Chapter 52: Destiny of a Dynasty (part 1)
After the showdown between me and Landon against Simas Yi and Shi, Yi stands there laughing in his usual way, with a hint of frustration in his body language.
"Mwahahahaha….you imbeciles may have won the battle but you have not won the war, do you honestly think you can survive the whole conflict being as how you're in such a predicament? Even if by pure luck you would triumph over the chaos in the land, your goddess is lucky to have a group of people that love her blindly. Can she manage to rule Gameindustri and rule the entire world with benevolence, knowing not everyone likes her? Haha what an imbecile, we shall pull back for now but this is all part of our grand scheme." The Jin leader taunted with much arrogance and disrespect.
The pair of them calmly retreats inside the plane, as it then crashes and like a cliché it explodes on impact. As I look behind I see nothing but smoke and flames as it reaches the sky. As I stare at the aftermath of the explosion I can't help but think about what Yi said: "do you honestly think you can survive the whole conflict being as how you're such in a predicament?" I keep thinking that phrase he said over and over again. While he has a point as many villains do, I am able to come up with a response: Yes, I mean we have survived this long and I think it will only be a matter of time before we can take the offensive. I firmly believe in Noire's benevolence, I get such a wonderful feeling knowing people are better off thanks to our actions, and I would love to live in a Lastation where there's peace and prosperity for all of us. The only question is when… yes when not if as I am that confident, we do defeat Leanbox and perhaps Neptune as well, is whether to end their brain washing so they can be led by a better Vert, or end their independence so they can be led by one of the greatest CPUs this land has ever known?
"Wow, I can't believe we survived that, hang on did we just defeat the entire Jin Dynasty? If so that is awesome." Landon spoke with much enthusiasm and pride of what we have accomplished.
"Defeated yes but we have not killed them, they'll be back and my gut says we will face them again." I replied while proud of what we've done, I show more restraint due to the likelihood of facing them again in future, and how tough that will be.
"Hmmm so first they invade with a massive infantry army then an even bigger army of various troops and now they tried to nuke us, extremely risky don't you think?" He commented more calmly, and in a more baffled tone.
"Yes it feels strange to me, even fishy, they have us down ready for the count and while they appear determined to take us out…..Hmmm I dunno it just feels off, they only send infantry in the first wave, and then in the second we annihilated them with such ease despite their massive number superiority?" I speak with concern in my voice. I am very suspicious of them, and this is part of the pattern that I've been seeing for a while now, that it looks like their troops have been thrown at us to be killed, and as many as possible.
"But why would they do that? It makes no sense. If they have us in a predicament why not do the finishing blow?" He asks sounding ever so bewildered.
"Maybe because they don't actually want to destroy Lastation, or at least for now. Maybe they want as many people dead as possible even if it's from their own. But there is another thing that didn't feel right about this: have you noticed how the nuclear silos were poorly guarded?" I ask him out of curiosity to see if he's noticed what I have.
"I dunno, the first base was definitely poorly guarded, but I see what you mean for a nuclear silo it is poorly guarded that's for sure. But I thought it was due to heavy reliance on their brain wash facilities." He noted calmly, still baffled.
"Yeah, this is a CPU we're ultimately dealing with, though let's say she did want to nuke Lastation because she has to take it up a level so to speak. OK yeah it was guarded by a brain wash facility but she didn't exactly have a backup plan did she? In war with every measure you take the enemy is sure to have a counter measure." I explain calmly what's on my mind and my rationale behind them.
"But I thought they had the Titans and the entire Jin Dynasty in that aircraft back there." He said in exactly the same baffled tone.
"I thought the Jin Dynasty really put up such a fight." Da Qiao added grunting a bit.
"That is very true but do you remember how we managed to acquire those anti robot weapons? As far as the Jin Dynasty goes yeah they did give us a run for our lives, they did have superior weapons and there were more of them, but what I can't put my finger on is why do they not go all out, considering the sort of people they are? It's almost like a cliché boss that you meet for the first time. Sure they're tough to beat, but they don't go all out. If they were able to have the five us together in one car, why did they not stop us by any means necessary? It doesn't sound right.
