Between love and loyalty
Chapter two
Author's Notes
Forgive the obnoxious delay in updating. A lot of the time it's just me being lazy. I tried getting a few other stories up in hopes people would review and get me back into an inspired mood. Still, I managed to get this chapter up and will most likely get the third up.
Reviewer Response
OshiShadow: Thanks a lot. I wish I could've updated sooner, but I have a lot going on right now in real life.
shadowwolf5889: I thank you for the praise, but my stories aren't anything extraordinary. After each chapter I always think about how I could've made it better.
FFAUTHOR: Your wish for this fics continuation is granted. I guess you were too lazy to login, just like I am when I leave a lot of my reviews.
Without further ado, here's chapter two.
'This is the one part of being a soldier I hate. The march to the enemy.' Sun Ce said. 'Have patience Sun Ce. We'll be there soon enough.' Zhou Yu said. 'Then you can fight all you want.' Sun Ce sighed, having been anticipating the upcoming battle. 'I've heard the Liu Yong has a strong warrior named Taishi Ci. I'm looking forward to meeting him in battle.' Ce continued. Zhou Yu groaned. Behind the two, Ryu chuckled. 'If only you knew Sun Ce. If only you knew.' He muttered. 'If only he knew what?' Xiao asked. 'The fight he's in for. Taishi Ci is no pushover and will give Sun Ce a run for his money.' Ryu replied. Xiao looked worriedly at Sun Ce. 'He won't....die will he?' She asked. Ryu shook his head. 'No. They're both evenly matched, but Ce should win.' He said. Hearing this, Xiao smiled and looked to her sister Da. 'That's good. My sister would be heart broken if Ce died.' She said. Ryu smiled knowingly. 'So Jin Long, feeling up for this battle with your wound still healing?' Sun Shang Xiang asked, riding up to the two. At the mention of the wound, Ryu felt a dull throb of pain. 'It's nothing. I should be fine. The only competent person Liu Yong has in his army is Taishi Ci and Sun Ce can manage him.' He said. Shang Xiang raised an eye brow, then chuckled. 'You've got the same macho tough guy attitude that Ce does.' She said. Xiao giggled, and Ryu sighed. Hearing shouts ahead, the army suddenly stopped. 'Are we there already?' Ryu asked. They'd only been traveling three days. He didn't think the journey would be that quick. 'It seems Liu Yong was anticipating our attack. He's lead his entire army here to fight us. All units engage the enemy at once!' Zhou Yu said. Weapons were drawn and the army charged into battle
From on top of a hill, three figures observed the battle. 'That fool Sun Jian sends his child son to defeat us.' Liu Yong said. 'It's not wise to under estimate the enemy. Sun Ce's valor is already known.' Taishi Ci said. 'And then there's that new general Jin Long.' At the mention of Ryu's alias, the third figure laughed. 'Leave him to me. I'll take a big weight off his shoulders.' The figure said. 'Do you believe that you're up to it Tao? He and Sun Ce did manage to rout Lu Bu.' Liu Yong said. Tao smiked. 'This is going to be simple.'
