Disclaimer: I don't own the Warriors series and Three Kingdoms. This fic is for entertaining the fans of the series and history.
A/N: The level of this battle royal is about to skyrocket. Remember the hidden musous I originally came up with in Kingdom Under Fire: Stallion Fury and at the near end of Crimson Tide? Well it's back and this time the fight between Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang is the start of the introduction of the Hidden Musous. What a drag having to write a lot of characters….
Dynastic Kingdom Slugfest
Episode 26
Somewhere in the arena hall….
"My lord, what are you doing and why is Da Ji there?" Zhen Ji called.
The Cao heir and soon to be future ruler of all China slowly turn to respond his wife's curious glance.
"My dear, we now have ourselves a potential ally. I'll be discussing my plans to winning this tournament with the rest of the Wei officers, MY officers…" Cao Pi smiled.
"This ally, can Da Ji be trusted?" Zhen Ji put a serious glare of dissatisfaction at her husband.
"What the question really should be is, can you be trusted, Zhenfu?" Cao Pi gazed at the woman's glare now turns hesitation.
"You're just going to make enemies with everyone for having team up with Da Ji," Zhen Ji said. She shot a look of concernment on the husband who sought to make the tournament his by doing everything from using other people's goals as his tool.
"So, I've always kept my enemies closer, my wife and you should do the same. I don't want to have my plans ruined by your self-righteous morals. I don't care about that and I only care about getting the job done and when it's proven, I will surpass everyone as the greatest. It doesn't have to be the mightiest fool or the hero or some divine potency, only the most influence prevails," Cao Pi crossed his arms giving his wife no choice, but to cooperate with Da Ji.
"My lord, you are so intriguing. I can't help, but adore your cunning and confident in these things it makes me wobble…" Zhen Ji shook her head hiding a blush of embarrassment.
"Hehehe, that's why there is no other man than myself you are attracted to. Not a mediocre 'nobody' like Yuan Xi or that idiotic brother of mine, " Cao Pi chuckled," Come Zhenfu, we're going to gather the boys and orchestrate the Wei dominate once we both get into that ring soon."
"Looks like you're having it all put together in one basket. Always being one step ahead of your adversary, Lord Cao Pi," A mysterious voice spoke.
The couple turns around to the direction left where a man with brunette hair color and facial features compare to Cao Pi's.
"Ishida Mitsunari, what business brings you here? There have been a lot of Japanese people invited to watch the tournament and this wouldn't interest you," Cao Pi said.
Mitsunari grunted when he replies, "Lord Hideoyoshi dragged me into this barbaric sports event."
"Barbaric? I found this entertaining. It's all about domination and total control of the ring. If you win it all, you're king of the mountain," Cao Pi smiled.
"You haven't changed one bit since the first Orochi war…." Mitsunari sighed.
"Whatever, since you're here, I'm in need of your assistance," Cao Pi gazed at his Japanese counterpart.
"Um…I'll be on my way back to chat with Lady Oichi," Zhen Ji shuddered as she knew seeing those two continue may give her bad images on a Yaoi doujinshi. She heads back to where she met Oichi and the other ladies across the aisle.
At the manager's office…
"I enjoy writing Cao Pi because he's a damn good villain and takes responsibility for his actions without remorse, but thinks he's better than anyone else because he's the emperor, taking that title meant as a living 'god'," SilentNinja spoke on the phone grinning.
"But I humiliate him so bad that he'll never be able to redeem himself for being the most hated man in China, haha," Xu Sheng elbowed Zhang Yi with a laughter.
"Sun Quan was a coward to not confront him, but I'll admit, Quan was the better ruler compare to Pi. Oh, why Huang Gai was eliminated? Well, the poor Mr T lacks popularity in the fanfic community, but I like the guy honestly," SilentNinja frowned.
There is a knock on the door and Zhang Yi answers it. Wei Yan and Zhou Tai enter the room reunite with their boss and greet the two new recruits.
