In Search of Thieves (Task)(Complete)

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

Ai Rui had been resting peacefully until he heard a loud rapting outside. He'd desired to shout "go away," but knew that he had a responsibility to the people of Luo Yang. "A protector does what he must, I suppose," he groaned rubbing his eyes in the palms of his hands. Ai Rui rolled off his bed and nearly fell flat onto the floor stumbling to recover his balance before collapsing. Dust stirred around his feet. I really must find the time to clean around here.

Ai Rui shambled out of the room and toward his front door, grabbing a rose along the way. Ai Rui gripped the door and opened fully to see the beautiful daughter of the merchant in a panic. "My dear," he said extending the rose toward the girl, "do come in. Please, have a seat and explain what is wrong as I prepare to face the day."

The poor girl followed Ai Rui to a chair and sat down as he walked into another room to dress. "Sir, my father sent me to find you. The money from his stall has gone missing and he sent me to request that you find the thieves and bring them to justice! He believes you are the only person we can ask in this time, as you hold no affiliation with the lords of the lands." She was right, Ai Rui held service to nobody except for the people of Luo Yang.

"Ow!" Ai Rui exclaimed as he tightened his headband. He quickly removed the cloth and found blood on his forehead. He examined the rose he had planned to wear under the headband carefully to find a crimson coated thorn. "Well that's poor work, I missed a thorn." "Sir, what are you speaking of?" the girl interrupted.

"Ah, forgive me. I seem to have trailed from our discussion," he stated as he walked into the front room wiping the blood from his forehead. "Please, dear, lead me to your father and I shall gladly aid him." The girl arose and walked to the doorway with Ai Rui in tow.

Ai Rui followed the girl toward the market place. Along the way he was met by many people all of whom had stopped to greet him. He had become somewhat well-known within Luo Yang for aiding the people when no one else would. He was always disturbed by the fact that he was the only one truly willing to help out. A small band of unaffiliated soldiers would often aid him in these matters, but he always leads the charge.

"Father!" the girl called as they began to approach one of the stalls in the market. "Father, I've brought Ai Rui to aid brother in the search!"

The man at the stall was short and balding having developed a round belly from his long years of running his general goods stall. He sold everything from food to weapons and armor. He was an aging man with kindly eyes who ran the stall with his two children. His wife had passed some time before Ai Rui's return to Luo Yang.

As the shopkeeper turned he a grin flourished across his face. "Well, boy, how long has it been since you've come by?" He asked Ai Rui. They had known each other from the time of Ai Rui's youth. Ai Jin, Rui's father, had been friends with the shop merchant. "It is a shame the fate of your father and brothers, but at least you are still here. Only one of Jin's children could be so concerned with the needs of us common fold during these times of war. Your father raise you kids right!" Ai Rui couldn't help but feel proud of the merchant's words. Hhis father was someone that the town remembered still.

"Your daughter told me that you were having troube with bandits again; are you in need of assistance in the matter? Ai Rui wasn't much of one for pleasantries and understood that the old man would never ask for help (even from the Ai family) unless it were of critical importance. "I hate to seem abrupt, but it did seem rather urgent."

The happiness in the old man's eyes faded and was replaced by a look of concern, fear, and desperation. "Oh, that," he answered with a distraught tone. "Yes; they are some of the remnants of the Yellow Scarves, unable to control themselves after the rebellion. With the land in such a chaotic state, you were the only person I could think to call upon. Perhaps you won't even need to fight, your father slew quite a few and took their scarves as tokens. The name Ai might be enough to terrorized them. I wish I could tell you where they were hiding, but I can tell you that you are likely to find information of that sort from the tavern. Please Ai Rui, I need your help."

Ai Rui smiled a confidant smile. I shall be back before nightfall, with any of your money I can recover." Ai Rui took a bow to the merchant and one to his daughter, then turned to his heels and began to walk away. The tavern in sights he knew just what he had to do.

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

Ai Rui walked into the tavern and took a look around. Only a handful of patrons were in the tavern at this time and the barmaids had little to do. A few old men were present playing games and an even fewer number were drinking some wine and tea. Rui walked up to the keeper and sat down.

"Can I help you?" the barkeep asked with a rudely. His teeth were crooked and yellow and he smelled of alcohol. Ai Rui stared at the man in disgust.

"I was told that you were the man to ask for information. I'm looking for thieves in Luo Yang. They were once part of the Yellow Scarves, and they've resorted to disturbing the peace in my town. I need to find them."

