"Damn... got to stop this bleeding..." Lu Xun cursed, tearing the sleeve of his shirt to make a bandage.
He already felt the effects of the curse coming upon him, as he had to stop from his actions and wait for the dizzy spell to pass. His tired body, already weak prior to the attack, begged for sleep now, but he forced himself to stay awake. Somehow, he had to hide his injury from the others, at least until the others arrived.
Luckily the wound was not deep. It could be easily concealed...
The thought of it being infected simply slipped his mind; it being infected was the LAST thing on his mind, for it already was. But he could not blame Zhou Yu, nor hold any anger towards anyone but himself. It was foolish for him to keep him there for too long...
Now, more so than ever, he needed to find a cure. But how could he even try, when as he rose, his legs would give away from under him. He needed rest, and he gave a defeated sigh, resting his head on the last rung of the ladder.
Sleeping here was perhaps not the wisest thing to do, but he had no choice. 'Forgive me, Zhou Yu... but surely you'll understand...'
A knock on the door interrupted his attempt at rest, "Lu Xun?"
Without a doubt, it was Gan Ning, and Lu Xun gave an exasperated sigh. He was the last person he wanted to see right now, but what choice did he have? Make matters worse by disregarding his love, or let him see him like this to be lectured? He sighed, "Come... in..."
"What on earth happened to you?!"
Those were the first words that left him, as Gan Ning entered to see the poor guy, resting upon the floor. He asked, as he knelt next to him, seeing how pale he had become. "Are you alright?!"
"Of course..." Lu Xun smiled weakly. "I always lie around like this when I feel alright..."
That was a lie, and the pirate had spotted the blood upon the floor in the background. He asked, now walking towards the spilt blood upon the floor. "Was that thing in here?! Whose blood is this?"
"I-It's mine," Lu Xun whispered. "But don't worry about it..."
"Don't worry about it? Did it bite you, scratch you, anything?"
"Scratched me a little, but nothing bad."
He could see Gan Ning's concern grow, and he shook his head, fighting off the urge of sleep more. "Could... you help me to my bed? I... I don't think I can... get up on my own."
The pirate scooped him up into his arms, "Of course I will..."
"Thank you..."
He was shushed, "You stay quiet. I'll take care of you now..."
Lu Xun could see the pirate's concern, seeing his confusion in his red eyes. He knew why Gan Ning had come in the first place, and if he had the strength to speak, he would have forgiven him. But he felt his eyes drop, and he couldn't stay awake any longer, letting his wounded hand slip from its position around the pirate's shoulder.
Gan Ning sighed, "Oh Lu Xun... how could you have allowed this to happen to you?"
"Gan Ning, what in God's name happened to him?!" Lu Meng demanded, spying the two in the hallway. Gan Ning stopped for a second, just enough to have Lu Meng catch up to him, and the first thing the general noticed was the blood dripping from Lu Xun's arm. "He's bleeding!
"I know; the beast scratched him..."
The look Lu Meng gave was frightening, "What?"
"That's what he told me, anyway," Gan Ning sighed. "I was going to apologize to him, and I found him, okay? I didn't hit him!"
"I know you didn't; not even you would hurt him so much..." Now Lu Meng was concerned, but for different reasons. "Where are you bringing him?"
"To his room so that he can rest."
The hiss that rose from Lu Meng was almost frightening, "Don't you think you should bring him to the doctors, first? If he was scratched by that thing, don't you think that he TOO could be infected?"
"Even if he is, how can they help him?"
"Don't you think it's better if we bring him there? He could become one of them now as well!"
Gan Ning snarled, "You are not LISTENING to me! Lu Xun was searching for a cure in that library, and as far as I know, he hasn't found one. What makes you think the doctors will be able to help him?"
Somehow, he had a feeling what Lu Meng was getting at, and Lu Meng sighed, deciding to remain silent until they entered Lu Xun's quarters. He spoke lowly, as the pirate helped the boy into bed. "That's not what I mean... if he's infected, then he'll become on, and he may very well turn on us when he transforms."
"It is a chance I am willing to take," Gan Ning spat, resting a blanket over him before turning to Lu Meng. "If that's the case, don't you think we should start suspecting Zhou Yu..."
Lu Meng blinked, "Now, why didn't we think of that before?"
Now they understood Lu Xun's stress, and Zhou Yu's disappearance. Lu Meng nearly fell to the floor from exasperation, resting his forehead in his hands as Gan Ning smashed his hand into the wall, growling viciously. "Shit... we've had the werefox under our noses the whole time, and that's why Lu Xun was so desperate to find that damn cure! God, we're so stupid!"
"What are we going to tell Sun Ce?"
It wasn't like Lu Meng to ask Gan Ning such a thing, and he replied, "Tell him nothing... if Lu Xun tried so hard to cover it up, then WE shouldn't be the ones to ruin it!"
"I guess we'll just have to take up his search for the cure..." Lu Meng proclaimed, getting back to his feet. "It won't be long before he becomes one as well, and if it was hard for him to conceal the truth from Sun Ce for just one werefox, then it'll be hard to explain both."
"We'll worry about that when the time comes. Right now we have to let Lu Xun rest."
Nodding, Lu Meng wasted no time, exiting the room and heading straight for the library. Just as they walked out of the room, they were greeted by none other than Sun Ce, and neither one could stop the small rise of panic from showing. He had his hands on his hips, and he looked angry. Did he over hear them?
Lu Meng swallowed, "Can I help you, my lord?"
Narrowing his eyes, Sun Ce nodded, "Yeah... I'd like to know where Zhou Yu is THIS time. I noticed that Lu Xun is resting now, so that must mean that he's continuing the work in the library, correct?"
"Well, no sir, not exactly..."
"Then where is he?" Sun Ce demanded. "I want to see him NOW!"
Gan Ning gave a laugh, a nervous laugh, trying to cover everything. "You worry WAY too much about Zhou Yu! You'll get gray hairs if you keep this up, you know..."
"Where... is... ZHOU YU?!"
What was the point in hiding it anymore? Lu Meng was ready to spill the truth, but Lu Xun's weak voice beat him to it. "I know... where he is, sir..."
