Ghosts of a Dragon

[Adam]

Zhao Yun
Tiger General of Liu Bei

For a sec I even gave up believing and praying
I even done the legal stuff and was leaded astray
Now money is the root to the evilist ways
But have you ever been so hungry that it keeps you awake
Mate, now my hunger would leave them amazed

The Dragon Rises

Somewhere outside Nan Pi, unspecified years ago.

The night sky was peaceful, perhaps the only time such a description could be made. For weeks the forces of Gongsun Zan camped and then advanced, always taking a cautious approach to a more than dangerous opponent, often using the night time to keep out of sight and under the radar. It was the first night that the troops hadn't advanced and Zilong was enjoying the moment to its fullest, taking some personal time to see the hillsides and the small mountains for himself.

His eyes traced along the stars, looking for shapes, faces and objects, taking a calming deep breath before he contemplated returning for rest. His mount was given the command to turn around and the obediant mare submitted to the orders and began turning her body towards the decline of the hillside. A passing glance saw light in the eyes of the young warrior Zhao Yun though, attention soon turning back to the nightsky as a volley of flamming arrows scorched the night sky in light.

"No... NO!" Yelled the inexperienced warrior in disbelief, as he hurriedly dismounted the steed and ran to the tip of the hill for a greater vantage point. Soon more and more of the deadly arrows lit up the skyline and rained down on the distant encampment of Yun's friends and fellow soldiers. "Hey!" Yun suddenly shouted as his head turned to the sight of his horse making a quick dash for freedom, but no matter what language he bellowed, the horse did not return.

For what seemed like eternity the valiant officer jogged towards the direction of his camp, witnessing with his eyes, nose and ears as it spread with fire and chaos took over. Over the fields and hills he ran, his breath rapid and his legs weak with fatigue, but the faith kept him going as he saw the scenes developing; his own forces beginning a brave fight back.

On foot Zhao Yun remained unseen, but the noises all around gave him the knowledge he was in the thick of ongoing skirmishes all around as each force tried to find a flank to exploit. The next hill proved vital for Zhao Yun as a losing allied force was soon being depleted by the superior cavalry forces of Yuan Shao. With intent and belief in his eyes the Young Dragon swooped down the hill like a hawk ready to catch its prey and with their backs and attention away from the man, he was at the advantage.

A cry of pain erupted from one of the horsemen at the rear of their circling formation as Shao's cavalry unit seemed destined to completely surround the few remaining men of Gongsun Zan's horses. The man had a sword through his back and was already laying bleeding on the floor, his last few intakes of oxygen being used to signal the pain and discomfort he felt in his last moments of life. The young officer was firmly saddled on the horse of his enemy and using what advantage he had in positioning and surprise, burst forward with intent, slaying two with absolute ease and no risk.

The small troop of no more than 15 men were distracted and that worked in the favour of Yun's allies as the 5 remaining horsemen soon proved their own worth, picking of several more. The movements of the men were hardly fitting of a movie as each looked for the fatal weakness in the other, keeping their horses at bay and ready for action. Several clashes of blades turned to nothing but noise as Zhao Yun parried several attacks from the two men who tried to encircle him. Soon though one fell with a blade through his chest, before a desperate move from Zhao Yun sent both men hurdling from their horses and onto the ground, the soldier of Shao soon finding the first of Zilong fatal in its methods.

The deafening sounds of war, death and chaos still clung to the air and with victory eventually sealed in his own small battle, Zhao Yun's head turned towards the real war, his fists clenching tight as he stood up from his last victim's passing, his eyes now fixating on his ally's burning camp...

[Guan Yu]

Time to spread these wings..

The young Xuande found his way to the battlefield, now beneath Gongsun Zan - a close friend he took to the field to defend virtue, friendship and honour alongside two of his most valiant generals, Master Guan Yu and Master Zhang Fei. Rarely leaving the side of the men. Themselves and two thousand white calvary perched on the hill at the chaos down below, the force had already engaged the enemy. Liu Bei sighed, before remembering his oath and swallowing his virtues for the greater good.

Gongsun Zan was young and noble rider general who now ruled parts of the North; the north was Liu Bei's homeland and he was extremely reluctant to defend it. Within this spectrum, himself and his veteran army after the Yellow Turbans and Dong Zhuo returned and served Zan - uncertain where to go next, if anywhere. Liu Bei's ambitions had begun to spout a little but lacked the motive to seize the opportunity, with no land, very little money and hardly a reputation he seemed trapped.

