Crossing Spears - Chapter 3
By: Yeu
Sorry for the delay between Chapter 2 & Chapter 3, but somehow I had a very hard time making Chapter 3 the way I want it to, that's why it took so long. Oh well, so the campaign is on their way, I'm planning something very evil and from the looks of things, the ester egg will be in Chapter 6 or 7.
If you want to try to imagine the characters interact. Please use the model from DW3 for Zhao Yun and DW4 for Jiang Wei, no particular reason except I like those the best. I think the face to Jiang Wei's model in DW3 is too angular, the smoother lines in DW4 suits him much better.
As always, comments and reviews are appreciated, but not forced. I will not be coming over your house with a lightsaber in my hands demanding that you give a review or if in to some monster's stomach you go.
Too lazy to type the lawful stuff; refer to chapter 1 and 2 for the copyright things.
----------
The early morning air is crisp and clean, the kind of smell that makes you glad to be alive, and Zhao Yun certainly felt that way, except his mind disagrees with him. He had spent all night reviewing every detail of the march, and now he was paying for the effort. He turned to look back at the column of soldiers he was leading, and wondered how many will still be there on the return trip. But he quickly dismissed the thought from his mind; sacrifices are necessary to achieve one's dreams, and thinking about such depressing thought will only get him down.
The spear general quickly glanced back again at the officers he was given command of. Riding directly right behind him was the young Jiang Wei, filling in the role of strategist for this campaign. Still, Zilong had no idea how Boyue is suppose to do his duty when he is stationed miles away from the main camp. Although he knows better than to doubt the Sleeping Dragon, but that does not mean he cannot have his reservations about the commands. Especially since that little practice fight they had several days ago had left the young man in less than perfect shape and although he'll never admit it to anyone, Zhao Yun simply does not believe that Jiang Wei is suited to be on the battlefield. He is too naïve to be here, The general thought quietly to himself, he will die on the field.
To the apprentice's right was Nu Wa, a young woman with the name, and skills of a Goddess. Although dependable and a valuable asset, Zhao Yun cannot help to wonder what her purpose is on the battlefield. Calm and serene, she almost seemed not to care which side she was on, if she cared to be on the battlefield at all, yet she shows great concern for those around her. Still, her wisdom is broad and her rapier deadly, both things are in desperate need in time of turmoil.
"Why you little." A sudden shout break Zilong out of his train of thought, and he sighed when he realize that Ma Chao wasted no time in picking on the young man. "Why don't you get your soft, lazy ass back to Wei you no good, gutless worm!"
Zhao Yun had not anticipated Ma Chao's participation in the plans. It seemed like a last minute decision to thrust the famous horseman into the campaign, and knowing his immense detest for anything Wei-related, he could foresee the many arguments and fights Gerneal Ma will pick with the newcomer. Zhao Yun had quickly pulled the young man aside for a warning about the other man before they set out, but Zhuge Liang had placed Jiang Wei right next to Ma Chao in the formation, guaranteeing the trip will be anything but quite. He quickly glanced over to the woman beside the arguing pair, he had completely missed how the little fray started, but she only shrugged at him and shook her head.
"I'm only saying that your observations seemed very superficial." Jiang Wei replied in a very controlled tone. "I made no comment on what kind of short sighted personality is needed to even think of such a comment, and I certainly did not mention anything about you being that incompetent."
"Incompetent?!" The horseman's face was crimson with anger. "Just wait until the action starts, and we'll see who is incompetent!"
"We have no need to wait," The young man replied with a smirk on his handsome face. "We already know the answers already. Besides, since I didn't name any names, you seemed pretty eager to fill those shoes."
Ma Chao's face was red, then it turned pale, Zhao Yun could almost see the steam of anger rising from his head. Everyone know that the horseman would lose any verbal fights, he was no where near Jiang Wei in turns of skills with words and his hot temper does not help the matter much. Still, they have no need of an injury so early in the march, and certainly not one from internal feud.
"Both of you, QUIET!" Zhao Yun barked from his saddle and he reared his horse so he stood face to face with the quarreling men.
"We are not that far from the Capital and I would gladly send back anyone who gives the company any trouble with a very interesting report back to the Prime Minister." The spear general scolded, "If I hear one more peep out of any of you, you will be sentence with 100 slashes for demoralizing the troops. Do I make myself clear?"
