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Post by Xiang Yu on Aug 15, 2010 20:59:44 GMT
Xiang Yu knew It had not always been this way. He knew that once, Xia Pi had stood as the monument of the growing ages. He knew that it had borne the resembalance and the passion of any founding city within Zhongyuan and that it had been outfitted as such. But it was a ruin now. It was desolate, empty. It stood as any tall monument did after the era had passed, as a dying memory – an emotion now beset by those of the newly born.
He did not care for it. But he did care for those who protected its walls. It was a city run by Tao Qian, an old man who was so stuck in his ways that Xiang assumed it was down to feeblemindedness. There was no proof of course, but who needed proof of a mans idiocy when war was as hungry as the greed of any singular man.
He smiled. Even with the rubble, Xia Pi had not fallen from its standing. In fact, even if old and battered- the city did still resemble a mark of history and power. A fortification worth expanding upon and creating, and for that Xiang could only kudos its governor. For not having fucked everything up.
“Take this to the inn.” He muttered to the boy by his side.
He had not known the boy for long, a week? Maybe two? It was not important. What was important was that the boy listen to the mans orders, and he had done so far, with precision and efficiency too – something Xiang had grown quite fond off in his days as a roaming vagabond.
He had always hated the term ‘vagabond’, but he was thrown into that bottomless pit of a title anyway, and he did not mind it that much having thought about it. What made it worse was the shock whenever he told another he was a travelling merchant or warrior. He certainly did not look the part, and even he knew that only a complete moron would fall for such a cheap designed trick.
It would do though, that he was aware of, and he glanced back as the boy as he made his way to the cities inn. It was a small building, a single downstairs room with a few shabby huts scattered to the rear. He imagined he would have the luxury of sleeping in one of those dusty rat ridden bunks, and grimaced.
The boy returned from the shadows of the inn, holding a small purse and a few bags. He did not know what he would be carrying, but it did not matter. All that mattered was that he delivered them, and he was certainly reliable enough to do that.
“So where do I take these.” The boy suddenly asked.
“To the marketplace. Get them sold as quickly as you can. Each item has a price tag, lower it by ten percent to the merchants, they will not ask where you recieved such goods. All men are tempted by goods at a lowered price. It’s profitable business.”
The boy smiled his understanding and turned to flee.
“But be sure not to get caught by any...guards.”
“Why not?” the boy asked, almost too innocently.
“because you’ll be hung for theft. That is why.”
The boy laugheds shis sweet innocent laugh, and Xiang Yu took a step back, admitting defeat to the boys superior charms.
“I am well aware of the products you sell Xiang Yu. You bring my life excitement. It sis why I help you.”
He would never realise that the boy would later grow up to be his greatest ally and his worst enemy.
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Lu Xiang
Leader
The Eagle of the North
Posts: 3,658
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Post by Lu Xiang on Aug 15, 2010 22:10:09 GMT
He didn't have a buisness, infact he owned nothin by the clothes on his back and the blade at his waste. Everything had been striped from him as he had been cast into the fire by the world. Lu Xiang refused to let the flames lick his skin, promising the world vegeance or let death swallow him whole. He knew which alternative he prefered. But without a fighting force or even an income to fuel them, his ambitions were for naught.
Money was hard for Lu Xiang, he wasn't a greedy man and had strong views about things. He wouldn't stoop so low to rob or pickpocket without having challenged the man before hand. He wasn't a man of raw materials and was rather terrible at smelting or mining, becoming rather impatient and ruining things. He was smart, yet did not look to spread his knowledge with others; rather selfish with his own achievements. The other jobs were simply neglected and disregarded. His strength was art.. art of the dead. With death and killing was were he hit critically. Yet assassinations were running thing lately and he was sitting rather low and under cover after his last one, not wanting to place a bounty on his head so early in the game.
He had nothing to sell and nothing to buy with, no horse to travel with which struck him in a dire situation.. but things were about to look up for the best. In the most unlikely of situations.
