Valdu Wei was relaxing in the noon heat. He had been in the woods for about a month, after he had slain an angry mob out to kill him. "The officals never get the stories right. I kill the people after me, and im the badguy. I swear that life doesnt give me a break." His whole life had been one twist of bad luck after another. But the woods made him forget all of that. they were peaceful.....serene......a good spot to clear one's head. He stretched out on the ground and closed his eyes, soaking up more of the sun.

The woods also gave him a good place to hide. They were well suited for a man of his stature and social standing. The tall trees compensated for his height and made hiding easier. And since he was a mercenary, he was free to do what he wanted as long as it was outside of a town. Being a mercenary, he was looked upon like he was vermin. No one could understand why someone with so much potential would chose such a lowly position, but he knew the reasons well. Since he was looked down upon, it was easier to conduct his business without anyone caring.

He sat up and gazed over at the wild ox he had killed for dinner later that night. He hadn't found a good meal in days, and this one put up quite the fight before Wei was able to break his neck. It was a rule he had. Men were killed with blades. Food was killed with hands. He turned his gazed to his zanbatou, and admired it. It was such an unwieldy weapon, and yet he used it with such proficiency. "Well, no point in ust sitting around for so long." He stood up, picked up the zanbatou, and started to cut down some trees for practice.

Shen Tai arrived at the edge of the woods shortly after soldiers had informed him of a "demon" carving the forest to pieces. Sure enough, Shen Tai could hear the thunderous crash of falling trees. Still cynical of this "demon", Shen Tai headed into the woods along with the 10 guards he had brought with him. Following the sounds of falling trees, it wasn't long before Shen Tai found an entire section of the forest cleared away. In the center was a lone man, one who dwarfed Shen Tai both in height and physique. Even the sword he carried outshined Shen Tai's pike, The Predator. Astonished, Shen Tai muttered, "It is a demon..."

Regaining his composure, Shen Tai yelled out to the man, "Hey, you! This is the Lady He-Azura's forest! I'm afraid you need to pay the fine for cutting down these beautiful trees!" His cool demeanor and unwavering voice gave courage to the ten guards who stood behind him. "Lord Shen Tai!" one of them called out to him, "We'll handle him!" With that said, the ten men charged the massive warrior.

He eyes flashed towards the voice that had called to him. He turned in time to see a small group of guards rushing towards him. All he needed was one look to know they were after his head. And as he had done many times before, he readied his weapon. As the men charged, he gave his zanbatou a mighty swing. The bodies were sent flying, all ten of the men cleaved in half with a single blow from a single sword.

He looked at the man who had not charged. He was tall compared to the average man, yet he didn’t meet Valdu Wei’s towering height. He looked at the pike the man was carrying with interest. It had been a while since he saw a weapon nearly matching the size of his own. A slight smile crossed his face. Maybe the man in front of him would provide a challenge if they fought.

He snapped back to reality and yelled at the warrior, “Why did you send ten armed men to their deaths? Do you desire my head that badly?”

With a cold glare, quite unlike his usual nature, Shen Tai responded, "I mentioned a fine. They charged themselves. But, unfortunately for you, their blood is on your hands now. Which means that I cannot allow you to leave this forest alive." With that, Shen Tai readied his pike. Deep underneath that confident exterior laid something else. Something that even a tiger could not provoke. Fear. There was a part of Shen Tai that wished to run, to forget this demon. But if Shen Tai wished to keep his honor, he could not run. With a quick spin, he set his pike behind his back, the butt of the weapon pointing into the air as the tip pointed towards the ground. He rushed the warrior with a loud yell as he jumped high into the air and came down with a powerful slash, the weight of the 100-pound monstrosity that was The Predator pressing down upon the demon. Even so, Shen Tai feared that it would not be enough to rupture his opponent's guard.

The warrior, though smaller than Valdu Wei, was very fierce with his attack. The only problem with the attack was it took the warrior too long. Valdu Wei was able to drop his zanbatou, dodge the blade of the pike and grab the shaft of the weapon near the tip. He then proceeded to lean backwards, using the momentum to toss the warrior over him, and wrenching the weapon from his hands.

As the warrior landed on his back, Valdu Wei leapt at him and drove the butt of the pike towards the warrior’s right arm, and smashing it near the inside of the elbow. Valdu Wei then leapt back and stood upright, casting a shadow over the body of the defeated warrior. He let the pike fall to the ground, and said to the warrior, “This fight is over……”

He picked up his zanbatou and the pike, shoving the pike’s butt into the ground and leaving it upright. He shouldered his zanbatou, turned his back to the warrior, and walked away, looking for another forest in which to conceal himself. After defeating such a group, more would surely come looking for him.

