Running through the halls, his hat fell to the floor. He stopped and quickly grabbed it and continued to run. Down the halls, other soldiers followed him from behind. If he hadn't been out, he would have known that there was a meeting. He turned a corner and continued to run. Almost hitting another hasting soldier, he dodge him and continued to run. This was an emergency, so one of the guards had warned him as he walked into the kingdom. Finally, he reached the meeting hall, and when he entered the room was filled with every officer and almost every soldier. His face turned red. He was never late.

Pushing through the others he made his way up to the other officers. Lu Meng watched as he approached through the crowd. Zhou Yu looked around, and noticed that not everyone was present. Where was Sun Ce and Da Qiao? He called over Cheng Pu and had him go get the King and his wife. Lu Xun finally made his way there, and as he approached saw something horrible had happened.

Lu Xun: What's happened?

Zhou Yu: An enemy ambush took place momentarily by the kingdom of Wei. They're trying to get to our supplies and burn everything in hopes we'll drop out of the war.

Lu Meng: At least that's what we ruminate. We could have done something to tick them off.

Lu Xun: But what? We haven't done anything to them for a while.

Lu Meng: Exactly. They could think we're planning something big. All we have in mind-

Zhou Yu: Is an temporary alliance with Shu.

Lu Meng looked at Zhou Yu. He was annoyed that he was finishing his sentences for him. He sighed and looked as the soldier returned with Sun Ce and Da Qiao. Ce walked up to Zhou Yu, and the two took their seat at the war council. Lu Xun still had the plushy in hand. He put it in his rucksack that hung from him belt loop, so he wouldn't seem like a sissy boy for having it. Surprisingly no one had noticed it on his way in. As the council continued on, a girl looked out her window from her room. It was Sun Qiao, watching as the land became still. What was happening?

Sun Qiao hadn't even know of the war until the day before, and now here she was worrying that something bad was happening. However, now was not the time to be worrying about that, in her mind. Her plushy! Her poor little plushy was all alone outside. Since no one was around, she quickly went, looking and making sure the coast was clear. Indeed is was, since everyone had fled to the council, but out on the balcony was no sign of the plushy. She looked around the balcony every where, and even looked over the edge, but found nothing. She looked in the corner where she had it last, and she found a tare from the cloth of its paw. She knew then that it had fallen, but it not being there meant someone had it. She got scared and fled back inside.

Even though she loved the feel of the sun and the breathe of fresh air, she vowed never to go outside again. She is now closed to being caught, and no matter what, she wasn't going to increase her chances of being found out, no matter how much she wanted a real friend. Even her aunt, Xiao Qiao, didn't have a single child at this point in time for Sun Qiao to hang out with. With a sigh, she sat on her bed, playing with her hair. She wandered what her parents had been summoned "immediately" for.

She sat, kicking her feet back and fourth over the bed. Atop all of this, what was she going to tell her mother about the plushy? She sighed, and fell back, still kicking her feet. Without noticing, the door creaked open. Sun Qiao looked over, and saw one of the maids. It was one she had seen before. She sat up quickly, and jumped a bit. The maid jumped in shock as well.

Maid: Sun Qiao! No need to jump. It's just me, Ai Li.

Sun Qiao: Thank goodness. Umm, can I ask you something?

Ai Li: Of course.

Sun Qiao: Can you get me a new plushy?

Ai Li: What happened to your other plushy? And I'm sure your parents could get you one.

For a moment Sun Qiao looked to the floor, away from the beautiful maid. Ai Li was tall, and had long dark brown, almost black, hair. She wasn't like most of the people throughout China. She was too kind, and so beautiful. Everyone loved her, that why her parents even trusted her with knowing of Sun Qiao. Sun Qiao sighed in jealousy knowing that she could have everyone know of her, and be with anyone she wanted. How could such a fair women only live off being a maid? Sun Qiao looked back up to her.

Sun Qiao: Promise you won't tell on me?

Ai Li: Why would I tell on you? We're a lot alike and you know all of my secrets. I'll keep yours and lock them where no one can find them.

Sun Qiao: But this is really serious…

Ai Li: I Promise never to tell a soul.

Sun Qiao: Okay… I went out on the balcony, and I accidentally dropped my plushy over the edge. I looked over to see if it was there, and now someone has it. At least I think so.

Ai Li: Being mischievous I see. Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me. I'll get you a new plushy, and if I find your old one, I'll make sure to bring it back to you.

Sun Qiao: Thanks Ai Li. It means a lot.

Ai Li: Well, we are good friends. I'd do anything to keep you out of trouble. Heck, if no one was around, I'd take you out for a walk in the village.

Those words struck Sun Qiao. A friend? A real friend. And someone who would risk her life for Sun Qiao to have a good time in the open. Sun Qiao never felt so honored. She smiled a blushed. Ai Li was so perfect, as if like a goddess. Sun Qiao smiled at the maid. She nodded.

Sun Qiao: Thank you Ai Li. Oh, and what's with the urgent meeting?

Ai Li: There was an ambush, rumor has it. It's Wei of course. We might have to go into battle soon.

Sun Qiao: Does that mean mom and dad will go?

Ai Li: I would assume. Now that Sun Jian has passed his power to Ce, I'm sure Ce would have to go. Da, however, might not have to. The council should be over soon.

And in fact, it was over quickly. All plans discussed and were going to e put into action. However, it was confided. All the soldiers left, and all began to get ready. Ce and Da returned up stairs, and Xun returned to the sparring grounds, face recd with anger. He just went and sat out there. He didn't practice or anything. He sat there, thinking, and once punched the ground. He took off his hat, and ran his hand down his face. He pulled out the plushy. He twitched it's ear.

Lu Xun: You must be a stress toy. How come no one listens to my plan? I'm just as good a strategist as Zhou Yu and Lu Meng combined. And to leave tomorrow without any real preparations.. Are they mad? Well, they can forget it. I'm not going.