Hello all, I'm back again. Yes this will hopefully be an ongoing project
^_^ Like I said last time this project is dare/request that a friend of
mine made. So, some people may find the possible pairings distasteful.
(Especially since I'm sort of following the scant history I've found on The
Three Kingdoms, but putting my own twist on things.) But in the end I hope
you, my readers, can get past the tweaking and enjoy the story for what it
is.
Okay, now for this chapter.. There is quite a bit more humor and mushy stuff in this chapter. Please excuse some of my more liberal use of comedy. I'm not as good at impregnating a story with humor as many of the authors I admire are. In the end I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
And I still don't own any of these characters. They're just fun to play with!
Hope you enjoy, and here's the story.
The Wu army was on the march. Three weeks earlier Lord Sun Quan had received word from Yuan Shao of Yejun, requesting his aid against the advancing forces of Cao Cao and the Wei army. Sun Quan had sent his messengers to Yejun guaranteeing them that Wu would fight with them, but as time wore on he began to fear that his messengers never reached Yuan Shao.
Over the past few days, the army's outriders had begun bringing back reports of spotting spies sent by the Wei army. Sun Quan began to fear that his messengers and those of Yuan Shao wouldn't be returning anytime soon.
In preparation, Sun Quan split his forces between land and sea in order to take Wei from both sides and crush him between the hammer and anvil. He sent Gan Ning to lead his fleet and relied on the expertise of Lu Xun and Zhou Yu to lead his ground forces. Of course, no matter how he tried he could not keep his sister from joining the campaign, which is why Sun Shang Xiang no rode between himself and Lu Xun while discussing the upcoming battle.
"So, Brother have you decided to let me lead the navy into this battle with Cao Cao or are you still being stubborn?" Sun Shang Xiang asked, riding casually between Lu Xun and Sun Quan.
"I decided already. You will stay with me and the rest of the main force, it is safer for you here with us. Besides, who better to lead our fleet than the Pirate himself?" nods to himself as he rides. "Xun, Yu, and I all feel that this is the best course of action. You have no experience at sea and your skills are better suited on land with the rest of the army and this is the last word on this matter." With that Sun Quan road head, leaving Xun and Yu to deal with the fuming Xiang.
For a time she sat there muttering evilly to herself, both Xun and Yu were to afraid to try and say anything to each other much less to her. They've learned from previous occasions not to bother Xiang. Sure, a marauding band of killer bandits with elephant troops with exploding wigs of death was scary, but it was nothing compared to Xiang. They'd even thought of trying to convince Sun Quan to send her to Cao Cao as a gift, but he wouldn't do it, always said to was much to cruel of a way to die, Yu and Xun had to agree with him there.
Occasionally, while they rode behind her, Xun and Yu would catch snippets of her mutterings, usually they had something to do with pouring miso soup and rice into Sun Quan's sleeping roll and something else about dyeing Gan Ning's hair pink by slipping cherries into his soap. Then and there they made yet another pact never to make Xiang mad, the consequences were just too scary to imagine.
For the rest of the day and partially into the night the army marched before making camp, and this was the way it was for the remainder of the week before reaching the city of Yejun. As luck would have it they arrived before the Wei's force, however Gan Ning was still far at sea, hopefully he would arrive in time. If not, the outlook was not at all promising.
White spray flew across the bow as the ship cut through the waves, as leader of the fleet Gan Ning had chosen the fleet's lead ship as his command post, from here he had an unobstructed view of the ocean, and she was gorgeous. It has been many years since he had called the sea his mistress, but it had been worth it. Huang Zu had tried to tame him and died for that transgression. But Sun Quan was a different man, he was truly a great leader, always willing to listen to the council of his officers and even to his sister's council. For that he was grateful, and loyal which was why he was out at sea now.
Though the sea was his first love, being amongst Sun Quan's officers gave Gan Ning a new love, Xiang, Sun Quan's sister. His heart skipped a beat at the thought of her and he was glad to be alone on deck so none saw the blush rise to his cheeks. (Oh well if anyone saw it he'd write it off as windburn, yeah that's it.) To him she was perfect, beauty with out compare, and a born soldier. Though he could never get close to her, every time he tried he ended up harassed by her handmaids. Some women just should not be given weapons! He shook his head, thanks to them Xiang probably thought his was a pervert. He'd have to find a way to fix that, maybe this battle was the key, if he could prove to her that he was worthy maybe she'd call her pack of blood thirsty man hating maids off.
"Like that would ever happen," he laughed to himself, and continued staring out at the sea, his thoughts shifting to the upcoming battle. If the wind did not pick up soon it may be too late for him to show off to his ladylove.
Back again with in the protected walls of Yejun, more preparations were being made for the oncoming wave of Wei soldiers. For many days and nights Sun Quan, Zhou Yu, Lu Xun, Sun Shang Xiang, Yuan Shao, and Yuan Xi closed themselves into the map room, laying plans for the upcoming battle. Drawing and redrawing formations, making changes to the maps when necessary as new information about the Wei force flooded in.
