Xia Pi - Recollection

[filipino_dragon21]

Tadakatsu rode hard through the battlelines. The cinese fell in his wake as he thrashed through them with his spear, causing them to fall and falter. Then, a good distance away from where Sanada was, he stopped and dismounted.

"Yukimura Sanada!" Tadakatsu yelled out. "How dare you betray Japan. I challenge you!"

Tadakatsu swung around his spear over his head and brought it forth. Yukimura was on man to toy with, but neither was Tadakatsu.  

[Xx_SpaZ_xX]

Yukimura turned on heel as he heard the challenge ring out through the sound of battle. Tadakatsu Honda...Perhaps the strongest man in all of Japan. It would appear that Yukimura had his work cut out for him, but he ha dbeen looking for someone worthy to battle, and he had surely found it.

Yukimura struck down another samurai as he approached Tadakatsu, thrusting his spear out to point at Tadaktsu. "You have labeled me as a traitor to my own country. But could it be that the Nobunaga and his underlings, the Tokugawa, are just too ambitious?" He asked, a stern look on his face even after the small tant thrown in. "I fight not with ambition, but with honor. The individual does for the many, and the many will do for the individual. This is something Nobunaga could'nt possibly understand, and it will be his downfall! And with him, the Tokugawa will fall as well!" Yukimura shouted, spinning his spear and beginning to charge.

As he approached, he readied his spear, gripping it with both hands as he shouted. "Tadakatsu Honda, I accept your challenge!"  

[Shidobu Cloud]

Guan Yu turned to see Yukimura accept the challenge from the other Japanese officer. He grinned at the zealousness of the crimson clad warrior but didn't have time to butt in and continue the fight alongside his new friend. Xing Cai was in battle with Date and he knew that he needed to press his attack in order to watch over her. He would not interrupt their fight but would be there in case something were to happen.  

[lronik]

(Yo, Fili, what 'bout the Ning fight? Look back if your wondering.)  

[filipino_dragon21]

((Oh, sorry, I didn't notice the post. Sorry about that. sweatdrop ))

====Minamoto====

Before Minamoto could register anything in his mind, he saw a fist flying at his face. Unable to dodge, or block he was forcefully knocked to the ground as he was still off balance from the sudden stop and kick. Minamoto fell on the ground, on his butt with a loud oomph.

"He's to fast for me to use only my No Dachi," Minamoto said to himself. "I was hoping I could save this for the head of someone worth it." He smiled. "Then again, I think this warrior just proved that he was."

Minamoto began to slowly stand up, and at the time slowly drew his katana with his left hand. He twirled the No Dachi in his right hand once he stood and completed the draw with his left. "Now you get to see my own style," he said.

((If you want, you can still run off to go after the "midget" and I will just have Zhou Cang or Guan Xing fight him... or both. Either way, Minamoto is going to lose this battle here.))


====Tadakatsu====

((Yeah, and sorry for not replying as soon as I could Spaz. I wanted to do some research on Tadakatsu because I never played as him on SW, I only knew him by historical concept. But with all the research I did, I found absolutely nothing except the fact that they don't even use his own spear in SW))

Tadakatsu brought his Tonbogiri in front of him. The thought of the blade cutting through the Red Samurai inticed him, it would make this battle worth all the while. Tadakatsu ran forward at Yukimura, and once he got to a good distance, he brought his sword back and swung at Yukimura with a powerful slash.  

[MythicalYoko]

Cai gritted her teeth as Date cracked her fingers with his wooden sword, forcing her to drop her fork. She leapt back, sensing her fingers and hoping that her bones hadn't been cracked. That would cause a definate problem. She should have decided quickly! Now she'd lost her offense and was stuck using her shield. She knew how to use her shield as a weapon as well, but in order to use it effectively without leaving herself open she'd have to get up close to Date. Her fork had been an advantage thanks to its long range, and now she'd lost that.

No time to think- she'd already made that mistake and she wouldn't allow herself to do it again!

'Watch for the sword, remember his speed.' Cai repeated in her mind while she charged forward, holding her shield up. If she could get close enough she would try and bash at either his sword, broken arm, or head. The first two would be the best options for her since they would cause the most damage, especially the arm. Once she was close enough she leaned back, stretching one leg forward and then moving it out to kick him. Or, at least make him think so. Once her leg was moving she swung her shield out, hoping to land a hit on his slinged arm.

Lord Yukimura was engaged in a battle with a man... an incredibly powerful man. Tsukiko's sharpened golden eyes looked on as her master began to fight bravely against his opponent. She could no longer protect him. This battle was his, and his alone. Tsukiko disappeared, moving off through the crowd in order to gather more information. They may be planning a tactic of some sort.

'Is that...? It couldn't be...!' Hanzo Hattori had entered the battle! 'I must protect Master Yukimura from him.' Hanzo Hattori was a stronger ninja than Tsukiko was, but her loyalty to her master could never be broken. If he was in danger, she would put an end to it. She would have to watch him- as carefully as possible.  