Both men bowed their heads and said nothing.
"Good, Nu Wa, you have permission to slap the first one to make a sound across the face as hard as you can." The girl nodded but said nothing. "Now if you guys can stop being so immature and childish we can move on."
Zhao Yun pretended he did not see the glare Ma Chao was giving him as they assume the march, although the last order was quite unnecessary, he hope that such disgrace will prevent any more fight in the future. He as laden with enough stress as it is being the Commander of the march, he don't really want any more freebies. Yet, he can't just let the fight go like that either.
So it was no big surprise when both man were called to the main tent when they rest for the night, since they were called in separately, Jiang Wei waited outside while the horseman went in first.
The young apprentice knocked himself over the head mentally for being such an idiot as to cause a commotion on his first assignment. That certainly wasn't one of his plans to impress his new comrades. Great going, genius, what a big shit hole you've thrown yourself into. The young man thought to himself, won't mother love to see you know, getting call in like you were a little kid. He flinched when the voices inside the tent become louder and harsher. Moments later, Ma Chao exited the tent, head hang low in defeat and returned to his own tent, barely even noticing Jiang Wei. He was so filled with fear that when he was called by the guards that his knees almost gave away.
General Zhao Yun was sitting exhausted on his cushion when the ex-Wei general entered. Half-opened scrolls and other things like maps and charts covered the makeshift table in front of him. The responsibilities of the Commander obviously has him running around in circles to make sure everything was alright, an internal feud is really the last thing he needed. The Tiger general reached for a cup of wine that was on the floor, took a long drink from it, and exhaled. It was a long time before Zilong spoke.
"How is your arm?" The general asked quietly.
"Huh?" Jiang Wei, expecting a lecturing coming on, was totally unprepared for the question.
"Your arm." Zhao Yun pointed at the bandages. "Is it okay?"
"Oh that, yes, it is healing." Jiang Wei babbled, trying very hard to hide his nervousness. "Thank you very much for your concern, I really don't deserve it."
The other man nodded and speaks no more, his eyes are distant and that only added on to the young man's nerves. In an attempt to rid of the uneasy silence that hangs in the air like a knife, Jiang Wei got to his knees to bow his head.
"I'm very sorry for the incident this morning, Commander." He apologized sincerely. "I was out of place and it is wrong of me to provoke my superiors."
"I had thought you have better sense than what you showed this morning." Zhao Yun said quietly as cold sweat poured from the Jiang Wei's back. "General Ma Chao is hot tempered and his hatred for Cao Cao is widely known but he is still one of the Five Tiger Generals and your superior, and I'm sure the Prime Minister had instruct you what is the punishment for talking back to your senior and that we are very strict about our laws, no one is exempt by it, even the Prime Minister himself."
"I'm fully aware of the fact." The young man could feel himself shaking as he recalls the list of possible punishments. "Still, I."
"I'm not finished." Zhao Yun finally looked at him and the act only make the young man cower some more. "However, I'm willing to forgive your actions this time."
Jiang Wei head shoot up. "Thank you!" He said, almost weeping. "Words can not express my gratitude for your understanding."
"If you have any thanks, hold it for Nu Wa." Zhao Yun said emotionlessly, looking away again. "She had came earlier and plead for your case, I'm only letting you go because she testified that General Ma was at fault for purposely provoking the fight."
The young man was suddenly hit with mixed feelings; he was glad that the truth was told, and made a mental note to send gifts to the young woman who had saved him from a certain disgrace. But he was also scared, ever since his arrival at the Shu camp, Zhao Yun had always been protective and kind to the young strategist, to have his idol and mentor suddenly turn icy cold on him is worse than any punishment.
"But I'm not totally exempting you from punishment." The spear general continued, closing his eyes as the exhaustion began to overcome him. "You are fined 5000 gold for this little incident and it is on the report I send back to Prime Minister, he will decide the rest of your punishment, if any."
"I understand." Jiang Wei quickly replied; compare to what had been in store for him, 5000 gold is nothing.
"Just make sure nothing like this happens again, you are the Prime Minister's student, and having a pupil behaving so badly will only bring disgrace to the teacher."
Jiang Wei felt a knot inside of him grow, why does everything he do have to reflect on someone else? Will anyone in this camp see him as himself and not as some one else's extension? The young man was out to make a name for himself, not to live quietly under someone else's shadow.
