Dynasty Warriors : The Three Blades
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Death's Head - I do not own Dynasty Warriors, Koei does. All I own are copies of the Dynasty Warriors 2 and 3 on the PS2.
Also, this is the second Dynasty Warriors story I'm writing. The idea for it came from playing the 'Challenge' mode in Dynasty Warriors 3, so when the flame arrows come my way, please, don't aim for me. Aim for.... Society. After all, Society is to blame :)
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Chapter Two -
In the Wu palace :
Celebrations were underway. Since the death of the founder of the Wu Empire, Sun Jian, Sun Ce and Sun Quan had been sharing leadership duties. Today was Sun Ce's birthday, and tomorrow, his sworn brother, Zhou Yu, would be marrying his love, Xiao Qiao. Sun Ce sighed as he looked over the table at the people in attendence to his party. His brother and sister, Sun Quan and Sun Shang Xiang, had outdone themselves, in not only setting up the party, but also in inviting guests.
He glanced over at his brother, who was in the middle of a discussion with Taishi Ci, in regards to the initial uprising against Sun Ce and Sun Quan. Sun Ce frowned. He remembered that battle well. Unfortunately, Liu Yong, the renegade general responsible for the uprising, had fled the battlefield, disguised as a normal solider. Sun Ce had to give the renegade credit, not many people escape him, and for Liu Yong to do so, when fighting Sun Ce himself, was a trick only a trickster could perform.
As Sun Ce's frown deepened, he failed to detect the person approach him, until that person clasped him on the shoulder.
"Come now Sun Ce, you should be happy! It bodes ill, if the birthday boy is moping around like you are."
Sun Ce smiled as he faced the person.
"And what about you? Tomorrow the old 'ball and chain' is attached to you buddy. Are you ready for that?"
Zhou Yu, one of the chief strategists for the Wu, smiled and sat next to his friend and 'brother'.
"I'm looking forward to it. Xiao Qiao... She is my true love." he paused and looked at Sun Ce "I suppose you didn't feel the same way, the night before your wedding with Da Qiao."
Sun Ce chuckled nervously.
"Oh come on Yu, does it show?"
A smile spread over Zhou Yu's face.
"Only to just about everyone here at the moment Ce."
Sun Ce paled, then grabbed a goblet of wine and gulped it down. Zhou Yu smiled again and shook his head.
"You're face is getting red, Ce. And you spilt some wine."
Sun Ce wiped the wine off of his tunic and laughed.
"It's the wine's fault my face is red Yu. Still, Xiao is a catch. then again, so's my Da."
Before Zhou Yu could respond or even warn Sun Ce, a pitcher of wine was dumped over Sun Ce's head, causing the young ruler to sputter. Zhou Yu raised his goblet, in salute to Sun Ce's 'attacker'.
"Good work Da. Caught him completely unawares."
Da Qiao, standing behind her husband, smiled broadly.
"Well of course I did. Anyone can catch this dolt off guard."
Sun Ce whirled around and grabbed Da, lifting her into the air, before hugging her.
"So you like wine eh Da? How about now?"
Da cried out as Sun Ce hugged her tight, dripping the wine she had spilt on him, onto her.
"Stop it Ce! You're embarressing me again!"
Zhou Yu took another sip of his wine.
"He embarresses himself everywhere Da. Do you really think he wouldn't do it on his birthday?"
A strong female voice spoke from the other side of the table.
"Zhou Yu, you have no idea how true those words are. My brother is a nuisance and a pest to everything around him."
Sun Ce let his wife go, and faced his next 'opponent'.
"Well, well, sis. Having fun are we?"
Sun Shang Xiang sat down on a nearby chair and regarded Sun Ce with a mischievous gleam in her eye.
"Of course I am. I love parties brother."
Sun Ce sat in his chair and leaned over to Zhou Yu.
"Yu, tell me something, have you ever seen a woman more manly, than my sister?"
Zhou Yu, nearly spit his drink from his mouth, fits of laughter upon him. Sun Shang Xiang on the other hand, glared deadly at her brother, and threw a goblet at him. The goblet missed her target, but hit Lu Xun instead. The young strategist sputtered.
