Chapter 59: Banquet of Hope
It is at this point that we have been led by our hosts to the dining room. To some extent this place resembles the one I've seen from Dynasty Warriors 7 Empires, where a banquet takes place. Very appropriate indeed. I always would like to go to a place like this, being as I appreciate history as well as the advanced technology we have in Lastation.
The room is incredibly large consisting of a stone floor, with a huge blue rug with patterns of the Wei phoenix. There are also wooden walls to match the period. In the centre is a large rectangular table that covers a good portion of the room, which is covered in delicious food and various drinks which are on top of a nice black cloth. The table is surrounded by lots of comfortable black wooden chairs, which are full of cushions around the seat and back.
The room has plenty of furniture as the walls are covered with highly decorated vases, as well as weapon racks that are full of various ancient weapons from that place that Dynasty Warriors is set, with some Lastation firearms too. There are a few highly decorated blue cupboards on different areas of the room.
Finally I see in the room about half a dozen ladies, dressed as performers from the games dancing around for our entertainment. As well as perhaps to finish the nostalgia of my memory, as well as being part of how authentic this room is.
The women all have long brown hair that is tied up in a fancy bow, with a gold head piece on their heads. They wear plenty of make up as well consisting of pink eye shadow and lipstick. They wear pink and white dresses of the era, with very long yellow sleeves that go beyond their hands and fade to white at the end. Their dresses are quite layered with what appears to be a pink cape, which is worn on their backs. On their waist are blue ribbons that are tied together forming a flower on their dresses. When they see us arrive they all bow before continuing to dance as they move their arms, doing quite a bit of turning as they show off their attractive costumes.
It is then we take a seat, while Cao Cao and Liu Bei sit together at one end of the table, I'm sat quite close to them with Noire to my left and Uni to my right. To Uni's right is Rom then Ram, then Blanc and White with Cai Wenji sat opposite me, and the rest of the Lee Sisters sat next to her. At the other side of the large table is where the rest of the Dynasty Warrior characters, that were here today sit.
With us all sat down, I look at the food and drink at this magnificent feast that we will consume with much enthusiasm. The food and drink certainly looks appetising, perhaps exotic. It's certainly what I remember from the series, though there's more as well which are from what I remember from takeaways, and even some I've not seen before at all. The food is in all sorts of baskets which makes it convenient for us to choose what we like. There is a basket full of meat buns, which I'm guessing will be full of various meats or perhaps different vegetables, maybe even fruits for all I know. There's also Dim Sum which I'm more than keen to try. There are also various dishes consisting of different combinations of meat, veg and fruit that I haven't even heard of before. There are some that I recognise that I remember from takeaways such as chicken balls, or either meat balls as well as rice with various foods like prawns and mushrooms, there's even different meats with different sauces, some are fried or put in batter or both. There are also baskets full of various noodles and the same goes with rice, and there's even a basket full of all sorts of prawn crackers, along with wraps. There are even baskets full of different vegetables and fruit, no doubt from the immense healthy variety of the vegetables and fruits, which the gardens of Lastation have to offer.
There's plenty of variation between the drinks, from all sorts of wines to different kinds of soft drinks, along with the various milkshakes. As well as the seemingly infinite combinations that the 3 areas of drink provide.
I really do love the fusion of Lastation and Lowee with Dynasty Warriors. It's so awesome to see it all together, and I look forward to eating this delicious banquet along with my friends and family.
Before we eat Cao Cao makes an announcement to us all.
"Welcome to Wei flats everyone. I landlord Cao Cao am honoured to have the Shu residents, as well as the Lastation and Lowee CPUs here as our own personal guests. It will be my pleasure to entertain you as well as to give you a banquet to remember. I also wish to have a toast, as well as to let out a victory cry: We have done well in defending Lastation and we are successful in reforming our alliance with Lowee. I just hope that one day the chaos will end, and that we can bring the true perpetrator behind this war: Neptune to justice. And I hope that she will get the punishment she truly deserves for all the crimes she has committed." He announced.
