Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors. Dynasty Warriors is owned by their respective owners.
An enormous plain just below the Wei river, located between the city of Tian Shui and the city of Chang'an. On the high cliffs on the east side were well-built fortresses in the many, each one a testament to the formidable defense strategies employed by ancient engineers, easily holding out against a week-long siege. Hills were located to the west, with a few well-defended bases here and there. These fortresses and bases were equipped with catapults, archery towers, and reinforced gates, making them nearly impregnable. But the bases represented perfectly what the battle had been in the past: An all-out offense against an immovable defense.
In the west base on top of a cliff just before the plains, one of those well-defended bases was located. The base was fortified with stone walls, wooden barricades, and strategically placed lookout towers. Soldiers patrolled diligently, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of movement. It was also the middle point of Brian's forces, where most officers and the commander himself had gathered for the upcoming war council.
There was a startling wind pushing from the east as Brian stood on the cliff, watching over the plains all the way to the enemy's main fortress. Enormous stone walls stood in his way of victory, and he knew they would not fall easily. The distant sound of marching troops and the clinking of armor echoed faintly, a constant reminder of the impending battle. Azeil sat next to him, the tiger feeling the seriousness of his master as it did not even make a single sound.
Brian let out a sigh as he thought, This is going to become difficult. Both Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi are on the battlefield, and I doubt Yue Ying and Zhang Chunhua are just gonna sit still. And why do I have a bad feeling about this Xin Xiangying?
A few soldiers who were sitting from afar looked at their commander as one whispered, "Is he doing the thing again?"
Another soldier whispered, "I am not certain. He doesn't look spaced out. He looks rather worried."
"How can you tell?" another soldier asked worriedly.
"Look at the tiger. It is said you can see how Lord Brian is feeling from how the tiger is acting. So far, it has never been wrong," the soldier answered. The tiger's ears were pinned back, its body tense, mirroring Brian's unease.
Just as the other soldiers thought that was ridiculous, Sun Shangxiang walked towards their commander. Her presence brought a sense of calm, her footsteps barely audible over the wind. She reached out and touched Brian's arm, her expression one of quiet concern. A few words later, and the tiger's tail wagged so quickly some believed he would take off. As their lord's eyes sparkled as well, none of them doubted those rumors any longer.
In the Council Tent.
Officers in the plenty had gathered in the specially designed tent. Warriors of the red, green, yellow, and purple stood together under the same banner, waiting for their commander to start the council. The air was thick with anticipation, and the flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the canvas walls. The hum of whispered conversations ceased immediately as Brian entered.
"Ggrrr!" A tiger's roar echoed loudly as the entrance opened up, alerting all officers to pay attention. Brian stepped in with Azeil and Sun Shangxiang at his side as he gave one look around the room and said, "Everyone is here. Good. Master Lu Su, Master Li Ru, please start the meeting."
"Very well, my lord," both strategists responded before Lu Su continued, "Our enemies are the famous strategists Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi."
"Rumor has it Zhuge Liang handles the offensive in their battle and Sima Yi will handle the defensive," Li Ru added. "Further, the enemy has taken control of cliffs on the north and south, and rumor has it there is a large group prepared to attack us from those fortresses."
"If this is true, our frontline will be quickly pushed back, and we will be put on the defensive," Lu Su continued calmly. "However, if we fake a retreat and lure them towards the bases to the Northwest and west, we can ambush them from the cliffs and our bases."
"As their frontline is distracted, we will push from the middle and take control of the central plains," Li Ru added. "From there on out, the enemy will retreat and strengthen their defensive. That's the moment we'll use the catapults and the ram and break through their defense." Almost all officers seemed to understand and agree to the plan. However, three men could not seem to agree to it, and it was quickly noticed by the others. Murmurs of doubt rippled through the tent, but they quickly quieted as Brian raised a hand for silence.
No one spoke a word as they saw their commander in his famous state, the light in his eyes giving away he was not looking where his eyes pointed to. It was the famous space-out before another brilliant idea would arise to the surface.
The light in his eyes returned after a few seconds, his poker face revealing nothing to the curious eyes of his followers. He kept them a little longer in the dark as he turned his eyes on the slick-back strategist and asked, "What do you think, Master Fa Zheng? Could this plan work against the Sleeping Dragon, or are we playing right into his hands?"
