Beginning Of The End
Chapter 28
Chao Xing had a sleepless night. Although she tried very hard, she could not resist thinking about Qǐ Shì lù.
When she thought about her, Chao Xing`s stomach felt like it was full of butterflies and her heart raced.
She couldnt understand why she felt this way as she opened her eyes slowly.
" Good morning sleepyhead! " Qǐ Shì lù was sitting at the end of Chao Xing`s bed and smiled brightly as Chao Xing woke up.
" Good morning Qǐ Shì lù. How are you feeling today? " Chao Xing tried to sound as subtle as possible but it didn't overly work.
" I am good thank you but i wanted to talk to you...a...about the way you looked at me yesterday.." Qǐ Shì lù sounded nervous and looked slightly confused but took a deep breath and spoke slowly. " You looked at me as if you love me deeply but i cant understand why you feel that way...We are both girls...I would have thought that you would find one of the young soldiers to become attracted to. "
Chao Xing sat up and moved next to Qǐ Shì lù. " I don't understand it either Qǐ Shì lù and I don't know if im ready to." Chao Xing smiled. " But I think we can figure it out if we help each other. "
Qǐ Shì lù smiled and blushed slightly. " Th...there is something that might help me understand it a little better.."
Chao Xing smiled but as she was about to ask what it was, Qǐ Shì lù put a finger on her lips. " Not yet. I'll let you know when im ready for help. " Chao Xing nodded as Qǐ Shì lù stood and left to go to training.
When Chao Xing had gotten dressed and walked out to head to the arena , She was stopped by a voice behind her. " I have noticed how you look at her Chao Xing. "
Chao Xing almost fell over before turning around to find Tiānshǐ behind her smiling. " Lady Tiānshǐ! I'm sorry I was just..."
Tiānshǐ stepped forward slowly due to her sore back. " Following my daughter to watch her train? I know. Like I said Ive noticed how you look at her and before you blush too much I just wanted to tell you that you have my blessing but be careful. Qǐ Shì lù is an independent girl and a fierce spirit. Dont rush things or it will upset her. Let her figure out her feelings first. She will tell you when she is ready. " Chao Xing nodded and walked off to find her brother Sheng Sei.
Sheng Sei was training with Lu Bu and ...well...failing. He couldn't land a single hit. The warriors defense and offense was impenetrable and unstoppable.
" Perhaps you need an easier opponent boy! Pity they're all too busy. " Lu Bu chuckled softly. Sheng Sei looked at Lu Bu for a moment before noticing that his sister was watching nervously.
Sheng Sei stood up slowly and looked at Lu Bu, trying to find a weakness or a way to land at least one hit. There was no weak spot but Sheng Sei saw a moment to land a hit. A group of nearby children had knocked over a stack of barrels and Lu Bu had turned around to see what was going on.
Sheng Sei took his opportunity and jumped to strike from above but Lu Bu spun and caught Sheng Sei in mid-air. " Dont be foolish boy! Stop trying to win and start helping our people! "
Sheng Sei looked both embarrassed and a bit ashamed when Lu Bu put him down and started picking up barrels. Sheng Sei helped as he noticed his sister look at him sadly. " He is always trying to be the best...I hope he will learn some priorities..." Chao Xing thought to herself as she turned and walked away to find Qǐ Shì lù.
Chao Xing found Qǐ Shì lù sparring in the palace gardens with Liè Shì. Chao Xing also noticed that Shang Xiang , Sun Jian , Lu Xun , Sun Ce , Sun Quan and Tiānshǐ were watching. " Concentrate Liè Shì! Dont let your guard down just because your sparring your sister. Always stay alert and always watch your opponent no matter who they are. " Tiānshǐ sounded strict but gentle when she spoke. Although Tiānshǐ was pregnant, she still helped train recruits and her two daughters.
Chao Xing walked over and stood next to Tiānshǐ. Tiānshǐ smiled and hugged her gently as she arrived then went back to instructing the girls. Chao Xing stood next to Tiānshǐ silently and tried not to distract Qǐ Shì lù.
Chao Xing noticed however that Qǐ Shì lù would glance at her whenever she got the chance. Chao Xing had the feeling of butterflies again and asked Tiānshǐ to talk with her alone.
" I can't stand it Tiānshǐ...Just watching her makes me feel like my stomach is full of butterflies..." Chao Xing was almost in tears when she spoke.
Tiānshǐ smiled and hugged Chao Xing gently. " I know the feeling. Lu Xun makes me feel the same way when we battle together...I can never keep my eyes off him for long...But if it's too hard to cope with it just talk to Qǐ Shì lù. She might be a fierce and independent girl but she still has feelings and right now her feelings are what is confusing her. Talk to her and tell her what your feeling. "
Tiānshǐ walked back to where the girls were sparring and told them to take a break for a while. While Qǐ Shì lù was resting, Chao Xing asked to speak with her alone. Once they were away from everyone, Chao Xing sat down and tried not to look confused.
