Chapter 47: The Winds of Change

Jieting Castle

The formal marriage between Wu's Rising Dragon General and Cavalier Admiral was drawing ever closer. Unfortunately, there was no rest for those who served in the Chinese military. Cynthia had not laid eyes nor hands on her baby Tai for three days now, as preoccupied as they had had been in receiving Wu reinforcements at Jieting. More troops from Jiangdong had arrived to strengthen the Shu forces in their approaching assault on Wu Zhang. But the expedition had been delayed for at least another two months because the casualties at Jieting had amounted to a total higher than expected. Zhuge Liang hoped to marshal another fifty thousand troops before attacking the Central Plains directly – after all, the heartland of Wei was perhaps the most impregnable location in China. To be defeated there would spell the end of Shu.

Still, Cynthia despised being separated from Zhou Tai for even one day, let alone several. It was rather unfair, considering they were to be wedded! But at the very least, she was not totally alone. Today, she had accompanied Miria and Flora to the courtyard of the fortress in the mountains, and there they awaited Yue Ying's pleasure.

"Why has the Grand General called us here today?" asked the happy fiancée, looking around and smoothing down her new outfit. Gone were her pauldrons and faulds. In their place was an armoured chemise and pleated skirt, silk and leather alike dyed in brilliant vermillion. The stretched cloth on her chest was patterned with the art of a dancing peacock. The tight piece clasped her body close, revealing her gauntleted arms and exposing her fair legs. Her slim, slightly heeled boots were designed for war, but retained the grace that characterized the young women of Wu. She had even abandoned her symmetrical hairtails and allowed her tresses to flow past her shoulderblades. It was in the name of complementing her new set of clothes, for it was a radical departure from that of her former – flamboyant and mischievous, but far womanlier than ever before.

Surely he would forgive her for her new hairstyle.

"I'm more curious as to why Yue Ying's summoned the three of us," replied Miria. Like Cynthia, she had abandoned her Claymore uniform, and donned a deep ebony outfit constituting of black leather instead. A sweeping black cape draped past her shoulders and reached down to her silken stockings, complete with the thin silver embroidery of a playful dragon. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail; her high boots were strapped tightly up past her knees. "Perhaps we have new orders to secure our hard-won cities. After all, Wei has been forced on the defensive for the first time. Perhaps now is a good time to bring an end to this war conclusively." She glanced at Flora, who stood beside her. "What do you think, Windcutter?"

"I agree with Miss Miria," said the new Marquess, stroking back her loose hair. Gone was the Organization's chrome armour and grey suit. From this day forth she had chosen to dress in an attire befitting a noble of her rank – a sapphire and emerald gossamer gown that concealed a new, two-piece suit of comfortable but resilient armour. Two dragon-headed pauldrons protected her shoulders, and the tips of her streamlined, silver greaves ended in heeled, slim boots of a matching design. With this new armour, her shapely body exuded a unique, modest dignity that her former uniform had never given. Perhaps it was because the world now understood, at last, that she existed for more than merely exterminating Awakened Beings. She served a higher purpose, and no longer would she feel awkward or ashamed in proclaiming it. "I would think that the supreme commander wishes to confer upon us new troops in order to streamline the overall command structure of Hanzhong's armed forces."

"A good deduction. But not entirely true," came Yue Ying's voice. They turned and stood at attention as the Grand General walked up to them from behind. A muscular attendant who carried three swords sheathed in scabbards of lustrous, ornate design accompanied her: one Claymore sized blade was strapped against his back, and two smaller swords rested in his arms. He carefully set them on the ground and stood at attention. "What I am offering you this day will certainly benefit you in our confrontation against Cao Cao. The three of you have served the Shu-Wu alliance unfailingly and won for our King a magnificent victory at Jieting. Furthermore, Flora and Miria are now nobles within Shu, and I foresee a similar fate for you, Cynthia, once your marriage to Master Zhou Tai is fulfilled.

"You all require weapons befitting heroines of your station. And therefore, King Liu Bei wishes to confer upon you these three swords that my subordinates and I designed for your use."

The three half-Yoma restrained their surprise – and excitement.

