Zhang He lay apart from his superior, his soft fur brushing against the even softer grass as he asked, "Did you enjoy it, sir?"

His superior was damp with sweat, but it did not seem to take away from his excitement, as he gave a low laugh, circling Zhang He with lust in that one eye of his. It was obvious that the ploy was working well, as he had forgotten about the newest addition to his pack.

The beta gave a low, false sigh of pleasure as his ear was nibbled upon, "Hmm... you are too good to me, sir..."

"I am too good for anyone..."

Zhang He licked the one-eyed general's face teasingly, "Care to back up that claim?"

Xiahou Dun only laughed, not taking the time to notice the slight scent of human in the air. Zhang He only smiled, teasing him some more as he gave a low bark. "Surely we have enough time for a little more fun..."

"Hmm... I'm up to it if you are, my little courtesan..." Hearing such a thing made Zhang He's fur bristle slightly, but he quickly covered it up as Xiahou Dun grew closer to him. "You have not changed much since we found you at Guan Du..."

Now the black were fox could not contain the anger glimmering in his amethyst eyes, and his voice was a bit rougher, though he hoped his superior would not notice, "You do not believe so?"

Hearing a slight bit of agitation in his voice, Xiahou Dun didn't ignore it, but nor did he pay too much attention to it. "No... I don't really think you've changed at all."

Stiffening, Zhang He lowered his voice, "What do you mean?"

"Let's see... Yuan Shao wasn't too pleased to let you go, and it was NOT just the fact that you abandoned his... ranks... to join his arch rival."

Hearing the blood roar in his ears, the black were fox all but whispered, "Pray continue... and why do you believe this to be so?"

He was pushed down, and Xiahou Dun had an awful knack of striking ones nerves so deeply. "You should have seen the look on his face when you arrived, pledging your alliance to my cousin... a look of pure disgust and near heartbreak."

This was too much, brought too many memories, and Zhang He looked away, tears in his eyes, "Please... no more..."

"Why do you say that?"

Choking, the beta attempted to control his emotions, to remember the plan and stick to it, "Please, do not torture me with talk of Yuan Shao anymore..."

Now Xiahou Dun smiled, "Oh, so you DO have feelings for him?"

Zhang He's response was a harsh whisper, "That is no concern of yours!"

"And... why not?"

Now he began to tremble, turning those purple, jewel-like eyes up to his alpha, "Why do you delight in this torment? My feelings are my own!"

Hearing his pain, Xiahou Dun backed away, cocking his head slightly with the sudden change of the mood. "I see... then tell me, if you are NOT a courtesan, then why are you even here right now?"

And was he to tell him a lie? He would know the instant it slipped past his lips. Zhang He only sobbed, "How can you ask this of me?! You, who know good and well that I was purchased and given to Lord Sima Yi... as a gift!"

"Aha... I knew it. I was right then..."

Zhang He forced himself to stop his tears, though they still remained on his face, glimmering silver in the moonlight, "But that is over now; I have been freed. Now I decide for myself where to go and whom to be with. No one can buy me... or sell me..."

"Not even Lord Cao Cao?"

Again, Zhang stiffened, his voice low, "No..."

Now Xiahou Dun sat down, pawing at Zhang He's tail as he spoke, "So... what is your REAL reason for being with me tonight..."

Zhang He resumed his act, swallowing his feelings and nuzzling his superior, "What ever do you mean?"

"Enough of this act, Zhang He... you're UP to something..." Xiahou Dun's eye narrowed as his suspicion began to rise.

"What could I possibly be up to, sir? What would make you think such a thing?" The black werefox controlled his face and voice, again rolling onto his back, and cocking his head, waiting for an answer.

"Your sudden mood change makes me suspicious, that's all..." Xiahou Dun nodded, rising and walking towards him. 'What IS he up to...'

Zhang He laughed, "You brought up a very painful subject, my alpha, and one that took me completely off guard. You hurt me; I think the least you can do is kiss me and make it better..."

Now, as tempting as it was, Xiahou Dun refused, instead, giving him a little tease, "You visited Jian Ye today, didn't you?"

