On his quest, the First Emperor must seek the aid of
demons beyond our shores. Should he acquire the
Artifact they hold, he shall be one step further in
The Ascension.
______________________MORNING___________________
After five days ride, the young man known only as Tam, arrived at the seaside town. Asking around, he found the inn, and was pleased to see that it was well taken care of, but not very expensive.
Deciding that he needed a way to get money he asked the innkeeper if she knew of any place in need of workers.
The innkeeper, a pretty young woman, said that they could use a strong young man in the evenings when some of the patrons got too rowdy.
Tam quickly accepted the job, and thanked her.
She winked at him before showing him to his rooms. Smiling she told him where the baths were, and said that he should probably freshen up before going on duty tonight.
Tam bathed, and dressed in black leather boots, pants, and gauntlets. His shirt was jade green silk, martial style. Realizing he had a while 'till his job started, he decided to go into the city.
Strapping on his Bastard sword, he wandered the streets. Looking from booth to booth, he got the feeling on the back of his neck that meant he was being watched.
Stopping at a booth, he pretended to look at a dragon that weaved it's self into a disk with a flat back.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw someone in a brown cloak duck into an alley. He quickly paid for the dragon and went over, but when he got there it was empty.
Upon arriving back at the inn, he realized it was almost time for work. Dressing in all black, he left his heavy blades in his room and opted for a 36" blade tucked into the back of his thick belt.
Returning to the taproom, he sat in a dark corner and scanned the crowd for potential threats.
There was the occasional fighter type sitting around, but one man in particular caught his eye; A young, ruff looking guy dressed in red. His hair stuck straight up, and he had feathers in the headband he wore. A vest covered his upper body, and he wore baggy pants with bells attached. He downed liquor like water but seemed to be in complete control. Tam finally decided that this man was no threat.
The night proceeded with relative quiet, Tam only had to throw out a few rowdy farmers. The innkeeper thanked him for his good work and gave him his five coppers for payment. Just as he started to retire to his rooms he felt a pinch on his backside. Spinning around, he saw the innkeeper wink at him. Tam blushed furiously, and returned to his room. He'd have to watch himself around the innkeeper from now on.
The week progressed very well with the possible exception of the innkeeper's blatant advances, then again, she was a fine figure of a woman even if Tam wasn't interested.
Tam started having a bad feeling towards the end of the week. This feeling was helped along by the three attempted robberies that Tam managed to escape from. By Saturday Tam was a nervous wreck. He still hadn't found the person following him, and the innkeeper had tried to enter his chambers the last two nights in a row. By now Tam decided it was time to disappear. Going to his room, he gathered his belongings, his swords, his clothes, his pendant, and the new boots he had purchased from a magic weaver.
Putting the boots on, strapping on his swords, he decided it would be too difficult to carry all his clothes. Dropping his bags, he put on the pendant and donned his breastplate and gauntlets.
As he came out of his room he realized that the bar was strangely quiet. Looking around, he saw that there were only ten men in the room. All of which had swords drawn and were advancing on him.
Drawing his bastard sword, Tam ran to the head of the stairs in time to meet the first attacker. Apparently they weren't too bright as they were all trying to follow the first guy. Taking advantage of this, Tam kicked the first man in the face, breaking his nose, and sending him crashing down on everyone else who had made it to the stairs.
Jumping over the railing, into a rollout, Tam used a rising cut to sever one mans body in half.
Inverting the blade, he threw the sword and skewered two more men.
Turning quickly he didn't bother drawing his greatsword. Instead, he kicked away a clumsy swing, grabbed the mans head and shoved it through a wall.
Unable to turn fast enough, Tam was brought down to his knees by the remaining four. The one with the broken nose stood before him, "You've caused us enough trouble, it's time for you to...." his words were cut off as a large object flew through the air and shattered against his face.
"Was that a wine barrel?" Asked one of the remaining attackers just before he too was hit in the face with a barrel.
Taking advantage of this, Tam surged to his feet and wrenched free of his captors. Drawing his short sword, he shoved it through one's neck. He turned in time to see a red blur fly past his enemies. They immediately split in half, falling to the floor in a spray of blood to reveal the rouge from the beginning of the week!
"I hate people who don't fight fair." Proclaimed the warrior in red. "My name's Gan Ning, you can call me Gan."
"I wish I could tell you my name but I lost it a few months back. I have been hunting for it since." Sighed Tam.
"Hmmmmm, well, My partner told me about this word from his country. It means something like masterless warrior." Smiling he moved forward, "Ronin. That will be your name." He smiled wider, and held out his hand.
Tam grinned and grasped his wrist, "Yes, Ronin."
The young man looked at Tam. "We'd better go out the back, I saw more people coming. I don't know who they are, but as a pirate, I say better safe than sorry. We'll go to my ship, It's at the north dock." With that they hurried to the back.
Tam opened the door only to find the stalker he had tried to catch since he got here. He immediately grabbed the figure, to discover that it was very definitely female. Ripping off the hood, he was completely shocked to see eyes that shone like purple jade.
"Min....What the hell are you doing here?!" He shouted in disbelief.
"I followed you, I don't care how dangerous it could be, I won't let you go." Her eyes shone with such fire that Tam could do nothing but smile, and hold her to him.
