Author's Notes: Right, so some of you might remember this story, previously under the title 'Catching Fire.' Like I (think?) I said on my profile page, I did plan on rewriting this, also under a different title, because a lot of people gave me flack about it being ~Suzanne Collins' title. To respond to that, I actually got it from the song 'I Caught Fire' by The Used, which was like the unmentioned anthem for this story. So, there.

Anyway, the main reason I chose to rewrite it was that I felt that I could have done a lot better with this fic, given that my writing was admittedly terrible (moreso than it is now, that's for sure); my narrative was weak, and my dialogue was cringe-worthy. So, of course, as much as this is meant to entertain, it's also basically a way for me to get some peace of mind.

I also rewrote this in the hopes that I could add some more awesome new characters; I have to admit that my "Lu Xun" incarnation in the previous one was based on his DW6 model. And we're already on DW8:XL (for the timebeing, anyway). I thought it was time for an upgrade.

The premise won't totally change, but the writing will, and so will a lot of elements. I thought I would just revise it for grammar/structure's sake, but I ended up keeping like 2 paragraphs and writing the entire thing from scratch. I'm so changeable. (It is a weakness. But to be fair to myself, it's my only weakness. YOU CAN'T BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE- sorry. BBC carried me away there for a bit.)

Right, so, sprawling preliminary author's note aside (since there will be another one later), let's get on with the show!


"Mixun!"

It was odd - almost uncomfortable - to see myself back in the dark blue I used to wear. Looking down, it felt unfamiliar – or, rather, I felt unfamiliar. It was only a moment ago that I was clad in ruby red, defending Jianyong's central base. Now, I fought alongside the enemy – well, their enemy, to be exact. Still, it had seemed like `a lifetime ago; could it be that I had forgotten what it was like to serve Wei?

"Fall back!" my allies commanded. Units fled the battlefield, running towards our main camp. It was situated near the docks, for a quick escape.

"Mixun!" The voice, usually calm and collected, was edged with panic, and some fear. Still, it was, in both occasions, persistent, and persuasive; a few more attempts at my name, accompanied by urging words would cause me to stop. Already, my pace was slowing, my feet betraying me to the sound of a voice I had learned to heed.

I shook my head; surely, I was not that weak. Surely, my head could not betray me - and that was all I needed: my head, to reason that the quickness in my pulse and the heaviness of my breathing came from the effort of running which was, at this point, a frustratingly difficult task. The footsteps behind me, however, did not waver; in fact, they were speeding up, and growing louder, until the patter of soles was just at my heels. In an effort to lose my pursuer, I quickly banked a hard left, turning into a thick patch of trees beside the now-abandoned Wei supply base. Everyone had gone - it was time for me to leave, as well.

Still, the task proved more difficult in execution than in thought; I found my follower determined to track me down. In the shade of leaves and bamboo shoots, I, steeling myself for the encounter, finally whipped around to face the boy that had trailed my steps so closely.

"Stop, Lu Xun."

He did not need the instruction - he was already standing, so still that, if it were not for his breathing, he would look like a sculpture, perfectly formed in red and gold. His eyes were sharp, piercing my skin and impaling my soul straight through. And, while they shone with confusion and some indignation, his expression was one of complete resolution.

I wasn't sure, yet, what to say - my mind was still clouded with bitter thoughts and heavy guilt. However, I found myself opening my mouth to speak. It was good, then, that he held a hand to stop words I did not yet know how to string together.

"Before you say anything," he began. "Stop. I don't care."

I couldn't help it; my brow furrowed. "What do you-"

"I don't care what it is you practiced for nights to say to me," he exhaled. "I don't care. I know you don't believe it, and you know I don't."

"I haven't even-"

"It's your duty," he pressed on. "That's what you want to say, isn't it? It's your duty to your kingdom, and to your emperor. You had no choice, and it was all a lie. All of it. Everything you did was for the destruction of Wu, and the victory of Wei."

I stayed silent now, trying to weigh his anger. He took a step closer, and I started, unsure of how to react, except for the natural reaction of gripping my fingers a little tighter around the hilts of my kunai. The small movement, however, did not escape his sight. Pressing his lips together, he drew back his arms, sheathing his twin blades.

"Is that what you meant to tell me?"

