I normally apologize for not updating, but it gets rather redundant, doesn't it? Admittedly I'm a slow updater. I get busy doing other things and forget to type this story out no matter how much I love it. So I'm determined to keep at it. Plug away and type until I get caught up and update at a more timely fashion. Set goals I guess. So thank you for everyone who has remained faithful and patient. And welcome to my new readers. I hope as always you enjoy each chapter as I release them!
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"What happened?" Quan demanded from Zhou. The other man was obviously travel weary, but if anyone knew he would.
"He was struck by an arrow..." Zhou began, remembering the sight he came across after hearing the surprised shouts of the other men.
"Something that should not have happened." Quan cut him off, not happy with the events. What had his brother been doing that put him in direct line of fire?
"It won't happen again."
"Where were you?"
Zhou did not like the tone he heard. "Why do I feel like I'm being interrogated?"
"Why was my brother being shot at?" Quan wanted answers and he didn't seem to be getting any.
"You know I would die for that man!" Zhou couldn't stop himself from shouting. Everything that had happened - the lengthy campaign, being away from Xiao, finding his oath brother unconscious splattered in blood, and returning to this?!
"Then why are you standing here?" Quan's eyes narrowed. He knew what Zhou said was true. He had witnessed too many events to say otherwise. But he had not expected for Ce to return from a peace campaign injured!
Zhou turned on his heels without a word, leaving the room. He wasn't going to stand there and be acussed like that! Let Quan nash his teeth for awhile!
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Shang slipped through the confusion running through the manor easily. She had been in similiar events before and knew where to go to avoid most of it. Finding where they were keeping Ce was the hard part. A few new members of the unit pointed not knowing better. Her steps grew slower as she walked the hallway, suddenly realizing where she was going. The room with no mirrors. Why did they think he was that injured? It was merely an arrow wound? Wasn't it?
As she got closer she noticed Huang Gai was standing guard. He looked tired and drained, but his face was determined as he continued his duty. He saw her and his expression straightened a bit, his stance ready to turn her away. "Not now, Little Shang."
Then this was the right place. "I want to see him"
"He's being tended to. You have to wait." He tried to be as strict as possible as well take into consideration how she was feeling. Tough little Shang cared very much about her family.
"Is he...awake?"
"No. He hasn't been for awhile."
"But...It was only an arrow, right?"
"He lost a lot of blood."
"Who pulled it out?"
"He did."
"Stupid." Shang frowned. Depending on where the injury was the person shot couldn't always pull the arrow out cleanly. Often you caused more damage.
"Give him some time. He'll pull through."
"They put him in there. They're not expecting him to..."
"Little Shang. Believe in your brother before you believe in them."
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Xiao jumped onto the bed as soon as she saw Da stir. They were in her room as Xiao had Xun bring her here. He had left awhile ago to see what he could find out. Leiyu and Qing remained with Xiao to watch and wait. "Da, are you awake?" She watched as her sister's eyes fluttered open. "You've been asleep for hours!"
"Hours?" Da asked, only half remembering the events that had happened.
"Mhm. Are you alright?"
Da suddenly remembered and pushed herself off the bed. "Ce!" She turned to her sister. "Has anyone said anything?"
"No. Everyone has gone off to find out, but no one has come back."
Da swallowed, worried that was not a good sign. "What about Zhou?"
"Huh?"
"Have you seen him?"
"No. I've been with you the entire time."
"I think you should go find him."
"Will you be okay?" Xiao was still worried, even with wanting to see Zhou.
Da gave a small smile. "Of course. And I have Leiyu with me."
"And I'm leaving Qing with you just in case."
"Wha...!" Qing began to protest.
"I want to talk to Zhou alone."
Da nodded. "I'm sure he's anxious to see you."
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Shang hung her arms over a railing, frowning as she looked over one of the courtyards. It wasn't fair! She should be able to see him. She didn't care if he was unconscious. He was her brother! She frowned harder, trying to remember if he had ever come back like this before. He had a story behind every dumb scar he had, but she couldn't remember him returning with announcements that he was injured. Returning unconscious. Huang Gai said the arrow had pierced through his right shoulder. Closer to the chest than anyone wanted to admit. The injury would heal. The loss of blood was another matter.
