Year of 197, a outside the Fortress of Xiapi
Cold winds of winter blew across the land, as snow drifted atop the formerly grassy path and blanketing the stains of red from a battle long since passed. Hundreds of men, garbed in blue and black armor, lay dead upon the ground, felled by blade or arrow, scattered apart in a morbid scene. The only life that walked amongst the corpses were crows ready to feast… and a menace in a mask. Mister Mayhem materialized in a puff of purple smoke, dusting himself off and examining the aftermath of the battle before him.
“Ah, Era of the Three Kingdoms…” Mayhem said, taking in the cold atmosphere. “The second bloodiest period in human history.” He inhaled deeply through his nonexistent nostrils, smelling the aroma of death around him. “Smells like ambition, aggression, and pointless conflict.” He turned his head to the sound of faint clanging metal at a nearby stone fortress off in the distance, dredged deep in water from a nearby broken dam. “Looks like I’m about ready to watch the final act of the show.” With a bounding skip, Mayhem leapt into the air and positioned himself atop a tall tree, getting a full view of the ongoing battle within the walls of the fortress stronghold of Xiapi. The walls within were flooded open, men grabbed in blue were pushing into the black garbed soldiers that fortified the city, felling many by the minute. Mayhem could see a man wearing a purple bandana cutting through dozens of men with a chain-scythe while being backed by a larger man swinging a massive club like it was nothing. Further in, he could see a young man wielding two swords and… freezing people solid with ice? Clearly, Mayhem had stumbled upon a goldmine. However, Mayhem’s real attention was at the center of the fortress, where several men in blue were gathered, and two imposing figures in black were brought before them. One of the men sat on his knees, adorned in black armor and sporting a tricorn hat with a large red plume sprouting out, looking calm yet defeated. The other man, an even larger menace in black armor wearing a small hat that displayed two long twin red feathers that drifted down to his waist, struggling against his captors like an animal in chains, with several blades pointed at his neck. That was the man Mayhem wanted. Lu Bu.
The man in chains struggled greatly against his binds, glaring at the soldiers who dare restrain him. “Loosen these ropes!” He bellowed, his voice deep and harsh with the ferocity of a dragon. One of the blue garbed men, an intimidating man sporting an eyepatch over his left eye, simply shoved the massive man forward.
“Hmph, they’re just right for a wild animal.” The man in the eyepatch scoffed. The kneeling man in the tricorn hat didn’t even turn to address his comrade in binds, simply keeping his eyes shut as the blades pointed at his neck, while the larger man was forced onto the ground before two men while eight blades gathered around his neck. One was a cunning-looking man with a pointed black beard and donning a purple bandana covering his hair, a chain scythe looped to his belt. He was Jia Xu, one of the smartest tacticians in the Three Kingdoms. And the other was an imposing man, sitting in a wooden chair, wearing a regal blue and purple garb, a small crown atop his head and a purple cape of an intricately designed bird flowing freely on his back. He was Cao Cao, a prominent general of the Kingdom of Wei with a heart strongly set in his ambitions. But now, he would serve as a judge for the two men.
“Xiahou Dun,” Cao Cao said, beckoning the eyepatch-wearing warrior to his side. “Fine work.” Xiahou Dun gave a short bow, taking his place by his lord’s side.
“Cao Cao!” Lu Bu called out. “I hear you make use of talented enemies.” Jia Xu turned to his lord, shrugging his shoulders in almost mocking tone. The warrior’s words were true, as reputation had passed to Cao Cao for being one to sense proper ambition and talent within his foes and inducting them into his ranks. His own personal bodyguards and the strategist were prime examples of such a case. “Then use me! The world will be yours!” Xiahou Dun stepped in front of Lu Bu, the blade of his sword mere inches away from the massive warrior’s neck. Such a cowardly act to demand alliance from your victor was not something Dun would tolerate, especially from the man with the blood of thousands on his hands.
“Show some dignity, Lu Bu.” The tricorn hat soldier said, his expression remaining neutral in the face of judgement. “Die like a man of courage and integrity.” Lu Bu turned to his former ally, the mighty twin axes Zhang Liao. His longtime ally in battle, whom he had fought for under the banner of Dong Zhuo, of Yuan Shao, and of himself, was questioning his dignity and power? How dare he?! Cao Cao glanced between the two warriors, the general heeding the words of the two warriors very carefully. The decision was painstakingly obvious, of who had true ambition to strive.