Zhang He's eyes widened, but he kept his calm, "So someone ratted me out, did they? I-I had to go, sir..."

"And what made you think that you HAD to go?"

Swallowing the knot in his throat, the other werefox answered with a half-truth, "I had to see Yi-ch... Lord Sima Yi again..."

That statement made Xiahou Dun's eyes widen, and he asked, almost growling, "So they have arrived?!"

Nearly cursing, Zhang He nodded, "Why, yes sir. I thought you knew..."

"They are early then..." As if to forget about the open invitation in front of him, Xiahou Dun rose, snarling. "Blast!"

This made his beta rise as well, as the sleek, black werefox nuzzled him, "Do not fret, sir. We can worry about this tomorrow, but not tonight..."

Again, he was pushed down, and any sign of his playfulness was gone, "This is why you've been acting like this, to distract me... you went to Jian Ye to discuss the cure with them, did you not?"

Zhang He squirmed beneath the tight grip, lying, "No! I went to see Lord Sima Yi; nothing more and nothing less. Now stop, sir! You're hurting me..."

"You're lying, I can smell it!"

Zhang He cried out as the claws buried themselves into his flesh, and he whimpered, "Stop, alpha! I have not lied; I DID go to see Lord Sima Yi!"

An arrow seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, nipping Xiahou Dun's ear as he tried to dodge it, releasing Zhang He as he whirled upon his attacker. Sima Yi had already reloaded, and he spoke through grit teeth, preparing to fire again. "It's over, Xiahou Dun... I suggest you come quietly if you do not wish for a hundred arrows protruding through your bare body in the morning."

Zhang He coughed, licking his open wound, "Not a moment too soon, Yi-chan..."

"So, all of this is a trap?" Xiahou Dun asked, glaring at the clever strategist with a slight growl from his throat as he spat a warning to him. "And risk harming Zhang He as well? Besides, if my cousin were to know that you've threatened me, then he'll have your head."

"Our Lord Cao Cao knows full well of our intent and actions, as does someone else, who wishes to speak with you..."

Xiahou Dun's lone eye widened, as fear shone for the first time. "You surely don't mean..."

Zhang He crawled towards Sima Yi, even as a deep baritone voice asked, "Lord Xiahou Dun?"

Now Xiahou Dun was in complete disbelief, and he backed away with a growl at the sight of the man that appeared from the shadows. He couldn't see the glimmer of the axe's blade, as it was not there, and the blue and white cloaks seemed to flow with the light breeze that was there. Xiahou Dun lowered his head at the sight of him, "So... you've finally had the honor of finding the beast, have you not?"

Xu Huang's face only clouded with anguish, "Why did you not tell me?"

Yes, as many were asked that question before, Xiahou Dun gave the same response, and his brown eye sparkled, "You know the answer, Xu Huang... why else would I keep it from you? It's only so obvious, is it not?"

"Not to me. Did you think I would reject you? I would never do such a thing...

"Oh, shut up with the sweet talk..." Xiahou Dun growled, lowering onto his stomach as the general approached him. "How was I to be certain... why are you here?"

"To give you it is you desire most. I have come to heal and cleanse you..." Xu Huang stated, looking past the fur coat and seeing the man he admired so long ago. "I'm sure you don't wish to carry on like this..."

Xiahou Dun growled, his ears flattening, "Stay back... I don't want to hurt you..."

It was Zhang He who sighed, "Yet you've shown us no pity?"

"You didn't matter! NONE of the pack matters! HE does..."

It was as if Xu Huang wanted to hear those words, and he practically pounced the one-eyed werefox, catching him off guard and holding him down with an almost passionate yet forceful embrace. As hard as he tried, Xiahou Dun could not break the hold, and he growled, his teeth bare. "What are you DOING?!"

"I'm going to heal you! Xiahou Dun..." Xu Huang said almost softly, as he squeezed even harder. He tried to remember the next step, and he closed his eyes, praying that it would work. "Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Dun... Xiahou Dun!"

