A Twist in Time
Chapter Four: Hu Lao Gate
Standing on the walls of Dong Zhuo's mighty fortress, Xue Shan narrowed his eyes. Already he could see the huge mass of the Allied force, Yuan Shao in the lead, marching together towards Hu Lao Gate.
His plan had been made. It was unlikely that Dong Zhuo could take down this massive force, even with the mighty Lu Bu at his side. And besides, it seemed as if Lu Bu had already lost faith in his father. He wouldn't be loyal for long. Sooner or later, Dong Zhuo was going to die.
So why not now?
He told himself to be patient. The two of them would wait, give Dong Zhuo a chance, and see if he was worthy.
Xiao Chan appeared next to him. She shaded her eyes against the sun and squinted towards the massive force.
Sighing, Xue Shan walked back towards the main building. "Do not be rash, and follow the plan," he whispered softly.
Xiao Chan nodded, her hands tightening around her Red Dragon Spear. "I can not stand my sister any longer. I have no idea about what she is up to," Xiao Chan hissed, staring angrily at her hands.
Xue Shan took one uncertain glance at her and then headed inside. When he was about to open the door to Dong Zhuo's throne, a halberd was suddenly thrust before him.
The twin did not jump nor blink. Standing patiently and pushing the weapon away from him calmly with one hand, he felt a shadow loom over him.
It was Lu Bu.
"You may have fooled my father, but I can see directly through you," the taller man hissed, Sky Scorcher once again at Xue Shan's throat.
**********
A girl stood on an overhanging hill, watching the Allied force grow near. Her slim, blue gray eyes then darted towards Hu Lao Gate. She smiled slyly, and a wind whipped up her black, shoulder length hair, revealing a headband darker then the night.
"War draws near," she whispered, and other forms suddenly became known. Her troop was dressed in black, and three people detached themselves and walked up behind her.
She turned at stared at them all. "My people, I appreciate all of your efforts so far." Murmurs of gratitude followed this. The three flanking her looked into her eyes.
"When this battle is over, we shall soon be known. For now, be light and quick, silent as shadows."
The figures disappeared, melting quickly and quietly in the dark forest.
**********
Jian Xin walked through the halls of his castle. It still amazed him that he was now a ruler, and he sighed at the stupidity of his rivals. How could this place be undetected for so long?
The battle of Hu Lao Gate had almost begun. From his high perch, he could see the battle faintly in the distant valley.
Standing on the balcony, he closed his eyes for a moment. All of this quietness, this peace, it would all disappear soon. War would bring tears, death... and though it brought back lost memories, he still continued fighting.
Feeling arms curl around his waist, he turned around. Mai Ling's sparkling, violet eyes met him. Laughing, Jian Xin kissed her softly.
They were silent for a moment, and Mai Ling spoke up. "Aren't you worried? About Xue Shan and Xiao Chan?"
"They are more then a match for Dong Zhuo," Jian Xin stared out into his valley, and saw a faint prick that was Hu Lao Gate.
"Lu Bu is there as well." Mai Ling reminded him.
Jian Xin nodded. "You're right. But that doesn't worry me. I trust Xue Shan. It was with the twins trust that we formed this kingdom that we have now, remember?"
Mai Ling sighed. "Very well." She headed back towards her chamber. "You should talk to Xue Hua. She is very distressed."
"I will. And if it makes you feel any better, I am sending out two of our fastest horses to the Gate," Jian Xin called.
The beautiful Empress laughed. "Yes, dear."
After her voice had faded, Jian Xin studied the Gate. Yuan Shao was still a long ways away. Though confident, he felt a twinge of worry.
Shaking off the feeling, he headed towards the East Wing. There, on a flowered ledge, he found a young girl, humming softly and staring out into the garden. She had two lotus blossoms in her long hair, and was twirling one of the two dark braids around her finger. She was wearing lightweight clothes in shades of pink and purple, easy to move, run, and dance in.
"Diao Xin, how are you, dear daughter?" Jian Xin asked quietly.
The girl jumped and turned around, slightly pink. "Perfectly fine, father," she replied pleasantly. Her hazel eyes were shining.
"Here again as usual?" Jian Xin asked, walking towards where she sat. "And what have you been staring at for so long?"
Peering over the marble railing, he spotted An Jian down below, his white hair glinting in the sun.
Diao Xin blushed. "Father! You always humiliate me!"
Jian Xin laughed, and his daughter hugged him gently. Together, they stood, watching the sun slowly make its process in the sky.