The battle seemed to be neither swaying towards their favour nor against it currently; and thus the fate of this soldiers rested upon Liu Bei. He would not be satisfied with a simple victory, a thus fathomed a ploy that would save the most people and exorcise the least amount of casualties, he gently rode over to his brothers.. The God of War and the fierce butcher before conferring with them.

"Yide, engage their forces directly, Guan and Myself will strike them from behind and force them to redirect there forces towards the river. From there we will force them to drown or submit."

The butcher nodded his head volunteering the charge without much hesitation, rallying a little over five hundred of the calvary and storming down the sloop at full speed, whilst Liu Bei and Guan Yu redirected their march with extremespeed to meet the retreating enemies and stop them in their tracks.

The march took a little less than half an hour, in which the men prepared an ambush of the opposite side of the battlefield; Zhang Fei was a fearless opponent and Liu Bei and his Brother Guan had little faith he wouldn't succeed in pushing the scale. The officers of the opposing army had little talent to compare and if Xuande was correct the enemy would come rushing through any moment now..

"Prepare yourselves... We are not aiming to kill these men. Do not attack them unless it is completely necessary for the protection of yourselves or others. No doubt these men will submit in the presence of both Brother Zhang and Brother Guan and our highly experience unit."

He announced to the ambush, the men sent into retreat would lack willpower, no doubt their leaders slain or in retreat also. It would be a perfect opportunity to seize more troops, killing them would be a waste. Liu Bei gripped his swords silently noticing the first dozen charging past, none of his highly disciplined unit moved. Not giving away its position immediately. Several more ran through before they sprung the trap.

"NOW!"

He shouted, the remaining calvary unit appeared down the middle charging directly through the narrow escape route, slaughting any who continued to attempt to escape and release message of retreat and defeat before several units who had been unmounted captured troops who had been caught unguarded.

[Adam]

Zhao Yun
Tiger General of Liu Bei
For a sec I even gave up believing and praying
I even done the legal stuff and was leaded astray
Now money is the root to the evilist ways
But have you ever been so hungry that it keeps you awake
Mate, now my hunger would leave them amazed

The Dragon Rises

Somewhere outside Nan Pi, unspecified years ago.

Bloodlust was often a state of mind that produced a lack of concious movement and aggression, if there could be a word to describe the warrior's mindset it would be just that. His new found mount was an astonishing aquisition, bursting through the fields with more pace than he had ever witnessed before in his life, or perhaps that was just the adrenaline circulating his system that blurred reality slightly.

A fatigued body, slumped off the steed, that of Zhao Yun and soon he was running through the chaotic encampment after any of his superiors, someone who he could give his service to, anyone that he could look towards to guide him. His search lasted more than five minutes and brought about no results.

"Master Yun, someone needs to lead the troops."

The soft voice of the captain, delicate in sound but desperate in nature brought the young general back to normality and for a brief few moments he froze, fear of the unknown and the huge nature of it all all dwelling on his mind for many seconds longer than it should have. Fearless was his usual description, strong willed and headstrong just two other mentions, yet even so the boy was like a nervous teenager on his first date, hardly able to think, hardly able to utter a passing word.

With a gulp he rose his head, looking into the sky for guidance, for belief and spirit. With a drop to normal eyeline, Zhao Yun seemed to find some strength within and he began his transformation into something far more than just a warrior. "Of course, gather what men you can and come with me, we'll counter attack the enemy whilst these forces protect the camp as best they can."


Two hours later

"Sir! This man claims Yan Liang awaits your presence. He says to go alone, but I doubt the man can be trusted, it is probably a trap."

Zilong had sparred many men, some that would later turn out to be fine officers and warriors for many different lords and Emperors, but even so at that time it was merely sparring. That being said Zhao Yun was tempted and did not give a direct answer to begin with, contemplating his move with great thought, as on one hand he had the troops to either deal a hefty blow against his enemy, or at their finest find a stunning victory, but a duel would become an emphatic victory, something he would forever be remembered for if he pulled it off.

"Tell your master that Zhao Zilong will accept and will arrive at the break of sunrise."

With a confident looking smile plastered on his face, his head was feeling very differently about the prospect. Yan Liang was very well known around those parts as being one of the finest swordsmen of his generation, someone who could best even the finest duelist within a few moves and had the strength of a tiger. Surely all rumours and stories, but still something did not sit right in Zhao Yun's heart.


