Blood.
All around Sun Jian. Was blood of his fallen men.
The Unversed were an enemy they had never seen before. The flood were agile and numerous. They weren't alone either.
Other types of Unversed appeared as the flood rushed in. Coming in many shapes and sizes, such as the light green creatures known as Scrappers and light purple ones known as Bruisers, constantly catching him and his men off guard. Whenever they felt there was a chance to make a comeback, they were attacked by a new type.
Sun Jian though, wanted his men to keep fighting against the odds. These might not be the Shura, but these were invaders none-the-less. They had to be stopped. He rallied his men. "Everyone, push them back! We must hold this camp and begin a counter attack!"
He hadn't heard anything from the other officers, the likes of Zhang Ren and Liu Zhang. That was expected, they were no doubt trapped and fighting their own chaotic battle. He was more concerned with the lack of communication from his son Sun Ce. He had the communication technology, he could easily reach him, but there was never a reply. Only silence.
His concern for his son was beginning to take its toll the more he saw die, and soon, after pushing the Unversed back, leading a troop of sixty men along with his trusted officers Huang Gai and Zhou Tai, he managed to get out of the camp. "We have to keep rallying our forces! Huang Gai, try to get more of the men out of the fight while I and Zhou Tai head off to find Liu Zha-"
Only to see that where Liu Zhang had set up his forces, it was ablaze, ignited by blue flames. There was no sign of Liu Zhang managing to get away from it, no sign any of his troops had made it.
Sun Jian quickly changed his orders. "Huang Gai! Zhou Tai! We must regroup with Sun Ce and Zhang Ren, gather our troops and charge through, back to Zhuge Liang's camp!"
The old general was proud to serve his leader. "Yes my lord!"
As was Zhou Tai. "I shall cut us a path my lord!"
Sun Ce meanwhile, found himself having his own trouble, his weapons though effective and his fighting art a saving grace, he noticed his numbers were whittling away within the walls of Xi Jun. Closing the doors of it did nothing, in fact large creatures of white gold colour that looked like walking living spinning sewing wheels, known as Wheel Masters, used their spiked wheels to smash them down in no time.
"By Blind Lo, there's no end to them!" He yelled, smashing his tonfas into the ground to create a shockwave to knock several of the Flood and a few Scrappers back.
Ling Cao was using his spear, impaling a Bruiser as it got close. "I overheard one of our men nearer the gates yell out Zhang Rens forces trying to come our way! We should meet with them and make a retreat!"
"Agreed! But we're a little tied up here with these freaks!"
Ling turned to his commander. "I'll keep them busy my lord, lead a group to get to Zhang Ren, then we can all work together to fall back!"
Sun Ce agreed to it, and managed to order a handful of his men to follow him as they tore through the Flood as forcefully as possible, eventually finding themselves outside the fort.
He quickly saw what remained of Zhang Ren forces, close by.
Their bodies were charred, burnt, the ground around them covered with ash, the Unversed had long left the corpses alone.
"What the…?" Sun Ce turned back, planning to head back inside the fort and ready for a retreat, but at that moment, he saw what had caused the deaths.
He could see Ling Cao, in the middle of Xi Jun, being lifted up by his neck, by the woman of blue skin and neon blue hair. She wasn't looking at the person she had though…she was staring straight at Sun Ce, and he felt a deep, powerful shiver down his spine as he actually heard her speak to him, despite the yells and cries of battle around them.
"Run little tiger. Run if you want to see tomorrow. Those who fight in my way, will die."
And with that, in a flash of light, the entire fortress was covered and ablaze with a blue flame, everyone inside screaming in sheer agony both his people and the Unversed alike, as their bodies was swallowed by the fires.
Sun Ce, just didn't know what to think at that moment. He was shocked at what just happened, and it was only because of his few remaining men yelled about more of the strange creatures coming, that he snapped out of his moment of shock, and quickly led what left his forces away back to Zhuge's camp. "Damnit, what the hell happened?! Who the hell is this witch!?"
Eventually, he found himself meeting what remained of his father's forces, both certainly thankful for eachother being alive. He quickly embraced his old man. "Father! I feared the worst of you! What's happened? What are these creatures? They certainly aren't of this world!"
Sun Jian could only agree, letting his son go after their hug."They're from beyond here, beyond anything I've seen before. Do you have anyone else that is coming back? What of Zhang Ren? Your officers?"
Sun Ce shook his head. "Dead, wiped out. Engulfed by flames due to this, witch. An alien woman with blue skin and unnatural hair! This is all I have left!"
He had about two hundred men.
Sun Jian had managed to save barely over four hundred.
Officer wise, it was them, Huang Gai and Zhou Tai, no one else made it.
"We don't have the forces or location to make a defensible position. We have no choice but to retreat." Zhou Tai admitted.
"Of course, but where?" Sun Ce asked.
It only took but a moment for Sun Jian to decide, as he saw the Flood quickly coming towards the empty camp of Zhuge's. "Liang river! We'll cross the Liang river! Everyone move! NOW!"
The Flood, along with the Scrappers and Bruisers, were not going to stop giving chase anytime soon, as they rushed after their targets. Within the remains of Xi Jun, the woman just stood there, her arms lowered and relaxed, as the charred remains of Ling Cao smacked into the ground, the smoke and ash around her never touching her.
Suddenly appearing next to her, in a flash of green light, landing on one knee in to bow in respect, in was lookalike of Shadow the Hedgehog. It spoke, with its voice sounding just like him. "My lady. Sun Jian is retreating from the area. Symphony Master has ordered the Unversed to give chase."
She glanced over to him, and gave a small smile. "I'll tell him to take it slow, let Sun Jian have a head start. He's not the one I want afterall, and the Unversed could easily catch him if they keep their full speed up. I'll also let him know to expect some resistance soon. That nomad, Han Sui, before I killed him...I sensed there was suppose to be other forces blocking our paths in the mountains, but they never appeared. They will be around."
"They will run to Liang River. There are pathways over it. I will suggest to the Unversed to get there and be ready for such resistance. But what of me? What is your bidding?"
"You, Mephiles? Stay with Symphony Master. Intervene if you feel the Unversed prove ineffective at disposing these Earth V warriors that feel they must get in our way of my goal...you know them well enough, right?"
Mephiles nodded. "Yes, My lady."