**********
"Oh?" Xue Shan asked coolly. "Accusing the innocent, hmm? Tell me, does everyone do that here?"
Lu Bu's eyes narrowed even more. "I've been watching you and that two timing girl all day. You're not someone to be trusted."
Xue Shan smiled brightly. "You're right. And you won't hold loyalties for long either. Your father's not worth it."
Lu Bu slowly lowered his halberd and Xue Shan felt relief flood over him. The mighty warrior stared at him with one dark eye and then crossed his arms. "We never spoke," he said gruffly, walking away.
Xue Shan watched the man walk all the way down the hallway before he even dared to enter the room for further instructions. Of course, he wouldn't be obeying them.
Lu Bu was sharp. And Xue Shan knew that he had been lucky.
**********
The battle had already begun. Dong Zhuo's forces wouldn't hold much longer. The small gates had already fallen, and the main one was facing the Battling Ram. The world was in complete chaos. Most of Dong Zhuo's forces were lost.
Xue Shan and Xiao Chan fought the few that made it over the wall. They let some go, occasionally, and purposely made it a mistake.
Slicing his opponent across the eyes with his Kuan Dao, Xue Shan took a glance back towards the gates. They wouldn't hold much longer.
Putting her Red Dragon through a screaming enemy's chest, Xiao Chan yelled, "We should pull back! The time is perfect!"
Xue Shan nodded. Xiao Chan ran towards the main building. Xue Shan covered her back, jabbing, slicing and cutting. His face was soon covered in blood not his own, as was Xiao Chan's.
Hu Lao Gate broke. In the clearing dust, the three kingdoms waited. There was a shrill whinny, and a huge horse was outlined against the darkening sky. The rider was fierce, holding his weapon professionally.
The dust cleared.
There was a shriek, and a great red stallion came charging out.
Lu Bu had come.
The first row of stunned soldiers went down instantly. The three kingdoms quickly moved into action, rubbing off the shock. The leaders yelled out commands, sending out their troops.
Lu Bu was acting strangely. He did not go meet the charging officers as he usually did. He did not slay as many. But he still did kill.
Screams and shrieks were more common now. The ground was littered with blood and mutated corpses. The kingdoms were hesitant, staring at this human killing machine. All of the officers had pulled back, and a few of the sub-officers had gone down. Many were wounded, but Lu Bu carried pain also. Cuts littered his face, arms, legs, and chest, and someone had sliced a shallow gash on his left shoulder blade.
He shrugged off the wounds as if they were nothing. The fighting ceased for a slight moment. The fierce horse snorted, and Lu Bu's eyes were narrowed. Many took steps back.
"Get out of my way if you wish to live," he snarled, charging through the mess of people. The surprised Allied force parted, staring at the horse and rider, now so far away.
Moments later, the leaders starter panicking. Jumping onto their horses, they vainly tried to go after Lu Bu. But no horse could compete with the Red Hare.
Lu Bu was heading towards Yuan Shao.
**********
Dong Zhuo paced in distress. He was losing. His dream would be crushed. There was only one more thing left to do.
"Burn the city!" he roared to the nearest messenger. The man pulled back, shocked.
"But-"
"You heard me! Burn them all! I am Lord, am I not?" The big man slammed the other against the wall, a fat hand at his throat
The whimpering man nodded frantically, Dong Zhuo's stinky breath washing over him. "Yes, yes, of course." He ran off, tripping a little and casting a frightened glance over his shoulder.
Dong Zhuo stared out into the battle, Horror in hand. Diao Chan stood by his side, her own weapon ready.
"I will not lose!" he growled. The city slowly started burning.
**********
Lu Bu urged Red Hare forward. Slaying several people in his way, he turned a corner and saw Yuan Shao.
"Lu Bu!" The commander gasped. "What are you doing here?"
Red Hare reared, whinnying and shaking the night sky. "Running, are you?" Lu Bu asked tauntingly.
Yuan Shao's eyes hardened. "Never. You watch. I shall defeat you with my Sword of Kings!"
The two rode towards each other, horses shrieking, ready to strike. Yuan Shao's attack got a plate of Lu Bu's armor, and Lu Bu cut deep into the other's shoulder. Yuan Shao breathed in shock and pulled back, clutching his wound.
"You are nothing to me," Lu Bu whispered. "And my next hit shall take your life."
"Don't get cocky." Yuan Shao straightened. "Your cut does not hurt."