"Yes, Lu Xun?" Sun Ce looked past the two, not seeing their grim looks, as he brushed past them. He could see how pale Lu Xun had become, and the sweat began to dampen his forehead, just as Zhou Yu was a few nights earlier. "Hey, you getting sick on us?"
"I'm afraid so, sir." Lu Xun sighed, looking to the other two with a weak smile. "Can't you guys try to explain it to him... if I pass out before finishing?"
Lu Meng nodded, "To the best of our ability."
So, the truth was going to be told, and Lu Xun looked at his lord again, trying to find the best way to explain it and fight off the urge to sleep at the same time. "Zhou Yu was bitten by the werefox... and he, too, is one now... that's why he's been disappearing, and I don't know about the others but the alpha, the one that struck him... was Xiahou Dun..."
Sun Ce blinked, "You really are ill..."
"I only wish so... you were right... when you said it was a werefox that attacked you..." Lu Xun struggled for consciousness, "And... the other clans have people affected too, which is why their lords are coming..."
He could see the look on confusion and doubt rise from Sun Ce's eyes, and the lord did not believe him. "You're so sick that you're delirious!"
"No sir. You have to believe me."
The pirate and the other general didn't know what else to do, and Lu Meng spoke up, "Zhou Yu would tell you once he returns..."
Sun Ce sighed, "Then I shall wait to ask him."
"Please believe me sir..." Lu Xun almost wanted to cry, but he held them back well. "It's... the truth... I swear..."
"It is hard, but I am willing to believe you, Lu Xun. For now, accept my apologies for working you so hard and get some rest."
The smile on his face was weak, and the exhausted strategist gave a nod, before slipping into unconsciousness again. It was quiet after that, and the two officers did not know what to say, waiting for their lord to give orders before doing a thing.
"Take care of him, and then start researching again." Sun Ce ordered, any signs of his childish behavior was gone. "We HAVE to find the cure before he transforms... otherwise we may never have the chance to find it again."
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu hated to leave so much of his first kill to rot away, but there was no possible way that he could eat the entire thing himself. Perhaps one of the others wouldn't mind sharing the meal with him, and he saw no harm into asking one of them to join him.
'Jiang Wei should be thrilled, and it would give Zhao Yun a chance to leave Xiahou Dun for a while,' he thought to himself.
It did not take him long to find the rest of his pack, and he was instantly pounced by the puppy of them, unable to catch him in time. He was ready to defend himself, until he heard Jiang Wei bark, leaping off of him in an instant. "You're it!"
Zhou Yu growled playfully, "Not for long!"
It did not take him long to find himself trapped in the game, forgetting about his troubles, his catch, his worries, as he chased the smaller werefox about, ducking and dodging, but never catching him.
"You're too slow, old man! My grandmother could run faster," Jiang Wei teased.
"We'll see about that!" Zhou Yu said, finally pinning the younger werefox to the ground beneath him, "HA! GOT YOU!"
He couldn't see the others watching them, so he did not see Zhang He's exasperated look and Zhao Yun's smile. He nibbled playfully on Jiang Wei's ear, not truly knowing why eh was even acting this way... how easy it was to forget that just earlier he had infected a friend...
"Get off, Zhou Yu! Come on!"
"Not until you admit who's better!"
Jiang Wei resisted, wriggling beneath him in an effort to escape, "Admit you are better? NEVER!"
Hearing them laugh made Zhao Yun's smile widen, and he rose, ready to join in with the fun as well. However, Zhang He nearly took his ear, and he forced himself back down.
He hissed, "What? There's no harm if I play, Zhang He..."
"You should know better... it will attract attention to ourselves, and we don't need that." Zhang He warned him, then looked towards the other two as he snarled. "Calm down, you two... you're much too loud."
"Spoil sport! You're just upset because you weren't invited to play," Jiang Wei barked, poking his tongue out at the other werefox.
Zhang He's next threat was ignored, as Zhao Yun defied him. "Xiahou Dun said for us to stay calm... you'll lure the hunters here."
"You need to lighten up..."
Zhou Yu agreed with Zhao Yun, as he kept Jiang Wei still. "Lord Sun Ce has called off the hunters for now, so we have nothing to worry about."
"So you will all disobey orders?" Seeing that he was ignored, Zhang He gave up, turning away and laying down, gruffing. "Fine... you know what happens when you disobey the rules..."
Zhou Yu blinked, "Well, I don't. What happens?"
It seemed that the threat was enough to stop Zhao Yun, as he quickly retreated from the game. Jiang Wei snapped, barking happily as he gnawed on Zhou Yu's leg playfully. "Surely Xiahou Dun would understand... we can't just sit here and do nothing all night long."
A deep growl was his answer, "Will I understand? Please explain, Jiang Wei..."
Xiahou Dun struck so fast that Zhou Yu never saw him coming, and as he regained his senses, he heard the poor puppy's whimpering, see the position he was in. He growled, "Get off of him; we were only playing a simple game to calm our nerves!"
Zhao Yun only whispered to him, "Don't interfere, Zhou Yu. It'll only make it worse..."
"I gave strict orders for everyone to remain still... suppose there were hunters about? Do you think you'd even be alive right now?!" Xiahou Dun growled, pressing down onto the younger werefox until he gave him no room to move. "I'd expect YOU to know better, Jiang Wei!"
Jiang Wei whimpered again, "I'm sorry; I promise I won't do it again. Please be merciful!"
Snarling, Zhou Yu drew closer, ready to strike. "I mean it, Xiahou Dun! Let him go!"
Now it was Zhang He that intervened, "Stand down Zhou Yu! Zhao Yun is right; the more you try and help the child, the harder it will be for him!"
Zhou Yu snarled, "This is wrong; this is no pack!"
"Be that as it may, Xiahou Dun will SERIOUSLY hurt him if you try to interfere. At least... at least now he may be gentle..." Zhang He said, before turning to Alpha. "Could you at least do it in private? It IS his punishment..."
Xiahou Dun nipped his captive's ears and throat, "You three may leave, if you wish..."