Though we yell our victory cry and toast our drinks together, I can't help but notice Liu Bei showing signs of disagreement, with some of what Cao Cao said. As we all tuck in to our gourmet meal, me and Noire end up joining in on the conversation between the two landlords.
"I somehow sensed from you that you disapprove with some of what I have said." Cao Cao spoke with much concern.
"Well I understand that Lastation is a place of benevolence, and I am proud to be a huge part of Lastation. But shouldn't we be forgiving, and show kindness to everyone including our enemies?" Liu Bei spoke nervously, as if he's trying to sound diplomatic, but he feels as though he's in the minority.
"That's a very true point Liu Bei, of course we show forgiveness. I know we have slaughtered lots of enemies, but we'd never do that out of cold blood. We always try to give them the chance to surrender. It's just unfortunate that due to their brain washing, they'd always fight to the death and in large numbers, forcing them to spill a lot of their blood onto our hands. With that act I have much respect for all the troops that have to endure this. Besides, just recently we have managed to capture a few of their troops. And we have treated them with compassion and respect, none of us have tortured a single one of them, not once, we'd just offered them sanctuary here. We didn't even demand them to fight for us or give us any information, interestingly enough they offered to fight for us anyway." My waifu explained.
"I am pleased with how well we treat the people, be it our own or our enemies' own people. But what about the leaders, the CPUs do they not deserve forgiveness for what they have done? I'm sure they have their own reasons for fighting. I mean you have forgiven Lady White Heart despite being enemies, and I'm thrilled because you two can be best friends and powerful allies once more." Lord We Obey spoke trying to explain his point.
"Regarding Lady White Heart the war we had was rather unfortunate, and that was down to her unfortunately being brainwashed. We both have been the best of allies before and since, and I do not blame her for it. In fact she has done her best to fight the brainwashing, and we haven't really fought technically we were just at war with no bloodshed.
Concerning Leanbox's CPU, again while we have been friends before, she has done a lot more bad than Lady White Heart ever had. With this said I am unsure if this is her own doing, or is it down to her being brainwashed. Though perhaps it's more severe due to her not being as strong as the CPU of Lowee.
As for Planeptune's CPU? She has been our enemy for a long time, and she is known to have committed various heinous acts against humanity, even to her own people. She has tortured them, starved them and she is responsible for all of the brain washing. All so she can avenge her loss when we have beaten her repeatedly at gaming.
So as for forgiving the CPUs? The CPU of Lowee absolutely. The CPU of Leanbox I need more information, as well as more understanding behind the woman I know of now. Finally there's The CPU of Planeptune, I don't know if I can forgive such a person for all the horrible stuff she has done. Not to mention the acts committed by some of her colleagues. I shudder to think what their innocent residents must think, though considering a lot of them have fled to Lastation, and the horrors of what they have told me. It's sad that as much as I want to do something about that place, I cannot. All I can do is give them a wonderful life here. You must be familiar with the terror and tyranny she has committed, after all you have had to have dealt with the likes of Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu. She is way worse than them." Miss Lastation explains in a very pleasant and understanding manner.
"When you put it that way you make a very valid point. I'm sorry to say but I'm not sure how you wanting revenge against Neptune sits well with me, even if it is for noble intentions. What you guys did to Iris Heart, I'm not sure if I could do that myself." He spoke almost ashamed that he is in disagreement with her, considering how much he respects our leader.
"It's alright, I firmly believe in freedom of speech, though it's funny how everyone here is in support of me, including yourself. As regards to what you have said, you make a good point. As you said though it's always for the noblest of intentions. Regarding what we did to that so called woman, while we got pleasure in seeing her getting the punishment she truly deserves, we also did it to avenge her countless victims. We wanted to ensure that justice has been served and give her a taste of her own medicine. I don't see how that can be wrong considering how everyone in Lastation, would enjoy seeing me punish her in the most horrific way possible. She's a vile person and needs to be given the appropriate treatment, it brought the people hope and we gave them what they wanted. None of us that gave her her comeuppance regret our actions, and we'll be more than happy to do it again. Especially considering how she has not learned her lesson. I'd never bring that sort of punishment to her people, and I think that you can agree that we all do other good stuff. You've said yourself this nation is a place of benevolence, and the people do not consider us bad people for what we have done to her. if anything they consider us to be even better than good for bringing her to justice that we all want to see." Noire explained using the same calm, soothing tone.