The keeper examined Ai Rui carefully. Rui was unsure how he felt being measured like this, but this was the only lead he had on these thieves. "So, you're another one who believes he can stop them? They'll just come back the moment the chaos swallows you up even if you do get rid of them. What do you think sets you apart from the rest who have tried?"

Ai Rui smirked, this had been exactly what he'd wanted to hear. "My name is Ai Rui, perhaps you remember my father Ai Jin?"

The keepers jaw nearly dropped open. "Impossible, all of Ai Jin's children are dead. If you really are Ai Rui... Look, you can find them in the forests around the city. I've seen them heading into the trees every night before nightfall. I'd recommend you wait by the forest for one of them to come by and then follow him through."

Ai Rui smiled. "Thank you. You're greatly appreciated. I owe you a favor in the future." Rui bowed to the keeper and turned to leave the tavern.

As Rui made his way to the gates of town he again was greeted by many people. He smiled and bowed to all those he passed.

Ai Rui decided to take the barkeeps advice and waited a few yards from the forest and watched for one of the Yellow Scarves thieves to walk in.

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

Ai Rui watched the forest intently. He felt his eyelids begin to grow heavy, but force himself to pay attention and stay awake. Time was dragging on and Ai Rui had seen nobody enter or exit the forest and the day was draining away. The merchant would be expecting Rui before nightfall and he had nothing at the moment. He was trying to help the city of Luo Yang but so far he was empty handed in the matter.

The sun was nearing the center of the sky and Rui could feel hunger growing within him. He'd only just realized that he'd not eaten at all that day and knew that if he found conflict within the forest he'd be unable to fight if he didn't eat soon. He also knew that returning to the town like this was equivalent to failing in his mission. Rui looked back toward Luo Yang in desire, only causing his hunger to grow stronger.

While looking upon the city, Ai Rui notice a familiar figure walking from the gates toward him and the forest. It was the merchant's daughter. Rui had grown up along side her until Dong Zhuo had come into power. Zhen Cai Wan was her name, and she had grown into a beautiful young lady. Ai Rui held a certain fondness for her, having known her his whole life.

As she approached, Rui noticed that she was carrying a basket with her. "Hello, lady Zhen; may I inquire as to why you are here?"

Zhen Cai Wan smiled brightly at Ai Rui and extended the basket toward him. "I thought you could use something to eat. I thought maybe we could enjoy a nice lunch together.

Ai Rui returned her smile. "Thank you, my dear. Come, let us enjoy this lunch together. Cai Wan opened the basket and remove some meat buns, jujubes, and rice wine. "A delicious lunch, more than I deserve." Rui wasn't big on wine, but he would never complain about such great hospitality as what the Zhen family was showing him now.

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

With their lunch finished, Zhen Caiwan returned to Luo Yang. Such a wonderful woman, it is a wonder that she has no betrothed as of yet. She must beat away the suitors with sticks.

Rui returned to his watch and wondered just how long it would take for these thieves to make their presence known to him. He had already wasted half a day here, though he'd had a wonderful lunch prepared by the beautiful Caiwan. After her visit it was becoming much more difficult to remain on task. He found his mind wondering to the lovely young lady and cursed himself for these thoughts. Honestly Rui, what's wrong with you? You've known her your entire life and after seventeen years she manages to find some sort of hypnotic power to put over you? Why can I no longer get her out of my mind.

Ai Rui continued to struggle with remaining on task. His thoughts of Caiwan became more involved and impure. It was rather out of character for him. Rui never had problems keeping on task courtesy of his father's discipline training at the combat school.

"A focus of sorts is required to survived a fight! You must always be aware of exactly what is going on around you at every second of the fight; especially when outnumbered. Dao Jiang; Sheng; Rui attack me now!"

They were always beaten back by Jin. He was a true warrior, perhaps even a rival for Lu Bu. Or perhaps Rui was just too biased to make a fair judgement on that.

Rui noticed a yellow shine before him by the forest and was jerked from his fantasies and memories. Damn! I almost missed the thieves dreaming of Caiwan! But there he... That's a woman!

Rui was stunned by what he was seeing. Were these thieves really remnants of the scarves or were they followers of their way?

Ai Rui watched the woman enter the forest and began to follow from a reasonable distance. It was early afternoon, but entering the forest made it feel far later than it truly was. It was dark to withing the foliage and the woman was fair ahead of Rui. It is good that she is wearing yellow, otherwise I'd have lost her by now.

Rui held back as the woman emerged into a clearing filled with people wearing yellow wraps on their heads. These were the bandits Rui was after. He was unsure if he should attack, he was greatly outnumbered.