It was at one of these many meetings that Xun first saw her. She was a vision! Her eyes were a deep blue, only seen at sea when the moon was full, her skin was as smooth and pure as jade. Needless to say he was in love, much more than the puppy love Yu teasingly called it.
A full moon shown brightly in the sky, Xun could see it from where he sat in the royal gardens. Perhaps that was the reason his mind drifted from the impending battle, to the much more pleasant thoughts of love. He had already tried talking to Yu about it, but his advice wasn't at all help full. "Forget it," he said. "She's married you twit! That would pose a problem you know!"
Xun grumbled to himself, what did Yu know? All he ever did was talk of burning Wei's ships, or trying to set fire to their camp. He sighed again, his eyes gaining a forlorn look to them. He'd also tried talking to Xiang about it, after all she was a woman right, she should know how he could try and gain her attention. All she suggested was giving her a shiny new sword.
"I guess not all women know what it's like to be in love after all," he mused to himself watching the starts wheel over head.
Just then he caught the faint strains of melody wafting over the garden's hedges. Following the sound Xun found himself peeking through a bush, having found the source of the music. It was Lady Zhen, his heart skipped frantically as if it was trying to get away. She was even more beautiful now in the moonlight. And oh her music was as exquisite as she was. He was a fool in love, but at that moment he didn't want to be anything else. Battle was something far from his mind as he sat, in the bushes, listening to her haunting song.
Latter that night his luck ran out, he managed to wake up Yu as he tried to sneak back into their rooms, unfortunately Yu turned light a few lamps revealing Xun's stained and torn pants. Which lead to him forcing Xun to recount his story and then to Yu teasing him for the rest of the week. So much for being a secret admirer, hopefully Zhen or Yuan Xi hadn't found out yet he at least wanted to live long enough to get over his crush.
Zhen stared up at the sky watching the stars. Everything was so peaceful at this time of night. No one running around, with arms full of maps, weapons, tools, or plates of food. No, this time of night was quiet, everyone was asleep and the only sound was the wind in the trees. She reflected back on the time since the land forces of the Wu army had arrived. Things certainly were starting to look up. Sun Quan had brought with him some of the most brilliant strategists in China. She certainly was taken aback by one young man, Lu Xun, he was handsome as he was brilliant. As a matter of fact, it was his plan that had been decided upon that afternoon. He certainly was an intriguing man, unfortunately Yuan Xi will kill him if he tries anything. She sighed, picking up her flute and began to play, only she never heard the slight rustling in the bushes, that night or any of the following nights.
Okay, now for this chapter.. There is quite a bit more humor and mushy stuff in this chapter. Please excuse some of my more liberal use of comedy. I'm not as good at impregnating a story with humor as many of the authors I admire are. In the end I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
And I still don't own any of these characters. They're just fun to play with!
Hope you enjoy, and here's the story.
The Wu army was on the march. Three weeks earlier Lord Sun Quan had received word from Yuan Shao of Yejun, requesting his aid against the advancing forces of Cao Cao and the Wei army. Sun Quan had sent his messengers to Yejun guaranteeing them that Wu would fight with them, but as time wore on he began to fear that his messengers never reached Yuan Shao.
Over the past few days, the army's outriders had begun bringing back reports of spotting spies sent by the Wei army. Sun Quan began to fear that his messengers and those of Yuan Shao wouldn't be returning anytime soon.
In preparation, Sun Quan split his forces between land and sea in order to take Wei from both sides and crush him between the hammer and anvil. He sent Gan Ning to lead his fleet and relied on the expertise of Lu Xun and Zhou Yu to lead his ground forces. Of course, no matter how he tried he could not keep his sister from joining the campaign, which is why Sun Shang Xiang no rode between himself and Lu Xun while discussing the upcoming battle.
"So, Brother have you decided to let me lead the navy into this battle with Cao Cao or are you still being stubborn?" Sun Shang Xiang asked, riding casually between Lu Xun and Sun Quan.
"I decided already. You will stay with me and the rest of the main force, it is safer for you here with us. Besides, who better to lead our fleet than the Pirate himself?" nods to himself as he rides. "Xun, Yu, and I all feel that this is the best course of action. You have no experience at sea and your skills are better suited on land with the rest of the army and this is the last word on this matter." With that Sun Quan road head, leaving Xun and Yu to deal with the fuming Xiang.
For a time she sat there muttering evilly to herself, both Xun and Yu were to afraid to try and say anything to each other much less to her. They've learned from previous occasions not to bother Xiang. Sure, a marauding band of killer bandits with elephant troops with exploding wigs of death was scary, but it was nothing compared to Xiang. They'd even thought of trying to convince Sun Quan to send her to Cao Cao as a gift, but he wouldn't do it, always said to was much to cruel of a way to die, Yu and Xun had to agree with him there.
