Coincidence (Burai)

[Xian Ye]

Xian was sitting in the street's of Bei Ping, enjoying the traffic and making sure his Lord's land was fruitful and well managed. The amount of people in Bei Ping was astounding, the street's crowded with peasants and merchants, all haggling over prices. Xian saw two men start to get into a heated arguement, and waved a few of his Militiamen over and sent them to deal with it. Soon enough they'd learn not to cause unrest in this ciy.

Getting tired of watching the streets, Xian went to hunt down Haesten and have him divide up the men to help watch the market districts. Spotting him over with Yan at a tavern, Yan being passed out on the table, He couldn't help but sigh. Always He found them like this. Haesten, Wake Yan up and take him to the Market district. I need you to have the men watch out for thieves or vandals. I'm gonna take a few of the men and go check around outside the city. He called, waving to him before moving past the tavern towards the stables, where He gathered two of his Cavalry and had them follow him outside the city a ways.

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Burai decided to take a stroll, he needed to see the neighboring cities, this would help him later with his current employer Yuan Shao. Burai was unsure about Yuan Shao; even that man had to have some doubts about him. He let out a long drawn-out sigh. "This Yuan Shao, doesn't seem to be worthy, but he hasn't shown me his true potential." Anrui was sitting on his shoulder enjoying the view. It was quite nice not having to walk for a change.

They were nearing the city of Bei Ping. "Now how do we get in?" Burai looked down at his weapon "No, its is not the time for that...I don't know the terrian and attacking another place with no reason is beneath me.." He continued to walk forward, hoping he would find some means to get inside the city with out creating a disturbance

[Xian Ye]

Xian and his men heard the sounds of travelers nearby, and hoping to help the lost peasant find his way, they headed towards the sound. Xian, in the front, was shocked when He saw a man carrying what looked like an Anchor on a Stick, and a girl on his shoulders. Even Yan's weapon wasn't that unusual! Riding forward so the man could see him, and that while He was carrying his sword it was safely in it's sheath at his waist.

Calling out, Xian questioned the man. "Halt there, Good Man. I am Zong Xian Liang, of Lord Gongsun Zan's forces. Might I ask what such a man as yourself, and your friend, are doing so close to Bei Ping? I will warn you now, I will not tolerate trouble makers, or fools from the Yuans!" He rested his hand on his sword's hilt, angled up so it acted as an armrest, and watched the man as He walked in the general direction of Bei Ping, hearing his two men coming up behind him. It comforted him to know that if this man was a great enough warrior to trouble him, He could have his men go and fetch Yan or Haesten to aid him.

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

"Hmm?" Burai looked at the man on horse back. He had given his name, and seemed to be cautious. Burai loosen his grip on his trident and tilted his head slightly to see how Anrui was adjusting to the situation. She was nervous, and scooted loser to Burai's face. She wrapped her arms around his head. Her way of protecting herself. "Anrui, don't be afraid. This man is only trying to protect the city." Burai scanned the man. He didn't seem all that threaten, but it would be unwise to provoke a lion thats near its den.

"Well, I'm just 'wandering' around aimlessly. This place might have a job or two for me. There are a few problems though, I am know to be quite the trouble maker, and My current employerer is named Yuan Shao. Other than that there is no relation. Tell me are you his enemy?" Burai raised his eyebrow at Zong Xian Liang. As he asked the question. This would turn out to be an interesting turn of events. Burai saw that the man had two follows. This put a grin on his face. "This man seems confident..." Burai loosened his grip on his trident once more.

[Xian Ye]

Xian couldn't help but stare, shocked. This man had been fooled into working for Yuan Shao? The arrogant, egomaniacal idiot? How the hell does one want to follow a man like that? Shaking his head, He was dissapointed. The man looked like He'd be reliable in battle, and instead of joing the true power in the North, He joined the Yuans. It was appaling. Carefully dismounting his horse, He handed the reins to one of his men, before walking towards him.

"Lord Gongsun Zan does not like Yuan Shao, and it is quite possible that there may be blood between us later on. Because of that, I keep as many of Yuan's fools away from our city, while We stay away from his. Keeps everyone alive just that much longer. I never got your name, Sir." Xian was normally impatient, but He had no desire to draw blood today, especially with that girl on the man's shoulders, who He noticed was clinging tightly to his head. "Girl, Unless your friend starts a problem, You have no reason to be afraid of me or my men. I won't be the one to draw first blood."