"Why even try?" Lu Bu raised his weapon. "You asked for this."
When they were a feet away from each other, Lu Bu suddenly pulled his horse's reins. The great horse reared, saliva bubbling at his mouth. Red Hare's hooves smashed directly into the other steed's chest. The horse gave a last, dying whinny and sunk to the ground, his rider pinned beneath him.
Lu Bu neared the commander slowly. Yuan Shao felt his breath catch in his throat. Lowering his halberd right between Yuan Shao's eyes, he stared at him for a long time.
And then, amazing, Lu Bu pulled away. "Kill my father. That is an order." Nudging Red Hare around, they slowly faded into the trees.
**********
Dong Zhuo jumped as a nearby tree fell in between him and Diao Chan, separating them entirely. Diao Chan's eyes widened as flames surrounded her.
"No! Diao Chan!" Dong Zhuo roared, and tried to get to her.
"I'd worry about myself if I were you," a cool voice sang out.
Dong Zhuo spun around wildly. Looking up onto the roof of a nearby hut, he spotted Xue Shan and Xiao Chan.
"Xiao Chan!" he yelled. "Help me!"
"Don't you get it?" Xiao Chan asked softly.
"We're not here to help." Xue Shan pulled out a bow and arrow. Aiming it at another burning tree, he let the arrow fly. The burning pine gave a deep groan and fell. Soon, Dong Zhuo was surrounded, flames licking greedily and drawing nearer by the second.
"You!" The big man called out furiously. "I never should have let you in! I'll kill you! You'll regret this!"
"You will?" Xue Shan reached inside his shirt and pulled out several bombs. Dong Zhuo's eyes widened.
"Have some fun with them," Xiao Chan giggled, lighting them and throwing them towards her previous lord.
The two of them quickly ran towards the outskirts of the burnt city. Nearing the woods, they whistled, and two horses came trotting towards them. Riding back, they heard one final desperate yell and a blinding light followed, shaking the earth.
Hu Lao Gate had fallen.
**********
A/N: Well? How was it? We can still pair up some characters if you like. We still have the previous requests, and we'll keep those. Thanks for reviewing! Xue Shan and Xiao Chan are naughty little officers, aren't they? ^^
--NatNat
Chapter Four: Hu Lao Gate
Standing on the walls of Dong Zhuo's mighty fortress, Xue Shan narrowed his eyes. Already he could see the huge mass of the Allied force, Yuan Shao in the lead, marching together towards Hu Lao Gate.
His plan had been made. It was unlikely that Dong Zhuo could take down this massive force, even with the mighty Lu Bu at his side. And besides, it seemed as if Lu Bu had already lost faith in his father. He wouldn't be loyal for long. Sooner or later, Dong Zhuo was going to die.
So why not now?
He told himself to be patient. The two of them would wait, give Dong Zhuo a chance, and see if he was worthy.
Xiao Chan appeared next to him. She shaded her eyes against the sun and squinted towards the massive force.
Sighing, Xue Shan walked back towards the main building. "Do not be rash, and follow the plan," he whispered softly.
Xiao Chan nodded, her hands tightening around her Red Dragon Spear. "I can not stand my sister any longer. I have no idea about what she is up to," Xiao Chan hissed, staring angrily at her hands.
Xue Shan took one uncertain glance at her and then headed inside. When he was about to open the door to Dong Zhuo's throne, a halberd was suddenly thrust before him.
The twin did not jump nor blink. Standing patiently and pushing the weapon away from him calmly with one hand, he felt a shadow loom over him.
It was Lu Bu.
"You may have fooled my father, but I can see directly through you," the taller man hissed, Sky Scorcher once again at Xue Shan's throat.
**********
A girl stood on an overhanging hill, watching the Allied force grow near. Her slim, blue gray eyes then darted towards Hu Lao Gate. She smiled slyly, and a wind whipped up her black, shoulder length hair, revealing a headband darker then the night.
"War draws near," she whispered, and other forms suddenly became known. Her troop was dressed in black, and three people detached themselves and walked up behind her.
She turned at stared at them all. "My people, I appreciate all of your efforts so far." Murmurs of gratitude followed this. The three flanking her looked into her eyes.
"When this battle is over, we shall soon be known. For now, be light and quick, silent as shadows."
The figures disappeared, melting quickly and quietly in the dark forest.
**********
Jian Xin walked through the halls of his castle. It still amazed him that he was now a ruler, and he sighed at the stupidity of his rivals. How could this place be undetected for so long?