The Liang River. It was a river that divided the land of Liang from the rest of the continent of Manusya, a mighty chasm, both sides covered in forests, that only had three major stone bridges connecting over the rough flowing river far below.
There had been several battles here before, mostly between the forces of Liang and Dong Zhuo, in the time when he wanted their land for himself, allowed to try by the Han. Though each time he got close to the three far separated bridges, he had only ever passed the most northern one. While many officers in Liang were simple, almost tribal-like folk, the family of Ma and those directly under them were trained officers, and had created the legacy known as the riders of Xiliang.
Be it horse or the modern charge bikes, their riders could adapt and use with alarming efficiency. 'Give them something to ride, along with a spear, sword, crossbow or gun, and they will give you a battle with splendour.' Was what Yuan Shao once said of them back in the Galactic Federation. They even had the honour of being deployed offworld by the GF a few years back to take down a Space Pirate base located on a GF trading planet. Their reward in currency and restock of supplies lost made the Han take notice of their ability...and He Jin to keep an eye on Ma Teng.
Now, close to the Liang river, as the sun was setting, a mile away from its most used bridge, the central one, was an exhausted force of Sun Jian, with its leader panting, looking around, relieved to see that no Unversed awaited them beyond the bridge nor seemed to be followed the path they had been taken thus far, as he sat for a moment, taking this chance to breathe.
His son and officers were not so quick to relax, looking over to the forests surrounding them, yet the rest of the men were. After a moment of noticing Sun Ce's look of worry, Zhou Tai spoke to his lord. "We need to keep moving. We can't stop now, we don't know how far back those invaders are."
"Zhou, we cannot keep pushing our men. We need to take a rest. It's been five hours of constant running. I wish we could've called for transport but something keeps affecting the communication devices."
Sun Ce looked to the soldiers, and noticed they were complaining amongst themselves, saying about their friends being slaughtered, the battle going completely fucked up, and the fact their facing a new enemy, and now there's only a handful of them, with no help in sight. His never seen the troops of Wu so broken before. He decided to try and rouse them. "Come on everyone, we're not far from the main force that is coming to take back Liang! Remember the other kingdoms are readying for war too!"
"Son, my order is for them to rest, that is final." Sun Jian shook his head at his childs futile attempt to get the men moving. Their reaction was to idly dismiss Sun Ce and look away from him.
Huang Gai looked annoyed, smacking his club-like weapon on the ground. "Damn him in the name of Primus, where did that coward of a divine strategist get to!? He let his own entire plan fall apart when we needed him to get us through it! Look at the state it left us!"
"I don't know. This is unheard of with Zhuge Liang. He is not one to abandon a battle untill he had no tactics or plans left. He always has several back up ideas in place too. But, this time..." Sun Jian looked to the dirt covered ground he was sitting on. "That invading force, could it be, it scared him?"
They had been enjoying their time to recover, but after a good twenty minutes, they overheard one of the men speak. "A flock of birds? Where did they come from, the trees?"
Another spoke up. "But I did not hear the branches move, the fluttering of wings escape to the sky...and these birds, they are a worrying black also."
Huang Gai looked up, and spotted a flock of ravens circling above them all. "Huh. An unkindness of ravens my lords. Most unusual. Is this an omen perhaps?"
Sun Ce looked up to the sky now, and noticed the ravens they were seeing looked unusual, especially as their heads were white, and their eyes were red, looking similarly like...
The invaders.
Sun Ce quickly figured this out, especially as several of the ravens seemed to focus on the group now, and were going from there black and white colours to a glowing red. "Everybody up! Let's go, now! Come on!"
Those glowing suddenly dived downwards towards the men trying to get up and ready themselves, thankfully for them, Zhou Tai was already set for combat, as his fighting art, a sub-art of Nanto, was made for speed with a blade, and with a few, rapid swings and him jumping between the men, the Archravens fell in cleaved parts, while Zhou Tai stood there, katana out, looking up and waiting for more. "My lord! Go! I will keep them off you!"
Sun Jian wasn't ready to leave anyone else behind. "No Zhou Tai! Everyone, we're retreating but we must stay together! I shall lead the-oh no..."
As more Archravens flew down and met the blade of Zhou Tai and a few spears of the troops, vibrations were felt on the ground, as six massive, mutated tree like entities came through the woods. three behind their army, and three blocking the way to the bridge.
Mad Treants. Large, black trees that were double the height of a human, with their trunks split into three large branches, which in turn divide into three more branches all covered in orange-brown leaves. They had four thick roots that they were using as legs, with orange thorns on each of these roots. A jagged, black opening in the trunk which seemed to be a mouth created a hideous roaring sound the moment their red eyes had obviously seen their targets.
Sun Jian and the others just went for it, weapons ready, the troops dividing between the large targets to try and take them down.
Flurries of purple fruit from the Unversed trees made their desperation all the worse, as the fruit was explosive, striking people on impact and blasting several away in one go. The primitive swords, arrows and spears were hardly making any damage to the trunks. Huang Gai managed to do damage, as he was known for carrying the old explosives they used to use back on this world. He flung several at one of the Mad Treants, and the flames emitting from the blasts seemed to make it retreat back slightly, burning for a short time, before it continued the attack.
"Fire! Of course! Huang Gai, Sun Ce!" Sun Jian yelled out, both quickly coming to his side. "Rush them with your musous and show them the flames of Wu!"
All three charged, as the Mad Treants saw them coming, and all seemed ready to smash them aside when...
"MUSOU!"
Each of them gained a powered red aura bursting from their bodies, as they suddenly sped up, Huang Gai reaching his target and easily deflecting its massive branch away with a swing of his club, the weapon emitting a burst of flames as it struck, setting the Mad Treants branch alight, causing it to roar out in pain, as he just swung at it again, smashing right into the trunk this time.
Sun Ce reached the one he was after and readied his Tonfas, both emitting the same wave of flames like Huang Gai's weapon, and yelled out "HOKUTO, HYAKURETSU KEN!"
He just wailed on the tree, smashing it constantly with his Tonfas with furious speed, fragments of burning wood flying off as more and more of the Mad Treant seem to splinter apart with each hit.
His father meanwhile was dodging the swings of the Mad Treant he targeted, avoiding every attempt it made to hit him, eventually swinging his own weapon, causing a fire wave to launch out and slice off a whole branch, the sump left behind burning brightly. He then dived at the Unversed, and plunged his blade straight into its open maw, causing the whole tree to seemingly burst out in flames, yanking his blade back out as he saw it stumble back, screeching, before toppling over.