The one-eyed general gave a rather vicious howl, knocking the man away. His brown eye glimmered with pain, and he growled, "What... is this?"

Xu Huang couldn't answer, as he was amazed for himself, seeing the instant change within the man. His long, sharp claws began to shrink as well as the dark, overwhelming hair. His ears, which were bent with anger, had changed as well, and he gave a cry, falling to the floor.

Sima Yi blinked, stating the obvious, "Well, THAT wasn't written in the book in such detail..."

"Xiahou Dun, are you alright?" Xu Huang's voice was filled with worry, as he ran back to his love, kneeling beside him.

The change had completely finished by now, revealing a completely naked and slightly trembling Xiahou Dun, and his breaths came out his ragged pants, as he slowly looked up to reveal his now human face. "Xu..."

"Shh... it'll be okay now." The blue and white robed man assured him, taking the him of his robes to wipe his face. "I'm here..."

"What happened?" Xiahou Dun looked around, almost paranoid, as if to forget everything that happened.

Xu Huang spoke gently, "You don't remember anything?"

How could respond? He knew what he did, or at least he thought he did. He groaned, "Yes and no... am I cured?!"

Zhang He flicked his tail, "Apparently so. You don't feel any hair or fangs or claws, do you?"

No, he certainly did not... just bare skin. He screeched, finally realizing he was naked, "Goodness..."

Despite everything, the still cursed werewolf laughed, his purple eyes narrowing, "Perhaps now would be the time to give him his clothes, eh?"

As Xu Huang instantly agreed, Sima Yi could not help but lean against the tree, a light smile brightening his face. It was a rather suspicious smile, one that Zhang He recognized instantly, joining in with the smile as well as he wagged his tail playfully. "Behave..."

"I cannot help myself; they remind me so much of a certain pair I know quite well..."

"I see..."

The Wei strategist's grin deepened as he scratched the black werefox behind the ears, "Don't act so smug; I see your smile as well."

Giving a rather happy sigh, Zhang He asked, "So, is it my turn now, or will you be too embarrassed?"

"Do you want me to do it now?" Sima Yi was a bit concerned, but he wasn't hesitant to do so. "It will be quite embarrassing to return to Lord Cao Cao with you like that..."

Zhang He smiled, rubbing his head against his lord's hand, "I have nothing to hide..."

It was strange, as the minute he touched him, he nearly bit the hand, but luckily, Sima Yi was able to withdraw his hand in time. The strategist asked as a small growl rose deep from within Zhang He's throat. "What's wrong?"

"I... I don't know. I feel suddenly like... I can't bear for you to touch me..."

"Odd... you acted almost as Xiahou Dun did..." Sima Yi narrowed his eyes, shaking his head with disapproval. "Perhaps... by the means of curing you, the animal instincts within you do not wish to be cured..."

Zhang He's eyes widened, "Then... I could harm you?"

"It appears so..."

That made the black were fox shrink back, shaking his head, "No! I won't allow it! I will not put you in such a position!"

Being a quick thinker. Sima Yi instead came up with a solution. "I'll chain you up and gag you if I must... as well as the others."

"What if my instincts won't even allow you to do even THAT?! I... I do not wish to harm you!"

With a single movement, archers surrounded him and aimed their deadly weapons at him, leaving Zhang He speechless as Sima Yi apologized, "Please understand why I'm doing this..."

Oh, the pain in those purple eyes were like amethyst daggers, "You had all this planned ahead of time?"

"What else do you expect, Zhang He? If I am cursed as well, I don't think I could be able to cure you..." Sima Yi lowered his gaze, but his words remained firm. "Don't think of me as cruel, but cautious..."

And although the cursed Wei general knew it was for his own good, he could not help the feelings of betrayal in his heart, "I still love you... or I think I will..."

"Tie him up, but make sure he doesn't bite you... try not to harm him or I will have your head removed instantly..."

Zhang He snarled, lying on the ground, digging his claws deep into the earth and drooping his head, "Hurry... I don't know how long my self control will last..."

They did not question the orders, quickly grabbing the rope and trying to lasso him without causing any sort of discomfort for their general. It was indeed a challenging task...