Something caught his eye, like a glimmer in the dark. The eagle of the north turned his head.. he had been walking down the streets in which the markets streets; looking for work infact.. but he had stumbled upon something else.. a small child almost harassing merchants. He smelt the air before taking an interest in these turn of events. Obviously the child wasn't working on his own; he was too young to even be able to make a living - Lu Xiang doubted it.
He approached the merchant, pretending he was interested in the wares of the man selling but really more interested in the dealings. A black market? or something more vile? The guards seemed to be slacking but whatever was going on a child had been sent; this could be merely because the seller was lazy or too old to carry on so he sent his kin.. but Lu Xiang doubt it. Something suspicious was being rubbed all over, an aroma of filth.
The child was weak, smaller and an easy target to prey upon. Curiousity was driving the young man crazy. What could he be selling? He stroked his face; stalking from a while away as the boy merrily collected gold piece after gold piece almost voluntarily.
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Post by Xiang Yu on Aug 15, 2010 22:29:29 GMT
The boy hadn’t stopped in the dealings’. In fact he had only progressed in momentum as the sold objects were delivered piece by piece to the numerous merchants and officials. It was a miracle, but one that the boy knew not to cling too. It was almost too easy, and that brought suspicion to the boys warped mind. It would do, he would reassure himself with, and then turned back to meet his master. But what stood before him was no open passage, it was the catch of a life-time, it was him.
The boy laughed with an insane magnitude and then stumbled a few paces closer. His eyes, a light blue peered deep into the man before him. Yes, he was the man. He had to be.
“He waits for you mister.” He spoke calmly, though the beads of sweat and excitement rimmed his face. It was hot, but upon closer inspection the eyes he wore were weary, worn and cold. The young spirit of life dwindled before him slowly, and the boy turned to the passage beyond.
“I must leave, but he is looking for you. Though I do not know why...you are cold...I feel death rim my skin when I look at you, but it is not of the same eerie embrace of death given by my master. He will find you – or you will find him.”
The boy laughed again, heartedly at first and then into a slight whimper. He almost cried, tears rimming his face as he searched for the right passage.
“I must go. I must.”
He ran off, and left the man standing behind.
Xiang Yu was waiting for the boy at the inn. His robe adorned, so that the hood covered his face. All you could see were his dark green eyes beaming through, before turning red and black as the shadows revealed a hue of colours and arrays before them. It was a nice look. But it had brought suspicion to those who had eerily crossed his path.
“You are late.” He finally said, turning his head to see the boy approach from behind the inn.
“I met him.” The boy said, excited.
“Then he will come. But first we must depart. I have other...pressing matters to attend with.”
The boy coughed, and Xiangs sighed as he passed a tablet to the young boy. A few moments later and the weariness had passed, and the boy sprung back to life.
“Are we going to see the governor?”
Xiang smiled and turned, “Soon my boy...very soon.”
They moved on, hoping the man of death followed. They were heading to the palace.
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Lu Xiang
Leader
The Eagle of the North
Posts: 3,658
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Post by Lu Xiang on Aug 15, 2010 22:45:54 GMT
Should he seek the man, or would he seek him? Should he be excited.. or prepared? Insomnia and paranoia plasted around him. He cracked his knuckles, looking around him as he pushed through the crowds carefully. The description of this man was so fine that it would literally be impossible to find him on purpose. It was left for fate, the magnet of the heavens.
"So be it.."
He muttered, heading away from the market; deciding he needed a little sit down for the moment to get his thoughts together, maybe have a drink to calm the neurons racing around up there. He laughed, before eventually reaching what could be considered as the high street of the town. |
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Post by Xiang Yu on Aug 15, 2010 23:34:28 GMT
The crowds were bursting with life and activity. Peasants roaming the suburbs whilst officials, merchants and civilians scoured the open city streets. They sought leverage, or perhaps they were simply existing. Whatever their desires, whatever their dreams – it wasn’t important. There was only one singular path open before them, and that was already shrouded in mystery.
