Disclaimer: I need them! I need them!
But crap of crap, they do not belong to me. Damn…
Character designs are Koei's and generals are their own, who died a long time ago, and deprived me of the pleasure of glomping them…
Sigh…people…they should be more considerate…
~~~~~
CHAPTER 3
From the helm of the magnificent battle ship, red war banners dancing merrily in the gentle sea breeze, Sun Quan surveyed the vast of the land, bordered by the strength of the mighty sea, protected by the majesty of regal granite mountains. He looked across the calm waters to watch fishermen busy at their job and boatmen mending the boats and nets further up on shore. His were people of the sea and they lost none of the crass grace they possessed, as they saluted the ruler when he happened to rest his eyes on them, and continued unperturbed with the task at hand. His two trusted generals, Zhou Yu - also cunning strategist and brother of the Sun clan - and Zhou Tai - loyal subordinate and trusted subject - stood to his right and left. Both were quiet, respectful of their ruler and understanding his need for silence. Then, looking back slightly to his right, Sun Quan address, "An attack?"
Zhou Yu stepped forward, a cunning smile resting gently on his lips. "Yes, my Lord." He paused, turning round. "I believe it is a wise move, my Lord."
"Wise?"
Zhou Yu nodded, folding his arms. Though greatly impatient to know his strategist's plan, Sun Quan could not help admiring the grace and honour the young Wu commander could inject in his every word, every movement. Prompting a little with the tilt of his head, the ruler prodded, "And…? Why is that so? You must realize the Wei fleet surpasses us by more than double our number."
"Ahh…it is true. But…" He paused again. "…my Lord has forgotten that we are masters of battle at sea. It is the endless water around us," Zhou Yu extended his arm in an impressive sweep, "that surrounds us, my Lord. And showers us victory."
Sun Quan stepped closer, listening intently.
Eyes burning with determined fire, Zhou Yu assumed the air of one confident and determined of success. "The Shu army is weak," he reported. "They have lost an important battle and now flee from Cao Cao. Their soldiers are dispirited, they would be worthless in battle. And…" His eyes glinted now. "…Liu Bei brings with him peasants. The people he so longs to protect, yet, failing them - for their safety. He cannot save his people, his subordinates, himself if he continues to run. It is a matter of time, my Lord, before the soldiers of Cao Cao catch up with them; and bloody slaughter ensues."
Zhou Yu stopped, soft hazel eyes on the form of his lord, waiting for an indication to continue. But, his leader and the man who so diligently guards by his side were speechless. It was not the first time Sun Quan, and Zhou Tai for that matter, were witness to the pure charisma and intense wit not uncommon in Zhou Gongjin. He lowered his head slightly in silent modesty and waited his leader's response. Sun Quan could only look on in awe and thank the Gods for their gift in the shape of the boyishly handsome Zhou Yu. He had not known the young strategist for long, Zhou Yu being the confidant and childhood friend of his brother Sun Ce, the kingdom Wu founded on their shared dreams of peace. However, he was king now; and Zhou Yu his advisor. Shaking his head slightly to clear the strange heady rush, Sun Quan commanded, "Continue."
Zhou Tai unfolded his massive arms.
"Yes, my Lord. Liu Bei asks for help." Seeing the confusion on Lord Sun Quan's face, he continued unhurried. "They are willing to thrust aside pride to save their people - an admirable decision, I admit. But a decision that will work to our advantage. Although we are strong, we must not forget, my Lord, that we are relatively a new kingdom. Cao Cao thinks us an easy conquer," he spat in disgust. "But we will show him the resolve of Wu. And the price of underestimating us. We would make Lord Sun Jian and Lord Sun Ce proud, and establish your reputation as a feared and formidable leader. It will teach Wei, and any other fools, to not look poorly on us in the future."
"And Liu Bei merely requests food and shelter? It is too good an offer to be taken easily, Zhou Yu…"
"He is desperate, my Lord. A desperate man goes to unreasonable lengths…"
"And what of Cao Cao? It would not do good to underestimate him as well."