It was equally challenging for Zhang He to resist harming the men, squeezing his eyes shut, though they flew open when he heard a gasp, "LORD ZHANG HE?!"

He looked at his trusted bodyguards, giving a hiss, "I'm fine... stand down now."

"But sir! A-are you quite certain?!"

Silly bodyguards, Zhang He thought, giving them a forced smile. He trained them all too well he feared. "Yes..."

As an afterthought, he told them, "Until further notice, I want you to protect Lord Sima Yi, no matter who may attack him. I put his life in your hands; do not fail me..."

"Yes sir!" They instantly gave their salute, not seeing the blush on Sima Yi's cheeks as they did so. So loyal... he had them wrapped around his little finger.

Smiling to himself, he winced, struggling slightly against his bonds, "Are they done?"

"Almost done sir..."

Zhang He did not dare raise his head, but he asked, all the same, "And what about our two lovebirds over there? Are they quite ready?"

Sima Yi dared not look, "Fine, I suppose... you know, I never would have guessed it was him..."

Zhang He chuckled, "You should have listened to the gossip; that's how I found out you truly loved me, after all."

"Enough... save it for later..." Sima Yi hid his blush well from behind his fan. He tried to ignore the looks from the others, though it was impossible. "Guess I'm a bit slow on the romantic part..."

"I understood, and still understand..." Zhang He gave a weak smile, as he was completely bound. The soldiers backed away to give him room, and he gave Sima Yi one last, pathetic look. "Will it be as hard for the others?"

"I pray not, but I fear it is so..." Sima Yi shook his head as the soldiers directed Zhang He into the cage. "We will be prepared at least..."

~*~*~*~

"Jiang Wei... what is the point of this game?" Lu Xun was tired, and he fell to the ground, panting hard as he tried to regain his breath. He was sick of running, dodging, ducking. He hated this, but he hated it more when Jiang Wei still begged for more.

"To have fun! Do you want to stop? You look exhausted..."

Still, panting, Lu Xun lowered his head onto the soft grass, sighing, "I am young, but you are younger... and I was tired long before this...

The puppy-like werefox cocked his head, lying down beside him, "Then why did you not tell me to stop? I would have, for your sake..."

"I don't know... I don't know ANYTHING anymore..." Lu Xun gave another sigh, wishing to regain his breath quickly. His wounds from the human part of him still existed with the exhaustion, and his eyes began to droop. "Go play with someone else... I'm too sleepy..."

Jiang Wei bopped him on the nose, "DON'T SLEEP!"

Sneering, he asked, trying to stay awake to hear the explanation. "Why?"

"Because you can't protect yourself when you sleep..."

"That's a stupid reason... who cares if I'm protected or not?" Lu Xun gave a yawn, trying to go back to the blissful sleep that called. "The humans will come to cure me... and if they catch me while I am in this state, it will be best for them, and you as well..."

"What on EARTH are you talking about?"

His question came to late, as the only words that arose from Lu Xun's lips were sounds of light snoring, and Jiang Wei, now slightly frightened and confused, tried to wake him again. What did he mean?

He tried pawing at him gently, then a bit rougher, but when this did not work, he pounced, jumping up and down on the sleeping werefox's belly, "WAKE UP!"

Barely dodging the claws and fangs that were aimed at him, Jiang Wei retreated as Lu Xun jumped to his feet with a howl, his golden eyes feral as he snapped, "LEAVE ME ALONE ALREADY!!!"

"DON'T YELL AT ME YOU BIG POO-POO HEAD! IT'S NOT MY FAULT YOU'RE CURSED TOO; I WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU MEANT!"

With those simple words, a fight broke out, and Zhou Yu was the first to arrive, seeing the two small werefoxes at each other's throats. He had never seen Lu Xun so violent before as he easily overpowered the bigger Jiang Wei, but the younger put up an excellent fight. "Stop it you two! Stop this right now!"

When neither obeyed him, he physically pulled them apart, glaring at them both before growling, "Just WHAT is going on here?! The last time I saw you two you were playing happily; what on earth happened?!"