"Boys, boys, I heard you did a fantastic job for driving out Dong Zhuo's goons outside. Have a sit and fetch you some snacks!" SilentNinja show them the table on the right where the food being placed.
"Good…I am …Starving…" Wei Yan sat down and took a bite.
"Oh, about Zhen Ji being the anti villainess, well since Da Ji going to be one of those people in the number 10-1, Zhen Ji will have her hands full working with someone she doesn't get along with at all. Well, the entire female division hates her so she must cooperate with Miss Evil. Good news is that, the only female who ever been great friends with Lady Zhen is Oichi," SilentNinja made a deep sigh.
"Why do the majority of DW females hate Zhen Ji?" Xu Sheng turns to the three other security guards when he asked.
"Sigh, she's the wife of a usurper," Zhang Yi frowned.
"A pity…" Zhou Tai nodded.
"Dimsel ..in…distress…." Wei Yan simply putted it.
"Well Zhen Ji is one 'Dimsel in distress' who oppose Cao Pi historically. I don't think any other woman like her could put so much infuriation on a usurper to have her put to death. Still, they never wrote what she said to have him so angry, but he did gave her an order to come to the capital to celebrate his ascension to the throne with the rest of his followers who vote him as successor to utterance the Wei dynasty. Well, none of the other game companies wanted to listen to my suggestions to make her a better character, because some stick to the infamous jealousy theory of her death and others they made her a lot like Guo Wang," SilentNinja argued.
"He must really like Zhen Ji over the other 3kingdoms women," Xu Sheng glanced in amazement.
"I'm not killing the Cao Pi x Zhen Ji pairing, pro Wei ists are! Those stressed to believe it's the greatest couple in Three Kingdoms! I've did the Zhao Yun x Zhen Ji pairing to redeem her as a Han loyalist much like the misfortunate Empress Fu. Hell, that incident had already been put in Zhen Ji's TV Series played by Ada Choi," SilentNinja defended.
"I heard there's a new ROT3k TV Series airing in 2010. But, there are no pics of any actress playing Lady Zhen," Zhang Yi told Xu Sheng.
"I haven't seen any pics of me in it either. Oh when am I going to get the spotlight of Wu I truly deserve…?" Xu Sheng grumbled.
"Don't think this is a threat of pairing wars between Cao Pi x Zhen Ji and Zhao Yun x Zhen Ji unless I include Cao Zhi x Zhen Ji in it. You know, about Cao Zhi? He's been getting criticized for being an idiot because of his heavy drunken and life problems, but that's Cao Cao's fault he put his son's wife Lady Cui to death," SilentNinja glared around holding the phone in frustration.
Back into the ring…
Yue Ying has just arrived and she is standing face to face with her husband's enemy. As Sima Yi slowly went towards her, Cao Cao struggled himself up behind Zhongda.
"Sima Yi, I'm not through with you yet," Cao Cao called out.
Sima Yiturns back to look at his former boss, "Save your scolding till I finish my business with Lady Huang."
"It's just as my husband says about you, you're a parasite, symbol to ruin a kingdom," Yue Ying readied her stand.
"A parasite? Hahahaa, I'll take that as a compliment. My lady it is destiny that chooses who is right to be the greatest. As for that 'symbol to ruin a kingdom', all my accomplishments in Wei and people are still upset about what I did to Cao Shuang. Well, Cao Shuangbrought it and those with me condemn him. It's the only way to save the Cao family from becoming nothing more than a family of hypocrites who disgrace the ancestry of Cao and Xiahou Han loyalists. Wei was on the verge of becoming weak and only I can save it," Sima Yi smiled victorious.
"That's ludicrous! You're just seeking to get the top rank of Prime Minister you rank whore. I knew I couldn't trust this man!" Cao Cao's temper going red and it worried most of the Wei officers due to health issues.
"Cousin, restrain your temper! He's just trying to piss us off because he outlived you to get that opportunity," Xiahou Dun warned.
