As much as he wanted to be rid of this pest that so admired himself as the mightest man alive, An had another matter that stood in the way. Diao Chan was what troubled him. He could see it in her eyes. She loved Lu Bu and there was no doubt in that. What bothered An was that he showed the odd couple mercy. Why, he wondered, mercy was never a sentiment I held why now? Then it occurred to him. He befelled the same emotions once himself.
Walking down the halls of the castle he came upon the stockades. No doubt Lu Bu would be there somewhere but what of his enchantress? Most likely in the upper rooms for her safety. An cared not of the little girl. His focuss was on the warrior whom was so admired as almost invincible that twice he had nearly brought him down only to be cut short of true victory. Approaching one of the cells a guard posted there barred his way.
"I'm sorry Lord An," the guard said, "no one is allowed to see the prisoner."
"I'm aware of that," An replied moving past him.
"But lord," the guard whaled in protest. At that An turned and gave the smaller man a deathly cold gaze.
"Perhaps you would like to join the prisoner," An seethed, "in pieces." Frightfully the guard withdrew as An continued on into the depths. Approaching the steel bars he peered in quietly. Lu Bu was sitting patiently on the make shift cot in his cell. He did not notice the tall warrior until he cleared his throat.
"What do you want?" Lu Bu scoffed. An stood silent as he paced by the bars and stopped.
"She's lovely," the swordsman remarked, "I can understand why you feel the way you do however I fail to see what she sees in you."
"What are talking about" Lu Bu asked getting to his feet. An only chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief.
"For such a great warrior you are blind aren't you?" An asked.
"All I need is 10 minutes with you," Lu Bu sneered. An only laughed.
"As I recall I've defeated you twice already," the white-haired remarked, "wish to make it a third do you?" Lu Bu said nothing as he glared at An through the steel bars. It was true; this one was formidable with a strength he had never seen before. The man literally seemed to pulse with power.
"That's not the reason I came though," An said.
"What then to boast?" Lu Bu said angrily.
"On the contrary," An said, his eyes for once showing a residue of remorse, "my…goals are different now."
Lu Bu got to his feet as he watched him through his steel prison. He could see regret and misery in the swordsmans eyes, as if some greater pain had brought a sense of mercy about him. At that An moved closer and handed Lu Bu a set of keys.
"She'll be waiting for you outside the gate at midnight sharp," An said, "do not be late."
Approaching the castle gates under a cover of darkness, Lu Bu had no clue at what An was up to. For all he knew he might have killed Diao Chan and was waiting for him to appear to finish him off. No he couldn't think that way. He didn't know what he would do if she came to harm.
Coming upon the western side of the castle he observed a dead Shu guard along the path leading to the outer walls. No doubt it was An's doing, the man was cleaved in half. Finally appearing from the shadows he found An and Diao Chan standing in the shadows. The swordsman pointed a finger at Lu Bu as she took off at a dead sprint into his arms. Lu Bu held her dispite himself as An approached them. Both looked at him in bewilderment.
"Why," Lu Bu asked, "why did you help us?" An's eyes became distant, his growing misery seemed evident now.
"Instead of land, or power, or money you fought for," he said to them, "you instead fought for her heart. For that…I set you free."
"But why?" Diao Chan asked. An looked to her and sighed wearily.
"I…I to had a heart once," he replied, "but it died a long time ago…my body just doesn't know it yet." Saying nothing more the swordsman turned away then stopped and looked over his shoulder to them.
"I hear farming in the lands past Wu Zhang is profitable," he announced. From that point Lu Bu no longer felt spite for the man but understanding if not a residue of pity. He nodded and smiled in spite of himself.
"I've heard that to," he said.
10 years later
His cache of turnips was coming along despite the drought. The corn he had planted earlier last month was finally beginning to sprout, as well as the acre of wheat he tilled the ground for since the last rainfall. Taking a rest he looked up to the sky a moment and relished the moment in peace. The kingdoms, all save one, had destroyed each other so they were no longer pursued, and Wei had more pressing matters than them at the moment. Besides, he had given up his spear for a good rake anyhow. War was farthest from his mind.
"Thirsty my warrior?" said a femine voice. He turned to see his beloved wife, Diao Chan and smiled. Even though it wasn't official they had still lived together since that mad dash from Fan Castle. At times Lu Bu thought of An, the great warrior that showed them mercy and gave them a second chance. No doubt Liu Bie was angry at his treason but he was a hired sword, what could he do?
"Of course," Lu Bu said, "look at the sun it's beating down without mercy." She handed the bottle to him as he took a long drink. Then at that she let out a little yelp in pain.
"Are you alright?" he said casting the bottle away, his face crossed with concern. She shook her head and smiled, holding the tiny mound on his stomach.
"Your little one is doing somersaults today," she said with a smirk, "either he or she will be much like the one who bore them."
"You mean they will grow to be a great champion I trust?" Lu Bu said.
"That or a great farmer," she said laughing. Lu Bu chuckled as he took her into his arms, feeling he warmth. He then looked again into the morning sky.
"Wherever you are An," Lu Bu replied remorsefully, "thank you."