"I see this is the usual welcome for anyone who dares to approach you guys. Perhaps I should just disappear into my room? And least then, I'll keep dry!"
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu burst into laughter, Da Qiao sitting next to Sun Ce, turned her head away as her shoulders heaved with laughter. Sun Shang Xiang looked at Lu Xun, stifling her own laughter.
"Lu Xun, I'm sorry. I wasn't aiming for you. Rather my thick headed brother."
Lu Xun nodded as he sat in a spare chair.
"I see. In that case, may I suggest a full volley of fire arrows?"
Sun Ce paled.
"Oh come on sis. It was just a joke."
Sun Shang Xiang rolled her eyes and had a mouthful of her own drink. Sun Quan joined them, as did Xiao Qiao. The young woman, amde her way to Zhou Yu's side and sat next to him. As the two lovers spoke quietly to each other, Sun Quan approached his brother.
"Well Ce, today is your day. Everyone is waiting for a speech, better give it to them."
Sun Ce nodded.
"You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?"
Sun Quan sat in an empty chair and smiled.
"Oh yeah."
Sun Ce rolled his eyes, then took a fresh goblet in hand and stood, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention. Soon, the hall was quiet, and everyone was awaiting his speech. Sun Ce sighed.
**I'd better get this over with.**
He straightened his form, and was about to speak, when, out of nowhere, an arrow flew straight at him, piercing him through his chest, sending the young warrior into his chair, the arrow embedding itself in the back of the chair.
The room erupted into chaos. Sun Quan was yelling to the guards to seal the room, while Xiao and Xiang helped Da away, as Zhou Yu and Lu Xun checked Sun Ce. Lu Xun, after looking at the placement of the arrow, sighed.
"Zhou Yu..."
Zhou Yu had noticed the same thing, and was about to speak, when Sun Quan spoke to them.
"Is he?"
Zhou Yu nodded.
"Through the heart."
Sun Quan snarled, as Taishi Ci approached.
"My lord, I've sent the palace guards to conduct a search of the palace and the surrounding grounds. We'll find the assassin."
Sun Quan nodded.
"Good. Until then..."
Three hours later.....
The entire palace retinue had searched all over the palace and the grounds and found nothing. In the throne room, Sun Quan was sitting on the throne, a look of fierce anger on his face. The other Wu generals were in the room as well, taking notice of how angry their lord was. Zhou Yu and Gan Ning were standing off to one side, watching.
The former pirate shook his head.
"Don't like this. This stinks worse that three day old fish."
Zhou Yu nodded.
"I agree. This whole attack, there's no motive for it. I just have no idea about the bassis of the attack. Of course Wei would try something like this, but they've been quiet for awhile now. And Liu Bei, I do not think this is his style. No, something else is at work here."
Before Gan Ning could respond, Lu Xun entered the room, a look of dread on his face. He looked at Zhou Yu and Gan Ning, and shook his head sadly. As Zhou Yu and Gan Ning watched him, Lu Xun walked up to Sun Quan and spoke to him quietly, before handing a piece of parchment to him. The young strategist spoke quietly and urgently to Sun Quan, who responded with a heated undertone. Finally, Lu Xun sighed, shoulders slumped, and walked away from Sun Quan.
Sun Quan looked at the parchment before him, then gazed around the room. This, was going to hurt... a lot.
"My friends, what we have here, is a conspiracy of foul proportions. My brother, Sun Ce, would be appalled and horrified at what I have here in my hands, nevertheless, I feel obligated to enlighten you all as to it's contents."
Everyone in the room, spoke quietly with the person next to them. Sun Quan let his eyes drift over the ground, and only let the gaze linger for a moment on the guilty party, before continuing. He couldn't believe a traitor was within their midst, and yet he had the proof in his hands. He waited another moment, until everyone had quieted down, before continuing.
"My brother was murdered, murdered by a traitor. A traitor who has fought alongside us for so long. Who has helped shape Wu into the power it is today." He motioned at Lu Xun, who nodded and ordered the guards to lock the doors. "Tonight, this traitor, shall be revealed before you all."
At that moment, before the last door shut, Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao and Sun Shang Xiang entered the room, causing Sun Quan to grimace inwardly. This was going to hurt them, particularly one of them.
