Chapter 54: The World Gathers at Wu Zhang Plains

Chunju

Zhou Tai strode towards a giant warhorse that waited outside his bungalow. Clad once again in his sinister black-red armour, he glanced behind his back. "There is not much time. We will be riding for most of the evening. Are you ready, my beloved?" he asked quietly.

"So this is your idea of a honeymoon, Tai?" shot back Cynthia wryly, sheathing Excalibur at her waist. She stroked lightly at her crimson dress. "To risk our lives at Wu Zhang Plains against Wei forces and potential Awakened enemies?"

"We do not know what might happen to our friends," he murmured. "We promised to act as reinforcements. We must uphold our end of the treaty."

"Yes, yes," pouted Cynthia. "Your unfailing dedication is something I do not disparage, but admire. Still, couldn't you at least pretend to be disappointed that we won't be going somewhere romantic for the next few days?"

Zhou Tai grimaced as he hauled himself onto the steed and gripped its reins. "I cannot rest easy… knowing that Shu's army is outnumbered badly by Cao Cao's forces. Let us hurry. Time is against us." He blinked as Cynthia suddenly moved her hand to her stomach, wincing slightly.

"Is something wrong?"

"Oh… no." She looked at her abdomen quizzically, pursing her lips. So… soon? She smiled back up at him. "Sorry, baby. Don't worry about me. Let's go. We have a battle to win."

He nodded forgivingly and urged his horse into a gallop, his thoughts returning to the imminent battle. Still holding her stomach, Cynthia took one last fond glance at the bungalow they had sealed their marriage in, then turned back to give her full concentration on the immense struggle ahead.

*

Shu Main Camp. Wu Zhang Plateau

Galatea's coronation as Queen of Wei had sent shockwaves across the Chinese world. Even those who believed they understood Cao Cao's unorthodox behaviour (such as his consistent refusal to usurp the throne of Emperor Xian) could not have predicted that even a lover such as her would have risen so quickly amongst the ranks of the Wei royal court in a matter of only three years. But somehow, Flora did not feel surprised. A certain style of purifying cruelty accompanied this "Hero of Chaos." Whatever he accomplished was out of the ordinary, in every way possible. His vision, the vision Galatea had informed them of, was evidence of that.

It was as if this world was not enough for someone like him.

Zhuge Liang stood at the head of several large battalions of Crescent Wardens, phalanxes and White Riders. The moon shone brightly upon the plateau, as if blessing the Shu army with a celestial legitimacy in defeating Wei. "There are three crucial phases: firstly, destroying Sima Yi's forces advancing towards the plateau. Secondly, defeating Cao Ren and his host. Thirdly, once we've pushed past the river encampments, King Liu Bei, Grand General Yue Ying and Marquess Flora shall lead our armies towards the Wei main fortress and engage Queen Galatea." He raised his feather fan. "Admiral Zhou Tai and General Cynthia will come with the reserve troops to defend against any Wei reinforcements. We must take advantage of our elevated terrain, but not forget our numerical disadvantage."

"The power of Shu and Wu stands united here!" cried Flora, drawing Durandal. She looked at Zhao Yun, sharing a loving smile with him. Her sword shimmered splendidly in the moonlight. "Let us trust in the faith that binds us!"

Garbed in humble attire, as was his hallmark, Liu Bei's emerald cape was the only item of fashion that distinguished his rank as King. He raised Strength and Virtue, his twin swords. "This will be the final battle. We face the tyrant Cao Cao, but do not fear his armies! My friends! Lend me your aid, and let us walk in a new and peaceful age together!"

"For Shu Han!" roared the troops, raising their weapons. "For Shu, and the restoration of the Han Dynasty!"

The final preparations were complete. A hundred Juggernaut tanks stood by in readiness to unleash a firestorm of devastation on the Wei army. But despite their efforts, this would be no easy battle. Yue Ying stared into the distance, where across the river and on that high hill, awaited the towering fort of Wu Zhang, where Galatea dwelled. She nodded as Flora joined her, silver eyes shining amiably. "The final struggle against Wei is imminent. To lose this battle is to lose the war. We've put everything on the line for this final Northern Expedition – our troops from Jieting, our troops from Hanzhong, and even the Wu reserves that Sun Quan has entrusted to us. We must not fail."