Sun Ce was standing before hundreds of fragments of burnt wood, his Mad Treant had been obliterated, while Huang Gai just finished his off by tossing a bomb into its mouth, the blast spreading the creature far and wide as burning tree fragments.
Their musou ability soon died off after this, the exhaustion prior to this battle had made it much more harder to use. "Al-alright! The path is clear now! Let's go people!" Sun Ce urged everyone through his moments of catching his breath.
Zhou Tai managed to chop two of the roots off a Mad Treant, making it stumble and fall over, before confirming to those with him trying to fight off the Unversed from behind it was time to go as per Sun's suggestion. The remainder of Wu's army quickly begun running towards the bridge, the last mile quickly passing...
It's a shame the Unversed had another newcomer to bring out, which tore through the bridge from beneath it, flying up into the air as the remains of the bridge crumbled and fell to the river below, and soon landed before Sun Jian and the others.
A massive armoured figure, towering over the Wu army, known as Trinity Armor, it's white and red armor glinting in what remained of the sunlight. Soon appearing close to it, where several dozen Scrappers, all seemingly eager to move in, as Sun Jian and his troops slowly backed up. "Damn...We need to get to one of the other bridges!"
Jian then thought of the idea of turning back, but then noticed the two remaining Mad Treants slowly moving in, and above, the Archravens giving the hint once again they were preparing to swoop down.
It all seemed to just come to a stop as a chorus of call horns were heard being used, echoing through the forests, causing the Archravens to stop their attack and spread out, as if looking for the source. The scrappers seemed to stop moving in, and seemed to try and understand what it was they heard. Then, came the sound of hooves, hundreds, and hundreds, of hooves.
Slowly, the Mad Treants figured out it was coming from behind them, turning, and allowing Sun Jian and the others to see what was now coming. It was a sight he was relieved to see.
A thunderous wave of horseman spanned into the thousands, wearing white shining armor, spears forward, charging at full speed, being led by one man that Sun Ce could instantly make out of the wave of horseman, gladly leading the way. "Ma Chao! It's Ma Chao! The riders of Xiliang have come!"
Suddenly, above the Wu forces, the Trinity Armor flew over them, and landed in front of both the remaining Mad Treants, facing the coming charge and bracing itself, as did both of its allies, trying to be a blockade almost.
The rider leading the way soon stood up onto the saddle of his horse, readying his spear as he managed to try balanced, looking at the enemy before him. This was Ma Chao, eldest son of Ma Teng, the heir of Liang Province, wearing green and gold glinting armour, and white cape flowing in the wind, and a helmet shaped like the head of a chinese dragon. He noticed the Trinity Armor standing in his direct path, and yelled out proudly "Beasts of another world! I am Ma Chao! I fight for justice!"
The armor responded by swinging it's fist the moment Ma Chao got close, and struck his horse, sending it smashing into the trees, but Ma Chao had timed this, leaping up as the being swung, and having his spear meet its head, embedding into it as he bellowed "MUSOU!" an aura of green energy forming around him as he managed to dismember the Trinity Armor, his spear remaining firmly in its head as he took the head and torso away from the rest of it, the arms momentarily going limp as did the legs, left there as Ma Chao flew down with his prize in front of them, and landing on it, as it hit the ground before the Wu forces, his spear still firmly in its face.
He did not move, as his cavalry continued their charge, colliding right with the Mad Treants, their spears stabbing into the trees, and despite the first wave of horseman being brought to a halt, the second wave passing them tore into the Unversed, more and more spears stabbing into them and forced them down to the ground, as the rest of the cavalry passed, those closest to the Mad Treants constantly stabbing their weapons into them to make sure they stay down, going around the Wu remnants like a shield, charging into the Scrappers and crushing those that the spears missed into the ground with their hooves.
Ma Chao by now, yanked his spear out of the Trinity Armor's head, and jumped off, looking glad to see Zhou Tai, Sun Ce and the others. "Men of Wu, we feared we would be too late to meet you here on leaving our homeland."
Sun Ce was quick to get through his people to meet Ma Chao. "Where have you been Chao? We expected you to end up like Han Sui when we found him!"
"Forgive me and my family. We've been planning our counterattack despite Cao Cao's suggestion of falling back to here. Once we saw our camps in the mountains burning, we knew this threat could not be allowed to continue. I've had to leave all but five thousands of my men to handle these monsters while I came to assist you. We noticed they were in pursuit. What happened at Xi Jun?"
Sun Jian soon spoke up. "We lost. Unable to even hold out against these, invaders. Liu Zhang is dead. His forces were crushed, as were mine. We had a plan set up to try and attack them but, Zhuge Liang...he fled the battle, his entire idea falling apart."
"Zhuge Liang fled?" Ma Chao was stunned by this news. "That's, deeply concerning. We must get out of this province for now, hopefully when Cao Cao arrives, we'll be able to counterattack and save Liang Province."
"How do your forces fare against the invaders?"
"Not well. Their numbers are swelling. What I left were struck with overwhelming odds, but my brothers assure me they will hold out and retreat only if they cannot fight back anymore. I suggest we head to the southern bridge. Ma Dai and Pang De are attempting to keep it secure for the eventual arrival of reinforcements. My Father is currently moving towards the northern bridge to do the same."
That's when Huang Gai noticed something. "My lord, the black ravens...they're leaving."
Indeed, the Archravens were leaving, flying away back further into Liang Province, but that was because they were no longer needed to keep watch of things.
As the officers soon noticed, an army of the Flood with scores of Scrappers and Bruisers, were moving towards them.
"They've already come?!" Ma Chao quickly looked to Sun Jian. "Lord Sun, we must begin our retreat to the south! If we stay near the cliffside, it will be easy to get to!"
"They will need to be slowed down, I will hold them off."
That was Zhou Tai, who had his katana once again at the ready.
Sun Ce was quick to disagree. "That's insane! They'll just swamp you! You won't stand a chance!"
"If they are focused on me, it gives you time. Go."
Sun Jian Was not happy with this either, but could tell his officer was ready for this fight. "...Very well. Let's get moving."
Ma Chao ordered his troops to move, getting on a horse one of his men willingly jumped off to let his lord ride, with Sun Jian and their remaining troops in tow, all but a handful, who stood with Zhou Tai, refusing to leave him. "Zhou Tai, we will fight with you!"
