Koihime Musou

China... A land currently in troubled times, the Han Dynasty grows crippled and corrupt, and the people grow discontent. A revolt is formed in means of a Religion, the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Headed by Choukaku... Or at least, originally headed by her. And her subordinates, Chouhou and Chouryou.

The Imperial Guard of the Han Dynasty had grown weak from it's considerable time of peace, and was unable to quell the rising rebellion of the Yellow Turbans. Considerable victories caused people to flock to them. Their ranks bolstered in an incredibly short amount of time.

What originally started as a means of bringing forth a Way of Peace now became about banditry. Somewhere along the way, Choukaku had lost control of those she had gathered. Now little more than a figurehead for the Yellow Turbans...

Lords of various Lands begin to rise. Warriors ready arms and hone their skills. Most notably is Kan'u and Chouhi, Warriors seeking to defend the People. However they have no Vassal nor Territory to call their own. Thus they seek one that they can rally under, and thus bring peace to the land with.

Then there is Wei, commandeered by Sousou, and supported by Kakouen and Kakouten.

Then, Wu. Headed by Sonken. Currently... Everyone had been gathering in the Youzhou District.... And it seems that even more would be arriving soon...

The vast, unknown waters, and sailing across them was a Ship. It's passengers were many, but two of note were aboard. Alice Margatroid, and Alex Margatroid. Foreigners. It had been quite the long days at sea, but the trip was a rather pleasant one, at least.

Alice had awakened from a night of sleep. Stretching and rubbing her eyes. "Phew..."

"Ahh... almost to 'Youzhou' district... I hired this caravan to carry my belongings... which is just a few clothings, a sword, and a set of armor. Lately... I have been very tired... Phew, daytime already? Atleast Im almost there... I've never been to 'China' before... but I did picked up the language, so I should be fine. This has been a costly fee, so Im running out of yen. Hopefully I can pick up a job while Im at this district..."

I close my journal, as my caravan told me it'll take a few more hours to reach the "youzhou' district. So I decided to take a quick nap.

Alice finally gets out of bed, smiling a little as she makes her way over to Alex and sitting next to him, she gently hugs him, looking out the window as well. "It's a marvelous sight, isn't it?"

He was notably sharing the Caravan with two girls. One was rather short and small. She seemed very shy and softspoken. And then there was her companion, who seemed relatively as if she was a senior. At least in comparison to the softspoken girl. She seemed to handle everything for the shy girl.

"Ahh... sorry, I didnt noticed you two there.... how've you been?" I asked the two girls

I smile, looking at her. Good morning mother. I then nodded in agreement. It's such a strange looking land, I wonder what strange sights we'll see?

"Good morning, honey." Alice continues to smile, and then shrugs. "I don't know. But that's what makes it exciting! It looks like we'll be arriving soon. Do you have everything ready?"

The small girl rather predictably shies away a bit, although it didn't seem to be meant in hostility. The girl with green hair clears her throat slightly. "Ah, well. The trip has been rather slow. We were headed to the Youzhou District because we've heard of a Tournament about to be hosted there."

"A tournament, you say?"

Maybe I can make up some coin...

I believe so, Mother. I calmly stand up.

Alice stands up as well. "Excellent! I'll collect my things and then we can head above deck!" Alice then collects her Grimoire and the Case she had used to bring her personal belongings.

"Indeed. The Youzhou District is hosting a Tournament for aspiring Warriors due to the recent rise in Bandit activity. It's the perfect chance to find new Recruits. Likewise, the Warriors in question will have their fame spread as a result of taking place in the Tournament."

"Ahh, I see... any cash rewards for the winner?"

I collect my belongings and my sword. Ahhh, it will feel nice to be on land after so many weeks.

Alice nods in agreement. "Yeah... Still, it was fun to ride on a Ship such as this, wasn't it?"

"Certainly! The top winner receives the highest prize, as well as the most fame. However, everyone receives a prize pending on how well they do in the Tournament. Even those that do not perform very well will receive recognition for their bravery to battle."

"Ahh, I see! So... what do you do in this tournament?"

Yes, it's a very majestic ship. I head up to the deck.

Alice heads above deck with him. Sure enough, the Port wasn't very far ahead. They would arrive within the hour for certain.

"It is a general test of combat ability. Participators gain "points" based upon their feats. Such as defeating foes or lasting through unfavorable conditions. They can also be graded on how well they operate with allies. As such, it's split up into groups."

"Ahh, as I thought... You participating in this tournament?"

Ah...Almost there. Our new life.

"Yeah... Exciting, and kinda scary, isn't it?"

"A-... Ah, us? No. We're only heading there to observe the Tournament."

"Observing? As audience?"

It is. But I'll protect you! Just as I promised.

"I know you will!" Alice smiles at him once more. A little while later, their Ship docks at the Port.

"That is correct."

"Ahh, good... Hmm..."

I begin to get lost in though, as my mind wonders.

Alice accepts his aid. "Thank you, dear. Ahh, our first order of business should be heading to the Tavern so that we can secure some housing. Plus, it will be beneficial to hear what might be happening in Town."


"A-... Ahh... W-... Well, since we're travelling together... S-... Should we introduce each other?"

"If you feel comfortable with that, sure."