She glanced at her husband, her brow furrowing in worry. He looked even paler than usual, and she knew exactly why – the stress of this campaign had taken its toll, and his illness had reached a critical point. But he still fought on. He did not let her send him to his tent to rest; his life lay hanging by a thread of silk; his constitution as thin as rice paper. He enjoyed control over this mighty army, but not his own body.

There was no time left.

"Will Miria and the others be alright?" came Flora's voice.

"They can take care of themselves. At least, that is what I hope," replied Yue Ying. "For now, we must concentrate on dealing Wei a decisive blow. I believe that even if they run into danger, they will survive despite everything, and return to us." She put a hand on Flora's shoulder. "I'm… worried for Jiang Wei, too. He is a genius, but he is not experienced. If he and Miria land into trouble…"

Flora smiled. "My Lady, are you not contradicting what you just commanded me to do? Please do not worry. I give you my word. Duchess Miria and all the others will come back to us, safe and sound. Sooner… or later." She followed her leader's gaze out towards the plains and the Wei River.

"If I may ask, my commandant… what drives your fiery passion to fight against him?"

Yue Ying nodded, clasping her hands together. "I do not hate the Wei King. In fact, I understand that his vision is one that may well be as valid as Lord Liu Bei's. He is not swayed by his emotions, which is admirable. But at the same time, that means he has no compassion for the people." She turned to look at Flora. "One of his officers was the ingrate that ordered the razing of my tribe's village, and the slaughter of my entire clan."

Flora stared at her. She continued, "I was born into a tribe that owed no allegiance to the Han people. We were of a different kind, of a different tradition. We were nomads, wandering freely throughout western China, bringing song, dance and music to everywhere we settled. I never suspected a Han Chinese would seek my hand in marriage," she added, referring to Zhuge Liang fondly. "But the Sleeping Dragon has a penchant for seeing past external appearances. And that is something the murderer of my people was unable to do. My late Father begged me not to tread the path of revenge. So I have left my grudge against Zhu Ling behind. But this path I tread, this warrior's path – it began with Cao Cao, and it can only end with Cao Cao.

"And… what of you? You owe no true allegiance to the Han, either. Your task, initially, was merely to protect us from the Awakened Beings. And now look at you – you are a Marquess, and the beloved of our champion, Zhao Yun." Yue Ying's eyes shone. "We have come so far since that day we met by the banks of the Yangtze. I am in awe – "

Flora suddenly saluted her, standing at attention and raising her right hand to her head. "My past is irrelevant, Grand General. All I know – all I need to know – is that you are a noble soul, who is merciful, gentle at heart, but also a valiant fighter, and with a legitimate cause. That is enough for me to serve you. I will fight for you with every fibre of my being, whether it is against Wei or against Isley. I have faith that China will be united one day. All that will remain… is the final destruction of the Awakened Beings. That is all. That is why I am here in this realm, fighting to protect your people."

Yue Ying stared at her, before breaking out into light laughter. "Of course. How silly of me." She beamed and took her hand. "You are my best friend, Flora. I am so proud to have you as my comrade and my most trusted commander."

The low rumbling and moaning of the Juggernauts was audible in the backdrop, and Flora spoke once more. "We will triumph. I am sure of it. Let us survive this fight… no matter what."

*

Wu Zhang Fort, across the Wei River

She may have been crowned Queen and granted command of a third of the Wei Army and Navy. She may have been commissioned to realize Cao Cao and Nu Wa's dream: to reunify China through the silver-eyed warriors. But if she were really honest with herself, life hadn't changed too dramatically since her coronation. She was still a commander-warrior, through and through. And perhaps that was what her beloved enjoyed about her. She gazed at the Men-At-Arms that assembled by the shores of the river, below the elevated hill that led up to the long, impregnable fortress. They would serve as the first wave of attack, followed by the Imperial Lancers. A sullen Sima Yi moved up to her, raising his claws to his face. "Zhuge Liang is certain to be hiding tricks up his sleeve. Our advantage is in our numbers and in our superior firepower," he said thickly. "I will feign defence, but move our forces to attack the plateau and secure a foothold for destroying their main camp."