The Grand General nodded, and the burly attendant turned back to retrieve the first article. He tenderly lifted a straight sword with a long blade and presented it to an uncomfortable Cynthia with his two hands. "You have probably noticed that these blades are of foreign design… not of the Continent, nor of China. I recruited many blacksmiths travelling along the Silk Road who offered their services to the highest bidder. Their trade does not disappoint. This one was forged by wizards from lands in the west. It has been enchanted with the element of lightning, giving it the ability to electrocute any enemy it touches. My husband himself granted this sword further supernatural capability – the ability to recognize its rightful owner, and respond accordingly to her touch." Her eyes glimmered. "Ask for its name, and it will answer."

Flora and Miria blinked. "You mean… for me to ask the sword itself?" clarified Cynthia, slightly incredulous.

"Yes," smiled Yue Ying. "Thanks to my husband's enchanted seal placed upon this sword, it will not awaken to anyone but you."

Cynthia nodded hesitantly and looked down at her new weapon, looking slightly sheepish. "I… hello," she offered childishly after several moments, her voice an awkward mumble. "May… may I have your name?"

Then, from the abyss, a light gleamed. A slightly uncomfortable droning prompted the pommel and grip to vibrate faintly in her palm. And to her utter shock, a deep, masculine voice suddenly hummed its greeting from the void.

"Excalibur."

She almost threw it away in fright, but the voice had already fallen silent, and the light had ceased to shine. Cynthia turned the handle with her fingers reverently. She breathed a sigh of awe. "So this… this is your name… Excalibur."

Yue Ying suppressed a quiet laugh. "Certainly, your new blade will now be able to match your fiancé's renowned Duskstrike. Now… Lady Flora." She nodded at the attendant again. He saluted and lifted the second sword – the giant Claymore-esque weapon – and lowered himself on one knee. Flora blinked, noticing something rather intriguing: it was even larger than her current weapon of choice, but it glowed with an unusual light that lent the immediate vicinity a warm, calming, pacifying aura. Yue Ying gestured to it. "Almost all of us within the Shu military are aware – and in awe of – your legendary Windcutter technique. Your right arm is especially potent and powerful, to be able to draw your Claymore with such precision, speed, and consistency despite the immense mass and weight of the Organization's invention of war. As of current, I don't think I've witnessed such strength even in Clare's right arm. Clearly, you are an exemplar of the trained discipline we all seek to attain, and a master of a technique that can conquer entire armies.

"It is my greatest honour, therefore, to offer you this even larger, even stronger sword. Blessed by the blood of holy men and martyrs, this legendary weapon will augment the damage your Windcutter inflicts tenfold. It can only be conferred to a warrior of outstanding merit and selflessness. Her tireless efforts must serve as an inspiration and example to the entire world before she can be worthy to hold it." She smiled as Flora deferentially took it from the attendant's hands. "Its name is: Durandal."

"I do not deserve such honour," replied Flora sincerely, her eyes closing in deference as she took the sword.

"And of course… Duchess Miria." The attendant presented the last item, a sword leaner and shorter than Excalibur. Miria's cocked her head. It was a scimitar; an identical one of the class wielded by Wei's Central Plains Guardians. "This is Zulfiqar, or the Spine Cleaving One. You may ask what advantage it possesses over your original sword. Of course, characteristically of all scimitars, it already possesses unparalleled efficiency in slashing and cleaving manoeuvres. But like Durandal and Excalibur, it is enchanted. It understands the strengths of its owner and seeks to adjust its strength to her benefit. In your case, Zulfiqar will multiply the number of illusions you can create, allowing you to transcend your current limitations when tapping into Yoki without the danger of accidental Awakening. You will reach a new stage of accuracy and endurance while calling upon your demonic power. Zulfiqar's prowess is unmatched by any other weapon on the Silk Road, effectively rendering it unequalled in Central Asia.

"In this trinity of swords, Durandal is the strongest, Excalibur the sharpest, and Zulfiqar the fastest. In other words, they were all forged according to your fortes in combat. Entrust your strength to them, and they will repay you a hundredfold."

Yue Ying beamed as Miria, Flora and Cynthia raised Zulfiqar, Durandal and Excalibur high into the air, slowly crossing blades in a gesture of eternal solidarity and companionship. "Bring glory to China with them. And one day, they will serve future heroes in their quest to liberate their own lands, too. Exactly who those heroes will be, I cannot say. Only later generations can know."