Taking deep breaths trying to recover his sane, Cao Cao amplified his chi and went Musou Rage. The waves of aura alerted most of the warriors surrounding the ring. Liu Bei is most impressed to finally witness the full power of Cao Cao's fighting level.
"So, this is how Zilong fought him at Hanshui. I mustn't fall behind my little brother, so I'll go all out. The golden dragon sword holds so much potential, I haven't spend a lot of time training it to its highest potency. Zhang Shiping didn't forge a sword unworthy for the champion of the people," Liu Bei smirked.
"Yunchang, lets continue our feud until we help our lords eliminate Sima Yi and the turncoats," Xiahou Dun said.
"Very well, Yuanrang," Guan Yu nodded. The two went to challenge Xu Huang and Zhang He while the latter duo waits.
"Well, we're now making enemies with our comrades, Jinyi," Xu Huang grinned.
"This tournament is everyman for themselves, Gongming. But it's best the unified kingdom wins. I'll be dancing with Yuanrang with my claws, see you till we get to the final 10 contestants," and then Zhang He stormed through the one eyed wolf.
Xiahou Dun waste no time to contact his opponent's offense rushdown. This is going to be even worse than fighting Guan Yu despite the strength, speed, and power differences, "He's coming! I've come to appreciate Junyi's guile ever since he became an excellent general, now he's taking his pride of success with Sima Yi. Bring it on, Zhang He!"
"With pleasure, Xiahou Dun," Zhang He perform a typhoon dive so powerful it pushes Xiahou Dun closer to the ring ropes.
"Damn, he's stronger than I expected. Nothing like before the Han Zhong war," Xiahou Dun thought amazed.
Guan Yu and Xu Huang exchange stares. They both have great respect for their principalities and Guan Yu taught him to refine his fighting style.
"Guan Yu…." Xu Huang readied his stance.
"Xu Huang, you've bested me at Fan castle and I shall avenge my defeat," Guan Yucharged at his rival striking his famous halberd directly above Xu Huang.
"Don't let your arrogance take over your ego, my friend," Xu Huang warned as he quickly blocks the incoming strike. With improved durability, Xu Huang has no trouble outfighting opponents stronger than him. He then performs a wind aura forcing Guan Yu back feet away.
"Eh!?" Guan Yu look surprised by Gongming's resistance.
On to Zhou Yu vs Jiang Wei, neither man made the first hit. They keep parrying every strike through vital points and exchange dreadlocks three times.
"I know all your attacks because the Prime Minister briefed me everything about your tricks. You want to outwit me so bad, but I've learn from the best," Jiang Wei said in a cocky tone.
"The best? You're referring to Zhuge Liang, the best there is?" Zhou Yu eyes widened questioning the kid's over praising of Zhuge Liang.
At the box office….
"Hey Zilong, we're back from taking care of business outside and look who's show up," Ma Chao moved out of the door as Kanetsugu Naoe and Keiji Maede entered the box office with Lu Bu behind.
"Keiji, Kanetsugu, glad you guys found this room. We're partying with the great Zhao Yun!" Yukimura waved excited.
"The Great Zhao Yun….?" Masamune glared at his rival.
"He is GREAT, it's a fact," Yukimura defended.
"Yeah yeah, last I've learned about him, there's like only two major accomplishments and all those were rescuing idiots," Masamune dullfully yawned.
"I AM GREATER!" Lu Bu hollered.
"Yeah, all brawl I'll give you that. Can you even work on you social skills?" Keiji teased.
"Shut up, Dragon Ball wannabe!" Lu Bu glared at one of his Japanese counterparts.
"……Lord Zhao Yun, how about we take a walk outside? I don't feel like wanting to get Lu Bu annoyed. Oichi may love to see you again," Nagamasa asked.
"Yes, I will like to get some fresh air again. Hopefully we don't end up getting caught by my crazy fangirls," Zhao Yun nodded.
"But, we just got back from trashing Dong Zhuo's hordes of injustice," Ma Chao look disappointed.
"Good for you guys, anyway, there's Tekken 6 game on the table. It's the Japanese version," Zhao Yun and Nagamasa soon left the room and walk out the hall.