There was a chuckle from behind Tam as Gan moved forward. "Look you can do this on the boat, but not if we're caught. Let's GO!" The last word a shout as he took off.
"I'll explain later, follow me." Holding Min's hand, he rushed after the swift pirate.
Dodging assassins, and ducking through alleys, they finally made it to the ship. Tam and Min ran up the loading plank and jumped just as it fell into the water. As they stood up, the young pirate from earlier clapped them both on the shoulder.
"So who's your lovely friend, Ronin? Your sister I hope?"
"This is Nu Wa, she took care of me when I lost my memory." Tam smiled down at her, once again drinking in her beauty. "She has just informed me that she will be accompanying me on my journey."
"Damn right I will be. Who knows what might happen if I left you on your own." Min grinned and hugged Tam tightly.
Gan sighed. "Damn, all the women I meet are already emotionally attached or married, not that that necessarily stopped our fun, but it did make it hard to have a relationship." Shrugging he jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "I had better introduce you to my partner. He's as boring as I am fun, but he's a damn fine pirate and a good friend."
Gan proceeded to pick up a bow and a quiver full of arrows. Then walked across the deck to hide behind a mast. An older man in armor, With a strangely curved blade emerged from below deck, only to have Gan fire an arrow at him.
Moving with a grace and speed Tam had never witnessed before, the man drew his blade and sliced the arrow clean through the center, making it into two pieces.
Sheathing his blade, the warrior walked over to where Gan, Tam, and Min were standing.
"Sharp as ever Tai. I don't know how you do it." Gan said to the newcomer.
"Do you remember what I said I'd do the next time you did that? Think now, young pup, I'm sure you'll remember." Smiled the warrior.
The smile dropped from Gan's face in an instant. "No, you CAN"T be serious! Please, have mercy!" Begged the young pirate.
"Better go make your good-bye's." Said the older warrior with a grave face.
Gan began to cry, but made his way below deck quickly.
"What's the punishment?" Tam asked apprehensively.
The warrior smiled, "He's not allowed to drink anything but water 'til we reach my homeland, That's a weeklong trip."
Tam began to laugh at the thought of Gan unable to drink.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+MEANWHILE+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zhou Yu was ready to beat his head against a wall. First, his little brother disappears, then they have a freak snowstorm, now lord Sun Jian was gravely ill. If he didn't get some news soon he'd go out and get Fu Xi himself!
Zhou Yu paced in the throne room, while Sun Ce, Sun Shang Xiang, and the Qiao's sat watching him. It didn't help that they acted like he was a powder keg near an open fire.
He stopped his pacing to look at them. "WHAT?" He shouted. It was louder than he had intended, but right then he didn't fucking care.
It was Xiang who answered him. "Look, we're all worried but you look about ready to kill. Maybe you should get some sleep?"
Before Yu could respond, the double doors slammed open. In strode Sun Quan, followed by a very wet Huang Gai.
"Huang Gai has given me some very unsettling news. It seems that a scouting party has found what happened to Zhou Yu's young, half-brother."
Every one of the five heads turned to Huang Gai.
Zhou Yu lost his patience immediately. "WELL? Where is he?!" A horrible suspicion began to knaw at him.
Looking at Sun Quan briefly, he spoke. "The reports say that he was killed in one of the raids that was made on a small village to the south. His body was apparently taken by the bandits." With that Huang Gai lowered his head, as if in sadness.
Two high-pitched wails erupted from the Qiao's. Xiang had tears standing in her eyes, and Ce's mouth was open in shock. The Qiao's both hugged Xiang, as they cried together.
Zhou Yu's mouth went dry, he couldn't hear anything over the roar of blood pounding in his ears. The sadness was, even now translating into rage! His anger gathered about him as a tangible force. His robes rose in a whirlwind and his hair flowed on unseen winds. The temperature rose by several degrees, making the air about him shimmer.
"WHO? WHO DID THIS?!" His voice a roar of flames, the inferno unleashed.
"Zhou Yu, control yourself. The culprits are not here, should you continue like this you will most surely hurt one of the people you care about." Sun Quan stated calmly.
The words cut through Zhou Yu's fury as sharply as any sword, quickly he calmed himself. "Who is responsible for this?"
Huang Gai looked up nervously, "B...bandits, my lord."
"Lord Ce, I request permission to look for these bandits."
Ce gave him a nonplussed look. "And if I say no you'll do it anyway, right?"
Zhou Yu smiled at him, they knew each other completely. Which meant that Zhou Yu knew Sun Ce would never say no.
"Fine, but on one condition." Ce smiled wolfishly, "Give 'em a good one for me!"
Zhou Yu was quickly surrounded by Xiang and the Qiao's. When Ce raised an eyebrow, Xiang smiled sweetly and said," We're his traveling party."
"Let me guess, There's no way I can stop you three either?"
This statement was met by three identical grins.
"Yeah, I figured as much."
With that settled, They quickly saddled up in the stables. Zhou Yu was like a man possessed. His eyes were empty, yet they burned with a terrible anger. Xiao went up to him and lay a hand on his shoulder. She noticed he was trembling a moment before he turned and buried his head in her hair, his body was wracked with sobs as she held him, gently crooning in his ear. Eventually he calmed himself, slowly letting go of her.