[lronik]

Gan Ning flashed a smile as his fist connected solidly with this man's face. That sound kept ringing in his ears and it was absolute music to them. He looked back and noticed the man getting up slowly, and also saw him unsheathing a sword from his belt. "Ah, you want to fight with two weapons, eh? No matter, I'll still beat you." Ning stood a couple of feet away and just looked at the man, like he didn't even matter.  

[Lu Feng Xiaan]

Benkei and Yoshitsune bowed to Musashi as he let them go. Benkei grinned and said, "I wouldn't expect it any other way, Miyamoto, so I will not hesitate to kill you either next time." He picked up his naginata, sheathed his swords, and turned to Yoshitsune. "Shall we head off into battle? It looks like if we head inside the castle we can have a greater effect." Yoshitsune nodded and began descending the staircase. Benkei turned his back on Musashi and began to follow behind Yoshitsune, preparing to head into battle.  

[Shidobu Cloud]

Musashi glanced back and remembered the female warrior who took him into the city and was even lenient when it came to the matter of the thief. She was fighting to keep these invaders out of the city and the least he could do was stop Benkei and Yoshitsune from tipping things in favor of Japan. He slipped a small knife out of his sleeve and quickly threw it at Benkei's waist. The knife missed his armor and went into Benkei's side. It wasn't deep enough to kill him but it would probably stop him from fighting very hard if not completely. "Sorry, there's a debt I had to pay and doing that is the only way I see fit." Musashi grabbed his bag and then leapt off the wall to avoid more confrontation with the duo.

((I didn't auto hit without permission, just so everyone knows))  

[Xx_SpaZ_xX]

Yukimura swung his spear against Tadakatsu's blow, thrusting the weight of his charge into the strike. Their blades clashed and sparked, both weapons now locked. Yukimura clenched his teeth, leaning into the deadlock, giving his all. However, Yukimura knew it would take more to best such a legendary warrior as Tadakatsu, noted by his helmet adorned with antlers and his famed spear, the Tonbogiri.

Yukimura had already begun to break beneah the immense strength of Tadakatsu, gripping his spear tightly and struggling to push against the large man. His strength alone would not, could not win this battle. As always, with smaller frames and less power came just as many advantages as those with large frames and great power. Yukimura would need agility and for this battle, and the will to endure.

With a turn Hanzo's eyes soon spotted a figure darting through the fighting. "Kunoichi." Hanzo whispered to himself, knowing exactly who she was: The loyal ninja of Yukimura Sanada. Hanzo looked about and nodded before running intot he midst of battle to pursue Tsukiko.

The Iga Ninja soon reached her, reaching a hand to his waist swiftly before tossing out a small sack which exploded on impact with the ground, creating a dense smoke to arise and envelope the kunoichi. The smoke was soon followed by a number of screams and cries, men around Tsukiko collapsing to the ground just outside of the shroud of smoke, where Hanzo stood waiting with his kusarigama clutched in-hand.  

[filipino_dragon21]

====Minamoto====

Minamoto went into position. His No Dachi held out to the side and pointed towards the foe, his katana defensive on his body. He had a strong offense and a strong defense with this stance. Minamoto adjusted his weight for this stance, this did not call for the brute strength a normal No Dachi called for, this was a fluent dance of death.

Minamoto reeled back and then charged forward at the pirate Gan Ning, this time faster than before. As he neared Gan Ning, he jumped up swinging first with his Katana, then followed up with his No Dachi.

====Tadakatsu====

Tdakatsu kept the pressure down as the two squared off. This match of strength was going quickly his way, though he also knew that Yukimura was smarter than to let himself fall into such a moment. Tadakatsu adjusted his weight and footing just incase something would happen.

====Guan Xing====

Guan Xing kept up the pressure in the battle fighting enemy soldiers as they came. Often he would find himself surrounded by Ashigaru and Samurai, only to fight his way out and kill most of them. This battle was fierce for both sides. his mucles ached, his heart raced, yet the lust for battle kept him going. He heard of his father's arrival, but that did not stop him from swinging his whirlwind spear to cut down the foe. He was a son of the God of War, the blood of a god flowed through him.

====Zhou Cang====

The walls never fell from where Zhou Cang stood. However, the battering rams took their toll on the gates of the city. It was now a urban fight in many places. Zhou Cang knew something had to be done and quick before the city fell and got too damaged. The untamed fires now raged on and spread, furthering damage. The citizens panicked and soldiers tried to futily shepard them to safety all the while fighting off the Japanese.  

[Lu Feng Xiaan]

Benkei felt the knife slip into his side and he looked down with little more than a sudden sharp exhale as a reaction to the pain. The knife pierced into his gut cavity but from what he could feel his organs were fine. No real damage had been done other than the fact that it hurt like hell and was bleeding profusely. He pulled the blade out and threw it in the direction that Musashi was in before he could turn around and see that the man had disappeared. Clutching his side Benkei remembered what Musashi had said. He was repaying a debt... of what debt did he speak? Why was Musashi even here if he isn't attacking the city? He could only come to the conclusion that Musashi was staying here when the city was attacked and happened to get caught in the battle. There was definitely more to the situation that met the eye and Musashi didn't seem like the kind of man who would use such a sneaky attack unless he really felt it was necessary.