The battle of Hu Lao Gate had almost begun. From his high perch, he could see the battle faintly in the distant valley.
Standing on the balcony, he closed his eyes for a moment. All of this quietness, this peace, it would all disappear soon. War would bring tears, death... and though it brought back lost memories, he still continued fighting.
Feeling arms curl around his waist, he turned around. Mai Ling's sparkling, violet eyes met him. Laughing, Jian Xin kissed her softly.
They were silent for a moment, and Mai Ling spoke up. "Aren't you worried? About Xue Shan and Xiao Chan?"
"They are more then a match for Dong Zhuo," Jian Xin stared out into his valley, and saw a faint prick that was Hu Lao Gate.
"Lu Bu is there as well." Mai Ling reminded him.
Jian Xin nodded. "You're right. But that doesn't worry me. I trust Xue Shan. It was with the twins trust that we formed this kingdom that we have now, remember?"
Mai Ling sighed. "Very well." She headed back towards her chamber. "You should talk to Xue Hua. She is very distressed."
"I will. And if it makes you feel any better, I am sending out two of our fastest horses to the Gate," Jian Xin called.
The beautiful Empress laughed. "Yes, dear."
After her voice had faded, Jian Xin studied the Gate. Yuan Shao was still a long ways away. Though confident, he felt a twinge of worry.
Shaking off the feeling, he headed towards the East Wing. There, on a flowered ledge, he found a young girl, humming softly and staring out into the garden. She had two lotus blossoms in her long hair, and was twirling one of the two dark braids around her finger. She was wearing lightweight clothes in shades of pink and purple, easy to move, run, and dance in.
"Diao Xin, how are you, dear daughter?" Jian Xin asked quietly.
The girl jumped and turned around, slightly pink. "Perfectly fine, father," she replied pleasantly. Her hazel eyes were shining.
"Here again as usual?" Jian Xin asked, walking towards where she sat. "And what have you been staring at for so long?"
Peering over the marble railing, he spotted An Jian down below, his white hair glinting in the sun.
Diao Xin blushed. "Father! You always humiliate me!"
Jian Xin laughed, and his daughter hugged him gently. Together, they stood, watching the sun slowly make its process in the sky.
**********
"Oh?" Xue Shan asked coolly. "Accusing the innocent, hmm? Tell me, does everyone do that here?"
Lu Bu's eyes narrowed even more. "I've been watching you and that two timing girl all day. You're not someone to be trusted."
Xue Shan smiled brightly. "You're right. And you won't hold loyalties for long either. Your father's not worth it."
Lu Bu slowly lowered his halberd and Xue Shan felt relief flood over him. The mighty warrior stared at him with one dark eye and then crossed his arms. "We never spoke," he said gruffly, walking away.
Xue Shan watched the man walk all the way down the hallway before he even dared to enter the room for further instructions. Of course, he wouldn't be obeying them.
Lu Bu was sharp. And Xue Shan knew that he had been lucky.
**********
The battle had already begun. Dong Zhuo's forces wouldn't hold much longer. The small gates had already fallen, and the main one was facing the Battling Ram. The world was in complete chaos. Most of Dong Zhuo's forces were lost.
Xue Shan and Xiao Chan fought the few that made it over the wall. They let some go, occasionally, and purposely made it a mistake.
Slicing his opponent across the eyes with his Kuan Dao, Xue Shan took a glance back towards the gates. They wouldn't hold much longer.
Putting her Red Dragon through a screaming enemy's chest, Xiao Chan yelled, "We should pull back! The time is perfect!"
Xue Shan nodded. Xiao Chan ran towards the main building. Xue Shan covered her back, jabbing, slicing and cutting. His face was soon covered in blood not his own, as was Xiao Chan's.
Hu Lao Gate broke. In the clearing dust, the three kingdoms waited. There was a shrill whinny, and a huge horse was outlined against the darkening sky. The rider was fierce, holding his weapon professionally.
The dust cleared.
There was a shriek, and a great red stallion came charging out.
Lu Bu had come.
The first row of stunned soldiers went down instantly. The three kingdoms quickly moved into action, rubbing off the shock. The leaders yelled out commands, sending out their troops.
Lu Bu was acting strangely. He did not go meet the charging officers as he usually did. He did not slay as many. But he still did kill.