"Thank you." he whispered to her.
She just smiled and nodded.
They mounted and headed out. Night was just leaving, to bring the morning sun. It gently started to snow, The flakes glowing in the pre-dawn twilight. The road was long, it took them many weeks just to get through the valleys, but they persevered. At last they came upon the clearing where the village should have been. All that was left was half-buried ashes, and burnt out logs. Xiao's voice reverberated in the clearing, " Who could have done such a thing?" There was a snap in the woods, and they all drew their weapons.
An older looking woman stepped forward, "What do you want?" she asked nervously.
Seeing there was no threat, Zhou Yu put his sword away. " We're looking for the ones responsible for this. They have, among other things, killed my brother, I want their blood to shine on my sword.
The old woman looked at him closely for a moment. "Your brother you say?" When he nodded she continued, " Tall, with broad shoulders? Brown hair, Eyes like the sky?"
"You saw him?" Zhou Yu was sweating now. "Did you see where they took him?"
They didn't take him, he saved our village, taught us to fight, then went off to search for his name. He was injured during the initial battle, made him lose his memory. Don't worry, my daughter is with him. If those two get attacked, I feel sorry for the ones attacking."
Zhou Yu fell to his knees, tears streamed from his eyes. Fu Xi was ALIVE! The three girls had caught each other in a bear hug, laughing as though they couldn't stop.
"That symbol, the bandit leader wore that symbol." said the old woman, pointing to the crest of Wu.
Zhou Yu was stunned. "What did he look like?" he already had an idea.
She concentrated for a moment. "Well.... He was big, bald, carried a club, and screamed a lot."
"Huang Gai." Zhou Yu was stunned. Huang Gai was far too loyal to do something like this. Or was that an act. The troops were loyal to him after all, was he finally showing his true colors? It was too much to process now. First he had to find his brother. " Do you know where my brother was heading?"
The old woman looked up from hugging the girls. "They headed south- west." Thinking for a moment, she produced the name of the port.
" Thank you, I don't know how I could possibly repay you." Zhou Yu bowed deeply.
"He doesn't belong to one of you girls, does he?" When they shook their heads she smiled and looked at Zhou Yu. "Make sure he marries my daughter."
Zhou Yu's eye twitched, repeatedly. "I'll do what I can."
All the girls turned on him and with one voice said, "You'll do better than that!"
Sighing, Zhou Yu mounted his horse. "We better hurry, He's almost in Shu territory. Who knows what might happen if the wrong person recognizes him?"
Reluctantly the girls said goodbye to the old woman and got on their steeds. They traveled for several hours before stopping to make camp. The journey had taken its toll on all of them. Which was why none of them noticed the arrow until the moment it buried it's self in Da Qiao's shoulder. Soldiers poured out of the forest, nearly overwhelming Zhou Yu and Xiang. Xiao tried to at least get the arrow out of her sister's shoulder, but a steady stream of arrows was making things difficult. Zhou Yu turned in time to see the arrow headed for his wife's back, but could do nothing to stop it. Just before the arrow connected, a rush of green erupted from the woods, tearing the arrow, and many soldiers, to pieces.
A young man of no more than 18 years suddenly started clearing a space around the Qiao's as screams emerged form the woods. A soldier had managed to sneak up behind Xiang. Before his hit could land, a streak of white and blue pinned him to a tree. A new warrior had come forth, his spear imbedded in the soldiers face. Pulling it out, he turned to see the other soldiers running for dear life. It didn't save them, more cries came from the deep woods.
Zhou Yu turned to the first warrior. He was young, handsome, with a thin build. His muscle was long, not round. They were more for speed than power.
As he watched this young man, a new figure strode into the clearing. He was old! Probably 50, but he carried his bow as if it were a part of him.
Zhou Yu slowly turned to the last warrior. This one he knew all too well. "Well Zilong, It seems you have the advantage. What will you do with it?"
Zhao Yun took his eyes away from Xiang. "That's entirely up to our strategist there, cousin." He answered with a good-natured smile. He pointed to the youngest warrior.
"He's your strategist? He's hardly old enough for the trident he wields." Zhou Yu said in surprise.
The Young man looked up from where he was tending to the injured Qiao. "Regardless of who you are, and what you think of me, we must get this lady to a bed. I can't properly heal her out here."
Looking back at Da Qiao's shoulder he spoke again. "I will ride with her." Raising a hand to Zhou Yu's half-spoken argument he explained, "I am a healer. If she rides with me, I can keep the pain from her, and keep the wound from worsening."
Zhou Yu closed his mouth and slowly nodded. Xiao gave the young man a grateful look, whispering her thanks. The young man smiled and nodded.
Zhao Yun got Zhou Yu's attention, and whispered to him, "Why were you being attacked by Wu soldiers?"
Zhou Yu looked at the corpses in surprise. Indeed they all bore the insignia of Wu. Motioning Xiang over he pointed this out to her. After a moment of speechlessness, she started kicking one of the corpses in the ribs.
Taken aback by her sudden vehemence, the two men turned to each other. Zhao Yun spoke first, "After we get back to the castle I'm sure lord Liu Bei will offer you immunity and a place as his guest.