"Cao Cao is on unfamiliar territory here. Despite the amazing mass of his army, they are still like fish out of water, flailing hopelessly as slowly, they realize too late the futility of such folly. And Shu…they will pave the way for Wu's victory." Zhou Yu narrowed his eyes at the statement. He hated Zhuge Liang; hated the thought of him aiding, albeit indirectly, unwillingly, in the welfare of his country, in the importance that was his own… But for his kingdom, his new unbroken ruler, his deceased friend, and his family, he would discard his pride and honour. "However…" He bowed. "…I shall see that we are not exposed or handicapped in any way. I will take the necessarily precautions, and more, to present to you, my Lord, a stunning victory worth a thousand praises."
Gazing resolutely into his lord's eyes, he whispered, "Trust me."
Two words. And it calmed the questions, the fears deep in Sun Quan's heart. 'How can I not? When my father and brother have entrusted their very fates in your hands? I will do the same…'
With the majesty only possessed by one of royal descent, Sun Quan replied quietly, "Very well. Do not disappoint me."
'I will do whatever's necessary. For Wu.'
Bowing, Zhou Gongjin saluted, "As you wish."
______________________________________________
Sweeping his league of generals with an unwavering stare, Cao Cao announced, "Tomorrow, we go to war. Wu will suffer for their impertinence. Shu will be ours!"
A rousing cheer erupted in the large tent the Wei ruler held the meeting, the generals gathered confident and trusting in the shadows of their lord's powerful declaration. It was like a sign that could never be ignored. For as the new day broke, so would victory.
______________________________________________
"I have done as you have advised, Sima Yi. Tomorrow General Zhang He goes to battle."
"You are wise, my Lord. Triumph or defeat, my Lord's influence will grow and soon you will be in power. Of Wei. Of China."
Nodding curtly, Cao Pi left Sima Yi to retire for the night, and to prepare for the next day. He did not understand the ministering the sly scholar at times, but he was assured of the immense wit he possessed. Sima Yi would bring him the world. And Cao Pi slept a fitful, dreamless slumber that night.
______________________________________________
Sima Yi watched, uninterested, the retreating back of his master. Then, looking up to the stars, he smiled. 'It would be a fateful day tomorrow… Impossibly, the fierce fire would quell the heady rush of water.'
And Wei - he - would be that much closer to its goal.
______________________________________________
Zhang He exited the tent quickly. He felt overwhelmed amidst the press and heat of weary bodies and wished escape. Breathing in the cool night air, the absently slashed nothingness as he pondered his fate on the morrow.
At a spot, between blooming cherry blossom trees that was far from where Sima Yi stood, one fleeting thought passed his mind: 'It would be beautiful…'
~~~~~
Jade: Okay…now Wu comes into action and…er…what are they supposed to do anyway?
Zhou Yu: You mean you don't know??
Jade: Yeah…in a way…
Zhou Yu: WHAT?!?!
Jade: So, I thought you would be an interesting addition. Why are you getting so worked up for?
Zhou Yu: Well… But I'm all serious and stuff… *twiddles thumbs and puts on cute puppy dog face* I
wanted to be more like Sima Yi, I wanna wave a fan around like an adorable stressed
commander…
Sima Yi: Oiii!! I am not stressed. And I do not wave my fan around. It's saved specifically for
whacking silly boyish generals like you. And where's my beautiful black fan anyway?!?
Jade: *sighs* If you're not going to behave like the grown, petty, commandeering, attack-
everything-in-sight, stressful strategists you are supposed to be, no fans!!