As he had suspected, the warrior was impervious to his assault. Instead, his own momentum had been used against him. No sooner had Shen Tai felt his back slam into the ground below then a sharp pain ran through his right arm. He gave out a loud yell as the pike was removed from the inside of his elbow. Immediately, his left hand gripped his arm as he rolled around the ground in pain, yelling and cursing. When he heard the warrior say that the fight was over Shen Tai managed to bring himself to one knee to yell, “No it isn’t! Get back here you bastard!” only to collapse again due to the pain of his shattered elbow. There was only one thing on his mind. With his elbow in such a condition, he would never be able to take the field again. With a final, loud cry, he said, “Damn you!!!” to the long since departed warrior.

He would never have his revenge upon Lu Bu. He would never have his revenge upon the tyrant Dong Zhuo. And he would never have his revenge upon this demon of Jiao, who took all he had left away from him. With a pain unlike any other in his right arm, he staggered to his feet, clutching his arm. The mocking image of The Predator stood before him. The message was clear. This is where the life Shen Tai knew came to an end. The fire of battle, the warrior’s spirit, which lay inside Shen Tai, had been broken along with his arm. With a shattered soul, he sat down, all alone, in the forest of Jiao.

Streea had been among the people on the morning,odd for her. She seemed to be listening to them speaking to them As she had a great decision on her now. Streea's mind was filled withwith many thoughts, How would she lead the land of Jiao, but she knew she must, She had promised the lady on her dying bed. While listening to the people, she was informed of the "Demon" and that Shen tai Had gone to remove it.. Now the hewn trees where impressive in there own right. But the hewn men, where somthing different. Under the pale white mask, Streea's face turned with anger. Her jog turned into a run. She came right pas Shen Tai but did not stop to aid him yet.



With in a short few moments she had found the so called "demon". Nothing but a large man. She shouted from under the pristine white mask. " Stop and face me, Or you shall die from behind with no honor!" She stood weaponless for now. Though her speed and slight of hand made arming herself take but the blink of an eye. " I Streea the faceless have seen your deeds here in the lady Azura mia's land. And you shall pay for them. For I am the death on swift wings!"

((edited to do unseen events which have happaned. The lady will be missed ;_; ))

[][Natha Sarnor Streea, A Swift Death ][]

It wouldn't take long before she reached the forest with her men. However the painfull scream that rang in the air wasn't one she wanted to hear "Let's go!" She pulled an arrow out of her back quiver and held the end as she rode to where Shen Tai was sitting by himself. She looked at the downed trees and nodded to herself as she got of her horse and ran to Shen Tai's aid "Lord Shen Tai...what is.." She cut herself off as she saw how the arm was. She called back to one of the men "Bring me my bag right now!" She shouted. The closest guy to her horse quickly grabbed her bag "Lady Huang here it is" she took her bag from him and pulled out some cloth.

"If we wrap it tight and keep you from moving that arm to much. It will set and be good as normal in few week's time" She looked back to her men and gave them a colder look "Stay here with Lord Shen Tai..do not follow me" She ran threw the woods rather quietly being very light on her feet as she saw a man carring a zanbatou like she had thought it was. She saw Lady Streea had already announced herself then fired an arrow straight by the man's head. The arrow would fly close enough where he'd see it and if he turned around he'd see her with another arrow ready "You are under arrest for the murder of ten soldiers..lay down your weapon and no one will be harmed. I garrentee my next one won't miss" Even though she was trying to be intimadating she had a look of kindness in her eyes as she watched this man from about seventy feet away

Valdu Wei stopped and turned to the masked warrior who had yelled at him, and the young archer who had shot at him. He kept his zanbatou shouldered despite the request to disarm himself. He knew this would happen as soon as he saw the small group of men charging him. More people were after his head. His thoughts drifted to the warrior who’s arm he had crushed. He must have told these two where he was.

He looked over the people who stood before him, challenging him. He didn’t want to fight. He had already spilled enough blood today and he didn’t wish to see anymore. He had spared the young warrior only because he had been ready for the charge. The soldiers were a bad combination of Valdu Wei being armed and taken by surprise.

“If I am correct, you two would be friends of that fallen warrior back there. If so, then I shall not bother in giving you my story as it wouldn’t matter. Your minds are already made up, and nothing will persuade you otherwise.” He readied his zanbatou, and stood to the full measure of his height. “I GIVE YOU ONE CHANCE TO TURN AND WALK AWAY! YOU WILL NEVER SEE ME AGAIN IF YOU DO!” He swung his zanbatou in front of him, clearing out the trees so he had room to fight.