"It… is my duty. It's why I came to Wu. You know this; you're a tactician," I frowned. "You know all about decoys, and false defections, and-"

"I know about duty, Mixun. I understand what it is you are telling yourself now, in an attempt to convince yourself. But," he added. "I can see beyond that. You cannot fool me."

"But I did," I said quietly, to keep my voice from trembling. "I fooled everyone."

"You meant to say," he approached with deliberate steps, calculating, in case I would run again. "What you felt for me - what you said you felt for me - was also a lie?"

My thumb brushed against the blunt end of my blade repeatedly, trying to revive the feeling in my hands.

"Look at me, Qiao Mixun," he said, his voice nothing more but another exhale of the wind. "If you can look at me, and tell me, without hesitation, that you lied about that, I will let you go."

I swallowed hard, realizing it was much harder to lie about lying to one person, than to twenty.

"Were you not happier with us? With your cousins, with the princess?" He paused, contemplating. With… me?"

"It's not a matter of my happiness," I said slowly. "It's a matter of duty. I don't have a choice."

"You do," he replied fiercely. "You could stay in Wu. You need not go back to Wei. We will protect you, and you could serve the Sun family. We could be-"

A soft rustle behind the trees cut him short - whether that was the wind, or an eavesdropper, we could not tell. To him, it did not seem to matter.

"I don't care about Wei, and their petty schemes. Damn them all," he shook his head. "I refuse to believe that all you have ever cared about is the arrogance of an emperor who has yet to surpass the expectations of his own people. I know what you are capable of, and it is much more than serving Cao Pi."

He was so close now, the warmth of his body radiating within the small space that separated us. Taking my wrists, he gently lowered my hands, urging my blades away from his body.

"I know you, Qiao Mixun. I know you have spent every minute of this battle telling yourself that you have done the right thing, to further the conquest of your lord."

Were those footsteps? They were too quiet, so much so that I might have imagined them.

"But I also know that you have not succeeded in convincing yourself, and it is because of this that you have not convinced me. I don't care about your lies - I refuse to believe them. I would like to think I know the truth."

The boy in front of me did not seem to notice the noise that threatened to draw closer; instead, he begged a final question.

"Do you love me?"

"Lu Xun-" I started, but felt my voice die inside - I was sure of it now: there was someone fast approaching us.

"Mixun," he pressed. "Please. I need to know. Do you love me?"

There seemed to be no more time for deliberation. Staring straight into his eyes, I could only hope that he saw the apology within mine.

"No."

With a quick and sharp twist, I freed my wrists from his grasp. A look of alarm registered on his face momentarily before I drew my right hand back and struck, landing a clean blow across his shoulder, and running a deep gash into his chest.

His fall was slow, like the sinking of a stone in deep water. I looked away, knowing that, in his eyes, I would see the fading of any glimmer of hope he once had. It was hard, however, to ignore the soft thump of his body onto the ground.

It was then that I felt a hand rest lightly upon my shoulder. A breath of air passed my ear, followed by a voice that was just as faint.

"Well done, General Qiao. You've served your kingdom well."


"Qiao Mixun!"

It was somewhat of a pet peeve of mine to be interrupted during training, especially if it meant having to be dragged into a more tedious, and overall dull situation. This time was no different, as I looked up, squinting from glare of the near-noon sun, at a figure sauntering over to me. I lowered my weapons, and raised a hand to wipe the sweat off my brow. As the form grew closer, it cleared, taking the shape of a lean, fair-haired man with a small, calculating smile upon his lips. I inclined my head towards him.

"Master Guo Jia."

"I must say, general, I couldn't think of a worse time to train. Don't you and your - ah, partner find it a bit too warm to be crossing swords?"

Surreptitiously, he gestured to the scarecrow in front of me, the left corner of his mouth turning up a little further. I pursed my lips, ignoring the jibe about my unresponsive companion.

"It's the only time the training grounds aren't crowded."

"Ah, yes. I've noticed you've always loved your…" It was not that he struggled for words - if anything, the illustrious strategist did not seem to run out of them. Rather, he opted to pause, to calculate which word in his unending vocabulary seemed the most double-edged. "Solitude."

I, however, was neither a counselor, nor a poet, and had no time to consider subliminal messages - especially not from richly-dressed, subtly-smirking, overly-intelligent men.

