Underworld Gathering

[Someone You Forgot]

Chronicles of Wei Feng

De-Ja-Vu

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"As a roof, the land requires a support. As a pillar, the Imperial figurehead requires a base. As a base, you are the very foundation from which the building stands. Your breaking spells the breaking of a nation."

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still running...

Midnight. Zifeng had awoken a few hours too early. Out his pellucid room window he gazed. There was a full moon out that night, as he admired its' lunar radiance. In these times of strife and conflict, there was never enough time to enjoy these natural wonders.

He looked downwards toward the lower floor of the tavern. A woman stood in the verandah, staring upon the moon as Zifeng had been doing for the past few moments. Her fair skin reflected the illumination, her face as beautiful as the moon that sourced it.

That was the fruit of many a man's desire.

But there was much to be done before Zifeng could settle down and reward himself with any form of luxury. There was a long day ahead, and Zifeng would need rest.

This in mind he laid himself back down onto his bedroll. Allowing slumber to once again take its' form.

He had to keep moving. The palace guards were on high alert; Zifeng would have to keep on his toes. One wrong move and he would fall into the cold hands of death.

Pant. Pant.

That damn Dong Zhuo, still sourcing tyranny and corruption as he lay six feet underground. Zifeng had been made a refugee; a man on the run by the Dong loyalists Li and Guo for reasons of insecurity and uncertainty. They saw him as a threat to their power, that was the only thing that was certain.

He would analyse the situation further later on, but first priority was keeping his life. The Warden couldn't let down his liege with a death in vain. There was still much to be accomplished.

Die another Day.

Zifeng half-turned a corner into the Chang'an Palace courtyard before catching a glimpse of a soldier patrol, actively searching for the escapee. He had been in this situation before, the last being a day of trauma and pain. Today, however, was a great contrast. This was a day of change.

The armored warriors had heard his sudden stop, closing in on the corner behind which Zifeng hid. Quick thinking was key here, as the Warden surveyed his surroundings, contemplating any possibilities. The sound of the clanging of metal boots grew ever louder as Zifeng found his ticket out.

They turned the corner. Weapons raised. Ready to strike. Nothing. They glanced at each other in confusion, as Zifeng watched from a small crevice in the wall. With great caution, Zifeng, in a crouched position gradually stepped his way around the corner, hidden blade at the ready on his right wrist.

One watch remained in the center of the courtyard, blocking Zifeng's clear path to the kitchen area, and ultimately, the back entrance, or, in his case, exit from the palace. Adrenaline took control.

Zifeng tensed his muscles in excitement, anticipating the leap. Whoosh. Arms outstretched, Zifeng glided through the air. His grand figure blocked out the sun, as he floated gracefully downwards towards his unsuspecting victim. In a flash of quiet fear, the target fell under the weight of the assassin and lay dead, bleeding from the back of the neck.

Leaving no room for error, Zifeng immediately made a dash for the kitchen, the alerted soldiers trailing behind. He dashed through the kitchen, using the several obstructions as shields against weapon strikes and arrows.

A few moments of flamboyance, and Zifeng had arrived at the end, quickly making his way into the city. A festival seemed to be happening at this time. He considered the possibilities of escape, keeping in mind the sound of rushing hooves approaching from behind. Still surveying the area, Zifeng was forced to make his move, as the mounted soldiers closed in for the strike.

Up onto the dragon mascot he went, and then onto a brothel balcony, before making it up onto the rooves. The pursuing horsemen dismounted and ascended the rooves as well. The chase continued on the rooftops as Zifeng hopped from surface to surface. Stumbling would mean certain death judging the height on which they stood. Some of the soldiers behind had already learned that first hand.

Trip.

His ankle rolled painfully as he landed from a leap, Zifeng saw his life flash before him. He literally was face to face with death itself.

The pursuing closed in on the crippled warrior, as the latter attempted to scramble backwards. Their blades raised, issuing curses and insults, the soldiers readied themselves for the kill. A hint of fear crept into Zifeng's eyes as he stared blankly at the blade that would bring his imminent demise.

But no. He did not accept his fate.

From behind, two scruffily dressed warriors cut down those who threatened. Vigilantes, perhaps? Nonetheless, Zifeng had caught a break. Unsheathing his blade, Zifeng brought death to the last of the attacking trio, now lying in a bloody heap on the ground roof.

Emerging from behind the two who had saved Zifeng's life came a familiar face from the Imperial Court. A man by the name of Zhu Jun.

Dawn had arrived. A few hours and the significant gathering of key figures in the underworld system would commence. From significant thieves to courtesans, the future of Luo'yang would be decided by those in true control of the city society.

Frankly, they were fed up.

Ever since the oppression of Li Jue had come into the formerly glorious city of Luo'yang, the aristocracy had gained importance over society itself. It didn't stand well with the local underworld.

Zifeng made his way out of the room to be greeted by his loyal companion, Yu Ban.

"A grand day, is it not, Zifeng?"

"Indeed, a day suited for a grand event such as this. Wherefore have our other two companions wandered?"

"They have gone ahead to the venue to meet with those involved."

In understanding, Zifeng gave a short nod, before descending the stairs into the main tavern area, his scarf wrapped around his mouth.

Making his way through the already crowded space, the Warden caught a glimpse of the woman that he had seen earlier on. Avoiding any other stand-outs, Zifeng hurried on to exit the tavern into the buzzing streets.

A stroll through the poor district of the city told stories of oppression and sufferring with the presence of the homeless and the hungry. Beggars lay around the area around which Zifeng and Yu Ban walked, drawing pity and sorrow. It pulled on the strings of Zifeng's heart to simply walk through without taking notice.

A stark contrast was evident as they entered the boundaries of the rich district. Merchants and stalls littered the stone street. Buildings around stood grand and tall. The only thing vaguely similar between the two districts was the ambient noise that filled the environment. However, even that differed.

Talk in the poor district was filled with pitiful cries, whereas the rich district displayed a different mirage. It thrived with the sound of haggling and prosperity.

And what wore the fortunate who lived in the rich district? Robes bearing the characters of either Li or Guo.

This had to change.

The tailor shop soon lay visible in the distance. Many figures seemed to have rallied to the area. If these were the feared members of the underworld; thieves, murderers, courtesans and all of the like, their reputations did not lie. This city was truly a shrouded dwelling place of lies and deceit.

Scarf comfortably concealing a half of his face, Zifeng remained stationary outside the shop for a time being. He searched for his other two companions, blending in among his surroundings.

gathering of the underworld...

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Characters Involved: Wei Feng, anyone who wants to join in.

Sidenotes: Jump in, whoever, especially Ai Rui and Kumiko; the underworld of Luo'yang. But anyone else, feel free to join with your character or an NPC.

[Ai Rui The Guardian Wolf]

Ai Rui was watching the battle between Cao's forces and the traitors'. It was amazing what this Cao Cao was capable of. "An amazing man, no Jiang?" Rui directed toward his childhood friend.

"Aye, impressive. He wars well, and brings out a great ferocity in his men. You and he share many traits, cunning and charisma. We should have been on that battlefield though."

Rui flinched at Dao Jiang's suggestion. He was afraid of war, afraid of battle. "Maybe you, Jiang; I am no warrior."

The sun was starting to rise and Rui began to descend from atop the city walls. "Funny, your actions at the gate suggest otherwise!" Jiang argued. It was futile, Rui was afraid of battle and he could only find bravery in the face of hopelessness. Only when the one thing standing between innocent people and a slaughter was his intellect and combat skill.
"You give me too much credit my friend; I was terrified by them. I was shaking under this Lemellar and robe. I'm a coward Jiang, and nothing will change that." Rui truly believed this about himself. He couldn't fight since his father and brothers had been slaughtered by Dong Zhuo.

"Come Jiang, we have someplace important to be. I trust you will accompany me." Rui looked over his shoulder with smirk on his face with those last words. The two weren't always together, but they did the important stuff side-by-side.

"Is it safe to trust these people? We do not know who they are."

"First: we should not discuss this matter in the open like this. Second: we do know them. I recognize that man from somewhere, but I cannot be sure where. But he knew father; he will be disheartened to know that only Mei and I have survived."

"As was the rest of Luo Yang."

Rui and Jiang entered the poor district and Rui felt himself near tears. "These poor people were once in homes with fair dress. The effects of Dong Zhuo's tyranny will last for lifetimes to come. Today's children will find his sting tomorrow.

As the two crossed the threshold into the rich district immediate looks of disgust crossed their faces. These are not the people of Luo Yang I once knew. These people are traitors to the Han. But is it possible for the Han to be restored? It has faced one crushing war after another, and the lords of the land all see their chances to gain control within the land. I predict a revolution and that our efforts soon shall be meaningless.

The tailor shop had come into view as the sun reached the sky. Dawn was here and it would soon be time for the meeting. "Jiang, spread out and search for anyone who seems out of place, rather like a spy. We may be new to this force, and I have no desire to be branded a traitor while defending the land.