It's a shame his appreciation of their loyalty was going to be short lived, as it turned out the Trinity armor that had been laying the ground was not dead, and as Zhou Tai and his troops were left alone, the body and head reanimated, rising up, along with the arms and legs, soon reunited together, behind Zhou Tai, who soon noticed.
It was to mark how this was to end.
Despite their venture south, it turned out to be a slaughterhouse. Pang De, a warrior clad in silver and blue armor, sporting two large halberds and Ma Dai, a cousin to Ma Chao who's fighting art included the use of a large paint brush to summon beasts, were found trapped, fighting off more of the Unversed, as it turned out they were ahead of the game, knowing where to strike. With their bridge destroyed as well, Ma Dai chose to lead what remained of their forces to keep fighting while Pang De joined the others with a score of one thousand men to retreat northwards.
It forced them to go back through the central area, to find Zhou Tai had not survived.
Their numbers were wiped down as they forced their way through to continue to make an escape, as what was over six thousand men strong was drained to just a little over two thousand. All the others, couldn't get away from the swarm of Flood, the Trinity Armor nor either the Scrappers or Bruisers.
The north bridge was their only hope, and it was still intact, protected by every man of Liang province who would be brave enough to stand with their leader, Ma Teng, fighting off wave after wave of the Unversed with everything he had.
He realized the doomed situation his land was in, and soon saw the Unversed that Sun Jian and the others tried to escape, were quickly approaching, with the Trinity Armor leading the way. But his pride in what he was flared up, refusing to yield the land over without one more push. He faced Sun Jian, Pang De, Huang Gai, Sun Ce and his son Ma Chao, and told them to run over the bridge, and keep going, to never look back.
"Let me have the troops. I'll drive into these invaders and give them a battle that will not be forgotten." He urged.
"Father, you cannot! We need you! We need to go back for my brothers and sisters! For Ma Dai! For the people of Liang!" Ma Chao begged.
"They are dead, my son. If these invaders have shown one thing, they have little mercy for my people, for my family...I have seen the bodies of my other children already as I passed by where they fought, I do not want to see the same thing happen to you. Pang De...Protect him."
Pang De bowed slightly on his horse. "As you command, my lord."
Ma Teng then ordered three of his horsemen to dismount, and motioned Sun Jian, Sun Ce and Huang Gai to take the horses. "Ride on Tiger of Wu. Your land is still alive. Mine, is burning, and I cannot leave it."
Sun Jian reluctantly nodded. "I, understand. Farewell Ma Teng." With that, Sun Jian turned his horse towards the bridge, and rode over it, along with Huang Gai.
"Father, please..." Ma Chao was trying to hold back his tears, trying to show restraint on the fear of what he was about to lose.
"Go my son. Go." And with that, Ma Teng turned away, leading his horse into the middle of his troops, rallying them once more. "We are the Xiliang riders! We will not let them take what is ours! Keep pushing!"
Ma Chao just burst out into tears, as he forced himself to leave, riding over the bridge, with Sun Ce and Pang De behind him, and as their horses made it over, the fists of the Trinity Armor smashed into the bridge, breaking it apart, and it was ready to pursue the five that were fleeing, but a small hail of arrows from Ma Teng troops raining on its back made it think otherwise.
As night fell, Sun Jian was silent. There were trees around them, a worn path ahead, but where it led, he did not know. All he knew was no Unversed seemed to had chased them beyond Liang, the sounds of battle had long since disappeared, and he had lost his men he sent on this mission, two allies, officers...It was a bitter pill to swallow. His son was just as quiet, while Huang Gai and Pang De were the alert ones, never resting despite all that had occurred, watching out for an ambush or a trap.
Ma Chao, the tears had stopped. But he could be heard whimpering at times, regretting his acceptance to run instead of fighting to the death. He had lost his home, his family, everything but one faithful officer and his spear. Thrice he tried to turn back, but Sun Ce held him at bay, reminding him that it was a death trap back there, and his father wanted him to leave to survive, not to die with him.
Eventually, as the moon continued to rise high above them, they saw torches in the distance, and the sound of marching feet, of soldiers in blue and green alike...
"-Liu Bei and I met the five on the road away from Shi Cheng, the point we've gathered our forces, while you and the others have readied your forces in Jie Teng and Long Xi. We've sent what scouts we can, and can confirm Liang province is no longer under our control. The enemy have crossed the river, and the forts of Bao Han and Di Dao have been destroyed, and we believe the enemy may be held up at Jin Cheng. Sun Jian has confirmed that the enemy we face is certainly not the Shura like we expected, but something far more malicious."
"Pah, so what? Sun Jian had the legendary tactician, an army to be proud of, and the advantage of preparation, this should've been an easy victory for him and the others, a simple task! But instead, him and those fools Liu Zhang and Ma Teng handed us a shameful defeat! Our men have been demoralized thanks to their weak efforts, it's a bitter blow to our motivation for unity against the threat!"
It had been a day since Cao Cao found Sun Jian and the others. He used transport ships to bring them to the fortified town known as Jie Teng, south east of Liang and a part of Dong Zhuo's territory. It had been made as the main focus point of He Jin's plan of attack against what he expected to be the Shura. Right now he, Yuan Shao and He Jin were in talks, in one of the large rooms within the town's hall. The sun was coming down as Cao Cao had been giving his report to He Jin on the current situation, using a map to explain it more so, having several scrolls nearby of information gathered from scouts using the transport ships and more local means of gathering info, as well as details from Sun Jian and the other survivors. Yuan Shao had been quiet so far, standing between the men, as Cao Cao was on one side of the table, and He Jin on the other.
In the days gone by on this world, when the Yellow Turbans chose to rise up to try and destroy the Han, both Yuan Shao and Cao Cao were He Jin's closest advisers before they owned their own land. Despite the time come and gone, he still turned to them when things went a little south. Though at this moment, he questioning if he should've. Yuan Shao dared not speak, and Cao Cao seemed against him.
"Zhuge Liang fled the battle as it started!" Cao Cao grabbed one of the scrolls. "Have you even bothered to look at Sun Jians report while we've been standing here!?" He tossed it over to He Jin who managed to catch it, glaring a little. "The tactic was to be effective, it was based on the lack of knowledge of what they were actually dealing with, and numbers that overwhelmed them 4 to 1! Even if it worked, the odds would still be stacked if the Shura were not going to retreat straight away!"