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Burai's eyes followed Zong Xian Liang. He smirked as the man shook his head. He seemed like he was in disbelief. The man got of his horse and gave the rings to one of the men, behind him. Then cautiously walked toward Burai. Burai wanted to mock the man, but is was wise to take caution. Sadly Burai didn't care about caution.

"Finally decided to get off your high horse? And stand face to face with a true warrior.. Lord Gongsun Zan?" The name wasn't familar, he was probably another worthless leader, like those who he had met in the past. Burai slowly grabbed Anrui and place her on the ground. She quickly moved behind Burai and sheltered herself within his pants. "I appreciate you concern for Anrui, but she doesn't like many people. You should be more worried about yourself. She is in excellent hands."

"So your lord is an enemy of my employer, and you are stationed here to keep Yuan Shao's forces at bay. How quaint, I must say one thing, if would be foolish to rage war against my employer while I serve him..Tell your lord he should surrender immedately. Especially if you don't want any blooshed." Burai pointed his trident at Zong Xian Liang.

"The problem with you types, you don't want to break the rules...Luckily for me. I left the before I could hear them...I didn't even know the situation, as far as I am concern. You're just another ruffian who decided to threaten Anrui. I can't let ruffians let you go unpunished. Burai knew most of that was a lie. Sadly, his story was convincing enough, no one in their right mind would question him.

"Not everyone that associates with Yuan Shao is a fool...you should watch your words." Anrui let out a shriek and backed away from Burai. Once she was a good distance away, Burai grabbed the very end of the chain with his free hand. Randomly threw his trident forward, in Zong Xian Liang's direction. The throw wasn't accurate, but Burai was curious how he would react. A smirk appeared on his lips as the trident flew forward.

[Xian Ye]

He had to suppress a snort at that, the idea of anyone not being a fool and still following Yuan, a preposterous idea. Cracking his neck slightly, He had to give him credit. It took either a very skilled man, or a very arrogant man, to threaten someone when there were two mounted men who could fetch others quickly if anythign were to happen. When He heard the part about how his Lord should just surrender, He couldn't help it, He started to laugh at the man. "You might not be a fool, That is yet to be seen I'm afraid, but your leader is. I've heard that all He does is boast about his family, and their history with the Empire. Quite sad, living off the deeds of others."

Sitting in the middle of the path, in Burai's way, He smiled up at him while waving to one of his men who brought him a skin of water. "Why don't you and your friend have a seat, and we'll see if We can't work something out. Obviously your smart enough to realize that attacking me means you won't get into the city, So I doubt your going to risk it. After all, You'd probably lose your usefulness to Yuan if you got injured. And you still have not given me your name, Friend. That's incredibly rude." He could tell that it took strength to even lift that weapon, nevermind what it must take to swing it properly. Perhaps He could convince him to better serve his own cause by serving Lord Gongsun Zan.

((Yeah, I missed that last part of Burai's post entirely xD))

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Burai watched as the ignored his attack. He ordered his one of his men to fetch him some water. He even threatened Burai, did he think this was a bluff? Burai yanked the chain hard. Causing it to swerve to the left, the head of the trident buzzed right past Zong Xian Liang, and smashed into the face of his horse. This pleased Burai, this left him with a feeling of satisfaction. He could feel the recoil through the chain; he whipped it back, this cause the trident to fly back. He gently bent his left arm and jerked his elbow back. So that he could position the trident’s blade around the man’s neck. Burai jerked down on the chain; he even took it one step further and stepped on the chain. It would cause a great amount of pressure on the man’s neck.

Burai looked at the Zong Xian Liang’s men. “No settle movements, Don’t even think about moving..I am very jumpy..” He said sarcastically. He diverted his eyes at his prey. “If it wasn’t for the girl, you would be headless…Let me make that clear. I will give your freedom, but it will come for a price..” Burai pulled tighter, the inner blades of the trident pressed harder against Zong Xian Liang’s skin. “I will ask you to do me one favor it can consist of anything. Or you serve me, not Yuan Shao, I have plans for China, either be a part of it, or get devoured.” Burai didn’t think his demands where too cruel. He gave him a choice

Anrui looked at the man with tears in her eyes. She hated to see violence, but Burai only does what he think is necessary and he is giving him a choice. This caused the tears to stop, even in the face of his enemies he can show compassion, but disguise it with a veil. She hoped that the man would agree to Burai’s terms. She placed her hands on her chest; she wanted to stop Burai, but he has taken good care of her and she didn’t wish to betray him. She just continued to watch, feeling helpless.