"What is it that I can help you with, my lord?"

"You're so predictable, Qiao Mixun. So quick to get to the point," he raised a hand, pushing a gold lock away from his forehead. "Can't we chat, just as good friends?"

"I wasn't aware our relationship had turned so quickly," I said dryly. He let out a small scoff. "I must admit, I do not feel we are much more than allies in a very large kingdom."

"I am wounded, my lady," his expression, though, was far from it. "That you do not think too highly of me."

"I would apologize."

"But?"

"But I am not particularly sorry." I shrugged my shoulders, sheathing my kunai.

"I understand that is what many in your battalion admire of you," Guo Jia said airily. "You are magnificently unapologetic. I have yet to see it for myself, though I should very much like to."

"I am what I am, to get my job done."

"Your job? What does that entail? I am curious - please, enlighten me."

Already, I could tell he meant to drive to a certain point that far exceeded the importance of our current conversation. Additionally, I was tired of stepping around his words like an excited puppy. I decided to bring it to an end, by repeating my question.

"What is it that I can help you with, Master Guo Jia?"

"You must have so many duties, general, I am surprised you do not forget one, or another." One knowing glance from him revealed to me the ulterior motive of this particular conversation.

"Perhaps I have."

"Indeed. I feel the inclination to tell you, but…" He trailed off, giving the same nonchalant gesture with his shoulders as I had just done so. I realized this was more than just an informatory exchange of words; this was a game, which I had no desire to play.

"It must have something to do with a task," I guessed. "Though I can't recall…"

"How must it be like," he mused, suddenly shifting focus. "To be related to such well-known beauties, Lady Qiao?"

"Ah. We've come to the topic of my looks, once again," I rolled my eyes.

"I'm just trying to keep you entertained, as you struggle for what you should already know," Guo Jia smirked once again, clearly pleased to have gained the upper hand. "Is it difficult, then?"

"What? Remembering? Well, if you're someone like me, and not someone like you-"

"No, no," he waved a dismissive hand. "To always be compared to them?"

"Who?"

"The Two Qiaos," he let out an exasperated sigh, clearly disbelieving of my astounding idiocy. "The famous sisters from Jiangdong, said to be the most beautiful women in all the land, et cetera. How difficult is it, for you?"

"Not very," I replied. "Considering I have not seen them in ten years."

"People often wonder why you look nothing like them."

"People, meaning you."

"Again, you wound me," he shook his head dramatically. "General, I assure you, I have never set eyes on the Qiao sisters; I have only word of mouth to convince me of their beauty."

"In that case, let me be the first to assure you that their beauty far, far surpasses mine," I huffed out, still turning the thought of what I could possibly be missing out on, even though it was hard to see beyond the irksome strategist's coy nature. "Does the thought please you?"

"Then they must be flawless," he remarked smoothly.

"Your words give me comfort, Master Guo Jia."

"Truly," he chuckled, though it was without much humor. "For I meant that as a high compliment."

"Really?" It was my turn to scoff. "All I heard was another snide remark."

"Yes, well, it seems the subtleties of my words are lost on people such as yourself. I only meant that, given the unavailability of the Qiao sisters at the present moment, I could," he paused, once again, for theatrical effect. "Settle."

Well, I understood that, at least, even though it merely affronted me. I shot him a long look, and his gaze met mine.

"Well, I would not."

"For the third time, Qiao Mixun, you have cut me wide open," he looked the farthest thing from offended, though, clearly enjoying my rude responses. "I firmly believe I could change your mind. If only you would agree to meet me-"

At the emphasis of this word, I found myself suddenly experiencing an epiphany of sorts. My mind whirred, pinpointing the answer to the long-discussed question.

I gasped. "The meeting - I've forgotten!"

"Oh, good, you've cottoned on," he smiled wickedly.

"Why didn't you say anything-" I could not fully believe that this idiot had come all the way to have a verbal dance, just to mock me for my poor memory. It was only my disbelief that kept me from plucking his eyelashes out.

"I was not handpicked by Lord Cao Cao himself to be your errand boy, Qiao Mixun. I am a highly acclaimed strategist-"

"Oh, shut up, shut up," I snapped, grabbing him by the sleeve and steering him out of the training grounds. He, however, was chuckling to himself, pleased at the turn of events.

