In A Village Near Shang Dang...

[Zhang Jiao]

The General of Heaven

"Now, pay heed, my children, the same as you have always done, always done.." While patting a rooster, he smiled a little, mouth closed, and raised it onto his shoulder, letting it claw into him. It was a minor pain, but nothing more. It was a cute thing anyways, and it was silent, even as the sun rays shined down on Zhang Jiao and the group of people surrounding him. He was sitting, legs crossed, on a wheat mat that one of the neighboring farmers were so kind as to make for him in the few weeks he had stayed here.

A plain field of tall grass, thats all it was, and nothing more. Some of the little children actually ran up to him, hugging the old man. In the occasions that this did happen, it sometimes suprised him, as he was often caught unprepared in the middle of a small lecture. "..which is why, should your spouse sleep with another man, first, hear her, then- wha- who-.. what is this, my little ones?" Looking down at the four active toddlers who were playing and guffawing in the tall grass, playing 'hide-and-seek'. His eyes were suprised, but it was quick to change to a warmth that a father would show, even before his mouth turned to a smile. "Father Jiao, we wanna pway, we wanna pway! You pwomised!" As the small child tugged on his hands, trying to lead him off his sitting mat, his followers giving the children amused looks. But, Zhang Jiao was not to move, and instead, scooped up the kid in both of his arms, cradeling him gently, even as the little boy shrieked happily. "Later, child, later... I shall play with you soon." Patting his head, and ruffling it around a little, he pushed him off, and watched as he went onto play with his already running friends.


His eyes swivelled to his followers, and he nodded. They in turned also nodded. "These children... they are the greatest blessing of all. Should the children still need their mothers, whether to suckle, whether to comfort themselves, or to take refuge.. it is reason enough to forgive your wife. The pains of life, after all, are neccesary for us to keep growing, and always we must grow, as life is, my children." There was a subtle agreement, with slight raising of voice, with them saying things such as "..Aye, Father Zhang Jiao." or "Most wise, Father Jiao.." and other things. It was a good morning, in the plain fields of tall grass. But in the distance, a cadre of women could be seen, slowly approaching, spotting the large staff planted in the ground, at where the group sat. Hearing the russling of the grass, Zhang Jiao held a hand to his followers, to make ready should a sneak attack occur, and even the children grew quiet. The rooster jumped off his shoulder, and slowly, the General of Heaven could be seen peering, but just barely, above the tall grass. When he saw what it was, he waved them over, and a small nod and greetings went around as well, with the women bowing, saying things as, "Greetings, Father Jiao." or "We brought fried fish, Father Jiao." and many other things, as he waved them all down to sit amongst his peers, and bowing to every one of them.

Tea and fish were distributed, and the children's play resumed. A cheery morning. Suddenly, a gust of wind flowed over the plains, carrying with it, petals of blossoms, of delicious fruits yet to come for this year's harvest. A good omen, a good sign. One of the petals landed delicately, in the middle of Zhang Jiao's raised tea cup, and he raised it in the air, smiling at his children. "My people... you have done well. You have lived well. These lands thrive upon your good works." A small cheer happened, with a little bit of clapping, as he raised it again, and then, slowly taking his time, letting the warm tea and the feeling of delicious fruits and flowers passing down his throat, he looked back at the tea, and gave it a sigh. The petal remained, perfect as it ever was. He put down his tea cup, and it was immedietly taken up by one of the women. "Thank you kindly, daughter of Heaven." Blushing a little, he smiled back, as she took it up into her basket and sat back down at her place.

But now, Zhang Jiao looked before himself, and brought up his Jian. It was a sword he had found in Jian Ye, in his travels.. a good sword, a worthy sword. Had he been younger, he could've possibly trained and be fairly skilled... as he had only found it in the last few years, he was proficient, but not a master, and never would be. It mattered not, as it served its purpose. He bent over himself, and stood, and the others, amazed at his sudden boldness, also stood. He nodded at them, smiling his friendly, warm smile. "As I stood, so have you. I thank you for your loyalty. But now... I am to leave Shang Dang soon, probably next to the area around Ye." There was a sudden dropping of heads, at the disappointment. He had brought teachings to them, taught them morales, awakened their ability to reason, and no longer just be farmers, but people of good works! But, he held up his hand left hand, which raised back the attention of the people back to him, as he reached back and pulled out his Volcano Staff. Raising his sword in his right hand, and his staff in his left, he nodded at the people, who suddenly seeing this, smiled, and immediatly began bowing.