Shang pushed herself up, determined to get into that room. She wanted to see Ce. Wanted to make sure he was okay. Then she wanted to scold him for being so stupid!
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Xiao peeked around the doorway into Zhou's study. She had stopped before heading this way to grab a small bowl of fruit. She could only guess he hadn't eaten. And seeing him he obviously hadn't bathed nor slept. He sat in a chair, hunched over, his head in his hands.
Entering the room quietly, she placed the bowl on a table before going to sit by his feet. She ignored the fact that his boots needed cleaned, his hair needed a good brushing, and much about him was rather unlike him at the moment. He hadn't even seem to notice she was there. She placed a hand on his knee. "Zhou..."
When he looked up she was a bit surprised to see the hagard look upon his face. His eyes were red and she knew he had been crying. She had seen enough people crying to know what it looked like. "Xiao..." He whispered. "I'm sorry I didn't write you."
He was worried about that?! She doubted he had time. "You can write me one later." She smiled, but did not receive one in return. She let hers fade. "Zhou..."
"I'm no champion, Xiao. No general of the field. What was I thinking? I'm just an advisor. Why didn't I stay here with my theories and books? But no...I go out with the unit. Try to be just like one of them."
"That's not true! You didn't go with the campaign to be one of them. You went because Ce needed you. He couldn't do this without you and you know that!" Xiao tried to reason with him, but she already knew where this was heading. He blamed himself. It didn't matter if he could have stopped it or not.
"I failed my oath. What kind of brother am I to let him be injured like that!" He went to put his head in his hands once again, but found she had put her arms around his neck.
"Zhou..." She hated seeing him like this! But she didn't know what to do..."Zhou. He doesn't blame you. He never could." She was kneeling in front of him and pulled themselves closer so their foreheads touched. She wished he would just smile. "You'll always be my champion..."
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Da had left her room with Leiyu and Qing following. Leiyu was far from happy as to what was planned, but with some help from Qing they had convinced her to come. Now they approached the room without mirrors as it had come to be known at the manor. It hadn't taken long for the maids to discover where Lord Sun Ce had been placed. Most of the servants knew and passing the knowledge along to one of their own was alright.
Now coming towards the door Da tried her best to swallow her fears and misgivings. She had promised to be strong now. That was what he needed. With this in mind she came face to face with a young guard by the door. Fortunately for her he seemed new. Unfortunately for him she had every intention of getting through that door.
"I'm sorry. No one is allowed past here." The young man spoke the expected words.
Da rasied a questioning, yet disapproving, eyebrow. "Do you know who I am?"
"Yes, Lady Da." He swallowed, unprepared to face her. "But I am not allowed to let anyone..."
"I am not just anyone." Da's tone became imperious as she intended to get her way. She hated doing this, but if it got her into that room... "I am Lord Sun Ce's future wife. If someone has any right into that room I do believe it would be me."
Qing stiffled a giggle even as Leiyu nudged her. The Lady Da could be quite the high and mighty brat if she wanted her way.
"I...I really shouldn't." The guard's attempt was half-hearted.
"I am not really asking." Da continued. "I can order you."
The guard gave a small nod. He could understand her wanting to see Sun Ce. But he was also worried if she was prepared for entering that room. He stepped aside.
"Thank you." Da gave a grateful smile. All she wanted was to see Ce.
She ordered the maids to stay outside even as they argued against it. As Xiao had wanted to see Zhou by herself Da wanted the same with Ce. Entering the room she glanced around briefly noting the soft glow of the low candles and hearing the shallow, yet steady, breathing of Sun Ce. Although far from elaborate it was definitely not a plain room, but it wasn't exactly comfortable. It was merely a temporary place.
