Upon The Shores (Rui)

[Lu Xiang]

Spring 189 AD

The Dragon and the Pirate

Zhuge Liang finally arrived in Hui Ji, removing himself from his horse almost as soon as he came. Such long journeys he was not fond of, however he couldn't refuse a plea for help. He had promised his lord to serve him to achieve peace and virtue in the land and now people across all the land requested his assistance at achieving peace.

His feet touched the ground upon the ground of Hui Ji, the climate and terrain was completely different from his homelands, must more.. dusty but full of the smell of salt and trade. He smiled; fanning himself traditionally in his Taoist way. Given nothing more then a couple of letters and the instruction to make his way towards the "Red Siren". He gathered upon it would be a ship of great significane - afterall Rui Takiri exclaimed to be a pirate king.

He still knew little about this man, however he couldn't simply leave him stranded due to that. The mans stories were correct, poverty was bad around these streets. Even in a town flourishing with trade. The guard patrols however were above average; clearly the governor did not trust these pirates anymore then the pirates liked him. How troublesome..

The docks were pretty easy to find for Zhuge Liang; he followed the roads down towards to sea, following the countless stalls until eventually placing his feet upon the weird wooden boardwalk. It creaked a little; Zhuge Liang gulped. He didn't trust such a contraption however he braved up and pounded his feet along the long pier until eventually coming across a ship which appealed to him as the Red Siren.

"Excuse me, I am looking for Captain Rui Takiri. Can you please inform him that Master Zhuge Liang of Xinye has arrived?"

He said peacefully in a calm tone as usual, every word as kind as a mother singing her own child to sleep. He suspected some sort of rude abuse from the pirates, laughing at him - it wasn't uncommon.

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Kenshi lazed about in the shadow of the great ship, his feet firmly set upon the wooden pier. He was a large and intimidating male with strange eyes that didn't match each other in colour. Kenshi seemed clean and tidy in appearance despite his lazy attitude. Kenshi heard the boards creek and he slowly opened his eyes to see who was coming. The man spoke and announced himself as Zhuge Liang. Kenshi immediately jumped to his feet and brushed himself off before bowing to the man. "Master Zhuge Liang, you have arrived. I hope the journey was not rough on you, I understand this is probably a fair distance from your home land."

Kenshi seemed polite enough and he had a steady and very calm voice. "My brother is waiting on the ship. Please, follow me." Kenshi spoke as he started up the long board to the ship's deck. It was over all quiet with a few of the crew busily washing the ship. Kenshi made his way over to the door that would take them into the captain's quarters. "I am Kenshi, Rui's younger brother." Kenshi spoke letting the man know who he was.

Inside Rui was making a pot of tea and placing a few cups on the table. Rui hadn't realised that Zhuge Liang had arrived but he was always the type of man who made more than enough tea since he knew a guest could appear at anytime and today he was right. Rui heard the door to the room opening and he stood up straight. "Who is it?" Rui asked in a curious tone.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang bowed back to the young pirate man, an young enthusiatic man - loyal to his lord and brother. He smiled.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Master Kenshi."

He said before following him into the cabin before being questioned by someone of who it was. He presumed it would be the Captain himself, Rui Takiri.

"Excuse my interuptions, I am Zhuge Liang of Xinye - I have come due to a letter from Rui Takiri."

He said, entering the cabin to find inside pouring tea. A rare find for a pirate. They were well known for their drinking habits of wenches and mead. He laughed, how ironic to find a pirate drinking tea. He bowed once again before moving towards a seat to sit and talk to the man about the negotiations in Hui Ji.

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Kenshi side stepped and waited at the door but remained in the room. His main fears were for his older brother since Rui often had seizures, but he hoped that Rui would not have one and scare their guest. Kenshi knew not to speak out of turn so remained out the conversation.

Rui turned and looked at Zhuge Liang. "Yes, I am Captain Rui. So you are Master Zhuge Liang, I must say it is a pleasure to finally meet you. Tea?" Rui spoke in return as he placed the three cups down and began to pour the water into the cups whilst adding some extra herbs to enhance the taste. Rui could easily become a classic idea of a pirate but he also had his own ways of living outside the stereotype box. After all he had been abandoned by his own pirate family when he was just a small child so the main Takiri family didn't seem him as a true pirate anyway.