Zhou Yu looked ready to revolt, but Zhao Yun almost pleaded with him. "Please, don't make matters worse..."
Jiang Wei shuddered as his superior's tongue trailed down his cheek, "J-Just go, Zhou Yu. I-It's okay..."
"If you wish..." Zhou Yu felt horrible now, realizing that he was the one responsible for this. He turned away, following behind the other two with his head hanging, wishing he couldn't hear Jiang Wei's cries.
Jiang Wei received another nip to his throat as reward, "Good puppy..."
"Why? Why is THIS a punishment?" The poor Shu officer whimpered, turning his head away. "I could endure isolation, pain, ANYTHING but this!"
Xiahou Dun's jaws closed around the back of his neck, preventing any more movement as he was given his answer. 'Because I rather like you...'
'Well, I don't like you! I-I hate you!' Jiang Wei howled, tears dripping down his sweet, innocent face.
"Who DO you like then? Tell me..."
"T-that's NONE of your concern!"
His howl of pain could be heard throughout the woods, as Xiahou Dun drove the unwanted guest into his victim. He felt it many times before, and it felt no better than the last. Only worse.
'Tell me Jiang Wei. Tell me who it is you wish to do what I am doing to you...'
His reply was weak, wishing to end it quickly. "Zhu..."
'What? Speak up; I can't hear you...'
"Zhu...ge... NO! DON'T MAKE ME SAY HIS NAME!" Jiang Wei begged, his tears only flowing faster. "Please..."
He gave another howl, as Xiahou Dun only thrust harder. "Say it!"
"Zhu...ge... Li...ang..." That did not save him, and he cried it out again. "ZHUGE LIANG!!!"
'There... that wasn't so hard was it?' Xiahou Dun asked, not moving from the spot, but withdrawing. "And don't fear... your secret's safe with me..."
Jiang Wei whimpered, curling into a ball, "Why? Why did you make me say it? What possible use could it be to you?"
Now Xiahou Dun freed him from his touch, and he sat upon the grass, looking down at the poor, frightened little werefox. "You must learn your place, little one... you knew better than to disobey my orders..."
"G-go away," Jiang Wei begged, his voice strained from restraining his sobs. "J-just go away and leave me alone..."
"As you wish..."
Jiang Wei did not even look up, burying his faces in his paws and sobbing. He could hear him leave, and that only made him cry harder. He felt so ashamed and hurt, and he growled when he heard footsteps, "Go away!"
"It's just me, Jiang Wei..." Zhou Yu spoke softly, looking at the poor werefox. "I won't hurt you... I promise..."
The younger pack member cringed, "P-please... I-I don't want to be seen... like this..."
Zhou Yu could understand, as he retreated back into the bushes. "I understand... I will be waiting whenever you feel better. Don't rush yourself..."
Now he was angry, and he brushed past Zhang He and Zhao Yun, determined to find Xiahou Dun, "The bastard... I will KILL him for this!"
Zhao Yun tried to stop him, but it was useless. "He'll be fine... don't be so reckless!"
Zhou Yu ignored him, howling, "XIAHOU DUN! SHOW YOURSELF!"
"Later... Im hunting my own prey right now..." Xiahou Dun spoke with a gruff.
"NOT later. NOW!" The Wu strategist snarled. "I will NOT stand back and allow you to do this to them!"
He could see the bright sparkle of the lone eye that face him, and Xiahou Dun laid upon the grass, tongue rolled out and teeth baring. He laughed, as if he simply ignored the rage in Zhou Yu's voice. "Do what? That was his punishment for disobeying my orders, and you're in no position to change the rules."
This made his fur bristle, and the fury only increased, "How dare you?! Who are you to use him in such a manner, to torture him and degrade him?! I swear, by all that is holy, I will not allow this to continue!"
Neither Zhao Yun nor Zhang He could stop him, and yet, another fight broke off between the two. This time, Xiahou Dun was ready, and it seemed equally matched, neither one nor the other getting the upperhand.
Zhou Yu hissed as he was driven into the dirt, burying his fangs into the other werefox's throat, 'You bastard... I'm tempted just to kill you. They'd all be better off for it, even if Zhang He becomes the leader...'
'That's a joke... you kill me!' Xiahou Dun gave a hearty laugh, even in the predicament he was in.
Warm blood trickled into his mouth, and the jaws tightened, 'How can you be so CALM?!'
He felt the claws slowly sinking into his shoulders, but it did not loosen his grips. 'Because I know you won't kill me...'
Zhou Yu growled, his ears flattening, 'Give me one good reason... why I shouldn't....'
When Xiahou Dun drove his feet into his gut, he was forced to let go, falling to the ground and catching the beast before he could sink those deadly claws into his throat and heart. 'Because you're not strong enough, and if you shall kill me, then the chances of the cure being found are decreased...'
Zhou Yu spat, licking the blood from his lips, "I hate you..."
'So what else is new?'
Breaking away, the Wu officer sneered, turning to walk away, "You win, for now. But I will not give up protecting them..."
And that was a crucial mistake; one that Zhou Yu was fortunate, and unfortunate, enough to live to remember. He felt the weight of the larger werefox collapse upon him, nearly breaking his legs from under him, and before he could even resist, the jaws were gripped around his neck, trapping him in that position.
He howled, but it was utterly useless, as he could not move, "NO! GET OFF OF ME! LET ME GO!"
'Lesson one... never turn your back on your superiors...'
Zhou Yu snarled, "You are NOT my superior! You never were, and you NEVER will be!"
He screamed again, feeling the same pain as Jiang Wei had felt just a few minutes before. 'That's where you're wrong...'
Zhou Yu could only scream and cry as the degrading experience continued, and he sobbed, not realizing he spoke aloud, "Sun Ce..."
'Sun Ce? No... I wish for you to shout MY name... I want to cry my name, and relish it!'
The noble officer gasped, struggling now just to maintain some shred of his dignity, "Never... never will I do such a thing!"
It only came harder, and more painful, and he almost found himself begging, clawing at the ground, and desperately trying to escape from this hell. What made it worse was that he could hear the loud panting in his ear, the hot air brushing along the hairs on the back of his neck. How humiliating!
