Night had fallen, a cold breeze rustled through the leaves creating a soothing melody among the trees. The noise swept over the camp as the soldiers laid to rest. Hours earlier, they had set the temporary tents within an opening in the forest. As part of the plan, they will rest for the night before continuing on to Meng Huo's kingdom where they would most likely rest again. Most of the soldiers were asleep while some took up night watch duty along the perimeter and within the camp. Some have also taken duty of guarding the tents where the soldiers.
In the center was large tent where the heads of the convey met earlier before turning in for the night. Ma Dai was the only one left inside as he was writing the report for the day. Mostly reciting everything from the horribly mundane to the absolute nothing events that happened. The painter had written many of these types of reports before but he had never gotten over how tedious they were. Trying to hold off sleep, he had a batch of tea made to keep him awake. The bitterness of it helped out somewhat but he was still struggling to keep his eyes open.
The painter rubbed his eyes, Come on, Dai. Just a little more to go. He only had a few more entries to write down before he could go to sleep. He didn't like to leave a job unfinished. That's why everyone would always rely on him. He'll would always complete any task and any mission put fourth to him without hesitation. It was all for the sake of Shu and it's people. Though at times, he does wonder why doesn't he say no. Ma Dai had taken up many assignments, never questioning why he would do them. It was never for personal glory, nor was it ever for riches. Everything he did was for the betterment of the kingdom, but how much of a difference was he actually making? Especially now with warriors from different timelines being brought to this world and the events Orochi and the Hydra. Everything seemed so insignificant now. But he still would take up any mission that was ordered. No matter how much of a difference, he'd still do it and he never understood why. Maybe he was just to nice to say no. Maybe he was just a "yes man" to his masters and lords. For all he knew, he was just an expendable general that could be replaced at anytime. Yet, he still abided to there will know matter cost. Whether those missions left him nearly dead or left his mind on the verge of breaking, he would still see those missions fulfilled.
Now he was on yet another assignment just to see if some base and it's inhabitants are fine. He could've just said no. For all he knew, everyone in the base probably went awol or just couldn't do anything because of the location. Who's idea was it to set a base far away somewhere where one would have to cross some barren wasteland to reach it? But he was still Ma Dai and he would complete without hesitation. That's just who he is, though sometimes he wishes he wouldn't do it.
The last of the report was being written and the artist let out a tired yawn. He could finally get some rest for long days were still ahead of him. He rolled the scroll up and went to file it away when he sensed a visitor among him. This sense had come from someone he was all to familiar now. When he turned around, his seat was occupied by his friendly ninja.
"Cozy place," she said, "needs a little more character, not mention the color could use some work, but it's still comfortable."
Ma Dai chuckled, "What for, the whole camp will be dismantled by morning."
She shrugged, "Maybe, but a little home equity can really help a place become more lively."
"Shouldn't you be asleep like everyone else, Kunoichi? We have to be ready to leave shortly after sunrise."
"Mmm, yeah but I decided to take up night watch. It's where I do my best work, us ninjas are made for the night. Besides, someone's got to keep you company, big brother."
"Well, that's nice of you. I'm about ready to call in for the night myself but you are welcome to stay."
Kunoichi got up from the seat and walked over to the file cabinet to look over the day's report.
"You know, those reports are only meant to be read by high ranking officials, right?"
"I know, but as long as nobody writes anything down, nobody will know that I did read. Besides, what's the big deal anyway?"
"Well I can be accused of insubordination, espionage," he responded as he grabbed the scroll from the ninja's hand, "possibly conspiracy, all of which is punishable by death."
"Oh... well then, we can't have that then, can we?"
Ma Dai took the report and filed it away again. All the while, Kunoichi saw her friend's beloved hat from a table and decided to take a closer look. She could see how well crafted the headwear actually was. The shining metal that would glisten in the light. The green cloth wrapped around with black leather layered along the top. Of course, the trademark horse plume coming out the top truly made it one of a kind.