"Thank you, we haven't always agreed about everything, but we're still family. By the way, the reason we're out here is that Fu Xi was in a battle and got injured. He lost his memory and wandered south. You haven't seen him have you?" Zhou Yu said hopefully.
Zhao Yun stopped to think for a moment. "No, he hasn't passed this way. Do you think he's in danger?"
"I'm not sure, but we have to find him. The Wu army is under the control of a turncoat, Huang Gai tried to kill Xi once already. Any thoughts?"
Zhou Yun looked over to where Jiang Wei was tending to the injured Qiao. "Jiang, How long 'till you're ready?"
The young healer looked up, "I am ready. Help me get her into my saddle."
Zhao Yun nodded, walking over to the young man. Between the two of them they managed to get her settled with only minor difficulty. Turning back to Zhou Yu, Zilong said," We'll talk when we get back to the castle."
Zhou Yu nodded, and mounted his horse. After they had all started on their way, he turned to Zilong. "Who was the old man?"
Zhao Yun smiled, "Oh, you mean Huang Zhong. He's the greatest archer to ever live. You noticed that the hidden archers stopped firing, that was his doing."
"The master archer Huang Zhong? If I weren't trying to find who's in charge of this betrayal I'd be scared. As it is I've not enough room for scared between angry and worried." Zhou Yu gave a grim smile, "After I find my brother I'll get worried."
___________________Later, at the hall of justice.(^_^)_________________
Jiang Wei and Xiao Qiao take Da Qiao to a room where she can be properly healed. While Zhao Yun, Zhou Yu, and Lady Sun are escorted to see Liu Bei. Zhou Yu noticed that the castle was rather understated, it seemed almost to make one reflect upon themself. Zhao Yun proceeded to open a pair of large double doors. Behind which sat a man in his mid thirties dressed in green, conversing with a man in his late forties dressed in white, carrying a feathered fan. The two men looked up as the party entered the room.
The man in green spoke first, "Zilong, welcome. Who are these others you have brought?"
Zhao Yun went to one knee, head bowed. "My lord, may I introduce Lord Zhou Yu, And Lady Sun of the Wu Dynasty. Lady Da Qiao was injured in the woods, Jiang Wei and Lady Xiao Qiao are tending to her now. I apologize, they could not wait."
Now spoke the man in white. "Of course, her health must come before petty policy. See that my apprentice gets all the necessary items to boost the healing."
Zhou Yu spoke. "Thank you lord..."
"Zhuge Liang, and I am no lord." He responded with a warm smile.
The man in green spoke again, "Zilong, please show our guests to some rooms so they may refresh themselves. We will speake tonight at dinner."
"Yes, lord Liu Bei, right away." With that Zhao Yun stood up and gestured to the two to follow him.
Without missing a beat, Xiang wrapped her arms around his offered one. "Lead on, handsome." She said sweetly.
Without even a hint of a blush, Zhao Yun smiled, and proceeded.
After what seemed like forever to Zhou Yu,(Perhaps because Xiang and Zilong wouldn't shutup), they arrived at their rooms.
"Hey Zilong, would you help me unbutton this shirt? It always gets stuck." Xiang gave him a coy smile.
"Sure." was his reply. He broke out in a grin as her mouth fell open, not believing he could be so forward.(Even if it was her suggestion.)
Zhao Yun discovered a very sharp knife pressed against his throat. Turning his head to look at Zhou Yu he gave another easy grin. "If you want to discus something, cousin, we could do it without weaponry."
Zhou Yu grinned back. "If you go near Lady Xiang, I will have to castrate you. I can promise that the blade I use for that will be VERY dull."
"As you wish." Turning back to Xiang, He bowed and kissed her hand before leaving.
Xiang looked at Zhou Yu, "If you ever try something like that again, I will castrate YOU. I promise to use a small woodland creature. Get me?" She smiled sweetly at him. "I may take that kind of thing from Xi, but you know better." With that she entered her room and shut the door.
Zhou Yu cringed at the idea of loosing his best friend to a squirrel. With that in his head he went to clean himself off.
That night, as they had dinner Zhou Yu explained that they were looking for his young brother.
"I am truly sorry, I can't imagine loosing one of my brothers. Perhaps I could send some of my guards to help you?"
Zilong spoke up. "That won't be necessary, Jiang and I will be going with them. Jiang must make sure lady Qiao doesn't regress, and after all Fu Xi is my cousin."
Master Liang spoke, "Did you say 'Fu Xi', Zilong?"
"Yes, Why?"
"See me before you leave, There is something I must give to each of you."
Dinner ended. The next day, at dawn, they received the items from Master Liang, and began the search anew.
"So why did you really come Zilong?" Zhou Yu asked as they rode out.
"In all seriousness, I'm worried about my little cousin, but I also have suspicions that what happened in you're Dynasty may begin in ours." With a grin, he said, "and who knows, I might get lucky with Lady Sun." Laughing, he dodged the kick Zhou Yu aimed at him, and rode into the morning sun.
_______________________AUTHORS NOTES______________________
I will be interchanging Zhao Yun and Zilong as names for this character.
If you have ideas for love connections send them, I might use them.