Fa Zheng unfolded his arms as he stopped leaning against the tent's foundations and answered, "To most enemies, this plan would have worked perfectly. Give them a moment of security and attack when they expect it the least. It is a fatal mistake to underestimate your enemy and charge forward recklessly. That's why they will not fall for the bait." His eyes narrowed as he spoke, clearly pondering the complexities of their opponents' strategies.
"So what do you advise, Master Fa Zheng?" Xingcai asked.
Fa Zheng looked difficult as he answered, "The cliffs on both the north and south are perfect defensive positions that are extremely hard to break through. With ballistae or archers on those cliffs, they can easily hold back any attempts we try to capture both the cliffs and the central plains. If the Sleeping Dragon is taking the offensive role, it means Lady Yue Ying must be as well, thus her juggernauts will be there as well. Any normal offensive is going to become a useless sacrifice against those."
Brian looked understanding before he turned his attention to Jiang Wei and asked the former protégé, "Master Jiang Wei, what do you think?"
Jiang Wei looked difficult as he answered, "I am not certain, my lord. We can't defeat them if they stay defensive, nor if we go on the offensive. At the same time, they are free to attack us from the central plains with those juggernauts. If we only could take down their offensive..."
"It seems we need a bit of an impulsive strategy," Brian thought as he said, "In that case, I'll take care of the offensive and defeat their offense. Lady Lianshi, Lady Sun, Master Sun Quan, please pressure the enemy fortress in the north with a barrage of fire arrows. It will force them to respond. The remaining officers will focus on any attacks from the south. From there on out, I'll be counting on you, my strategists."
"Very well, my lord! Leave it to us!" the strategists responded in unison.
Brian thought everything was spoken and discussed at the council, but just as he wanted to call it a night, an unexpected officer waited for his arrival at his tent. "Master Fa Zheng. What can I help you with?" he asked, confused.
The slick-back officer grinned before he asked, "How much do you dare to trust an evil man like me?" His eyes glinted mischievously, adding a layer of intrigue to his words.
It was a grey day, to say the least, as clouds had darkened the sky to a somber gray on this morning. Rainfall was very common in the Wu Zhang Plains, and it wouldn't surprise Sima Yi if today would be another rainy day. Although it meant that fire would not cause a problem to his defense, he wondered how effective Yue Ying's juggernauts would be.
"My lord, we are ready to begin,'' a soldier reported on one knee, waiting for an order to be dismissed. The soldier's armor glinted dully in the gray light, droplets of moisture already forming on the metal.
''Very well. Inform Master Zhuge Liang he can start the attack. Inform Qin Lang and Xin Pi to be ready for an enemy assault,'' Sima Yi ordered calmly. ''Dismissed.''
''Yes, sir!'' The soldier responded before he made his way to the front gates, his footsteps splashing softly in the damp ground.
Sima Yi sighed as he mumbled to himself, ''Another imbecile thinks he can just conquer the land with nothing but brute strength. When are they going to learn you need more than muscle to rule a land?''
''Don't get too carried away, my dear. As long as the enemy stands, they are a threat to our plans. If you underestimate them, you might come to regret it,'' a terrifyingly calm voice responded, causing Sima Yi to stiffen and change to a nervous demeanor.
''Ye...Yes. Of course, my dear,'' Sima Yi responded nervously before he saw the horse that was walking behind his wife. He didn't have to ask anything, and neither was he planning to do so. He knew his wife was a control freak and personally wanted to ensure their allies wouldn't mess up in their offensive duties.
''Rest assured, my dear. This will not take long,'' Zhang Chunhua said before riding forward on her horse towards the gates. Her presence was commanding, and the soldiers who saw her approach couldn't help but straighten up, their fear palpable. That was the last thing he was worried about, for he suddenly felt sorry for the poor soldiers who had to face her. He shook his head to get rid of that useless sympathy, looked forward as he raised his horsehair whip, and ordered, ''Let this battle begin!''
The Central Area of the Wu Zhang Plains.
"Continue formation! Juggernaut squad, I am counting on you to intercept the enemy!" a long brown-red-haired female officer commanded while wielding her long Dagger Axe. Her voice was steady, exuding confidence and authority, inspiring the troops under her command.