"A daring assault on the plateau?" she questioned. "Zhuge Liang is sure to use the terrain near his locale to his advantage. And we do not know when his Wu allies will strike. Most likely, their reinforcements will come in the form of Cynthia and Zhou Tai, Jiangdong's strongest warriors."

"Let the Field Marshal do as he pleases. But he will not be sending my troops," boomed a stoic, deep voice. Galatea turned around, her eyes falling upon a short and stout man in a surreally advanced suit of armour. Platinum encased his entire frame, and long, glowing spikes jutted out from his metal shoulderplates and greaves. The weapons he held were also highly sophisticated, beyond that of the Chinese and Continental imagination. In his right hand was a long, double-ended trident. In his left was a diamond aegis, with a protruding blade – a hidden bayonet.

Galatea blinked. So he was the man who defended Fan Castle from Luciela. I can see why Mengde trusts him so, aside from the fact that they're cousins. She approached him, and he turned to look at her. "Greetings, supreme commander," she said. "I won't patronize you with a briefing. I trust you understand well your role in this battle."

His eyes suddenly glowed a deep purple, and a metallic faceplate slid over his moustached mouth, two flat pieces sliding together from slits on either side of his giant, ponytailed helm. "I understand perfectly, my Queen. I will not disappoint you." He looked out towards the Men-At-Arms, Central Plains Guardians and Imperial Lancers that amassed before them. "I believe they expect a rousing speech from you."

She sighed. "How about, 'Go get 'em, boys'?"

Cao Ren moved to stand beside Sima Yi. "That would suffice for me," he humoured. "But I do not think it would suffice for them."

"Point taken." Galatea moved to stand before her troops. She loosened her lavish coat, allowing the men to glimpse the tight long dress hugging her body. "So…" she raised an eyebrow. "Eaten well, boys?"

The troops looked at each other perplexedly. The horsemen grimaced hesitantly, uncertain if she was acting in jest or genuineness. "Fun crowd I've got here," she muttered. She let out a quiet cough.

"Valiant soldiers of Wei!" she barked, her eyes flashing and snapping the men out of their stupor. "Atten-shun!"

The men saluted instantly. "Your Highness!" they boomed as one.

"You know why you are all here tonight on the Central Plains. We are fighting a defensive battle, but only because we've forced our enemies to go on the offensive against us. They are living on borrowed time. Their numbers are inferior, their leaders are inferior, and their resources are inferior. No matter how you see it, they simply cannot hold a candle to our might. But do not take them lightly. Their resolve is firm and unyielding, and we must not scorn them for that. We only need to remember that our resolve and devotion to our King is greater!" She swept an elegant, imperious hand outwards. "First Shu, then Wu, and with the land united, we will wipe out all Awakened Beings that dare to tread on China's soil! His Majesty's greatest victory awaits, and it is our task to deliver it to him!"

"Long live the Queen!" resounded the soldiers.

She unsheathed Euangelion. Its engravings began to glow, tinting the fortress walls with an ethereal ruddiness. "We will defeat Liu Bei and put an end to these wars! This will be the final battle. Prepare well!" The Wei troops saluted sombrely, stirred into utter solemnity by her brief but succinct oratory. They turned, and began to march down towards the hill, in tight and disciplined square formations. The sergeants and corporals reined in their horses and began to bark orders. Without further formalities, they began to ride and march to their ultimate victory.

Sima Yi snorted. "The stars foretell that Zhuge Liang's death is imminent. Let us see just how well-planned this overdue corpse's strategies are. I have planned for reinforcement armies to strike at key locations around the plateaus. Once the Shu forces have exhausted all their greasy guerilla tactics, we shall overwhelm and crush them under our war machine." He stalked back inside the stone gates.