Oh, yeah, all will be explained. if you're still confused after the story ends, write me.
demons beyond our shores. Should he acquire the
Artifact they hold, he shall be one step further in
The Ascension.
______________________MORNING___________________
After five days ride, the young man known only as Tam, arrived at the seaside town. Asking around, he found the inn, and was pleased to see that it was well taken care of, but not very expensive.
Deciding that he needed a way to get money he asked the innkeeper if she knew of any place in need of workers.
The innkeeper, a pretty young woman, said that they could use a strong young man in the evenings when some of the patrons got too rowdy.
Tam quickly accepted the job, and thanked her.
She winked at him before showing him to his rooms. Smiling she told him where the baths were, and said that he should probably freshen up before going on duty tonight.
Tam bathed, and dressed in black leather boots, pants, and gauntlets. His shirt was jade green silk, martial style. Realizing he had a while 'till his job started, he decided to go into the city.
Strapping on his Bastard sword, he wandered the streets. Looking from booth to booth, he got the feeling on the back of his neck that meant he was being watched.
Stopping at a booth, he pretended to look at a dragon that weaved it's self into a disk with a flat back.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw someone in a brown cloak duck into an alley. He quickly paid for the dragon and went over, but when he got there it was empty.
Upon arriving back at the inn, he realized it was almost time for work. Dressing in all black, he left his heavy blades in his room and opted for a 36" blade tucked into the back of his thick belt.
Returning to the taproom, he sat in a dark corner and scanned the crowd for potential threats.
There was the occasional fighter type sitting around, but one man in particular caught his eye; A young, ruff looking guy dressed in red. His hair stuck straight up, and he had feathers in the headband he wore. A vest covered his upper body, and he wore baggy pants with bells attached. He downed liquor like water but seemed to be in complete control. Tam finally decided that this man was no threat.
The night proceeded with relative quiet, Tam only had to throw out a few rowdy farmers. The innkeeper thanked him for his good work and gave him his five coppers for payment. Just as he started to retire to his rooms he felt a pinch on his backside. Spinning around, he saw the innkeeper wink at him. Tam blushed furiously, and returned to his room. He'd have to watch himself around the innkeeper from now on.
The week progressed very well with the possible exception of the innkeeper's blatant advances, then again, she was a fine figure of a woman even if Tam wasn't interested.
Tam started having a bad feeling towards the end of the week. This feeling was helped along by the three attempted robberies that Tam managed to escape from. By Saturday Tam was a nervous wreck. He still hadn't found the person following him, and the innkeeper had tried to enter his chambers the last two nights in a row. By now Tam decided it was time to disappear. Going to his room, he gathered his belongings, his swords, his clothes, his pendant, and the new boots he had purchased from a magic weaver.
Putting the boots on, strapping on his swords, he decided it would be too difficult to carry all his clothes. Dropping his bags, he put on the pendant and donned his breastplate and gauntlets.
As he came out of his room he realized that the bar was strangely quiet. Looking around, he saw that there were only ten men in the room. All of which had swords drawn and were advancing on him.
Drawing his bastard sword, Tam ran to the head of the stairs in time to meet the first attacker. Apparently they weren't too bright as they were all trying to follow the first guy. Taking advantage of this, Tam kicked the first man in the face, breaking his nose, and sending him crashing down on everyone else who had made it to the stairs.
Jumping over the railing, into a rollout, Tam used a rising cut to sever one mans body in half.
Inverting the blade, he threw the sword and skewered two more men.
Turning quickly he didn't bother drawing his greatsword. Instead, he kicked away a clumsy swing, grabbed the mans head and shoved it through a wall.
Unable to turn fast enough, Tam was brought down to his knees by the remaining four. The one with the broken nose stood before him, "You've caused us enough trouble, it's time for you to...." his words were cut off as a large object flew through the air and shattered against his face.
"Was that a wine barrel?" Asked one of the remaining attackers just before he too was hit in the face with a barrel.
Taking advantage of this, Tam surged to his feet and wrenched free of his captors. Drawing his short sword, he shoved it through one's neck. He turned in time to see a red blur fly past his enemies. They immediately split in half, falling to the floor in a spray of blood to reveal the rouge from the beginning of the week!
"I hate people who don't fight fair." Proclaimed the warrior in red. "My name's Gan Ning, you can call me Gan."
"I wish I could tell you my name but I lost it a few months back. I have been hunting for it since." Sighed Tam.
"Hmmmmm, well, My partner told me about this word from his country. It means something like masterless warrior." Smiling he moved forward, "Ronin. That will be your name." He smiled wider, and held out his hand.
Tam grinned and grasped his wrist, "Yes, Ronin."
The young man looked at Tam. "We'd better go out the back, I saw more people coming. I don't know who they are, but as a pirate, I say better safe than sorry. We'll go to my ship, It's at the north dock." With that they hurried to the back.
Tam opened the door only to find the stalker he had tried to catch since he got here. He immediately grabbed the figure, to discover that it was very definitely female. Ripping off the hood, he was completely shocked to see eyes that shone like purple jade.
"Min....What the hell are you doing here?!" He shouted in disbelief.
"I followed you, I don't care how dangerous it could be, I won't let you go." Her eyes shone with such fire that Tam could do nothing but smile, and hold her to him.