Sima Yi: (muttering) I am so gonna set a million soldiers on you…
Zhou Yu: No fans?!? But…I wanted a crimson red-feathered one…
Sima Yi: *snorts* Yeah, and where would you get 'crimson red-feathered one'. Not many phoenixes
around here… Uh-uh… Unless you want yours from some rooster's butt. Is it even red to
begin with? (muttering again) Damn Jade, putting me here when I could be out
with Junyi… I think I'll make that two million soldiers…
But crap of crap, they do not belong to me. Damn…
Character designs are Koei's and generals are their own, who died a long time ago, and deprived me of the pleasure of glomping them…
Sigh…people…they should be more considerate…
~~~~~
CHAPTER 3
From the helm of the magnificent battle ship, red war banners dancing merrily in the gentle sea breeze, Sun Quan surveyed the vast of the land, bordered by the strength of the mighty sea, protected by the majesty of regal granite mountains. He looked across the calm waters to watch fishermen busy at their job and boatmen mending the boats and nets further up on shore. His were people of the sea and they lost none of the crass grace they possessed, as they saluted the ruler when he happened to rest his eyes on them, and continued unperturbed with the task at hand. His two trusted generals, Zhou Yu - also cunning strategist and brother of the Sun clan - and Zhou Tai - loyal subordinate and trusted subject - stood to his right and left. Both were quiet, respectful of their ruler and understanding his need for silence. Then, looking back slightly to his right, Sun Quan address, "An attack?"
Zhou Yu stepped forward, a cunning smile resting gently on his lips. "Yes, my Lord." He paused, turning round. "I believe it is a wise move, my Lord."
"Wise?"
Zhou Yu nodded, folding his arms. Though greatly impatient to know his strategist's plan, Sun Quan could not help admiring the grace and honour the young Wu commander could inject in his every word, every movement. Prompting a little with the tilt of his head, the ruler prodded, "And…? Why is that so? You must realize the Wei fleet surpasses us by more than double our number."
"Ahh…it is true. But…" He paused again. "…my Lord has forgotten that we are masters of battle at sea. It is the endless water around us," Zhou Yu extended his arm in an impressive sweep, "that surrounds us, my Lord. And showers us victory."
Sun Quan stepped closer, listening intently.
Eyes burning with determined fire, Zhou Yu assumed the air of one confident and determined of success. "The Shu army is weak," he reported. "They have lost an important battle and now flee from Cao Cao. Their soldiers are dispirited, they would be worthless in battle. And…" His eyes glinted now. "…Liu Bei brings with him peasants. The people he so longs to protect, yet, failing them - for their safety. He cannot save his people, his subordinates, himself if he continues to run. It is a matter of time, my Lord, before the soldiers of Cao Cao catch up with them; and bloody slaughter ensues."
Zhou Yu stopped, soft hazel eyes on the form of his lord, waiting for an indication to continue. But, his leader and the man who so diligently guards by his side were speechless. It was not the first time Sun Quan, and Zhou Tai for that matter, were witness to the pure charisma and intense wit not uncommon in Zhou Gongjin. He lowered his head slightly in silent modesty and waited his leader's response. Sun Quan could only look on in awe and thank the Gods for their gift in the shape of the boyishly handsome Zhou Yu. He had not known the young strategist for long, Zhou Yu being the confidant and childhood friend of his brother Sun Ce, the kingdom Wu founded on their shared dreams of peace. However, he was king now; and Zhou Yu his advisor. Shaking his head slightly to clear the strange heady rush, Sun Quan commanded, "Continue."
Zhou Tai unfolded his massive arms.
"Yes, my Lord. Liu Bei asks for help." Seeing the confusion on Lord Sun Quan's face, he continued unhurried. "They are willing to thrust aside pride to save their people - an admirable decision, I admit. But a decision that will work to our advantage. Although we are strong, we must not forget, my Lord, that we are relatively a new kingdom. Cao Cao thinks us an easy conquer," he spat in disgust. "But we will show him the resolve of Wu. And the price of underestimating us. We would make Lord Sun Jian and Lord Sun Ce proud, and establish your reputation as a feared and formidable leader. It will teach Wei, and any other fools, to not look poorly on us in the future."
"And Liu Bei merely requests food and shelter? It is too good an offer to be taken easily, Zhou Yu…"
"He is desperate, my Lord. A desperate man goes to unreasonable lengths…"
"And what of Cao Cao? It would not do good to underestimate him as well."