Qǐ Shì lù sat beside Chao Xing and nudged her playfully. " So what did you want to talk about? "
Chao Xing took a deep breath and spoke softly. " Qǐ Shì lù I know you said you wanted to tell me when you were ready but I can't stand it any longer. Just watching you spar makes me feel like my stomach is full of butterflies and makes my heart race. I cant keep it in any longer...I...I love you Qǐ Shì lù..."
Qǐ Shì lù looked shocked but smiled and pulled Chao Xing into a tender hug. " I said I would tell you when im ready...but...The more I think about it the more uncertain I feel. I was talking to my mother last night about it and she gave me some advice. I can think about it all I want and never be certain or..."
Qǐ Shì lù tilted Chao Xing`s head up gently and kissed her deeply. After a few moments Qǐ Shì lù broke the kiss so she could finish her sentence. "..or I can act upon my feelings and let my emotions flow. I've thought about it a lot and I cant stand it either. I love you Chao. I don't care if anyone thinks its wrong...I just want to be with you. "
Chao Xing smiled brightly and kissed Qǐ Shì lù tenderly. After a few moments, they walked back to everyone while holding hands. When Tiānshǐ noticed them she giggled softly. " I see you took my advice Qǐ Shì lù. "
Qǐ Shì lù smiled as Sun Jian looked hesitant but spoke plainly as usual. " A touch unorthodox but I would never question the ways of the heart. If this is what you both want then you have all our blessings. Care for each other well. Now Qǐ Shì lù back to sparring. You still have a lot of training to complete. "
Qǐ Shì lù smiled and ran to pick up her weapons. Chao Xing stood next to Tiānshǐ and watched. It was like Qǐ Shì lù had a new-found fire and she fought with the ferocity her mother showed on the battlefield. Liè Shì was struggling to keep up and fell backwards to avoid being hit by the handle of Qǐ Shì lù`s halberd. Lu Bu had taught her well...almost too well.
Qǐ Shì lù mirrored Lu Bu`s strength and power but used her mothers fighting style. Over the past few weeks the two girls had fully mastered Tiānshǐ`s style and learned everything that Pang Tong taught Tiānshǐ.
Tiānshǐ had even tested the girls the same way that Pang Tong tested Tiānshǐ. They learned almost as fast as Tiānshǐ did and had mastered it within a few weeks. The two girls often used it against each other while sparring. The use of these techniques always made sparring an interesting and exciting event to witness.
After they finished sparring Tiānshǐ walked to Liè Shì to talk with her while Qǐ Shì lù walked to Chao Xing and hugged her lovingly. " Thank you for watching me spar Chao. I was hoping you would stay. "
Chao Xing smiled. " I wouldn't miss it for the world. "
Qǐ Shì lù smiled and hugged Chao Xing again gently. Meanwhile, Tiānshǐ was speaking with Liè Shì and sounded a bit...surprised. " Whats the matter Liè Shì? You were very distracted today. "
Liè Shì sighed softly. " Its Sheng Sei...he said that im in his heart but... It feels like he has been avoiding me. I love him but when i go to see him...he just walks away and acts like im not there. I can't take it...its breaking my heart..."
Tiānshǐ hugged Liè Shì gently. " Would you like me to talk to him? " Liè Shì nodded as tears ran down her cheeks. Tiānshǐ smiled. " Alright. Go and sit in the gardens at home. Ill send him there after Ive spoken with him. " Liè Shì nodded and walked home in tears. Tiānshǐ went to find Sheng Sei and found him in the palace library studying with Pang Tong.
" Sheng Sei can i ask you something? " Sheng Sei looked up and nodded. Tiānshǐ looked a touch angry so he stayed quiet and listened. " Do you love Liè Shì? "
Sheng Sei was shocked by this question and stood quickly. " Of course I do! I thought you knew that! "
Tiānshǐ spoke forcefully. " Then why are you avoiding her?! Her heart is breaking because she thinks you don't love her! What are you thinking?! I told you to look after her and instead your walking around like she doesn't exist! "
Sheng Sei was speechless and fell back into his chair before speaking quietly in a tone that sounded like he was close to tears. " I love her Tiānshǐ. I love her with all my heart but I don't feel good enough for her. When I was sparring Lu Bu today I put winning before the well-being of our people. How can I be a good man for her when I cant be proud of who I am?! "
Tiānshǐ pulled him out of his chair gently and hugged him as if he was her son. " You are perfect for her. Your direct approach to everything counters her hesitation. Her patience and clarity balances your headstrong rush to do things right and your fiery willingness to fight. You are a perfect couple. You just need to realize that she is fragile. She might fight like an unbreakable warrior but at heart she is a girl in a big world. She doesn't understand why she feels the way she does. Go and talk to her before you lose her. "
Sheng Sei looked shocked and pulled away from Tiānshǐ gently before running out the door. Moments later he reappeared in the doorway. " Uhm...where is she? "
Tiānshǐ giggled softly. " She is at home sitting in the gardens. "
Sheng Sei nodded and ran to Tiānshǐ`s house. When he burst into the garden, Liè Shì almost screamed in fright. As she calmed again, Sheng Sei noticed the lines on her cheeks from her tears. After running to her and hugging her tenderly, he stepped back only to be slapped by Liè Shì.