"Yes, lady Yue Ying!" the men inside the movable lion cannons responded while pushing forward, the tubes and oil already prepared for use. The heavy machinery creaked and groaned as it moved, the scent of oil and metal thick in the air.
Whoosh**Clang! A collision of two metals suddenly rang through the air as an iron spear stuck out of the opening of one of the juggernauts. Zhuge Liang did not have to question if the machine was still operable, for the hit had caused the machine to leak and a silent fire spread under it. Smoke began to billow, the acrid smell of burning oil filling the air.
"Enemy assault!" a soldier shouted as a warning.
"Where are they coming from?" another soldier asked in slight panic. His eyes darted around frantically, searching for the unseen threat.
"There! There is an enemy coming from the front!" another soldier warned, pointing towards the rapidly approaching figure.
"How many?"
"Just one horseman! And he is quickly approaching!" the lookout informed. "Wait, what is he...?"
Just as Zhuge Liang and Yue Ying wondered what was going to happen, another loud crash echoed in the air, and another juggernaut caught fire as a spear stuck out of the small opening. "He is aiming for the juggernauts! Protect them at all costs!" the wife of the Sleeping Dragon commanded, her eyes narrowing with determination.
"Make a defensive line. Archers, prepare to fire," Zhuge Liang commanded with the same calmness he was known for. Although he did not expect the unearthly aim of his attacker, especially considering the heavy armor he was carrying, he was certain it was the enemy commander who attacked them head-on. The archers moved swiftly, their movements precise and coordinated, readying their bows with practiced efficiency.
Even before there were any rumors about this battle, Zhuge Liang had investigated the uprising officer. His research started with the battle against Sun Quan, where an unheard-of lord suddenly defeated a well-known warlord of Wu. His legacy continued when even his former prodigy and Fa Zheng fell to his strength. And this very moment, he was charging the main enemy as he was known for; a lord willing to risk his life for his subordinates. Such valor and recklessness intrigued and unsettled Zhuge Liang, as he had never faced an opponent quite like this.
"Fire!" Yue Ying commanded, the archers unleashing a barrage of arrows aimed to kill.
Arrows moved at incredible speed. For the average eye, it is impossible to follow their trajectory, let alone dodge them consistently. Zhuge Liang had trained his eyesight to do at least the former, and what he saw made him feel uneasy. The arrows whistled through the air, a deadly rain aimed at the lone rider.
Even spinning a weapon to use it as a spinning shield would not be enough to deflect all the arrows, but the enemy commander did not even feel like blocking them. Four arrows struck their target but did nothing as the commander quickly approached their location. The arrows clattered harmlessly off his armor, his charge unbroken.
"Spear unit, intercept him!" Yue Ying ordered, and twelve armed men responded, moving in to halt the charging commander. With a smooth and impressive maneuver, the enemy commander leaped over the spearmen, his horse stopping just in time. Both strategists quickly realized that the enemy was not aiming for their defense but for their juggernauts. The realization hit them like a bolt of lightning, understanding too late his true target.
A two-handed sword pierced through the opening of a juggernaut, instantly killing its driver and rendering it useless. Brian leaped from the broken juggernaut, grabbed his two cross-blade voulges, and moved towards the next target. "No, you don't!" Yue Ying shouted, having quickly deduced his next move. Her voice was filled with a mix of anger and desperation, unwilling to let him destroy another juggernaut.
Clang! Her dagger axe clashed with his cross blades, but Brian's immense strength sent Yue Ying flying back, forcing a painful cry from her. He then prepared his weapon and moved in to disable another juggernaut. Suddenly, his body froze. "It seems the rumors about you are true. You are a monster on the battlefield. But even a monster is defenseless if he is immobile," a terrifyingly calm voice commented. Brian looked towards the source, where Zhang Chunhua stood. "That was a fatal mistake, boy." Her eyes were cold and calculating, a slight smirk on her lips as she tightened her wires around him.
"Fire!" Yue Ying ordered, and both archers and juggernauts complied. In mere seconds, Brian was engulfed in flames and arrows. Although the fire burned through Zhang Chunhua's wires, the damage was done. The heat and flames roared around him, the acrid smoke stinging his eyes and filling his lungs.