"Cao Cao is on unfamiliar territory here. Despite the amazing mass of his army, they are still like fish out of water, flailing hopelessly as slowly, they realize too late the futility of such folly. And Shu…they will pave the way for Wu's victory." Zhou Yu narrowed his eyes at the statement. He hated Zhuge Liang; hated the thought of him aiding, albeit indirectly, unwillingly, in the welfare of his country, in the importance that was his own… But for his kingdom, his new unbroken ruler, his deceased friend, and his family, he would discard his pride and honour. "However…" He bowed. "…I shall see that we are not exposed or handicapped in any way. I will take the necessarily precautions, and more, to present to you, my Lord, a stunning victory worth a thousand praises."
Gazing resolutely into his lord's eyes, he whispered, "Trust me."
Two words. And it calmed the questions, the fears deep in Sun Quan's heart. 'How can I not? When my father and brother have entrusted their very fates in your hands? I will do the same…'
With the majesty only possessed by one of royal descent, Sun Quan replied quietly, "Very well. Do not disappoint me."
'I will do whatever's necessary. For Wu.'
Bowing, Zhou Gongjin saluted, "As you wish."
______________________________________________
Sweeping his league of generals with an unwavering stare, Cao Cao announced, "Tomorrow, we go to war. Wu will suffer for their impertinence. Shu will be ours!"
A rousing cheer erupted in the large tent the Wei ruler held the meeting, the generals gathered confident and trusting in the shadows of their lord's powerful declaration. It was like a sign that could never be ignored. For as the new day broke, so would victory.
______________________________________________
"I have done as you have advised, Sima Yi. Tomorrow General Zhang He goes to battle."
"You are wise, my Lord. Triumph or defeat, my Lord's influence will grow and soon you will be in power. Of Wei. Of China."
Nodding curtly, Cao Pi left Sima Yi to retire for the night, and to prepare for the next day. He did not understand the ministering the sly scholar at times, but he was assured of the immense wit he possessed. Sima Yi would bring him the world. And Cao Pi slept a fitful, dreamless slumber that night.
______________________________________________
Sima Yi watched, uninterested, the retreating back of his master. Then, looking up to the stars, he smiled. 'It would be a fateful day tomorrow… Impossibly, the fierce fire would quell the heady rush of water.'
And Wei - he - would be that much closer to its goal.
______________________________________________
Zhang He exited the tent quickly. He felt overwhelmed amidst the press and heat of weary bodies and wished escape. Breathing in the cool night air, the absently slashed nothingness as he pondered his fate on the morrow.
At a spot, between blooming cherry blossom trees that was far from where Sima Yi stood, one fleeting thought passed his mind: 'It would be beautiful…'
~~~~~
Jade: Okay…now Wu comes into action and…er…what are they supposed to do anyway?
Zhou Yu: You mean you don't know??
Jade: Yeah…in a way…
Zhou Yu: WHAT?!?!
Jade: So, I thought you would be an interesting addition. Why are you getting so worked up for?
Zhou Yu: Well… But I'm all serious and stuff… *twiddles thumbs and puts on cute puppy dog face* I
wanted to be more like Sima Yi, I wanna wave a fan around like an adorable stressed
commander…
Sima Yi: Oiii!! I am not stressed. And I do not wave my fan around. It's saved specifically for
whacking silly boyish generals like you. And where's my beautiful black fan anyway?!?
Jade: *sighs* If you're not going to behave like the grown, petty, commandeering, attack-
everything-in-sight, stressful strategists you are supposed to be, no fans!!
Sima Yi: (muttering) I am so gonna set a million soldiers on you…
Zhou Yu: No fans?!? But…I wanted a crimson red-feathered one…
Sima Yi: *snorts* Yeah, and where would you get 'crimson red-feathered one'. Not many phoenixes
around here… Uh-uh… Unless you want yours from some rooster's butt. Is it even red to
begin with? (muttering again) Damn Jade, putting me here when I could be out
with Junyi… I think I'll make that two million soldiers…