Kingdom of Power, of Courage, and of Wisdom

Dragmire's War - Tears and Fury

-Bayou, Link-

Having escaped Zhao, the Qin fled out of the canyon. Ouki's army regrouped with the stragglers between the forest and canyon and fled to the fortress city of Bayou. Most of the wounded encampment from before was already there, with those worse off still approaching. The city was well into their repairs, and every able man, woman, child, and senior was assisting or healing the wounded.

"Open the gates!" The Qin soldiers yelled as the torn flag of Qin waved before Ouki's army. The gate raised and the men entered. Immediately, the greatest doctors were called for, a clearing was set up, and Ouki was pulled from his steed to a make-shift tent.

The doctors who rushed in didn't bother putting a hand on him. Their grim faces were enough, and Ouki waved them away.

"There is... no need. You dream," Ouki stated grimly.

"Is it not man's right to dream?" The Englishman asked.

Link and the other commanders were allowed entry. Though the other leaders might wonder why Link was given special privilege, no one questioned it. No one wanted to tarnish this moment with an argument.

Ouki looked onto his second-in-command, the Englishman, and said, "Geoffrey of the Smith family..." There was a strength to his voice that didn't exist a little while ago.

"Sir!" Geoffrey saluted.

"You are to forbid every man from following me into death, including the officers and commanders. You have been by my side these many years... Your abilities were eclipsed by my glory. I leave everything, my entire army, my powers, my rights, my land titles, and all that I possess... I leave to you. The other commanders stand here as witnesses."

"Yes, sir!" Commander Matsubi saluted.

Kei Ki sighed and waved.

General Moubu nodded and said, "I witness it."

"I'm counting on you... Geoffrey," Ouki whispered.

"Yes, sir," Geoffrey said. His fist clenched in his palm so hard his fingers dug into his flesh and bled.

Ouki coughed and blood flew from his mouth. It took all the doctors' strength not to panic as he struggled to catch a breath.

"Ouki," Moubu stepped forward. "Forgive me. Everything was my fault. I have had you in my sights for so long... I know my weaknesses, but in desiring to defeat the man even you could not, in seeking to reach your level or even overcome you, I put in our vulnerable position... Do you have any final words for me? If you wish to curse me, I accept it."

"You messed up..." Ouki agreed. "But that is because... you tried being someone you are not. You did not consider how your strengths work with others. You did not consider the big picture. You are not me, Moubu. Don't try to be. Your strengths are your own. Your achievements are your own. I would say 'don't rush,' but we are no longer in that position... There is no doubt that from now on, you will become the pillar of Qin's military. I expect you to take your mistakes and grow. After all, this Zhao commander who has appeared is an enemy of unprecedented level. We... have well and truly... been beaten. I predict that, for a while, all of Hyrule will revolve around that man."

Ouki looked to Kei Ki, "I am sure I don't have to describe the animosity between me and the Ki family, but I appreciate the support all the same. You performed well. You are a cunning strategist. You wage war... not on the field... but on the mind. That is unprecedented. I foresee great things for you."

Kei Ki nodded and saluted him. Normally, he wouldn't care or would wave off everything people would say, but this was Ouki's final hour. He was the greatest legend in Qin. Kei Ki figured he would give a little respect.