Like I said I think this Vert really wants as much as destruction as possible, I don't think she cares about Leanbox or who wins the war as long as lots of people have died, though this is down to being brainwashed. My gut feeling is that Neptune is behind all this, as if that's going to make her consoles the best in the world. It's all down to that tournament. But the thing is while I suspect that is the reason, I think there's more to it, I do think there's someone else behind this, someone bigger and of more significance than Neptune, even if my gut tells me she's part of it." I explained in the same tone before.
"Look I know you hate Neptune and I'm with you all the way there, but how can you be sure it really is Neptune? I mean you haven't seen her here and from what you've told me she's been MIA for at least 2 generations. Don't you think someone else could be behind this, a pirate, a hacker, someone who wants gaming to be banned as opposed to Neptune having any involvement at all?" He tried to reassure me with what he said, and I know he means well.
"The thing is, MIA does not equal KIA my friend, and from what I have experienced in my dreams she's neither MIA nor KIA, but you do make a good point though. Neptune could just as easily be a puppet as opposed to a puppeteer, though this is why we need to find Vert and get rid of her brainwashing. Our primary concern now though is ensuring we RTB safely. You guys OK?" I ask the ladies in front out of concern for them, considering the injuries they sustained in the battle.
"Nothing a few meat buns and Cai Wenji's harp playing won't fix. While she may be in Lastation we do have some meat buns here, plenty for everyone." Xing Cai replied calmly and confidently.
She then passes them around to us all and we get to eat some. They are very delicious and I find it easy to see why they love them so much. While I'm pleasantly surprised that they come in all sorts of various delicious flavours, I'm not surprised it doesn't really heal me at all.
"These meat buns are nice and all but I thought they're supposed to heal me." Landon spoke with a bit of frustration in his voice.
"They only work on Dynasty Warriors characters, but don't worry our health rejuvenates over time and Lastation's health care is second to none." I explained calmly, reassuring him with my tone and body language.
My expressions change as though I did something bad that I'm not happy about. Lady Zhen notices this.
"It's alright Black we are aware of the fact that we are characters from the Dynasty Warriors, such an awesome game series, way better than that garbage from that silly director." Zhen Ji giggled while reassuring me.
"Erm I hate to say this but what exactly is Dynasty Warriors?" Landon asked with again much curiosity in his voice.
"Dynasty Warriors is a hack and slash game by Koei. It's set in a place in a different universe and in a different time to here. Unfortunately due to the amnesia that we at first had when we came here, despite learning more and more about our origins, we still don't know when and where exactly we were from. One thing I know is that it's the same place as the CPUs, albeit at a time that's way longer ago than the CPUs.
Back then this place was thrown into chaos due to the corruption of the imperial court. It was then peasants led by Zhang Jiao rebelled and came to be known as the Yellow Turbans. Various warlords then united to defeat them. Though it was then that one of the war lords called Dong Zhuo captured the emperor of the time, effectively seizing power and began a rule of terror and tyranny, all so he can have his so called paradise. In response to this various warlords united again led by none other than Yuan Shao.
Thanks to the combined strength Dong Zhuo was eventually defeated and assassinated. It was then that the various warlords began fighting for control of this land and eventually there were 3 kingdoms: Wei, Wu and Shu. The game focuses on picking a side and uniting this land under that side. Did you get any of that Landon? That was a lot to take in and that was just a summary of it." Xing Cai explained in a calm and friendly manner.
Yes, I do remember how they were in fact as they say from the same universe as me, albeit at a completely different location and time. How tragic and frustrating that despite all the people who appear to share the same universe as me, no one knows where that universe is or anything about it. Why though? It's as if I cannot know about my true past but why not? I know that it's not bad otherwise they would use that against me. Maybe it's something to taunt me, to frustrate me, or maybe even an attempt to defraud me.