"Children, my children... yes, you are worthy. All are worthy, who do not serve a corrupted system. All kingdoms possess corruption, to which, as you know, I have sought long now, to bring to an end. You have heard of the army I've been raising, you've seen my children who follow me, as your children follow me. They are eager to learn, eager to know, eager to be accepted as the people that they are, and worthy to be those who shall go to Heaven. I will not force you to join me... but I offer-no, I ask you, if you will join me? Your lives, your hard work remains here, but, come with me... and we shall show China the good works of the people, and share the joys of the Children of Heaven throughout China, unifying it! Will you join me in my dream??" A huge shout came, the many followers who had come to sit with him in the grass. Here now, was an offer to make themselves known, to make their lands a better place. No longer to live in poverty, but in prosperity of spirit and mind. Lowering down his blade, he sheathed it, and he brought down his staff slowly, as two of his horsemen, without their horses, walked amongst the people, offering yellow turbans to them, watching in pride as many people put them on with gusto, ready to join Zhang Jiao and the Yellow Turbans.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As the new arrivals came into the encampment, nearby the village, the Yellow Turbans cheered, as Zhang Jiao raised his staff triumphantly, beckoning in his new followers. He smiled at them proudly, proud of their willingness, proud of how they were willing to fight for the betterment of China. Even as they did, the children flocked around, jumping around Zhang Jiao, who occasionaly scooped them up, and swirled them around, laughing in their joy, joining in their days of innocence, which he treasured more then his own life. There was great laughter in the camp, seeing their leader play with children as so, but a while, they drew away from him, as he began to calm down, lowering down his hands, but keeping the warmth on his face, as he now looked at his Children, his people, as they encircled around him. He held up his staff, marking this moment. "Here now, are your new comrades, my children, the Children of Shang Dang! Welcome them, brother to brother, sister to sister, as you, my Children make me proud in your faith. Rise up and cry, for greatness awaits you!"

"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"
"FOR CHINA!"

It was a time where the General of Heaven was at his greatest, where the people were ready, and ripe for a rebellion, to change the history of China forever...

Here begins the Legend of Zhang Jiao.

[Wang Lung]

The Outskirts of Shang Dang, Many people visit hear during days of war or days of peace. The Point Of Shang Dang is just a great city to be at, so many great people and soilders live hear in the city.

Mounted on his steed. A man traveling with hundreds of troops could be seen a few miles of the Shang Dang castle. Though showing no sign of aggression of attack the city, the man was just traveling freely throughout the land. A mercenary of men this was. He was mounted on his black steed was leading a band of men through the grass and dirt of the land. a few days had past, as everyone was without food or water. But held out none the less as soon they knew they would get some. Some of these soilders where unarmed and some where entrain in the war tactics, these men where the few that didn't want to serve and Ruler or emperor but A Real man of mens, and A Commander of men none the less. They all choose to follow Wang Lung on his search through the land for many important facts about life and future. From his past pirates days, Wang was an ruthless S.O.B, But somewhat change from his past life, but don't get it wrong he'll still kill someone in an instant if they come off wrong to him, he kinda learn to control it ever since he left from his pirate days

Another Pirate from the group, a man named Jin Zhu, another former pirate like Wang Lung. They both where together for many years, before the hole gang broke up. He then decided to follow Wang, as he could see something in him. At the side of Wang Lung in the front, he wield an Short Spear in his right hand, UN like Wang he didn't get mad so easily, but was the one to resolve conflicts between men.

As they where Traveling. up ahead in the distance could see a sea of yellow of all the people in the crowd.

Jin Zhu: So Wang, what do u think is going on."

Wang Lung: I don't know but, i hope it's not trouble."

Both men where cautious of this crowd as well, as they made there way more closer and closer to the group of people, The saw a man in front of the whole thing, he seemed to be a leader of this collation. But before Wang's army could get closer they where stooped by four men..........