But the worst part was that he realized this was what he had wanted to share with Sun Ce for so, so long. Would this be how his love would feel, even if he could accept him? Although his mind told him there had to be a better way than this, and his heart screamed it would be better with he and his love, his tormented soul was in doubt, and again, he clung to his one pillar of hope, "Sun... Ce..."
"Zhou Yu?" The Little Conqueror raised his head, swearing he heard the voice of his friend. He could hear its pain, its misery, and his heart sprung to life with panic. Something was wrong... he was in danger...
"Don't worry Zhou Yu... I'll find a way to cure you, even if I have to look through every single book myself!" Sun Ce swore, leaping from his bed and racing towards the library. How was he to know the danger was occurring even as he ran?
And the thought of Lu Xun having little or no luck was depressing as well. If Lu Xun couldn't find anything, then how could he?!
'No... I can't give up hope... Zhou Yu is counting on me. And so is Lu Xun... now...'
The mere thought of Sun Ce's attempts would have made Zhou Yu feel better, but for now, he had nothing but the pain and the slight feeling of pleasure to deal with now. It got worse and worse... but better. But he did not want it to be any better! He wanted no pleasure from this!
That did not stop the moan from escaping his throat, and he dug his claws into the earth, "N-no..."
"But yes... admit it... you're ENJOYING this, aren't you?'
He squeezed his eyes shut, to keep his tears from leaking out, "NO! I hate it; I will ALWAYS hate it, ESPECIALLY if it comes from you!"
That didn't make it any easier for him. Not at all. "You're lying..."
Zhou Yu half-whimpered, half-whispered, "No... I-I... h-hate it..."
"Call my name... howl my name, and I shall release you."
Even now the valiant officer resisted, although his tone lowered, "Never... n-never will I do such a thing... I already t-told you so..."
Xiahou Dun laughed, his grip getting tighter and tighter until Zhou Yu gave a sorrowful howl. It echoed throughout the woods, but not once did he mention any name possible. Xiahou Dun laughed, "Say it, and it's all over..."
Zhou Yu finally just pleaded, too overcome with his conflicting emotions and wounded soul to care about his pride, "Please... no..."
"Say it..."
He attempted to turn, to wake from this living nightmare, "NO! YOU CAN'T MAKE ME! I WON'T!"
He gave another howl, and Xiahou Dun's words were fierce. "Say it now!"
What choice did he have? He was exhausted, mentally and physically, damaged emotionally, and within inches of being destroyed spiritually. He licked his dry lips, his voice hardly a whisper, "X... X..."
"What? I can't hear you..."
"X-Xiahou... D-d..." The pain got worse, but it stopped for a second as he spoke the name, using the last of his strength. "Xiahou... Dun!"
There, he had said it, the cursed name had passed through his unholy lips. Nothing could stop his tears now, "Oh gods... what have I done?!"
"You've done the only thing you could have done..." With that being said, Xiahou Dun released him, letting him lay upon the ground in the heap of disgrace that he was. "Learn your place..."
And yet, through the tears, through the pain, Zhou Yu's voice whispered fiercely, "This changes... nothing..."
He heard the footsteps getting distant, perhaps those were the sweetest sounds to hear right now. Soon he would be alone... alone to wallow in his own self-pity.
But it appeared it was not to be, and he raised his head to stare into Zhao Yun's green eyes, "Please, go away."
He remembered that those were the exact same words that Jiang Wei had said earlier, and they sounded just as bad. He lowered his head, as Zhao Yun crawled on his belly, daring to get closer. "Zhou Yu... I... I'm sorry..."
Nor was he the only one of the pack to come forward, as Zhang He strode over to lie beside him, nuzzling him gently, "As am I..."
"Why would you be?" Zhou Yu tried to control his voice, trembling slightly but not pushing them away.
The black werefox only smiled sadly, "Because we have all experienced this under Xiahou Dun, and I from times before this. This is what a pack is truly for, Zhou Yu; to comfort you when there is no one else."
Was THIS coming from Zhang He? He was speechless, even as Jiang Wei whimpered slightly, "Zhou Yu..."
"Yes, Jiang Wei?"
Jiang Wei seemed to have slowly recovered from his own experience, as he slowly wagged his tail. "You'll be okay, won't you?"
It was Zhang He that answered, "Of course he will. He is too strong and too noble to let something like this destroy him."
The very thought that he wasn't alone gave him strength, and he smiled, laughing as the choking sobs wished to break through. "Thank you... thank you all..."
"You protect us; what ever made you think we would not protect you?"
Zhou Yu couldn't say anything else, and he only feared that poor Lu Xun would have to suffer this way as well.
As if reading his agonized expression, Zhang He shook his head, "Do not worry about the little one; nothing will happen to him."
"How can you be sure?" Zhou Yu sighed, shaking his head. "There's no doubt that Xiahou Dun will do the very same to him..."
"That is not your concern; leave that to me. I promise you that I will not let anything happen to him..."
The look little Jiang Wei gave to Zhang He was confusing, as if he knew something that Zhou Yu did not. "Just be careful..."
Zhang He sighed, "It may take some convincing on Sima Yi's part, but it will keep the rest of you from having to live through this anymore..."
"What... are you planning to do?" Zhou Yu asked, feeling his strength and dignity slowly return to him as he forced himself to sit up. He had a hint of what Zhang He was planning, but still... the very thought of it...
"Nothing that I haven't done before, so cease to worry. Just rest for now..."
Now Zhou Yu had a good idea, but he did not argue, resting his head on his paws with a deep sigh. He had to worry about finding the cure and helping Lu Xun when all of this happened... and worrying about Zhang He was not to be his concern.
Zhao Yun spoke softly, "You don't have to, Zhang He..."
Zhang He snorted, as if insulted, "Then tell me, would YOU rather do it?"
"No. Please don't be upset; I only wish for you to know that no one would ask this of you..."
"I understand... now be silent, before he hears us."
Zhou Yu only closed his eyes, allowing his tired body to rest. After all, soon the other Lords would arrive, and he would need to be awake... to help them all search for the cure.