The boy had followed Xiang Yu up to the palace gates and then, under the direction of his master – turned east towards the richer estates.
“Please, give us your weapons’ before being admitted to the city.”
The guards turned their eye to the man, and he in turn only gazed back, as if transfixed for the moment. “I carry no weapons. I bring only the message of the lord.”
“Yeah right, and I’m the bloody emperor. Just get inside; the governor has enough trouble with you damn preachers.”
It had worked, and Xiang Yu bowed his head in prayer before walking through the inner palace gates into what was referred to as the core city of Xia Pi. It was an inaccurate name of course, but he would not mind having it referred to as that given the circumstances...and the rapidly approaching change.
The boy wondered into the estates, gazing at whatever house was prime and fair. He had scouted ten houses before turning back into the open streets, and yet again did the man sit before him. His eyes weary and his mind troubled. The boy smiled.
“We meet again.” He started, “I apologise for my hasty retreat. My master will see you now.”
He smiled before turning to the palace. “He is in there somewhere, feigning imperial office and preaching dis-contempt within the cities marketing industry.”
He paused again, before turning back to face the warrior of death, “I have already betrayed my master by telling you this, but....I think that he will like you. You are.....different to the others.”
He shied away, almost blushing before turning to take the seat facing the death-sodden warrior. “My master is known simply as ‘the man in black’. His real name is something only he can reveal, but this city will not remain peaceful soon. I would advise you to take leave, before you too are caught within his web, but I fear you will do the opposite.”
The boy turned away, staring at the civilians as they went about their business. “Troops will come soon...and this city will be turned upside in the name of the heavens and his son. But...that is only a deterrent, a diversion for a far more...cunning plan.”
He had said enough, and the boy took a glass to his lips before closing his eyelids. He would be stirred soon, by either the man or the roaring crowds. Either way, peace was soon to fade.
Xiang Yu had not waited long before the governor brought him into view. The palace, although clean – still wrought of the eras long spent with foreign rulership. The architect was still old, beset by old cultural influences and designs. Nevertheless, it was certainly a starting point, and Xiang Yu bowed low as he was received by the governor himself.
“You honour me.”
The governor was no youngster, and the way he shuffled through his gown suggested a high intelligence and act of justice and virtue. Something easily exploited by those with the trained mind.
“Please.” The governor started, almost masking Xiang’s thoughts, “Tell me why a Han magistrate of the court is here in Xia Pi.”
The governor leaned back on his throne, and the two shared a moment of silence before Xiang coughed to clear his throat.
“I have come to inspect this city, governor. As you know, I am the magistrate of the council, Xiang Yu – raised in Si Li. I am newly adopted, but here is my insignia.”
He pulled out a badge with the Han’s crest scratched within. The emperor, having recognised the name dismissed the act of felony, and the two took a closer look at the city.
“I was anomalously informed of a black market here, due to the struggles presented by the turban rebellion. I have come to make sure no such objects exist, and that if they did – formal capital punishment would be dealt accordingly. In this time of error and deceit it would be wise to reaffirm the emperors standing.”
The governor bowed, and agreed. Xiang knew he would, after all – an inspector of the court held more authority than a governor, an act, or rather – a rule that he would soon change when the world witnessed what he was about to commence.
“Then let us go and inspect my marketplace.”
The governor issued several hundred troops to accompany him, before leaving the security of the palace. It seemed...the search was on.
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Lu Xiang
Leader
The Eagle of the North
Posts: 3,658
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Post by Lu Xiang on Aug 16, 2010 11:47:00 GMT
"So you expect me to waltz to the palace and look for a man I have never heard of and who probably doesn't even exist?.."
He questioned the logic in that, it was all too overexaggerated and unbelievable now that he had a drink in front of him. His mind wasn't betrayed by the alcohol just yet and the story was almost laughable. It wasn't that Lu Xiang was scared, it was just the fact he wasn't a fool. The child was clearly up to something; if it was anythign as scheming as early it could only make bad news.