She stopped at the edge of the bed, closing her eyes for a moment. He had ben cleaned and tended to, but she could see the horrid bruising spread past the neckline of his shirt and up past the collarbone. "Oh, my love..." Her voice was hushed. This was her fear right before her eyes. The nightmare that sent chills through her. But he was here. He had returned. And although she wanted to cry, it gave her a little hope atleast.
Not caring what others would think she climbed onto the bed and laid next to him, placing one of her hands into his and lacing her fingers with his. They did not curl around hers and she let out a sad sigh. "Please, Ce..." She whispered, resting her head next to his good shoulder. "Please wake up..."
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Xiao sat quietly stroking Zhou's hair unsure if he was awake or not. He had told her how that day had gone. How the night before as they set up camp the guards had scouted the area and had found no signs of anyone. Both he and Ce were in high sprirts as most of the campaign had gone remarkabley well. The lands weren't as damaged as feared so most people they talked to were pleased by the proposed deals and agreements. Zhou and Ce had discussed stopping by one more village before headng home. Zhou had even written her a letter telling her such and that letter now sat next to her on the floor.
My lovely butterfly
The weather is fair and the moral of the unit high. Many long months of work are coming to an end. I am anxious to see you once again. I have missed your enchanting smile and our talks. To hear your voice is my wish.
We will be returning soon I promise. And then we can talk to our hearts' content.
Your silent champion
Her gaze moved from the long strokes on the paper to Zhou who's head rested upon her lap. She could feel for him. Understand his hurt. If Da had been injured...
The next morning as the sun rose Ce had gone out with his guards to go through his morning exercises. Guards that had scouted the area once more just in case. Guards that were now wounded or dead. The shouts of surprise and horror had brought more men running, including Zhou. They found Ce unconcious, blood splattered everywhere. Wasted arrows scattered around the bodies. It was unexpected, which was probably their error. But it was also not very professionally done.
And all Zhou could do was blame himself. Xiao shook her head feeling helpless. She wasn't any good in situations like this! All she knew to do was hope for the best. That was one of the best things to do. Wasn't it?
She frowned. This wasn't how she imagined their return. Not after all the joyful letters sent back and forth. And truth be told she wasn't positive how to handle something like this...
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"You shouldn't be in here!" Shang's shocked and dismayed voice startled Da as she had fallen alseep next to Ce. Shang couldn't believe the guard had just let Da walk in! This wasn't a place she should be at. Atleast in Shang's mind.
Da sat up, looking at her friend. "I see no reason why I shouldn't." She went to move and discovered Ce's fingers had curled around her hand. A smile came to her face as she slipped from the gentle grasp. She leaned down to kiss him lightly on the cheek. "Rest well, my love." She whispered.
"Do you know what room this is!" Shang couldn't believe how calm Da was. She hated this room. Despised it. And was more than a little upset her brother had been placed here.
Standing up Da faced her friend understanding her fears and misgivings. This was a room where those not expected to live were kept. A temporary room with only one destination. Da had been in one before. As her mother lay dying. "I do." She tried to keep her voice from shaking. "But I do not expect Ce to leave this place as others believe."
"It was an arrow. A stupid arrow!" Shang told her.
"Shang..."
"How can you be so calm?"
"I...I'm not." She blinked several times, trying to control the tears. "But I understand that I must be strong and...I am trying. Don't think this doesn't hurt me any less than it does you!"
Shang stopped. She hadn't meant for this to turn into who hurt more. Who was more depressed. In one way she could understand how Da must feel. In another she doubted she would totally know. "I didn't..."
"I know. I'm sorry for snapping." Da glanced at Ce. "I just...I want to hold him and I want his arms around me. I want to hear him whisper my name..." She trailed off. Months of waiting for the campaign to end and this is how things were to be? She didn't want to believe it. Wouldn't believe it.
"I'm so sorry Da..." Shang didnt' know what else to say. She didn't exaclty know how to comfort someone. It definitely was not her strong point. Toughen up. Face the facts. Shang frowned. She could use a little comforting herself.
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"What did they say?" Xun watched as a few of the unit men left the room.
"No one knows." Quan admitted. He just didn't like the sound of that.