Lu Meng, spoke.
"My lord! Who is the traitor?"
Huang Gai nodded.
"Who is the one, who committed this heinous deed?"
Gan Ning raised his own voice.
"Who is it? Tell me!"
Zhou Yu looked at Sun Quan, and realised in that instant, that Sun Quan's 'traitor', according to the 'evidence' in his hand, was known to him. Sun Quan noticed Zhou Yu's look and sighed.
"The traitor, according to the proof before me..."
A silence fell over the room, as everyone waited for the name. Sun Quan swallowed.
"The traitor... is none other than... Zhou Yu."
No sooner had the name left his lips, he wished for it not to be true. The room erupted into an outroar. Zhou Yu proclaiming his innocence, Gan Ning backing him up. Xiao Qiao crying, tears running down her face, being comforted by her sister. Lu Xun shaking his head, as if to banish the news from him. Lu Meng, Taishi Ci and the others were yelling at Zhou Yu and Gan Ning, and it was when Sun Quan saw the cold steel of a sword inch it's way out of it's scabbard, he decided to be heard again.
"SILENCE!!"
The room's occupants looked at him, Zhou Yu stepping forward.
"My lord! This is false! I would never.."
Sun Quan spoke, in a strong steely voice, the parchment held before him.
"Zhou Yu, silence. The proof I have is right here. A plot, to remove the one person you couldn't control in Wu, and leave behind one who is young and, yes I'll say it, naive in leadership matters. The proof is all here."
Gan Ning roared.
"LIES! False document! YOU know where Zhou Yu's loyalties lie!"
Lu Meng glared at the former pirate.
"And what about your loyalties pirate! Your kind are only loyal to themselves!"
Gan Ning returned Lu Meng's glare.
"You think I'm traitor too? Fine! Settle this with swords!"
Gan Ning drew his blade as Lu Meng did the same. Zhou Yu faced Gan Ning, and put his hand on the pirate's shoulder.
"This won't help Ning. Back down."
Gan Ning looked at Zhou Yu, and saw the look in his eyes. The pirate sighed and lowered his sword.
"You right counsel. You right."
Sun Quan spoke once again.
"The penalty for a crime such as this is death. But, in respect of Zhou Yu's service to Wu, I will not execute him."
Taishi Ci shook his head.
"Did I make the right choice to fight for Wu, that they let a crime go unpunished?"
Sun Quan looked at Zhou Yu and sighed.
"Zhou Yu, your punishment is exile from Wu lands. Never return here again."
Xiao managed to break free from her sister and ran to Zhou Yu, embracing him.
"If Zhou Yu goes, I go too."
Zhou Yu, still reeling from the punishment he had been given, recovered and looked at Xiao.
"No. Xiao, stay here with your family. You deserve better."
Zhou Yu looked at Da, who's eyes were red and puffy from crying.
"I know I don't deserve to ask anything of you, but look after Xiao, please."
Da just nodded as she led her sister away. Zhou Yu faced Sun Quan.
"You know my loyalty to Wu is true. I say that evidence is fake, a forgery to cause dissidence and conflict within our ranks, and an attempt to lower the morale of the army, all to benefit the true killer of Sun Ce, and whatever plans this killer has towards Wu! To act upon it, in this way, will help our enemy to defeat us!"
Sun Quan sat back on the throne, shaking his head. By his own actions, he had effectively ended all conversation. Zhou Yu was about to speak again, when Lu Xun approached him.
"Zhou Yu... It's time..."
Zhou Yu looked at him, and saw the sadness in Xun's eyes. Yu nodded.
"I understand."
Gan Ning glared at Lu Meng and the others, and let his sword rattle in it's scabbared, as a warning to them.
"I come."
The exile and the two Wu warriors left the throne room, heading through the palace towards the stables. No sooner had they entered, Lu Xun spoke quickly.
"Zhou Yu, the 'evidence' was found in your room. I have no doubt it was planted there by the real killer, but without any other proof." the young strategist sighed "I never meant for this to happen like this. I thought Sun Quan would handle this matter quietly and discreetly, but..."