"You may stand and leave."
The young strategist obeyed, but paused when he reached the tent entrance. He looked back hesitantly and saw that the Little Dragon had collapsed completely into his cushions. Jiang Wei wanted to say something, about how sorry he was for bringing more trouble, about how much he wished he wasn't so childish, and about how much better he will behave from now on, so please don't be so cold to me! Jiang Wei pleaded mentally.
Zhao Yun opened his eyes wearily and was surprised to see the young strategist still there. "Is there still something you would like to say? Boyue. Can't it wait until tomorrow, I'm quite exhausted."
Although the words are light, they strike the Jiang Wei like a war hammer. Did that incident really displease him so? Was all the young man could think about. He is so unhappy with me that he wants me out of his sight? His mind was so focused on that thought that he fail to see the fact that Zhao Yun did look and feel exhausted and is in desperate need of some rest.
"Well?" Zhao Yun asked again, eager to end the meeting so he can seek the comfort of his bed.
"I." Jiang Wei found himself at a lost for words, rare for someone who uses them for battle more than he uses his spear.
Zhao Yun raised one of his eyebrows, waiting with a patience he felt he does not have for the rest of the sentence. His relaxed stance, however, only translated to the young man as that he did not care and did not want him to be there.
"I." Then making up his mind, he spat out his thought. "I just hope you won't hate me!" The he ran out like a man defeated with his pride tailing behind him in the dust.
The Tiger General was left stunned by the sudden outburst. Was I that harsh on him? Zhao Yun thought to himself. I don't think I was that unkind, concerning the circumstances. Maybe he is overreacting a bit. The general held his exhausted head in one of his hands, and decided that unless the sky is crashing down, he will not let anything come between him and his rest.
Jiang Wei sprinted all the way back to his own tent and was out of breath when he finally threw the blinds to the tent shut. There, he collapsed on his bed, mentally cursing himself on all the stupid things he did today.
"Can't. believe I said such a thing." He murmured to himself when he thought about the outburst. "Now General Zhao will really think I'm way out there." The young man chuckled at himself dryly.
The young man covered his eyes with his hands, and hope that tomorrow will be a better day.
To Be Continued.
By: Yeu
Sorry for the delay between Chapter 2 & Chapter 3, but somehow I had a very hard time making Chapter 3 the way I want it to, that's why it took so long. Oh well, so the campaign is on their way, I'm planning something very evil and from the looks of things, the ester egg will be in Chapter 6 or 7.
If you want to try to imagine the characters interact. Please use the model from DW3 for Zhao Yun and DW4 for Jiang Wei, no particular reason except I like those the best. I think the face to Jiang Wei's model in DW3 is too angular, the smoother lines in DW4 suits him much better.
As always, comments and reviews are appreciated, but not forced. I will not be coming over your house with a lightsaber in my hands demanding that you give a review or if in to some monster's stomach you go.
Too lazy to type the lawful stuff; refer to chapter 1 and 2 for the copyright things.
----------
The early morning air is crisp and clean, the kind of smell that makes you glad to be alive, and Zhao Yun certainly felt that way, except his mind disagrees with him. He had spent all night reviewing every detail of the march, and now he was paying for the effort. He turned to look back at the column of soldiers he was leading, and wondered how many will still be there on the return trip. But he quickly dismissed the thought from his mind; sacrifices are necessary to achieve one's dreams, and thinking about such depressing thought will only get him down.
The spear general quickly glanced back again at the officers he was given command of. Riding directly right behind him was the young Jiang Wei, filling in the role of strategist for this campaign. Still, Zilong had no idea how Boyue is suppose to do his duty when he is stationed miles away from the main camp. Although he knows better than to doubt the Sleeping Dragon, but that does not mean he cannot have his reservations about the commands. Especially since that little practice fight they had several days ago had left the young man in less than perfect shape and although he'll never admit it to anyone, Zhao Yun simply does not believe that Jiang Wei is suited to be on the battlefield. He is too naïve to be here, The general thought quietly to himself, he will die on the field.
To the apprentice's right was Nu Wa, a young woman with the name, and skills of a Goddess. Although dependable and a valuable asset, Zhao Yun cannot help to wonder what her purpose is on the battlefield. Calm and serene, she almost seemed not to care which side she was on, if she cared to be on the battlefield at all, yet she shows great concern for those around her. Still, her wisdom is broad and her rapier deadly, both things are in desperate need in time of turmoil.