[Zhang Jiao]

The Yellow Turban Shang Dang Encampment

Of the two men who stopped Wang Lung, two of them, on the side, had their bows at ready and had them knocked, ready to raise and shoot. The two others were unarmed horsemen, who looked at them, tightened the grip on their reigns, ready to warn the rest of the regiment, should they prove to be hostile forces searching for the Yellow Turban Remnents. "Identify yourselves! Friend be you or foe of the warriors of Heaven!?" As the archer aimed his bow directly at Wang Lung. However, an older man walked beside him, putting the tip of his fingers onto the arrow's point, pushing it down gently, as the archer looked bewieldered. "Father, I-" "No need, child. I feel good of this meeting.. Greetings, onlookers.. I am Zhang Jiao, the General of Heaven. I am rebuilding my ranks of the Yellow Turbans, as plainly can be seen." The guards looked amazed at their leader. This was a bold move! So easily with comfort, Zhang Jiao declared who he was and his actions. Truly, his trust in the Heavens was strong. Zhang Jiao himself looked at the two in front of this large army, which looked roughly the same size as his own. Turning around, he struck his Volcano Staff into the ground, whereupon two men from the encampment rushed with his sitting mat. Nodding at them with thanks, he sat down, cross legged, on the mat.

In a quick motion, he unsheathed his sword, and one of the horsemen from the encampment passed by, striking down a Yellow Turban Banner by Zhang Jiao, as he sat. He eyed his blade, as it reflected into the sun, and warily laid it in front of himself. "I feel good of our meeting, stranger. Tell me I am right, and I shall embrace you as brothers." Putting his hands into his opposing arm sleeves, he slipped out two yellow turbans, and gave the person in front a coy smile, his eyes twinkling a little. "Come my children, sit with me. I am eager to know who you are.."

[Wang Lung]

Seeing the robed man approached Wang with such ease, an strange look became upon Wang's face, as he never saw a man of this structure. The man name Zhang Jiao, a man of the heavens as he calls himself introduces himself to Wang himself. His two weapons was unique in every way. Well at least the Staff was, The sword Jiao was carrying was a very good one. But the staff seemed to have many features to it, A staff Wang never seen in his life. After hearing Zhang Jiao's actions of the land, He was dumbstruck to see how many people came here choose to follow this man of virtue. Someway how Wang's men decided to follow him as well. As Jiao wanted Wang to follow him. Wang looked towards Jin Zhu, Jin gave him a sigh. So both men unmounted from their steeds to follow The great Man of the Heavens. Not wanting to be unsure Both Wang and Jin both brought there weapons. Not trusting any one's action of this Yellow Turban camp.

Once they both got off there steed, They both followed Zhang Jiao, not wanting to seem rude Wang had to introduce himself, trying not to show no disrespect or nothing. Both Jin Zhu and Wang where at the two sides of Zhang Jiao as Wang was on the right while Jin was on the left

Wang Lung: Well, My Name is Wang Lung. A Former Pirate of the land.

Jin Zhu: I'm also a pirate, assisting Wang Lung On his quest.

[Richard]

A large burly man, walked in to the village. He had traveled far and wide seeking this Man called Zhang Jiao. Richard was tired of running from the Law and the time was right for him to make a stand. He did not know how Leon would react but he did not care all he knew was he destiny lay with the Yellow Turbans

"Odd place"

There was a crowd and Richard instantly knew he would find the one known as Zhang Jiao though, as his huge figure parted through the crowd and watched the scene between Zhang Jiao and the 2 men. As he asked them if they wished to embrace him. He barged forward crashing through the front rank with his strength and bowed before Zhang Jiao

"Forgive my intrusion but i have traveled far and wide and feel my destiny is with you, i may not be able to do much but name it and it shall be done. Allow me to serve you oh great one"

(crap but im tired and my skill drops when im tired)

[Zhang Jiao]

Welcoming the Heaven's Children Into the Fold

Zhang Jiao nodded at both Wang Lung and Jin Zhu. Former pirates.. so a former pirate army, eh? This intrigued him. With his hands, gesturing them to sit, he smiled amiably at both of them. Pirates were scourge of the seas, those who killed, plundered, and raped.. their skills were invaluable. "Greetings former pirates, Wang Lung and comrade Jin Zhu. A pleasure it is to make your acquaintence." At this moment, at their newly met moment, was not the time to ask about their pasts. His army was small, so, it was best to come onto the good side of these men. Their eyes held something to behold, as if, they sometime still struggled with their pasts. Zhang Jiao's eyes were downcast for a moment, about to go into thought, before a huge man came, barging, begging to serve, willing giving himself and his services to the Yellow Turbans.