Zhou Yu sighed and mounted his horse, ironically, the same horse Sun Ce had given him.
"It's not your fault Xun. Sun Quan needed someone to bear the blame, and I guess it's me."
Gan Ning frowned.
"You give up?"
Zhou Yu shook his head.
"No. But I have to accept this exile. It's the only way I can find out who the real killer is, clear my name and return."
Lu Xun looked at him.
"I shall petition Sun Quan, to issue a recall for you and..."
Zhou Yu shook his head.
"Not yet. Wait until I have the killer's wherabouts, or, better yet, I have the killer with me. I'll send a message to you, somehow. When you receive it, then petition Sun Quan."
Gan Ning nodded.
"Sounds like a plan you'd come up with, counsel."
Zhou Yu smiled softly.
"Unfortunately, it's the only one I have at the moment Ning. Both of you, watch over Xiao for me."
Lu Xun nodded.
"We will."
Gan Ning added.
"Counsel, old friend of mine, has contacts with just about every mercenary or criminal in the Wu territory. He lives near Chi Bi. Find him and tell him that I sent you. He'll aid you."
Zhou Yu nodded.
"Thank you Ning, Xun. I'll send a message to you, when I have the information I need."
Lu Xun and Gan Ning watched as Zhou Yu then straightened himself in his saddle, then rode out of the stables at a fast gallop. Lu Xun and Gan Ning both sighed, then turned and entered the palace.
"Do you think Zhou Yu will be able to succeed?"
Gan Ning nodded.
"Of course! Counsel wise and always gets job done. Have faith in him, like he does in us."
Lu Xun faced ahead as they walked.
**I hope so Gan Ning, I really do.**
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Death's Head - Well, I guess having Zhou Yu 'fall from grace' so to speak, may cause a lot of angry flaming arrows, flaming boulders sent via catapaults or ballista heading my way. But don't worry, I have plans for Zhou Yu, just as I have plans for Xiahou Dun. In any event, two generals have fallen, and now the third piece of the triangle is needed. Which general from Shu will suffer the 'Fall'? Find out next chapter, same fanfic section, same fanfic site. R&R please.
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Death's Head - I do not own Dynasty Warriors, Koei does. All I own are copies of the Dynasty Warriors 2 and 3 on the PS2.
Also, this is the second Dynasty Warriors story I'm writing. The idea for it came from playing the 'Challenge' mode in Dynasty Warriors 3, so when the flame arrows come my way, please, don't aim for me. Aim for.... Society. After all, Society is to blame :)
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Chapter Two -
In the Wu palace :
Celebrations were underway. Since the death of the founder of the Wu Empire, Sun Jian, Sun Ce and Sun Quan had been sharing leadership duties. Today was Sun Ce's birthday, and tomorrow, his sworn brother, Zhou Yu, would be marrying his love, Xiao Qiao. Sun Ce sighed as he looked over the table at the people in attendence to his party. His brother and sister, Sun Quan and Sun Shang Xiang, had outdone themselves, in not only setting up the party, but also in inviting guests.
He glanced over at his brother, who was in the middle of a discussion with Taishi Ci, in regards to the initial uprising against Sun Ce and Sun Quan. Sun Ce frowned. He remembered that battle well. Unfortunately, Liu Yong, the renegade general responsible for the uprising, had fled the battlefield, disguised as a normal solider. Sun Ce had to give the renegade credit, not many people escape him, and for Liu Yong to do so, when fighting Sun Ce himself, was a trick only a trickster could perform.
As Sun Ce's frown deepened, he failed to detect the person approach him, until that person clasped him on the shoulder.
"Come now Sun Ce, you should be happy! It bodes ill, if the birthday boy is moping around like you are."
Sun Ce smiled as he faced the person.
"And what about you? Tomorrow the old 'ball and chain' is attached to you buddy. Are you ready for that?"
Zhou Yu, one of the chief strategists for the Wu, smiled and sat next to his friend and 'brother'.
"I'm looking forward to it. Xiao Qiao... She is my true love." he paused and looked at Sun Ce "I suppose you didn't feel the same way, the night before your wedding with Da Qiao."
Sun Ce chuckled nervously.
"Oh come on Yu, does it show?"