"I'll probably learn more of it as time goes by. Who exactly is the Jin Dynasty in this game of yours?" My mate asked sounding really curious.
"They're the kingdom that were formed in the 3rd century AD within Wei, they ended up taking over Wei and they were the ones to bring an end to the chaos, though the thing is it wasn't long before the country was drawn into conflict again. In fact I remember the land we came from, did not see peace until a long time later under the Tang dynasty I believe." Da Qiao answered trying to think back what she has managed to remember.
"OK so who exactly are you three and how do you fit into the game?" My buddy asked with much curiosity in his voice.
"I am Lady Zhen or you can call me Zhen Ji, I am from the Wei faction. I was originally the wife of Yuan Xi Yuan Shao's son, only for the leader of Wei Cao Cao to invade us, and it was then I met Cao Pi Cao Cao's son and in the game I am his loyal wife who will always be by his side." The Wei beauty explained though when she spoke of Cao Pi, I couldn't help but notice how she was being sarcastic. I'm curious to know why this is the case.
"I am Da Qiao the elder of the Qiao sisters from the Wu faction. I am the proud wife of Sun Ce the 2nd leader of Wu….until he died. Or at least that's what happened originally." The Wu youngster replied with sadness in her voice.
"I am Xing Cai, Zhang Fei's daughter who is the sworn brother of the first emperor of Shu Liu Bei from the Shu faction. I represented the hope for Shu's future and I also supported Liu Shan who may be such a lazy moron but none the less he represents our hope, and I can only hope he learns to train hard and take his duties a lot more seriously." The Shu warrior explained calmly.
Hmmm. I can't help but be intrigued as to what they have said. As a Dynasty Warriors fan myself as well as someone that was quite familiar with the history of the Three Kingdoms in that area of the universe, I find it baffling that all 3 kingdoms that are represented by 3 females are all sat together as friends. Could this be that they know they share the same voice actress? After all they all spoke of Blanc being their idol. But what are they doing here in this Gameindustri? I was about to ask them when.
"So what brings you to Gameindustri?" Landon asked with enthusiastic curiosity in his voice and body language.
"Well, all we can remember is living in the various provinces of that very place that Xing Cai mentioned in that very time, doing various stuff. It is then that we died at different times only to be introduced to a God who goes by the name of Koei.
He explained to us that we were actually actors who portray these characters that we thought we were, and that we will always return to that very place to relive the same events to some extent over and over again though, kinda like Ground Hog Day, although recently we got to wear modern day clothes. When we're not there, we're all here in Gameindustri more precisely Lastation or as we like to call it Lastatshu. We then met Lady Black Heart or as we like to call her Heisxinji. She then offered us accommodation which is the 5 apartments of warriors which are called: Wei, Wu, Shu, Jin and Other. She also gave us various employment including: strategy, combat and assisting in technology among other things like music, cooking, dancing and poetry.
All 5 apartments lived in complete harmony in Lastatshu and during that time the 3 of us swore an oath that we would become the Lee sisters, and that we will stick together hoping that Lady White Heart or as we like to call her Baixinji would ally with Lastatshu and she would come here once again. Sadly it wasn't long before Cao Pi, Zhang He, the rest of Wu, Jin and Other decided to go to Leanbox in hopes of making peace. Only they didn't come back until a long while later, and when they did they tried to raid Wei and Shu, but with the help of Heisxinji and her people, we drove them back, but worse, I got a text message from Cao Pi telling me to kill myself. I became very depressed that our former friends have been brainwashed. Thankfully my friends helped me and Da Qiao recover from this grief. In return I have become very appreciative of the Lastation people even more than before, and all of us in Shu and Wei then swore an oath that we would defeat Wu, Jin and Other, and bring them back to Lastatshu.