Leaping out of the fire and away from danger, Brian whistled once, and before any further attacks could follow, retreated on his trusted horse. Zhuge Liang examined the ground where his enemy had landed, noticing a small bit of red liquid slowly being absorbed by the grass. "He is wounded," he said intrigued, before adding, "Although this seems like a perfect opportunity, why does this feel too good to be true?" He couldn't shake the feeling that this apparent victory was part of a larger, unseen strategy.
"That is an excellent observation, Master Zhuge Liang. Do not worry. We will know soon enough," Zhang Chunhua responded with a terrifying smile on her face. Her confidence was unsettling, hinting at plans within plans that only she and Sima Yi were privy to.
At the North base.
"My lord, we can't keep the arbalests protected with all these fire arrows!" a soldier reported as another arbalest caught fire. The flames licked hungrily at the wooden frames, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air.
"We have no choice but to push them inside!" Xin Pi responded. "Wait for these arrows to stop, and move them back into position." His voice was calm yet firm, trying to maintain order amidst the chaos.
A female officer came running, her long black hair dancing elegantly in the startling wind. "Father, I have news!" Her face was flushed from running, but her eyes were sharp and alert.
"Ah, Xin Xiangying. What do you have to report?" the senior officer asked. He straightened up, giving his daughter his full attention.
"The enemy commander has just been wounded by Lady Zhang Chunhua's group, and he was forced to retreat!" the young girl reported. Her voice carried a mixture of excitement and concern, knowing the battle was far from over.
"I see. Lady Zhang Chunhua's plan was a success. Xiangying, we have to hold this position until we can push forward!" Xin Pi ordered. He gave her a reassuring nod, his confidence unwavering despite the dire situation.
"Leave it to me, father," the young lady responded with full morale as she returned to her post, her two-handed axe always ready to cleave through the enemy force. Her determination was evident in her stride, each step echoing her resolve to defend their position.
Sima Yi's main base.
A soldier nervously stared at the ground, awaiting an order to be dismissed or one to pass on to the other officers. The tension was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. Instead, Sima Yi turned around, his face devoid of any visible signs of happiness. "Bring me my horse. We'll sweep them in one overwhelming assault."
"Yes, Sir!" the soldier replied, quickly spreading the message. He hurried off, the weight of his lord's command pressing heavily on his shoulders.
Sima Yi couldn't care less as he thought, So you were really just another imbecile. Is it that difficult to understand you need strategy and tactic to win a battle, and not just brute force and luck? And here I thought someone would provide me with a decent challenge.
Normally, he would have been more enthusiastic about his victories, yet he was not in the mood for that now. Crushing insects meant little for the land. Stepping onto his horse, he rode forward, ordered the doors open, and charged toward the retreating enemy. The sound of hooves pounding the ground was like a drumbeat of war, resonating through the plains.
Apart from his men marching towards the enemy camp, the central plains were peaceful. It would have been the perfect place to find inner peace if it weren't for the constant agitation in Sima Yi's mind. The turmoil of the land, his ambition, his demand for a mind that could rival his—all these continued to disturb him. His thoughts swirled like a storm, each one a reminder of the chaos he sought to control.
Although his wife had a brilliant mind, it was not the same as the one he was looking for. He wasn't looking for a person who would stand next to him; he was waiting for the one who would call him an imbecile and be right as well. He had hoped the new lord Brian Miller would have been that after all the research he had done on him, but that hope was in vain. Disappointment gnawed at him, mingling with his frustration.
Then, his ears picked up a faint whistle. A whistling sound that slowly grew louder, as if something was approaching. His soldiers picked up on it too, and before one could shout a warning, it was already too late. The realization struck like a bolt of lightning, sending a shiver down his spine.
"Enemy attack! They are launching rocks at us!" a soldier reported as rocks crushed a group of soldiers next to him. The ground shook with the impact, dust and debris flying into the air.
A thousand questions suddenly rose up in Sima Yi's mind. Where did they get and hide the catapults? How are those rocks striking his charging forces so effectively? Why are they fighting back despite their commander being mortally wounded? Realizing they had catapults and that he had marched too far forward, he eventually understood he had overextended. "We have to destroy those catapults! Everyone, charge in!" His voice was edged with urgency, a rare crack in his composed demeanor.
