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Lu Bu was used to people trying to throw him off balance after a powerful attack and had been expecting it from this man. Instead of falling forward he switched back with a small jump and slashed out at Musashi's sword, clashing hard into it. He gazed at the man and said, "You're not bad... Unfortunately I have a battle to get to, otherwise I'd stay and play with you."

Lu Bu smiled and brought his weapon away from Musashi's swords but still keeping it ready in case this were a trick. "Heh. Hahaha! You're funny. So that battle is over already? Judging by the blood on your outfit I'd say you took part in it, didn't you. Sure, why not. Let's go have a few drinks." He turned to mount his horse with his weapon still in hand. He motioned for him to follow. "Come with me, I can get us into the city without any problems." He kicked Red Hare's flanks and the massive horse began to trot toward Xiao Pei. He looked back to see if Musashi would be able to keep up with the slow trotting steed. Once they had made it to the gate the guards automatically let Lu Bu in and as he passed he said, "That guy back there is with me."

Lu Bu tied up Red Hare outside of the tavern and followed Musashi inside. The people inside all looked up at Lu Bu, instantly silencing themselves in fear. But then he noticed that many of them were staring at Musashi. They must have been aware that he is Japanese somehow. He definitely didn't dress like them... Were they afraid of him as much as they were of Lu Bu? Bu shook his head at this thought and approached the bar. "Hey, get us some wine!" He called out to the owner of the tavern.

A short balding man came running out and said, "Please, Master Lu Bu, we don't want any trouble. You can have anything you want, on the house."

Lu Bu grinned and said, "That sounds great. Make it fast, will ya?" He turned to Musashi and said, "So, Mu-sa-shi... You said you wanted to exchange battle stories, no? Go ahead, I'll save mine until after I hear what kind of war your people have seen."

The owner came running out with two large jugs of wine and set them down for each of the men to drink. Bowing several times the man left the two warriors alone.

((Sorry for taking so long, you know how it is...))

Lu Bu drank his wine in gulps as he listened to Musashi's impressive tale. "And each opponent you faced was somewhat of a challenge for you? I would like to visit your land and face some of these warriors as well." He said after another gulp of wine. "I suppose it's my turn. My most famous battle was at a place called Hu Luo Gate. Over the period of time I defeated over ten thousand soldiers and numerous officers. As you say, it takes more than one man, even one as strong as us, to win a battle when you are fighting for a lord. My lord, Dong Zhuo, burnt his city to the ground while I was preoccupied by three brothers, Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, and Liu Bei. Alone only Zhang Fei and Guan Yu are a challenge, but together the three of them pose a threat and it took many hours for our battle to come to a close. Meanwhile the city burnt and Dong Zhuo fled giving victory away to the enemy. Later I killed Dong Zhuo to gain my freedom at the side of a woman. Now I fight for myself and myself alone. If I do that I will never lose the way I did at Hu Luo Gate. Relying on others weaker than I will only bring defeat and I am not one to enjoy such a thing."

Lu Bu took several more large gulps of wine and set he jug down. "So it seems we both have had our share of victories and defeats. It would indeed be interesting to fight again."

Lu Bu chuckled a little as he sipped from his jug. With a large gulp he smiled and said, "Two of them are in this city right at this moment. This place, and the city you just came from, belong to Liu Bei and his two brothers, Zhang Fei and Guan Yu. I am sure that Guan Yu was at the battle you just fought in, but the other two are still here. If you want to meet them all you need to do is stick with me." He leaned back and looked around, "Liu Bei has taken me in and provided a place to stay for me as payment for helping his army out in the first attack. I am sure he will do the same for you."

Lu Bu finished his drink and gave an exasperated sigh of happiness. "Sure, I can take you to them. I don't see what it would hurt." He stood up and began to walk out the door, expecting Musashi to keep up. He left Red Hare where it stood and began to walk toward the castle. Once outside the main door the guards let him in wearily and he entered to head for the main hall where Liu Bei sat. He entered the room and looked at the ruler of Shu and his brother Zhang Fei. "Little Brother, I have someone who wants to meet you and your brothers. He is a foreigner but he does not fight for those who attacked Xia Pi."

"Ah, my pleasure." Liu Bei responded as one of the Qiao sisters introduced herself. The younger out of the two, as he could see (both by the appearance and name.) "I beg of you to make yourself at home. It would be best to enjoy yourself while you have time to relax. Please excuse me, Lady Xiao."

With that said the emperor walked off, his arms hanging at his sides. People had often told him when he'd been a child that his arms were far too long for his body. But they never seemed to heavy for him. He supposed that he was simply built that. These thoughts and many others, mostly concerning war, traveled on through his mind with no particular course. There was nothing that he could do at the moment. Though he could always stop and work on things that needed attention. Still, he was restless- it was stressful not knowing how things were going at Xia Pi. Bei wanted to know how his brother, Xing Cai, and the many others there were doing. He left a soft sigh escape his lips as he stopped in front of a window that overlooked the city. He was worrying too much, perhaps... one of his downfalls was letting his emotions get in his way. Still, wasn't being passionate one of the things that made a great leader? Bei rubbed his forehead with a hand. Things looked so peaceful here... and yet... Xia Pi.... The ruler shook his head before turning around and walking back to where he was supposed to be. He couldn't idly walk around during a time like this.

Now Liu Bei was sitting at his throne, a finger moving slowly up and down on one of the arm rests.

Maybe it had been a bad idea to send Xing Cai to battle. She lacked experience and Xia Pi had transformed into... an absolute nightmare. Bei could only begin to wonder how much Zhang Fei was holding himself back.

It was then that two people came into the throne room. Liu Bei quickly straitened himself and looked over at his visitors. Lu Bu and a foreigner. Zhang Fei was quick to be on his feet and begin to ask the questions.

"Ah, Lu Bu. To what do I owe the honor of meeting our new visitor?" Liu Bei asked soon after Fei stopped his interrogation. "And if you pardon my asking, is there any new information about Xia Pi's situation?"

Brother was definitely keeping himself in check. Bei would remind himself to give Fei some wine later in thanks.