"Masamune and I are playing Tekken 6," Yukimura said.
"I still own you badly with Hworang. Just stop absenting with Jin, you scrub" Masamune taunted.
"I almost had you if you didn't pull the same combo string over and over," Yukimura looked at him annoyed.
"When I'm next, I'll use Law to defeat Masamune's Hworang," Kanetsugu said and sat down next to his friend Yukimura.
"Nobody can stop my Fang Wei," Lu Bu smirked.
Back to where Zhen Ji at…
"Oh, Diao Chan and the ape woman again…" Zhen Ji crossed her arms.
"My name Zhu Rong, you shank!" Zhu Rong infuriated.
"Didn't expect to see you here, Lady Zhen," Diao Chan said.
Suddenly the two mysterious ladies appear behind Zhu Rong and Diao Chan.
"Well well, if it isn't the phoenix of Zhongshan herself," Okuni revealed herself.
"She still disgusts me, Okuni with her fancy looks and that slutty dress. Just call her Miss Plaste Surgery," Ginchiyo Tachibana gave a mocking stare at Zhen Ji.
"Great, more warrior women who despise me…." Zhen Ji groaned.
At the backstage…
"Zhuge Liang, you're up in 5 minutes," the staffman informed.
"Hmm, according to my calculations, there are 21 people in that ring. Our majesty is teaming up with Cao to remove Sima Yi from the ring before it gets worse," Zhuge Liang said.
"That pervert is flirting with your wife," Dong Yun pointed at the HDTV.
"Zhongda has four wives," Jiang Wan blinked.
"And we ministers only have one wife," Fei Yi nodded.
All members of the Four Heads stare at Sima Yi in the HDTV and show deep hatred.
Back in the ring…
"Damn, big brother is getting hot. Could this be we can finally go full power?" Zhang Fei thought. He's still dodging Xiahou Yuan' musou arrows while coming up with a counter against archery. Zhang Fei sucks at archery.
Sima Yi warn Cao Cao a second time, "Mengde, don't waste your abilities on desperate measures. We still have a lot of time putting a show on this ring. I know you are one of these pests who can beat me, but it takes a lot to eliminate me because of my chi level and…you know what it's like fighting against a Sima."
"In that case, see if you can stop my hidden musou, special skill Agile Mind!" Cao Cao channeled his chi in the Sword of Heaven and positioned his sword upward mediating.
"Oh, that…." Sima Yi expression changed to cautious look.
Liu Bei senses an incredible aura consuming the entire ring. To think his greatest enemy is so powerful, the uniqueness of CaoCao's presence gave out small discouragement to Liu Bei's fraud, but he did outlived Cao Cao. Now he has a chance to fight Cao Cao with everything he got with one trump card, a power up greater than the Musou Rage. He observes Cao Cao's fight against Sima Yi.
"Cao Cao, how about we come to an agreement?" Sima Yi asked.
"……" Cao Cao didn't respond as he continues gathering more chi reaching near the max level of his intelligent.
"Hm…well Lady Huang, it's time I elaborate your satisfaction. Here's a preview of what will happen to your husband if he ever challenge me into a beam clash," Sima Yi then channels his chi placing his fan near his forehead to mediate, then when Musou Rage.
The sound of amplified energy electrified the entire ring and the audience watches with gasps and amazement.
"You'll regret bringing this internal division within my presence, Zhongda. Hidden Musou….Phoenix Scorcher!!" Cao Cao executed his Hidden Musouby hitting the ring mat hard releasing a huge ground wave phoenix like projectile.
At the Box office….
"That scum! I know that move since he humiliate me at Xia Pi!" Lu Bu enraged.
"Agile Mind eh? Hehe, no wonder you were his very first victim of the Agile Mind special skill," Keiji chuckled.
"He's using his second hidden musou. The REAL agile mind is a manipulation aura. As much as I hate to admit, Lu Bu and I can't escape the Agile Mind. It can easily degrade warriors who lack insight," Ma Chao said in a grim tone.
