Dynasty Warriors: Variations
A/N- I don't know DW/ROTK or its charaters
Chapter II- Wu's Plans
Sun Ce quietly ran his hand over his shoulder, rubbing a sore spot, which had been there since the day before. It was one of those minor little wonder he had gotten during the campaign for the southland. It just happened that this one was acting up a bit. He took a deep breath, making his mind think beyond the little pain in his shoulder. It did take long for him to get past the thought. Today was going to be a good day; Sun Ce already knew this as he walked through the palace, going to the armory. He moved with a uncommon energy as he walked, and everyone who saw the General walking, knew he was pumped up for something, and most already knew what the something was. They knew that things had been a mixed bag for Sun Ce and his family for the last 6 months. It started with the early death of Sun Ce, and Lady Qiao's for child due to illness. Then it changed with the news of Lady Qiao was expecting a second child. Now the whole place was in preparation for the arrival of another child. Lady Qiao was out with her younger sister out visiting with the elder Qiao who had come into town.
Sun Ce's smile only grew when he entered the armory, and could see all the splendid bows, arrows, swords, spears, and other weapons. He also saw something that pleased him very much as well. A youngster who looked similar to Ce except a thinner face, shorter hair, and of course much smaller was thumbing all of the bows looking at them like the decision would change his life forever. Ce smiled to himself as he could tell the boy was so concentrating on looking at the different bows, that he did not even hear Ce enter the room. Ce quietly walked up making sure not to alarm the youngster, and move to stand right behind him. The youngster was looking at one of the bows that were a bit taller.
"Well now do you think that you can handle that one, it sure looks like a big one," Ce said seeing the boy jump a tad bit.
"Well I am sure, I can handle it, I saw the bow you had with you when you my age, at it look like it would be hard to use." the younger replied turning to Ce, giving Ce a half smile.
"Well Shao, I think that one would be a good bow for you when you put it like that," Ce said rubbing his chin.
"Well, Father, I think I am, well I am so glad I get to go hunting with you today," Shao replied.
"Well, Shao, got make sure that everything you need to take care if is ready, I will handle everything around here," Ce said, and a second later Shao began on his way.
Sun Shao was Sun Ce's adopted son, thought to if you were to observe the two you would have no clue that he was adopted. Shao and Ce besides looking a bit alike, also had similar personalities, and acted a lot alike in many cases. Ce figured that it had to be the will of heaven that Shao allowed him to adopt the boy a few years earlier. Now the boy was 12 years old, and today was going to be the first father son hunt the two have ever been on. Ce picked up the bow that Shao had liked so much and also grabbed the arrows that he was going to need to use with the bow. He then turned to leave the room, thinking of how much fun the hunt that day was going to be.
As he walked back into the hall, he noticed his younger brother, Quan walking up to him. He wondered what was on his mind, and if there was anything important going down. Ce could see that Quan was deep in thought, but that was kind of normal for Quan. Even since Quan has recently settled down, he has been even more serious about everything. Still he wondered with all the fight in the north, if something had happened. News always arrived well after the events, and the last thing they heard was that Cao Cao was pushed back from Guan Du.
"Brother, there is news from the north, and this is important, Master Zhao, and Yu are setting up things and want everyone to attend, and of course that means that you have to come as well," Quan said looking at his brother.
Sun Ce's smile just fails off, "Let me guess, this is one of those important meetings that there is no way to get out of?"
"I am sorry, brother; there is not any way out. I am known that this was going to be an important day, and everything, but I am sure you and Shao can go hunting tomorrow. I can go tell Shao for you if you want?" Quan replied trying to get his brother to cheer up.
"No, I will, I am sure that your right, we can do this later," Ce said turning from Quan, "Well see you at the meeting."
It did not take him long to find Shao in his room looking in a box for something.
"Shao, I have some bad new I need to tell you," Ce said in a loud tone to get Shao's attention.
When Shao turned to see the look on his father face, his body slumped; Ce could tell that Shao knew what was going on. "Well, meeting huh, something important, can't wait, I understand."
"Well, sorry about it, Shao, hey why don't you come and sit in on the meeting, it will be a good learning experience, plus if it ends early, I can help you getting used to that new bow of yours," Ce said giving Shao a smile," Plus then we can go hunting tomorrow and you will be a bit more used to the bow."
"Sure that would be great. You're the best," Shao said regaining his smile.
A bit later Shao and Ce were both walking into the meeting room, a large fancy room, painted with red, and yellow, with a large table sitting in the middle of the room, surrounded by fancy chairs. Everyone was taken, and at one end Yu and Zhao sat next to each other, and then at the other end, was where he would sit. Shao walked off to find an empty seat reserved for future officers of the kingdom. Ce took his seat, and then everyone else sat in their own seats.
"Well, brother, glad to see you, and sorry about the timing of this," Yu said standing back up.
"Don't worry brother, so what is so important," Ce asked with a small smile at his oath brother.
"Well, news has arrived from spies, that Xu Chang has fallen, and Cao Cao is dead. There is also reports that a group of troops under used to be under Cao Cao are headed for He Fei. We have been able to determine that they plan to use their resources to fight on against Yuan Shao."
Ce rubbed his chin, this was big, it opened up things that they could do, they could take He Fei first, or move against Liu Biao, or develop as the Yuan's and what was left of the Cao forces battled, and then attack.
"The decision that we have come to is to prepare for attack against Liu Biao. As you know he is responsible for your late father's death, and this would be a chance to get even with him. With the Cao forces making so that Yuan Shao can give that much help to Liu Biao, and Liu Biao's mistrust of Liu Bei preventing him from looking for help with him. I am sure that if we do this, we will be at more then an even footing with Yuan Shao, to take him on, and beat him, but it is up to you," Yu said sitting down.
"Well put like that I have to agree, I think that makes lots of sense. Well Brother Yu, seems you at the top of your game as normal," Ce replied, "Well if that is all, I have some other things I need to get to."
"Yes, my Lord, I will begin preparations as soon as possible," Yu replied.