'This is too easy! Where's Taishi Ci at?' Sun Ce said. Ryu cut a soldier's leg off at the knee and stabbed the soldier as he hit the ground. 'I don't know. Don't let your guard down Ce. The last time something was easy and we let our guard down Lu Bu stabbed me.' He said. Ce nodded and started looking around. they had killed every enemy soldier in the area and were moving onto another with a group of soldiers. 'I don't like things being this easy.' Ce said. All of a sudden a horse jumped out of the bushes, landing on several Wu soldiers. The rider glared at Sun Ce. 'I am Taishi Ci! Do you accept my challenge little conquerer?' He yelled. Ce nodded eagerly. 'This is what I came for!' He leapt at Taishi Ci and struk him with his Tonfa, sending Taishi Ci flying off his horse. Taishi Ci flipped mid air and landed on his feet. The blow had left little damage. Not wasting time with words, Taishi Ci charged towards Sun Ce and swung his clubs at Ce. The two continued to trade attacks, and Ryu could only watch awe struck. It was only when someone came up and tapped him on the shoulder did he come back to the real world. He turned to see who came up behind him when the person attacked him. Ryu didn't see the weapon, but felt it hitting his face time and time again. Finally, one hit sent him falling backwards. His entire face hurting, Ryu opened his eyes and saw his attacker. 'You've more important things to worry about then Taishi Ci.' He said. Ryu's mouth dropped open as he saw his attacker. The attacker was tall, wearing very dark green armor and swung a pair of nunchucks around. Not only that, but he spoke english. 'You're not supposed to be here! Then again, neither am I.' He said. Tao nodded. 'I don't know how I got to this era, nor do I know the events that will transpire here, but I will fight.' Tao said, swinging his nunchucks. Ryu smirked and charged towards Tao. Tao leapt over Ryu and brought the nunchucks down on Ryu's head. Ryu dropped to the ground and rolled to the side, dodging Tao's attack. As he rolled, he slashed his sword at Tao's ankles. Tao leapt over the sword and backed away. Ryu stood up, and the two glared at each other. 'Not too bad.' Tao said. he removed two small blades from his bag and attached them to the end of the nunchucks. 'Skills assessment is over. Now the real fight begins!' This time it was Tao who charged, swinging the nunchucks at Ryu's face. Ryu blocked with his sword and kicked Tao in the stomach. Tao grabbed Ryu's leg and again swung his nunchuks at Ryu, who responded by ducking under them and punching at Tao's face. Tao bent his head, the punching passing harmlessly over his shoulder. Tao aimed a kick at Ryu's exposed side, but Ryu blocked the kick. The two continued exchanging and blocking each other's attacks close up until they finally seperated, both panting and sweating heavily. Ryu risked a glance over at Sun Ce and saw that he and Taishi Ci were just as tired. 'You're obviously no amature.' Tao said. 'Same to you.' Ryu replied. The two continued glaring at each other until suddenly a Liu Yong soldier came running. 'Yuan Shu has attacked and killed Lord Liu Yong!'
Yuan Shu held up Liu Yong's severed head and laughed. 'Poor poor fool Liu Yong. Thinking I was here to help you.' He dropped Liu Yong's head and spat on it. 'You're territory as well as the rest of Jiang Dong shall be mine!' He said laughing. 'Liu Yong's forces are in disorder, but Sun Jian's are fighting back. We have twice their number though and we should have no problem wiping them out.' Yuan Shu's general Ji Ling said. Yuan Shu looked at the battlefield and laughed again. 'This is what you get for defying the one chosen by heaven to rule!' He said. On the battle field, Zhou Yu, Xiao Qiao, Da Qiao, Sun Shang Xiang and Huang Gai all fought hard against Yuan Shu's forces. 'This is impossible! Where's Sun Ce and Jin Long?!' Shang Xiang yelled. Huang Gai smacked a soldier in the face with his club and threw a bomb into a group of soldiers. When the bomb exploded, it sent the soldiers flying. 'I'm not sure, but we can''t hold off for long against their overwhelming numbers!' The Qiao sisters, back to back and holding a group of troops off, looked around as more soldiers appeared. 'They'd better get here soon.' Da Qiao said. 'They will. I've know they will!' Xiao said. As if to confirm her hopes, a group of horsemen appeared and charged into the group of Yuan Shu troops. At the head of the group were Ryu, Tao, Sun Ce, and Taishi Ci. Xiao smiled. 'See? They came!' She said excitedly. She failed to notice an enemy soldier jump into the air and attack her. Ryu shot towards the two and, passing between them, slashed his sword and killed the soldier. At the same time, he managed to pull Xiao up onto his horse. As Xiao looked around, confused as to what happened, she heard Ryu laugh. 'Close one that was. You almost got stabbed.' He said. Xiao nodded deftly, then noticed Ryu's arm around her waist. She blushed, then turned and looked at Ryu. He smiled at her, causing her to blush even more. Ryu removed his hand and slashed his sword at a soldier as they passed. 'We can talk after the battle. Let's show Yuan Shu the strength of the Sun Jian's army.' He said. Xiao nodded, and slashed her fans. Tao came up next to the two. 'There's Yuan Shu!' He said. The two horse continued charging through Yuan Shu's men. Yuan Shu saw the two horses coming and franticly ordered his troops in front of him. The troops didn't stop them, and Ryu leapt off of his horse. With a yell, he brought his sword down onto Yuan Shu.