"If your master hasn't sent you, then why do you come?"
Then the boy warned him, caught within his web? What on earth was going on.. in that case maybe the palace was the best place to go. Lu Xiang stroked his face; not willing to be caught in anymore trouble today, but knowing it wasn't going to get alot worse before it was going to get better and laying his resolve in that fact he was trouble...
He yawned a little before dragging his finger around the cup; considering his paths. He could run, he could stay. He could trust this kid or..
"Then your fear is well used, I shall not be moved."
He hissed, he would meet the man in his own web, unsnared like the rest. He would break the stranglehold. The Man in Black was imminent clearly; if he moved he'd only mess things up. A demonic grin rubbed on Lu Xiang's face, no longer paranoid but more interested what this kid had in store for him. He hoped the figure lived up to his name, at least that way he might be worth a little more than Lu Xiang normally expected.
At the end of the day Lu Xiang wasn't a man who got scared; obviously every man had fears of something or someone. His fear was simply being among the common folk.. not where he deserved, wanted or belonged. Spending days with rice pickers and simple minded peasents.. lush. |
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Post by Xiang Yu on Aug 16, 2010 12:24:00 GMT
The boy smiled as Lu Xiang hissed his resolve. Yes, he would stay – and the plan would be interchangeable as a result.
“You know.” Said the boy, “You are not actually that scary.”
He turned suddenly to a noise drawn out, and from his watch he could see the govnernor standing beside his master. The two of them looked sweet together, one as the public icon whilst the other wreaked of mystery and deceit.
“You are not alone Lu Xiang.” He turned to the man once more, though the cockiness had all but left his face, “Something tells me you have a friend here, but maybe I am wrong. If however I am right, approach that man.”
He pointed a finger to the cloaked vagabond, and then turned an uneasy eye as the marketplace before them was turned upside down. The objects the boy had sold had been found, and Tao Qian raged at the sight of this betrayal of policies. It would do, he thought – and before the market owners had the chance to catch the small boy he turned to flee, hoping the man he had trusted with Intel would not betray him now.
“I must go, lest I dine in hell with my mother and father.”
He stayed cheerful, though for a moment his expression faded and he urged past Lu Xiang. He hoped he would not betray the boy.
The governor had not finished his search, and upon finding the stolen objects he turned an eye to the inspector, fury in his eye.
“Who told you of this procedure anyway?”
The man in black ignored the governor, looking to the richer estate in awe.
“It does not matter, you know what you must do. I will not leave it at this though. This city must be searched, through and through for illegal activity. You will find me in hospitable quarters. I believe there is a nice Inn north of here.”
He grinned, revealing white beaming teeth beset by the hollow pools that reflected his eyes. He would leave the governor now, and turn to more pressing matters.
The city guards did what they had to, an inspector such as Xiang Yu had every right to issue a search, and whilst the search would prove useful (as they always did when faced with poverty) Xiang himself would go north, to the estates.
“I will not be disturbed. The inn keeper will have a message for you when this dump has been cleared up.”
The governor sighed and turned. It was a shame, but under other circumstances the governor may have been an adequate ally. It was a shame he had to be used.
Xiang Yu turned north, but not before casting a weary eye to the man he had heard about. Indeed the man stank of death, but the fragrant was sweeter than his own, and he looked across in empathy as the cities act ivies increased.
“Now it is time for the payment.”
He smiled again and then ran north, towards the rich estates and the northern Inn.
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Lu Xiang
Leader
The Eagle of the North
Posts: 3,658
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Post by Lu Xiang on Aug 16, 2010 15:16:04 GMT
They weren't very firm about anything and didn't point him in any direction. Lu Xiang rolled his finger nails across the table; scratching at his appetite for destruction so delicately. Approach this man? He considered the dangers and the perks of doing so. So be it..