"Hmmmm. When you put it that way, you make a very valid point, and once again I am sorry if you think I think you're an evil person. I know you are beyond an extremely good person. I know that you are extremely kind, very intelligent, and you are very benevolent and noble my lady. Come to think of it, what you have done to Iris Heart who is beyond question a woman who's evil knows no limits. As opposed to making you as bad as her, it actually makes you an even more of a good person. After all I think it's good to bring evil doers to justice, just as you always do Lady Black Heart, and I thank you for your explanation." Liu Bei spoke again with the same sort of tone, not wanting to offend Noire even though he hasn't.
"Don't worry it's alright, I think sometimes good or evil can be a matter of perspective, even if we all do our best to be good and we consider ourselves to be good. As long as we all do our best for the people and we are successful, then surely that's all that matters." She explained smiling showing honesty with what she says.
"Indeed I agree with you Lady Black Heart, while we consider ourselves good and certain enemies of ours to be evil. Sometimes whether they're good or evil depends on one's perspective. More often than not, they can be both. For example the book called Romance of Three Kingdoms spoke of me as a tyrant, an evil villain. But that was only down to being written by a historian who strongly supports Shu, considering how Shu was one of my enemies, I was bound to be evil to you." Cao Cao explained with his words of wisdom sometimes chuckling at what he says.
After which Liu Bei laughed nervously.
"I'm sorry for that Cao Cao. It was all Zhuge Liang's idea to spread lies about your kingdom, so all the people that followed me wouldn't defect when I was escaping you in Chang ban." The Shu landlord explained.
"It's alright it's just as well, being as how I had to endure being branded as a villain by the rest of the land, as well as for a long period in history. I only thank the more recent years, where my reputation has improved. I also appreciate the games I appear in, for trying to portray me in a more positive light. I already feel as though someone is writing my fate, and my author is a great fan of mine.
Regarding if I have any thoughts on getting justice, or perhaps revenge? I think all of us have a desire to get revenge at some point in our lives. I knew of Wang Yi who once desired revenge against Ma Chao, for the murder of her family. One of your prized strategists Fa Zheng, is a man known for always getting his revenge and always repaying his debts. Even you once wanted to avenge your brother's deaths with whom you swore an oath to." The Wei landlord replied explaining.
"Yes you're exactly right, it's a pity it didn't work out though, I had a massive army and we outnumbered Wu, but we couldn't even beat them. It's a pity that despite what Lady Black Heart and her friends did to the woman, she's still free at large. Not only that but she is still in charge of her own nation." Liu Bei replied sounding quite glum.
"It was down to a lack of strategy, and you only relying on superior numbers which as history has taught us, does not always work. If you actually had a strategy in place you would have been able to defeat Wu and have avenged your fallen brothers. Though fortunately right now you're with them anyway and while Wu has betrayed us, they have failed to cause any deaths and we will bring them to justice. As for her? I'll allow Lord Black Lead to explain." Cao Cao spoke in the same tone once more.
"I must admit I am completely baffled as to why the chaos from those Planeptune CPUs still goes on, despite stopping them numerous times. But when we do give them the punishments they truly deserve, we will make sure that they never again commit any crimes against humanity. I swear it, as do my friends and family." I speak with passion and determination as I keep thinking about those two, and how I'd love to make them pay for what they have done to those innocent people.
"You do make very good points my lords and ladies." Bei replied smiling and nodding.