There was a chuckle from behind Tam as Gan moved forward. "Look you can do this on the boat, but not if we're caught. Let's GO!" The last word a shout as he took off.
"I'll explain later, follow me." Holding Min's hand, he rushed after the swift pirate.
Dodging assassins, and ducking through alleys, they finally made it to the ship. Tam and Min ran up the loading plank and jumped just as it fell into the water. As they stood up, the young pirate from earlier clapped them both on the shoulder.
"So who's your lovely friend, Ronin? Your sister I hope?"
"This is Nu Wa, she took care of me when I lost my memory." Tam smiled down at her, once again drinking in her beauty. "She has just informed me that she will be accompanying me on my journey."
"Damn right I will be. Who knows what might happen if I left you on your own." Min grinned and hugged Tam tightly.
Gan sighed. "Damn, all the women I meet are already emotionally attached or married, not that that necessarily stopped our fun, but it did make it hard to have a relationship." Shrugging he jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "I had better introduce you to my partner. He's as boring as I am fun, but he's a damn fine pirate and a good friend."
Gan proceeded to pick up a bow and a quiver full of arrows. Then walked across the deck to hide behind a mast. An older man in armor, With a strangely curved blade emerged from below deck, only to have Gan fire an arrow at him.
Moving with a grace and speed Tam had never witnessed before, the man drew his blade and sliced the arrow clean through the center, making it into two pieces.
Sheathing his blade, the warrior walked over to where Gan, Tam, and Min were standing.
"Sharp as ever Tai. I don't know how you do it." Gan said to the newcomer.
"Do you remember what I said I'd do the next time you did that? Think now, young pup, I'm sure you'll remember." Smiled the warrior.
The smile dropped from Gan's face in an instant. "No, you CAN"T be serious! Please, have mercy!" Begged the young pirate.
"Better go make your good-bye's." Said the older warrior with a grave face.
Gan began to cry, but made his way below deck quickly.
"What's the punishment?" Tam asked apprehensively.
The warrior smiled, "He's not allowed to drink anything but water 'til we reach my homeland, That's a weeklong trip."
Tam began to laugh at the thought of Gan unable to drink.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+MEANWHILE+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zhou Yu was ready to beat his head against a wall. First, his little brother disappears, then they have a freak snowstorm, now lord Sun Jian was gravely ill. If he didn't get some news soon he'd go out and get Fu Xi himself!
Zhou Yu paced in the throne room, while Sun Ce, Sun Shang Xiang, and the Qiao's sat watching him. It didn't help that they acted like he was a powder keg near an open fire.
He stopped his pacing to look at them. "WHAT?" He shouted. It was louder than he had intended, but right then he didn't fucking care.
It was Xiang who answered him. "Look, we're all worried but you look about ready to kill. Maybe you should get some sleep?"
Before Yu could respond, the double doors slammed open. In strode Sun Quan, followed by a very wet Huang Gai.
"Huang Gai has given me some very unsettling news. It seems that a scouting party has found what happened to Zhou Yu's young, half-brother."
Every one of the five heads turned to Huang Gai.
Zhou Yu lost his patience immediately. "WELL? Where is he?!" A horrible suspicion began to knaw at him.
Looking at Sun Quan briefly, he spoke. "The reports say that he was killed in one of the raids that was made on a small village to the south. His body was apparently taken by the bandits." With that Huang Gai lowered his head, as if in sadness.
Two high-pitched wails erupted from the Qiao's. Xiang had tears standing in her eyes, and Ce's mouth was open in shock. The Qiao's both hugged Xiang, as they cried together.
Zhou Yu's mouth went dry, he couldn't hear anything over the roar of blood pounding in his ears. The sadness was, even now translating into rage! His anger gathered about him as a tangible force. His robes rose in a whirlwind and his hair flowed on unseen winds. The temperature rose by several degrees, making the air about him shimmer.
"WHO? WHO DID THIS?!" His voice a roar of flames, the inferno unleashed.
"Zhou Yu, control yourself. The culprits are not here, should you continue like this you will most surely hurt one of the people you care about." Sun Quan stated calmly.
The words cut through Zhou Yu's fury as sharply as any sword, quickly he calmed himself. "Who is responsible for this?"
Huang Gai looked up nervously, "B...bandits, my lord."
"Lord Ce, I request permission to look for these bandits."
Ce gave him a nonplussed look. "And if I say no you'll do it anyway, right?"
Zhou Yu smiled at him, they knew each other completely. Which meant that Zhou Yu knew Sun Ce would never say no.
"Fine, but on one condition." Ce smiled wolfishly, "Give 'em a good one for me!"
Zhou Yu was quickly surrounded by Xiang and the Qiao's. When Ce raised an eyebrow, Xiang smiled sweetly and said," We're his traveling party."
"Let me guess, There's no way I can stop you three either?"
This statement was met by three identical grins.
"Yeah, I figured as much."
With that settled, They quickly saddled up in the stables. Zhou Yu was like a man possessed. His eyes were empty, yet they burned with a terrible anger. Xiao went up to him and lay a hand on his shoulder. She noticed he was trembling a moment before he turned and buried his head in her hair, his body was wracked with sobs as she held him, gently crooning in his ear. Eventually he calmed himself, slowly letting go of her.