“My name is Shigure Burai, The man that just humiliated you, remember the name! Time is not on your side,,.You need to decide your fate… Before you lose your usefulness and end up with fatal injury.”

[Xian Ye]

Xian cursed silently as He felt the blades of the trident pressing against his neck. Why, oh why had He treated the attack like a joke, and tried to keep the peace? Was he becoming so complacent and arrogant in his own skills that He didn't consider one man to be a threat anymore? That would have to change, but first to get out of this situation. As calmly and slowly as He could, He turned his head to look at his men behind him, Waving his hand to signal them to stay where they were. His men need not die here for him. "I always talk about how arrogant others are, and I lost sight of my own arrogance. I must apologise for underestimating you, Shigure Burai. If you'd like to be so kind as to remove this...thing...from my neck, perhaps we can settle this a tad more amicably? I know that if I don't return to Bei Ping soon, My men shall come to find me. While I'm sure your strong, You can't beat my entire army by yourself, let alone protect that girl."

Slowly turning his head back to face the man, He tried to contemplate his options while ignoring the pain from the weapon pulling him towards the ground. Either Hhe betrayed his Lord, or He risked an even bigger betrayal by oweing this man. There was no positive to this encounter. His horse was down, and He would not sacrifice one of his men to attempt an escape, even if He could get up. If Yan or Haesten was here, He'd have no problem with the situation, but as it was, He was damned either way. "Might I ask, before you get tired of waiting, What this favor of yours might be? I can't properly decide without knowing my options, and you've been very vague about the one."

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Burai’s actions were necessary, if this were a battle field he would have killed him. His heart wasn’t without compassion. The only quarrel he had with him, was his arrogance. Burai silenced that, and showed him what is was like to be humiliated. Burai was have tempted to take him back to Yuan Shao, though there would be a lot of complications Zong Xing Laing’s lord would eventually come for him. This would give Yuan Shao a big advantage over him. This would win his favor, and allow Burai to continue to do as he pleased, with fewer restraints. But sadly Burai was at a crossroad, with many oppptunities. Burai looked down at the man, trying to bargain with him. “Your life is in my hands, yet you still try to slither away. I am giving you a chance to redeem yourself.” Men of china, such vile ceatures, worrying about honor and valor. Burai didn’t care about honor or valor. His mentor thought him that they were nothing but lies, and tools.

“Beat an army? My strength and prowess has a limit, would I reach it fighting an army…Perhaps, but what army would dare test my strength? You threaten me once more, and you bring innocences into this!?” Anger rose from his voiced, he yanked down harder on the chain, hoping this would draw some blood. “You can make what ever threats to me and those who hands are bloodied, but you involve her. I will wipe out your whole family, and everyone who ever loved you.” His eyes widen and were full of rage. “No man, woman, or god, will be able to stand up to my wrath if they harm her.”

Burai’s patience was wearing thin, “That favor is anything I want it to be, to turn your back on your lord, be my spy, abandon your lord in battle. Attack my enemy. Any of these may be suffice, or serve under me.” Burai gave him a moment to decide, “I could kill you here or take you back to Yuan Shao. His punishment will be a lot worse. I assure you if you join me. You will be under my care and watch eye. Perhaps if you join me, we could topple Yuan Shao. Take all this into consideration. I realize I may be a demon, but you can’t have justice without evil.”

Anrui smiled, Burai was truly kind hearted, beneath that cold exterior. Following Burai was not that bad. You just had to listen to him. What did was always for the good of the people he cared about. He was offering that bond to that man. Anrui nodded to the man encouraging him to take Burai’s offer.

[Xian Ye]

He grunted as He felt the blade bite into the back of his neck. Why did ths man have to be so difficult? He asked hm to remove this Anchor so He could stand and speak to him face to face, and Next thing He know's He's supporting himself with his one arm and watching his blood drip down his neck and onto the ground. He didn't have much choice here, At heart He was a loyal man, Someone who believed giving their word was important, and keeping it even more so. Dieing here would not serve his Lord, as his men weren't loyal to the Han or his Lord, but to him, and He would not risk having to spy on his Lord, or at the worst, having to kill him.