"One other thing to consider regarding revenge is can getting one's revenge benefit others? In both cases yes because concerning your brothers, they had children and it must have been hard for them to have watched their fathers die from treachery. Wu was wrong to betray Shu and I'm sure Shu would have felt better to have seen Wu be punished, as well as for Wu themselves to realize the folly of their own actions. As for us avenging the innocent? We've already said that the innocent would benefit if those Planeptune deviants were to be punished for good. So that their victims can relax knowing that their troubles have come to an end, and they can have the pleasure in seeing the perpetrators get their comeuppance." Cao squared explained.
"Indeed, well I must say it's great that we can have such an intelligent conversation together, especially with what similar and different philosophies we have. Particularly with how Lastation follows the Shu principles of benevolence and kindness for all." We Obey spoke smiling.
"I actually think Lastation follows the Wei principles. Of strength, reason, talents and ambition. I see lots of talented people in Lastation, and our leader herself is full of talent. Herself and her people are also full of ambition, as they desire to improve and be the best that they can be. Despite what history may have shown, I also believe in benevolence and I'm thankful I can show such traits in the latest instalment. I just don't believe that benevolence alone will work, one needs to be clever, be good at something, as well as to have goals that they wish to achieve, along with being kind and understanding. I am thankful to be part of a nation that exhibits all of these traits." Cao Cao replied speaking with much pride.
"You speak the truth, Lastation does indeed contain talented ambitious people that also show benevolence. I have much confidence that our nation of Lastation will last a lot longer than Wei could ever hope to." Liu Bei spoke casually.
I couldn't help but notice Cao Cao showing signs that he doesn't approve of what Liu Bei has said, it's just as well. Though they appear to be friends now, they have never gotten on as well in the games. They had conflicting ideals and were on opposing sides, I can't help but feel amused to see these two argue with each other.
"Hmph…you are simply jealous that my kingdom was more successful than yours. My Wei lasted longer than your Shu, and we managed to hold off both you and Wu. In fact were it not for the winds of Chibi, you would have been finished. And perhaps the land would have been united sooner and not be chaotic like it was with Jin." Cao Cao replied also sounding casual.
"Perhaps, though were it not for Wu's backstabbing, we could have controlled the land. Because we did have the momentum at one time." Liu Bei replied also sounding casual.
"Maybe but we had it first, but what does it matter anyway. We are friends now and while our fans may enjoy seeing us argue, we'll have to agree to disagree. I mean you may have been the favourites in the past, but in more recent times I have become more respected. In fact did you know in the polls I was considered the number 1 boss? In fact I actually know I'm this author's and Black's favourite character. In fact even the Ghost of Dominos, a very talented author whose books I have read about, likes me the most." Cao Cao replied with his words of wisdom.
"That's true, again I apologise for arguing like that. I should know better being as I'm your guest here." Liu Bei spoke sounding depressed, feeling guilty as though he's stepped out of line.
"Worry not my friend, on the contrary I know we both enjoy hearing you debate over various topics. You both make very valid points." Noire smiled putting Liu Bei at ease again.
"Friends, it's great how we are all together as friends, enjoying our time together as well as seeing the happiness of the people. It's too bad all the CPUs of all the nations, are not friends with each other." The Shu leader spoke with concern.
"Who would want to be friends with that sore losing cynical CPU of Planeptune? With that said I see where you're coming from, concerning the CPU of Leanbox and in the past the CPU of Lowee. It reminds me of my own bodyguards Dian Wei and Xu Zhu being upset that I had to fight Yuan Shao, a friend I had since childhood. I'm pleased that Lady White Heart is back with us, though regarding Lady Green Heart while I hope the war with her will end eventually, if she stands in our way then we should not hesitate to take her down. Though unless she's been brainwashed, I suggest that when we do beat them, we take over Leanbox and have it become part of our empire. Planeptune should definitely be conquered by us, we'd be doing them a favour considering how incompetent their leaders are." The Wei leader spoke sounding determined with what he says.
"While you make a good point, shouldn't we allow those nations to rule by themselves after the war? Even if it means getting new leaders, shouldn't we let them keep their independence? We shouldn't be cruel in conquering their land as their punishment for starting a war." Liu Bei spoke with the same determination as Cao Cao.