Ryu looked at his cracked sword and scowled. Behind him, he heard Yuan Shu screaming in pain. 'I missed.' He said. He turned around and looked at Yuan Shu's severed arm. Yuan Shu had passed out from the pain and his soldiers were all retreating, taking him with them back north. He watched the army retreat, and heard several horses come up behind him. He turned, seeing Xiao, Sun Ce, Tao, and Taishi Ci. Tao and Taishi Ci walked over to where Liu Yong's severed head and bowed to it. 'We failed you master.' Taishi Ci said. 'Forgive us master.' Tao said. No one said anything for a moment, then Tao and Taishi Ci both stood. 'Lord Liu Yong is dead. We shall surrender ourselves to Lord Sun Jian.' Taishi Ci said. The remaining troops surrendered as well. The triumphant army marched into Jian Ye and immediately a victory feast was held, with Taishi Ci and Tao as the guests of honor. 'To our victory over Liu Yong, our two new generals Tao and Taishi Ci, as well as our upcoming victory against Yan Bai Hu!' Sun Ce said, raising a goblet full of wine. The other generals did so as well, and the feast began. After the food, there was music and dancing. Ryu was standing on a balcony, wanting a quiet minute to himself. 'Why were you and Sun Ce late? Everyone else could''ve died.' Turning, Ryu saw Zhou Yu walking over to him. 'You must forgive me. Sun Ce was fighting Taishi Ci. I hadn't expected Tao to attack or I would've been there to assist the rest of the army.' Ryu said. Zhou Yu snorted. 'I appall tardiness. I'll forgive you this time though, seeing as you did manage to rout Yuan Shu.' He said, giving Ryu a smile. 'Thank you Lord Zhou Yu. Next time though, I'll be sure to bring his head instead of his arm.' Ryu replied. 'Hey Jin Long! Zhou Yu! Rejoin the party! We're starting a drinking contest!' Sun Ce said, joining the two. 'Drinking contest?' The two said at the same time, Zhou Yu saying with dread, Ryu saying with interest. Sun Ce nodded and dragged the them to the center of the room. A table had been set up with many jars of wine on the ground. 'Time to see who can drink the most!' Another general yelled. Thus did the contest begin. Every general drank full goblets of wine until they either gave up or passed out, whichever came first. Zhou Yu quit after three cups of wine, Shang Xiang after six, Huang Gai after eight, Taishi Ci after twelve, Sun Ce after seventeen, while Tao and Ryu were still going at it. 'You ain't gonna win Tao.' Ryu said in very slurred english. Tao laughed drunkenly. 'Three pieces of silver on Jin Long!' One of the soldiers said, making a bet with another. Both Ryu and Tao were very drunk, on the verge of passing out, but neither was going to admit defeat. Downing another cup full, Ryu was trying to think of some way to best Tao. 'We're tied, but that's about to change.' He thought to himself. Standing up, he stumbled over to one of the jars. He dunked his entire head into it and began drinking. This surprised many of the other generals, but just as many laughed. Not one to be out done, Tao did the same. After a few more seconds, Ryu came up for a breath of air, then resumed drinking. Tao did the same a few seconds after. Bringing their heads up at the same time, the two glared at each other, then passed out at the same time.