The afternoon sun burned its gentle mark onto the stone ground as they lowered their swords respectfully. "I understand that swords are held in extremely high regard here in this realm. It is little wonder that the auras emanating from these ones far exceed that of our Claymores," said Flora.

Miria nodded in agreement, taking Zulfiqar's scabbard and sheathing it. "With these legendary swords, I think we actually stand a fighting chance against Lu Bu and Isley – once they reveal their locations to us," she added darkly. "Wei will not stand idly by while we rest on this victory at Jieting. They will attempt to deal a final blow to us before we can threaten the north any longer. And that is when I believe Isley and Priscilla will personally initiate their first attack on Han soil."

"What are you implying, Duchess Miria?" asked Cynthia.

"That I will go on a journey," replied Miria simply. "I am going to search out the Mogao Caves that Galatea mentioned to us on the eve of our battle at Jieting. I conducted a little research with Lady Huang's help, and I've come to agree with Galatea… that somehow, the Awakened Beings are able to come into China en masse through a device of supernatural or extra-planar origin. And we must destroy it."

Flora's eyes widened as she clipped Durandal behind her. But of course… Yue Ying and Zhuge Liang had mentioned of a supernatural explanation behind Isley and Priscilla's presence, too. If the possibility of the Yoma's gateway was corroborated by both Miria and Galatea to stand within the Mogao Caves… "Is that ancient locale not situated near Luoyang, at the very heart of the realm?"

"You're right. The success of my objectives depends on Shu and Wu distracting Wei's armies long enough for us to infiltrate Mogao and investigate its labyrinth of catacombs and underground cities. You need not worry," added Miria, noticing the anxious expressions of the others. "I have Zulfiqar, now. I will take Clare and the others with me, although I would personally feel more at ease if you and Cynthia remained by the Grand General's side. After all, the war with Wei is far from finished. But I would like to search out the reason of the Yoma's presence in China as soon as possible, before Isley gathers what could well be an unstoppable army of Awakened Beings."

Cynthia stepped forward, surprised. "This is just a question, but… why can't I come with you?"

"Do you not have a wedding to prepare for?" said Miria, raising an eyebrow. "I hope you realize it's rather bad timing for a bride-to-be to risk dying at the hands of the Continent's most powerful Awakened Beings."

Yue Ying looked at the blushing Cynthia sadly. "I have given leave for Flora to come with you to Jiangdong. I know you two are the closest of comrades. But I must apologize… for I must defend our hard-earned cities from Wei for now, until we are ready to launch the next assault. In other words, I am afraid I cannot attend your wedding."

Cynthia's happy face now fell, and Flora and Miria fell silent. "Yue Ying took her hand apologetically. Her elegant eyes shone in comfort. "I know the marriage is still not for a short while. But still, please give Admiral Zhou my warmest regards and congratulations."

*

Night

Zhou Tai sighed quietly to himself, carefully setting down his breastplate on the floor of his dark room. He slowly slipped off his undergarments and stretched his muscular, scarred body, allowing himself a quiet yawn in the absence of his men. He was about to seek out the soft and welcome fabric of his divan when he paused, his mind still active with electric considerations. At last, the troop shift was complete. The elite Wu forces were now united with the Shu expeditionary army. The one task that remained was to strengthen himself for the decisive confrontation against Wei at Wu Zhang.

And…

A light rapping sounded on his door. "Who is it?" he queried.

"Hey, baby. May I come in?"

Fresh and robust in his nudity, he answered in the affirmative. The door slid open, and light footsteps drew near. He paused and closed his eyes as two gentle, pale arms wrapped themselves around his torso. "What took you so long?" she sniffled. "Surely the Wu reinforcements can take care of themselves."

"They are not like you, Cynthia. They are not as strong and brave and indomitable as…" He took her hands and lifted her fingers to his lips, kissing them reverently in silence while she continued to nuzzle his back.

"I cannot wait, Tai. I cannot wait for our union to come true."