A smile spread over Zhou Yu's face.
"Only to just about everyone here at the moment Ce."
Sun Ce paled, then grabbed a goblet of wine and gulped it down. Zhou Yu smiled again and shook his head.
"You're face is getting red, Ce. And you spilt some wine."
Sun Ce wiped the wine off of his tunic and laughed.
"It's the wine's fault my face is red Yu. Still, Xiao is a catch. then again, so's my Da."
Before Zhou Yu could respond or even warn Sun Ce, a pitcher of wine was dumped over Sun Ce's head, causing the young ruler to sputter. Zhou Yu raised his goblet, in salute to Sun Ce's 'attacker'.
"Good work Da. Caught him completely unawares."
Da Qiao, standing behind her husband, smiled broadly.
"Well of course I did. Anyone can catch this dolt off guard."
Sun Ce whirled around and grabbed Da, lifting her into the air, before hugging her.
"So you like wine eh Da? How about now?"
Da cried out as Sun Ce hugged her tight, dripping the wine she had spilt on him, onto her.
"Stop it Ce! You're embarressing me again!"
Zhou Yu took another sip of his wine.
"He embarresses himself everywhere Da. Do you really think he wouldn't do it on his birthday?"
A strong female voice spoke from the other side of the table.
"Zhou Yu, you have no idea how true those words are. My brother is a nuisance and a pest to everything around him."
Sun Ce let his wife go, and faced his next 'opponent'.
"Well, well, sis. Having fun are we?"
Sun Shang Xiang sat down on a nearby chair and regarded Sun Ce with a mischievous gleam in her eye.
"Of course I am. I love parties brother."
Sun Ce sat in his chair and leaned over to Zhou Yu.
"Yu, tell me something, have you ever seen a woman more manly, than my sister?"
Zhou Yu, nearly spit his drink from his mouth, fits of laughter upon him. Sun Shang Xiang on the other hand, glared deadly at her brother, and threw a goblet at him. The goblet missed her target, but hit Lu Xun instead. The young strategist sputtered.
"I see this is the usual welcome for anyone who dares to approach you guys. Perhaps I should just disappear into my room? And least then, I'll keep dry!"
Sun Ce and Zhou Yu burst into laughter, Da Qiao sitting next to Sun Ce, turned her head away as her shoulders heaved with laughter. Sun Shang Xiang looked at Lu Xun, stifling her own laughter.
"Lu Xun, I'm sorry. I wasn't aiming for you. Rather my thick headed brother."
Lu Xun nodded as he sat in a spare chair.
"I see. In that case, may I suggest a full volley of fire arrows?"
Sun Ce paled.
"Oh come on sis. It was just a joke."
Sun Shang Xiang rolled her eyes and had a mouthful of her own drink. Sun Quan joined them, as did Xiao Qiao. The young woman, amde her way to Zhou Yu's side and sat next to him. As the two lovers spoke quietly to each other, Sun Quan approached his brother.
"Well Ce, today is your day. Everyone is waiting for a speech, better give it to them."
Sun Ce nodded.
"You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?"
Sun Quan sat in an empty chair and smiled.
"Oh yeah."
Sun Ce rolled his eyes, then took a fresh goblet in hand and stood, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention. Soon, the hall was quiet, and everyone was awaiting his speech. Sun Ce sighed.
**I'd better get this over with.**
He straightened his form, and was about to speak, when, out of nowhere, an arrow flew straight at him, piercing him through his chest, sending the young warrior into his chair, the arrow embedding itself in the back of the chair.
The room erupted into chaos. Sun Quan was yelling to the guards to seal the room, while Xiao and Xiang helped Da away, as Zhou Yu and Lu Xun checked Sun Ce. Lu Xun, after looking at the placement of the arrow, sighed.
"Zhou Yu..."
Zhou Yu had noticed the same thing, and was about to speak, when Sun Quan spoke to them.
"Is he?"
Zhou Yu nodded.
"Through the heart."
Sun Quan snarled, as Taishi Ci approached.
"My lord, I've sent the palace guards to conduct a search of the palace and the surrounding grounds. We'll find the assassin."
Sun Quan nodded.
"Good. Until then..."