"Regardless of the enemy, Sun Jian shouldn't be relying on Zhuge Liang entirely! He should've had his OWN tactics at the ready should the sleeping dragon feel the battlefield does not require his presence!"
"Should the sleeping dragon feel- Are you even hearing yourself right now He Jin!? The man abandoned them! He left Sun Jian and the others at the mercy of these invaders! I'm impressed Sun Jian managed to fight his way through the unknown and come back alive with SOMEONE in tow! The entire battle was a disaster from the get go!"
He Jin put the scroll down, crossed his arms and looked down at the map lazily. "We'll manage to rally the forces. Give us some time, and the spirit of the Han will reflect on the men again."
"These invaders are not simpletons He Jin!" Cao Cao then grabbed another scroll and roughly threw it on the table, with it unfolding over the map. "We've lost Liang Province! Ma Teng the king of Liang, is dead! Liu Zhang the king of Mianzhu, is dead! Di Dao, Bao Han and Jin Cheng, locations connecting to the Liang Province have already been overwhelmed! Liu Zhang has no one to take over from him and his people are at a loss, while Ma Chao is the only remaining heir to a now destroyed kingdom! The western side of our land is beginning to slip into disarray, if we lose Meng Huo, Zhang Lu and Dong Zhuo we'll be back to the times of chaos here!"
"So you're expecting me to send those three out next to die for our cause?" He Jin seemed to look at Cao Cao as he said that with a slight sarcastic tone.
"Listen to me!" Cao Cao was furious, trying hard to keep his temper in check. "Both I and Liu Bei don't often see fully eye to eye, but we both warned you against this! This 'plan' of yours has already proved to be a waste of valuable men, time and resources!"
"Thanks to those three so-called 'kings' it has been."
"No! They tried with what they had! The blame lies in the man who conjured this idea up in the first place, not the ones who tried to carry it out!"
He Jin was now glaring.
Yuan Shao knew he had to say something, he looked at the scrolls on the table, and picked up one he recalled glancing at before, opening it up and reading it. "Ah, ah yes! Ma Chao's report! We can still gain something from this Cao Cao! The Liang forces hadn't used their advanced weaponry, they were safely stored away before the battles began! We can obtain them and use them!"
Cao Cao though, had already read through that report, now keeping his eyes locked on He Jin. "Tell me, who gave the orders for them to store such away, and where is it stored Yuan Shao?"
Yuan Shao hadn't, got that far. "Oh, it was Grand Commander He Jin of the Han and it was stored at Long...You." He slowly lowered the scroll, realizing. "That's within-"
"Liang province." Cao Cao finished. "You made this disaster happen He Jin."
He Jin slowly leaned on the table, hands on it, staring down the Wei King. "We have plenty more technology at our disposal...and allies from beyond our world. Your friends, those of the Hero Base Faction, and those I know of as well. We will call them all to battle in our names."
"This is our world. Our battle."
"That, is an order."
Cao Cao didn't answer, the eerie silence disturbing Yuan Shao, as he felt like both were going to suddenly gutting eachother.
"Are you deaf? That, is an order, Cao Cao."
"..."
He Jin smirked a little, and got away from the table. "Yuan Shao. Let's go. I need you to help me organize a new attack plan. I want you to also call for Dong Zhuo, Liu Bei and Yuan Shu. Cao Cao is obviously, unable to obey his superiors at the moment, despite his position as a royal guard."
He left, with Yuan Shao following suit, giving Cao Cao a concerned glance before he departed from the room.
Cao Cao rolled the map up, collected the scrolls, putting them away on a shelf close by, then departed, heading to the medical facility of the town, which was closely guarded by the military present. Soon he was before five beds laid out on the floor, on three of them sat Sun Ce, Sun Jian and Huang Gai, while Ma Chao was leaning on a wall near one of the corners, looking downwards and in his own thoughts, while Pang De had been near the door of their room, almost as if guarding it and had bowed slightly when Cao Cao entered. Sun Jian and Ce had the company of Sun Shang Xiang, She was making sure they were alright.
Cao Cao soon explained to them all what had come of the meeting, that He Jin felt Sun Jian and the two dead kings were at fault all along, and his now changing his plans.
"...My father and family died fighting those monsters. To hold them off in the name of the Han, Liang, and Manusya...and this is how He Jin treats such an act!?" Ma Chao was pissed off, to say the least.
"Sun Jian and the others did what they could. There was no way of understanding the enemy we faced. How could a man of the Han be so uncaring?" Pang De questioned.
Sun Jian sighed. "It, matters not. He Jin will no doubt summon us soon to once again explain his new plan, and allow us to bring our input in. He has already summoned Liu Bei. Perhaps we can deter him from any new battle plans and keep a focus on defence until we understand the enemy-"
Cao Cao interrupted. "He has called for the royal guards of the Han only, and Yuan Shao. I have been, excluded."
"You?" Sun Ce was stunned. "But you're one of ones who made sure He Jin and the Han remained intact. You rallied the people to stop Dong Zhuo when he tried to take power and made him surrender."
"But now he knows I am reluctant to follow his ideas. I know him too well, and I think he is aware of that. I cannot say he is just fighting for our land...I believe he feels he needs to take it."
Sun Jian right away knew what Cao Cao meant. "Like the time after the fall of the Yellow Turban rebellion...He tried to take all of the land in the name of the Han, then the officials rebelled and he turned to the likes of us to help, and thus awarded us the land."
"I believe he might intend for the Han to have a majority of it now. With Liu Zhang gone, his province is ripe for the Han to take over, and when Liang Province is clear of enemies...he may do the same there."
"Never!" Ma Chao shouted in anger. "If he dared to try and stake claim on my homeland, I'll cut him down!"
"You would try and take on the Han and those who support it? That's insanity. You wouldn't even last against the kingdoms that stand with it." Huang Gai looked to the young warrior, frowning.
"If we manage to fight off this invasion force." Cao Cao pointed out. "If we don't there will be nothing left to fight for."
"There is a way to deal with this invasion force."
That was the voice of Zhuge Liang, now in the doorway, looking at them all.
"You! You abandoned my father!" Sun Shang was quick to get up and wanted to go for the strategist, but Cao Cao blocked her path, and soon her father told her to settle down, letting Zhuge Liang walk in.
