Hey guys, this is the first in what may be a series of one-shots, based on Songs. This one is based on ABBA's The Winner Takes It All. You may or may not realise that I posted this a while ago, but took it down. I've since reposted it; enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own neither the Dynasty Warriors nor ABBA and The song The Winner Takes It All. They belong to Koei and Benny and Bjorn respectively.
Warning: In the following story, There are references to a relationship between two males, so if you don't like, don't read. Otherwise, let me know what you think!
The Winner Takes It All:
"For the last time, I'm fine." Why won't he leave me alone? And why does he keep asking me if I'm alright? He's broken my heart, of course I'm not alright, I'm devastated! But I can't tell him that and he knows it. I really wish he'd just leave me alone.
"You don't look alright Junyi. Please just tell me what's wrong." He sounds so genuinely nice. I just want to kill him.
"Fine. You really want to know what's wrong? Well, you've broken up with me not even a week ago, and you're announcing your engagement to that-that-that… woman!! You're not even affected by the end of our relationship! I'm dying inside and you couldn't be happier! That's what's wrong! There. Now you know. But what can you do about it? Nothing…" I couldn't talk anymore. I was overcome with emotion, and I'm doing the one thing I'd promised myself I wouldn't do in front of him: cry. He stood there watching me, not knowing what to do.
"I told you nothing was wrong because I didn't want to talk about it, it's over. Next time I say nothing's wrong, take my word for it." I couldn't say anything more. I turned and started to walk out of his huge ornate bedroom. He was calling for me to stop, but I kept walking.
"I command you to stop. Disobeying a direct order is an offence!" He shouted.
He's threatening me? He has the nerve to threaten me? I turned around and stared him straight in the eyes, with a look that could have stopped the great god of war, and he flinches a little.
"Then have me punished. You can't hurt me anymore than you already have." I turn and keep walking. He doesn't try to stop me anymore.
"I'd like to propose a toast, to my son, Cao Pi, and the lovely Zhen Ji, who are soon to be wed. I wish them well. To the happy couple!" Cao Cao raises his glass and cheers for his son.
"To the happy couple!" All warriors present, including myself, stand and raise their glasses, and drink to their happiness. They then all sit and begin to eat. I can't bear to be sat next to Zhen Ji. The rumours were right about her, her beauty does indeed rival my own. But I am the more radiant. And that's what I can't understand. Why is Cao Pi obsessed with her? Was I not enough? Am I not beautiful enough for him?
"It is a wonderful night, don't you agree?" Zhen Ji turns and speaks to me. Her voice is soft and gentle and unlike her cold, hard features it gives some indication as to her personality. And although she is really a wonderful person, the prospect of sitting next to her all night made me sick.
"Excuse me, my lady, but I feel ill." Is all I can say before I stand and run from the banquet hall and to the safety of my room.
"Zhang He?" She is knocking at my door, calling my name and pretending to care about me. Why has she followed me? I can't bear for anyone to see me like this. I'm a mess.
"Lady Zhen Ji, I am fine, I just feel a little ill, I'll be fine in the morning." I call, but she won't go away. I hurriedly fix myself as best I can in the mirror on my dressing table, try to remove any traces of emotion and tears from my face, and fail miserably at both. I unlock and open the door and Zhen Ji walks timidly in.
"Cao Pi told me that you and he-" She started, but I interrupt her.
"What happened between he and I is over. We were an item once, but those days are gone. You've won his heart, and by doing so broken mine. Lady Zhen Ji, you are helping no one by being here. Go to Cao Pi, at least he wants you." I know, that last remark was a little harsh, but she deserves it.
"I'm sorry, I never meant for this to happen. Just so you know, I don't want Cao Pi's affection. I didn't ask for it. But who am I to argue, I'm only a woman." And with that she leaves, to return to the banquet.
I am in shock. Cao Pi has left me for a woman who doesn't even want him?!? I am overcome with rage, despair and jealousy all at once. I rip the magnificent butterfly ornament from my head and hurl it at one of the walls, screaming as I do so. What have I done to deserve this??
Walking back from his room, I can't help but wonder at how the gods have punished us. We were once so close, but fate drove us apart. I have lost so much this year. I lost my friend, my husband, my family and my pride. Why did I have to be so god-damn beautiful? My face is my curse, not my blessing.
Zhang He obviously loves Cao Pi, and he hates me for taking him away, but I didn't mean to! It's not my fault! I didn't want this. I haven't had time to mourn my first husband, and I'm being forced to take a second.
"I'm sorry, Zhang He, I truly am. But there's nothing I can do. After all, I'm only a woman." And also, who am I to complain? After all, in the long run, aren't I getting the better end of the deal?