot happened while I was unconscious huh?'
'They have.' She heard a familiar voice behind her. She looked back to see Dodomeki walking with Diamondback. Each of them carrying one of Mitsuko's weapons.
'Dodomeki.'
'Its been a while lady Mitsuko.' Dodomeki stated and immediately bowed before him which Mitsuko wasn't really used to.
'Wait you met lady Mitsuko before but rejected the notion of me doing that!?' Diamondback pushed Dodomeki's shoulder, forcing him to face him and glared at his singular eye angrily.
'Tell me about it, wouldn't let anyone else do it but its ok when he does.' Gyuki chimed in.
'I told you I wanted to see what she was like, how far she went.'
'That doesn't change the fact you're a hypocrite!' Diamondback responded.
'She needed some damn help then!'
'Aha! So it was because you wanted to help her!' Gyuki caught him out, Dodomeki was stunned by this as Gyuki began to laugh at his admission.
'Sh-shut up!' The three of them argue as the human trio stayed back. Mitsuko didn't know what was going on.
'This is not how I imagined today was going to go.' Mitsuko admitted before she giggled, she found it a little amusing, it made her remember her times hanging out with Zang Ba and Wu Zi.
'Oh yeah, where are those two? Zang Ba and Wu Zi?' Mitsuko questioned. Suddenly the demons silenced themselves while Pang Tong and LingQi looked at each other. Mitsuko glanced around, unsure why there was silence.
'Perhaps I can answer that, my lady. My name is Diamondback at your service.' Diamondback greeted him while bowing respectfully at Mitsuko as he goes on knee and plants his halberd in the ground. Diamondback explained what happened in the castle that was explained to him, being careful not to reveal to LingQi that they were really traitors of her father and explained what happened with the yellow turbans and how he made them fall under her command. Dodomeki did the same as he revealed that with the parchment by Cao Cao allowed the survivors to escape the castle unharmed. Mitsuko was stunned to hear of their deaths. She didn't think they would actually die, honourable warriors who did as they were told without question. She realised that she just sent these two and a lot more to their deaths. Just because she couldn't control her damn temper. She doesn't putting him down though she's started to wonder if it was the best move, even if LingQi was married off, it wasn't like they couldn't see each other again permanently. And Zang Ba, Wu Zi and their men would've been with her now. She didn't mean to kill them, she was just acting out in anger against Lu Bu. She never really considered the consequences. At that moment she heard a very faint voice from inside of her own mind whisper a word.
'Murderer.' Mitsuko started to tremble over that word, she couldn't believe she acted out so foolishly. And what did Zang Ba have to apologise for? If anything, she needed to apologise to him for what she did. However, Mitsuko knew she couldn't really mourn them. She had to soldier on, if she were to lead these soldiers she couldn't afford to be weak in front of them. She dealt with loss before, she dealt with her own murder before. She may have nightmares but that's the price she'll pay. She knows she can deal with it, she steels herself.
'I see.' Was all Mitsuko stated though Mitsuko something more troubling ails Mitsuko. She noticed the slight tremors that she exhibited.
'Does she think she's responsible?' She thought to herself before Mitsuko continued.
'I suppose what we'll need to do is move on without them, I guess. But I'm not sure where we can go from here. Pang Tong do you have any suggestions.' Mitsuko asked him, looking for some form of guidance.
'Hmm, if you don't have an idea of what you'll do from here we can always take a walk strolling across the county. Though we should stop at some villages to see if they're able to give us some supplies, we can't fight on empty stomachs after all. Then perhaps…we can go south, you know some members of the sun family, perhaps we can arrange something with them?' Pang Tong suggested sensing Mitsuko's hesitation. He figured she would need some time to adjust before she made her move. Now that Lu Bu and Chen Gong was out of the picture she had all the time it would take.
'Are you sure? Would everyone be happy with that?'
'Of course, everyone under your command is willing to obey you my lady, no matter what that order may be.' Mitsuko quietly sighs to herself trying to calm her down.
'All right, lets do that then. Lets start making our way south.' Mitsuko ordered.
'Yes my lady.' All her officers responded in unison, Diamondback and Dodomeki left her weapons on the ground. As they left Mitsuko hovered over her weapons and picked them up, she stared at her own reflections in her blades for a while without noticing LingQi who looked at her worryingly. She knew Mitsuko was hurting but she doesn't know what she can do to help as she didn't know what the problem was. It hurt her to see Mitsuko…defeated like that. Mitsuko sighed more loudly this time as she started to walk away. LingQi could only watch her walk away.
A/N: And there we go, the end of this first…arc? Volume? Season? Whatever it is its finally done! Thank you everyone who read this far aswell as everyone who supported and commented it really means the world to me. I figured since this was the end of this arc thing this is why I wanted to make finale to it which was why I haven't posted anything in my usual fortnightly schedule so sorry about that and I do hope it was worth the wait as I just couldn't get this done in my schedule without more time I just couldn't. Don't worry, this isn't the end, not by a long shot. I have a lot more stuff planned though I am going to give myself a week break of just writing in general because…I think I need it. :P
I'll keep updating this story rather than create a new one. Since quite a few of you are already following the story and everything so I figure I may aswell keep it under this one and just add onto it. Not the most professional move some may say but what can you do? :P . Again I'll be doing a bit of a Q&A thing in probably…two weeks time ish since I do plan to create like a drabble thing of Mitsuko's adventures but more based on comedy and relaxed and not following a schedule just for fun if nothing else and since it's the end I'm sure a few of you want to ask me something so go ahead. PM me or review this story with your questions and look out for that. Other than that, just hope you enjoyed it. And I realised in a previous chapter I posted the deviant art page to the person who drew my cover picture, bunny brush arts but that didn't work for some reason. So here it is, bunnybrusharts you may just need to copy and paste the link. More will come soon but again going to give myself a break. So that's it, hope you're still interested in the story to read on and I'll see you next chapter, bye bye.