"I hate that move! Curse Cao Cao and his cheap tricks! He can't even beat me in close combat, neither that Sima scum! I really want to get in that ring soon!" Lu Bu's wrath consumes his patient. He could not wait any longer. There are 21 people in the ring and 2 people were eliminated the moment Sima Yi arrived.
"Ma Chao, tell me more about the Agile Mind?" Kanetsugu asked.
"Well, since you're a tactician, I trust you to help me find a way to avoid it. The Agile Mind is like the 'deadliest of mind'. To be quite frank, his intensity can devour even the mightiest of warriors and those below his wisdom," Ma Chao shuddered.
"Well, isn't it obvious how he got your family executed for reacting without any idea of the guy's trickery?" Masamune smirked.
Ma Chao frowned. He had bad memories of his discouragement and two campaign failures.
Chen Gong show up coming out of the door he opened and glance at the window viewing the tournament.
"Chen Gong, that vermin did it again," Lu Bu pointed directly to the view.
"Yes, the Agile Mind. I thought I can give you guys a better explanation of his special skill. Right now, he's having a standoff with Sima Yi. He can't use his first hidden musou against opponents smarter than him, but the Phoenix Scorcher a dangerous move, not as deadly as Lu Bu's hidden musou though," Chen Gong explained.
"Purple flames of death…" Ma Chao muttered.
"Guys, look! Sima Yi is trying out his own hidden move," Yukimura pointed.
Back in the Ring….
"Witness the grace of the Sima family's power, Lady Huang. You'll be fainting and wish I was your husband," Sima Yi smiled wickedly, and then unleashes his chi creating a surrounded cylinder with the yin and yang symbol on the ground as the ritual.
Zoom
The incoming attack is getting closer to the site of Sima Yi's ritual barrier.
"Now watch this….Dispel!" Sima Yi's hidden musou devours Cao Cao's putting a horrifying display of shocks from everyone.
"What?! But, it's unblockable!" Cao Cao thought in horror.
After a moment of light brightens the arena, it soon darkens back to normal display. Small dusts vaporize and Sima Yi's presence is shown. The hidden musou, Ritual Barrier can dispel projectiles and block unblockables especially Cao Cao's hidden musou.
"Hmph, it indeed extraordinary Cao Cao, but you wasted a small amount of my time. This move cost me energy. Yes, it has a risk…" Sima Yi waved his fan.
"Impressive…" Sun Jian gave a cautious look.
"What power….I don't think we'll make it to the last man with the presence of high level chi ministers. But…how the hell did Guo Jia got eliminated so easily?" Taishi Ci gave a terrified impression.
"That's right; everyone wants to know how I decked Guo Jia so bad. Well, the poor pretty boy's special skill is no match for me, because I used my special skill to eliminate him. Do you all want to know what it is?" Sima Yi scanned the ring looking at the gazes of fear and jealousy.
"Go on, now you're making my blood boil to fight you," Sun Ce thought as his reckless side resurfaced.
"I know what your special skill is, Zhongda," Yue Ying said. Everyone turn their attention to Zhuge Liang's wife. Yue Ying is the least impressed of Sima Yi's bravado, trying not to lose her faith in her husband's own abilities.
"Oh, please verify it sweetheart? We can spend time together talking about your hot DW 6 outfit, unfortunately, you cover your hot legs using your DW 5 outfit and weapon," Sima Yi nodded.
Before Yue Ying reveals Sima Yi's special skill, a music theme starts and she turns to gaze at the titantron. He's here, her savior…Zhuge Kongming…
See you next episode....And what becomes of two of Wu's smartest Zhou Yu and Lu Xun?
1. Cao Cao's special skill Agile Mind in Rot3k 11 gives him perfect success in stratagems against lower Ints. In this fic, it's complete hell to people like Lu Bu and Ma Chao and it's also Cao Cao's first hidden musou. He use his special skill to do his second hidden musou, his first is his most powerful one.