"Yoshitsune-dono, I can still fight, he didn't injure me too much. He is an amazing warrior to do such a thing without damaging me internally. I will indeed be limited in my abilities but I refuse to leave your side." Benkei said as he clutched his side just above his pelvic bone. Yoshitsune nodded and said, "Okay, but when you feel like you need to rest let me know and we can stop." Benkei nodded and began to make his way down the stairs. Yoshitsune leapt off the stairs and landed inside the city between two rushing guards. He cut them down and looked over to the bottom of the stairs where Benkei had gone into battle. He fought his way toward the giant and nodded. They fought forward toward the center of the city, easily cutting down the Chinese soldiers.  

[Xx_SpaZ_xX]

Yukimura felt his muscles tense up as he strained against the force of Tadakatsu. His eyes darted around, searching for any weak spot in this lock, as well as any sign of weakening in Tadakatsu's facial expressions. There was nothing, Tadakatsu was a beast, and defeat in this deadlock was upon Yukimura.

Yukimura grunted and began pushing his spear across Tadakatsu's until he forced the blade to point to the ground, stepping back swiftly and pulling his spear back, allowing Tadakasu to fall in forward as a result of the pressure and strength he had used in the lock. Yukimura quickly stepped forward, slashing at Tadakatsu while he was still open, yet his attacks needed to be timed well, for Tadakatsu was sure to rebound quickly.  

[MythicalYoko]

She'd been spotted. She couldn't expect much- there wasn't exactly much of a place to hide in the middle of a battle field. No time to dwindle now. She crouched down as the smoke bomb hit the ground, closing her eyes and listening. Sight was futile in this smoke and would only suit to make her attack what wasn't there. With sound she would be able to tell what was coming, and the vibrations coming from the earth would also guide her. Every sense that was shut down increased the others, thus why her eyes now remained firmly closed. She was crouched down on the ground like a panther, awaiting the perfect moment to unleash her claws and strangle her prey. Fear would not penetrate the wall that Tsukiko had built around herself. The hollowed screams of death echoed through the air, followed by the vibrations of their bodies hitting the ground. Truly Hanzo Hattori was a master of manipulating the fear of his opponents and transforming it into the ultimate weapon, but she would remain stead fast.

'Your tricks shan't work against me.' Tsukiko grabbed the throwing weapons she had at her hidden pockets, listening to the air before twisting her body and throwing them at him. As they moved through the air, Tsukiko knew that from the smell of the thick fog that was comsuming the space would cause issues. She leapt up, not daring to run out of the fog where the enemy ninja could just as well be waiting for her. Once the smell had vanished her eyes tore open, the golden irises gleaming against the sun. She turned her body, reaching and grabbing her shuriken. Then while her body moved again to straiten itself she began throwing them at rapid speed to where Hanzo was. Then she landed on feet, her eyes growing wide as a sound reached her ears. Master Yukimura!

He was in trouble. However, if she left this battle, then Hanzo Hattor would surely follow. No! That battle was her master's. No interferring. This battle was hers, to protect him.  

[Shidobu Cloud]

Hmm... The girl is going to use her shield as a weapon now, is she? Clever... Date thought as he watched her movements. She was attempting to kick him now, but he knew that she wouldn't miss an opportunity to bash him with such a large metal plate, he would have to be careful. He leapt back away from where she would have kicked and immediately jumped forward but off to the side. Using his momentum he dove into a roll then rose to one knee on her left side from there he slashed out horizontally, aiming for her left knee.

Musashi landed at the bottom of the wall almost flawlessly with his bag slung over his shoulder and his tachi still gripped in his right hand. His Katana was sheathed now as well as his wakizashi. A tachi was all he needed for this battle. All he needed was to get out of the fray and head west, unfortunately he was on the northern side of the city and the bulk of the battle was there. He viewed the fray with an eerily calm gaze as Chinese killed Japanese and vice versa. From there he could see a man who stood quite tall over the crowd and his beard was equally impressive in length. "Not Japanese, that's for sure..." He said to himself. "I'll have to meet up with that man one of these days."

He continued to view the battle and spotted the girl who had helped him out, "Xing Cai is fighting Date! Hahahaha! I hope she destroys him!" Next he spotted a man wielding not only a nodachi but also a katana fighting a man with a large sword that looked to be a broadsword with a few differences here and there. "Hmm... dual wielding a nodachi with a katana, I wonder if that's his only trick..." As he assessed everyone who fought he slowly began to slash his way through the battlefield, cutting down Japanese soldiers and parrying Chinese attacks. He had no qualms with the Chinese and had no reason to kill any of them here.