He already felt the effects of the curse coming upon him, as he had to stop from his actions and wait for the dizzy spell to pass. His tired body, already weak prior to the attack, begged for sleep now, but he forced himself to stay awake. Somehow, he had to hide his injury from the others, at least until the others arrived.
Luckily the wound was not deep. It could be easily concealed...
The thought of it being infected simply slipped his mind; it being infected was the LAST thing on his mind, for it already was. But he could not blame Zhou Yu, nor hold any anger towards anyone but himself. It was foolish for him to keep him there for too long...
Now, more so than ever, he needed to find a cure. But how could he even try, when as he rose, his legs would give away from under him. He needed rest, and he gave a defeated sigh, resting his head on the last rung of the ladder.
Sleeping here was perhaps not the wisest thing to do, but he had no choice. 'Forgive me, Zhou Yu... but surely you'll understand...'
A knock on the door interrupted his attempt at rest, "Lu Xun?"
Without a doubt, it was Gan Ning, and Lu Xun gave an exasperated sigh. He was the last person he wanted to see right now, but what choice did he have? Make matters worse by disregarding his love, or let him see him like this to be lectured? He sighed, "Come... in..."
"What on earth happened to you?!"
Those were the first words that left him, as Gan Ning entered to see the poor guy, resting upon the floor. He asked, as he knelt next to him, seeing how pale he had become. "Are you alright?!"
"Of course..." Lu Xun smiled weakly. "I always lie around like this when I feel alright..."
That was a lie, and the pirate had spotted the blood upon the floor in the background. He asked, now walking towards the spilt blood upon the floor. "Was that thing in here?! Whose blood is this?"
"I-It's mine," Lu Xun whispered. "But don't worry about it..."
"Don't worry about it? Did it bite you, scratch you, anything?"
"Scratched me a little, but nothing bad."
He could see Gan Ning's concern grow, and he shook his head, fighting off the urge of sleep more. "Could... you help me to my bed? I... I don't think I can... get up on my own."
The pirate scooped him up into his arms, "Of course I will..."
"Thank you..."
He was shushed, "You stay quiet. I'll take care of you now..."
Lu Xun could see the pirate's concern, seeing his confusion in his red eyes. He knew why Gan Ning had come in the first place, and if he had the strength to speak, he would have forgiven him. But he felt his eyes drop, and he couldn't stay awake any longer, letting his wounded hand slip from its position around the pirate's shoulder.
Gan Ning sighed, "Oh Lu Xun... how could you have allowed this to happen to you?"
"Gan Ning, what in God's name happened to him?!" Lu Meng demanded, spying the two in the hallway. Gan Ning stopped for a second, just enough to have Lu Meng catch up to him, and the first thing the general noticed was the blood dripping from Lu Xun's arm. "He's bleeding!
"I know; the beast scratched him..."
The look Lu Meng gave was frightening, "What?"
"That's what he told me, anyway," Gan Ning sighed. "I was going to apologize to him, and I found him, okay? I didn't hit him!"
"I know you didn't; not even you would hurt him so much..." Now Lu Meng was concerned, but for different reasons. "Where are you bringing him?"
"To his room so that he can rest."
The hiss that rose from Lu Meng was almost frightening, "Don't you think you should bring him to the doctors, first? If he was scratched by that thing, don't you think that he TOO could be infected?"
"Even if he is, how can they help him?"
"Don't you think it's better if we bring him there? He could become one of them now as well!"
Gan Ning snarled, "You are not LISTENING to me! Lu Xun was searching for a cure in that library, and as far as I know, he hasn't found one. What makes you think the doctors will be able to help him?"
Somehow, he had a feeling what Lu Meng was getting at, and Lu Meng sighed, deciding to remain silent until they entered Lu Xun's quarters. He spoke lowly, as the pirate helped the boy into bed. "That's not what I mean... if he's infected, then he'll become on, and he may very well turn on us when he transforms."
"It is a chance I am willing to take," Gan Ning spat, resting a blanket over him before turning to Lu Meng. "If that's the case, don't you think we should start suspecting Zhou Yu..."
Lu Meng blinked, "Now, why didn't we think of that before?"
Now they understood Lu Xun's stress, and Zhou Yu's disappearance. Lu Meng nearly fell to the floor from exasperation, resting his forehead in his hands as Gan Ning smashed his hand into the wall, growling viciously. "Shit... we've had the werefox under our noses the whole time, and that's why Lu Xun was so desperate to find that damn cure! God, we're so stupid!"
"What are we going to tell Sun Ce?"
It wasn't like Lu Meng to ask Gan Ning such a thing, and he replied, "Tell him nothing... if Lu Xun tried so hard to cover it up, then WE shouldn't be the ones to ruin it!"
"I guess we'll just have to take up his search for the cure..." Lu Meng proclaimed, getting back to his feet. "It won't be long before he becomes one as well, and if it was hard for him to conceal the truth from Sun Ce for just one werefox, then it'll be hard to explain both."
"We'll worry about that when the time comes. Right now we have to let Lu Xun rest."
Nodding, Lu Meng wasted no time, exiting the room and heading straight for the library. Just as they walked out of the room, they were greeted by none other than Sun Ce, and neither one could stop the small rise of panic from showing. He had his hands on his hips, and he looked angry. Did he over hear them?
Lu Meng swallowed, "Can I help you, my lord?"
Narrowing his eyes, Sun Ce nodded, "Yeah... I'd like to know where Zhou Yu is THIS time. I noticed that Lu Xun is resting now, so that must mean that he's continuing the work in the library, correct?"
"Well, no sir, not exactly..."
"Then where is he?" Sun Ce demanded. "I want to see him NOW!"
Gan Ning gave a laugh, a nervous laugh, trying to cover everything. "You worry WAY too much about Zhou Yu! You'll get gray hairs if you keep this up, you know..."
"Where... is... ZHOU YU?!"
What was the point in hiding it anymore? Lu Meng was ready to spill the truth, but Lu Xun's weak voice beat him to it. "I know... where he is, sir..."