"Thank you." he whispered to her.
She just smiled and nodded.
They mounted and headed out. Night was just leaving, to bring the morning sun. It gently started to snow, The flakes glowing in the pre-dawn twilight. The road was long, it took them many weeks just to get through the valleys, but they persevered. At last they came upon the clearing where the village should have been. All that was left was half-buried ashes, and burnt out logs. Xiao's voice reverberated in the clearing, " Who could have done such a thing?" There was a snap in the woods, and they all drew their weapons.
An older looking woman stepped forward, "What do you want?" she asked nervously.
Seeing there was no threat, Zhou Yu put his sword away. " We're looking for the ones responsible for this. They have, among other things, killed my brother, I want their blood to shine on my sword.
The old woman looked at him closely for a moment. "Your brother you say?" When he nodded she continued, " Tall, with broad shoulders? Brown hair, Eyes like the sky?"
"You saw him?" Zhou Yu was sweating now. "Did you see where they took him?"
They didn't take him, he saved our village, taught us to fight, then went off to search for his name. He was injured during the initial battle, made him lose his memory. Don't worry, my daughter is with him. If those two get attacked, I feel sorry for the ones attacking."
Zhou Yu fell to his knees, tears streamed from his eyes. Fu Xi was ALIVE! The three girls had caught each other in a bear hug, laughing as though they couldn't stop.
"That symbol, the bandit leader wore that symbol." said the old woman, pointing to the crest of Wu.
Zhou Yu was stunned. "What did he look like?" he already had an idea.
She concentrated for a moment. "Well.... He was big, bald, carried a club, and screamed a lot."
"Huang Gai." Zhou Yu was stunned. Huang Gai was far too loyal to do something like this. Or was that an act. The troops were loyal to him after all, was he finally showing his true colors? It was too much to process now. First he had to find his brother. " Do you know where my brother was heading?"
The old woman looked up from hugging the girls. "They headed south- west." Thinking for a moment, she produced the name of the port.
" Thank you, I don't know how I could possibly repay you." Zhou Yu bowed deeply.
"He doesn't belong to one of you girls, does he?" When they shook their heads she smiled and looked at Zhou Yu. "Make sure he marries my daughter."
Zhou Yu's eye twitched, repeatedly. "I'll do what I can."
All the girls turned on him and with one voice said, "You'll do better than that!"
Sighing, Zhou Yu mounted his horse. "We better hurry, He's almost in Shu territory. Who knows what might happen if the wrong person recognizes him?"
Reluctantly the girls said goodbye to the old woman and got on their steeds. They traveled for several hours before stopping to make camp. The journey had taken its toll on all of them. Which was why none of them noticed the arrow until the moment it buried it's self in Da Qiao's shoulder. Soldiers poured out of the forest, nearly overwhelming Zhou Yu and Xiang. Xiao tried to at least get the arrow out of her sister's shoulder, but a steady stream of arrows was making things difficult. Zhou Yu turned in time to see the arrow headed for his wife's back, but could do nothing to stop it. Just before the arrow connected, a rush of green erupted from the woods, tearing the arrow, and many soldiers, to pieces.
A young man of no more than 18 years suddenly started clearing a space around the Qiao's as screams emerged form the woods. A soldier had managed to sneak up behind Xiang. Before his hit could land, a streak of white and blue pinned him to a tree. A new warrior had come forth, his spear imbedded in the soldiers face. Pulling it out, he turned to see the other soldiers running for dear life. It didn't save them, more cries came from the deep woods.
Zhou Yu turned to the first warrior. He was young, handsome, with a thin build. His muscle was long, not round. They were more for speed than power.
As he watched this young man, a new figure strode into the clearing. He was old! Probably 50, but he carried his bow as if it were a part of him.
Zhou Yu slowly turned to the last warrior. This one he knew all too well. "Well Zilong, It seems you have the advantage. What will you do with it?"
Zhao Yun took his eyes away from Xiang. "That's entirely up to our strategist there, cousin." He answered with a good-natured smile. He pointed to the youngest warrior.
"He's your strategist? He's hardly old enough for the trident he wields." Zhou Yu said in surprise.
The Young man looked up from where he was tending to the injured Qiao. "Regardless of who you are, and what you think of me, we must get this lady to a bed. I can't properly heal her out here."
Looking back at Da Qiao's shoulder he spoke again. "I will ride with her." Raising a hand to Zhou Yu's half-spoken argument he explained, "I am a healer. If she rides with me, I can keep the pain from her, and keep the wound from worsening."
Zhou Yu closed his mouth and slowly nodded. Xiao gave the young man a grateful look, whispering her thanks. The young man smiled and nodded.
Zhao Yun got Zhou Yu's attention, and whispered to him, "Why were you being attacked by Wu soldiers?"
Zhou Yu looked at the corpses in surprise. Indeed they all bore the insignia of Wu. Motioning Xiang over he pointed this out to her. After a moment of speechlessness, she started kicking one of the corpses in the ribs.
Taken aback by her sudden vehemence, the two men turned to each other. Zhao Yun spoke first, "After we get back to the castle I'm sure lord Liu Bei will offer you immunity and a place as his guest.
