So, his old friend was finally making a move. Was Cao Cao an idiot? Yuan Shao easily outnumbered the Hero Of Chaos.. but thinking wasn’t always Cao Cao’s strongest asset, if he even had any. Few people were able to break Yuan Shao’s cocky demeanor, and Cao Cao was sadly one of them.. He assembled his best officers, and made some quick.. un-easy alliances with people unfitting his nobility. Sometimes though, you needed to make decisions like these; every good leader knew this.

After calling all of his best officers forward and assembling them in a line before his throne, Yuan Shao gazed down at them. They stood neatly, in a single-file line. Lu Bu, Diao Chan, Zhang He, Zhen Ji, Zhuge Dan, and Cai Wenji. Four of these ‘warriors’ did not seem like warriors what so ever. If nothing else, he could use them as a distraction- then swoop in behind or something brilliant like that. He cast his honey gaze towards the row. “You will all do exactly what I say. This battle is not a test of might, or a code of honor. You will win, for me! Do everything in your power to bring my glorious name victory, is that clear?!”

His voice was a thunderous boom in this large, ornate, currently empty room. Slowly, tiredly.. Yuan Shao slid from his throne, crossing his arms behind his back while walking the length of the warriors before him. He stopped at Lu Bu. “There will be no stabbing me in the back…” He stepped forward, glancing at Diao Chan. “No distractions…” Once again, he moved, this time glaring towards Zhang He and Zhen Ji. “Nothing flashy….” His legs moved quick, nervous pattering forward. “No whimpering.” He said towards the dog of the Zhuge family. Finally, he cast a dismissive glance towards Cai Wenji. “And finally no poetry until I win.. and I expect a song or a prose to be written about the glorious Yuan family, understood?!”

Now it was time to send people into groups. He needed three groups of two. “Diao Chan and Cai Wenji, I want you both to attack on the left side. Zhuge Dan and Lu Bu, take the center; drive your forces directly forward and get to Cao Cao as quickly as possible. Zhang He and Zhen Ji, you go around and swoop around the right side. Time is wasting, GO!”

He ended, waving his finger, decorated in elaborate rings, towards the door hurriedly.

[Not sure about posting order. Perhaps.. Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Lu Bu, Guo Jia, Diao Chan, Xiahou Yuan, Zhang He, Sun Ce, Zhuge Dan, Zhen Ji, Guan Yu, Cai Wenji?] 

Out-numbered, perhaps, but prepared nonetheless. Strength was not necessarily always in numbers, but with the quality of one’s troops. With a good strategy from a brilliant mind—which he most definitely had—Cao Cao was confident in himself and in his troops. He had nothing to worry about; Guo Jia’s insight calmed the furious beating of the commander’s heart. Although Cao Cao was still cautious of his foe, he put his utmost faith and trust in his strategist.

Standing on higher ground, Cao Cao gazed over the distant Yellow River; calculating eyes examining the dark battlefield before him. Far away flames flickered more brightly as the sun had nearly set, which meant that it was about time to set out. Closing his dark eyes, Cao Cao turned away from the field of battle and descended towards his main camp with mind clear and his heart strong.

Despite his absence, the encampment was eerily quiet. Soldiers were standing in their respective units, backs straight, feet together with their weapons at the ready. Only the crackling of the fire filled the still, night air, and soon the crunching of the dirt beneath his heels. He moved swiftly, though his expression was stern and calm as he positioned himself next to his waiting allies, though it was to the orderly sea of indigo and crimson that his voice boomed loud and clear:

“We are gathered here today for the safety of our Emperor,” he addressed them, eyes scanning the prepared squadrons before him. Thousands of fearless eyes were fixed upon his figure, awaiting a single command. “Yuan Shao is a threat to his authority, and to that of China. He must be pushed back, if not eliminated.”

“We are outnumbered, but you are not without skill. Obey your commander and execute the strategies presented to you and we will emerge victorious. Rest assured, you will return to your homes as the brave and courageous men you are. Your families will be safe with this victory.” With this, his eyes shifted away from the companies before him and scanned over his by-standing allies. They stood together for a single goal—peace—and that goal could not be achieves with Yuan Shao blockading the way with his selfish aspirations.

“Take to arms, men! Succeed in this battle and bring victory to our Emperor!” With a commanding hand sweeping decisively up into the air, Cao Cao called out with a final, statement, dismissing them to claim victory in the battle at Guandu.

“I want the enemy main camp before sunrise!”

( ooc;; Keeping the order at the bottom for reference before we split into groups: Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Lu Bu, Guo Jia, Diao Chan, Xiahou Yuan, Zhang He, Sun Ce, Zhuge Dan, Zhen Ji, Guan Yu, Cai Wenji.

Sun Ce and Guo Jia, decide who you want to confront, though I think Guan Yu should obviously be the one to confront Lu Bu. )

So far we have 

On Yuan Shao’s side:
Diao Chan
Zhang He
Lu Bu
Zhuge Dan
Zhen Ji
Cai Wenji

Cao Cao’s side:
Guo Jia
Xiahou Yuan
Sun Ce
Zhou Tai will puppet Guan Yu


If anyone else wants to join, please let me know! And let me know your side!