Reaching up and grabbing the anchor, He pushed it back enough that it was no longer pressing flush against his neck as He spoke. "Fine, Give this thing some slack so I can get it off my neck and I'll join you. I only have one request before we leave, and that is to let me go get my men, Otherwise they'll tear that city apart. Bad enough I'm betraying my Lord, but I won't see countless innocents die for no reason!" He looked up and locked eyes with Burai, Waiting for his response, whether that was his death or being able to stand.

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Burai looked down at the man, his face didn't sound any emotion. He watched grab the head of the blade. Pushing it back; so that it wasn't digging into his skin. Burai was about to end the mans life. Suddenly he spoke, and Burai paused. He could at least let the man have some dying words. He made a comment about the weapon, but he said that he would join him.

Burai loosened his gripped on the chain, causing most of it to fall to the ground the trident with it. Still cautious Burai yanked the chain back. Which caused the Nanki to fly back into his grasp. "Zong Xian Liang, you made a wise choice today. go see your men. But don't keep me waiting. I will put my trust in you..Call it a leap of faith. Don't make me regret it." Keeping an eye on him, Burai moved over to Anrui and sat down. "Anrui..I am sorry you had to see that, but if he had refused I would've killed him. Though i didn't want want any bloodshed.

She nodded, she didn't understand, but Burai had his reasons. Being a warrior in this country had to be difficult, but Burai made it seem so much fun. Burai stretched out his arms and let out a rawn n laid down in the grass.

[Xian Ye]

Slowly standing up, Groaning as he felt the blood-flow return to his legs, He reached up and felt the cut on the back of his neck. It was relatively small, but it was annoying, So he tore a strip of his shirt off and balled it up before pressing it against the cut to try and stem the bit of bleeding there was. Turning to his men, He waved the one over, before having him dismount so He could ride back to Bei Ping quickly. "I hate to leave you two here, but your a sign of my good faith, I'm going to go get the men then I'll be back, Try and make sure He doesn't get upset. I'd hate to see some of my men die needlessly." He whispered to the man as He sat in the saddle, before looking back at Burai. "I'll try to be quick, but it will take soem time. My men are spread out across the city, but I will be back as quickly as I can. I'm leaving these two here as a gesture of good will." He quickly turned the horse and pressed his heel's to it's flanks, rushing for Bei Ping.

It didn't take him long to get back to Bei Ping, a few minutes at most, and He was surprised to see several of his men near the gates when He arrived. Riding closer, He found that they were going to search for him, since He'd been gone longer than it should have taken. He sent a few of them to find Yan and Haesten, and the rest to start gathering the men while He took a minute to rest outside the gates, pressing the torn wad of silk to his neck again. Within ten minutes Yan and Haesten were leading his men threw the gates, and organizing them for a march outside. He called Yan and Haesten over to explain. "I hate to say it my friends, but I was beaten. Not by skill, but by my own arrogance. I encountered a man on my ride, and when He attacked me I ignored it, like a fool. When He had me beaten, He gave me the option of oweing him a favor of his choice or joining him. I took joining him. Now, We must get moving, I fear he's not very patient." With that, He nodded to his friends, before turning his horse and moving to the front of his men and heading back to meet up with Burai, hoping the men He'd left with him were still alive.

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Burai began to relax, he was feeling quite lucky for the sudden chain of event. "Bishamonten was really watching over me this time." He rolled over to look at the Two men, his new follower had left behind. Thoughts slowly leaked into his mind. He didn't want to killthem, but if Zong Xian Liang. Betrayed his trust, they would be the first of many.. to feel his wrath.

Burai sat up slowly; his eyes fixed on the men. "I think time is almost up.." He said, stagger up onto his own two fight. "Argh..I he held such promise, just needed direction..." Burai knelt down and picked up his trident. "I will make this quick-" Anrui ran in front of him and pointed toward the city. Zong Xian Liang could be seen off in the distance. "You saved him yet again, I hope your feelings don't get in my way..."

He waited for his new subordinate to join him before speaking. "Now we go meet, my brother. I warn you he wont trust you so easily especially since you ddishonored you own name by joining me. With me you will be able to redeem yourself, and reach brand new heights. He is quite fond of me as well, so try not be rude. He has a temper." Burai spoke quite light heartedly, even though he was alot like Hiroshi in many ways, their tempers being one of them. "Lets go."He said; placing Anrui on his shoulder, he began walking.