"I disagree, conquering their land would not be their punishment, rather it would be their reward or compensation for what they had to endure. Can we be sure they'd get new competent leaders to rule their lands? Besides I'm sure they'd welcome us as their leaders, and they'll be better off under us. Especially considering how prosperous Lastation is under the amazing leadership of Lady Black Heart. Lady White Heart is also a very good leader, it's just unfortunate that she was brainwashed and forced to flee her magnificent homeland. We need to liberate Lowee as soon as possible. I do believe that when the chaos ends the land, should be united. It would be great if we had the chance to rule more territory and to bring prosperity to more people." Cao squared explained.
"You both make very good points. It would be nice to have different lands ruled by different leaders. It's not their people's fault they're at war with us and it brings variety and competition for us. With that said however, I do feel they would be better off if I were to lead them, at least until they can get back on their feet as a nation. I must admit though the idea of ruling their lands period is really cool. Especially considering how both me and Blanc would be CPUs of all of Gameindustri, if that were to happen then we can all take pride in how the sun never sets on our empire. Our empire that is full of benevolence, happiness and prosperity for the talented people. If we can unite the land then we can be the best leaders we truly are for everyone, and I consider that to be a noble goal. Considering how the war does not help provide our enemies with the variety, and the competition regarding technology, culture and economy that they need. With that said I believe in fairness and when we do defeat them, I want them to have the chance to vote as to whether they remain independent, or whether they join our mighty empire. Though if I may say so myself they'd probably vote to join us, being as how despite my land being democratic, I've always been voted to lead Lastation so many times. In fact I've been the only leader for them in Lastation's existence, and I like to thank all of them for their unanimous voting of me, and I hope to continue to bring happiness, technology, joy, progression and fun to you all.
We shall end this chaos, and our first goal in doing so along with defending Lastation, is to liberate Lowee which I promise you, we will find some way to do it soon." Noire spoke with much passion and pride, filled with much patriotism.
The guests at the table paid close attention to Noire's passionate speech about winning the war, and the idea of us being the ones to rule the land: the True goddesses. That would be awesome for all the nations to be ruled by both of our CPUs, as they're the best ones to do it without question. As Blanc listened she smiled even more, and expressed more and more emotions of happiness as she hears her sworn sister, talk of how they intend to research into finding a way to liberate Lowee. Just the thought of it becoming more of a reality fills her with such warmth, that I think she wishes to give her best friend a hug. I am also in awe of her speech, I would love the idea for Lastation and Lowee my favourite nations, to rule of all Gameindustri considering the current state of Leanbox and Planeptune. Though while Leanbox and Planeptune may end up ruling themselves peacefully after the war, and perhaps it may be nice for them to remain independent. I still believe in the goal of everyone being united be it by peace or from being led by Lastation and Lowee, because I feel only then, can the people live on in happiness as well as in peace and prosperity.
When Miss Lastation has finished her passionate speech, Blanc then decides to add something.
"On behalf of myself and everyone here today, who's originally from Lowee. I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for doing everything in your power to liberate our landmass. I can only hope that I will be able to repay you the kindness that you have shown us." Blanc spoke smiling and full of gratitude.
"No problem my sworn sister. You more than deserve your landmass back for being such a glorious leader, I believe that the sooner we get your landmass back, the sooner we can take the fight to them. And get rid of the evil that plagues our lands once and for all." Noire replied in a similar manner.
"Indeed, we also need Lowee back if we're to have any means of taking the offensive against Leanbox. As well as to ensure our talented Lady White Heart has her nation back in full strength, as well as for it to reach the lofty heights it once had. What's more I believe that none other than Lord Black Lead, would be the one to lead the liberation of Lowee. Like his sister he is a man of immense talent and ambition, his genius, his combat and leadership skills are his strength. Like his sister he is wise and a very benevolent person as well. I'm impressed with how he has managed to defend Lastation in her darkest hour, and to go behind enemy lines to stop their nukes from destroying us. I believe he is destined to lead us to the liberation of Lowee, I know he is the person to do it and we will do everything we can to help him." Cao Cao agreed.