"You know, brother, I've wondered how you got this hat. Tell me, was it a reward for succeeding in some great adventure, maybe it was from a victory for besting your rival."
Ma Dai was always amazed by his friend's wild imagination. She never seemed to run out of crazy stories for anyone. Sure she had no idea what she was talking about but he was still entertained nonetheless.
"No, in fact the real reason is more mundane than you would think. Actually, come to think of it the second thing you said is a little accurate."
Her interest peaked, "Really!? Well, how did you win it?"
The painter riffled his already messy hair, chuckling at what he was about to say. "Well, I got it through winning a drinking game."
The ninja was surprised, she was just guessing. She didn't think she would be right, especially when the truth stranger than she thought. She pestered him for the story until he obliged.
He smiled and said, "Alright, I was in a bar with Young Master in Liang. It was before Cao Cao invaded so we were young, or younger, at the time. And there was this man, a mercenary who fought alongside Dong Zhuo, he would come into to the bar and challenge anyone to a drinking contest. Before he challenged me, he had defeated at least 50 other men; in-fact he had beaten Young Master the day prior. Keep in mind, Ma Chao can drink a lot so the fact that this guy had beaten him really says something." Kunoichi was all ears for him, like a child being told a bedtime story. He continued, "So this guy, I think his name was Chung or something, says, 'Hey! Jackass! You and me,' cause he's got to make a point to everyone who he's challenging, 'Seeing how I've already beaten your light weighted cousin, I reckon you'll be just as easy.' Now, I'm not necessarily someone who would just accept any challenge, especially from a jackass like him. But seeing how Young Master's pride, and head for that matter, was hurt the previous day, who was I to turn down the offer."
The little ninja chuckled, the amount of money one would have to give the other was a lot. He continued, "So we started, the first hour we were about 15 shots of baijiu in and both of us were fine. Small talk helps keep the mind off the effects."
"What did you guys talk about?" Kunoichi asked.
"Strategy, stories, interesting stuff actually. However, I must have blanked out some of the specifics. The second hour came by with 18 shots and we were starting to get buzzed. The room looked light it was slanted to the side and my vision was starting to get a little blurry. Not wanting to show any weakness I said I was fine. I like to believe he was in the same situation. About 7 more shots and I was getting lightheaded. The room itself was spinning and it felt like I couldn't sit still." He places his hand on his friends head and moved it as to simulate the feeling. "Young Master tried to stop me but I was too far in. I figured why not shake things up a bit." The painter gave a sly smile and chuckled. "Before we did the next shot I said to him that we should up the wager. I put in a special pendant of mine and he puts in his hat. At that point my memory was coming in and out so the only thing I remember was shaking his hand in agreement. Young Master scolded me afterwards for even thinking about wagering that pendant as it was an heirloom of the family."
The little ninja could see Ma Chao face, he must have been rolling in anger at Ma Dai at the time. She knew of the pendant he was talking about, it was a beautiful piece of jade carved with the symbol of Ma. Something that only a drunken fool would easily put up for a bet, which he was at the time. "All of that drinking must have taken a toll on you, how does this all end?"
"Well, unfortunately I don't know. I blacked out completely the second I took that shot. The next thing I remembered was waking up with a massive hangover. The reason I knew I won was that the guy's hat was on the table next to me."
She couldn't believe it! She had become so invested into his story only for it to end so anticlimactically. No big moment for him when he finally defeated his foe, no great celebration, nothing. He just had the hat now. She continued to ponder the ending of Ma Dai's story without realizing that he already lied down in his cot and had fallen asleep.
"So, is that why you're so sentimental about your hat, brother?" she asked before looking over at him. "Oh! My bad. I'll just show myself out."
Kunoichi walked out the back of the tent and jumped on top of a branch from a nearby tree. I think there's something he's leaving out, no way you can be so attached to something simply over a dumb little contest. I'm sure of it. It's just a hat, unless it means that much to him.