"Any guesses?"
"It would be easier to count who wouldn't attack my brother. It could have been just some disgruntled farmers for all we know. I don't think we may ever find out."
"Is it that important?"
"What?"
"Putting a name to the attacker." Xun tried to approach the subject carefully. "The deed is done. Any trails are now long gone. It is perhaps best to concentrate on the future and let your mind pull away from impossible questions."
"And what if they plan to attack the manor?"
"Does having a name make a difference? Does it change the fact if you're being attacked or not?" Xun wished he could understand his friend's anger and obsessiveness over needing to name the foe. True that knowing such would give you a specific person to blame, not just random attackers. And then perhaps one may know a better reason behind the attack. But that all seemed old and untraceble. Xun felt as if it was more important to focus on the man who was unconscious and balancing between life and death. Although it could be also Quan felt as if he could do nothing for his brother and therefore needed to focus on something. In his own way he may just think this was the only way for him to help.
"You make it sound simple." Quan wanted to believe Xun's words, but a part of him wouldn't...couldn't. There were too many facts, too many strategies that could change the outcome.
"It's far from simple. But when our minds are busy with trivial things the important ones slip our notice."
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It had been several days since the return of the unit and although Xiao had been able to convince Zhou to leave the confines of his study she had not seen him even give the faintest of smiles. She was worried about Da and how she was handling every thing. But when they were together her sister appeared quite strong and didn't look as if she would crumble to tears. Xiao wondered how much she was hiding.
Xiao herself was concerned about Ce's condition. He was almost her brother afterall! But she wondered if it was wrong for her to still want to run and laugh. To simply smile. She believed the manor could benefit from a few smiles.
She sighed softly as hand in hand she and Zhou walked the gardens. He appeared more like himself now than he had a few days ago. But there was still something about him that was wrong.
Maybe she was being jealous. Or even a bit selfish. But she would have liked him to pay a bit more attention to her. She had tried her best to comfort him and reassure him and he had repeatedly apologized, but it still wasn't the same. And he had yet once to..."Kiss me?" She asked and immediately felt bashful for asking. But she watched his reaction and thought there might have been a hint of a smile. "You haven't once since you returned."
Zhou stopped, admittingly a bit surprised by her request, but also realizing she was right. In his worry for his oath brother he had been ignoring her. He was a bit startled he had done such a thing. All those weeks...all those months he didn't think a day hadn't passed without some thought of her. And now, with her barely a breath away and..."I haven't, have I?" He watched as she shook her head. "I am sorry, Xiao."
"I wish you would quit saying that."
"What?"
"Apologies are only for people who have done something wrong. You haven't and you've said I'm sorry enough times for everyone in the Kingdom!"
And at this Zhou couldn't stop the smile from forming. In that moment with her exagerrated frustration, the exasperated sigh he realized how much he had missed her. Her voice. Her presence. Her way of thinking. The logic that was only Xiao. How had he breathed without her?
He paused. Wasn't that what Ce said about Da? Had he fallen that deeply in love with Xiao? He couldn't remember ever being in love like that before. And he had been in love. Several times. Or atleast what he had thought had been love.
Xiao's face broke into one of her contagious, large smiles and he felt himself falter. He almost laughed at himself. It wasn't like him to lose control of a situation like this. But when had he ever been in a situation like this?
He leaned down and lightly kissed her only for it to be returned with a pout and a frown. "You call that a kiss?" She questioned him. He didn't have much time to be startled by the accusation as she took both his hands with hers and wrapped his arms around her waist as she stepped closer. "Now you can kiss me." She instructed.
Her innocent coyness. Her blunt forward behaviour. Never had he been in such a situation. And why had he believed he had any control over it?
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"Is Lord Sun Ce still resting?" Shao asked Da.
"I'm afraid so, Shao." He had come to Ce's study to tell the lord what he had learned during the campaign. But the young boy had found Da staring at an unfinished Weiqi game.