"Patience. The date is fast approaching. We will return to Wu very soon." He turned around to face her. Her lips began to redden as she stared in admiration at his primal nakedness, his chiselled bareness. She still wore her crimson warrior's outfit, and her slim boots stood in sharp contrast to his bare feet and his taut, powerful calves. "You have undone your tails," he observed, "but you already have become more beautiful to me than Jiangdong itself."

"You are… like a hero of ancient times," she suddenly murmured.

"I'm sorry?" asked Zhou Tai gently, unsure if he had heard correctly.

She reached up and quietly pressed her lips to his. He closed his eyes, his tired hands clasping her by her rounded shoulders. They lingered for several moments, and then pulled away.

"Tai… you stray, drifting beast."

He suddenly inhaled sharply. Her hand had wandered below his waist, and she stroked him lightly, inviting him to growl in pleasure as her hands explored his scars and his physique. "You've… changed," he moaned, watching her triumphant grin closely. He gritted his teeth, completely at her mercy. Her hold was still tender, but it intensified in passion as she came closer, her arousal inflaming her own loins.

She took her fiancé's smooth, massive member in both hands, her eyes shining with glee. Taken by surprise, he could do little except comply, his grip tightening around her arms while she teasingly amused herself with his hardened, enormous toy, subjugating him with nothing more than a gentle touch and a womanly authority.

"Excalibur…" she giggled softly, "…is no match for my Tai's greatsword."

"Wha… what is… Ex… calibur?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

Her hands suddenly moved up, then down. Up and down again, and again. She laughed in delight, but Zhou Tai was anything but amused – it required all the willpower of his military expertise to hold back his surrender to Cynthia's sexual proficiency. "You really have… changed. You are more beautiful… more… more…" He gasped in pleasure again, unable to articulate his quiet delight. She smiled as she lowered herself at the waist, hungry for more – much more. Her blonde hair draped down around his manhood and her hands. She parted open her mouth, her lips flushing in anticipation.

"But of course I've changed. I cannot be your wife… if I don't become a new woman."

*

Dawn

The six silver-eyed women saluted Yue Ying one last time outside Jieting fortress, bidding farewell to the ace commanders of the Shu-Wu alliance: Flora, Jean, and a still-flushed Cynthia. "The flames of battle have died down ever so slightly since the Battle of Jieting," said Miria to the Grand General, who stood in front of Clare, Helen, Deneve, Tabitha and Yuma. "This is a good chance to hunt down Isley – despite the many Awakened Beings that have invaded China, he still remains as slippery as a shadow, along with his consort, or Clare's nemesis – Priscilla."

Clare visibly bristled at the mere mention of the name, and Jean quickly moved to ease the tension. "Since Flora and Cynthia will stay to continue the war against Wei here, I would be honoured to travel with your battalion to Mogao."

Clare blinked. "Jean?"

"Miria. Flora and Cynthia are more than capable of holding back the armies of Wei, especially with the likes of the Grand General, Master Zhou Tai, and Lord Zhuge Liang. Furthermore, Miria's battalion is composed of lower ranked warriors. If we are to separate, then at the very least, we should not separate disproportionately."

Yue Ying nodded. "Do what you see fit, my Continental sisters. I will trust your considerable experience and judgement in our strategy of deployment."

"I understand that this must sound so hollow, after all the perils we have encountered and overcome together," offered Flora, "but please, take care and remain safe. I am certain that Lady Huang is thinking the same."

"You could not be more correct, my sister. Come back to us, alive and well. And when you do, we will have toppled the Wei Empire, in time for the grandest celebration and festivities this realm has ever witnessed," affirmed Yue Ying.

Miria smiled and gave a short bow before her. "Then… until we meet again."

Helen raised a hand and saluted. She turned to follow Clare and Jean while Yuma and Tabitha sadly embraced Cynthia and bowed to Flora. "I promise you guys… we'll definitely come back in one piece, even if we fall apart trying!" She winked. "Send those Wei bastards to Hell as many times as they come!"

The fortress gates boomed open as they turned to walk away. Only Heaven knew when they would be reunited.

"Goodbye!" cried Cynthia, waving a hand at the retreating figures. "Return to us unharmed!"

"Should we not prepare reinforcements for the Duchess?" asked Flora quietly. "Should they be outnumbered and outfought…"

"Let me tell you who I have in mind. Come with me." Yue Ying lowered her hand and proceeded back into the fortress courtyard. "He is one of our most promising – "

"Watch it, you clumsy bastard!!"