"If I've accomplished nothing better in my life, I, at least, know that I have finally felt the dominance of a woman," he said, frustratingly smug. "I hope you allow me the opportunity to return the favor in kind one of these nights."

"You are, by far," I groaned, letting go of his shirt, continuing my disbelieving rampage down the hallway. "The most narcissistic, egotistical-"

"Synonymous," he remarked, falling silent with amusement as I plowed on.

"Arrogant, little - I cannot believe you - I'm - I'm at a loss for words!" I threw my hands up, rounding the next corner.

"I didn't realize you had such a flattering impression of me."

"You-" I wheeled around, my arms stiff at my side from my personal restraint of my overwhelming urge to strangle the fool. "Just - please, don't speak to me."

"Shan't," he grinned. "I find a conversation with you seems to cure me of all my ailments. Seeing you furious may do better wonders to my health than any doctor in Hefei Castle." At this, he ran two fingers habitually down his chest. It was a strange gesture, but not one so strange that it veered me away from my anger at him.

I let out an expletive that would have probably earned me an honorary medal in piracy - however, all I got was another breathy chuckle from the late Lord Cao Cao's favorite strategist, who, apparently, enjoyed driving people to their wits' end as much as he enjoyed the company of women and wine.

"Don't let the emperor hear that, then." He pointed to a door six steps down the hall. "In you go, and mind your head."

"I will cut your hair off, so help me," I hissed, before stalking off, preparing to unceremoniously enter the council room. As my fingers turned the knob, I found myself once again stopping to listen to Master Guo Jia's aloof, and perpetually amused voice.

"Oh, and, general?"

"What is it now?" I sighed.

"You may want to compose yourself before going in." He smirked. "The emperor may be unamused by your lack of punctuality."


"General Qiao. How nice of you to drop by. Care to take a seat?" None other than Lord Sima Yi, Emperor Cao Pi's head strategist, could fill such a sentiment with an overwhelming amount of sarcasm. I glowered back, knowing he thought of me as some sort of idiot - moreso than his colleague, who had just followed my own entrance. I did not need to turn around to know that he was finding this all highly entertaining.

"Lord Cao Pi. Please – forgive my tardiness." I knelt at my emperor's feet, bowing my head. Master Sima Yi did not bother to hide his scoff of disdain.

"Take a seat, general. We have much to discuss." Emperor Cao's icy voice commanded. "As we were saying, strategies must be made to take Wu territory. That lowlife, Sun Quan, cannot be allowed to continue ruling such a vast land without our supervision." Cao Pi continued, as I settled myself beside General Zhang He, who patted my hand lightly in reassurance before returning his attention to our lord's words. "Furthermore, I hear whispers of plans to ally themselves with Shu - obviously a fool's tactic, in the hope that they can use their combined numbers to crush us. Idiotic, would you not agree?"

A murmur of nervous assent rippled through the room. I, on the other hand, was not quite so generous in handing out my agreement. If I were the Lords of Shu and Wu, I would think that the best way to defeat the vast armies of Wei would, in fact, be an alliance. Shu, of course, had Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, as well as their unrivaled strategist, Zhuge Liang: a sore spot for Master Sima Yi, who, despite his efforts, had yet to outmaneuver the Sleeping Dragon in his quickly shortening lifetime. I did not, however, bring this up; nor did I voice my hopes that Lord Sima Yi would, in fact, never find himself with the upper hand when facing Master Zhuge Liang. It was these kinds of thoughts that got you beheaded in the courtyard, with a magnificent number for an audience. I was quite attached to my head, and would only allow it to be taken from my shoulders in the circumstances of battle, and, so, kept my mouth shut.

"I say strike where it matters, my lord," General Pang De said, slamming his fist onto the table. "Wait for the opportune moment, and hit Jianye. We'll crush them at the heart, and make sure Wu and Shu have no choice but to surrender to our might."

"You get ahead of yourself, general," Sima Yi sneered. "It is as if you expect Wu to be sleeping sound while we attack."

"Wu has shored up their defenses," Guo Jia added. "We will not be able to penetrate their outer walls without losing half our forces. They know we are planning an attack; we cannot strike where it would be most obvious. Not with an army, anyway."