Shen Tai was silent as Streea passed him and Huang Cin wrapped his arm. Despite her efforts, Shen Tai knew that his arm was damaged beyond repair. All he could think about was the miserable life he would be forced to lead from here on out. A simple life. One full of farming. One that would never see the field of battle. Shen Tai was not content to just let his whole life rot away in the fields of Jiao Zhi. With anger on his side, he rose from his feet and took up the Predator in his left hand, the one still wounded by the tiger he slew. He hurried after Huang Cin and Streea with only one thing on his mind.

He found the two, standing there before the massive warrior. He knew what they had thought as he yelled out, still marching towards the demon. “Stand down! All to late do I realize my own folly! We attacked this man first! Streea, sheath your blades! Huang Cin, return your arrows to your quiver!” As he reached Huang Cin, he said in a low voice, “You’re wrong. My arm will never heal.” He walked on until he reached Streea. “Streea, you seem to have some interest in my pelt. It’s yours.” He continued to walk on until stood just five feet before the massive warrior. “I have one request for you, demon! Finish it!” With that, Shen Tai swung his pike with only his left arm. There is but way Shen Tai would die, and it would not be through age.

She was getting ready to fire because he had not dropped his weapon as asked. She had almost let the arrow fly as Shen Tai had came and admited to the mistake. She closed her eyes then lowered her bow and sighed a bit "Your arm will heal..if you stop doing such things for a short while" She put her arrow back but held onto her bow as she walked a little closer "I will appologize for what has happened" She growled to herself as Shen attacked this man again -He's acting like an idiot- She saw how he could weild the weapon still with his left hand. If he just worked with his left arm and let his right heal he'd be ok however it would be a drastic change in fighting style. It wasn't common for someone to be left handed like she was herself

"Stop this foolishness right now! As for my mind it hasn't been made up yet. I would rather hear your story but that weapon is to dangerous for me to come near and hear it" Her eyes moved to Lady Streea as she gave a slight look of concern and a nod. She had a feeling what Streea wanted to do and she would back her up if needed

Well now it seemed everyone wanted to join in the fun today. Streea watched as Shen Tai came back up. She stood her ground, Listening to what was said. She stepped forward to Shen Tai when he attempted to get himself killed. With one swift motion she rose her foot and kicked him side by the hip." I think you finnaly proved me right Shen tai. You really are a damned fool. To throw your life away, You keep out of this. I'll show you the path to regaining you ability. If it doesnt work. I'll kill you my self later." She made little regard to Huang Cin who was a few feet away. but was well aware of her.



Perhaps her words where of pity, perhaps she really did have compassion for Shen Tai. Or Perhaps it had been for the fact she was now standing directly infront of the man. She was still staring down at Shen tai. She moved her hand to the white mask. And gripping it by the front she acted as if she would pull it off to further adress the fallen warrior. But instead she jerked her head aside as she pulled it aajar from her face. Valdu Wei would see her face for perhaps a split second. Her hand had passed over her face. Her other hand rising, all in a feat which was beyond simple slight of hand. Her free hand scraped its fingers together in a short snap. A flint and steel grinding in them and she let out a deep breath she had pulled in. She spewed the oil from inside her mouth. It sprayed over the sparks which lept from the flint and steel. The intense flames would erupt across the mans face.



When the flames lept from her lips She let the man have it. So close was she from the lashing she had givin Shen tai that he was far to close to swing that massive weapon at her with much ease. Her twin sabers lashed out angerly. One aimed for the mans inner elbow of his left arm. The other for his throat. She aimed to cripple or to kill. Both would be fine with her. Such speed and such skill. This was the first time Huang or Shen tai had really seen her perform a feat like that.




[][ Natha Sarnor Streea, A swift Death ][]

Despite Streea's efforts to keep him down, Shen Tai spun his pike around, grabbed it near the blade, and struck Streea hard in the stomach, knocking her far away. Shen Tai looked at Streea and then at Huang Cin as he yelled, "Stay out of this! This is my problem and my fight!" As Shen Tai spoke, he knew that he would never survive this battle. Still, he wished to go down fighting. The last bit of honor he would ever know was to die at the hands of such a mighty warrior. He thought back to that day, so many years ago when he had lost to Lu Bu. This warrior had defeated him in just one blow as well, but he was not content to let it end as such. He had been disgraced once before, and he would not be again. For years and years after Lu Bu defeated him, Shen Tai had trained himself vigorously. When he had finally thought that he could match and best Lu Bu, he was defeated by someone much more powerful than Lu Bu could ever hope to be. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Shen Tai had always known that there was a warrior stronger than Lu Bu somewhere in the lands. Shen Tai smirked as the demon threw off the Predator and brought his zanbatou down upon him. He could only help but think, “Lu Bu, I feel sorry for the day you meet this demon.”