He marched out of the Inn; where would he first look for this demon? He studied his hands, then his mind scanning the description given by the child.... That was it! He was feigning imperial office and therefore all he needed to do was track down a leak within the system.. whatever the man was after at the current moment. Obviously greed to some extent. The typical cliché of "cruel and dark" came from glutenous extraction of the gold. But he suspected this was more than just a lust for want; he stroked his face.. heading towards the richer estates, the guards had dispersed a little now and he didn't require to lay low so much..
The north was a place he had almost been segregated from since the decline of his title and reputation. The rich looked down upon the poor, worthless. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists a little, looking around feeling the cold glares upon his flesh - swallowing a bit of his pride for the ultimate prize. It was not him who was the worthless.. it was them. They would kneel in good time before him; it was in their blood. After all it was hard to be a trouble maker to society when half the population was happy on their fucking knees.
"It would appear I have found you.."
He muttered, a cold aura blackening around him. The aroma of necro, his hands covered in the liquid of life and death yet not visable to the world around him. Not a man of physical appearance like Lu Xiang but a man of a sick and demented mind frame; clearly. His attire, his presence.. his snake-like basilisk tongue. Not everything was answered yet; but he had found the man of dark clouds like the child had point him to do so.. He decided to take a watch for several moments. It was obvious what he had done up to now and no doubt the rest of his moves were easy to predict from the inside of the job. The boy had shed enough information to do so.. yet Lu Xiang wanted to appreciate this mans work for a little longer with interupting. |
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Post by Xiang Yu on Aug 16, 2010 16:41:46 GMT
The rich estate of Xia Pi was everything the man in black had expected. Merchant owners filled half of the constituency whilst the remaining nobles were just wealthy. It would do nicely, he knew – and he turned a lustrous eye to the alleyways branching off from the estates. Men came, wearing a variety of clothes, some dressed as guards, others as basic militia and peasants. The only similarity to all of these men is that they now wore a certain type of bandana, a black line with red and green stitched in the centre. It was a trademark, but to what...no one would know.
He laughed.
“Another day, another life.”
He smiled at his own wording, before turning around to see the man he had come to know as Lu Xiang. The two had never met, but dreams were a powerful thing – and he had dreamed of standing beside this man for a very long time now.
“It seems fate has played me an additional card.” He started, turning only once to make sure his men had assembled accordingly. They had, and each sixth soldier was ordering the others to do one thing or another. They didn’t stay long, soon – every man had left, splitting up and covering each and every estate.
They had broken the hinges, or blasted aside the door with a heavy foot. Either way, each estate was being ransacked, their occupiers thrown out and cuffed. The entire city was screaming, but not because of the happenings here. The governor had his own mission: appease the court, and in doing so he was busy at work searching for illegal activity amidst the peasants. Inspectors very rarely came to the rich estates, and whatever guards were posted here seemed to be missing now. He smiled.
“Why have you come before me Lu Xiang? Why tread in the mud when you reside among the stars?”
He laughed, almost uncontrollably. He had only felt so elevated once before, and that had been the result of killing the men responsible for his families death. Then, he laughed in excitement, at the prospect of revenge – but what had formed was no such illusion. He was a cold man, a lonely man and he walked casually to the man before him simply because of it.
“Where is the boy?”
He spoke firmly, almost as if angry. The eyes he bore were cold and sharp, and he wondered inside why he felt such worry for the boy’s safety.
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Lu Xiang
Leader
The Eagle of the North
Posts: 3,658
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Post by Lu Xiang on Aug 16, 2010 17:59:28 GMT
"I believe it is time.."
He muttered, the child had been correct and seen through the prophecy. Everything was in place as the foundations had been set. Like the awakening of a demon or the undead breaking through the soil. They had witnessed eachother within eachothers heads; but this was a meeting in reality. Their destinys were conjoined. The last puzzle piece was place on the table; revealing the ultimate picture. Perfect sense; at last.
"Boy?"
He questioned the man, he didn't know how far his knowledge extended however the child had spoke about not betraying him and therefore he defended him. The fate of the child didn't matter to him. But he repayed his favour. He hated to be in debt with anyone.
