Chen Rising chapter 8
One month to go: Count down to the end
'Jin?' Zima Shi said, astonished. Sima Dan laughed. 'Yes. You heard right. The Kingdom of Jin. Thanks to you killing Cao Sai, my men have already begun the take over of Wei's territory. And it's all thanks to you.' Sima Dan said. Suddenly, five armoured figures stepped out of the woods. All had drawn swords. 'Shall we end their lives Sima Dan?' One of them said. Sima Dan shook his head. 'Not yet Matriel. I prefer to give my opponent a fighting chance. Let them go.' Matriel looked surprised for a minute, but that look vanished as quickly as it came. 'As you wish.' Matriel put his sword away. 'Make sure they get back to their camp safely. No sense in them dying out here.' Sima Dan said. He turned to Zima Shi and Son Mia. 'You're Kingdom has one month to prepare before my men and I attack. Until that time, farewell.' Sima Dan leapt up higher into the tree and vanished. Matriel turned to one of the other men. 'Leliel! Take them to their camp.' Leliel nodded silently. The others followed Matriel as he walked off, leaving Zima Shi and Son Mia to Leliel. Leliel pointed in a certain direction and began walking. Zima Shi and Son Mia followed, not having any other choice. They had been walking for an hour when the base finally appeared. No sooner had they seen the base, Leliel vanished. Zima Shi walked back into the base. 'Lord Zima Shi has returned!' The sentry called out. Soldiers and generals alike swarmed out to meet him. However, Zima Shi immediately called for the generals to meet with him in his tent. When all the generals had reached his ten, he got straight to business. 'Wei is dead.' He said. There was a large outburst of cheers and applause, but Zima Shi quickly quieted them. 'However, the War is far from over. A New Kingdom has arisen.' The generals all gasped. 'They are lead by a man named Sima Dan. This is a war that I now don't think we can win.' He said. 'And why not? That's not the voice of my brother I'm hearing.' Zima Shao said. 'They have warriors. But they aren't Chinese. They're.. Different.' Zima Shi said. Zima Shao looked nervous. 'Describe them.' Zima Shi launched into a full description of the five warriors who confronted them and nearly ended their lives. Zima Shao looked terrified. 'What is it? Kai Mei asked. 'Roman Legionnaires.' Zima Shao said, dread apparent in his voice. Most of the generals looked at him in confusion. 'When I was a child, before I had even thought to create Chen, I lived with travelling merchants. On one of our longer trips, we headed far to the west. To a place called Rome. They're an advanced people, possessing a grand empire and a powerful military. Their warriors were known as Legionnaires. I saw a display where the soldiers were training. They fought in a huge building that was called a Coliseum. They are strong soldiers and are very difficult to defeat.' Zima Shao said. 'Their technique is something I didn't see, so I don't know how they fight.' Zima Shi shook his head. 'Well, we have one month to think something up. Let's get started.'
Sima Dan walked along the line of captives. Each of the Wei generals had been captured. He looked at them, amused. 'Such fools.' He said out loud. Suddenly, one of the Wei generals got up and tried to attack Sima Dan. The guards however, had other plans. The prisoner was pinned down. 'Excitable one, aren't you?' Kwan Tao looked up in disgust. Sima Dan drew his sword and quickly killed Kwan Tao. 'Any other takers?' He said. No one did anything. He continued to walk along the line until one of the prisoners caught his eye. She wore a violet qipao with dragons on it. She had shoulder length black hair with a violet headband. 'And who might you be?' he asked. She refused to speak. 'Have her and the other female captives sent to my quarters. Execute the men.' He said to his generals. One of the generals and a few of the guards took the women away. 'Qiao Mei, make sure they receive good treatment.' The general nodded. Many of the men tried to escape their fate, but none did. Walking away from the execution grounds, Sima Dan walked through Xu Chang's palace. 'Quite intricate. Almost as intricate as the palace in Rome.' He said. He entered the throne room and sat on the throne. 'Guards, leave.' The guards walked out, leaving the Jin Sovereign to himself. Or so he thought. 'Your plans my lord?' Matriel said. 'None yet.' Sima Dan said. 'Being so carefree isn't a good thing for an emperor.' Matriel said. The doors to the throne room opened, and in walked Sima Dan's generals. 