And all your officers are belong to me.

[/trollface]

He stood over a rather large field, watching as men sparred left and right, simply as a part of their training.  As he observed them, he felt satisfied; these men he had raised since day one of their gathering had never looked better.  One day, surely, they will be able to showcase their immense growth on the actual battlefield.

Just then a messenger approached from behind and called out to Jian.  He turned to answer his call and glanced at the lowered head of the younger lad.  ”My lord,” he began, “there is one who requests an audience with you.”

Jian arched a brow.  Someone was here to see him?  Unexpected, indeed. “Very well, lad.  And who may this one be?”  he asked, curious.  The boy kept his head down as he answered. “Lord Cao Cao, mi’ lord.”  Jian rubbed his stubbled chin as he recalled the memory of this lord.  Yes, the name was indeed familiar to him as he has heard it a handful of times during his days serving under Yuan Shu.

But what could this lord of the north possibly want with one such as himself? Jian dismissed the messenger, but not before requesting another favor.  ”Call my son, Ce, out as well.  Tell him that I would like for him to meet Lord Cao Cao.”

With that, Jian left the training grounds and immediately headed towards the building where Cao Cao awaited his arrival.  Perhaps I should change into a more presentable outfit, he thought.  But to get out his light armor and into a more casual outfit would take time. Time that he did not want to keep any of his guests waiting.

Alas, he entered the large room as another messenger announced his arrival to the waiting lord.  It was not at all hard to find Cao Cao as the color of his clothing greatly contrasted with the palette of his surroundings.  ”Cao Cao!” Jian greeted, calling out to the other.  ”A surprise it is to see you.”  He gestured to the chair behind the man.  ”Do have a seat and make yourself comfortable.”  Jian still had not an ounce of an idea what the lord could possibly be here for, but he figured once they were all comfortable, he would surely let Jian know.

Ce hadn’t given much thought to the sudden commotion that had erupted throughout home; he had been busy trying to stave off a round of boredom. He had gotten so bored he had even considered finding Zhou Yu and asking him what the hell was that whole deal on poetry or classics. Whatever. He had settled on deciding to find Zhou Tai and see if he wanted to have a drink or two—Zhou Tai wouldn’t mind his company—but a boy almost falling over into his room derailed that plan.

“What’s the hurry?” Ce asked, raising an eyebrow.

“My lord! Your father, lord Sun Jian would like you to go him!” the boy replied hurriedly, bowing.

“What would my old man want?” Ce wondered this time and on point the young boy answered again.

“He would like you to meet Lord Cao Cao!”

Now that caught his interest. Why would Cao Cao be all the way over here? What could he want with his old man? Not needing to ask anymore question he gave his thanks to the boy and quickly made his way toward his father. That boy certainly wasn’t lying; Cao Cao was indeed here in their home.

“You wanted to see me, old man?” Ce finally said.

As the Tiger of Jiang Dong had offered him a seat—to which Cao Cao bowed his head politely to—he chose to do otherwise. Shifting a hand to raise his palm defensively, the revered general declined Sun Jian’s offer, partially because he didn’t intend to stay long; however simple pleasantries were unneeded, especially when the conversation dealt with an on-coming war. If Sun Jian was not going to join—let alone take his side as he aimed to do, then he could not waste his time failed preparations.

“I will not keep you long,” he mentioned immediately, giving an excuse as to why he did not seat himself. Cao Cao was not a patient man. If he wanted something, he’d strive for it, not wait until it fell into his lap. He would work for what he wanted, and he would do so for as long as his health and overall lifespan permitted. “I came to ask—” He began, however the abrupt appearance of a particular tiger was rather unexpected… Though it did pique his interest and shift his thoughts. The Little Conqueror… His title said it all. If Jian was unwilling, then surely his son would attempt to sway him otherwise. “Ah, the son of the Tiger.” He stated simply with Sun Ce’s arrival, a small, uncharacteristic smile briefly gracing Cao Cao’s lips. He, however, averted his attention thereafter to look back to Sun Jian. “A tiger he may be. I see he is worthy of such a title.”

“However, I would like to ask for your assistance.” His arms came to shift behind him; fingers lacing together against his lower back as his eyes bronze eyes closed briefly. “As subjects loyal to the Han and the emperor, I wish to assure his safety.” A momentary lapse of silence followed thereafter; eyes snapping open abruptly to scan his surroundings and the men before him.

“I’m well prepared—however, I’m certain the Yuan family is as well.” He confirmed, nodding his head before continuing, “I wish to secure Hebei, again, to assure the Emperor Xian’s safety. The capital has already been relocated to Xu for his own protection. Without the threat of Yuan Shao pressing south, I’m quite certain he will be able to rest soundly.”

Old friends fighting… What a pity. Was it really necessary?

Well, yes. It was, actually.