"I've been following your rotten bread crumbs around town all day; i'm impressed. Only now, before me have I witnessed the true power of a corrupt mind like yours."
Dropping a compliment like a payload of anthrax, they shared common thoughts and idealogy. He stroked his gentle gray cape, running his fingers across his chain mail before inspecting the looted goods. They were to a high standard, it was rare for an evil man to get away with something now days.. but this man seemed to hit every note perfectly. By the time he was found out - he'd be long gone and his authority prevented anyone ratting him out.
"You know of my name?..." |
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Post by Xiang Yu on Aug 16, 2010 18:50:30 GMT
Xiang Yu gazed through the man’s exterior as he spoke. Not a single word, or action defined by his very being. He was a statue, a man standing before Lu Xiang who bore no recollection, no memory...no emotion. It was as if demons had truly possessed his soul – every action he committed was of selfish intent, each straw plucked from the nature of the mother itself.
“You.” He said slowly, “You are the one from my dreams.”
He did not weaver before the great man. He only sighed, a release of his feelings, for whatever they may have told or experienced. He was finally tired, but the rewards had already come to him – in big heaps of gold and slaves.
“I believe this is your payment.”
He bowed low to the general, though the bow was not one fashioned with respect, it bore no characteristics to it, no definition. It was as if watching a mannequin bend in half before reciting more ushered words of death.
“There are many things I can see, so many people I can control. But the one thing I have no control over is what I dream, and you...Lu Xiang...you are in them time to time. You stand amidst the clouds with your bloodied sword in hand – and you wreak havoc, so much...havoc.”
He grimaced, and the guards around him returned to the open streets. They had prepared everything they could, and wagons were brought over by the imperial guards of the city. They watched the act through glossy eyes, and then the wagons paused...and the entire provisions stolen by the governor rested at his feet.
“Lead them Lu Xiang, take them away from this city. The governor does not know of your presence here. You may not see it – but your beginning is here. In gold and in slaves, workers who despise society – who feed from the blights of the poor. Move these wagons south. No one will impede your search, not whilst I have the real guards under my eye.”
He smiled, and then turned suddenly to the wagons and the busy streets. The governor was close, he could feel it.
“Now I must embrace the man I have stolen from, and give him the false hope that the Emperor may bless his very soul.”
He sighed again. Where was that damn boy? He had not seen him return, and his eye shot back to Lu Xiang. “I have nothing, but that boy is of importance, if you see him – tell him Xiang Yu beckons him so. His life is not his own, for it is mine to control.”
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Lu Xiang
Leader
The Eagle of the North
Posts: 3,658
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Post by Lu Xiang on Aug 16, 2010 19:17:23 GMT
"You shall meet me when our time is ready again, our realm is being created already."
He said with thanks; he wasn't a man with heart. But the man would understand, coldness of the heart was strength. Lu Xiang bowed back to him clasping his hands, with both power, elegance and thankfulness. There was little he could say with time running thin; it wouldn't be long before the guards stamped out their parade once they caught onto the mission and the schemes of this man.
Now it was time to turn the tables; all this time he had been searching for something more, something new.. And now it was time to take the reigns with the talons of the iron fist.
"This kingdom shall fall and from the ashes; Shall arise a new order that will shake the foundations of the world."
He ended, before smiling run his pale fingers down his face. Muttering to himself. It was time, the culling of the species had begun, but first they required an army worthy of shaking the walls of any stronghold ever made. A force so fearless and deadly that not even the gods would interfere with Lu Xiang's fate. He nodded, placing the child on his list before mounting a black steed that a guard had presented to him; a fierce looking thing that could be equipped and well-trained in weeks and months to come. Lu Xiang stroked it from upon the dire steed before announcing to the slaves and minions beneath his control.