"Forgive me Sun Jian, but the, shock, of what we were facing caused me to retreat to rethink of my plans. I knew we could not win there. They are a known entity to me." Zhuge Liang gave a small, humble bow, whilst holding his fan near his face.
"Those things? You know about them?" Sun Ce got himself comfortable on the bed, sitting crossed legged whilst looking at the strategist.
"Yes. It is from another world, it's ancient history describes them. Their appearance match what it said. They are known as the Unversed. Creatures that do not belong in our galaxy-no, our Universe. They come a place far beyond, a place you may know as, Chaotic Space."
"...I've heard of that place." Cao Cao mentioned. "Vortexes rarely appear that people claim connect to it. Anything that enters those vortexes don't come back. Dr Wily once had several files opened about these sightings of gateways to that place. The energy readings from one are completely different to what we know, and sometimes unknown creatures escape from them."
"That is the Unversed. Now they have been brought to this world. Commanded by what I can no doubt predict...is The Lady. She is a being of untold power, who brings despair and loss to every place she visits. Often she is known to appear for a purpose...and whatever purpose that may be, she must be stopped at all costs."
"But the way she attacked...it was almost an instant wipe out, we hardly lasted against her." The son of Sun Jian remembered Ling Cao at the fort, the way it suddenly burst into flames, the woman there.
"I believe our defeat came from the weaponry we were restricted to by He Jin's overconfidence. More modern technology will help us handle the Unversed and The Lady. Combined with her lack of surprise now we are aware of her presence, an organized force can strike heavy blows to the Unversed."
"...Then go to Liu Bei, tell him as he is speaking with He Jin. Let them know of what you know. But, before you go Zhuge Liang, this woman that leads them, you said she has a purpose for being here. Has she been known for anything specific?" Cao Cao asked.
Zhuge Liang turned to leave. "It is often for an answer...or a person."
"Ya know Ridley...this just isn't the same as your bar man. No music, no steel tables or chairs, no vast choice of alcohol."
"Blame Yuan Shao. I've tried to teleport several crates of good stuff, but he won't allow it and gets Wily to teleport it back. I tried getting Zoomers and that too, but Wily won't send any because he refuses to try and actually find some while we're all here chilling. And I've had to teleport away the fresh things I've found on this planet because Yuan Shao won't let me make anything interesting."
Night time had come. And in Yuan Shao's...partly damaged mansion, in one of the large rooms, was a makeshift bar, with several small wooden tables and chairs, and a space dragon who keeps finding himself banned from more and more locations in Yi Province as the hours go by.
His been one of the more explorative ones out of the people here, but not for sightseeing...for samples of flora and creatures. He seemed to have gained an uncanny ability to hunt and gather very rare and very close to extinct species on this world, so Yuan Shao has had to keep pointing out locations on a map where Ridley was not to go.
Ridley now has that map hung up behind his bar, with red crosses drawn on each location in Manusya he's no longer allowed to fly over, and there's a fair few crosses on it.
The one talking to him was Jak, with him was Daxter and Ryu. Over on one table was Link, still with the stitches on his face, with Zelda, Mr T and Megaman sitting with him, and at another table was Darkmega, Anna, Quickman and Charlie.
Chad had now walked in, and made his way over to where Anna and the others sat. "Hey guys. How's the day treating you?"
Anna smiled on seeing her boyfriend. "Hey. It's been pretty swell. Went out and saw the marketplace around here, had all kinds of weird stuff."
"Mostly crap. I know. I went there too...for like thirty seconds." Chad sat down, sighing a little. "This whole place has been boring so far. I'm starting to think Unicron is gonna be a no-show."
"Well Dr Wily honestly thinks he will. Come on Chad you gotta have some patience." Quickman suggested to him.
"Oh come on we're only gambling this because Link believes he heard it from Diamas, and Zelda egged it on." Chad motioned at the two.
"Speaking of the latter..." Quickman motioned Chad, Anna and Darkmega to lean closer so he could speak a little quieter. "She's been acting odd lately. She's not as happy or welcoming as she used to be according to some around here, and she's been seen constantly looking out windows at night and praying to some gods she knows of. I asked Link about her but he said whenever he asks about her unusual behaviour she just goes around the questions or outright ignores them. He hasn't heard her pray to the gods from Hyrule since she came to the base."
"Maybe it's because of the fact things aren't smooth here right now. Haven't you heard the guards around here and their mumblings? There's a war going on in the far west, and it's not looking good. When Yuan Shao left a few days back he was concerned about it." Anna added.
"Could be because there is something more there then what they expected."
That was none of them. They looked and saw who was now standing next to their table.
Richard. "Do you mind if I join?"
"Yes I do actually." Anna was glaring at him.
"Anna, relax. Take a seat Richard. So what do you mean by what you said?" Chad asked the Zerg-hybrid, as he slowly sat down.
"I've been...checking around. Using my ability to teleport myself freely with my Zerg veins, I've seen the enemy they're currently facing. It isn't pretty, and it's not the Shura at all."
"What is it?"
"I don't know. They seem familiar to the Heartless but their energy is much more different. Their more co-ordinated, and their destructive."
Darkmega wasn't pleased. "Wait so you've been running around without permission, not informing anyone? That's a dangerous gamble. You should be still under lock and key."
Chad wasn't happy with what he just heard. "Cut him some lack. I said to Wily he can be trusted. At least his making himself useful to us. He could've left and hid somewhere on this world at anytime."
"My concern is why he hasn't yet." Darkmega focused on Chad. "He hasn't exactly proven to be on our side. Remember what you told me before. Richard said working with you is a temporary thing."
"He healed me and removed the dark soul, Darkmega." Chad narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Can we actually prove that?" Darkmega glanced over at Richard. "I can't just assume it. You need to trigger the Life Soul."
Chad looked, offended. "Excuse me? You can't accept my word for it? I know the feeling of a dark soul Darkmega. I felt it trying to take control before. It's, gone."
"No I can't. I don't trust him."
Richard chuckled a little, leaning back while his claws seemed to be stretching out. "Oh come now Darkmega. Only because I betrayed you. Still sore are we? At least Chad is willing to get over it."
"...Let me get this through to you, Richard. We're both the same. I know something isn't right." Darkmega was getting irritated now.
Chad was now getting angry. "Not you're not. Richard has been affected by a dark soul. You, are, one. He can be cured of it, you are made from it. Get your facts straight."