"Arise stranger... your enthusiasm is invigorating. Do not displace yourself when you have yet to know your true talents! Strength lies in you, you have the ability to do much good." His voice was stern, but had an undertone of concern to it, similiar to that of a father. Slowly, his hands came together, as if to pray, and he held it up to his face, bowing slightly to Wang Lung first, and then Jin Zhu. "Pardon me.. but, I cannot bear to see such a man of such honor lie with his face in the dirt." Gathering himself up, the two yellow turbans still in both of his hands, he put his hands onto the stranger's shoulders, lifting him, though he himself was old, and growing frail. His eyes met with this man, and he nodded at him, looking at him for a moment... for longer then a moment. ".. I see into your eyes, into your soul. Your potential rises even further then even I can imagine. Your offer to join me in my struggle lessens my fears, my child, my brother. Come, bear the yellow turban, and join the fold!" And as he did, in a carresing way, his hands slipped up his shoulder, and onto his head, quietly tying around his head a yellow turban. Tightening the knot, he bowed at the stranger, and then retreated back to his sitting mat, slowly sitting himself down again. Nodding to the center, he entreated the man. "Come, join us in our sitting. The Heavens tell me I can expect great things to come of this meeting amongst all of us."

A smile.. the two archers who originally stood guard, came and sat a little ways behind, on both sides of Zhang Jiao, still keeping watch, until the whole procession was complete. The horsemen kept on their horses, also on guard still. A cloud was in the sky, blanketing them for a moment, before passing under the sun, revealing behind the Great Teacher a large encampment, where men could be seen riding on their horses, making merry with the villagers, and practicing shooting on targets. However, it also looked somewhat packed up, with some wagons already nearby. A new move was already planned, for Ye. They had found many followers in the villages surrounding Shang Dang, as so many were willing to fight for the greater glory of their cause.. it was... awe-inspiring.

[Wang Lung]

This man, Zhang Jiao was like no other man Wang has seen through his travels of the sea and dirt of the land. Never he saw a man that was so kind to strangers not knowing if they where deceitfully or anything else.

After there little talk was over, A Stranger approaches the three men at the table. So Zhang Decided to talk to him. while this was happening Wang and Jin had a conversation of there own

Jin Zhu: Hey Wang, this man seems to be kind, and the people around him loves the fact that he's leading them."

Wang Lung: Yes it does seem that way to me also."

Jin Zhu: you thinking what I'm thinking."

Wang Lung: No, and i don't want u to say it."

Jin Zhu: we should join his army.

Wang Lung did not respond to Jin as he was thinking to himself

The conversation ended that instant, once Zhang Jiao turned from the man he was speaking to, The man had sat down. Wang Lung decided to speak out

Wang Lung:"Zhang Jiao i thank u for your hospitalities thus far but i must say something. The way how u have your Yellow Turbans. I have my Mercenary and former Pirates. I don't not join an ruler because of various reasons. Just like you i to want to see a land in peace but i just live for fighting. that is my only purpose of having these men. Without war i am nothing. I'm not the type that goes to look for trouble, trouble seems to find me in may places except for this one which i am Glad to see. I understand you calling of men and this rebellion of the land i do not which to be an officer under you, But an ally of your cause. I'm trying to make as may friends as i can, and i see that u can be the first. I will follow through the land in search of what you so longed live for as Me and My Mercenary's will glad side with you."

Wang's tone to Zhang Jiao was somewhat calm for his approach. As he turn Jin and gave him a nod.