"No doubt another trick will greet us at the gates," Sima Yi agreed. "That simpleton Zhou Yu's sleeves are full of them."

"Yes," Emperor Cao Pi said slowly. "We cannot risk losing our numbers, not when there is a looming threat of an alliance between Sun Quan and Liu Bei."

"Ah, but I was not finished," Guo Jia interjected. "I believe we still have a way to crush Wu at the heart of their defenses, without risking all but one."

Everyone fell silent, staring at him. Even I had to admit this had taken an interesting turn. Still, it irked me somewhat to see that Master Guo Jia was clearly basking in the attention: a smug grin had fallen on his face.

"Qiao Mixun," he fixed his eyes on me. My mouth twitched, threatening to frown. "Have you ever eaten an apple?"

"Is this another trick question?" I demanded.

"No, general, I merely asked if you have partaken in the forbidden fruit."

"Yes, I've eaten an apple," I replied, then added, to myself: "Though you didn't have to say it so dramatically."

"A rotten one?"

"A - what? What are you even asking?"

He laughed, shaking his head. "I forgot you were only here for the scenery."

"Master Guo Jia, I patiently await this grand scheme of yours," Emperor Cao Pi snapped, obviously the epitome of impatience.

"Forgive me, my lord. As I was saying - a rotten apple, with an unfortunate worm inside," he resumed a more formal demeanor. "The worm gently breaks the apple's outer defenses, burrowing its way into the core. There, it begins its real work; twisting, gnawing, thrashing -"

At the use of these words, he cast me a short wink. I let out a grunt, affronted at his bald-faced idiocy.

"Until it finds its way back out once again. In its wake, it has left a hole. A hole for many others to pass through, should they find the need to use it…"

He trailed off, letting the scene sink in. I wasn't too sure about everyone else, but I found myself at a loss, only disgusted at the vision of a slimy old worm in a piece of fruit. More than half of the council seemed baffled as well - it was only Lord Sima Yi who had caught on, a wicked smile growing fast on his face.

"Very good, Master Guo Jia," Sima Yi said, obviously pleased. "Very good, indeed."

"I receive that as the highest of praises, my lord," Guo Jia smirked.

"I see," Emperor Cao Pi nodded, glancing at the younger strategist in approval. "I fully understand, now, my father's faith in you. A trick for a trick, just as Zhou Yu would play it."

"What," I whispered to Zhang He. "Is even happening?"

"Indeed, a false defection would serve as our bannerman in our attack on Wu," Sima Yi continued - it was only then that I finally fell up to speed. Of course, I was never proud of that particular personal trait; my ability to keep up with the subtleties of a conversation was close to inexistent. It was good, then, that I was never expected to contribute any input. "From there, we could infiltrate; our spy could pass on information about their movements, and we could map out our invasion, being one step ahead."

"I find myself exhilarated at your cunning, my lord," Guo Jia chuckled. "Then again, it may only be because it matches my own."

"Our man would have to be well-trusted," Lord Sima Yi mused. "Yet, not one so conspicuous. They'd need to be able to adjust to the South's - ah, barbaric ways."

"Indeed," Emperor Cao Pi spoke up once again, though his eyes seemed to see much further into the distance than the room we were in. Everyone's attention fell upon him again. "Master Guo Jia, what - or, rather, who - would you suggest? After all, the brilliance was all yours."

A few lieutenant generals sat up straighter; one even looked ready to preen himself, to catch the young strategist's attention. I found myself rolling my eyes at Zhang He, who shushed me preemptively, though he could not hide his own amusement. It was clear neither of us wanted to be pushed into such a tedious route, even if it did promise things like eternal glory and successful conquest.

It, then, came as a supremely infuriating surprise for me when Guo Jia decided to partake in one last opportunity to pick on me.

"My lord, I could not think of anyone more qualified for the task than General Qiao Mixun."

"What?" My outburst was echoed by Lord Sima Yi's own growl; looking over at him, I saw that he had grown at least two shades paler.

"Poison," Guo Jia said, magnificently unperturbed, as though I had not made a movement to strangle him. "Is, after all, considered a woman's weapon."

"Are you out of your mind?" I hissed, losing all pretenses of courtesy.

"On the contrary, general, I find myself splendidly at peace today. Thank you for your concern."