Cao Ren glanced at Galatea and nodded. "That was a brilliant speech, if I say so myself." He walked towards the edge of the hill. A loud blast shook the ground below him, and the grass around his feet was singed as he slowly hovered into the air, supported by two thrusters that blasted flaming discharge beneath his massive greaves. His trident began to crackle with lightning, electricity enveloping its jagged tips. Galatea whistled, more than mildly impressed.

"It is said that Huang Yue Ying, the Shu Grand General, also possesses weapons beyond that of the typical soldier. May I have your permission to engage her?" he asked above the blazing roar.

Galatea nodded. "Suit yourself. Provided that you help me with one thing."

"What might that be, Your Majesty?"

A ghost of a grimace flittered across her face. "Bring me her ally, the silver-eyed warrior known as Windcutter Flora."

*

Wu Zhang mountain pass

Deng Ai, Zhong Hui and Xiahou Ba charged towards the elevated high ground of the ravine, their horses whinnying as they raised their swords triumphantly. Under the orders of Sima Yi, they would seize the enemy fortresses along the plateau before the Crescent Wardens began engaging the river camps in earnest. The Men-At-Arms followed close behind the three mounted generals, charging towards the Juggernauts and crossbowmen that awaited them in the narrow crossroads of the gorge. An amassed Shu division of two hundred blocked the pass, securing the perimeter tightly and doggedly. Deng Ai grimaced as he caught sight of the tiger-headed vehicles. "The machines that defeated our armies at Tianshui…!"

"Release!" cried a Crescent Warden from within the emerald-armoured throng. "For the plans of the Sleeping Dragon and the glory of our King, let our courage pierce Wei and all who follow it!!"

The Juggernauts and crossbowmen fired, puncturing line after line of Central Plains Guardians. The powerful rockets shook the crevice, triggering a miniature landslide that swept aside struggling Men-At-Arms. Xiahou Ba snarled as his sergeants dropped like flies around him, felled by powerful ballistae from the ambush troops above the cliffs. He pointed his sword at the machines. "Charge behind those toys and hit the enemy where it hurts! And split up the men! We'll cut into them from both sides!"

Encouraged, the Wei infantry fearlessly charged ahead, but even as they raised their weapons in anticipation, a powerful greatsword cleaved through the sky and split open the ground, sending the front row of pikemen falling to their feet. "What?" sniffed Zhong Hui, narrowly dodging a large piece of rock that flew his way. "What bothersome trick have they planned this time?"

A blonde woman in azure attire lifted her greatsword as a ponytailed, silver-armoured warrior looked up and smiled grimly. "You would catch our ambush forces between us?" challenged Flora. "Not so easy." The two champions charged, their superior dexterity and strength easily overcoming Deng Ai and Xiahou Ba's broadswords. The Central Plains Guardians slowly backed away as the Men-At-Arms frantically charged, only to be mowed down by gattling fire from the Juggernauts. "Now!" cried Flora. "Now is the time to charge!"

The Shu forces pointed their spears and began to advance, passing the Juggernauts and pressing on to the bottom of the mountain pass. "For the King of Hanzhong!" they roared. "For the Han!"

"Damn it!" cried Deng Ai, as he struggled against Zhao Yun's spear. "They seem to be reading our every move!" He could not hold out much longer as the Little Dragon disarmed him with one deft flick of his weapon, and plunged its head into the Wei officer's breastplate. Deng Ai fell, his face stretched wide in shock. Zhao Yun spun his spear, glancing up and glaring at the West River Fort.

"We must punch through that base!" he exclaimed.

"Hmm," observed Zhong Hui wryly, slashing and decapitating one of the many spearmen around him. "We may not be able to make it through this…" His steed whinnied in fear as the mêlée overwhelmed him. He fell off his steed, gurgling loudly as the enemy troops trampled over his broken body, crushing his skull and snapping his windpipe as they charged and thrust twelve spears into Xiahou Ba. Bereft of his weapon and his victory, the general's eyes widened, and then closed forever, his final words regretful and ashamed.

"Im… impossible…"

Flora and Zhao Yun hurtled forward, swinging Durandal and smashing open a path for the Shu soldiers. "Lady Huang will join us soon! Come, little dragon," cried Flora. "Let us ride this momentum, and smash against the Wei fortress like a violent wind."