"I am Lu Xiang; your new majesty. If you thought death was bad - then witness something and somehow ever so more powerful. Serve me well, and reap the rewards. I'm a cruel man only to them who do not witness my benevolence for the land... Round up everything you can, we escape this collapsed hope of a city shortly back to my terrace. Move the wagons south for the meantime, ensure everything is ransacked and anyone who struggles, whimpers or beckons is punished. Move!"
He shouted from his stead; ordering his troops around. It almost came naturally. The demonic, apolocolyptic grin returned to his face; the blue flame relit in his heart. The world was fucked now. One demon was enough, but now another beneath Lu Xiang. |
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Post by Xiang Yu on Aug 16, 2010 20:07:15 GMT
Xiang Yu stood and watched as Lu Xiang issued order after order to the newly acquired men. It was a talent he had, to lead, to dominate – but although the story had unfolded, Xiang Yu still felt a pang of fear gripping his chest. It was strange, something sharp and un wanting, something he merely coped with whilst his own ideology sprawled out of control. He would swallow it, embrace it – or simply ignore it, for years later, he would realise it was his own way of saying goodbye to humanity.
He turned when he could hear the approach of soldiers, and knew it was the governor’s small unit that had arrived. He listened closely, hearing the sounds of men in armour and swords already drawn. He had no idea what had happened elsewhere, but time was of the essence. He had to move.
He ran straight to the alleyway, moving past a stack of ramshackle huts and cabins before darting due north to the Inn. He would arrive, merely seconds before the governor turned onto the great road. He would be furious no doubt, and Xiang Yu only had a few seconds before initiating his plan.
“Now!”
He cried the word, and suddenly 5 of his royal guards jumped from their seats within the diner, their blades drawn. He watched them kill the residents of the inn, their cries echoing as their blades drove to their sweet embrace. The smell of the damned was sweet tonight, and he bathed in it before he drew his own small sword.
“Forgive me.”
He smiled to his men, who gasped and charged. It would be an unholy sight, but one that the governor would fall for.
The first guard charged him, brining the sword up to thrust. It was repelled, and Xiang Yu swiftly altered his footing to drive his second sword into the man’s abdomen. Another charged, and Xiang yu was pushed back by three steps before dropping to his left knee and ramming the sword high. It landed, and another guard fell to his bloody knees.
The governor was watching now, face distorted in anger, no...hatred. Qian could not witness the deeds before him, all he knew was that an imperial inspector was being attacked – and during it, he watched...slowly accepting his ill fate.
It would not do, and Xiang Yu knew the man would scream. He did, and the three remaining ‘attackers’ turned their eyes to the governor. They shrieked and charged, but Xiang Yu was able to ram his blade into one and dive into the other. An imperial guard of Tao Qians’s was able to kill the third.
“What...is this madness.”
Tao Qian gawked at Xiang Yu, who in a fit of rage hurled a table over and darted for the governor. He did not attack the man, only spit angrily in his face, “How could you let this happen!”
The governor bowed, in panic. He had nearly witnessed an inspector die, and any thoughts of the rich estate had now long gone from the old man’s mind.
“I am leaving this place, and you should be grateful you were a sufficient distraction to those...FOOLS, otherwise we’d both BE DEAD.”
He stormed off, leaving the governor to cower in what were the remains of the inn. Silently, Xiang Yu walked with the biggest grin on his face. Success, he thought, and turned south to meet up with Lu Xiang.
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Lu Xiang
Leader
The Eagle of the North
Posts: 3,658
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Post by Lu Xiang on Aug 16, 2010 20:57:52 GMT
"The air itself is a final breath."
Lu Xiang whispered, clutching the reigns as he lead the small caravan now out of the city. Many other volunteers taking up arms and leaving to join him at the sight of his strong force. Obviously they didn't understand his ideals or were too dim or too young to understand. He welcomed it; anyone willing to assist would be granted a passport into a better life.
Then the man appeared again, with a huge grin upon his face. Lu Xiang didn't question it but welcome him back with a heart pulse of death between them. A hug of lacerated souls, a formal greating of severed tongues before riding alongside him.