Occasionally, while they rode behind her, Xun and Yu would catch snippets of her mutterings, usually they had something to do with pouring miso soup and rice into Sun Quan's sleeping roll and something else about dyeing Gan Ning's hair pink by slipping cherries into his soap. Then and there they made yet another pact never to make Xiang mad, the consequences were just too scary to imagine.
For the rest of the day and partially into the night the army marched before making camp, and this was the way it was for the remainder of the week before reaching the city of Yejun. As luck would have it they arrived before the Wei's force, however Gan Ning was still far at sea, hopefully he would arrive in time. If not, the outlook was not at all promising.
White spray flew across the bow as the ship cut through the waves, as leader of the fleet Gan Ning had chosen the fleet's lead ship as his command post, from here he had an unobstructed view of the ocean, and she was gorgeous. It has been many years since he had called the sea his mistress, but it had been worth it. Huang Zu had tried to tame him and died for that transgression. But Sun Quan was a different man, he was truly a great leader, always willing to listen to the council of his officers and even to his sister's council. For that he was grateful, and loyal which was why he was out at sea now.
Though the sea was his first love, being amongst Sun Quan's officers gave Gan Ning a new love, Xiang, Sun Quan's sister. His heart skipped a beat at the thought of her and he was glad to be alone on deck so none saw the blush rise to his cheeks. (Oh well if anyone saw it he'd write it off as windburn, yeah that's it.) To him she was perfect, beauty with out compare, and a born soldier. Though he could never get close to her, every time he tried he ended up harassed by her handmaids. Some women just should not be given weapons! He shook his head, thanks to them Xiang probably thought his was a pervert. He'd have to find a way to fix that, maybe this battle was the key, if he could prove to her that he was worthy maybe she'd call her pack of blood thirsty man hating maids off.
"Like that would ever happen," he laughed to himself, and continued staring out at the sea, his thoughts shifting to the upcoming battle. If the wind did not pick up soon it may be too late for him to show off to his ladylove.
Back again with in the protected walls of Yejun, more preparations were being made for the oncoming wave of Wei soldiers. For many days and nights Sun Quan, Zhou Yu, Lu Xun, Sun Shang Xiang, Yuan Shao, and Yuan Xi closed themselves into the map room, laying plans for the upcoming battle. Drawing and redrawing formations, making changes to the maps when necessary as new information about the Wei force flooded in.
It was at one of these many meetings that Xun first saw her. She was a vision! Her eyes were a deep blue, only seen at sea when the moon was full, her skin was as smooth and pure as jade. Needless to say he was in love, much more than the puppy love Yu teasingly called it.
A full moon shown brightly in the sky, Xun could see it from where he sat in the royal gardens. Perhaps that was the reason his mind drifted from the impending battle, to the much more pleasant thoughts of love. He had already tried talking to Yu about it, but his advice wasn't at all help full. "Forget it," he said. "She's married you twit! That would pose a problem you know!"
Xun grumbled to himself, what did Yu know? All he ever did was talk of burning Wei's ships, or trying to set fire to their camp. He sighed again, his eyes gaining a forlorn look to them. He'd also tried talking to Xiang about it, after all she was a woman right, she should know how he could try and gain her attention. All she suggested was giving her a shiny new sword.
"I guess not all women know what it's like to be in love after all," he mused to himself watching the starts wheel over head.
Just then he caught the faint strains of melody wafting over the garden's hedges. Following the sound Xun found himself peeking through a bush, having found the source of the music. It was Lady Zhen, his heart skipped frantically as if it was trying to get away. She was even more beautiful now in the moonlight. And oh her music was as exquisite as she was. He was a fool in love, but at that moment he didn't want to be anything else. Battle was something far from his mind as he sat, in the bushes, listening to her haunting song.
Latter that night his luck ran out, he managed to wake up Yu as he tried to sneak back into their rooms, unfortunately Yu turned light a few lamps revealing Xun's stained and torn pants. Which lead to him forcing Xun to recount his story and then to Yu teasing him for the rest of the week. So much for being a secret admirer, hopefully Zhen or Yuan Xi hadn't found out yet he at least wanted to live long enough to get over his crush.
Zhen stared up at the sky watching the stars. Everything was so peaceful at this time of night. No one running around, with arms full of maps, weapons, tools, or plates of food. No, this time of night was quiet, everyone was asleep and the only sound was the wind in the trees. She reflected back on the time since the land forces of the Wu army had arrived. Things certainly were starting to look up. Sun Quan had brought with him some of the most brilliant strategists in China. She certainly was taken aback by one young man, Lu Xun, he was handsome as he was brilliant. As a matter of fact, it was his plan that had been decided upon that afternoon. He certainly was an intriguing man, unfortunately Yuan Xi will kill him if he tries anything. She sighed, picking up her flute and began to play, only she never heard the slight rustling in the bushes, that night or any of the following nights.