Screams and shrieks were more common now. The ground was littered with blood and mutated corpses. The kingdoms were hesitant, staring at this human killing machine. All of the officers had pulled back, and a few of the sub-officers had gone down. Many were wounded, but Lu Bu carried pain also. Cuts littered his face, arms, legs, and chest, and someone had sliced a shallow gash on his left shoulder blade.
He shrugged off the wounds as if they were nothing. The fighting ceased for a slight moment. The fierce horse snorted, and Lu Bu's eyes were narrowed. Many took steps back.
"Get out of my way if you wish to live," he snarled, charging through the mess of people. The surprised Allied force parted, staring at the horse and rider, now so far away.
Moments later, the leaders starter panicking. Jumping onto their horses, they vainly tried to go after Lu Bu. But no horse could compete with the Red Hare.
Lu Bu was heading towards Yuan Shao.
**********
Dong Zhuo paced in distress. He was losing. His dream would be crushed. There was only one more thing left to do.
"Burn the city!" he roared to the nearest messenger. The man pulled back, shocked.
"But-"
"You heard me! Burn them all! I am Lord, am I not?" The big man slammed the other against the wall, a fat hand at his throat
The whimpering man nodded frantically, Dong Zhuo's stinky breath washing over him. "Yes, yes, of course." He ran off, tripping a little and casting a frightened glance over his shoulder.
Dong Zhuo stared out into the battle, Horror in hand. Diao Chan stood by his side, her own weapon ready.
"I will not lose!" he growled. The city slowly started burning.
**********
Lu Bu urged Red Hare forward. Slaying several people in his way, he turned a corner and saw Yuan Shao.
"Lu Bu!" The commander gasped. "What are you doing here?"
Red Hare reared, whinnying and shaking the night sky. "Running, are you?" Lu Bu asked tauntingly.
Yuan Shao's eyes hardened. "Never. You watch. I shall defeat you with my Sword of Kings!"
The two rode towards each other, horses shrieking, ready to strike. Yuan Shao's attack got a plate of Lu Bu's armor, and Lu Bu cut deep into the other's shoulder. Yuan Shao breathed in shock and pulled back, clutching his wound.
"You are nothing to me," Lu Bu whispered. "And my next hit shall take your life."
"Don't get cocky." Yuan Shao straightened. "Your cut does not hurt."
"Why even try?" Lu Bu raised his weapon. "You asked for this."
When they were a feet away from each other, Lu Bu suddenly pulled his horse's reins. The great horse reared, saliva bubbling at his mouth. Red Hare's hooves smashed directly into the other steed's chest. The horse gave a last, dying whinny and sunk to the ground, his rider pinned beneath him.
Lu Bu neared the commander slowly. Yuan Shao felt his breath catch in his throat. Lowering his halberd right between Yuan Shao's eyes, he stared at him for a long time.
And then, amazing, Lu Bu pulled away. "Kill my father. That is an order." Nudging Red Hare around, they slowly faded into the trees.
**********
Dong Zhuo jumped as a nearby tree fell in between him and Diao Chan, separating them entirely. Diao Chan's eyes widened as flames surrounded her.
"No! Diao Chan!" Dong Zhuo roared, and tried to get to her.
"I'd worry about myself if I were you," a cool voice sang out.
Dong Zhuo spun around wildly. Looking up onto the roof of a nearby hut, he spotted Xue Shan and Xiao Chan.
"Xiao Chan!" he yelled. "Help me!"
"Don't you get it?" Xiao Chan asked softly.
"We're not here to help." Xue Shan pulled out a bow and arrow. Aiming it at another burning tree, he let the arrow fly. The burning pine gave a deep groan and fell. Soon, Dong Zhuo was surrounded, flames licking greedily and drawing nearer by the second.
"You!" The big man called out furiously. "I never should have let you in! I'll kill you! You'll regret this!"
"You will?" Xue Shan reached inside his shirt and pulled out several bombs. Dong Zhuo's eyes widened.
"Have some fun with them," Xiao Chan giggled, lighting them and throwing them towards her previous lord.
The two of them quickly ran towards the outskirts of the burnt city. Nearing the woods, they whistled, and two horses came trotting towards them. Riding back, they heard one final desperate yell and a blinding light followed, shaking the earth.
Hu Lao Gate had fallen.
**********
A/N: Well? How was it? We can still pair up some characters if you like. We still have the previous requests, and we'll keep those. Thanks for reviewing! Xue Shan and Xiao Chan are naughty little officers, aren't they? ^^
--NatNat