(This next post isn't really gonna put me in a position to respond, so I just wanted to say this. Just because Shen Tai is going to die, doesn't mean that I'm leaving the forums. I'm going to continue to rp under Zhao Long, the only Yellow Scarves member at this time. Also, don't take it too hard on Valdu Wei. I wanted Shen Tai to die. The strong, brute type isn't my style. I prefer the more quiet and reserved types.)

That unusual fire attack from the unmasked warrior might have been something to avoid, if she wasn’t knocked aside by the young warrior. Valdu Wei could see it in the warrior’s eyes that he wanted death instead of life. Not a lot of people could stand up to a blow like that. Valdu Wei felt a twinge of regret for the young fighter who was so adamant in stopping him. Valdu Wei grabbed the pike for the last time, and brought down his zanbatou, slicing though his shoulder and severing him in half.

Valdu Wei let the body fall to the ground, and then dropped his own zanbatou. Kneeling down, he began I dig a grave for the warrior, with the intention of using the pike as a marker. “You were quite the warrior. Though I do not know your name, it was an honor to fight you. May you find in death the peace you looked for in life.” He laid the body halves inside the grave and slammed the pike near the top. “Rest peacefully warrior.”

Valdu Wei then picked up his zanbatou and turned to face the two young women. “
”Enough blood has been spilled today. I do not wish death on any of you. Mourn for your fallen comrades today. They need not have died in vain. When the sun arises, set out for me if you wish. I will not fight you today.”

(( well I'll let it go sense Shen Tai wants to get rid of his guy. XD))
Streea took the blow well, she pushed her hands against it and do to the massive size of the weapon allowed herself a push and vaulted backward. She landed on both feet beside The other, Her mask neatly fitted back on her face. She growled low under her breath. But she did not speak. In the span of not half a day they had lost two people of there own. A warrior, and there leader. This was not how she wished to start her rule of Jiao with the death of a good man. Arrogant, but good.


Finnally she was able to speak once again with out loosing her temper." You thank him to Little. For it was his stirke that saved your blood from spilling the ground. Why do you come to this land. What bussiness have you here. To kill its men and fall its trees.. Speak quickly. lest I have Huang Cin Run an arrow threw your head."


[][ Natha Sarnor Streea, A Swift Death ][]

"My blood has been spilled before masked one. You would have just added more scars. My business for being here is simply to avoid those who would see me dead. One's like you two. And that young warrior. But it seems that i have overstayed my time. I will leave to find another place to take refuge."

He hoisted up his zanbatou, turned around, and began to walk off. "This is a really beautiful forest...... You two should remember this young warrior well. He was a true fighter. Everytime i see one such as him fall, it pains me. He had the makings of greatness. Tell however he served that i am sorry i had to kill him. If the rest of you are half as good as he was, then your ruler has nothing to worry about."

His thoughts dewlled on the young warrior who had wished for death. He was very headstrong. He might have been a challenge in a few years. It was too bad that he had attacked so recklessly. He took one last look at the warrior's grave, and walked into the forest with no destination in mind.

Streea watched the man begin to walk away, her thought truning about under the white mask as she glanced to the grave. Streea was not a fool she knew the mans skill, She knew she did not wish somone to use it against them. She called out ," IF you where truly sorry for his death you would remain here in his stead! For We can not afford to loose warriors when we have so very few as it is!" Now she doubted it made little differnce what she said. But it was worth a shot.



She glanced to Huang Cin who she had wished was with lu syllk. For she did not know how she would tell them of the ladys death," Huang. why arent you with Lu Syllk... Has he not gone to fight the pirates?" She asked as she turned back to watch the man was he was departing.




[][ Natha Sarnor streea, A swift Death ][]

He was almost going to disregard the masked warrior's comments until she mentioned the word pirates to the young archer. His head perked up and he turned around. "Pirates you say? That's my kind of fighting. Pirates are ruthless and cutthroat. They make for an entertaining battle. And i can probably make some money to get repairs done on my zanbatou."

He walked back over to the group, and came to a stop but a few feet away from the two. If you can promise this to be a profitable venture, then i will join you. The money will always help. And it will be a good way to pay back the debt of killing that warrior. This is all assuming none of you have a problem with mercenary vermin following you."