"Was he hurt that bad?" Shao had had his own share of scrapes and bruises, but none that made him sleep for such long days. And if the older children of the manor were right Lord Sun Ce wasn't even in his own room. He had been put somewhere. Although Shao had no idea where that place was.
"I...guess he was." Da had been keeping up hope he would awaken soon, but as the days dragged on she began to waver.
"Will you tell me when he wakes up?"
"Of course I will. Do you want me to tell him anything?"
"Nah. I'll tell him when I see him."
Da gave a gentle smile as she watched Shao go about the room. His positive attitude over the situation brightened her a bit. It also amused her that the children never really seemed to note Ce was the lord of the manor. He was treated more as an older brother as they came to him with tales of their daily lives. And Ce would listen to them with the same attention (if not more) as he would a high ranking official. And the children adored him for it. Especially young Shao.
Da had yet to learn how the boy lost his parents. If they had always been at the Sun Manor or if someone had brought him here. She wouldn't be surprised if Ce had been somehow involved in his welfare.
"Were you playing a game with someone?" He suddenly asked, examining the board she had spent hours staring at.
"Actually...yes..." She had wept many tears in this room, the game an overly vivid reminder.
"With who?"
"Lord Sun Ce." She could barely answer the question.
"Who was winning?"
"I am."
"Hmmm..." He studied the game more. "He doesn't play very well, does he?"
"Actually he plays very well."
"Will you play against me after you're done with this game?"
:"I will be happy to. But we could start a new one...on another board."
"It's alright. I know you probably have a lot on your mind. I can be patient."
For that brief moment the carefree little boy became very serious and very mature. And while Da was shocked she was also thankful for his thoughtfulness.
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Zhou had been avoiding the room after their arrival to the manor. He had made sure Ce had been looked after and tended to, but his guilt kept him from returning. How could he face him? He doesn't blame you. He never could. Xiao's words played over and over in his mind. Perhaps that was true. Since swearing the oath there had been a number of times that had caused doubt, angry words, and more between them. But in the end no grude was held. No blame. But in none of those times had either ever rested on a death bed.
Coming to stand next to that bed Zhou watched the steady breathing of his oath brother. Noted the paleness under the tanned skin. He tried to ignore the bandages that made his shirt bulge strangely where he had been struck. Seeing all this made his doubt return. He had to talk to him no matter what may happen next.
"I have failed you." He spoke to the resting Ce. "As my lord. My friend. My oath brother...What could I have done? What would you have me do to change the outcome? I am sworn to protect you and yet here you lie." He clenched a fist next to his side. "You are not to go first, my borther! Not if I can do something about it."
Zhou took a few deep breaths to calm himself. What good would it do to see the advisor cry over his lord? He had already shed tears over this. But he had said his piece. Made a new oath. It was all he could do.
"You idiot..." A dry, coarse voice interrupted his thoughts and he blinked a few times believing his eyes were playing tricks on him as he met Ce's gaze. The eyes were strong even though they stared from a tired face. "If I die before you it will be no fault of yours."
"Ce!" Zhou could barely control his excitement and joy. "How long have you been awake?" He leaned over the bed.
"A few hours...I think. I was trying to...rest and you come in...spouting nonsense. Would you quit leaning over me like one of those damn physicians!" He growled. "As soon as they find out I'm awake they'll go around poking and prodding..."
"They don't know you're awake yet?" Zhou stood up straight as commanded.
"Not if I can help it."
"You should be checked."
"What? You're my nursemaid now?" Ce tried to move, but found his body was not fully agreeing to such a thing. With a determined grunt he pushed himself up, gritting at a pain that ripped through his right side.
"Don't do that!" Zhou jumped towards him, grabbing to support him.
"Did...you...hear what I...said?" Ce got out in gasps.
"Which part?" Zhou helpd him lay back down even though he knew Ce didn't want to.
Ce gave up, laying back down, knowing he would not be given a choice. From his body nor Zhou. "If I leave this existance before you it will not be by any fault of yours. I would never ask someone to pay the consequences I must pay for actions I am alone responsible for." He held Zhou's gaze even as the other man did not say anything. He knew there could be no arguement. "But...I do ask one thing from you."