Yuan Shao controlled the Hebei region; just north of Cao Cao’s claimed territory over the Yellow River. For quite some time, both warlords stood in the way of the other’s ambition and ultimately stagnated progress. Whatever  superficial friendship they had in the past was vanishing, and now that Yuan Shao’s desires were in the way of his own, Cao Cao needed to cut him down. With Emperor Xian under his protection, that amongst many other things was made possible. 

Unfortunately for Cao Cao, however, his forces were… Well, not up to par with Yuan Shao’s massive army. He was confident regardless, but he wasn’t stupid. An extra pair of capable hands would do him no harm; in fact, he welcomed them at this point, just so long as they could be trusted. There was no greater insult than to be betrayed in such a way, especially when the demand for manpower was so crucial for his success. Although Cao Cao currently had the upper hand with most of the territory to the south of Yuan Shao, as mentioned, he was lacking in number. Thus, he traveled south for assistance… If he’d be graced with it, of course.

Approaching the gates of Jiangdong, Cao Cao dismounted his stallion and jumped to the ground. The small unit he approached the city with stayed behind, though he remained safe with the few trained soldiers in indigo garments trailing behind. Unfortunately, one of the very few men he trusted whole-heartedly needed to remain behind, and so Cao Cao’s very life was put in the hands of more common soldiers… Well trained common soldiers, mind you.  Regardless, it was for times like these that he realized the need for bodyguards. He’d have to hire some in the near future.

Stepping forth into the Wu capital, the dark eyes of the ambitious warlord immediately headed for the central building; ascending steps lined with armoured soldiers holding dozens of waving crimson banners. He did not dawdle, nor did he once pause to in his quest to seek an audience with Sun Jian. He had a mission to complete within a very limited time frame. He could not afford to waste any time.

Once at the peak of the stone-carved staircase, he paused before two sentinels. With protected heads and hidden faces turned and staring down upon him, Cao Cao lifted his head and spoke aloud. They desired a reason to allow him to proceed any further, and that he’d give them. Guarding spears were lifted and allowing his entrance into a structure dressed in loud-coloured silks and golden ornate fixtures; all of which contrasted his much darker, conservative state of dress. He was starkly out of place; a man so cold in such a warm, welcoming environment.

“My lord!” shouted a scrambling soldier, armor clanking against itself loudly and sudden sunlight harsh against Yuan Shao’s eyes. A flicker of anger was seen in his eyes, replaced immediately by casual carelessness. At the moment, Yuan Shao was seated atop a royal throne, strands of golden silk adorning bright emeralds and other jewels. A group dressed in yellow sat before him, discussing tactics on how to being even more glory to his family name; and conquer the land. 

“Yes yes! Be quick, will you!?” Yuan Shao spat, pale hand flicking outwards to lash an incriminating index finger towards the frantic messenger.  

“C-Cao Cao has returned! In fact, a messenger dressed in blue just spoke with me. Cao Cao is requesting your audience. He’s outside our gate! My lord, what should I do!?”

Silence. It was absolutely powerful. Cao Cao.. he was the only one that could ever make Yuan Shao’s blood boil lik this. Thin lips curled into a distressed snarl. At last, Yuan Shao spoke. “Grant him what he wishes, bring him directly into this tent.”

The man sped off, and Yuan Shao returned his gaze to the gaping strategists and sons of his. “What!? Be gone with all of you as well!” 

In unison, the group nodded and bowed, then left Yuan Shao by his lonesome self.

And outside the gates to the encampment he was. Strewn with silken indigo threads lined in gold trimmings and defensive plates of armour, Cao Cao sat calmly upon Shadow Runner’s back. Without physically viewing the face of the noble Yuan, he could estimate how the conversation went and he could choose only one of two outcomes; Cao Cao was either turned away or accepted into Yuan Shao’s presence. Of course, he’d be a fool to turn him away at such a crucial point in time. Dong Zhuo’s fervent tyranny needed to come to an end and quickly. If Yuan Shao was to deny his company due to past misunderstandings and pride like the peacock he was, then Cao Cao was certain to make his grave mistake as publically humiliating as possible.

Luckily for Yuan Shao, however, his presence was accepted.

As the canary-clad messenger came running back out, he fell to a knee before the valiant black steed, lowered his head and pushed one of his fists into the palm of his hand respectfully. Relaying the positive news, a triumphant smirk splayed across Mengde’s lips.

His right foot slid out of the stirrup and swung over the back of the horse allowing him to successfully dismount with the reins still in his hands. Passing them off to one of his standby units, Cao Cao moved around the crouched herald and proceeded towards Yuan Shao’s tent. The guards before it stepped back and straightened up, though without a second’s delay, Cao Cao’s skilled hand lifted above his own head to push the flap out of the way to move into the tent. Ah, what a change of atmosphere. If the noble’s super-inflated ego wasn’t felt from the gate already—which it most definitely was—then it hit him in the face the moment he stepped into the tent. A throne specifically crafted for his royal behind on the battlefield. How like him.

“Old friend,” he greeted as his feet halted. For politeness’ sake, Mengde bent at the waist in a shallow bow, however there was a certain amount of mockery and cynicism in his voice with his initial greeting.  “By now I’m sure you’re aware of the oppression at hand. Something must be done.”