He let out a malicious laugh as he waited for their answer. This sounded like it could be fun. It had been a while since he had ruined any pirate ships with his zanbatou. "And pirates are fun to kill. They have no respect from anyone but themselves. So as far as my blade is concerned, they are open targets."

" I do not need a mercenary in my army. But a warrior I could use. There are smiths in Jiao who would repair your blade. And your free to kill what ever pirates you wish. Should you go with them to battle. But a mercenary I cant accept. I will not bring somone into my council. If they are to leave me for there own personal gains." She said from under her white mask. She was wise it seemed by the way she spoke.



" What say you?" She asked as she crossed her arms over her chest. Her body still and set. She waited for him to speak. Turning her face to peer threw the eye slits at Huang Cin. She would have alot to explain to the people here. THough she was still wondereing where Lu Syllk had gone.


[][ Natha Sarnor Streea, A Swift Death][]

"I came to help Shen Tai..however i made it here a little late. I am on my way to Nan Hai right now so don't worry about me" She walked away and herd the phrase 'my army' which made her turn around and look at Streea. She gave a puzzled look to Streea then looked down for a second as she turned back around. She just walked to where her horse was being held by the other soldiers who were with her "Everyone we must hurry!" She coached her horse and it rode off towards Nan Hai. The other soldiers were in tow behind her as she left sight

-How do i break this to Lord Lu Syllk...he won't be happy to hear it however we do have a mission to complete. This will be my first trip to Wu...and i hope it is not my last one- She would ride fast to where her village was. As it came in sight a smile krept upon her lips "I am home for a little bit" She whispered to herself as she saw the familiar sights comeing closer in the distance

He let out another laugh at the masked warriors words. "Then you ask me to join you by sacrificing my way of life. I want no part in your counsils or meetings. Point me in the direction you want me to go, and tell me what you want me to do. That is it. Know that i will not betray a cause that i am hired to. The final call however, rests on your shoulders. I will join as a mercenary. Nothing else."

He waited for the masked one's response. He had met one's like her before. People with prejudices against all mercenaries. One way or another, Valdu Wei would head to Nan Hai and take out the bandits. He needed the money. Whether or not he went with the troupe was all dependent on the masked one's answer.

He took another look at the fallen one's grave and then at the young archer who was beginning to ride off. He found himself wondering if the two were together. She had been deathly silent the entire time after the warriors death up until but a few seconds ago, and it was only to leave with her troops. Valdu Wei found himself alone with the masked warrior, and the spirit of the fallen warrior.

Streea had nothing against mercanrys. But she had to think things over . She looked at him stearnly threw the mask. " I will give you the ability to use our smiths and the money to but your things for as long as you serve me. THe land of Jiao Can use a warrior of such strength. I will take your word as truth. For you have shown no lie. Though I would warn you to revoke it. As it would cost you your head. "


Streea stepped closer to him and bowed her head gently," I will not send you with the others at this time though.. as there are things they must learn. and I would not send you with Huang. Though she was not close to Shen tai. you may unerve her for now.. but i have a job for you.. ive been talking with the people. It seems there is a great bit of worry about bandit in the moutains on our borders.. I would have you either kill or recruit these men.. "

She waited for his response.

[][ Natha Sarnor Streea, A Swift Death ][]

"Bandits? I've had many a dealings with their kind. Distasteful even by my tastes. If you want me to deal with them, you shall get back naught but a few bags of heads. I have no respect for bandits, expecially those who prey on unarmed people. As for you, i will follow you, but it will be on my terms, not your's. The land itself needs heroes of great strength, not a single man. I will follow until i repay the debt owed by killing that warrior. After that, i shall take my leave. I do not wish to travel in close proximity with your group either. a weapon of this size doesnt discriminate between friend and foe in close quarters."

He hoisted the zanbatou onto his shoulder again and awaited the masked one's response for the final time. He was ready to go and finish the bandits to make the area a little safer. And to help his debt.

She nodded after a moment. " War is coming to the land. The time of mercenarys may soon end. As none would risk a hired blade during open war. But for now your skill is great, and word trustworthy. I will accept these terms. Now i must take my leave. For there is much to be done in the stronghold, and I wish them done before the others return."


With that Streea turned from the man, and vanished into the woods twaords Jiao. She could not let the ladys body lie for long, and she would see to having her laid to rest. When she returned to town. She called for the servants of the lady, and in secret. She spoke to them, of the passing of the lady, and the changing of the rule of Jiao.


(( I suppose that would be it for this string.))
[][ Natha Sarnor Streea, A Swift Death ][]