Three hours later.....
The entire palace retinue had searched all over the palace and the grounds and found nothing. In the throne room, Sun Quan was sitting on the throne, a look of fierce anger on his face. The other Wu generals were in the room as well, taking notice of how angry their lord was. Zhou Yu and Gan Ning were standing off to one side, watching.
The former pirate shook his head.
"Don't like this. This stinks worse that three day old fish."
Zhou Yu nodded.
"I agree. This whole attack, there's no motive for it. I just have no idea about the bassis of the attack. Of course Wei would try something like this, but they've been quiet for awhile now. And Liu Bei, I do not think this is his style. No, something else is at work here."
Before Gan Ning could respond, Lu Xun entered the room, a look of dread on his face. He looked at Zhou Yu and Gan Ning, and shook his head sadly. As Zhou Yu and Gan Ning watched him, Lu Xun walked up to Sun Quan and spoke to him quietly, before handing a piece of parchment to him. The young strategist spoke quietly and urgently to Sun Quan, who responded with a heated undertone. Finally, Lu Xun sighed, shoulders slumped, and walked away from Sun Quan.
Sun Quan looked at the parchment before him, then gazed around the room. This, was going to hurt... a lot.
"My friends, what we have here, is a conspiracy of foul proportions. My brother, Sun Ce, would be appalled and horrified at what I have here in my hands, nevertheless, I feel obligated to enlighten you all as to it's contents."
Everyone in the room, spoke quietly with the person next to them. Sun Quan let his eyes drift over the ground, and only let the gaze linger for a moment on the guilty party, before continuing. He couldn't believe a traitor was within their midst, and yet he had the proof in his hands. He waited another moment, until everyone had quieted down, before continuing.
"My brother was murdered, murdered by a traitor. A traitor who has fought alongside us for so long. Who has helped shape Wu into the power it is today." He motioned at Lu Xun, who nodded and ordered the guards to lock the doors. "Tonight, this traitor, shall be revealed before you all."
At that moment, before the last door shut, Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao and Sun Shang Xiang entered the room, causing Sun Quan to grimace inwardly. This was going to hurt them, particularly one of them.
Lu Meng, spoke.
"My lord! Who is the traitor?"
Huang Gai nodded.
"Who is the one, who committed this heinous deed?"
Gan Ning raised his own voice.
"Who is it? Tell me!"
Zhou Yu looked at Sun Quan, and realised in that instant, that Sun Quan's 'traitor', according to the 'evidence' in his hand, was known to him. Sun Quan noticed Zhou Yu's look and sighed.
"The traitor, according to the proof before me..."
A silence fell over the room, as everyone waited for the name. Sun Quan swallowed.
"The traitor... is none other than... Zhou Yu."
No sooner had the name left his lips, he wished for it not to be true. The room erupted into an outroar. Zhou Yu proclaiming his innocence, Gan Ning backing him up. Xiao Qiao crying, tears running down her face, being comforted by her sister. Lu Xun shaking his head, as if to banish the news from him. Lu Meng, Taishi Ci and the others were yelling at Zhou Yu and Gan Ning, and it was when Sun Quan saw the cold steel of a sword inch it's way out of it's scabbard, he decided to be heard again.
"SILENCE!!"
The room's occupants looked at him, Zhou Yu stepping forward.
"My lord! This is false! I would never.."
Sun Quan spoke, in a strong steely voice, the parchment held before him.
"Zhou Yu, silence. The proof I have is right here. A plot, to remove the one person you couldn't control in Wu, and leave behind one who is young and, yes I'll say it, naive in leadership matters. The proof is all here."
Gan Ning roared.
"LIES! False document! YOU know where Zhou Yu's loyalties lie!"
Lu Meng glared at the former pirate.
"And what about your loyalties pirate! Your kind are only loyal to themselves!"
Gan Ning returned Lu Meng's glare.
"You think I'm traitor too? Fine! Settle this with swords!"
Gan Ning drew his blade as Lu Meng did the same. Zhou Yu faced Gan Ning, and put his hand on the pirate's shoulder.
"This won't help Ning. Back down."
Gan Ning looked at Zhou Yu, and saw the look in his eyes. The pirate sighed and lowered his sword.