"Yes, Lu Xun?" Sun Ce looked past the two, not seeing their grim looks, as he brushed past them. He could see how pale Lu Xun had become, and the sweat began to dampen his forehead, just as Zhou Yu was a few nights earlier. "Hey, you getting sick on us?"
"I'm afraid so, sir." Lu Xun sighed, looking to the other two with a weak smile. "Can't you guys try to explain it to him... if I pass out before finishing?"
Lu Meng nodded, "To the best of our ability."
So, the truth was going to be told, and Lu Xun looked at his lord again, trying to find the best way to explain it and fight off the urge to sleep at the same time. "Zhou Yu was bitten by the werefox... and he, too, is one now... that's why he's been disappearing, and I don't know about the others but the alpha, the one that struck him... was Xiahou Dun..."
Sun Ce blinked, "You really are ill..."
"I only wish so... you were right... when you said it was a werefox that attacked you..." Lu Xun struggled for consciousness, "And... the other clans have people affected too, which is why their lords are coming..."
He could see the look on confusion and doubt rise from Sun Ce's eyes, and the lord did not believe him. "You're so sick that you're delirious!"
"No sir. You have to believe me."
The pirate and the other general didn't know what else to do, and Lu Meng spoke up, "Zhou Yu would tell you once he returns..."
Sun Ce sighed, "Then I shall wait to ask him."
"Please believe me sir..." Lu Xun almost wanted to cry, but he held them back well. "It's... the truth... I swear..."
"It is hard, but I am willing to believe you, Lu Xun. For now, accept my apologies for working you so hard and get some rest."
The smile on his face was weak, and the exhausted strategist gave a nod, before slipping into unconsciousness again. It was quiet after that, and the two officers did not know what to say, waiting for their lord to give orders before doing a thing.
"Take care of him, and then start researching again." Sun Ce ordered, any signs of his childish behavior was gone. "We HAVE to find the cure before he transforms... otherwise we may never have the chance to find it again."
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu hated to leave so much of his first kill to rot away, but there was no possible way that he could eat the entire thing himself. Perhaps one of the others wouldn't mind sharing the meal with him, and he saw no harm into asking one of them to join him.
'Jiang Wei should be thrilled, and it would give Zhao Yun a chance to leave Xiahou Dun for a while,' he thought to himself.
It did not take him long to find the rest of his pack, and he was instantly pounced by the puppy of them, unable to catch him in time. He was ready to defend himself, until he heard Jiang Wei bark, leaping off of him in an instant. "You're it!"
Zhou Yu growled playfully, "Not for long!"
It did not take him long to find himself trapped in the game, forgetting about his troubles, his catch, his worries, as he chased the smaller werefox about, ducking and dodging, but never catching him.
"You're too slow, old man! My grandmother could run faster," Jiang Wei teased.
"We'll see about that!" Zhou Yu said, finally pinning the younger werefox to the ground beneath him, "HA! GOT YOU!"
He couldn't see the others watching them, so he did not see Zhang He's exasperated look and Zhao Yun's smile. He nibbled playfully on Jiang Wei's ear, not truly knowing why eh was even acting this way... how easy it was to forget that just earlier he had infected a friend...
"Get off, Zhou Yu! Come on!"
"Not until you admit who's better!"
Jiang Wei resisted, wriggling beneath him in an effort to escape, "Admit you are better? NEVER!"
Hearing them laugh made Zhao Yun's smile widen, and he rose, ready to join in with the fun as well. However, Zhang He nearly took his ear, and he forced himself back down.
He hissed, "What? There's no harm if I play, Zhang He..."
"You should know better... it will attract attention to ourselves, and we don't need that." Zhang He warned him, then looked towards the other two as he snarled. "Calm down, you two... you're much too loud."
"Spoil sport! You're just upset because you weren't invited to play," Jiang Wei barked, poking his tongue out at the other werefox.
Zhang He's next threat was ignored, as Zhao Yun defied him. "Xiahou Dun said for us to stay calm... you'll lure the hunters here."
"You need to lighten up..."
Zhou Yu agreed with Zhao Yun, as he kept Jiang Wei still. "Lord Sun Ce has called off the hunters for now, so we have nothing to worry about."
"So you will all disobey orders?" Seeing that he was ignored, Zhang He gave up, turning away and laying down, gruffing. "Fine... you know what happens when you disobey the rules..."
Zhou Yu blinked, "Well, I don't. What happens?"
It seemed that the threat was enough to stop Zhao Yun, as he quickly retreated from the game. Jiang Wei snapped, barking happily as he gnawed on Zhou Yu's leg playfully. "Surely Xiahou Dun would understand... we can't just sit here and do nothing all night long."
A deep growl was his answer, "Will I understand? Please explain, Jiang Wei..."
Xiahou Dun struck so fast that Zhou Yu never saw him coming, and as he regained his senses, he heard the poor puppy's whimpering, see the position he was in. He growled, "Get off of him; we were only playing a simple game to calm our nerves!"
Zhao Yun only whispered to him, "Don't interfere, Zhou Yu. It'll only make it worse..."
"I gave strict orders for everyone to remain still... suppose there were hunters about? Do you think you'd even be alive right now?!" Xiahou Dun growled, pressing down onto the younger werefox until he gave him no room to move. "I'd expect YOU to know better, Jiang Wei!"
Jiang Wei whimpered again, "I'm sorry; I promise I won't do it again. Please be merciful!"
Snarling, Zhou Yu drew closer, ready to strike. "I mean it, Xiahou Dun! Let him go!"
Now it was Zhang He that intervened, "Stand down Zhou Yu! Zhao Yun is right; the more you try and help the child, the harder it will be for him!"
Zhou Yu snarled, "This is wrong; this is no pack!"
"Be that as it may, Xiahou Dun will SERIOUSLY hurt him if you try to interfere. At least... at least now he may be gentle..." Zhang He said, before turning to Alpha. "Could you at least do it in private? It IS his punishment..."
Xiahou Dun nipped his captive's ears and throat, "You three may leave, if you wish..."