"Chad's right. I can be saved if I wanted to be. You? How long do you think you can keep this nicety act up? How long before you feel that urge to attack others?" Richard folded his arms, smirking.
"I'd rather be watching you right now Darkmega." Chad warned.
Anna was surprised. Was, Chad and Richard agreeing?
Darkmega was certainly surprised. "Chad. You can't mean that. I saved Anna, I saved you, I fought with you against him, against Unicron! I placed my life on the line to help you! I've earned my spot here, he hasn't!"
"I'm done here. I can't trust you, end of story." Chad abruptly got up, and walked out of the bar, leaving both Anna and Quickman stunned now.
Richard chuckled slightly. "Oh dear Darkmega. The truth comes out now, doesn't it? Makes me honestly wonder which one of us he sees as a temporary ally."
"Shut your fucking mouth. I know what you are Richard." Darkmega warned.
"I'm sure you do." With that, Richard got up and left as well.
Darkmega then focused on Anna and Quickman. "...So? Do you agree with them?"
Anna didn't answer, but Quickman did. "Honestly I think something weird is going on. Chad told me to be cautious around Richard only a week back. One little deed later and it seems like his all fine with him now. I think we should call the docs and get them to check over Chad, make completely sure the dark soul is gone, that Richard didn't pull a fast one on us."
"...Anna?" Darkmega was focused on her.
"...I don't know. Darkmega you must understand, Richard and Chad knew eachother in the base before you came for a year. He was one of the first that Chad got to know, and despite their issues, they got along, just about. They could be like this at times, and at eachother throats the next. It feels like their back to normal."
"Anna you've seen what Richard became!"
"I know I did Darkmega, but I trust Chad."
"And what about me?"
Anna was silent.
"...I see. You're unsure because of him. That's fine. I see how it is. Good to know my efforts are being dismissed slowly but surely with you-" his talk was halted by a call on his com-link, and by the looks of it, everyone was getting the same call.
"Darkmega, Chad, everyone. We have a situation on Earth V, reported by Yuan Shao." It was Dr Light.
Richard and Chad were walking down one of the corridors together when they got the call. "An invading force is attacking the planet. The forces of Manusya are struggling to contain it with what they currently have. They have reached out to us, the Hero base Faction, to assist them in a military counterattack to stop the invaders."
"Hm, finally some action." Chad commented, as Dr Light continued.
"Not only that, but we've had a surprise report from Yuan Shao. The Han have an ally of their own, one that we will be working with to deal with this threat. Yuan Shao assures us this will be a temporary alliance and that once the invasion is over, we, as well as the others that are helping, will both respectively leave this planet to those that live here. That is the agreement he has set despite not informing me or Albert first."
Daxter was seen sitting on the bar side, looking at Jak. "Huh, wonder who the unlucky fellas will be that have to work us."
Dr Light answered that as he spoke on. "We will be working with the Galactic Federation remnants."
Daxter was stunned. "Oh...WOW. Is he serious?" Jak seemed to be in disbelief, as did Ryu. "Good lord I think his serious."
"The Han have formed an alliance with the GF, and have even allowed them to land their ships here to recover and restock their supplies. I must remind you that despite being affiliated with the Shinra Federation, we are also an independent force. Despite those we support are enemies with the GF, we are allies with those here who need our help. We don't say about the GF, and they are to leave peacefully to continue the civil war elsewhere. I will be shortly receiving the plans from Yuan Shao on where you will need to be and what you need to do. Please stand by until further notice. That is all."
A metal fist smashed into a wooden table, breaking through it, there was a growling sound, before the hand came back up. "You honestly expect us to accept this alliance He Jin!? I will not side with those that handed me a defeat at Gaia IX!"
It was General Grievous. With him was Keaton and Master Xehanort on one side of a round wooden table in the town of Jie Teng, while on the other side of it, stood Yuan Shao, He Jin and Liu Bei.
Master Xehanort was none too pleased either. "This is not a part of our original plans. You're putting yourself at odds with my company, He Jin."
"Don't think I agree with siding with you louts either." Yuan Shao expressed disdain. "You were never really worth my time Keaton, but even I am forced to side with you in this time of need."
"I should cut you down where you stand for what men you cost me Yuan!" Grievous threatened the noble.
"Grievous enough. Stand down." Keaton ordered. The cyborg silently obeyed. "This is a turn of events that I highly disagree with. But from you explained, these, 'Unversed' are going to be a dangerous threat to everything around here if not contained."
Liu Bei nodded. "According to Zhuge Liang, yes."
"...Then we'll work with you Hero Base folk in sorting the situation out."
Grievous quickly turned towards Keaton. "You cannot expect me to agree with this!"
"I expect you to follow me right now Grievous. We can discuss this more shortly. But as the head of the Galactic Federation, I am willing to put my issues with them aside for the greater good."
Liu Bei was certainly relieved to hear that, bowing to Keaton out of respect. "Thank you Keaton. The people of this world will be thankful for your aid here."
Yuan Shao snorted a little, staring down at the once Grand Commander. "If it will end this invasion issue..."
"Thank you for understanding, Keaton Al'Keriff. I wish to speak to you further on your numbers and where they should be placed. If Yuan Shao and Liu Bei can excuse us for the time being..." He Jin looked at them both, who bowed at him, and departed. The moment the door closed, he gave a rather dark and evil looking smile to the others... "We will discuss other things, like this deceptively friendly alliance."
Master Xehanort chuckled a little, looking impressed at He Jin. "You don't intend to uphold it for long, do you?"
"I have my own issues with those who sided with the Hero Base Faction. And you know I don't like the Shinra Federation already."
"You, have issues with those of this world working with that group? You seem to welcome them back warmly." Grievous was suspicious.
"Not all of them. I wanted Sun Jian out of the way along with Ma Teng. Sun Jian I have never liked, a dirty southerner who doesn't deserve anything from the Han, and Ma Teng, he has always questioned my position. The task of disposing them was suppose to fall to Liu Zhang, as he disliked Ma Teng himself. The battle was to drive out the Shura, making sure Sun Jians men and Ma Tengs done most of the work, and while they're exhausted, he picks them off, quickly as possible before an uprising can occur."
Keaton understood now. "But the Unversed came instead, and killed your own assassin, while doing half the job for you by taking out Ma Teng."