"Name it."
"If I do leave this world while you remain...I ask...Please look after Da." He closed his eyes, struggling to forget the pain he felt, remembering the moment he woke in this room...how his thoughts went to her. "Protect her and keep her safe. Remind her to live her life and when the time comes we will be reunited. I will always wait for her..."
Zhou remained unmoving for a brief moment. The intensity of the words and the feelings behind them...He grabbed Ce's hand, gripping it tightly. "I promise. I swear no harm will come to her." He felt Ce's hold tighten with these words and he gave a small nod. A silence. Then..."Do you want me to bring her here?"
"No. I don't want her to see me in this room."
"You're a little late on that." Zhou commented as Ce's eyes opened, disbelieving, the hand that had been released from their clasp going to cover his face.
"Who let her in?"
"She did. Several times."
"How is she?"
:"I think seeing you would do her some good."
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"Xiao. I'm really not in the mood for games." Da shook her head at the her sister's insistance at wanting to put a blindfold on her.
"But you'll peek otherwise! I know you." Xiao had figured Da wouldn't want to come along. Ce's injury had her in all layers of depression. "But at the end you'll be happy. I guarntee it!"
"Can't you just tell me?"
"And ruin the surprise?" Xiao quickly went behind her sister and tied the blindfold on, slapping Da's hand away. "Don't touch!"
"Xiao..." Da sighed, miserable. She just wanted to crawl into her bed and hide under the covers for awhile. She didn't care if the rest of the world was passing by. She didn't feel as if she had any energy left. Without Ce...
"Come on." Xiao took her hand and led her out the door.
Not caring to argue any more Da let herself be led down a number of hallways. Her sister didn't seem to have any destination and Da felt a bit lost even though she could normally walk the halls of the manor with her eyes closed and still find her way. "Xiao..."
"Shhh..." She was warned as the sound of doors opening were heard.
Their walking slowed down and they went through another set of doors. Something familiar twitched in the back of Da's mind and a whiff of incense was in the air. She felt herself being turned around.
"Sit." Xiao told her.
"What?" Da was truly cunfused.
"Sit down." Xiao told her again.
With her help Da found herself sitting down upon what felt like a bed. But before she had much time to think she felt an arm curl around her waist. She let out a gasp, alarmed at first, but the hold was familiar. Perhaps not as strong as before...Without being stopped she pulled the blindfold off and saw in front of her Zou standing next to her sister who was giving a huge, silly smile. Spinning around she saw what she had only been daring to hope. "CE!!" She flung her arms around him, hiding her face in his left shoulder. All the despair she had been holding back and the happiness she couldn't stop came out in tears as she felt him caress her hair and his lips lightly brush her temple.
At the cry of joy Hua and Ling had come running. Since the arrival of their lord into his room earlier that afternoon they had been waiting for this moment. The oppressiveness of the manor seemd to lift visibly.
Ce himself couldn't believe he finally had Da beside him. Feeling her next to him, in his embrace...Her sent of new blossoms...He held her tightly. Not wanting to let her go. No medicine, no therapy, could compete with how this made him feel. He looked up, catching Zhou's gaze. Thank you...The words were silent.
Zhou nodded, believing perhaps his oath brother didn't appear as pale, nor as weak as he had earlier.
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Author note time! Please note that this chapter lasted over a good number of weeks. Ce did not suddenly miraculously wake up nor will he heal as fast either. But as my chapters are basically bits and pieces of thier lives they do tend to cover long periods of times (depending on the chapter). I'm sure I could have gone further into detail as to how everyone was feeling, but I think the scenes I decided to write out gave good examples on that and delving more may have been redundant and boring. I like to hit people with strong emotions.
Also historically there are three times recorded where Ce was severely injured. Once early on and of course the last leading to his untimely death. As I could not find exact quotes on when the second one happened I threw it in here! Seemed reasonable...
So let us see how things go on from here on in, shall we? Thank you for being patient with me and any reviews will be nice!