An hour later

"Ugh..."

Zhao Yun grunted in pain as blood seaped from his mouth and nose. He remained on all fours for a few moments before his bravery once more amazed the near-unharmed Yan Liang. Once again the brawl that had occured rather than the gentlemanly duel that was promised brought yet another punch to Zhao Yun's face as he tumbled to the ground. Rough hands soon moved Zilong once again, dragging him to a tree before lifting and slamming him up against the bark.

"Tell me where they are and what they are doing!"

On his journey to find the counter attack, Zhao Yun heard news of a contingent of allied troops close to the nearby river, one of the only major fightbacks occuring. It seemed the loss of life in that area had gotten the commander of Yuan Shao's forces in a spot of bother and seeing Zilong as the weak link was trying to force information from the smaller warrior, who had done little to make Yan Liang feel pain so far in the 'fight'.

"...I told you... I don't know who you ar- UGH!"

A pained cry burst out of Yun's lungs at the feel of the fist pummeling his stomach with a single, thunderous blow. Let go of, the Little Dragon had no where to go but fall forward to the ground in a winded heap. His eyes closed in pain for a few seconds before they reopened, a fire in his eye and the most subtle of smirks...

[Guan Yu]

"The River"

They pushed the men back, one by one they fell on their knees or stubbornly gave up their lives. Liu Bei wasn't a fan of violence, however his friend Gongsun Zan held morals and was deserving of his empire. Death was deserving to those who brought evil. At least in Liu Bei's mind. The three brothers met at last on the waters edge; having pushed the last of the men into the heavily flowing river and left a trail of corpses; the enemy had been sucessfully routed. The group cheered momentarily before a stressed looking messenger panting pushed his way towards Liu Bei, intercepting by Zhang Fei immediately for the safety of his brother; Liu Bei allowed him to pass and speak.

"Lord Zhao Zilong has engaged Yan Liang"

The messenger was breathing heavily but was able to speak and announce it all within a single setence. The three brothers look at one another, before turning to their elder. Liu Bei's face turned pale a little, though Zilong was a brave and strong general. From experience; the man also served beside Gongsun. They had met before the Hu Lao expedition. He questioned the mans decision, but understood it was a ploy to lure the man out. Yan Liang was one of Yuan Shao's best men, Liu Bei sighed before signalling to his men to prepare to march.

"Yide, no doubt Yan Liang has let down his guard. Go around and capture his base, when he retreats, shut the doors upon him."

Zhang Fe complied and followed orders immediately. Yan Liang must've started his offence against Zhao Yun from somewhere; therefore his supplies would be in the base. Capturing it would demolish the enemy generals morale and grant Gongsun a stepping stone. Upon this Guan Yu and Liu Bei allowed the messenger to lead them to the position of the two fighting generals. Several li from where they had been positioned recently, encountering no resistance.

2 hours later

Liu Bei and Guan Yu analysed the situation, not willing to make any hastey moves. At the moment in time, Liu Bei understood exactly what Zhao Yun was up to; he laughed.

"He feigns defeat, what a clever general."

Xuande admired the man momentarily before watching the troops movements, still with roughly three thousand calvary Liu Bei checked his mind. By now no doubt Zhang Fei would be seized the fortress not far from here; the sun was now rising in the sky and it wouldn't be a strategic time to attack. In the broad daylight, Liu Bei and his calvary would be an easy target upon such open ground - he sighed looking towards the sky for guidance on how to assist his young friend, Zilong.

The day pressed on a little as Liu Bei became impatient, he know of the ways in which the enemy would treat officers, but the art of war dictated he would not move unless an opportunity presented itself. He stroked his face, if he attacked now he' risk his whole unit. The plains were open and vast; a simple dust cloud could be spotted from several li away and prepared for. If he moved on foot, they'd be twarted long before they reached the position of Zhao Yun. Liu Bei sighed, placed in indecision.

"O how do I move forward?"

He wept a little, before the firm hand of his brother Guan placed on his shoulder and extended his finger over the horizon; before Liu's eyes lightened with energy once more.[/font][/size]

[Adam]

Zhao Yun
Tiger General of Liu Bei

For a sec I even gave up believing and praying
I even done the legal stuff and was leaded astray
Now money is the root to the evilist ways
But have you ever been so hungry that it keeps you awake
Mate, now my hunger would leave them amazed

The Dragon Rises

Somewhere outside Nan Pi, unspecified years ago.