"Why you little." A sudden shout break Zilong out of his train of thought, and he sighed when he realize that Ma Chao wasted no time in picking on the young man. "Why don't you get your soft, lazy ass back to Wei you no good, gutless worm!"
Zhao Yun had not anticipated Ma Chao's participation in the plans. It seemed like a last minute decision to thrust the famous horseman into the campaign, and knowing his immense detest for anything Wei-related, he could foresee the many arguments and fights Gerneal Ma will pick with the newcomer. Zhao Yun had quickly pulled the young man aside for a warning about the other man before they set out, but Zhuge Liang had placed Jiang Wei right next to Ma Chao in the formation, guaranteeing the trip will be anything but quite. He quickly glanced over to the woman beside the arguing pair, he had completely missed how the little fray started, but she only shrugged at him and shook her head.
"I'm only saying that your observations seemed very superficial." Jiang Wei replied in a very controlled tone. "I made no comment on what kind of short sighted personality is needed to even think of such a comment, and I certainly did not mention anything about you being that incompetent."
"Incompetent?!" The horseman's face was crimson with anger. "Just wait until the action starts, and we'll see who is incompetent!"
"We have no need to wait," The young man replied with a smirk on his handsome face. "We already know the answers already. Besides, since I didn't name any names, you seemed pretty eager to fill those shoes."
Ma Chao's face was red, then it turned pale, Zhao Yun could almost see the steam of anger rising from his head. Everyone know that the horseman would lose any verbal fights, he was no where near Jiang Wei in turns of skills with words and his hot temper does not help the matter much. Still, they have no need of an injury so early in the march, and certainly not one from internal feud.
"Both of you, QUIET!" Zhao Yun barked from his saddle and he reared his horse so he stood face to face with the quarreling men.
"We are not that far from the Capital and I would gladly send back anyone who gives the company any trouble with a very interesting report back to the Prime Minister." The spear general scolded, "If I hear one more peep out of any of you, you will be sentence with 100 slashes for demoralizing the troops. Do I make myself clear?"
Both men bowed their heads and said nothing.
"Good, Nu Wa, you have permission to slap the first one to make a sound across the face as hard as you can." The girl nodded but said nothing. "Now if you guys can stop being so immature and childish we can move on."
Zhao Yun pretended he did not see the glare Ma Chao was giving him as they assume the march, although the last order was quite unnecessary, he hope that such disgrace will prevent any more fight in the future. He as laden with enough stress as it is being the Commander of the march, he don't really want any more freebies. Yet, he can't just let the fight go like that either.
So it was no big surprise when both man were called to the main tent when they rest for the night, since they were called in separately, Jiang Wei waited outside while the horseman went in first.
The young apprentice knocked himself over the head mentally for being such an idiot as to cause a commotion on his first assignment. That certainly wasn't one of his plans to impress his new comrades. Great going, genius, what a big shit hole you've thrown yourself into. The young man thought to himself, won't mother love to see you know, getting call in like you were a little kid. He flinched when the voices inside the tent become louder and harsher. Moments later, Ma Chao exited the tent, head hang low in defeat and returned to his own tent, barely even noticing Jiang Wei. He was so filled with fear that when he was called by the guards that his knees almost gave away.
General Zhao Yun was sitting exhausted on his cushion when the ex-Wei general entered. Half-opened scrolls and other things like maps and charts covered the makeshift table in front of him. The responsibilities of the Commander obviously has him running around in circles to make sure everything was alright, an internal feud is really the last thing he needed. The Tiger general reached for a cup of wine that was on the floor, took a long drink from it, and exhaled. It was a long time before Zilong spoke.
"How is your arm?" The general asked quietly.
"Huh?" Jiang Wei, expecting a lecturing coming on, was totally unprepared for the question.
"Your arm." Zhao Yun pointed at the bandages. "Is it okay?"
"Oh that, yes, it is healing." Jiang Wei babbled, trying very hard to hide his nervousness. "Thank you very much for your concern, I really don't deserve it."
The other man nodded and speaks no more, his eyes are distant and that only added on to the young man's nerves. In an attempt to rid of the uneasy silence that hangs in the air like a knife, Jiang Wei got to his knees to bow his head.