When Ryu woke up the next day, he immediately wished he hadn't. His head was pounding, his stomach was killing him, and it was way too bright. He reluctantly stood up and, pulling on a pair of baggy back pants and a red shirt, walked out of his chamber looking for some water. 'Feeling anything after all that alcohol?' Tao asked, exiting from the room next to Ryu's. Ryu shook his head. 'Not a thing. I'm thirsty though. Any idea where I can get some water?' Both Ryu and Tao knew that they were both hung over, but neither would admit it. 'Yeah. This way.' Tao said. Ryu followed behind him, eager to end the hangover. 'They usually have a few jars of water outside the kitchen. There they are.' Tao said, pointing at the jars. Walking up to them, Ryu wasted no time. Repeating what he had done at the party, he dunked his head into the jar and began drinking. Bringing his head up, he heard someone laughing. 'I knew you would be feeling bad with how much you drank.' It was the voice of Sun Ce. 'I'm not drinking again for awhile.' Ryu said. Sun Ce smirked. 'It sure showed everyone the real you though. You and Tao were babbling in some wierd language. And you and Xiao were getting very friendly.' He said. Ryu's eyes widened. 'What are you saying Sun Ce?' Sun Ce laughed. 'After she helped drag you to your room, you came around a little and asked her to stay and demanded that everyone else leave! It was pretty funny, though Zhou Yu didn't look too happy. He loves her, though with you around I doubt he's got a chance with her.' He said. At this, Ryu felt his heart stop. 'Holy shit what the hell did I say?! Even worse, what the hell did I do?!' He thought. 'Sun Ce if you're lying I will hurt you very badly.' Ryu said. 'No lie Jin. Ask Xiao yourself. She's right behind you.' Ryu's heart stopped again. He turned around slowly and sure enough, there was Xiao. 'I'll leave you two alone to talk.' Sun Ce said, vanishing behind a corner. Ryu then remembered Tao was there, but looking around saw that he had vanished. Focusing back on Xiao, he tried to speak, but only succeeded in stuttering. Xiao put her finger to his lips. 'Nothing happend Jin, so don't worry.' She said. At hearing this, Ryu immediately calmed down. Feeling thirsty again, he dunked his head back into the jar of water and drank a little more. After he brought his head up, the two decided to take a walk through Jian Ye's palace garden. Walking through the garden, they eventually came to a peach blossom tree.They both sat diwn under it, enjoying the morning light. 'Did I say anything last night?' Ryu asked after a few moments of awkward silence. At this, Xiao blushed. 'After you said for everyone except me to leave, you began saying that you loved me and that you'd take me back to the future with you.' She said. Ryu blushed lightly at this, then chuckled. 'I can't figure a way to get myself back to the future. Though at the rate things are going I may not want to.' He said. They fell back into silence, deciding better to just enjoy each other's company.
Three days after, the journey to Wu began. 'Onto the next battle and conquest!' Sun Ce said. Ryu was busy admiring jis new sword. He had gotten a large bastard sword. 'That sword is huge.' Tao said. 'What can I say? I'm a fan of swords with large blades.' Ryu replied. 'This battle will be easy.Yan Bai Hu has no one.' Huang Gai said. 'We've been traveling for a few days. We should be there soon. Since Lord Sun Jian is already attacking we should be able to just take the city.' Taishi Ci said, joining the conversation. The sounds of battle we heard up ahead, and the army buzzed like a swarm of angry bees. 'Here we go again!' Ryu said as the army charged to help in the battle.