"Zhao Yun, you're weak, just like the rest of Gongsun Zan's amateur officers. Surrender to my Lord's service and I will spare your life."

Zhao Yun looked a mess from the brute's assault, but even so he remained focused. He managed to get to his feet, feeling the effects of the physical attack, but also helping along with the appearance with a small shake in his legs. It was obvious to Zilong that the guard of Liang was lowered and even his troops had mostly left the event. Zhao Yun bowed his head in mock defeat and a small chuckle escaped the lips of his opponent as the larger warrior moved closer.

A hand touched the tender shoulder of Zilong as a cocky laugh spread through the air, suddenly muffled with a "Urgh!- Y-you l-little...!"

Yan Liang fell to his knees, weezing for breath as a clench fisted Zhao Yun stood reaffirmed as the warrior he always had been. Taking no break in his advantage, Zilong followed up with a powerful uppercut to the strong jawline of his enemy, doing what the man hadn't done to his own body - knocked him out.

"The prisoner is escaping! get him!"

Chaos once more erupted and once more only a blur was in Zhao Yun's head as he found someway of escaping his own crazy plan, lucky to be alive and in one piece.


Some time later

The warrior's face was printed with dried blood and bruises and no doubt his body was in much the same state as he rode on the newly gained horse. Each trample ached so bad, but his adrenaline still kept him going, for if he were to be found now after what he had done, he'd be killed immediately, not given a chance to fight or talk his way out of it.

His steed flared up with a whined noise, indicating the figures up ahead. It seemed his messenger had at least came through for him, which was a start, now all he could hope for was that the man so many gave praise to was indeed the genius he was. A brief meeting allowed Zilong to be a little less formal than he would usually be as he soon bridged the gap the 3 men had, soon decreasing his advance to a small trott.

"Glad to see you're all well." Came the still charasmatic voice of the bloodied warrior. "Let stories speak nothing, that man is as vicious as I first believed him to be."

It speaks volumes for how a man handles himself in the most toughest of situations and the wounds and story behind the fatigued eyes of Zhao Yun were all that needed to be seen. His selfless nature came then to play as his talk moved on from his own obvious troubles to theirs.

"So, how is everyone?" Then a charming smile spread on his face as he spoke the last part. "...and does anyone have a place I can roll over and pass out?"

[Guan Yu]

"Like flies to light"

Liu Bei wept at the site of Zhao Zilong and rode personally out to meet him, the man was badly beat up but he had survived, Yan Liang clearly was a foe not underestimate but a few tears was shed upon the return of his faithful young friend. The lone man heaved himself, gently plodding as he approached closer and closer. Liu Bei's faced went beyond happiness clasping his hand, with the blood filled hand on Zilong. 'My friend'.

"Zhao Zilong is truly a hero!"

He announced, passing the man a cup of freshly poured wine whilst he was still on his horse. They removed some of his armour and placed his weapons within his own tent before allowing him to rest with the medics. Though Liu Bei would've loved to speak with the young man, he was wounded and badly too. Yan Liang would still be defensive, his defences strengthened after the loss of a prisoner; they wouldn't strike today but rather tonight.

"Prepare a feast a feast on five watch, nobody eats until then."

It was still several hours before dark, but Liu Bei knew Yan Liang wouldn't attack; his men had been awake all day and were tired. He allowed his own men to have naps, drink and be merry. Rations needed to be kept however, a warrior fought on a full stomach; not an empty one. Liu Bei grinned, passing by his warriors all of them remaining decently temperate. Checking in on Zhao Yun from time to time, on one occassion the man was awake.

"O, Zhao Zilong, one of these days your going to find yourself in a situation that you can't cut yourself out of."

He laughed at the man, clasping his hands to him and honouring his gracious strength, charisma and unmatched loyalty as the medics finished off with his wounds. Liu Bei informed the man of the night raid upon Yan Liang's camp; seeing as Zhao Yun had come from their, no doubt he would a great geographically informat and would provide clear weaknesses.

"Though injured severely, no doubt the hero wishes to ride with us?!"

He asked, in a merry voice. Still extremely enthusiatic about the mans return. Zhao Yun was man who, when he got pushed down would dig his nails in and get back up, over and over again. Relentless, he would try again and again until eventually he suceeded. Liu Bei was fond of his endurance and his confidence in himself.