'Ah my warriors. Long has it been my dream to subjugate these rogue kingdoms. Soon, our dream of a united land shall be complete!' The generals bowed and said 'GLORY TO JIN!' However, Matriel and his men didn't bow. One of the Jin generals saw this and stood up. 'Infidels! Bow before this land's sovereign!' The man wore purple armor and had a scar running down his face. He had short black hair and brown eyes. His name was Wei Xian. Matriel regarded the challenger. 'This man isn't our lord. We were merely given orders from our lord to assist him.' Matriel said. Another warrior stood up. 'You dare to pick a fight with us?' This man wore a purple vest with long, baggy white pants. He had spiky brown hair and crimson eyes. His name was Xu Shao. 'Prepare to die.' One of the men from Matriel's group said. He wore the same armor that the others wore, but was much taller then the rest. 'Bardiel, stand down.' Matriel said. Sima Dan looked at Xu Shao and Wei Xian. 'You two calm down.' He said. Xu Shao and Wei Xian looked from Sima Dan to Matriel. Then, they reluctantly lowered their weapons. Matriel and his men walked out. 'My lord, why do you continue to put up with their arrogance?' Wei Xian asked. 'Because each of them has the strength of Lu Bu. For now, I shall make use of them because my friend the Emperor of Rome saw fit to lend them to me.' Sima Dan said. Wei Xian bowed. 'I understand.'
Zima Shi lay down on the hill and looked up at the night sky. It was midnight, so all but a few torches were unlit, making the stars easy to see. He closed his eyes. 'Jin. The Romans. When will these battles end?' he said to himself. 'As long as man inhabits this world, the fighting shall never end.' Xiahou Shang said, coming up to him. Zima Shi looked up. 'Xiahou Shang. I know you're looking forward to this battle.' Xiahou Shang shrugged. 'What makes you say that?' Zima Shi sat back down. 'I had heard rumors of the unholy Xiahou and his sword the Dark Wolf. When he's not in battle, he's cool, calm, and calculated. But when battle begins, he fights like the devil incarnate. Like nothing matters to him anymore.' Zima Shi said. Xiahou Shang drew his sword. 'You're correct my lord. This sword. With each soul it tears asunder, it takes part of my humanity as compensation for using its dark powers. If I could, I'd be rid of it. Throw it away and forget about this life I've chosen.' Xiahou Shang sheathed Dark Wolf. 'However, I cannot. The grip Dark Wolf has on my soul is so great I cannot stand to be without it.' He finished up. 'It's merely a question of the user's will. Will he be able to rid himself of the soul stealing power, or shall it consume him? If you desire, all you'd have to do is throw it away. If your will is strong enough, you shall be just as strong without it. But, if it's hold on you is that great, you'll fall to it.' Zima Shi said. 'Inspiring words my lord. I bid thee good night.' Xiahou Shang said. Xiahou Shang walked to the other end of the camp. A river flowed nearby. 'I have made my mind up. No longer shall I be slave to my weapon.' He said. He hurled Dark Wolf into the river. Xiahou Shang immediately felt the evil presence in his heart begin to fade. 'You've made a wise choice.' A voice said. He turned and saw Zhen Ji sitting under a nearby tree. 'Zhen Ji.' Xiahou Shang said, almost not believing his eyes. 'Yes. It is I, my love.' Xiahou Shang ran forward and embraced her. 'I didn't think you'd survive.' He said, tears welling up in his eyes. 'I was able to escape because of your uncles bravery.' Upon the mention of Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Shang scowled. 'Must we bring HIM up?' He asked. Zhen Ji removed herself from his embrace and walked over to the tree. She pulled out a large sword and carried it over to Xiahou Shang. 'You recognize this?' She asked. 'How could I not? It's the Demon Fang. Xiahou Yuan's sword.' Xiahou Shang said. Zhen Ji nodded. 'Before he died fighting, he said to give it to you. He said that he had a change of heart about you, and that it's now up to you carry on the Xiahou line.' At hearing this, Xiahou Shang went wide-eyed. 'My uncle? Said that?' Zhen Ji nodded. 'He did indeed. A dying man doesn't lie when death is at his door.' Xiahou Shang looked at the sword, and for once, couldn't muster any anger towards his uncle. He pulled out the blade and examined it. 'Uncle. Your death shall not be in vain.' He thought. Xiahou Shang sheathed the Demon Fang. 'I shall not give in. Jin shall fall!' Xiahou Shang said. Zhen Ji smiled and walked up to him. 'Now that's the voice of the man I've chosen to marry.' Xiahou Shang looked shocked for a minute, but that faded into a happy smile.