Jin Zhu:Ummn.. sorry to just say this but. do u have any food and water our troops a quite exhausted

[Guo Huai]

Willing Followers

There were rumors.........rumors that Zhang Jiao, the General of Heaven had made an encampment near Shang Dang in the north. If these rumors were true, then Boji would indeed be a happy man. Hm, could THE General of Heaven truly have resurfaced? It has been so long since his defeat, could he even still be alive?...............No matter, I will find out for myself soon enough. Boji thoughts were interrupted by his brother's interjection, though, he still was only partially listening to Tian.

"Elder brother Boji, do you think that we will be arriving at Shang Dang soon? The men seem to be getting fatigued by this journey that we have embarked upon."

Boji smiled at his brother's concern for the men, for it made him realize that Tian was going to become a great general one day. He turned his head toward Tian and nodded.

"Your concern for the men is most admirable Tian. We should arrive at Shang Dang within the day. There, they can rest while you and I speak with the General of Heaven..........if, he is truly there. I apologize in advance if he is not there, and this turns out to just be a worthless rumor. It is just that, I cannot let this chance pass me by. I hope you understand."

Tian simply smiled and nodded, words were not needed, for Tian was unnervingly loyal to his brother, and Boji knew this as well.

Walls.....after traveling for a few more hours, the vagabonds finally saw something that made all of them smile a bit and sigh with relief, the walls of Shang Dang. Yet, it was not the city of Shang Dang that Boji was looking to visit, it was the surrounding villages. The rumors stated that there was an encampment somewhere within the villages around Shang Dang, Boji was not sure how easy it would be to find such an encampment, but he was willing to search for it, none the less.

After some while, they finally came about the village they were looking for. It was a very peaceful place, the villagers all seemed very happy, even in this time of chaos, chaos that caused the people to suffer famine, poverty, and war. Even in these times, the people of this village were happy and content, despite being poor, there was only one reason for that, Zhang Jiao, the General of the Yellow Heaven, Father of the Yellow Turbans. It was because of his presence that these people were happy and at peace.

"Ah, truly amazing, is it not Tian? These people, people who have suffered from this plague across the land, the plague of corruption and greed, are smiling and enjoying their lives. All of this, all of it, simply because the General of Heaven is present here."

Tian's eyes scanned the faces of the people, he had a look of admiration upon his face. He smiled and laughed a little. The villagers' happiness was having an effect upon him, as he was now void fatigue, only happiness was upon him now.

"This is amazing indeed my brother. This Zhang Jiao must be a gift from Heaven, sent to aid the people of the Middle Kingdom during these times of strife and of pain."

"Indeed Tian, he is a gift sent from Heaven, a messenger for the gods themselves. He is here to lift the disaster that has befallen the great Middle Kingdom. I cannot wait to meet with him, this is truly one of the best days of my life."

As the two siblings conversed, they made their way toward the encampment. It looked as though the people within the encampment were ready to depart, but to where exactly. It didn't matter to Boji or Tian, though, for they would both follow Father Jiao wherever he would lead them. The small army approached the encampment, then stopped. Boji and Tian went ahead of their men and addressed the mounted guards.

"Great followers of the General of Heaven, I and my brother have come to seek permission to join his great cause. Our men will, of course, remain outside of the encampment."

[Zhang Jiao]

Hospitality of the Turbans

Back on his sitting mat, Zhang Jiao drowsily breathed in some of the fresher air, reawakening his mind. It was then that Wang Lung's praise and offer came, to which Zhang Jiao smiled, shaking his head a little. His arm sleeves unruffled themselves as he put them on his lap. "To live for fighting does have its uses though. I would not ask anyone who does not wish to serve under me to join me, but, your offer for an alliance is magnaminously accepted, good sir Wang Lung. Our combined efforts will allow our goals to be completed. I am glad to have you at my side, then." Wang Lung then, beckoning to Jin, asked for supplies, to which Zhang Jiao gave a suprised look to, his left eye brow raised, but his eyes playful. "Sir? You want food and water? Please sir, the people here are much more generous then that! Bring your men in, let them join with their new comrades!"