Though Zilong was a warrior, he was calm and well thought one. He did nothing rashly nor did he waste troops, supplies or time. He knew the art of war whether through study or mere practise and was a valiant general worth several maybe even a dozen. The man was young, attractive but above all loyal. He would gladly lay down his life several times for his lord. Liu Bei relaxed beside Zhao before Guan Yu stormed in.

"Zhang Fei sends message. We've captured the enemy fort."

[Adam]

Zhao Yun
Tiger General of Liu Bei

For a sec I even gave up believing and praying
I even done the legal stuff and was leaded astray
Now money is the root to the evilist ways
But have you ever been so hungry that it keeps you awake
Mate, now my hunger would leave them amazed

The Dragon Rises

Somewhere outside Nan Pi, unspecified years ago.

Tired, aching and dried blood on his face and clothes, the young man was a state to behold. He struggled to keep focus on the face of Liu Bei, even though he had spoken so well, his vision blurring and readjusting every so often. Indeed if it wasn't for the compliments and charisma of Liu Bei, Zilong would have by then slid off his horse and passed out on the ground.

"Please, Master Liu Bei, you give me far too many plaudits."

A smile spread on his face, the little dragon could hardly do much else as one of the few men he truly looked up to offered something he couldn't pass up. The chance to ride with the likes of Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei was something few men were capable of, such fierce competitors in their own rights and manners, shoes that Zilong couldn't believe he was going to try and fill.

"You honour me with your words and offer." A small pause indicated either Zilong's respect for the men or his own fatigue, but soon he finished his words off. "I would be truly honoured to ride out against our common enemy, I-"

His words were cut short once Guan Yu spoke out the great news, but that was not the reason Zhao Yun had stopped in the first place. A messenger had since appeared to his left and with a lean down, Zilong heard the tragic news. Raising once more fully on his steed, Zhao Yun's face was a picture of grief and disbelief, rather than the joy and pleasure it should hold with the news of a base being taken.

It took some time for the words of someone to ask what was wrong, though he couldn't register whose voice it was. "He's dead...?" He questioned himself as if confused on his state of conciousness, wondering if he was asleep and having some odd nightmare. Again another voice asked for more information, most importantly who was dead. "Our Lord Gongsun Zan."

Zilong was fighting with spirit up until that time, but the news made his body suddenly fall weak, his vision failing him rapidly. It would be evident to Liu Bei something was up as his rocked back and sideways slightly as the horse moved itself. With another movement the body of Zhao Yun jutted forward ever so slightly, enough to knock him from his delicate balance. With a thud his body slipped off the saddle and his back hit the floor, the vision of the warrior quickly turning to darkness.

[Guan Yu]

[

"So far away."

[/font][/right][/b]

”Chances are that you might find,
we share a common discomfort.”

[/i][/font][/right]

Liu Bei sighed heavily; the war in the north had taken its worst. His eyes scanned Zhao Yun lightly; before glancing back to his two brothers. They would strike tonight. The soldiers prepared their food, eating heartily in the darkness once the torches were put out to covince the enemy they were sleeping or resting.

It had been a little while since Liu Bei had quitted Zhao Yun's tent to allow him rest. No doubt he was fatigued and didn't need a wimpering man at his side. His gentle fingers ran across his sword as the camp across the plains did the same; one by one; torch by torch. His fist tightened around the blade, valiantly. As if he was tied to more than just his duty to his lord. His horse swayed a little as the harsh winds of the night.

"No matter the outcome; remember the oath."

Liu Bei muttered to his brothers; Zhang Fei and Guan Yu. Each battle could be their last and he took no chances, if his brothers were to fall; so would he. Liu Bei took the front of the army; upon his white steed raising both his blades. Upon that Liu Bei studied his front lines, assessing the men, their valour and might. Once he was happy; he gripped his reigns.

The stage was set, the horses prepared; Liu Bei wiped his face. He was sweating slightly; under the pressures of war. Maritial law would by apply if he was to fail. He nodded; to his left Zhang Fei and then to his right; Guan Yu. Before nodding straight on. The hooves of his horse kicked, spraying the soft sand of the plains around a little.

"Forward!"

Liu Bei shouted; sprinting off his steed took the lead. Leading through bravery. They would make it at least half way without being caught or seen by the enemy; by then it was too late. Concealed in the low smog of the night, running thickly across the floor.[/font]