Zima Shi had stayed under the tree for hours after he had talked with Xiahou Shang. He stayed there, looking up at the stars. He had nearly fallen asleep when he heard someone walk from behind the tree. He didn't move, giving the illusion that he had fallen asleep. He felt the person sit down next to him. Opening his eyes a little, he saw it was Son Mia. 'I know you're awake.' She said. He laughed. 'You could tell?' She grinned. I could tell because you snore when you sleep.' Zima Shi looked at her. 'And how would you know that?' He asked. 'You forget. I had to take care of you when you were poisoned.' Zima Shi nodded. 'I suppose that's true.' He said, laughing lightly. Nothing was said for awhile. Son Mia rested her head on Zima Shi's shoulder. 'If my brother saw this, he'd probably try and kill you.' She said. Zima Shi laughed. 'Perhaps if it was someone else. Your brother trusts me.' He said. 'Perhaps. Son Mia replied.
Meanwhile, in the capital, trouble was brewing. Sima Dan sat surrounded by his generals. 'Have the executions been finished Chen Cai?' Sima Dan asked. Chen Cai wore red armor and had shoulder length black hair. His hair mainly hid his red eyes. 'All of the Wei officials have been executed by your order my lord.' Chen Cai said. 'Good. Now, we have one month to prepare our armies and entirely subjugate all of Wei's territory.' Sima Dan said. 'My lord, must we wait a month? Shu doesn't stand a chance against us!' One of the generals said. 'Zhang Cao, if we were to attack now, we'd be defeated. The only reason we won against Wei is because we had the element of surprise. Shu knows we're here, and will be ready to fight. In fact if they were to attack, they would crush us.' Sima Dan said. Zhang Cao bowed his suit of armor clanking as he did. 'Yes my lord.' Long brown hair covered his face. In the shadows, five warriors watched this meeting go on, their plans ready to put into action once the time is right.
One month to go: Count down to the end
'Jin?' Zima Shi said, astonished. Sima Dan laughed. 'Yes. You heard right. The Kingdom of Jin. Thanks to you killing Cao Sai, my men have already begun the take over of Wei's territory. And it's all thanks to you.' Sima Dan said. Suddenly, five armoured figures stepped out of the woods. All had drawn swords. 'Shall we end their lives Sima Dan?' One of them said. Sima Dan shook his head. 'Not yet Matriel. I prefer to give my opponent a fighting chance. Let them go.' Matriel looked surprised for a minute, but that look vanished as quickly as it came. 'As you wish.' Matriel put his sword away. 'Make sure they get back to their camp safely. No sense in them dying out here.' Sima Dan said. He turned to Zima Shi and Son Mia. 'You're Kingdom has one month to prepare before my men and I attack. Until that time, farewell.' Sima Dan leapt up higher into the tree and vanished. Matriel turned to one of the other men. 'Leliel! Take them to their camp.' Leliel nodded silently. The others followed Matriel as he walked off, leaving Zima Shi and Son Mia to Leliel. Leliel pointed in a certain direction and began walking. Zima Shi and Son Mia followed, not having any other choice. They had been walking for an hour when the base finally appeared. No sooner had they seen the base, Leliel vanished. Zima Shi walked back into the base. 'Lord Zima Shi has returned!' The sentry called out. Soldiers and generals alike swarmed out to meet him. However, Zima Shi immediately called for the generals to meet with him in his tent. When all the generals had reached his ten, he got straight to business. 'Wei is dead.' He said. There was a large outburst of cheers and applause, but Zima Shi quickly quieted them. 'However, the War is far from over. A New Kingdom has arisen.' The generals all gasped. 'They are lead by a man named Sima Dan. This is a war that I now don't think we can win.' He said. 'And why not? That's not the voice of my brother I'm hearing.' Zima Shao said. 'They have warriors. But they aren't Chinese. They're.. Different.' Zima Shi said. Zima Shao looked nervous. 'Describe them.' Zima Shi launched into a full description of the five warriors who confronted them and nearly ended their lives. Zima Shao looked terrified. 'What is it? Kai Mei asked. 'Roman Legionnaires.' Zima Shao said, dread apparent in his voice. Most of the generals looked at him in confusion. 'When I was a child, before I had even thought to create Chen, I lived with travelling merchants. On one of our longer trips, we headed far to the west. To a place called Rome. They're an advanced people, possessing a grand empire and a powerful military. Their warriors were known as Legionnaires. I saw a display where the soldiers were training. They fought in a huge building that was called a Coliseum. They are strong soldiers and are very difficult to defeat.' Zima Shao said. 'Their technique is something I didn't see, so I don't know how they fight.' Zima Shi shook his head. 'Well, we have one month to think something up. Let's get started.'