Yan Bai Hu's men had been putting up a better fight then anyone could've forseen. Sun Jian's forces had managed to trap Yan Bai Hu's forces in the city, and now a prolonged siege had begun. 'We can't las t forever. Eventually we'll run out of food.' Ryu said to Zhou Yu. 'I'm aware of that. I'm devising a plan now.' The strategist replied, a small hint of annoyance in his voice. Ryu wasn't sure if he was annoyed because of his current lack of a plan or because he and Xiao were getting closer by the day, but Ryu knew it was one of the two. With a sigh, Ryu walked out of the tent and went for a walk around the camp. Coming to the river, he looked up at the moon. It was full, and Ryu sighed again. 'It's beautiful.' He muttered. He heard a giggle behind him and turned. 'That sounds odd coming from you. I never pictured you as someone who would admire nature.' Sun Shang Xiang said, leaning against a tree. Ryu smiled and turned back towards the moon, choosing to remain silent. 'You sometimes act exctly like Ce, then other times like Zhou Yu, and other times like a complete enigma.' She continued. 'I like to think that I'm my own person and not compare myself to others.' Ryu replied. Shang Xiang giggled again. 'Right now you're an enigma.' She said. Ryu again remained silent. After another moment, Ryu took his water pouch from his waist and began drinking from it. 'Thinking about Xiao?' Shang Xiang suddenly asked, causing Ryu to choke on the water. After a few coughs, he managed to regain his composure. 'What makes you think that?' He asked, taking another gulp of water. 'You two are always together. Right now you looked like you were gathering the courage to confess that you loved her.' This response again caused Ryu to choke on the water. 'Confess?' He asked, surprised. 'Everyone in Wu is waiting for you two to hurry up and just confess your feelings. Except Zhou Yu. He isn't really happy with how close you and Xiao are.' She said. Ryu was unable to hide his blush. Looking away from Shang Xiang and to the river, he saw something that bugged him. On the river there were a fleet of ships going closer to the city. 'Odd. I didn't know we had any naval units.' He said. 'That's because we don't.' She said. 'Then why do those ships have your father's flag on them?' At this, Shang Xiang noticed the ships. 'Mabye it's part of a plan Zhou Yu thought up.' She suggested. 'I was just at Zhou Yu's tent and he said he was thinking one up. I doubt he thought up one and put it into action this quick.' The ships docked at the city and men began running off the ships. After a few moments crimson flames were seen shooting up, and Sun Jian's army was getting ready to attack. The city's gates were flung open, and the army charged in.
It was the next morning. The fires had been extinguished, and Yan Bai Hu had been defeated. The Wu officers and the city's people were now crowded in the town square. Most of the towns people were celebrating their liberation from Yan Bai Hu's rule, while others were capitalising on the celebration and were selling their trinkits to anyone who would buy them. Ryu was right now enjoying a peaceful moment in the palace. The nights battle was still flashing through his mind as if he were living them at that very moment. He was in the library, reading one of the books in there. The doors to the library suddenly opened and someone walked into the room. 'Oh it's you.' Ryu said, sitting up. 'You're one of the pirtaes.' He said. The person glared at him. 'My name is Lu Xun, and I'm not a pirate. The only reason I was with Gan Ning was because he was coming to join Sun Jian.' Lu Xun replied. Ryu only chuckled. Lu Xun took a book off the shelf and began reading as well. After a few silent moments, Lu Xun spoke up. 'Are you good at Chess?' He asked. Ryu smirked. 'Very good. Are you?' Lu Xun nodded. 'Up for a game?' WIth a chuckle, Ryu accepted the challenge. 'I never got your name.' Lu Xun said, setting up the board. 'Jin Long. Just call me Jin though.' Lu Xun allowed a smirk to cross his face. 'Well then Jin, don't expect me to go easy on you.' Ryu laughed. 'I don't expect you to.'
That night there was another feast. This time, though, it was the entire army. Everyone was having a good time. Some were eating, some were dancing, some were having drinking contests. Ryu and Tao were to one side, not in any mood to take part in a second contest. 'Look at Gan Ning go. Five huge jars of wine and he's still drinking.' Tao said. 'He's good I'll give him that much.' Ryu said. The two lapsed into silenceuntil Ryu stood up and began to walk off. 'Not much of a party person back home are you?' Tao asked, refering to their lives in modern times. Ryu stopped and shook his head. 'Nope. Even at the loudest and wildest parties I'd always sneak off to be alone.' He replied, leaving the room. Tao shook his head and took a long gulp of a cup of wine. He finished it just in time to see Xiao walk out after Ryu, and a moment later, Zhou Yu after Xiao. Muttering a curse, Tao stood up as well and followed behind Zhou Yu, his nunchuks ready just in case.