Rui passed a cup to Kenshi and another to Zhuge Liang before taking a seat near the man. "So, can you help us with the matter of Hui Ji. I'm certain you've seen the damage done here already when you passed through." Rui spoke whilst keeping himself calm, but the pain was still lingering in his tone of voice.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang bowed, before seating himself and gently fanning himself. Before smiling at the man.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you my lord, and yes tea would be wonderful."

He bows once more for the gracious and generous company of the host before gently fanning himself some more.

"Please do excuse the fan, it is a custom of my Taoist nature. I keep it with me at all times to remain calm and temperate. Even for I, I sometimes struggle.

He said before letting out a smug laugh, highlighting the depressing setting for this conversation with a little humour -breaking the ice between the two of them. He would be unable to work with a man, who could he could not be at good terms with.

"I hadn't known the Hui Ji had declined to this state; no doubt I shall assist you as much as possible. However in order to achieve your goals I will require your full co-operation.. even if this sometimes goes against your beliefs or morals. I provide success, not the righteous way."

He said before bowing. Zhuge Liang wasn't a nice man - he was calm and collected and well known for his friendly nature and strategys; but when it came to his job. He did whatever was needed to ensure victory. He remains fanning himself before extending his arm out and swooping up the tea.

"Wang Lang is a fierce enemy, it would be best for you to gather a knowledge upon him. He is faithful to the Han if not the people as well. It will be hard to see his downful - but i'm sure your pirate way of life can assist with this. I refuse to install us to use violent - by any means. No matter the situation, drawing a sword would destroy your cause. We shall turn Wang Lang into the "pirate" sterotype."

Zhuge Liang announced, Wang Lang and him were not on good terms anyways. Zhuge Liang was a politician for the good reasons. Wang Lang was a corrupt and treacherous figure who pretended to be a nice man but abused his power when given.

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Rui smiled behind the slowly rising steam from his tea as he held the cup in front of his lips. He sipped it a little before setting it down again. "I do not mind your fan or your ways, just as long as you don't mind little Tsu." Rui spoke as he removed his hat revealing the small furry creature that stared at Zhuge Liang with beady black eyes. The monkey was both a pet and a close friend of Rui's and served as a medical reason as well. "She won't bite unless you pick a fight." Rui chuckled as he stroked the small creature's head.

"I will try to give my full co-operation, but sometimes, as you might understand that some things may step a little over the line. Though I'll try to push myself to make sure I get the things you request done." Rui spoke, sounding as if he understood human nature.

"Already he has lifted a sword towards me. My brother and friends can tell you about that. One of them is still recovering even as we speak after what happened. I will try to avoid raising my blade, but I need to make sure Wang Lang listens. Can you help us acquire the knowledge to bring him down?" Rui asked, but his mind drifted to the thought of Kouji. He sighed a little and looked down at his reflection in the liquid. He could see that things weren't going to be easy.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang smiled, he was fond of animals. He would often use them as formations and adapt them. Wonderous creatures from the smallest creature to the largest. He laughed, bowing his head gently towards the moneky as well laughing cheekily and listening to the pirates words.

"Draw the sword, die by the sword. Master Rui. For the benevolence of this city you will have to behold some huge sacrafices. Both friend and foe will fall alike. It will be a test of your character and prove yourself worthy. No doubt if you hit Master Wang Lang, he will hit you back twice as hard."

Zhuge Liang said, before bowing. Zhuge Liang had never held a blade and never intended to. Though he took part in wars. He wasn't a man of violence and would never take a mans life personally. He laughed before bowing.

"Wang Lang will not listen to pirates, no matter how virtuous you are. It is a common principal of the hierachy. He believes you forget your place. Even if you were granted with an audience, he outguns you with politics. You would be humilated. I will not allow such a thing to happen. Personally you shall not speak to him - I regret to say that. But I know of the temper of pirates. I cannot allow you or your crew to reverse work. A slip of the tongue could collapse the tower of progress."

Zhuge Liang said bowing again, the man had requested his knowledge and therefore it would be granted. Physical attribute was not needed here. The city could be capture through means of diplomacy, betrayal, politics, rumours and other methods. Not the nicest of things - but Wang Lang wasn't a nice person. Zhuge Liang never dragged his leader in such dishonourments though, he ensured not a bad word was said about his client.

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Rui sighed and stared at Zhuge Liang. "I guess I'll have no choice but to sit tight in the docks and keep low for a while. I'll make sure the other pirates in the area keep out the way as well. Though I know they'll not be so quiet as me and my crew. Hopefully Kenshi shall keep them quiet. He doesn't use a sword so I doubt he'll be much of a worry." Rui grinned at his brother and the other pirate grinned back. It was well known for siblings to have their own language.

Rui finished his cup of tea and he laid the empty cup down on the table. It suddenly dawned upon Rui and a large smirk smeared across his face. "I don't need to go, but I do need ears to hear the meetings. I'll send Kouji! He doesn't look a like pirate and he's also a child from a royal Han family so he'll be perfect to accompany you through the streets. I just need to dress him up a little so his wounds are not visible." Rui seemed overly hyper about the idea of dressing up his friend.

"Kenshi, fetch Kouji for us please." Rui spoke and Kenshi bowed before leaving the room to fetch the young pirate. "I think you'll like Kouji and he can probably help you out as well." Rui placed Tsu on the table and gave the small animal some fruit to eat. "Also I doubt I can be further humiliated in life, I've already experienced the greatest put down in life so there isn't anything Wang Lang can do to upset me." Rui spoke, his expression suddenly dark but it swiftly changed back to a lighter mood again.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang bowed gracefully, thanking the man for a smooth ceasefire between the two sides. You could not resolve things with war still continuing. He could not disagree with a child coming with him; though he didn't understand the true purpose of it. Maybe they lacked trust in Zhuge Liang. He didn't question it, but merely accepted it. Zhuge Liang bowed once more.

"Humiliation comes in all shapes and forms Master Takiri, however Wang Lang is a high well known governor. The click of his fingers could destroy your reputation forever. Also you are playing with fire. Whilst living the life of a pirate, you are endangering yourself, your crew and your people. Once Wang Lang finds a weakness - he will strike it. Hence why we must find his first."

Zhuge Liang explained. If Wang Lang was to leak information of Rui Takiri being a pirate, no doubt the Han would send governors to assist Wang Lang at putting down this threat. Such an attrocity would humiliate the Han. Zhuge Liang coiled his hand around the fan. People could not see flaws in themselves, specially not during such times. What was acceptable at sea, was not acceptable upon land. No matter you race,colour,creed - name and blood came first in such times. You were honoured by the achievements of your ancestors, people often forgot that and stepped out of line. To be stuck in shame, it would take years to live it off.

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Rui narrowed his eyes. "Fire can put out with water. I do have my weaknesses, but the fact I have loyal friends helps to protect me from those weaknesses. Together none of us can be struck down. Besides, everything must break at sometime, the fun part is rebuilding it." Rui chuckled in a playful manner, it was clear he was having fun.

The door opened and Kenshi and a young boy entered the room. "This is Kouji. He'll be accompanying you." Kenshi spoke as he pushed the young lad forward. Kouji looked at Zhuge Liang in a cold manner before he turned towards Rui and ran towards the captain. Kouji sat upon Rui's lap and held onto the man. "Who is that man?" Kouji demanded. Rui sighed and looked rather embarrassed about Kouji's first impressions. "This is Master Zhuge Liang. I want you to help him with the Wang Lang matter, okay?" Rui spoke but Kouji held onto the captain tighter and glowered at the stranger. Kouji had large bruises on his face so the fact that the child had been caught up in the chaos was very obvious.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang bowed, it was nice to him in a good mood - though he suspected the man underestimated the Imperial Court. A system that had been in place for so many years. Gaining favour with the Imperial Court would grant yourself and your family many honours for years to come; losing it would make you a dog and a swine - the reality was harsh.

"Water can put out fire, but fire can boil water and potentially also remove it. Every step we take must be calmly, collectively and well thought about. "

Zhuge Liang reminded him, Wang Lang was the bigger force by numbers, authority, riches and power. This wouldn't be easy. The man outranked Zhuge Liang as well. The small boy entered, at first glimpse a usual boy - but at a closer glance he was beaten. Zhuge Liang hesitated. Child abuse? He shook his head not wanting to offend or scare the child. Remaining calm and well spoken.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Master Kouji"

Zhuge Liang said, laughing with a childish face and thing bowing in glee. Fanning himself. He was a stranger in a strange land - though he wasn't unconventional. He knew what he was doing; and thus the exstinct of pirates would not come so quickly.

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Rui looked at Kouji and slowly removed the child from holding him. Kouji wanted to remain on Rui but the captain didn't like having Kouji showing such behaviour. "Kouji, please not now." Rui grumbled and eventually Kouji settled down and stood beside Rui rather than being sat on the man. "Why do we need his help?" Kouji spoke whilst looking at his captain.

Rui sighed. "Easy, to get you some justice. Master Zhuge Liang, this is the crew member who was beaten by the guards." Rui spoke as he reached up and moved the hair from Kouji's face to reveal the large bruises from where heavy punches had been thrown. "If I can dress him in different clothes and use some make-up then he will be able to fit right in. It's not that I don't trust you, I just like having two pairs of ears rather than one." Rui explained, he just liked being thorough with things.

Kouji stepped towards Zhuge Liang and bowed to him. "I guess for my captain will do as he says." Kouji spoke, though he didn't seem very keen upon the idea of being hooked up with the strange man.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang bowed gently, honouring the mans idea. Though it had some flaws; he couldn't area. "Spies" were a good thing even if he didn't consider it so. Zhuge Liang smild once more at the child before turning back to Rui.

"A cunning ploy no doubt, I would expect no less from a pirate lord such as yourself. I ask now to retire and return to you in the morning. This will be no swift process; Luoyang was no built in a day!"

He laughed before bowing and dismissing himself from the cabin and then waltzing back across the deck and then back onto the boardwalk before evaluating the information he had been given. Wang Lang wasn't going down easy no doubt - Now was time to begin his plotting.

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Rui nodded and stood up from his chair. "Fair enough, you know where to find me. I hope to see you again soon my Master." Rui spoke as Zhuge Liang left, now the pirates returned to being lazy by lying about on the ship. In the mean time Rui set to work upon getting the correct clothing and make-up to experiment with Kouji.

If Kouji failed to appear as a handsome young noble then Rui decided that he would dress the poor boy up as a girl if all things failed, but that would be the very last ploy. Rui grinned as he started his work. He was going to prove pirates could become more than what everyone would like to believe.

[Lu Xiang]

Zhuge Liang wandered through the town for a while before finding a small tavern to rest the night, it wasn't anything special but it allowed him to avoid the troubles of a drunkern sailors. Once inside; he begun drawing up his plans to present them to the "pirate king" tommorow. Each part of the plan just as important as the next. His brush ripping into the paper beneath the candle light - right into the late hours of the night.

He wasn't a man for second best, if a job needed to be done. He would not put it away to enjoy himself. Eventually he found himself upon the bed - recovering for a few hours after working upon the plan. Upon a white clothe laid several hundred characters which would be displayed and clarfied with the pirate king later on. For now he slept.

The sun leaked in, creaking through the gaps in the poorly made building. Liang shoke around trying to avoid the inevitable of waking up but eventually arose. Giving himself a small clean before placing his now well-known taoist robes on; concealing the cloth inside of it and clutching his fan - he set off back to the ship.

He gently faned himself, his feet creaking up the wooden structures once again. Allowing the pirates to know of his presence and that he was of no threat he once more made it to the cabin. Before bowing and presenting himself to Rui Takiri.

"Here my lord; I have spent several hours in erecting this plan. I have wielding it so that your talents may be used to the best of your ability. Please tell me what you think."

He said pulling out the cloth from his robes and presenting it upon the table infront of him before bowing and steeping back.

On the read it reads..

Part I

Wang Lang will need to be weakened, both physically and politically. But without violence. I will have you peacefully protest; allow the people to know what you stand for, over and over. If Wang Lang hits you, allow him to hit you again. Though there is little logic in this though, believe me - it is vital to your cause.

Part II

I will personally disrupt Wang Lang's relations within the court; sending my own teacher Sima Hui to impose as an Imperial Advisor coming to inspect the place. Wang Lang will know little of the inspectors and if he is dressed to the job, he has his work cut out trying to impress him. Wang Lang will crack beneath the pressure - knowing that his city that he is governing is clearly not up to the standards of the Emperor; then we strike his weaknesses.

Part III

We do the unpredictable; we fake defeat. What would lower Master Wang Langs defenses more then hearing of his foes defeat and retreat? He will lower his defences, most likely to celebrate - with the peoples support with you. His defences down and his political problems stacking up, you are far from dead. In the dead of night, we seize the palace - producing Wang Lang with an Imperial Edict forged by myself to announce you as governor of Hui Ji. He can do little but argue. By the time he finds out it was all a ploy, you will be the new governor and he will be expelled.

Zhuge Liang quietly sits, fanning himself - watching Lord Rui Takiri read through his plans.