If we can seize those catapults, we can retreat to the castle. We have to move quickly. Just as he had adjusted his strategy, a messenger rode towards him, quickly dismounted, and reported, "My lord! Master Qin Lang and Liu Ye were ambushed and defeated! The bases to the south have fallen to the enemy!"
"What?! Where were the recon units?!" Sima Yi asked, shocked. His eyes widened, a mix of anger and disbelief flashing across his face.
"The enemy ambushed them and changed their gear to infiltrate the bases," the soldier responded, fearing punishment for an act he did not commit. "The officers Zhao Yun and Xing Cai are moving in on our castle from the southeast."
Dammit! We played right into the enemy's hands! "Where are our offensive troops?" Sima Yi asked, his voice hinting at a panic he was not aware of.
Just then, another messenger came running, stopped in front of his lord, and reported, "My lord, Master Zhuge Liang and Lady Zhang Chunhua have just been captured by the enemy! We lost contact with the rest of the assault group!"
What's going on? They could not have been captured that easily. "What happened to the juggernauts?" he asked. His mind raced, trying to piece together the unraveling situation.
"The enemy used rocks to render them incapable, my lord!" How did I not foresee this? The realization hit him hard, a bitter pill to swallow.
Just as he thought it was all over, another messenger hurried towards him, landed on one knee, and reported, "The bases to the north have been captured by the enemy commander! Master Xin Pi and Lady Xin Xiangying are captured!"
It was at that moment Sima Yi realized he had been bested. With nothing more to command or say, he dropped his horsehair whip, turned to his men, and responded, "Tell our men to stand down. We have lost this battle." His voice was calm, yet the weight of defeat hung heavily in the air.
The soldier looked shocked but dared not to say anything else. He bowed and responded, "Understood, my lord."
At that moment of surrender, Sima Yi smiled. His mind, usually teeming with calculations and strategies, was momentarily blank except for one realization: he had been bested by a greater mind. He raised his head and laughed, tears of an unfamiliar emotion streaming down his face. The laughter echoed through the plains, a haunting sound of both defeat and admiration.
The previous day. Brian's main camp.
"I may have a plan to turn the tide of this battle in our favor. However, it requires a noteworthy risk. Would you listen to my plan, my lord?" the slick-back officer asked. Fa Zheng's eyes gleamed with a mix of cunning and determination, his posture straight and confident.
Brian smiled and answered, "We wouldn't be sitting here if I wouldn't. Tell me what you need, Master Fa Zheng." Brian leaned forward, his curiosity piqued, the flickering light of the campfire reflecting in his eyes.
"Very well. Firstly, I'll have Yan Zhang and Bo Zhang infiltrate the enemy bases in the south. When the time is right, they'll attack from within while Lady Xing Cai and Master Zhao Yun confront the base head-on. Before we can attack the south, we need to give them a sense of security."
Brian nodded, absorbing each word, his mind racing to visualize the unfolding strategy. He asked nothing as his eyes remained focused on his strategist, following every step in the back of his mind.
"That's where you come in, my lord. Knowing Master Zhuge Liang, he must be certain you'll charge at them head-on. Although I am certain you could beat them, it would prolong this battle for way too long. Thus, we need to create the illusion that their weapons are as effective as they appear to be."
"You want me to take damage, or at least fake it. How are you going to convince them I'm truly hurt?" Brian asked curiously. His brow furrowed slightly, intrigued by the boldness of the plan.
Fa Zheng pulled something from inside his robe and answered, "If you drop this blood just after you've been attacked, they will be certain of their effectiveness. Following this tactic with a fake rumor should be more than enough to draw the enemy out. When their main force has made their way onto the central plains, we will bomb them with our catapults. At the same time, we'll launch a triple assault against the south, north, and the attack force. If we continue to pressure the north with fire arrows, they won't dare to put any traps upfront. Thus, that leaves an opening for you to move in, my lord. Master Lu Su, Master Jiang Wei, Master Sun Quan, and Lady Lianshi will take care of the attack force, together with a boulder unit to render the juggernauts immobile."
"Very well. I will be counting on you, Master Fa Zheng." Brian's voice was steady, exuding confidence in his strategist's abilities.