Zhou Yu looked ready to revolt, but Zhao Yun almost pleaded with him. "Please, don't make matters worse..."
Jiang Wei shuddered as his superior's tongue trailed down his cheek, "J-Just go, Zhou Yu. I-It's okay..."
"If you wish..." Zhou Yu felt horrible now, realizing that he was the one responsible for this. He turned away, following behind the other two with his head hanging, wishing he couldn't hear Jiang Wei's cries.
Jiang Wei received another nip to his throat as reward, "Good puppy..."
"Why? Why is THIS a punishment?" The poor Shu officer whimpered, turning his head away. "I could endure isolation, pain, ANYTHING but this!"
Xiahou Dun's jaws closed around the back of his neck, preventing any more movement as he was given his answer. 'Because I rather like you...'
'Well, I don't like you! I-I hate you!' Jiang Wei howled, tears dripping down his sweet, innocent face.
"Who DO you like then? Tell me..."
"T-that's NONE of your concern!"
His howl of pain could be heard throughout the woods, as Xiahou Dun drove the unwanted guest into his victim. He felt it many times before, and it felt no better than the last. Only worse.
'Tell me Jiang Wei. Tell me who it is you wish to do what I am doing to you...'
His reply was weak, wishing to end it quickly. "Zhu..."
'What? Speak up; I can't hear you...'
"Zhu...ge... NO! DON'T MAKE ME SAY HIS NAME!" Jiang Wei begged, his tears only flowing faster. "Please..."
He gave another howl, as Xiahou Dun only thrust harder. "Say it!"
"Zhu...ge... Li...ang..." That did not save him, and he cried it out again. "ZHUGE LIANG!!!"
'There... that wasn't so hard was it?' Xiahou Dun asked, not moving from the spot, but withdrawing. "And don't fear... your secret's safe with me..."
Jiang Wei whimpered, curling into a ball, "Why? Why did you make me say it? What possible use could it be to you?"
Now Xiahou Dun freed him from his touch, and he sat upon the grass, looking down at the poor, frightened little werefox. "You must learn your place, little one... you knew better than to disobey my orders..."
"G-go away," Jiang Wei begged, his voice strained from restraining his sobs. "J-just go away and leave me alone..."
"As you wish..."
Jiang Wei did not even look up, burying his faces in his paws and sobbing. He could hear him leave, and that only made him cry harder. He felt so ashamed and hurt, and he growled when he heard footsteps, "Go away!"
"It's just me, Jiang Wei..." Zhou Yu spoke softly, looking at the poor werefox. "I won't hurt you... I promise..."
The younger pack member cringed, "P-please... I-I don't want to be seen... like this..."
Zhou Yu could understand, as he retreated back into the bushes. "I understand... I will be waiting whenever you feel better. Don't rush yourself..."
Now he was angry, and he brushed past Zhang He and Zhao Yun, determined to find Xiahou Dun, "The bastard... I will KILL him for this!"
Zhao Yun tried to stop him, but it was useless. "He'll be fine... don't be so reckless!"
Zhou Yu ignored him, howling, "XIAHOU DUN! SHOW YOURSELF!"
"Later... Im hunting my own prey right now..." Xiahou Dun spoke with a gruff.
"NOT later. NOW!" The Wu strategist snarled. "I will NOT stand back and allow you to do this to them!"
He could see the bright sparkle of the lone eye that face him, and Xiahou Dun laid upon the grass, tongue rolled out and teeth baring. He laughed, as if he simply ignored the rage in Zhou Yu's voice. "Do what? That was his punishment for disobeying my orders, and you're in no position to change the rules."
This made his fur bristle, and the fury only increased, "How dare you?! Who are you to use him in such a manner, to torture him and degrade him?! I swear, by all that is holy, I will not allow this to continue!"
Neither Zhao Yun nor Zhang He could stop him, and yet, another fight broke off between the two. This time, Xiahou Dun was ready, and it seemed equally matched, neither one nor the other getting the upperhand.
Zhou Yu hissed as he was driven into the dirt, burying his fangs into the other werefox's throat, 'You bastard... I'm tempted just to kill you. They'd all be better off for it, even if Zhang He becomes the leader...'
'That's a joke... you kill me!' Xiahou Dun gave a hearty laugh, even in the predicament he was in.
Warm blood trickled into his mouth, and the jaws tightened, 'How can you be so CALM?!'
He felt the claws slowly sinking into his shoulders, but it did not loosen his grips. 'Because I know you won't kill me...'
Zhou Yu growled, his ears flattening, 'Give me one good reason... why I shouldn't....'
When Xiahou Dun drove his feet into his gut, he was forced to let go, falling to the ground and catching the beast before he could sink those deadly claws into his throat and heart. 'Because you're not strong enough, and if you shall kill me, then the chances of the cure being found are decreased...'
Zhou Yu spat, licking the blood from his lips, "I hate you..."
'So what else is new?'
Breaking away, the Wu officer sneered, turning to walk away, "You win, for now. But I will not give up protecting them..."
And that was a crucial mistake; one that Zhou Yu was fortunate, and unfortunate, enough to live to remember. He felt the weight of the larger werefox collapse upon him, nearly breaking his legs from under him, and before he could even resist, the jaws were gripped around his neck, trapping him in that position.
He howled, but it was utterly useless, as he could not move, "NO! GET OFF OF ME! LET ME GO!"
'Lesson one... never turn your back on your superiors...'
Zhou Yu snarled, "You are NOT my superior! You never were, and you NEVER will be!"
He screamed again, feeling the same pain as Jiang Wei had felt just a few minutes before. 'That's where you're wrong...'
Zhou Yu could only scream and cry as the degrading experience continued, and he sobbed, not realizing he spoke aloud, "Sun Ce..."
'Sun Ce? No... I wish for you to shout MY name... I want to cry my name, and relish it!'
The noble officer gasped, struggling now just to maintain some shred of his dignity, "Never... never will I do such a thing!"
It only came harder, and more painful, and he almost found himself begging, clawing at the ground, and desperately trying to escape from this hell. What made it worse was that he could hear the loud panting in his ear, the hot air brushing along the hairs on the back of his neck. How humiliating!