As the new-found allies poured into the encampment, two brothers were spotted by the unarmed horsemen who strode up to meet them. They longed to join in the merriment behind them, as wine was being passed around, the pigs being slaughtered and cooked, the fat tossed onto the top to ehance the flavor. Singing was going on, and dancing as well. Zhang Jiao himself could be seen dancing with a few of the village children, laughing and playing with them, as if he were a young boy himself. A huge bonfire was started, to which Zhang Jiao disappeared, but was not sorely missed, as all were preoccupied with this sudden need to celebrate the new officer of the Yellow Turban, Richard, and their new found allies, Wang Lung and his faithful men.

"We shall ask-" "You know, I don't know why I bother sometimes to ask you to men to guard the camps." Clicking his mouth playfully, he bowed, waist up, to both of the brothers. "Newcomers? You wish to join? Why have your men miss out on the celebration? Today is a good day to celebrate life, for what appears to be the regrowing force known as the Yellow Turbans! Let them come, my brothers, my children, welcome to the Yellow Turbans!" Gleefully, he passed a yellow turban to both of them in a single stride, as more yellow turbans were being passed around, into one of the wagons, that was wheeled over to where Zhang Jiao stood, alongside with these two brothers. "Come, tell me your names when you can, but, join in the joy for now!" And with a grin, he side-stepped back, disappearing into the dancing crowds, yellow robes, yellow scarves, yellow turbans flailing about in the village, as the bonfire sparked the night light life of the people.

The intensity grew, the shriek of joys turned into chants for rebellion, the night progressed, the moon was full, and something primal was unleashed unto the crowd, so that they turned almost into beasts. The children had run to play hide-and-go-seek in the dark in the all-familiar forest, the bonfire added fire to, the chanting's speed increasing, the whirlwind of joy and ideals suddenly coming into play...-"STOP!" All eyes turned to the fire, there, stood Zhang Jiao, an eerie look on his face, his staff held strong in his left hand, his sword wielded as well in his right. Circling around the fire, far enough, so as to avoid having his robes catch on fire, he made space for the fire to burn, burn, burn. "Children of the Yellow Turban... today, I say that our force is reborn! Too long, have we remained dormant, waiting in hiding! Too long, after the Han have we waited, as the kingdoms around us deteriorated into evil and corruption!" His eyes opened up widely, until it almost seemed to pop out.. a strange smile mounting up onto his face. Sheathing his Jian, he pulled from his belt bag... a single seed. He let it drop, and it seemingly dropped forever.. dropping... dropping... it fell silently. Until finally, it hit the ground. With a sudden movement, Zhang Jiao raised up his Volcano Staff in both hands and struck it down, on the dot, on the seed, deepening it into the ground, and then, raising it back up.

"That seed... begins the mark of our new era. We must sew them every city, and in multitudes, so as to bring about the 'Great Peace'. When they grow across the lands, we shall set fire to them, and then.. no more shall man be enemy to one another, but enjoying one another's company, and enjoying life! LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"

"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"
"LONG LIVE THE YELLOW TURBANS!"

Loudly did the roar cry out into the night sky. Wagons were pulled in, with boxes carrying multitudes of the seeds, as the Yellow Turbans took them up in hand fulls, and stomped them into the ground. Zhang Jiao walked around, pleased at the gusto his people had taken to the task at hand. Passing by Richard, he nodded. "You have come when I needed a man such as yourself the most.. I thank the Heavens for your coming." So too did he walk by Wang Lung, and nodded to him. "Not all shall be peace, and the people know this. I will look to you to serve as an example for the rest of the turbans." Finally, passing by the two brothers, he put a hand on both of their shoulders. "Blessed be you, brothers, Heavens tell me that you have not come just to help bolster our ranks... no... there is more. I look forward to seeing you in action." And with that, he himself also proceeded to bury seeds, until the single box was emptied. Some with more enthusiasm clamored to the next box, but Zhang Jiao rushed over, and slammed his hand down on it. "Patience, brothers.. this is but one city. We must conserve for all of China, after all." His voice was ment kindly, but it came out, somewhat icily. Again, the crowd cleared around him, though, as he raised up his hands and Volcano Staff for yet another announcement.

"Make ready to move to Ye, after tommorow, when we see as to how many more followers we can find. Until then... continue making merry, as this is again the time.. our time!" As he rallied them on, they cheered excitedly, jumping up and down for some of them, as he scooped up a rooster, and held it up proudly. "When next he crows to awaken us... awaken, and find yourselves strong! Now, to resume!" The dancing soon continued, followed by some inspiring poems, as Zhang Jiao himself hung around the children, sometimes scolding kindly, other times acting as childish as they did. A good evening, with the stars out, and the lands exposed in the night-time beauty.