"You right counsel. You right."
Sun Quan spoke once again.
"The penalty for a crime such as this is death. But, in respect of Zhou Yu's service to Wu, I will not execute him."
Taishi Ci shook his head.
"Did I make the right choice to fight for Wu, that they let a crime go unpunished?"
Sun Quan looked at Zhou Yu and sighed.
"Zhou Yu, your punishment is exile from Wu lands. Never return here again."
Xiao managed to break free from her sister and ran to Zhou Yu, embracing him.
"If Zhou Yu goes, I go too."
Zhou Yu, still reeling from the punishment he had been given, recovered and looked at Xiao.
"No. Xiao, stay here with your family. You deserve better."
Zhou Yu looked at Da, who's eyes were red and puffy from crying.
"I know I don't deserve to ask anything of you, but look after Xiao, please."
Da just nodded as she led her sister away. Zhou Yu faced Sun Quan.
"You know my loyalty to Wu is true. I say that evidence is fake, a forgery to cause dissidence and conflict within our ranks, and an attempt to lower the morale of the army, all to benefit the true killer of Sun Ce, and whatever plans this killer has towards Wu! To act upon it, in this way, will help our enemy to defeat us!"
Sun Quan sat back on the throne, shaking his head. By his own actions, he had effectively ended all conversation. Zhou Yu was about to speak again, when Lu Xun approached him.
"Zhou Yu... It's time..."
Zhou Yu looked at him, and saw the sadness in Xun's eyes. Yu nodded.
"I understand."
Gan Ning glared at Lu Meng and the others, and let his sword rattle in it's scabbared, as a warning to them.
"I come."
The exile and the two Wu warriors left the throne room, heading through the palace towards the stables. No sooner had they entered, Lu Xun spoke quickly.
"Zhou Yu, the 'evidence' was found in your room. I have no doubt it was planted there by the real killer, but without any other proof." the young strategist sighed "I never meant for this to happen like this. I thought Sun Quan would handle this matter quietly and discreetly, but..."
Zhou Yu sighed and mounted his horse, ironically, the same horse Sun Ce had given him.
"It's not your fault Xun. Sun Quan needed someone to bear the blame, and I guess it's me."
Gan Ning frowned.
"You give up?"
Zhou Yu shook his head.
"No. But I have to accept this exile. It's the only way I can find out who the real killer is, clear my name and return."
Lu Xun looked at him.
"I shall petition Sun Quan, to issue a recall for you and..."
Zhou Yu shook his head.
"Not yet. Wait until I have the killer's wherabouts, or, better yet, I have the killer with me. I'll send a message to you, somehow. When you receive it, then petition Sun Quan."
Gan Ning nodded.
"Sounds like a plan you'd come up with, counsel."
Zhou Yu smiled softly.
"Unfortunately, it's the only one I have at the moment Ning. Both of you, watch over Xiao for me."
Lu Xun nodded.
"We will."
Gan Ning added.
"Counsel, old friend of mine, has contacts with just about every mercenary or criminal in the Wu territory. He lives near Chi Bi. Find him and tell him that I sent you. He'll aid you."
Zhou Yu nodded.
"Thank you Ning, Xun. I'll send a message to you, when I have the information I need."
Lu Xun and Gan Ning watched as Zhou Yu then straightened himself in his saddle, then rode out of the stables at a fast gallop. Lu Xun and Gan Ning both sighed, then turned and entered the palace.
"Do you think Zhou Yu will be able to succeed?"
Gan Ning nodded.
"Of course! Counsel wise and always gets job done. Have faith in him, like he does in us."
Lu Xun faced ahead as they walked.
**I hope so Gan Ning, I really do.**
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Death's Head - Well, I guess having Zhou Yu 'fall from grace' so to speak, may cause a lot of angry flaming arrows, flaming boulders sent via catapaults or ballista heading my way. But don't worry, I have plans for Zhou Yu, just as I have plans for Xiahou Dun. In any event, two generals have fallen, and now the third piece of the triangle is needed. Which general from Shu will suffer the 'Fall'? Find out next chapter, same fanfic section, same fanfic site. R&R please.