They fought on grimly, relentlessly advancing past the Central Plains Guardians and Men-At-Arms. They fought with only one purpose, and that was to bring a conclusive end to this gruesome conflict.

*

"My Queen! A number of Shu units are setting traps at various chokepoints around the mountains. We have suffered heavy losses, and General Deng Ai, General Zhong Hui, and General Xiahou Ba have all fallen in an ambush near the mouth of the plateau!"

Galatea grimaced as she listened to the kneeling scout's report. "This enemy is clever," she admitted. "We must pull back. Move to defend the river camps, and let our eastern attack strike their flank. Their coordination will collapse if we can break their aggressive spirit."

Sima Yi hissed. "At this point, we must hold out. Cao Ren must buy us as much time as possible. The main Shu force has already penetrated the river fortresses. We must kill all the enemy commanders, now. We must break their hearts and tear their souls asunder. Only then will victory be ours."

"Take it easy, Field Marshal. I won't let you risk your life. That is my role." Galatea nodded at the scout. "Relay this order to all units: the Imperial Lancers are to engage the Crescent Wardens and the advancing Shu infantry. Show no hesitation; give no mercy." Her hand tightened around her coat's downy collar. "The Shu army is worthy of every praise. But this is as far as they go.

"If Cao Ren fails, I shall defeat Cynthia and Flora with my own hands."

*

Zhuge Liang withdrew into his room, coughing and periodically spitting blood from his throat. But he did not recline on his divan; he stood over his table, examining the map of the enfolding battle as he had always done, studiously and diligently fulfilling his duty to Liu Bei even as his King rode out into battle. Yue Ying stood by his side, Sapphire Crescent attached to her right forearm. Before long, she would depart for the main battlefield, but her resolve began to waver as she stared at her weakening husband, barely able to speak without choking for breath. Her eyes shone with tears. "Kongming, you cannot go on like this."

He looked at her, his face as serene as ever. "My love… regardless of the outcome of this war, please ensure just one thing: that you will guide our nation in the correct direction… to defend the weak, favour the just, and scorn the wicked. Regardless… of whether we triumph… or not."

"This isn't the time," she cried. "Do not speak of our future like that – "

A scout interrupted her as he brushed aside the folds of the tent. "My Lord! A new army of enemy reinforcements has arrived. Our scouts have reported of three more armies heading here from three directions."

Zhuge Liang stood unsteadily for several moments before coughing blood and collapsing. He would have crashed his own head against the table were it not for Yue Ying, who caught him as quickly as he had fallen. "My… my Lord?" whispered the scout, his eyes uncertain and slightly fearful.

"With our current advantage of surprise, we should be able to delay what fate has prepared for us. The rest will be… up to you. You… you may go now."

"Shall I summon the healers, my Lord?"

"There is nothing they can do. There is nothing you can do, either. Go. Go and fight for Shu. That is enough." As the scout hesitantly exited, the dying strategist looked at Yue Ying and smiled sadly. "Wei has been caught off-guard, but they will recover before long. I believe… I have bought enough time for us to survive up to the final stage of this campaign. The true trial of this battle… is now in your hands."

"My husband…"

He closed his eyes. "A pity that Master Zhou Tai has not arrived yet. I would have liked to apologize to him… one last time… for making him what he is. If you see him again, give him my regards… and my apologies… for forcing him to become China's first Claymore.

"Yue Ying, Heaven is not cruel. It is merciful, for letting me die in your arms. I bid you farewell, my beautiful moon. I know with all my heart… that our son… will live the happiest life you can give him, and see the bright tomorrow that many of us will not."

Yue Ying stared down in dread, cradling his head tighter. Her forehead pressed against his cheek as she gritted her teeth. His blood on her lips felt more excruciating than the sharpest of blades. "No, no. This cannot be happening. I need you, my Lord! Shu needs you… China needs you. Kongming? Please answer me, Kongming. No…"

Her breaking voice never received a reply.

The stars shone brightly above the night firmament as the Sleeping Dragon breathed his last, and returned to the heavens from which he descended.