The following morning.
Brian rode forward wearing full armor, a bag of blood hidden under the armor on his chest, and the clothes underneath wetted as a precaution against the juggernauts' fire attacks. On the map in his HUD, he saw the enemy force slowly approaching. Following Fa Zheng's request to destroy some of the juggernauts, he grabbed one of Lu Lingqi's signature blades and threw it precisely into the driver's seat. A second throw finished off the second of the six juggernauts. Each throw was a testament to his precision and strength, the blades striking their targets with deadly accuracy. Thanks to his armor, the arrows did little damage. Thank you, +10 defense skill, he thought.
His heart pounded in his chest as the adrenaline surged through his veins. Of course, he had seen Zhang Chunhua on his map, yet he was still surprised when he was stopped in his tracks. The fire blast and arrows did little damage thanks to his armor and the water, but he also noticed his clothes had dried quickly. He spilled the blood while whistling for his horse and retreated with his mission successfully concluded.
At the bases in the north, Sun Shangxiang took over Lianshi and Sun Quan's groups and continued the rain of suppressing arrows. The air was thick with tension as arrows flew, the sky darkening with their sheer number.
When the false message skill was completed, Sima Yi moved in as planned, and the officers moved into position. The catapults landed perfectly on Sima Yi's army as the distance was calculated by Li Ru. The south bases fell to Yan Zheng, Bo Zhang, Xing Cai, and Zhao Yun's teamwork. The north bases were overrun by Brian, Zhang Jun, and Sun Shangxiang's teamwork, and even the ballistas on the east north cliff could not respond in time. Xin Xianging could hold Brian off for a few seconds, but in the end, she too could do nothing against his strength. The clash was brief but intense, her resistance crumbling under his relentless assault. It did not help that Azeil shredded every enemy officer to pieces, instantly lowering the morale of any who dared to attack him or his master.
From the cliffs, Fa Zheng had an excellent view over the battlefield and he enjoyed every single second of it. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he watched the enemy lines falter and break. "In the name of my lord Brian Miller, I claim victory in this battle! Time to enjoy the anguished faces of those who despise me." His voice was filled with triumph, the thrill of victory coursing through him.
That evening.
A white robe was all he wore as he sat at the table, four of his prisoners sitting across from him under the supervision of his trustworthy bodyguards. The atmosphere was tense, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls of the tent. Azeil lay comfortably in the corner, not minding the rest after the fine dinings of the evening.
Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi sat in similar clothing on the floor while their wives sat beside them, all wearing simple white clothing. The simplicity of their attire contrasted sharply with their complex and calculating minds. Their minds tried to figure out what to make of the situation. Brian did not give them the time as he turned to Sima Yi and started, "Before we start, I'd like to ask you a question. Why did you surrender?"
Sima Yi looked confused, yet did not question the question as he answered, "In battle, there are five possible operations to follow. If you can fight, you fight. If you cannot fight, you defend. If you cannot defend yourself, you flee. If you cannot flee, you surrender. And if you cannot surrender, you die." His voice was steady, each word spoken with the confidence of a seasoned strategist. Zhang Chunhua looked sort of proud by that statement, even if it was barely visible on her visage.
I see. A rational decision even in the heat of battle, Brian thought. He appreciated the logic, the clarity of thought even in dire circumstances. Looking content with the answer, he turned to Zhuge Liang and asked, "Why didn't you decide to continue the attack immediately?"
"I predicted you would come and engage us head-on. The juggernauts were just a diversion to make certain you would take the offensive. However, for a man of such amazing rumors to fall for a trap that easily sounded just too good to be true," Zhuge Liang answered. His calm demeanor and thoughtful response reflected his deep understanding of the enemy. Yue Ying smiled at her husband's answer as a proud woman. Another rational decision. Perfect.
"Rational decisions even in the heat of battle. As they say, there is no greater weapon than a prepared mind," Brian responded, surprising all four strategists. His compliment was genuine, acknowledging their strategic prowess. "I expect nothing less from the Sleeping Dragon and the strategist who sees the future. Two strong strategists, one fighting for benevolence while the other one fights for his ambition," Brian smiled as he added, "Join me in my quest to unite the land under one banner, and I will help you in your quests for benevolence and ambition."