Ryu was standing on the city walls, looking north-east. Just a few hundred miles away was his home. 'I wonder if I'll ever get back?' He wondered out loud. 'Is that why you left the party?' Xiao asked, coming up behind him. Ryu chuckled, having gotten use having almost no time to himself. 'Partially. Even during my time I wasn't one for crowds.' He said, not averting his gaze to the girl. She now stop next to him, her eyes following his gaze. 'It's hard to believe that my home isn't there.' He said. Xiao looked at him, a confused look on her face. 'Isn't there?' She asked. 'It's there, but my home city isn't. It won't be built for awhile.' He said. Xiao nodded. She had already heard what it was like and wasn't going to ask him about it again. 'Jin?' She said after a moment. 'If you do find a way back, can you take me with you?' This prompted Ryu to break his gaze away from the direction of his ome and look at her, surprised. She had a pleading look on her face, and Ryu felt his resolve to say no weakening. 'Promise me.' She pleaded. With a sigh, he nodded his head. 'Alright. I promise.' Xiao smiled and hugged him. 'Thanks.' She whispered. Ryu awkwardly hugged her back.
Zhou Yu saw all this happening with anger burning in his eyes. He hadn't heard much on the conversation, byt heard enough to know that Jin Long was a foreigner. That infuriated him even more. Turning to leave, he found himself face to face with Tao, who promptly grabbed the strategist by his throat and slammed him against the wall. 'Eavesdropping Zhou Yu?' He demanded. Zhou Yu was unable reply, shocked at being caught. 'I'm warning you Zhou Yu. If you try anything to split those two up I can promise that my nunchuks are going to have a field day with your face.' He dropped Zhou Yu and began to walk away, but turned to look at Ryu and Xiao, who were completely oblivious to he and Zhou Yu's presence. He shook his head and walked away, deciding not to tell either of them what happened between him and Zhou Yu.
Omake!
No. Hell hasn't frozen over. I'm actually doing something funny. So, if you dare, read on and risk you sanity.
Sun Ce nodded and dragged the them to the center of the room. A table had been set up with many jars of wine on the ground. 'Time to see who can drink the most!' Another general yelled. Thus did the contest begin. Every general drank full goblets of wine until they either gave up or passed out, whichever came first. Zhou Yu quit after three cups of wine, Shang Xiang after six, Huang Gai after eight, Taishi Ci after twelve, Sun Ce after seventeen, while Tao and Ryu were still going at it. 'You ain't gonna win Tao.' Ryu said in very slurred english. Tao laughed drunkenly. 'Three pieces of silver on Jin Long!' One of the soldiers said, making a bet with another. Ryu went for more wine when people started yelling. There was no more wine! Ryu glared at Tao. 'This isn't ending like this!' He saidin english. Tao laughed. 'And how are going to break the tie?' He asked. Ryu thought for a moment, then reached into his bag. He pulled out two large bottles of rum and tossed one to Tao. 'Chug that if you can bitch!' He said, already guzzling the rum. Tao began drinking as well, and the two slmmed the empty bottles down. The other generals, surprised by this, began betting once more. 'Not bad Tao. But top this.' Ryu pulled another bottle of rum out of his bag, guzzled it down within seconds, and broke the empty bottle over his own head. Many of the other generals laughed loudly at this, while many other were amazed at the feat, and others still were wondering just what the hell he was thinking. Tao smirked. 'Easy. I can do that.' He said. He grabbed a bottle of rum from Ryu's bag, guzzled it down, then broke it over Ryu's head. Ryu's mouth dropped open in surprise. 'I told you I could do that!' He proclaimed loudly. Ryu shook his head and repeated the feat, falling to the ground from three bottles being broken over his head. Some of the generals carried him to his room, while a few soldiers began paying up what they owed other soldiers. 'Kinda makes you want to learn English just to know what they said doesn't it?' One of them asked another.