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

Ai Rui had no choice. He made a promise to a friend. He had to stop these thieves. But as severely outnumbered as he was, fighting was not the solution. So what?

Ai Rui began to think of ways to reduce their numbers. They had worked hard to procure their spoils and would do anything to protect them. He had to lure them out somehow.

Ai Rui looked around and found a stick. Stashing it in his sash, he decided to climb a nearby tree. Drawing his sword he hurled the snapped the stick in two with a large crack.

"Huh?" one of the thugs said as he whipped his head toward the sound. You three, check it out. No one can be allowed near this camp."

Rui's plan had succeeded thus far, but he had to be ready. He watched until the three thieves were under his tree. With his blade in hand he leaped down on one thief driving his sword into the mans neck. Then he drove forward slicing into the back of a second thieve before he could even turn around. The third thief drew her blade, she was the one he'd followed here.

She charged at Ai Rui, but he was ready. He raised his blade stopping her sword mid-swing. He then kicked her back and spun into a strike with his sword, striking her hand forcing her to release her blade. Rui finished his spin ending behind her with his blade at his throat. "Strip yourself and leave and you get to live."

"Grr, pervert!" The woman exclaimed as she began to remove her clothes.

"I need your clothes for reasons I will not disclose to you. Now be silent and leave, back to the edge of the forest."

The woman fled as quickly as she could, terrified of joining the others. Ai Rui himself then stripped down and began replacing his clothes with the bandit's attire. My she is a tiny woman! These clothes barely fit me, and I'm stick-thin!

Now disguised Ai Rui made his way to the edge of the bandit camp once more. Here's hoping this works.

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

Ai Rui took a deep breath to focus himself. His clothes were tight, and the breath left him with pain. Damn woman should eat more! What was Rui thinking? He had stolen a female thief's clothing and was now attempting to sneak into her allies camp disguised as one of them. Surely they would notice that he was no woman at the very least. It was too late to try a different plan though, if he did not report an attack on the forest then the thieves would certainly come looking for the now dead search group.

Ai Rui burst into the camp with a sprint, raising his voice to a higher pitch. He'd hoped to sound like a woman, his long hair and thin frame allowed it to succeed at a glance. And he was fair faced with a clean shave. The plan could succeed if he were quick enough. "A small group is here, attacking the forest! We have been discovered!" he cried in his heightened voice.

The thief leader seemed to consider Rui's words carefully. "How many?"

Ai Rui had not been prepared for this question. He thought quickly and had a fair enough answer. "We outnumber them two to one, but they are skilled fighters. Many will be needed to overcome."

The thieves were not too bright, it was obvious. "Everyone go! We cannot allow them to find us or we shall all die, not just those who will be killed defending us!" He hadn't even questioned how they had managed to move in so quietly.

Ai Rui stood slowly and feigned a stumble as he did to buy time. Once all of the thieves had abandoned the camp he made his way to his feet. "You truly are fools!" he allowed his voice to return to normal. "Now I can keep my promise."

The thief leader was stunned for a moment, just long enough for Rui to begin his charge. With blade drawn, Rui rushed the leader. The thief regained his composure, but half a second too late. Though he had managed to deflect Rui's blade, he was still struck by it, crushed a few ribs. "You cur!" the thief cried as the sword crushed his ribs.

"You may be a warrior, but you are a fool and a coward. I shall end you, and with you your thievery. The people of Luo Yang will have peace, I shall see to that.

Rui spiraled around, aiming at the leader's head, but the leader was quite the fighter indeed. He deflected Rui's strike again, cutting his brow. Unfortunately, Rui was thrown off balance by his flamboyant strike. Now he was on the defensive. He saw the leader's blade carve strait toward his hand, and Rui allowed himself to fall. The thief missed his target and found only the ground to greet him.

Rui walked onto the back of the thief and squatted down. "You threw yourself with your attack, and sealed your fate. Have a greedy heart, lose your greedy head. " Rui declared as he decapitated the bandit. Now he just had to figure how to return the stolen goods to the townspeople.

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

Rui had accepted the fact that there was no way to return all of the stolen goods and money here, but he could take what he could fit on his person. He returned to his robes and quickly tied the sleeves together, and then tied the collar to the bottom of the bottom of the robe. This allowed it to function as a large, makeshift sack. He began piling loose coins and small sacks into his robe-sack until it was full. He set it on the ground and began picking up more small sacks of coins, tying them to his sash He then grabbed his robe-sack and tossed it over his shoulder before exiting the clearing.

