I can't seem to turn away plot bunnies! It's a plot…Literally! I don't normally do OC's…But once in a whiles okay right? BTW I'm ignoring the second movie (and history in general) completely. :D

The Huns had crossed the wall. Such a thing…it was unimaginable…they had never thought it would happen. Yet…it had. Lei closed his eyes as he heard his Grandfather's orders. It was true, they had to go to war, they had to defend their people. Yet many of their people would die for the cause. War never brought true profit to either side. He looked down at General Li with sad eyes he would gather the men, his troops would go out to stop them and his son would train the new recruits. These men would go out and fight. While he…the only heir, would sit uselessly on cushions in court. He who had great personal cause to despise the Huns. He would leisurely continue to live his life while others fought and died. Blood would be spilt, lives would be lost, many would grieve. Yet he would continue to live out his life untouched by it all. Forced to watch and grieve but distant like the moon.

After the General had left and the annoying assistant was sent away he and his grandfather sat in silence. "You wish to go." His grandfather was a very observant man.

Lei gently unfurled his hand from the fist it had created and prayed for patience. His dark eyes slowly opened and his lightly tanned face, pale compared to others, was calm. His hair was kept long, untraditional for a male heir but his grandfather was content to let him do as he wished. He kept it styled pulled back in a knot. It was functional and showcased that he had inherited his mother's beauty. Composed he turned to his grandfather "Yes…we would not let the soldiers protect us and leave our people defenseless…why should I be exempt from fighting for our safety?" His regal blue silk robes moved languidly, disguising his impatience to answer the fire that was raging in his blood. His people were being threatened and though he was the heir there was little he could do to stop it.

Aged eyes looked on him sadly. He knew that it was unfair to pose this question to his grandfather. He was a leader who wanted nothing more than to see his people safe and content. He had been on the Throne for many years and probably had experienced this sensation of helplessness more times than he could count. Such as when his mother and father had died. As those eyes looked at him he lowered his head in respect though he could not keep the fire out of his own eyes.

Watching his grandson he felt a weight settle onto his chest. He had indeed been on the throne for a long time; he had learned how to direct the indigent fire that built up in him every time he had to continue to be composed when his people were in danger. He used that fire to ensure his orders were followed. Lei had not yet learned that lesson and though he was very composed for a young man entering his twentieth year he could sense the reckless spirit that lay beneath his still exterior. Worse yet he hungered for vengeance. Something he himself had abandoned long ago. Still. The young could not be kept from the outside world forever.

They sat in silence for a moment before the Emperor said slowly "Travelling ten thousand miles is more beneficial than reading ten thousand books."

Lei did not let any emotion reach his face as he waited for his grandfather to finish speaking. Finally he could bare it no more and looked up to see his grandfather smiling regally at him "I cannot let you fight. But perhaps you could visit the recruits. Inspire them. Chi Fu will be going to observe, you may accompany him and find use for the fire in your blood."

Bowing his head with exuberance it took all of his training to leave gracefully instead of rushing to his chambers to immediately prepare for the trip. He was not often let out of the palace and he would do his best to not let this opportunity go to waste.

The Emperor watched with heavy eyes. He would pray that no misfortune befell his grandson. He was the last earthly connection, yet he could not contain him anymore than a nightingale would sing in captivity. He would be sure to send a strong escort.

Lei tried to not let his inexperience show as they rode to the camp. His grandfather had sent him with the General and Chi Fu to the training camp. The Imperial Soldiers were very courteous to him but they could not keep the curiosity from their eyes. It was true that it was as much a marvel for people to see him as it was for him to see them. They were kind enough to let him watch their exercises and answered his questions. Decorum was everything yet he could not resist getting carried away.

Now he was sitting Li Shang's tent watching as the man was informed of his new position. He hid his smile of amusement behind his fan at the man's expression. It seemed he wasn't as subtle because when Captain Shang looked in his direction his dark eyes had an answering humor lit them. Lei ducked his head embarrassed to have been seen so carelessly.

After the General left Shang had found his camp in disorder. His face flushed with anger and embarrassment as he cast a quick glance to the Prince who had come to motivate the troops. He barked orders for the camp to be cleaned and organized and graciously offered to pitch Prince Lei his tent. Anything to distract him from the chaos of the camp.

Lei tried not to let his hesitance show as he looked on his new…lodgings. Lei reminded himself that the rest of the soldiers were going to be with far less luxury than he would be experiencing in the tent. He had come on his own volition, he would not balk now. He remained serene as he smiled gratefully towards the captain. "Thank you…"

It seemed that the captain was very good at seeing through him. He bowed to the prince and said "We did our best to ensure that you would be comfortable during your stay."

Flushing Lei nodded his head "I did not mean to insult you. Comfort has no place when one is at war…" He trailed off feeling very embarrassed for his reaction.

Watching the Prince, Shang was much better at hiding his expressions. The Prince kept his face as tranquil as a pool, however he could see the emotions that rippled across them before the waters stilled again. He could tell that the Prince was earnest about motivating the troops. He sympathized with a young man who was not allowed to lift a sword to defend his people. "I will bring you dinner when it is ready. The men should have the camp suitably prepared by then and we will begin training in the morning."

Lei was humbled by the efforts the young captain was making to please him. He gave a small tilt of his head and said kindly "I can only hope that I will not disturb your training in any way. I only wish to observe and aide when I can."

Lowering his eyes Shang felt his chest swell. To meet the Prince and become Captain all in one day was overwhelming. He kept his face expressionless even when the gentle regal beauty of the Prince was dazzling. He left before he could fluster the prince anymore or risk making a fool of himself.

That night he lay in his tent as he dreamed of shaping this rag tag group of men called to arms into a honed force fit to serve the young Emperor in the tent so close by.

He closed his eyes, when he had first heard of the Royal Guest he would be entertaining he was certain that all it would cause was great disturbances. However he could already feel his motivation growing to see approval in those dark eyes. As his mind wandered into the land of sleep he thought more on the prince. He was the Emperor's only living relative. His mother had been of renowned beauty. She was said to be a star from Heaven and seeing her son he had no doubt about the tales. His father had been tied to the Royal Family as a warrior. His prowess was so known that he had been given permission to marry into the royal family when he had been responsible for saving her life.

Unfortunately when the Prince had been just a boy their caravan had been attacked by the Huns. Prince Lei had been hidden in a carrying case and sent off with a messenger away from the carnage. Though his father had been strong he was not able to hold out against the Huns. Lei had lost both his parents that night. It was no wonder he wished to fight against them and avenge his parents.

Before he knew it the first rays of the sun were beginning to peek through his tent and he groaned as he stretched to awareness. His mind felt as though it had been turning over in his sleep all night. He rinsed his face with water and began gathering the tools for his lessons today. The men began to stir and he smiled with faint amusement when a polished, though slightly sleepy Prince, appeared for the mornings demonstration.

Day One.

Thank you! I think this will span several chapters so I hope you are looking forward to them! Every bunny needs a home and we will learn more about Lei in the next chapter.