"Thank you, we haven't always agreed about everything, but we're still family. By the way, the reason we're out here is that Fu Xi was in a battle and got injured. He lost his memory and wandered south. You haven't seen him have you?" Zhou Yu said hopefully.
Zhao Yun stopped to think for a moment. "No, he hasn't passed this way. Do you think he's in danger?"
"I'm not sure, but we have to find him. The Wu army is under the control of a turncoat, Huang Gai tried to kill Xi once already. Any thoughts?"
Zhou Yun looked over to where Jiang Wei was tending to the injured Qiao. "Jiang, How long 'till you're ready?"
The young healer looked up, "I am ready. Help me get her into my saddle."
Zhao Yun nodded, walking over to the young man. Between the two of them they managed to get her settled with only minor difficulty. Turning back to Zhou Yu, Zilong said," We'll talk when we get back to the castle."
Zhou Yu nodded, and mounted his horse. After they had all started on their way, he turned to Zilong. "Who was the old man?"
Zhao Yun smiled, "Oh, you mean Huang Zhong. He's the greatest archer to ever live. You noticed that the hidden archers stopped firing, that was his doing."
"The master archer Huang Zhong? If I weren't trying to find who's in charge of this betrayal I'd be scared. As it is I've not enough room for scared between angry and worried." Zhou Yu gave a grim smile, "After I find my brother I'll get worried."
___________________Later, at the hall of justice.(^_^)_________________
Jiang Wei and Xiao Qiao take Da Qiao to a room where she can be properly healed. While Zhao Yun, Zhou Yu, and Lady Sun are escorted to see Liu Bei. Zhou Yu noticed that the castle was rather understated, it seemed almost to make one reflect upon themself. Zhao Yun proceeded to open a pair of large double doors. Behind which sat a man in his mid thirties dressed in green, conversing with a man in his late forties dressed in white, carrying a feathered fan. The two men looked up as the party entered the room.
The man in green spoke first, "Zilong, welcome. Who are these others you have brought?"
Zhao Yun went to one knee, head bowed. "My lord, may I introduce Lord Zhou Yu, And Lady Sun of the Wu Dynasty. Lady Da Qiao was injured in the woods, Jiang Wei and Lady Xiao Qiao are tending to her now. I apologize, they could not wait."
Now spoke the man in white. "Of course, her health must come before petty policy. See that my apprentice gets all the necessary items to boost the healing."
Zhou Yu spoke. "Thank you lord..."
"Zhuge Liang, and I am no lord." He responded with a warm smile.
The man in green spoke again, "Zilong, please show our guests to some rooms so they may refresh themselves. We will speake tonight at dinner."
"Yes, lord Liu Bei, right away." With that Zhao Yun stood up and gestured to the two to follow him.
Without missing a beat, Xiang wrapped her arms around his offered one. "Lead on, handsome." She said sweetly.
Without even a hint of a blush, Zhao Yun smiled, and proceeded.
After what seemed like forever to Zhou Yu,(Perhaps because Xiang and Zilong wouldn't shutup), they arrived at their rooms.
"Hey Zilong, would you help me unbutton this shirt? It always gets stuck." Xiang gave him a coy smile.
"Sure." was his reply. He broke out in a grin as her mouth fell open, not believing he could be so forward.(Even if it was her suggestion.)
Zhao Yun discovered a very sharp knife pressed against his throat. Turning his head to look at Zhou Yu he gave another easy grin. "If you want to discus something, cousin, we could do it without weaponry."
Zhou Yu grinned back. "If you go near Lady Xiang, I will have to castrate you. I can promise that the blade I use for that will be VERY dull."
"As you wish." Turning back to Xiang, He bowed and kissed her hand before leaving.
Xiang looked at Zhou Yu, "If you ever try something like that again, I will castrate YOU. I promise to use a small woodland creature. Get me?" She smiled sweetly at him. "I may take that kind of thing from Xi, but you know better." With that she entered her room and shut the door.
Zhou Yu cringed at the idea of loosing his best friend to a squirrel. With that in his head he went to clean himself off.
That night, as they had dinner Zhou Yu explained that they were looking for his young brother.
"I am truly sorry, I can't imagine loosing one of my brothers. Perhaps I could send some of my guards to help you?"
Zilong spoke up. "That won't be necessary, Jiang and I will be going with them. Jiang must make sure lady Qiao doesn't regress, and after all Fu Xi is my cousin."
Master Liang spoke, "Did you say 'Fu Xi', Zilong?"
"Yes, Why?"
"See me before you leave, There is something I must give to each of you."
Dinner ended. The next day, at dawn, they received the items from Master Liang, and began the search anew.
"So why did you really come Zilong?" Zhou Yu asked as they rode out.
"In all seriousness, I'm worried about my little cousin, but I also have suspicions that what happened in you're Dynasty may begin in ours." With a grin, he said, "and who knows, I might get lucky with Lady Sun." Laughing, he dodged the kick Zhou Yu aimed at him, and rode into the morning sun.
_______________________AUTHORS NOTES______________________
I will be interchanging Zhao Yun and Zilong as names for this character.
If you have ideas for love connections send them, I might use them.
Oh, yeah, all will be explained. if you're still confused after the story ends, write me.