“Kill Lu Bu.” Cao Cao decreed, not even daring to look him in the eye. Lu Bu rose to his feet, growling and tugging at his chains.
“Cao Cao! Curse you!” Lu Bu roared, ready to tear the man apart with his own two hands, only to be dragged away by the soldiers of Wei. “Why?!” As Lu Bu was dragged off to his death, he overheard the words Cao Cao called him whilst discussing their battles with a fellow general. That animal, a beast, a monster. Was that what the Kingdoms viewed him? No, Lu Bu was a warrior, an ultimate weapon capable of shaping nations with the mere swing of his blade! To even greater disgust, Lu Bu saw his own ally, Zhang Liao, rise to his feet, with Cao Cao’s blessing as a new soldier to his cause! How was that possible? Lu Bu was the greater warrior! He who slew thousands of men a day by himself, with naught but a bundle of spears and a man to carry them! His mighty steed, Red Hare, ran through enemy lines atop the skulls of his foes, while Lu Bu himself slaughtered men by the score with one swing of his halberd! He who slew the tyrant warlord Dong Zhuo, the man who burn Loyang to the ground out of spite and cowardice, with but a simple blade! And yet it was his subordinate, who willingly prostrated himself for death and was a lesser to his own strength, that was given a chance to live and fight another day?!
“Stay yourself, beast!” A soldier shouted, tugging tightly on Lu Bu’s ropes. “You shall face the judgement of the spirits in a fortnight!” Lu Bu continued to struggle, to regain his freedom and draw a blade yet again, but it was hopeless. He was dragged back to the Wei Camp, placed in several chains and bindings, and was left heavily guarded in a tent by himself, with not even so much as a meat bun to nibble off of. Lu Bu stared at the walls of his tent in contemplation, having long since given up trying to break free of his chains.
Is this how I meet my fate? Lu Bu silently thought himself. At the hands of some damn executioner and not on the field of battle as a warrior of my might always dreamed? He sighed, lowering his head in resignation. Thoughts of battles past ran through his mind, each one of him riding atop his blazing steed into battle, halberd in hand, facing against weak vermin and equally strong foes alike. He recalled first seeing Cao Cao in the castle, how he referred to the soon-to-be general as ‘the fleeing rat’. He remembered his defense at Hulao Gate, where he clashed blades against the legendary Guan Yu himself, the only battle he recalled to have actually been a stalemate. Shame he would never be able to settle that battle any time soon. He remembered chasing after Xiahou Dun and his cousin, Xiahou Yuan, in an attempt to take the Emperor of China under his protection. All the power a warrior like him could command by having the Emperor on his thumb was worth the risk, but ultimately ended in failure. He thought back to the day’s events, while his armies fought back the combined forces of Cao Cao and Liu Bei from taking Xiapi, only to have that damned strategist Jia Xu breach the dams and flood the castle, freezing his soldiers and forcing the mighty warrior to take the field himself. Finally, his thoughts drifted to not war, but something more dear to him. A love… Diaochan.
“Diaochan…” Lu Bu muttered. The former concubine of his adoptive uncle, Dong Zhuo, was the only thing aside from battle Lu Bu truly yearned for. Diaochan was caring, she was considerate, she helped him dispose of Dong Zhuo, she was a skilled fighter with her deadly whip… He loved her… And now they would never see each other again. If Lu Bu had any regrets in his life… It would be not telling Diaochan goodbye. A faint conversation could be heard outside, as a third shadow appeared to be standing before the tent. Lu Bu couldn’t make out the words, but it seemed calm enough. The doors to the tent parted, and a face entered that Lu Bu could be more than less than pleased with: Zhang Liao.
“Come to gawk at the beast in the cage, Zhang Liao?” Lu Bu grunted, not even daring to look his captor in the eye. “Or have you come to give another lecture about honor and dignity in the face of battle?” No response from his former general. “Well, I do not care anymore. I have been bested in battle, and now I face the headsman’s judgement. I have no qualms about battles or the blood I have shed, but know this,” He lifted his head up and glared at Zhang Liao. “I will be remembered as the greatest warrior in the Three Kingdoms, and nothing will change that.”