The gates had already begun to shut, but Helen's loud and sudden profanity prompted Cynthia and Flora to whip around in surprise and curiosity. Clare and Deneve stood in stunned silence, and Yuma, Tabitha and Jean looked quite confused as to how to react. Miria was rubbing her head, her right hand sprained against the ground. She had collided with a ponytailed young man before the gates, his modest, emerald, padded armour clasping his lean body over pale garments. His mantled breastplate and green gauntlet shimmered with gold, and his large, gentle eyes similarly shone with regret as he quickly offered a hand to Miria, who generously accepted. "My profuse apologies," acknowledged the man, beckoning towards the small battalion behind him. "As you can see, we are all exhausted from our most recent skirmish against Sima Yi. I would like to think that we beat a hasty retreat, but it was a rout in all practicality." He looked at Miria, who nodded curtly. "I was reflecting on my own incompetence, so I had a lot to think about indeed. My deepest – "

"But she was right in front of you!" snapped Helen, glaring at him. "Oi, Miria! Don't let him fool you. He might as well have punched you in the face!"

"It's alright, Helen," said Miria calmly. "Let it go. I trust his honesty." She smiled slightly at the belligerents. "It was an innocent accident."

He smiled in relief. "I really am sorry for – "

"Oh, piss off, you useless excuse for a – "

"Enough, Helen," called Yue Ying sharply. "If Jiang Wei needs to apologize to anyone, it is to Miria. He owes you nothing."

The ponytailed youth – Jiang Wei – sighed quietly in relief as Helen stalked past him, departing Jieting on a rather sour note. The other silver-eyed ladies followed her, and they were quickly on their way in earnest. But the woman he had knocked down lingered for just a moment longer, long enough for him to steal a sideways glance at her. To his surprise, she did the same. They both looked away quickly and strode in opposite directions – she to Mogao, he back inside the gates. And without further ado, the incident between them was forgiven and forgotten.

Cynthia and Flora stared at him as he wearily approached Yue Ying, who saluted him benevolently. "My noble Boyue. How are you?"

"I'm alive. I'm grateful enough for that, my Lady," replied the youthful man, saluting back. "Marquess Flora? General Cynthia?" he confirmed, bowing low before them. "Saviours of our nation! I am Jiang Wei, the humble student of our Lady and Lord Zhuge Liang. This is the first time I've had the honour to speak to our silver-eyed allies in person. Well, except for what happened earlier," he added bashfully. "I pray you won't think unkindly of me because of my carelessness."

"Anyone could see it was an accident," smiled Cynthia.

Flora turned to Yue Ying. "This gentleman is the one…?"

"Yes," answered Yue Ying. "He recently defected from Wei to Shu as our new Panther General, and compared to my husband and I, is relatively inexperienced. But given his prodigal talent, he will master the art of war very quickly, especially under my husband's tutelage. I foresee great things in store for him." She suddenly smiled. "Boyue. Were you aware that woman you bumped into – Miria – is Shu's Duchess?"

His fresh, deep brown eyes faltered. "No… how could I have erred so!" he cried, almost dropping his spear.

The Grand General nodded knowingly. "Then, if you wish to make amends, go and keep watch on Miria and company, in the rare possibility that they fall into unsalvageable peril. You should be able to do so relatively easily – there is only one way to Mogao, after all – through the traders' routes into central China."

"Keep watch?" said Jiang Wei in surprise. "Then that means – " he turned back to look at the receding figures. "Then I should follow them, now."

"No," cautioned Yue Ying. "Stay back a while longer and recuperate. Move out only afterwards. I trust Miria's judgement and power to protect her subordinates. But should something unexpected happen…" her eyes narrowed. "Isley… Priscilla. I cannot be sure of what they will be plotting, especially if it is true that the portal to the Continent lies within the grottoes of Mogao."

Flora and Cynthia smiled at each other. Yue Ying's foresight was almost superhuman. And on his part, Jiang Wei nodded, his expression changing from weariness to grim dedication. He bowed once more, acknowledging his new assignment – to watch over the Duchess and her comrades, and protect them if circumstances necessitated.

"Understood, milady."