Sima Dan walked along the line of captives. Each of the Wei generals had been captured. He looked at them, amused. 'Such fools.' He said out loud. Suddenly, one of the Wei generals got up and tried to attack Sima Dan. The guards however, had other plans. The prisoner was pinned down. 'Excitable one, aren't you?' Kwan Tao looked up in disgust. Sima Dan drew his sword and quickly killed Kwan Tao. 'Any other takers?' He said. No one did anything. He continued to walk along the line until one of the prisoners caught his eye. She wore a violet qipao with dragons on it. She had shoulder length black hair with a violet headband. 'And who might you be?' he asked. She refused to speak. 'Have her and the other female captives sent to my quarters. Execute the men.' He said to his generals. One of the generals and a few of the guards took the women away. 'Qiao Mei, make sure they receive good treatment.' The general nodded. Many of the men tried to escape their fate, but none did. Walking away from the execution grounds, Sima Dan walked through Xu Chang's palace. 'Quite intricate. Almost as intricate as the palace in Rome.' He said. He entered the throne room and sat on the throne. 'Guards, leave.' The guards walked out, leaving the Jin Sovereign to himself. Or so he thought. 'Your plans my lord?' Matriel said. 'None yet.' Sima Dan said. 'Being so carefree isn't a good thing for an emperor.' Matriel said. The doors to the throne room opened, and in walked Sima Dan's generals. 'Ah my warriors. Long has it been my dream to subjugate these rogue kingdoms. Soon, our dream of a united land shall be complete!' The generals bowed and said 'GLORY TO JIN!' However, Matriel and his men didn't bow. One of the Jin generals saw this and stood up. 'Infidels! Bow before this land's sovereign!' The man wore purple armor and had a scar running down his face. He had short black hair and brown eyes. His name was Wei Xian. Matriel regarded the challenger. 'This man isn't our lord. We were merely given orders from our lord to assist him.' Matriel said. Another warrior stood up. 'You dare to pick a fight with us?' This man wore a purple vest with long, baggy white pants. He had spiky brown hair and crimson eyes. His name was Xu Shao. 'Prepare to die.' One of the men from Matriel's group said. He wore the same armor that the others wore, but was much taller then the rest. 'Bardiel, stand down.' Matriel said. Sima Dan looked at Xu Shao and Wei Xian. 'You two calm down.' He said. Xu Shao and Wei Xian looked from Sima Dan to Matriel. Then, they reluctantly lowered their weapons. Matriel and his men walked out. 'My lord, why do you continue to put up with their arrogance?' Wei Xian asked. 'Because each of them has the strength of Lu Bu. For now, I shall make use of them because my friend the Emperor of Rome saw fit to lend them to me.' Sima Dan said. Wei Xian bowed. 'I understand.'