“Jeez, how hammy could you get, Bu?” Zhang Liao said, in a voice very unlike his own. Lu Bu snapped to attention, noticing that Liao’s face had drastically changed, sporting a manic smile that was clearly not natural. “I mean, you’re acting all holier than thou when even you are aware all that you’ve got going for you is you like killing things.” Lu Bu was flabbergasted, this Liao impostor, his mannerisms and speech were unusual, and the fact he wore the skin of Liao was even more unnerving. The impostor must have realized, sporting a teasing pout. “You look confused. Maybe this’ll help shed some light.” The impostor removed his tricorn hat, only to have an even larger high-silk hat sprout out from beneath. Right before Lu Bu’s eyes, the impostor’s body began to be consumed by a cloud of purple smoke, obscuring the figure in a thick shadowy haze. In an instant, the smoke cleared, and in the impostor’s place was a tall, lanky figure with no discernable physical body, dressed in unusually colorful clothes, and sporting a haunting mask with a red nose and wide smile. The masked being leaned towards Lu Bu, the warrior staring eyes agape at this freakish creature. “Like the costume change?”
“What manner of creature are you?” Lu Bu demanded. The masked being placed a gloved finger on the chained warrior’s forehead.
“One that’s offering you a second chance.” The masked being said, his voice both chilling, yet oddly soothing at the same time. “POOF!” A bright light engulfed Lu Bu’s vision, blinding the warrior as he felt himself lifted from the ground. In a mere instant, Lu Bu’s vision returned, and he found that the scenery had changed drastically. No longer was he inside a frigid tent at a military camp, now he stood in a forest filled with cherry blossom trees, a babbling brook echoing in the area. What’s more, Lu Bu found his binds were missing!
“What sorcery?” Lu Bu muttered, examining the landscape all around.
“I figured the change in scenery for our meeting would be much more suiting than that drab tent.” The masked one said from behind, startling Lu Bu. “Wow, didn’t expect you to be a jumper, Bu.” He gestured to a nearby stone table occupied by a wicker basket and stools cushioned with red pillows, walking over and sitting himself down. “Come, take a seat.” Lu Bu warily glanced at the table, ultimately conceding and resting himself on the opposite stool. The masked one chuckled a bit, reaching into the wicker basket and pulling out two empty bowls, placing one before him and before Lu Bu. Before Lu Bu could ask any questions, the masked one cracked his knuckles loudly, shooting a pair of small lightning bolts into the bowls, with meat buns miraculously appearing within. “Here, have something to eat. No good to make deals on an empty stomach.” Lu Bu stared at his bowl in awe, even more so when he looked up and saw the mouth of the mask opening up and consuming the meat bun, even though the creature’s body could not be seen.
“You must be a spirit.” Lu Bu declared. “How else would you be able to perform such sorceries with ease?” The masked one laughed, putting down his food and rising from his seat.
“You are more clever than most let on, Fengxian.” The spirit said, referring to Lu Bu’s other name. “My name is Hun Luan, I am a spirit of Change and Chance. I find myself redirecting the spiritual flow of mortal rivers, hoping to influence them to actions better or worse.” Hun Luan flicked his wrist, a fully bloomed rose appearing between his figures. “Lately, I’ve been on a bit of a crusade to find suitable ones in aiding me in a quest to redirect the fates of others.”
“And you chose me?” Lu Bu asked, skeptically. “I am a warrior, spirit. I seek only to better my steel in battle, not better others.” Hun Luan chuckled, tossing the rose aside while it burst into flames midair.
“Precisely why I chose you, Lu Bu.” Hun Luan said. He reached behind his back and pulled out a small wooden box, reaching inside. “Care to play a game?” He produced a small stack of cards. “Gin Rummy?” He tossed the cards aside, pulling out a bundle of wooden figures. “Chess?” He stuffed the pieces in his pocket, now holding metal spikes and a rubber ball. “Jacks?” He tossed the spikes and ball aside, finally producing a large wooden board designed with a multi-colored star. “Not-intentionally-insensitive Checkers?” Annoyed with the spirit’s actions, Lu Bu lunged forward and swatted the board out of Hun Luan’s hands. “Not a board game fan?”
“I grow tired of your antics, spirit!” Lu Bu demanded. “Tell me why you summoned me from my imprisonment!” Finally getting to business, Hun Luan chuckled, leaning on the table and folding his fingers.