The ninja kept thinking to herself until she eventually dosed off. So much keeping an eye out for Ma Dai.
——
The sun rose over the campsite and the soldiers were already dismantling their tents. All the officers were helping with the process in hopes of leaving sooner. While Ma Dai was mainly overseeing everything, he was helping out in anyway he could. Yukimura and Yinping were lifting some of the heavier items, albeit Yinping was doing without any signs of stress. Magoichi was also lending his assistance with equipment, mainly in hopes to try and impress the daughter of war. The only one unaccounted for was Kunoichi who was still asleep in the tree. Nobody was able to find her, concern rose within the painter.
"We're almost ready to go, where is she?" He paced back in forth while keeping an eye for the ninja. I hope she's okay, but if she doesn't show up soon, we would have to leave without her...
Seeing the worry in his eyes, the young Guan attempted to console her dear friend, while carrying heavy wooden beams meant for the barriers. "Um, are you okay, my lord? You seem to have something on your mind."
"Hm... Oh! Nothing, my lady." He had put up his usual faćade. He didn't want to worry her too much, even if he did appreciate it. "But have you seen Kunoichi lately? She's the only one that is unaccounted for."
"Uhh, no I haven't," she responded while swinging the beam around, narrowly missing Ma Dai, "She didn't comeback to the tent last night. But I'm sure she'll turn up eventually, she always seems to."
The beam swung back around and the painter stood back up. He wasn't to keen the lady nearly decapitating him but he was willing to let it slide. Seeing her lifting things ten times her height and weight always captivated him in a way. Her strength was a marvel, something that everyone should admire and not be afraid of. Though he did wish she was a bit more careful around others.
"Maybe if I call out to her she will hear me, my lord." Yinping again swung the beam around before she started calling for the ninja. "Kunoichi! Are you here?! We have to go soon so please show yourself!" No answer, she swung the beam back around to see Ma Dai crouching. She didn't assume anything, "I don't know, my lord. I'll keep my eye out for her if that helps."
She began to walk away looking all around her when he said, "Well, thank you my lady. She has to be around here somewhere."
When she swung the beam around again, she accidentally slammed the side of a tree which startled her. The impact sent strong vibrations up the base and along the branches. Leaves and loose sticks fell off while the branches swayed back 'n forth. But something didn't sound right, something heavy was falling, and falling fast. Yinping turned around to look up where she saw her companion screaming on her way down. The ninja fell too fast for her to react. Kunoichi ended landing hard on the ground in front of her friends. Yinping was happy to "find" her. "Oh! There you are, Kunoichi! Lord Ma Dai, I found her!"
She helped her friend up from the ground. The ninja felt her arm being yanked with ease and lands on her feet. Yet she had to quickly drop down to avoid beam when Yinping turned around. Ma Dai couldn't resist but chuckled at the two of them.
"Is there anything else you need, my Lord?" A big smile was on her face, the type of smile that could melt the hearts of even the coldest warriors. To Ma Dai, it was something that could make him forget about everything. It almost made him forget the giant beam she was holding but luckily he had broken out of his trance.
"Uh-Yes. That beam should probably go back with the others. Then, of course, help out with anything else that needs to be done, my lady."
He tipped his hat as per usual to her. But whether it was the first time or the hundredth time, it was like a mini fire had erupted under her cheeks. His little acts of kindness always had that affect on her. No matter what she did to prevent the embarrassment of her looking like a blushing mess, she always failed. However she was getting a little better. They've known each other for some time now so she was able to recognize when he was just playing the part and when he meant it. Seeing how she had found his close friend, she knew that this moment was sincere.
"You got it, my lord!" She saluted the man before hauling the beam off towards the others. Ma Dai walked over to the downed ninja and hoisted her back to her feet.
"You alright there? You look like you were asleep when you fell from up there."
Kunoichi rubbed her eyes and shrugged the dirt off of herself.