"I can't-" I started, already trying to make my case. I was not a toy, or a chess piece, to be pushed around from owner to owner. Nor was I intelligent enough to understand what went on in the numerous war councils I was sure they had. I was a soldier - there was a reason why my place was on the field of battle, and not in a library. I was not made for intricate ploys like this one.

"My lord, with all due respect-" Sima Yi snapped, looking like he was already grasping at the ends of his respectful ropes. Emperor Cao Pi, however, raised a hand to silence him; Lord Sima Yi complied, though he did not look at all pleased at doing so.

"I find myself curious at your choice. Please, Master Guo Jia: enlighten me."

"I have studied the Southland culture with great care, my lord. They place great pride in their respect for the women in their care. Imagine," he sounded breathless, although I knew this was just for dramatic effect. "A young lady, in the prime of her life, comes to the King of Wu, pleading for refuge from the ranks of Wei. They learn of her heritage; as it would turn out, she is closely related to two of the most important women in Jianye: the Qiao sisters, wives of Sun Ce and Zhou Yu."

I sniffed loudly - so that was what all the hubbub about my cousins was about. That sneaky devil.

"Finally, they find she is battle-capable. They will be eager to learn about Wei's plans, in order to sidestep our army's movements. All we would need to do is feed her false information to hand over to them; not only will she gain their trust, but we, too, will find ourselves successful in wreaking havoc on their plans. Wu will accept her, without doubt."

Damn it. Damn it all, Master Guo Jia. I will wring your slender little neck, so help me-

"I find your points well-argued," Cao Pi let the flicker of a smile flash upon his lips. "It dawns upon me that you had thought this through over many a night."

"Indeed, you render me transparent," Guo Jia bowed, his annoyingly blonde fringe falling into his eyes. I had seen court ladies swoon over his aloof, laid-back gait and charming features, but, now, all I wanted to do was set his pretty hair on fire. "Only your own genius could see right through me."

"My lord - while I admire Master Guo Jia's plan, I believe we have failed to take into consideration one important factor," Lord Sima Yi spoke up again, clearly unable to contain himself. he shot daggers at me, and I threw him an angry, affronted look, making sure he knew I had absolutely nothing to do with this madness. "Qiao Mixun is not capable of such a delicate and important task. I find I must mention that she is not, based on her performance, wholly trustworthy."

"Emperor Cao Pi, I - wait, what?" Despite my original intentions to argue my desire to stay exactly where I was, I found myself wanting to counter Master Sima Yi's jabs at my personality.

"Even the general herself knows that her skills are too underwhelming to carry out this plan-"

"Excuse me," I gasped, my head growing light with anger. Why was everyone so intent on pressing their luck with my fury? "I beg to differ - I have dedicated my life to Wei, and to my emperor. With all due respect, my lord, I must express myself appalled by your description of me as untrustworthy."

"I mean no offense, my lady," Sima Yi's expression told me he had meant all the offense in the world. "I only mean that we cannot hope to carry out a ploy so wholeheartedly planned with a general so… half-hearted."

Mental note: smother Lord Sima Yi in his sleep -

"I beg to differ, Master Sima Yi," Guo Jia said, sickeningly polite. "I believe Qiao Mixun is the perfect candidate for such a task."

And then strangle Master Guo Jia. It seemed like my hit list was piling up quickly.

"Furthermore, I do believe that our lord has entrusted me with the decision of picking our spy," the younger strategist bowed his head towards the fuming Sima Yi. "And it is his decree, in the end. Would you not agree, my lord?"

A brief moment of tension passed between the two strategists; their gazes, so intense, were almost electrifying. Finally, Lord Sima Yi consented. "Yes. I believe you are right, Master Guo Jia."

"What say you, my lord?" Guo Jia added, addressing Emperor Cao.

"I find myself swayed by your own resolve, Guo Jia. Fine," Lord Cao Pi nodded. "I will allow it - ensure that it is done well. Qiao Mixun, you will travel to Jianye the day after tomorrow and offer yourself to the service of Sun Quan. From there, await further instructions."

"My lord, I-" I began, but was cut off by our emperor's steely gaze.

"I trust you will not give us any problems. I expect you to draft full reports, to be delivered to us when necessary. Is that clear?"