I can't help but feel honoured with how he has the utmost of respect for me, as do I do for him. Though I like the idea of playing a key role in Lowee's inevitable liberation, I can't help but feel that it is going to happen sooner than I think, though I fear before that can ever happen I feel that our meal will be rudely interrupted, more so than ever before.
"Oh yes Landlord Cao Cao, I have full confidence that Lowee will be liberated and Lord Black Lead will be the man behind it." Miss Lastation replied.
"I am honoured for you both to have such a high opinion of me. I'm flattered that you consider me to be the one to liberate Lowee. I thank you for your kind words." I reply in appreciation of what they have said of me.
"That's right. In fact now I believe I remember you. You once played Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends with the Ghost of Dominos himself. Yes I remember it well, I was doing everything you told me to, fighting all sorts of factions with my two halberds. I remember being escorted by three bodyguards: Cai Wenji, Da Qiao and Guan Yinping. Yes the Ghost of Dominos happened to control a female character he likes very much, who was also Guan Yinping. Yes it was a bizarre experience that sometimes we encountered clones of ourselves, sometimes we had to fight them and other times they were on our side. It was weird that there are sometimes 3 Guan Yinpings due to both players having a Yinping, and there was one in the original battle. Though I must admit it made for an interesting experience. Still despite fighting for various factions, it was still a very fun experience. And even when I was merely being told what to do, by your playing of the PS4 controller I knew you both to be very talented individuals. I knew you'd do great things and so far you have proven me right." The Wei landlord spoke in his wise intellectual tone.
Upon saying that, Guan Yinping nods in appreciation even giggling a little bit. She must have remembered this experience too.
I have to admit while I do remember gaming with that individual, especially with his Red Hare: a very fast horse currently owned by Guan Yu. For Cao Cao to have such memories and to say them to me, it's out of the ordinary. Though perhaps sometimes they are transported to various games, where they do their gamer's bidding. Though I sense that they have much fun doing it. It's one thing to meet one of the characters face to face as though they're real, it's entirely another for them to have memories of a gamer playing as them.
It is at this point now where we all have eaten plenty of delicious food of various types. What a perfect meal it's been, and the guests to eat it with was perfect. To my pleasant surprise or perhaps it could be down to Noire's powers or something, our meal was not interrupted at all despite my concerns from my now happy gut. I decide to continue to enjoy our time here by talking to Cao Cao more.
"Out of curiosity Cao Cao, do you have any girlfriends?" I ask him, remembering how despite having at least one wife, they've never appeared in the games themselves.
"Yes in fact I have 3 girlfriends, though this is down to an agreement between all 3 of them, who all wanted me as their boyfriend. Coincidently they are the 3 bodyguards I had from those games, and I love them all very much. I love Yinping's talent as a warrior, I love Wenji's talent as a musician and finally I love Da Qiao for her talented dancing skills, though all 3 of them are very beautiful indeed. Just like all Lastation and Lowee women." He explained in his usual tone.
His 3 girlfriends nod in appreciation. I was thinking of the irony of Da Qiao being Cao Cao's girlfriend despite the interactions they had. I was also thinking of another question to ask when as if on cue, someone enters the room with much urgency.
"I am so sorry to interrupt your banquet, but Team Rocket from Lowee have left quite the threatening message to you." The person said.
The person is one of our Lastation soldiers, dressed in the standard uniform of casual black clothes with body armour, helmet, sunglasses as well as a highly advanced assault rifle and riot shield.
"It's alright thanks for telling us, we'll be on our way." Noire replied with kindness, gesturing the rest of us to get up and follow her, and for him to go.
The very same Team Rocket that are the villains from Pokémon? So I guess my gut was right all along, our meal would get interrupted and something bad would happen. At least I've had a great time celebrating our victory with our friends, and we have finished our mouth-watering 5 star food. It's awesome how the people it affects always get to eat a very nourishing, delicious meal before we deal with the trouble. As we leave the room to find out what this is about, I am curious to know what the message is, but I can be sure that it is something bad.