I am very pleased to see Baixinji of Lowee or as we like to call it Lowei ally with Heisxinji of Lastatshu once again, I also heard Baixinji is here in Lastatshu, and we look forward to meeting her personally and hopefully she can join us and be a Lee Sister." Zhen Ji explained sounding optimistic with regards seeing Blanc and what she would like to see happen.
"I'm sure she will; I think she must be very proud of us." I replied in a friendly tone.
"Yes Indeed, speaking of which I wish to congratulate you two fine gentleman on taking on that foul beast Vert's nukes. You have my utmost gratitude." Zhen Ji flirted as she spoke in a friendly manner.
"As do I, I admire your strength and I hope to be as strong as you two someday." Da Qiao added with a large smile on her face.
"Indeed I felt privileged to fight the Jin dynasty alongside you." Xing Cai commented calmly with a hint of pride in her voice, nodding in agreement.
"Thank you for the compliment, you three fight well together as a unit, we have definitely sent them packing." I replied sounding pleased with the result.
"Wow, I can't believe Zhen Ji's whip, Xing Cai's SPAS and Da Qiao's Uzis are so powerful, I agree with my friend Black you ladies are amazing." Landon added, I think he struggles to take in the amazement of what has happened, I don't blame him for that though.
"My aren't you two gentleman full of compliments, so polite and grateful. Hey you're not only brave but I must say Black, you resemble my husband Cao Pi who's sadly brainwashed now. In fact you're much better looking than him, you don't look bad yourself Landon. In fact I could marry you both right now and I will happily be your prisoner, do what you wish with me I'm all yours." Zhen Ji flirted in a friendly manner.
Upon saying that I notice her two sworn sisters exchange glances of minor concern and bafflement. In fact we do the same, though I understand Zhen Ji is very flirtatious especially with the player, Cao Pi and Cao Ren, this is quite a shock for her to say this, even more so for my buddy here. Our driver in blue notices our bewildered looks, our dropped jaws.
Despite this I still feel we have to say something, I do not know what Landon makes of this woman, but for me while she is very nice to us and her beauty is beyond question, my loyalty lies with Noire and I will not be a boyfriend or a husband to anyone else but Noire. Noire is my sister and my CPU and represents my console that I hold dear, how much I love Noire and the countless traits that go with it, I cannot betray her and I never will no matter how hard the dumbass Neptune tries.
"Um…Lady Zhen…there is something we have to tell you….." Landon struggled to speak, in fear of offending this woman or her culture, I can deeply sympathise with his concern though.
"That….. is… very… kind…. of you to offer that Zhen Ji…but…..we…have….." I also try to say something too, but thinking what to say in this instance and in a nice respectful manner, is a lot easier than saying those very words.
"Girlfriends? Hahahahahaha. Of course you do and I have to say that your girlfriends are very lucky to have you as their boyfriends…" Zhen Ji explained sounding pleased for us.
As she speaks I can't help but worry about what has happened to White, Tanya and Haruka? After all we were forced to split up because of Jin, and it has been a while since we last saw them. As if on cue, Uni informs me that they have reached Lastation safely, putting our minds at rest.
"…Yeah Heisxinji is very lucky indeed to have such a clever, strong, brave and kind man as her brother and boyfriend. I also think you're very lucky to have her. She's actually the greatest CPU to rule her land along with our proud Baixinji. That Lastation CPU has it all: looks, wealth, brains and kindness, a prosperous hardworking high tech loyal nation, and she's yours. You two are so great together and I'm pleased to get on with her, I get such pleasure modelling with her as a friend…." Zhen Ji explained still flirting in her friendly way.
Modelling? Interesting how she does that, but then again it does make sense since she prides herself on how beautiful she is. Furthermore, it does please me to see them get on as good friends who help each other out, rather than be rivals who compete over their looks, then again I remember Zhen Ji only having such rivalries with women from different kingdoms, but those in the same kingdom she had excellent relationships with. One thing for sure, is it shows not just from her, but from other people themselves, that Noire spends time doing activities with the people of her landmass, with much enthusiasm and enjoyment, and it's excellent as it shows her strong connection with her people.