"And with that, it's shown me there has been a change in loyalty over time since the others left our world for the stars." He explained, as he sat down on a wooden chair nearby, leaning back on it, his hands resting together over his chest. "Along with the kings Sun Jian and Ma Teng, I wanted Meng Huo, Gongsun Zan and Zhang Lu also eliminated. Those leaders I feel endangered the Han's prosperous future, their ties to it weak and minor. Taking their lands and using them to their full extent would greatly benefit me. With this attack, Cao Cao has shown a sign of friendship towards Sun Jian, and has openly questioned me now. Liu Bei also seems to hold kinship with Sun Jian through his marriage to the man's whore of a daughter, as well as friendship with Cao Cao, who was once someone he strongly disliked. I believe all three are dangerous to the future of the Han...and its ties, to the Galactic Federation. The only true loyalists to the Han now, are Yuan Shu, Dong Zhuo, Liu Biao and Yuan Shao."
"Yuan Shao? He was a High Minister, he always stood by those of the Hero Base." Keaton pointed out to the fat general.
"Indeed, but he has always wanted to have even closer ties to the Han itself. He seeks titles of wealth and fame. With Cao Cao and Liu Bei becoming questionable allies, I need new guardians for the Han, along with Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shu. Him and Liu Biao always wanted to be such. This issue with the Unversed will prove useful to us all. I do intend to ask you to lend your support, but they, those I want gone, will be doing a majority of the fighting."
Keaton thought this over carefully, rubbing his chin a little. "How will that help? If you keep sending them, and their friends of the Hero base into combat at the frontlines, they will grow suspicious of you, they may even rebel. Yuan Shao will side with them."
"If they rebel, they feed me plenty of evidence to prove to Yuan Shao they have no loyalty to our precious world and the future of its existence. Yuan Shao's army's size is second to the Hans. With him, we will clean up what is left of those against us. He knows the Han has always been here to provide and care for Manusya. If Cao Cao were to, rebel let's say, and kill me, my sister and the emperor, why, he would take over. Yuan Shao would be discarded and mocked by his old friend, as he was before at Guan Du, a battle that he has never forgotten."
"And any Hero Base folk that die during the battles against the Unversed is an added bonus. Along with Cao Cao and the others eliminated, Earth V would be purged of anyone that would support the Shinra Federation and it's allies." Keaton added on.
Xehanort joined in. "Letting you rebuild your forces here, a planet made for military recruitment and production. With it also being in the depths of SF territory, a perfect place to unleash a surprise attack. A fantastic spot of opportunity."
"And with the Han following you with upmost confidence Keaton Al'Keriff, in retaking the worlds that should belong to you, we will all have our place in the history of the Universe." He Jin finished with.
Grievous was still not on board with us. "There is no guarantee any of this will work. They may simply accept their position in battle and if the Unversed are driven back, we are left with no choice but to follow the agreement we've set, lest we have the Shinra Federation attack us."
He Jin chuckled. "Have faith. If it seems like it's going against us, I have ways to provoking Cao Cao. I know him well enough to anger him. I once convinced him to destroy a fellow king named Tao Qian, who's 'officers' killed his father when it was actually one of my own men doing the deed. The old fool was refusing orders and not giving us supplies, just to feed his own people."
"Still, this is too much of a gamble. Whilst the battles with the Unversed occur, we could invade the land of Shura and take it over. You claim they are simpletons, we could easily crush a portion of them, take a piece of their land so when we agree to leave we simply keep in low orbit and take refuge there to resupply and plan our next move. Pretend we honour the agreement in good faith. They're aware we're wounded dogs, we should play the part of trying to lick our wounds in safety." Grievous gave out as an alternative plan.
"Then what? Just remain there, taking months, years, to regrow into a powerful force again?" Keaton focused on his second-in-command.
"Those connected to the Shinra Federation will leave in time. We strike and clean this world of their kingdoms then. We can easily jam their communications without them being aware. Patience will reward us Keaton."
"I don't have that much. I want what is mine Grievous. Sooner rather than later. Let's play it the way He Jin wants." The head of the GF put his focus onto He Jin. "Let's hope you'll make it work."
Grievous was infuriated, glaring with hostility at his leader, before glancing at Xehanort, noticing he was shaking his head a little at the cyborg, then motioning at him to remain calm with one hand at the side of his body, unnoticed by the others.
Grievous wasn't sure if Xehanort was so willing with this idea either, but it seemed he wanted to cyborg not to go rogue yet.
But boy, Keaton was desperately trying his patience now.
Cao Cao, like all those connected to the Hero Base network, had overheard the news about teaming up with the Galactic Federation. It was night time, the town was lit up with torches glowing in the streets, the stars glittering the night sky.
He was planning his return to Shi Cheng, speaking to Zhang Fei and Guan Yu as they were waiting for their brother at the gate that led out of the town, when it was declared.
"...So, He Jin was hiding them." He spoke as the communication call ended.
"To hide those bastards, who the hell does He Jin think he is!?" Zhang Fei was pissed off himself about this. "We've sided with the Shinra Federation, and now we're dealing with their sworn enemy?"
"I don't think He Jin would've been the one to allow them on our world." Guan Yu was slowly stroking his beard in thought. "The Han would have agreed to work with them. That means the emperor."
Cao Cao agreed. "Precisely. This is grave news. If the emperor was willing to support them behind our backs..."
"So what about it? We just go and tell our brother to tell the Han to stuff it! We could easily tell the Shinra Federation-" Zhang Fei was ranting when Cao Cao spoke.
"-That our world is working with the Galactic Federation? Our world would suffer a fate similar to the Keyblade wielders. We would see a majority of it burn, the kingdoms who support the Han would be purged, and though we would be spared due to our ties to the Hero Base Faction, we would be left with a scorched planet...Dr Light and Wily no doubt figured this out. They knew our world would suffer if the Shinra knew."
Guan Yu nodded sadly. "Then we have been pushed into a corner. Fighting side by side with those we despise, with blades at our backs. We must be cautious."
"Indeed, of both the Galactic Federation and the Han. Remind your brother of this when he comes." Cao Cao had a few guards at the gates to push it open, as he was ready to head out and wait for a coming transport ship.
"What will you do, Cao Cao?" Guan Yu asked.
Cao Cao looked over his shoulder at the large warrior. "I'm going to ready my men, for the war to come against the Unversed...and a war within our own ranks."
1. Minor delay due to wanting to get Virmire chapter done of ME.
2. Also cheese, for everyone!