Rui began to patrol and Jiang too in the opposing direction. Rui could only fantasize how his father had fallen before Dong: "You'll not harm these people or this land Dong Zhuo! Remain safe my children, I shall return for you one day. Yuan, watch these four and keep them safe until I return." Ai Jin's final words echoed in Rui's mind.

As he returned to reality he witnessed the approach of the man from the night. Just who are you? I have seen you before, but where?

[Zhou Daiyu]

The cold air whipped Kumi's face like a cold, leather embrace and she stood peering over a balcony from the top of a tower-like house.

This rich person, she shouldn't have picked on. Kumi has no limits and can handle anything but certain situations can make things awkward. Kumi tried to attach him to his bed so she could rob him, but it was a bit difficult because he carried a heavy frame. This lead to her kicking him repeatedly in the head and exiting the bedroom. She travelled up, because, she had only just got there and didn't want to raise no alarm. She needed to get out before her much more significant other (not really) awoke from his pain-induced slumber.

Her first idea was to a small river at the back of the house, although tall, with enough depth she could easily land in the water and swim away. When she peered over the balcony however, she was looking at a stream and could see the rocky bed of the stream.

"Just ONCE, things could be easy for me"

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Kumi turned back around and peered through the door she had just entered the balcony through. There was a guard in the other room but he was really the only one near the top that was significant enough to be a threat. She managed to slink past him out her because he was sleeping, but the wind outside had woken him up, thus he needed to be either be made indisposed or disposed of. Kumi was going for unconcious for now.

Kumi opened the door and walked in. The guard shot up, and grasped his sword. Now, Kumi was unarmed but has massive melee skills, enough to disarm and destroy this guard but she'd see if she could get by innocently.
"WHAT are you doing here?" The guard sprayed at Kumi.
"Hush! You don't want to wake anyone, least of all him. You've been sleeping. Be lucky I don't report you." Kumi rebounded at the guard.
The guards facial expression changed a lot and he moved over to Kumi and sheathed his sword.
"Maybe we could..."
Kumi knew what was coming. By this time, however, her knee was firmly in his stomach as these guards wore no armor, well, most of them. As soon as he keeled over Kumi's knee, she rebounded it and smashed it into his face. For good measure, she smashed his face into the floor, too, then put him outside by the balcony. She also took what little money he had and what seemed like a keepsake bangle-type thing.

Kumi couldn't get to the possesions that she actually wanted because she didn't know where they were, something she planned to... squeeze out of the dreadful owner. She didn't even know his name.

She proceeded down a flight of stairs, avoided a guard then continued going down. She reached the lowest level before the basement. The house was built high and to get to the streets you had to descend steps outside, in view of everyone.

Kumi instead went to the right-side of the building and sneaked outside. A stone porch-type area was being guarded by two guards, with their backs to Kumi and she quickly formulated a plan. Firstly, she took off her shoes.
Next, she crept behind the men, who seemed very unaware of anything - tiredness, probably.
The guard on the left, closest to the house recieved a mighty kick to the back of his right knee, sending him tumbling forwards. The one on the right, nearest the stone wall, got his head pushed to the wall and decimated by it twice.
His body slumped to the floor like some sort of jelly. Kumi might have made things worse.
The other guard was still lying on the floor as Kumi's speed was no match to his. She positioned herself by kneeling into his back, pulling one of her kimono arms back so the material was just free and her arm was pressed against her actual torso. She then wrapped the arm round his neck and tugged. Asphyxiation was always a past-time of Kumi's. Maybe in more ways than one.

Kumi put her shoes back on then proceeded slightly forward where the porch bit ended and hopped over the open wall to the floor and managed to escape back to her cosy room that sat over a now closed tavern.

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The man that she had supposed to have been fornicating with was a corrupt official that Kumi decided didn't need his things anymore.

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The next morning Kumi arose, late. She was meant to be meeting some people she really had no clue about but, being Kumi, was willing to give anything a try. They were going to the Tailor shop, which was not far from Kumi's position. She liked to keep herself holed up in the Rich district. She didn't care that she was late, she wasn't anyone's lackey and she didn't care what they though about her.

She walked out and had a quick chat with a couple of people on the way out. Then, humbly walked to the Tailor shop, her Kimono giving her the elegant look she desired and loved.
She really hope that they thought "What the hell? Can she do anything?" She was up for a bit of showing off and if they say it, they automatically become a volunteer.

Kumi strode towards the Tailor shop and there was already people there.

"We seem to be cooking up quite the party"

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