It was Sima Yi who answered his request with a laugh as if he had heard the funniest joke of all time. "Imbecile! You know all that, and you still request for me to work under you? Has the victory gone to your head?" His laughter was harsh, a mix of disbelief and scorn. Zhang Chunhua looked curious at Brian as if she wasn't certain how to judge him.
Brian turned to Zhuge Liang in the hope the Sleeping Dragon was a bit more cooperative, and to his pleasant surprise, the Sleeping Dragon replied, "You have bested us in battle and treated us well despite there being no such requirement for you to do so. Our lives lie in your hands, and if you wish for our cooperation in your future endeavors in the search of a country of benevolence, we will join your side," Zhuge Liang spoke calmly as he bowed. His bow was deep, showing genuine respect and acceptance. As expected, Yue Ying bowed as well.
Sima Yi looked shocked as well, not expecting his rival to immediately join the enemy side. Why do I get the feeling you are a bit of a tsundere? Brian thought as he decided to play a little mind game. "I see. Well, I preferred a total collaboration, but I believe I got the best one out of this deal. Master Fa Zheng, prepare the men for a public execution." Standing up, he added, "It is a shame not to realize your ambition due to pride and arrogance, Sima Yi. Are you really that short-minded that you cannot see that? And you call me an imbecile."
Brian's voice was calm, as one eye focused on Sima Yi's bright red face from anger, while the other focused on Zhang Chunhua's curious expression. Unlike her husband, she had seen right through his act. Her eyes narrowed slightly, a small smirk playing on her lips. He was about to leave when Sima Yi's face turned red from anger, yet he could hold his composure under control as he responded, "You dare to belittle me, and then you just walk away? You are going to regret killing the greatest mind of this era!"
Brian turned around, chuckled, and responded, "Confidence is not a characteristic you lack, but understanding the world around you is. Do you really think your mind is the greatest if you can't even defeat me in battle?" Brian turned completely around as he added, "You focus on war while the answer to peace lies before you. You dare to speak that you are the greatest mind in the world, but yet you keep all that knowledge to yourself. If you were smart, you'd share it with others; teach the world not only that you are a genius in war but a master who tries to raise humanity to a level beyond imbeciles. If your ambition lies only in war, then what good are you in an era of peace?"
Sima Yi looked flabbergasted for a moment before he realized where he had gone wrong. His eyes widened in realization, his breath catching for a moment. Feeling defeated, he smiled as he answered, "I see. Very well, I will lend you my services in the search for my new ambition. If peace is truly something we can grasp, then I'll guide you on the road to achieve it." Zhang Chunhua smiled as she politely bowed her head to her new lord. Her bow was graceful, her eyes reflecting a newfound respect.
The sun barely sat on the horizon as not even the roosters had awoken yet in this late night or early morning, depending on who you asked. The air was cool as the rain continued to fall down from the sky. In the tents, it turned into a soft, easing rhythmic background.
So calming, Brian thought as his ears continued to be gently caressed by the soft tappings of water droplets. Coupled with the soft touch of a woman's hand on his bare chest, he couldn't picture a more blessed moment than this one.
Shangxiang's fingers traced the scar that ran from his left shoulder to his right abdomen, a reminder of the battle between him and her brother. ''Does it hurt?'' she asked in a whisper, her breath warm against his skin as two fresh wounds had joined his previous collection.
''No, it doesn't,'' he replied softly, his left arm getting used to serving as a cushion for his lover's head while he caressed her naked back in return, her skin smooth and warm under his fingers.
Shangxiang showed a satisfied smile as she responded, ''I am glad to hear that. I am glad Master Fa Zheng's plan worked, but I cannot help thinking what would have happened if it had failed.'' Her smile turned a bit more serious as she added, ''It is strange. Although I am used to fighting in battles such as these, I do not look forward to joining them as I used to. I am not really certain why.''
Brian smiled as he responded, ''Isn't it obvious? It means you have something better than the thrill of battle to look forward to.''
Shangxiang looked a bit dumbfounded into his eyes before she smiled, lay her head on his chest, and whispered, ''Perhaps that is the reason. I must admit there isn't a day that I am not looking forward to what is going to happen with you around. Ever since I joined your side, every day became a day to look forward to. I am very grateful for that, dummy.''