"….As for you Landon I cannot wait before your girlfriend Tanya marries you, she is another beautiful smart young woman and you're lucky to have her. I think she has a wonderful boyfriend who's so brave and daring. Come to think of it you both remind me of my beloved husband. Speaking of which if anyone dares to harm my husband there'll be hell to pay! Don't worry about me though, I am a strong beautiful noble woman and I will wait for my love to return." She explained further in a friendly manner.
"I know the feeling; I find it hard to accept…my dear Ce's mind…lost to Leanbox along with my fellow friends from Wu. I really hate how I have to fight them. Why were they forced to betray us?" Da Qiao spoke sounding like she's about to break and cry despite doing her best not to let that happen.
"Don't worry. Together we will get back your husbands. I know this is painful but we need to stay strong for their sake, our idol's sake and for our nation's sake. We can get through this, after all today should be a celebration. We are now at peace with Lowei, we have defeated a massive Leanbox army, and we helped rescue our allies from the clutches of Jin. As for Wu we will make them see sense for their betrayal. How tragic that just like in the games Wu were our allies only to then betray us. They'll learn not to be tempted into betrayal ever again." Xing Cai said calmly as she put her hand on Da Qiao's shoulder, doing her best to reassure them, and this appears to be working.
"I know what it's like; we've had Jin betraying us just like in the video games. We will show them the error of their ways though, they were wrong to defect to an inferior nation in Leanbox, and Wang Yuanji was wrong to worship the foul beast that is Vert, I reckon they were brainwashed before even leaving for Leanbox." Zhen Ji spoke in her usual tone of determination.
After hearing what they said, it does make me feel lucky that our girlfriends are neither captured nor in the enemy camp, when I hear Zhen Ji and Da Qiao speak of their husbands, I can't help but wonder if Xing Cai has a boyfriend, or whether she considers her training or Liu Shan the 2nd emperor of Shu to be her boyfriend? But from what I remember she never seemed to have a husband, I'd like to ask but I'm not sure it's a good idea right now.
"If you guys don't mind, who exactly is Cai Wenji? Is she a good harp player?" Landon asked politely.
"Yes she's a very talented harp player from Wei; in fact she's a very good friend of mine. We often perform music as a duet together. Her idol is Heisxinji; she appears to sound exactly the same as her. She is a very kind individual who desires nothing more than peace, she loves reciting poetry and she's even wrote a few good ones herself." The Wei lady explained as if to suggest she has much respect for the harp player.
As if on cue we then see tall black futuristic skyscrapers with all the magnificent fantastic features, and consist of different high tech designs: home sweet home.
"Ah we have arrived back at Lastation , just in time for us to prepare for the concert in Lady Black Heart's mansion. Oh it'll bring me such pleasure to perform with Wenji and the CPUs, in front of the awesome crowd of Lastatshu. Speaking of which I am pleased to tell you my land lord Cao Cao has invited you two, White, Tanya, Haruka and the CPUs to a lavish banquet along with the entire Shu household and Da Qiao, I've heard from our land lord himself that he is impressed with you, and considers you both to have such immense talent." The lady in blue informed us sounding ever so pleased and happy.
Hmmm. A concert which features my favourites, followed by a banquet hosted by none other than Cao Cao himself. I'm thrilled that we shall be entertained now and we'll be doing something different that's equally exciting and fun and novel and unbelievably incredible. I've always wanted to meet some of the guys from Wei and Shu, considering how much I like them and how entertaining they are. I also hope we could get the chance to perform some sibling oaths and marriages Dynasty Warriors style, I reckon my friend would enjoy that. I'm pleased we can relax now after our previous ordeals, but my gut tells me that our relaxing maybe cut short, and we'll be assigned to another mission again of great importance.