But the worst part was that he realized this was what he had wanted to share with Sun Ce for so, so long. Would this be how his love would feel, even if he could accept him? Although his mind told him there had to be a better way than this, and his heart screamed it would be better with he and his love, his tormented soul was in doubt, and again, he clung to his one pillar of hope, "Sun... Ce..."
"Zhou Yu?" The Little Conqueror raised his head, swearing he heard the voice of his friend. He could hear its pain, its misery, and his heart sprung to life with panic. Something was wrong... he was in danger...
"Don't worry Zhou Yu... I'll find a way to cure you, even if I have to look through every single book myself!" Sun Ce swore, leaping from his bed and racing towards the library. How was he to know the danger was occurring even as he ran?
And the thought of Lu Xun having little or no luck was depressing as well. If Lu Xun couldn't find anything, then how could he?!
'No... I can't give up hope... Zhou Yu is counting on me. And so is Lu Xun... now...'
The mere thought of Sun Ce's attempts would have made Zhou Yu feel better, but for now, he had nothing but the pain and the slight feeling of pleasure to deal with now. It got worse and worse... but better. But he did not want it to be any better! He wanted no pleasure from this!
That did not stop the moan from escaping his throat, and he dug his claws into the earth, "N-no..."
"But yes... admit it... you're ENJOYING this, aren't you?'
He squeezed his eyes shut, to keep his tears from leaking out, "NO! I hate it; I will ALWAYS hate it, ESPECIALLY if it comes from you!"
That didn't make it any easier for him. Not at all. "You're lying..."
Zhou Yu half-whimpered, half-whispered, "No... I-I... h-hate it..."
"Call my name... howl my name, and I shall release you."
Even now the valiant officer resisted, although his tone lowered, "Never... n-never will I do such a thing... I already t-told you so..."
Xiahou Dun laughed, his grip getting tighter and tighter until Zhou Yu gave a sorrowful howl. It echoed throughout the woods, but not once did he mention any name possible. Xiahou Dun laughed, "Say it, and it's all over..."
Zhou Yu finally just pleaded, too overcome with his conflicting emotions and wounded soul to care about his pride, "Please... no..."
"Say it..."
He attempted to turn, to wake from this living nightmare, "NO! YOU CAN'T MAKE ME! I WON'T!"
He gave another howl, and Xiahou Dun's words were fierce. "Say it now!"
What choice did he have? He was exhausted, mentally and physically, damaged emotionally, and within inches of being destroyed spiritually. He licked his dry lips, his voice hardly a whisper, "X... X..."
"What? I can't hear you..."
"X-Xiahou... D-d..." The pain got worse, but it stopped for a second as he spoke the name, using the last of his strength. "Xiahou... Dun!"
There, he had said it, the cursed name had passed through his unholy lips. Nothing could stop his tears now, "Oh gods... what have I done?!"
"You've done the only thing you could have done..." With that being said, Xiahou Dun released him, letting him lay upon the ground in the heap of disgrace that he was. "Learn your place..."
And yet, through the tears, through the pain, Zhou Yu's voice whispered fiercely, "This changes... nothing..."
He heard the footsteps getting distant, perhaps those were the sweetest sounds to hear right now. Soon he would be alone... alone to wallow in his own self-pity.
But it appeared it was not to be, and he raised his head to stare into Zhao Yun's green eyes, "Please, go away."
He remembered that those were the exact same words that Jiang Wei had said earlier, and they sounded just as bad. He lowered his head, as Zhao Yun crawled on his belly, daring to get closer. "Zhou Yu... I... I'm sorry..."
Nor was he the only one of the pack to come forward, as Zhang He strode over to lie beside him, nuzzling him gently, "As am I..."
"Why would you be?" Zhou Yu tried to control his voice, trembling slightly but not pushing them away.
The black werefox only smiled sadly, "Because we have all experienced this under Xiahou Dun, and I from times before this. This is what a pack is truly for, Zhou Yu; to comfort you when there is no one else."
Was THIS coming from Zhang He? He was speechless, even as Jiang Wei whimpered slightly, "Zhou Yu..."
"Yes, Jiang Wei?"
Jiang Wei seemed to have slowly recovered from his own experience, as he slowly wagged his tail. "You'll be okay, won't you?"
It was Zhang He that answered, "Of course he will. He is too strong and too noble to let something like this destroy him."
The very thought that he wasn't alone gave him strength, and he smiled, laughing as the choking sobs wished to break through. "Thank you... thank you all..."
"You protect us; what ever made you think we would not protect you?"
Zhou Yu couldn't say anything else, and he only feared that poor Lu Xun would have to suffer this way as well.
As if reading his agonized expression, Zhang He shook his head, "Do not worry about the little one; nothing will happen to him."
"How can you be sure?" Zhou Yu sighed, shaking his head. "There's no doubt that Xiahou Dun will do the very same to him..."
"That is not your concern; leave that to me. I promise you that I will not let anything happen to him..."
The look little Jiang Wei gave to Zhang He was confusing, as if he knew something that Zhou Yu did not. "Just be careful..."
Zhang He sighed, "It may take some convincing on Sima Yi's part, but it will keep the rest of you from having to live through this anymore..."
"What... are you planning to do?" Zhou Yu asked, feeling his strength and dignity slowly return to him as he forced himself to sit up. He had a hint of what Zhang He was planning, but still... the very thought of it...
"Nothing that I haven't done before, so cease to worry. Just rest for now..."
Now Zhou Yu had a good idea, but he did not argue, resting his head on his paws with a deep sigh. He had to worry about finding the cure and helping Lu Xun when all of this happened... and worrying about Zhang He was not to be his concern.
Zhao Yun spoke softly, "You don't have to, Zhang He..."
Zhang He snorted, as if insulted, "Then tell me, would YOU rather do it?"
"No. Please don't be upset; I only wish for you to know that no one would ask this of you..."
"I understand... now be silent, before he hears us."
Zhou Yu only closed his eyes, allowing his tired body to rest. After all, soon the other Lords would arrive, and he would need to be awake... to help them all search for the cure.