"You never dropped your name.. or is it obsolete?"
He asked, a new land - a new life. They could be anyone and anything they wanted and anyone who told them different...then there was always death for them. He laughed, pointing the drivers in the right direction towards the malefice construct.
He already had great plans for the place, first a gathering. He needed to extent his relations. Even the most powerful require enemies; fuel for his conquering. He would turn to the enemies of his enemy. The smaller factions, bandits, tribemens - people lower in status then him but easily bribed and manipulated. He would appoint the leaders with decent rewards and titles, obviously they were nothing but Lu Xiang would rather see them removed for his own gain.He would gather forces at his citadel, summoning all men of race, background willing to serve before marching. Cowards, crooks, evil men, foreigners. Untamed beasts. His forces would be a force to be reckoned with.
The citadel itself was little more then a pile of tools; materials and a fissure at the moment. There was a small building to the side to hold the current party but work would be sped up with the arrival of the newcomers. He had big plans for the place, a giant moat - scattered with corpses and flesh with giant fearsome statues of demons. Along the stone bridge would be walls and huge spires, it would be a place for evil to truly lurk. Shadows in every corner but always an overseeing eye.. watching.
Guard patrols scattered all over the place, huge barracks, work shops, training grounds, blacksmiths, stables as well as housing for the more elite and well respected of the community. Inside the main citadel would be the royal quarters, a necromancers tower, a prison for the enemies of Lu Xiang and the war room. It would be the single-most work needed for a single fortress, acting as a city until they could leech some income from other people. |
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Post by Xiang Yu on Aug 16, 2010 21:26:24 GMT
Xiang Yu left the city through the south gate and moved east. The city had crumbled during his stay, and when no word returned of the inspection the governor would undoubtedly be thrown into another crazed state, only this time – the elderly mans wrath will be targeting the forces of evil and not his own people. It was funny, looking back, just how easily the whole plan seemed to work. But all of his plans worked in a similar fashion, and he would spare no extra time thinking about it now. He sought Lu Xiang, who was nearing the citadel with every second wasted.
He hurried, past the shrub and bush and through the in-dent of the trails left behind. He could see the rear of the extended caravan peak from beyond a small patch of trees and ran up through the ditch, forging his own way through the greenery to reach who he assumed was his new master or...friend.
He left the trees in time, and caught a glimpse of Lu Xiang staring at him. It was strange, but the pang of fear had ceased, and all that remained was silence. It was finally over.
The two continued most of the way in silence. Lu Xiang was dreaming of his city, and the way he hand clenched the reins he could understand why. The dream was big, and for a moment Xiang Yu was pleased by such wild inspirations. Then he spoke, his dark eyes looking down on him, stripping him of his mystery.
“My name?” Xiang asked, almost mockingly, “Why I am Xiang Yu my lord.”
He laughed, turning behind him to see if the boy was around. He wasn’t.
“It is true. I am a former minister, but thankfully for the Han I was dismissed. They didn’t appreciate my...ethics and now I can see why. The shadows of darkness are a blight to the Hans’s heavenly legacy.”
He looked ahead, and paused long enough to draw the citadel within his mind. He had not yet seen the fort, but he could see a necromancer’s tower within his mind, and when the foundations peaked over the grassy hill he smiled. He was right.
“I was drawn into action.” He started gently, keeping his tone in balance with the march. “I had a dream of a tower, and then upon it stood a dark, black warrior. I could see him then, he was a shroud, a mystery even for me.”
He looked up at Lu Xiang, and then nodded, “That man was later revealed as you, Lu Xiang. Though you are a man of brutal force and energy. I am a man of warped webs and master design. I believe it is fated we meet, for the world is an ugly place right now.”
He paused for a moment, and forced his own platoon to slit from the caravan and form their own orderly lines, “I lost 5 men in exchange for slaves, riches and a new home. I think it was a worthy trade, do you not?”
He smiled again, though his face was shrouded by the shadows of his own hood.
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