“You may not consider yourself a teacher, Lu Bu,” Hun Luan coldly said. “But you are the greatest instructor to those who know nothing of war.” A plume of purple mist shot from Hun Luan’s sleeve, the mist taking shape of figures fighting in battle, and amongst them a red eyed Lu Bu. “Your prowess in battle is like watching a teacher lecture his students on how to succeed by showing them what failure is. You cut through unworthy soldiers with tenacity and force, thinning the enemy army with but the simple strength of one man. You slaughter men by the dozens, teaching those foolish enough to cross your path what true power is. You left a bloody stain on China so great, everyone knows to never pursue you in armed conflict.” Hun Luan waved the smoke away, while Lu Bu looked on with an awe-struck expression. “Which is why you are perfect for this.”
“You speak of my actions,” Lu Bu said in amazement. “Yet you do not explain the duty itself.” Hun Luan tossed another plume of mist, molding it into a spherical form.
“There is a realm that I have seen,” Hun Luan said as his fingers molded the mist. “One far away and vastly different than the world you know. A world known for its practices of peace, where six aspects of harmony are a constant: Honesty,” The mist turned a bright orange, a scent of apples seemed oddly noticeable. “Kindness,” It became a faint pink, almost forming in the shape of a butterfly. “Generosity,” It turned a shadow of deep blue, and seemed to glisten like a diamond. “Laughter,” It became a bright blue, carrying an aura of happiness with it. “Loyalty,” It glowed a hot red, Lu Bu could’ve sworn he saw rainbows circling it briefly. “And the most potent of all…” It turned a solid shade of purple, forming into the shape of a six-pointed star. “The Magic of Friendship.” The mist dispersed, while Lu Bu looked on in confusion.
“The Magic of Friendship?” He asked, confused and irritated. “What idiocy is this? Childish dreams, I say.” Hun Luan nodded solemnly, almost saddened.
“An entire realm is succumbed to this naiveté,” Hun Luan said. “A blind belief that warm feelings and friendship can overcome any obstacle. This will ultimately be their downfall.” The masked spirit held both his hands up, two balls of mist forming in his hand, one white and pure as snow, the other black and harsh as coal. “A darkness will befall this realm, unlike any they have seen before, and their harmony will be powerless to stop it.” He slammed his hands together, molding the two into a grey orb, presenting it before Lu Bu. “Unless a proper warrior teaches them.” The grey orb stretched itself on two ends, taking the shape of a long object that seemed heavier on one end. The mist cleared away, and resting in Hun Luan’s hand was a long halberd black as night, trimmed with gold and lined with red. Lu Bu recognized the weapon anywhere, for it was his own. “Take up arms and teach this world the ways of war. Earn the chance Cao Cao never gave you.” Lu Bu looked at his blade and the spirit that held it, contemplating the words and quest presented before him. He’d be able to fight once more, but do so in an unknown realm filled with opponents who knew nothing of war.
“If I agree and take up arms again,” Lu Bu said, looking the spirit in the eye. “What becomes of me?”
“You will travel to the realm of harmony while a duplicate takes your place on the noose.” Hun Luan said.
“And if I refuse?” Lu Bu continued.
“You don’t.” The spirit made a valid point, but this was off. Something within Lu Bu’s mind didn’t sit right with this spirit. “Consider it… a challenge of sorts…” Lu Bu’s eyes widened while Hun Luan inwardly smirked. A challenge was the perfect thing to tide the warrior’s interest, the one thing he truly craved for in life. It was decided. Lu Bu reached forward and took his halberd in hand.
“I accept your challenge, spirit.” Lu Bu said, a look of sheer determination ever present on his face. Hun Luan laughed loudly, flipping in the air as cherry blossoms danced all around him. The spirit settled down, placing a hand on the mighty warrior’s shoulder.
“You go with my blessing, Fengxian.” Hun Luan said. Light consumed Lu Bu, and he was whisked off to complete the challenge set forth, leaving the so-called Spirit of Change and Chance alone in a forest of pink. “Granted, my blessings are more like curses…” Hun Luan raised a hand, snapped his fingers, and the entire forest was set ablaze. “GYAH HAH HA HAH HA HAH HA!!!”