There was a hint of playfulness in her voice, and by where her fingers were going, he realized it was more than just innocent playfulness. She raised her body above his, one hand on his trembling member while the other one supported her weight. Leaning to his ear, she whispered, ''Let me show you how grateful I am,'' before she continued where they left off the evening before.
One hour later.
The rain had settled as the morning sun broke through the clouds, bringing a bit of warmth on this cold autumn day. A calming breeze blew from the north, welcoming Brian as he exited his tent, Lianshi and Sun Shangxiang following right behind him with both satisfied smiles on their faces. Can't you girls have a bit of a poker face? Your expressions are like open books, Brian thought, embarrassed as he tried to ignore most stares, some of his soldiers giving him a manly grin of approval.
''Good morning, my lord. Did you have a good night's rest?'' Lu Su asked as the former Wu strategist was the first officer Brian walked into on his way to the dining tent.
''It was excellent, Master Lu Su,'' Brian answered as he returned the strategist's gaze, Lu Su's eyes not even showing a single trace of fatigue. ''It seems your night rest was as splendid as ever. You really got to tell me how you do it.''
Lu Su smiled as he responded, ''It is mostly thanks to the tea, my lord. It can set your mind at ease even in the direst of situations. When we return, please let us share a tea together in the teahouse.''
''If only tea could do something about the turmoil and chaos of this land,'' Brian said. ''It would make it a lot easier for me to relax.''
Lu Su continued to smile as he responded, ''Then don't be afraid to rely on me in these times of chaos and turmoil.'' Seeing the questionable gaze of his lord, Lu Su added, ''It feels as if we've known each other for a long time. This world of chaos is nothing to fear, so long as we stand together. Just as my loyalty, our friendship shall never falter.'' Maximum friendship reached! Lu Su gained the support skill Rouse Protect.
It had been three months since the arrival of the Emperor. The former student had already been in twenty-seven battles, and each time, new officers would join his side. He had fought alongside them; he traveled with them; he shared his ideas with them and vice versa; and most importantly, he had known pain alongside them. Whenever it was physical or mental, they had shared it together. The stress of battle; the fear of chaos; the guilt of not being able to hold the Sun family together. Perhaps it was only a little more than two months for them, he indeed had built a great friendship with Lu Su.
Brian smiled as he answered, ''Those are words worth drinking for. When we return, I will hold you to that promise, Master Lu Su.''
The next officers he met were his oldest ones. A former bandit family and a righteous knight back in the time became best friends, their former roles a memory of the past as they were now respectful officers in his ranks. ''Good morning, Lord Brian, lady Sun, and lady Lian Shi. I am glad to see you all smile on this day as well,'' Zhang Jun responded. ''Would you join us for breakfast?''
''The townsfolk of the surrounding towns brought some tributes for bringing peace to their lands, so we have enough to start another feast,'' Yan Zheng added.
''Do they have enough themselves? I get they are thankful for us, but we don't want them to starve,'' Bo Zhang asked. To think you were a bandit just three months ago. The character development is real, Brian thought, satisfied as Zhang Jun answered they made sure they asked beforehand before they accepted the tributes.
The group reached the dining tent after five minutes, and they were greeted by a large group of acquaintances. ''Lord Brian, please come sit with us!'', ''Finally awake, huh. I hope you are ready to receive the debt that I owe you today.'' and ''Good morning, Lord Brian. Please come and listen to my new strategies.'' and more could be heard simultaneously.
With a smile, Brian joined the table of loud and happy officers and joined in on the conversations while preparing himself for what today would bring.
Author notes:
That was it for chapter 8. This was the battle of the Wu Zhang Plains with Zhuge Liang, Sima Yi, Zhang Chunhua, Yue Ying, and the Dynasty Warriors 9 exclusive character Xin Xianging. All the playable characters from the first duel have now a max bond with the OC. I tried to flesh out the course of their relationship with the OC, but that takes too much time and there are other plenty of things to write about.
Anyway, the next chapter will be a couple of battles and another duel in Chang'an, where we will pick up on the remaining color that has yet to join. Feel free to review or just private message me; I enjoy every message, compliment, feedback or just review I get. This was it for chapter 8 and I see you legends in the next one. Beyor out!