"I was... and I was in a dream too. You were there, Yukimura, and Lord Takeda. I was with you guys, but I was wearing a hat of my own. It was a big, puffy hat that was white with pink stripes and two tassels on the sides. It looked pretty cool, big brother."
"You with your own hat? I'll believe it when I see it."
——
The rest of the covey had finished deconstructing the camp and were ready to head out, or at least almost ready. Magoichi had taken up Yinping's horse before she got on in an attempt to have the two of them ride together.
"Umm, Lord Magoichi, don't you think it'd be better if I took Qiang's reigns? She is my horse after all."
The suave man was just smiling away at her, hoping his plan would work this time. "Ah, but my dear lady, I'm more than capable of riding a horse. Though if it makes you feel more comfortable, you're welcome to hop on with me."
Confusion was all over her face. Had it been Ma Dai she would be way more willing to accept that offer. Not some guy who had barely met and already failed to make a good impression on her.
Before she could give a response, she saw her friend and his noble horse, Yuqiang, approaching them. They were followed by Yukimura on his horse with Kunoichi riding with him. Hopefully one of them can talk some sense here.
"Master Magoichi, I see you have made yourself acquainted with Lady Yinping's steed," said Yukimura.
The three were confused, yet weren't surprised by his latest attempt to woo the young lady. Unfortunately for the marksman, it wasn't working. Not only was she not interested on his offer, but Qiang was not cooperating well with him. The horse was only ever used to Yinping as her firm grip kept it in check. Magoichi was noticeably far weaker than her.
"Well..." he paused, trying to come up with an explanation that didn't entirely paint him as a jackass. "I believed that Lady Yinping should relax and rest up while I take the reigns. She worked so hard to help dismantle the camp that she deserves the break."
"That's rather nice but I'm fine, Master Magoichi. I don't feel tired at all."
Ma Dai looked unamused, "I see, but I don't think it's a good idea for you to take the reigns of a horse that's not familiar with you. Especially since that breed tends to be loyal only to one person."
"You gotta give me more respect, Ma Dai. I happen to be quite the skilled rider."
"But haven't you only ever rode one horse in your life, Magoichi," the ninja had blurted out. "And wasn't that over a week ago?"
His face curled into a look of annoyance. Well, she was right, but nobody else needed to know that. He tried to pass it off saying, "Come on, guys. Show some faith in me. I can manage a horse." His response did not ring true to his temporary steed.
Ma Dai was laughing on the inside. There's nothing like seeing someone's overconfidence hiding their inexperience, especially when it leads to the inevitable outcome. He turned to the horseless woman, "My lady, if it makes you comfortable, you can ride with me if you want? Yuqiang's already familiar with you so I know he wouldn't mind."
Before she could give an answer, her steed began to thrash around uncontrollably, trying to throw the man off it's back. He tried pulling back to no avail, the horse was only familiar with Yinping's strength and Magoichi's was far below hers. After one more good jump, the man was thrown off and had made a rather large impression on the ground. Qiang must've felt quite accomplished as she let out a seemingly satisfied cry. Almost as if she was laughing at the womanizer for trying to get at her master. The horse walked over to the young lady as she could only take her reigns properly. "Thank you for the offer, my lord," Yinping bowed to Ma Dai, "but I think Qiang would rather have me with her. Like you said, she doesn't seem to get along with others as you can see."
As much as he would rather ride with him, or prefer it even, he understood it completely. Yuqiang was like that for a while with others until he almost trampled Ma Chao, leading to a very stern lecture from his master. The only other person he would allow on him comfortably was Yinping, probably because of all the ways she had spoiled him with food and love. Ma Dai simply nodded his head in agreement and smiled.
After one last role call, the army began it's march again. Several of the men walked past the still lying body of Magoichi, still imprinted in the ground. It wasn't until the majority of them past by when he finally got up, dazed but very upset. "Whatever, stupid horse. I prefer walking anyway."