Zima Shi lay down on the hill and looked up at the night sky. It was midnight, so all but a few torches were unlit, making the stars easy to see. He closed his eyes. 'Jin. The Romans. When will these battles end?' he said to himself. 'As long as man inhabits this world, the fighting shall never end.' Xiahou Shang said, coming up to him. Zima Shi looked up. 'Xiahou Shang. I know you're looking forward to this battle.' Xiahou Shang shrugged. 'What makes you say that?' Zima Shi sat back down. 'I had heard rumors of the unholy Xiahou and his sword the Dark Wolf. When he's not in battle, he's cool, calm, and calculated. But when battle begins, he fights like the devil incarnate. Like nothing matters to him anymore.' Zima Shi said. Xiahou Shang drew his sword. 'You're correct my lord. This sword. With each soul it tears asunder, it takes part of my humanity as compensation for using its dark powers. If I could, I'd be rid of it. Throw it away and forget about this life I've chosen.' Xiahou Shang sheathed Dark Wolf. 'However, I cannot. The grip Dark Wolf has on my soul is so great I cannot stand to be without it.' He finished up. 'It's merely a question of the user's will. Will he be able to rid himself of the soul stealing power, or shall it consume him? If you desire, all you'd have to do is throw it away. If your will is strong enough, you shall be just as strong without it. But, if it's hold on you is that great, you'll fall to it.' Zima Shi said. 'Inspiring words my lord. I bid thee good night.' Xiahou Shang said. Xiahou Shang walked to the other end of the camp. A river flowed nearby. 'I have made my mind up. No longer shall I be slave to my weapon.' He said. He hurled Dark Wolf into the river. Xiahou Shang immediately felt the evil presence in his heart begin to fade. 'You've made a wise choice.' A voice said. He turned and saw Zhen Ji sitting under a nearby tree. 'Zhen Ji.' Xiahou Shang said, almost not believing his eyes. 'Yes. It is I, my love.' Xiahou Shang ran forward and embraced her. 'I didn't think you'd survive.' He said, tears welling up in his eyes. 'I was able to escape because of your uncles bravery.' Upon the mention of Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Shang scowled. 'Must we bring HIM up?' He asked. Zhen Ji removed herself from his embrace and walked over to the tree. She pulled out a large sword and carried it over to Xiahou Shang. 'You recognize this?' She asked. 'How could I not? It's the Demon Fang. Xiahou Yuan's sword.' Xiahou Shang said. Zhen Ji nodded. 'Before he died fighting, he said to give it to you. He said that he had a change of heart about you, and that it's now up to you carry on the Xiahou line.' At hearing this, Xiahou Shang went wide-eyed. 'My uncle? Said that?' Zhen Ji nodded. 'He did indeed. A dying man doesn't lie when death is at his door.' Xiahou Shang looked at the sword, and for once, couldn't muster any anger towards his uncle. He pulled out the blade and examined it. 'Uncle. Your death shall not be in vain.' He thought. Xiahou Shang sheathed the Demon Fang. 'I shall not give in. Jin shall fall!' Xiahou Shang said. Zhen Ji smiled and walked up to him. 'Now that's the voice of the man I've chosen to marry.' Xiahou Shang looked shocked for a minute, but that faded into a happy smile.
Zima Shi had stayed under the tree for hours after he had talked with Xiahou Shang. He stayed there, looking up at the stars. He had nearly fallen asleep when he heard someone walk from behind the tree. He didn't move, giving the illusion that he had fallen asleep. He felt the person sit down next to him. Opening his eyes a little, he saw it was Son Mia. 'I know you're awake.' She said. He laughed. 'You could tell?' She grinned. I could tell because you snore when you sleep.' Zima Shi looked at her. 'And how would you know that?' He asked. 'You forget. I had to take care of you when you were poisoned.' Zima Shi nodded. 'I suppose that's true.' He said, laughing lightly. Nothing was said for awhile. Son Mia rested her head on Zima Shi's shoulder. 'If my brother saw this, he'd probably try and kill you.' She said. Zima Shi laughed. 'Perhaps if it was someone else. Your brother trusts me.' He said. 'Perhaps. Son Mia replied.
Meanwhile, in the capital, trouble was brewing. Sima Dan sat surrounded by his generals. 'Have the executions been finished Chen Cai?' Sima Dan asked. Chen Cai wore red armor and had shoulder length black hair. His hair mainly hid his red eyes. 'All of the Wei officials have been executed by your order my lord.' Chen Cai said. 'Good. Now, we have one month to prepare our armies and entirely subjugate all of Wei's territory.' Sima Dan said. 'My lord, must we wait a month? Shu doesn't stand a chance against us!' One of the generals said. 'Zhang Cao, if we were to attack now, we'd be defeated. The only reason we won against Wei is because we had the element of surprise. Shu knows we're here, and will be ready to fight. In fact if they were to attack, they would crush us.' Sima Dan said. Zhang Cao bowed his suit of armor clanking as he did. 'Yes my lord.' Long brown hair covered his face. In the shadows, five warriors watched this meeting go on, their plans ready to put into action once the time is right.