"I'm very sorry for the incident this morning, Commander." He apologized sincerely. "I was out of place and it is wrong of me to provoke my superiors."
"I had thought you have better sense than what you showed this morning." Zhao Yun said quietly as cold sweat poured from the Jiang Wei's back. "General Ma Chao is hot tempered and his hatred for Cao Cao is widely known but he is still one of the Five Tiger Generals and your superior, and I'm sure the Prime Minister had instruct you what is the punishment for talking back to your senior and that we are very strict about our laws, no one is exempt by it, even the Prime Minister himself."
"I'm fully aware of the fact." The young man could feel himself shaking as he recalls the list of possible punishments. "Still, I."
"I'm not finished." Zhao Yun finally looked at him and the act only make the young man cower some more. "However, I'm willing to forgive your actions this time."
Jiang Wei head shoot up. "Thank you!" He said, almost weeping. "Words can not express my gratitude for your understanding."
"If you have any thanks, hold it for Nu Wa." Zhao Yun said emotionlessly, looking away again. "She had came earlier and plead for your case, I'm only letting you go because she testified that General Ma was at fault for purposely provoking the fight."
The young man was suddenly hit with mixed feelings; he was glad that the truth was told, and made a mental note to send gifts to the young woman who had saved him from a certain disgrace. But he was also scared, ever since his arrival at the Shu camp, Zhao Yun had always been protective and kind to the young strategist, to have his idol and mentor suddenly turn icy cold on him is worse than any punishment.
"But I'm not totally exempting you from punishment." The spear general continued, closing his eyes as the exhaustion began to overcome him. "You are fined 5000 gold for this little incident and it is on the report I send back to Prime Minister, he will decide the rest of your punishment, if any."
"I understand." Jiang Wei quickly replied; compare to what had been in store for him, 5000 gold is nothing.
"Just make sure nothing like this happens again, you are the Prime Minister's student, and having a pupil behaving so badly will only bring disgrace to the teacher."
Jiang Wei felt a knot inside of him grow, why does everything he do have to reflect on someone else? Will anyone in this camp see him as himself and not as some one else's extension? The young man was out to make a name for himself, not to live quietly under someone else's shadow.
"You may stand and leave."
The young strategist obeyed, but paused when he reached the tent entrance. He looked back hesitantly and saw that the Little Dragon had collapsed completely into his cushions. Jiang Wei wanted to say something, about how sorry he was for bringing more trouble, about how much he wished he wasn't so childish, and about how much better he will behave from now on, so please don't be so cold to me! Jiang Wei pleaded mentally.
Zhao Yun opened his eyes wearily and was surprised to see the young strategist still there. "Is there still something you would like to say? Boyue. Can't it wait until tomorrow, I'm quite exhausted."
Although the words are light, they strike the Jiang Wei like a war hammer. Did that incident really displease him so? Was all the young man could think about. He is so unhappy with me that he wants me out of his sight? His mind was so focused on that thought that he fail to see the fact that Zhao Yun did look and feel exhausted and is in desperate need of some rest.
"Well?" Zhao Yun asked again, eager to end the meeting so he can seek the comfort of his bed.
"I." Jiang Wei found himself at a lost for words, rare for someone who uses them for battle more than he uses his spear.
Zhao Yun raised one of his eyebrows, waiting with a patience he felt he does not have for the rest of the sentence. His relaxed stance, however, only translated to the young man as that he did not care and did not want him to be there.
"I." Then making up his mind, he spat out his thought. "I just hope you won't hate me!" The he ran out like a man defeated with his pride tailing behind him in the dust.
The Tiger General was left stunned by the sudden outburst. Was I that harsh on him? Zhao Yun thought to himself. I don't think I was that unkind, concerning the circumstances. Maybe he is overreacting a bit. The general held his exhausted head in one of his hands, and decided that unless the sky is crashing down, he will not let anything come between him and his rest.
Jiang Wei sprinted all the way back to his own tent and was out of breath when he finally threw the blinds to the tent shut. There, he collapsed on his bed, mentally cursing himself on all the stupid things he did today.
"Can't. believe I said such a thing." He murmured to himself when he thought about the outburst. "Now General Zhao will really think I'm way out there." The young man chuckled at himself dryly.
The young man covered his eyes with his hands, and hope that tomorrow will be a better day.
To Be Continued.