It would be rather easy to dodge the thieves in the forest due to the thick foliage they'd be stuck in. Thinking about it, Rui realized that his method of retrieving the stolen articles was likely the most effective way for one man to end the outlaws. Now they would return to find their leader dead and then begin to war with one another for command until there were too few for them to be a threat to Luo Yang any longer.

Ai Rui nearly laughed at the idea of the chaos he had just caused. He took some twisted joy in it. He had truly just outwitted a reasonable amount of people. He'd even been able to rid Luo Yang of its thief problem, something no others had been able to do. Rui could barely believe what he had done. His desire to live up to the promise he'd made to Zhen Caiwan's father caused him to accomplish matters that he'd never believed possible.

Ai Rui slowed his pace as he approached the gates of Luo Yang. He'd returned unchallenged, somehow. All that was left was to return to Caiwan's father and give him all of the money Rui had recovered. He was an honest man and would see that the thieves' victims all got a fair amount of money.

Rui looked toward the sky and realized that the sun hadn't set yet. He had lived up to his promise and made his way toward the merchant.

"Ah, Ai Rui!" the merchant bellowed as he saw Rui approach. "I was beginning to worry about you, but I should have known better. You are Jin's brightest child; those thieves would never have been a challenge for you. It's likely any of your siblings would have been able to handle this matter, but not with the efficiency you surely have!"

Caiwan heard the noise and came around the corner to see Rui for herself. "EEK!" she shrieked at the top of her lungs and rushed over to Rui. "You are covered in blood! Are you okay, Rui?!" She took a small cloth and began to rub the blood from Rui's face.

"I am fine, Caiwan, Rui answered with a small grin. "It is the thieves' blood. Sir, I knew not how much was stolen from you, nor was I able to'recover all that they had in the camp. I shall trust you to divide this money fairly amongst the victims. I shall inform the guards as to where the thieves store their plunder." Rui set down his filled robe and dropped all of the sacks of coin on top of it. He then turned on his heels, startling Caiwan. "I still have much to do before the day ends, I suppose I must begin by cleaning up."

Caiwan jerked forward and grabbed Rui's hand. "I'll follow, Rui! There is no reason for you to go alone."

Rui and Caiwan walked hand-in-hand back toward Rui's home where he could change into more sufficient dress. Rui realized the strange looks he was getting from the people in town. How might being dressed as one of the pilfering Scarves affect the way that the people treat him? They know that he looks out for the city and should certainly know that he was no thief, but would they realized that he was in a disguise? None of them knew just what he had done in the forest?

As the two arrived at Rui's home, he began removing clothes before reaching his quarters. He put on another of his robes with his sash with a rose. He'd decided to dress a bit fancier than usual and wore a more formal attire. He had only just realized how colorful his attire was. It made him chuckle as he slipped on his boots. As he entered the room with Caiwan he smiled. "Now, for the palace."

Rui and Caiwan headed from his home and walked toward the palace gates. Rui realized the change in the looks everyone was giving him. While before he'd been seen with looks of disgust and mistrust; now they stared in admiration and respect. It was interesting to Rui how much stock people put in appearances.

As they approached the palace, Rui began to lose his confidence. He never was very good at this sort of thing. His family and friends were always so informal. His mother understood the workings of the higher ups, but he was too young to have learned a truly sufficient amount when she passed away. "I suppose this is all there is left to do, here goes nothing."

Rui approached the palace guards. "I posses a message the head of city defense. I have information concerning the whereabouts of the remaining thieves. They sit in a clearing in the forest just outside the main gates to the city." One of the guards entered the palace with Rui and Caiwan waiting outside until he returned. After a few moments, the guard returned and gave a bow which Rui and Caiwan both returned. "We are thankful for the information," the guard said. "A unit will be dispatched immediately to see to the arrest of these outlaws." Rui gave another bow to the guards and left with Caiwan.

Rui returned to his home with Caiwan in hand. It was dark out now, and Rui truly had no desire to let Caiwan remain in the dark alone.Shall I escort you home, or will you be remaining here until morning?" It was Rui's way to make light when matters were serious. "Well, seeing as it is far too dark for me to safely return home alone, and you've done more than enough for our family tonight. It is a difficult choice, but I suppose I'll just have to stay here for the night." She walked passed Rui into his house. What just conspired here?

[Guan Yu]

Ai Rui punishes several thieves around Luoyang, his heroic feat calms the populace and raises his reputation. He is handsomely rewarded by local miltia groups for his deeds towards the city in times of great need.

+100 Reputation
+200 Gold