"But I-"

"Is that clear, general?"

Zhang He shot me a glance, before nudging my knee with his own. I felt my heart plummet into my stomach with the slow realization that I could not slink my way out of this council unscathed. However, I forced myself to come eye-to-eye with Emperor Cao Pi, who awaited my reply with an unreadable expression. With some difficulty, I bent my neck, in both assent and resignation.

"Yes, my lord."


"Can you believe him? Is he even real?" I whispered angrily to Zhang He, who, grinned at me. "He's been taunting me all morning, the bastard!"

"Perhaps he would stop, if you admitted you found him attractive. As I understand, Master Guo Jia only enjoys his playthings if they prove to be a challenge."

"But I don't," I frowned. "I don't find him attractive."

"Good lord, Mixun, have you never heard of a lie?"

"Ugh," I made a face at my own feet as they carried me out of the council room, and back into the hallway. "Just you wait; if, one day, you him cold and lifeless in his bed, know that it was my doing."

"I believe that would be considered treason, punishable by hanging," Zhang He informed me pleasantly, as though we were talking about the weather, and not a supposed execution.

"Oh, good," I turned to him. "Where's Lord Guo Jia? I find myself in the mood to be hung, and I would like to pass on with the knowledge that I have taken him with me."

"Don't you think you'd find yourself sick of him, being trapped in his wheel of torment for all eternity?"

"Oh," I sighed in defeat. "Right."

"Chin up, Mixun," Zhang He laid a hand on my shoulder in an attempt to comfort me. "This is a tremendous honor, and a perfect opportunity to further our fight for conquest."

"A tremendous honor for some, maybe," I shook my head. "But not me."

"So," a new voice suddenly joined us; a voice that, at this point, I wanted to permanently silence. "I have yet to hear you sing your heartfelt thanks, General Qiao."

I wheeled around, fists clenched, to face Master Guo Jia, who was looking supremely smug.

"Please," I said, through gritted teeth. "Leave my sight. I have no desire to cause a scene out here in the hallway this early in the day."

"Why, I'm offended," he cocked an eyebrow. "Here I was, thinking that you might find yourself so deeply grateful to me that you would kiss my feet, when, in fact, you look quite ready to break one of my limbs."

"Oh good," I snapped. "You've cottoned on."

"I've done you a favor, General Qiao," Master Guo Jia smiled, though it was not a wholly pleasant sight to behold. "You get to have a family reunion, see new places, and - best of all - revel in your solitude in a brand new castle."

Before I could retort something nasty, I found myself being steered away; Zhang He was wheeling me down the hallway, away from my potential target. As I stomped furiously at my fellow general's pace, Master Guo Jia managed to spot one last opportunity to call after me.

"Oh - if you should find yourself lonely at times," he chuckled. "Take comfort in the fact that I will think fondly of you in your absence!"

Strangle. I will definitely strangle him when I return.


Author's Note (AGAIN? AIMEE WHY): Right, so, high fives for Guo Jia, who, by the way, is the tits in the game. I don't know what it is with him, but he's just so sassy and smooth, I kind of need him in this story. A lot. So I gave in to my whims!

Right, again, if you had read this story before, you'll notice Mixun's name now follows the style of every other girl game character (Xiaoqiao, Sun Shangxiang). This is, apparently, for correctness' sake. It also saves me a lot of spacebar using, so there's that!

So, no Lu Xun in the next chapter, I will warn you fair and square. I just think I may have gone way too fast with the original version of this, and kind of want to take my time, to make sure that there's room for character development and also relationship development. Please don't expect that he'll be around 24/7 at the start of the story! He will be, though, much later on.

Lastly, zooming out into the greater spectrum of things (see: list of KOEI games), I'm also firing up a version 2.0 of The Wind in His Strike. This, by the way, is a Yukimura Sanada/OC thing, which will be much shorter, I think. Why am I telling you this, when this is clearly a Dynasty Warriors fic?

Because I'm going to fuse the two together and make a Warriors Orochi 3 mash-up. Yasssss.

So, please look out for that!

All strange quips and statements aside, please review! I'd like to know what you think; if you're an old reader, let me know if this is, in any way, better than the first I had put up! If you're a new reader, please introduce yourself to me, and tell me what you think of this so far! :)

- Aimee c: