Hello everyone. Thank you for stumbling across my story. It is the first fanfiction I have written for... a very long time, actually. Probably around 4 years. But it is not the first story I have written. Hopefully there are not many mistakes and it relatively easy to read for you.

As a future warning, this is meant as shounen ai story, so if you don't enjoy that, then turn back now, or keep reading until you can tell that it might turn that way, which (unfortunatly for you yaoi fans) might not be until at least chapter 3. Hopefully there will be no OOC, too... or at least that is what I am aiming for. Also, this is NOT historically accurate, just as a forewarning to those of you who might consider flaming. This is based on Dynasty Warriors, not Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Enjoy!
+Tatsue

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It had been relatively quiet in the Shu camp for the past few days, and we had not heard a single word from our spies. Of course, that could be construed as either a good sign or a very bad one. I had not thought of it much, really; I was just happy that I finally got a rest from all the fighting… and as one of the five Tiger Generals of Shu, fighting was the first thing I did in the morning, and the last thing I did at night.

I could thank god that for the past week, that redundant schedule could be thrown out. So, instead of cleaning the blood from my spearhead, I could finally walk about the camp and really look at the people I strived so hard to protect. Their faces seemed to reflect the same relief I felt that our battle had ended for now, that we had time to coddle our wounds and time to mourn for our lost friends. However, at a night like this, it was difficult to morn when everyone around you was having such a wonderful time, drinking up the foreign liquor, chatting up a storm that at a distance was very much akin to the banter of crickets.

As I walked past, my men stopped what they were doing to greet me or to give a polite bow, but I dismissed them with a wave of my hand and passed by, unconcerned with their idle chitchat. I never did feel at home with my own men, even though they went through the same trauma as I did. Still, it seemed that they didn't really understand what it was to be a Tiger General and how difficult it was to please both Lord Liu Bei and Master Liang. The only people that really knew what I was going through were the other four Tigers.

"General Zhao Yun!" An unfamiliar voice called behind me. I slowed my pace and let the soldier catch up, not bothering to turn my back to face him, "Lord Liu Bei and the Prime Minister would like to speak with you." The man finally caught up to me, trotting along beside me as I kept my steady stride.

I gave the young man a small smile and a silent "Thank you" before I changed my course, slipping between two tents as I headed for my master's chambers. The summons hardly bothered me now, as it seemed to me that my Lord for some reason or another often called upon me. Sometimes I felt as if I did more work for him than either of his sworn brothers did; all they ever seemed to do was drink and crack jokes.

I let the large doors squeak open as I pressed past them into Liu Bei's quarters. I looked over its contents, my eyes catching the glimmer of gold in the corner and fine sink draped over nearly every tabletop. As impressive as it was, it was nothing against the beauty of Cheng Du, of course. At the far end of the room was a small square table at which sat three men.

One was my Lord… and likely, the only man I could truly consider a 'best friend.' To me, this man was almost godly; a man I could easily worship for his virtue. I had followed his every command for several years now and I trusted him with my life—and I had reason to believe, he felt the same about me as well.

Another was Master Zhuge Liang, the Prime Minister as he was oft called. He was by far one of the most important men in the war, not to mention the most sought after. I couldn't help but feel a little twinge of jealousy when I really thought about him, he was, after all, only a few years younger than me, but seemed so much better. He was so far ahead of me when it came to strategy and intellect it was frustrating sometimes.

Then there was one more; a shy looking boy with long brown hair, pulled back much like my own. He could not have been any older than at least 20 years old, or at least that's what I gathered from his stunning looks. I had never seen him about camp, I would have remembered a face such as his… was he new, a boy from a nearby village?

I caught my eyes wandering over his pleasant face and quickly bowed my head as I knelt at my Lord's feet, "You summoned me?" I felt as if my voice was silkier than normal, making me feel as if I were trying to bed someone. I could not help but mentally strike myself for this. I lifted my head slowly to meet the six eyes staring through me. Thank god Kongming was quick to speak.

"Yes, Zilong. I actually have a small favor to ask of you." His voice was soft as usual, setting a comfortable aura into the room. It was difficult to be nervous in his presence, but somehow, this boy could not shake that concerned look from his face. Zhuge Liang didn't give me time to reply any further than raised eyebrows, "This is Jiang Wei, a defect from Cao Cao's army. I would like to begin training him as my understudy, however I would like you to escort him around the camp and help him get settled in before we begin."

His words seemed completely harmless to those who had not had this conversation several times with the Shu leaders. I was to keep a keen eye on this Jiang kid and make sure he was truly a defect and not a spy. Jobs such as this were not my favorite; being the last say in the fate of a young man.

I looked at the boy, a small smile gracing my lips. He stared back with the same nervous expression he held since I entered the room, obviously wary of the term 'defect' and what impression it may have on my trust. As far as he knew, I was to take him out and run him through. I almost felt bad for him—not knowing what was going to happen to him or where he was.

I stood, getting ready to leave, trusting that Jiang Wei would follow. The three men at the table almost all stood at once as well, following me closely. As we walked, Zhuge spoke in hushed voices to Liu Bei, but about what, I knew not… and I really don't think I wanted to.

"H-hello." Jiang Wei said from beside me, his voice a small, unsure mutter. I turned my head to look at him again, taking in his features. There was no denying that this boy was probably going to be one of the best looking men in the whole camp, and probably the youngest.

"Hello." I replied simply, that sincere smile jumping back to my countenance. I meant to say more, but I felt it better to talk away from Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. I assumed that he still wasn't comfortable around those of high rank. Of course… he had no idea that I was 3rd of the five tiger generals; that was information for later.

The evening nearly blinded me as I stepped from the well-lit building into the night. Only a few fires burned in the camps, and most soldiers found their place around one of the few, still chatting in their drunken stupor. Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang did not bother to follow; they were busy men, after all, and had no time for things like that… or so I liked to believe.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Jiang Wei staring over at the camps, a look of yearning tinting his features. I chuckled lightly and patted the new recruit on the shoulder, "If you want to go join them, nothing is stopping you except yourself." I said politely, trying to make him feel at home. But, still the young man was reluctant to move away.

"No thank you. I'm not too fond of liquor. Plus, I would like to get all settled in before I run about. Zhuge Liang said that he would have someone put an extra bed in your tent for me until they could get a more permanent place for me." He said matter-of-factly, just as the Prime Minister usually did. I nodded and continued forward. Normally, I would have pressed the matter, asking why I was the one who was to escort the new kid, why he had to sleep in –my- tent… the tent that I requested was shared only with myself. But, if it was Zhuge Liang's idea, then it was my Lord's as well… and I would not question him.

I pressed through the entrance to my tent, letting the flaps fall into Jiang Wei's face as he entered. He gave out a small grunt of annoyance as he swatted the cloth away and followed in after me. I small sense of grief overcame me as I examined the newly rearranged space, sighing as I noticed the severe lack of space. All of my armor had been piled into the corner with my Dragon Spear nestled next to my bed. My clothing was nice and folded in the corner above where I rested my head, however… which was unnatural on any other day. Jiang's bed now occupied the space where I kept all of my belongings, invading it with his own. Of course, the boy had come here with nothing but the clothing on his back, but someone had been gracious enough to gather some new garments to present him. But the thing that annoyed me the most… was seeing that beautiful spear sitting in the corner with the rest of Wei's new belongings. Was I to teach him to fight as well?

Before my anger could simmer, Jiang pressed passed me to go through his new stuff. He seemed pleased by the quality of it… or the color, it was hard to tell. He made sure to fold it all nice again before he crawled over his pad of a bed to touch the weapon in the corner. I could not help but stare as his lithe figure as he crawled over the floor and hesitantly touched the lacquered wood of the spear. My thoughts about the boy were once again confirmed.

"Is this… a present from you Zilong?" He asked, deciding unwisely to use the name that Zhuge so carelessly tossed out. He glanced up at me with those pretty brown eyes of his, looking so pathetic, I couldn't help but smile, but… unfortunately, it wasn't a very convincing smile.

"Please, call me Zhao Yun until you know me better." An overtone of annoyance drenched my tone, and I could see Jiang Wei wince-- but my voice could not have made a man flinch. I gave him a skeptical look as he looked away quickly, his eyes wide as he seemed to remember a very important fact.

"Y-you're the 'Little Dragon' then…" He muttered, his nervous posture striking him again. I furrowed my brow and dropped to my knees next to the man, staring at him for a second before I broke out into laughter. He obviously found this offensive and turned away from my smiling face.

"You really had no idea? You must have heard of my accomplishments… from the way that you reacted…"

Jiang Wei turned slowly, staring at me for a moment in slight mortification, the stories he had heard likely flashing through his mind. "I had never seen your face before… but your accomplishments lead me to believe you were much older than you really are. I cannot believe I did not see it sooner…" He was mentally cursing himself now.

"I wouldn't worry too much about it. My accomplishments mean nothing in the end, anyway. I do what I am expected to, that's all."

Next chapter: Young Prodigy
P.S. If you are wondering what Pieta means, it means "Mercy" in Italian. (Yes, I have been listening to too much Josh Groban...)