" You've been avoiding me! Do you have any idea how you've made me feel?! " Liè Shì was still in tears but was now also angry. After rubbing his cheek gently, Sheng Sei put his arms around her and held her tightly. Even though Liè Shì tried to push away from him, he simply held her until she calmed down.
Once she was calm, Sheng Sei spoke straight from his heart as a tear fell down his cheek. " I am truly sorry for making you feel this way Liè Shì but I...i didn't feel good enough for you. I've been avoiding you because i thought you deserved a better man than..."
Liè Shì had slapped him again. " I don't want another man I want you! Why would you think that?! "
Sheng Sei now had tears running down his cheeks. " Today when I was sparring Lu Bu I was too busy trying to win to notice that a stack of barrels almost fell on top of a group of children. I felt lower than the dirt I was walking on. I felt like I had failed everyone...you especially. I felt that I wasn't good enough. That I didn't deserve you.."
Liè Shì was crying uncontrollably. When Sheng Sei moved to hold her again however, she slapped him a third time. " That`s for being a fool! " Liè Shì then pulled him close and kissed him with enough love and passion that it made Sheng Sei`s head spin. Liè Shì broke the kiss gently. " And that is for being the most wonderful and honest man Ive ever met. Dont ever think you aren't good enough for me. I love for who you are. I don't care if others think that you are an idiot. I think you are perfect. Isn't it enough to be with me without changing from who you are instead of trying to be who you think you should be? "
Sheng Sei pulled her into a kiss that lasted several moments and said more than words ever could. " It is more than enough to have you at all. I love you with all my heart and soul Liè Shì and it broke both to avoid you. I am sorry for being such a damn fool...I never meant to hurt you and I never meant for you to feel broken. I will never avoid you again I promise and I am proud to say that I am not a perfect man. But that doesn't mean I cant be the best man I can be. "
Liè Shì smiled brightly. " You don't have to be perfect Sheng...You just need to be exactly the way you are now. "
Liè Shì kissed him gently and they spent the rest of the afternoon kissing and watching the clouds.
As night fell upon them, Liè Shì asked Sheng Sei to spend the night with her. " I want you to share my bed Sheng. I don't want to be alone or apart from you anymore. "
Sheng Sei smiled and nodded but suggested they ask Tiānshǐ. When Tiānshǐ gave her approval, Sheng Sei whispered something to Liè Shì that made her heart melt.
" You`ll never be alone. I will always be with you. I will never break your heart and never leave you alone in this world. I love you Liè Shì. "
Liè Shì wanted at that moment to give him everything but knew in her heart that it wasn't the right time for it. She would give him everything but not yet.
Meanwhile...
Qǐ Shì lù and Chao Xing were walking home to take a bath. They had asked Tiānshǐ if Chao Xing could sleep with Qǐ Shì lù and gotten her approval. As they arrived home they could hear Liè Shì and Sheng Sei talking.
" Hey there lovebirds! " Qǐ Shì lù giggled softly as she walked into the kitchen holding Chao Xing`s hand.
" Speak for yourself Qǐ Shì lù! " Liè Shì spoke playfully.
" Chao and i are going to take a bath so don't come snooping alright? " Qǐ Shì lù smiled slightly as Liè Shì spoke.
" What makes you think i would come snooping huh? " Liè Shì was a bit confused.
" Oh you're welcome to join us sister...I meant Sheng. " Qǐ Shì lù smiled playfully.
" Well if Liè Shì joins you I cant exactly promise that I wouldn't be inclined to come with her. " Sheng Sei was being playful but Chao Xing took it seriously.
" Dont you dare! I don't want you seeing me naked! " Chao Xing was embarrassed by the idea.
" I was joking Chao. Relax. I wouldn't come snooping. I promise. " Sheng Sei smiled.
" Chao has a point Sheng. I'm not ready for you to see me naked. If I join them promise me you will stay here. " Liè Shì sounded almost like she was begging him.
" Alright I promise. I'll stay here while you have a bath. " Sheng Sei kissed Liè Shì gently as Chao Xing and Qǐ Shì lù walked outside and got undressed.
Chao Xing was looking at the stars as Qǐ Shì lù moved over to her and sat on her lap with her arms around Chao Xing`s neck. " Its beautiful out here isn't it? "
Chao Xing was too busy staring into Qǐ Shì lù`s eyes to notice that Qǐ Shì lù was talking about the stars. " Beautiful..."
Qǐ Shì lù gasped softly, realizing that Chao Xing meant that Qǐ Shì lù`s eyes were beautiful. Qǐ Shì lù kissed Chao Xing deeply and passionately as Chao Xing wrapped her arms around Qǐ Shì lù`s waist.
After a few hours they dried off, got dressed and went to bed. Liè Shì and Sheng Sei were already in bed. They all slept peacefully until morning.
Love is everywhere but how long will it last?
Read next chapter to find out!
That`s Chapter 28!
Sorry it took so long to finish. Had a lot of Real Life stuff to deal with. But will do my best to post chapters more often.
Read and Review! ^_^