[Leon]

Leon, one of the leaders of the notorious bandit game led by Rich and himself rode through the countryside. It was a full week since he last saw his partner in crime, and everone he asked if they saw a big brawny bald guy pass, indicated him towards this place. Some little remote smelly village. Frowning, he pushed onward, knowing he'd find him here. Leon had heard of theese rebels, and really had nothing against them, but if his partner was here, he'd go crazy. ~The guy never says what he means, and now he just wanders off to join this rag-tag bunch of loonies. ~

It was a starry night, and a merry song was coming from the village, they seemed to be having a feast. No doubt the Turbans were here. He rode in, the people moving out of his way since he was on a horse, and he listened to the speech. Grinning, he scratched his head and continued searching for Rich. After a few moments he spotted him and rode over to him.

''So, you'd go away from me and never come back for this?''

[Huangfu Yuan]

A single rider trotted lightly towards Shang Dang. He wore fairly modest merchant's clothing, and wore on his belt a small bag of coins. Huangfu Yuan usually preferred somewhat more lavish travelling conditions; however, he didn't want to call attention to himself during this trip. He often looked off the road, apparently searching for something, or someone...

[Richard]

"Great teacher, meet my partner in crime Leon"

Richard pulled leon from his horse and in to a headlock just messing around

"Now say sorry to the great man Leon"

Richard was all ways winding Leon up same as Leon all ways returned the favour, they were more like brothers than friends

(Short but 2 the point)

[Leon]

''Let go, let go baldy!''

He struggled until he stamped his foot and released himself from his grip. Looking at Zhang Jiao he saw nothing more then a beggar dressed in yellow. A common sparrow nothing more. Grinning as he eyed him he bowed slightly, more of a habbit then a real bow. He straighhtened himself before resuming the talk with Rich.

''So, what's your excuse?''

[Zhuge Flea]

Zhuge Flea had been searching for many days since he heard of Zhang Jiao. He had traveled through many cities looking for the man. Now his search was over, he had found him. Zhuge rode into the village, got off his steed and tied it to a nearby post. Zhuge Flea then looked around for any villagers. His eye picked one out and he went over to him.

Zhuge Flea: Have you seen Zhang Jiao in this village?
Villager: Yes, He is right over there.

The villager points towards Zhang Jiao. Zhuge Flea then walks in the direction of which he was directed. Zhuge Flea stopped as he reached Zhang Jiao. He then proceeded to bow down infront of Zhang Jiao.

Zhuge Flea: It is such an hounor to be in your presence.

Zhuge Flea then picked up his head and looked at Zhang Jiao.

i have heard your words of wisdom from far away. i wish to help you.

[Arco]

*A single person was sitting at the edge of a nearby forest. Next to him was a campfire, still smoking gently and spreading a bit of warmth, although with the current weather, that wasn't really necessary any more. The absence of a tent or mat meant this person had been sleeping on the ground or simply hadn't slept at all. A few paces further was a horse, running around freely, as if it was just passing by coincidence. However, as the person got up, he whistled shorty and at once, the horse stopped running and with a gentle speed, walked towards him. The person looked back one more time, making sure the fire wouldn't cause any harm any more. The small amount of drinking water he was carrying with him and his lack of enthusiasm to collect more made it that he never poured it onto fire any more, like he used to do.*

*Just as he mounted his horse, he heard great shoutings arise, coming from the horizon. He checked the standing of the sun, the visual map of China he had in his mind and decided the noises must be coming from one of the villages near Shang Dang. Seemingly not in a hurry, he first re-checked his equipment. His hand-made bow was still in a perfect state and the quiver he had on his back still held plenty of arrows, as he had refilled it a day ago. His head turned back to the horizon and he frowned his eyes against the light of the upcoming sun, it was surely that this day would be a beautiful one. Calculating he still had quite a long way to go, he ordered his horse forward and at full gallop, they both made for the place the shoutings were coming from.*