"I want to sleep, that all I want, is to SLEEP!" Lu Xun growled, deep frustration rising from within his voice. The pain in his eyes was so obvious as he backed away. "He started it..."

"He said something about a cure and tried to get out of telling me!" Jiang Wei said, in his own defense. "So HE started it!"

"I swear, you're like a bunch of children!" Zhou Yu growled, then looked to Jiang Wei. "I suppose you left before you could hear the plan..."

"You told me to come teach him tag. I'm never playing with him again!"

Now Zhou Yu could not help but laugh, shaking his head at the very sight of them. Seeing Lu Xun brood and hearing Jiang Wei say such a thing... the curse must have brought about the youthfulness in them, Jiang Wei being the puppy and Lu Xun the moody teenager. "Well, why don't you go play with Zhao Yun then... I'm sure he can explain it to you."

The puppy gave a happy bark, wagging his tail, "Okay! But tell him that he CANNOT sleep; I don't want you know who to catch him off guard!"

With that being said, Jiang Wei left, leaving Zhou Yu with the moody Lu Xun. "You need to control yourself... the instincts aren't easy to cope with, but I know you can do better than this."

"Maybe I don't WANT to do better than this! Why should I spend my time playing with stupid puppy? All I want to do is SLEEP!" Lu Xun said in a gruff, resting his head on his paws, growling at the sight of them. "Don't see why you even care... we have the cure and if I'm asleep then capturing me would be easier."

"Because magic requires you to HEAR it; if you do not hear it, then Gan Ning might not as well waste his time."

Giving an exasperated sigh, Lu Xun whined, something he hardly did and when he did it, many found it quite annoying. "Then tell him to hurry up and catch me then! What's taking him so long?"

"Would you please stop your complaining? If you find you are unable to do so, then I shall be forced to stop it FOR you!"

That instantly silenced Lu Xun, who only apologized, "I'm sorry..."

Zhou Yu tried to resist the instinct to protect him, but to no avail, as he drew the smaller werefox into his arms, "I understand, but you have to handle this better than you are! You're making everyone miserable, including yourself..."

Lu Xun had nothing better to say, as he rested his head against his superior's chest, trembling uncontrollably to even be touched by him. He was ashamed of himself, to see himself act this way...

Almost unconsciously Zhou Yu licked his ears, nibbling on the tips, "Calm yourself..."

"How can I when you do that?!" Lu Xun demanded, struggling to break free, "Let GO of me!"

Zhou Yu gave no argument, letting him scramble away into a safe distance. "Sorry..."

Those golden orbs glared at him, keeping his rapt attention, "You ask me if I can control my instincts; I ask if you can control yours?"

"Touché..." Zhou Yu lowered his gaze, taking noticed in the slight jingle of a bell not too far off. He turned his head in the direction, realizing that Gan Ning had caught up with them. Lu Xun knew this as well, as his ears lifted, then flattened, as if to panic. "He's here..."

"What should I DO?!" With a whimper, Lu Xun began to crawl away, "I... I don't want him to see me!"

Zhou Yu pinned him to the ground, "He already has, Lu Xun! You have nothing to hide from him!"

"Get off of me! Don't touch me!" Lu Xun snarled, "Can't you keep your stinking paws to yourself?!"

This time, Zhou Yu did not remove himself, and the pirate appeared, jumping through the bushes and tearing away the last of the thorns and vines. "You got him?"

"Yes, but you'd better bind him quickly..."

Lu Xun gave a howl, his struggles getting even more violent, "Release me, dammit! LET GO OF ME!"

Sinking his teeth into his scruff in an effort to decrease the boy's struggles, Zhou Yu tried to soothe him through mindspeech, 'Settle down; this is necessary so you can be cured...'

'Just let me go... and I'll find my way into the cage... I just don't want you touching me... please, just stop touching me...'

'Don't you trust me?'

As soldiers surrounded the two, they began to carefully tied his paws, doing their best to avoid the deadly claws. Lu Xun replied, foam almost dripping through his lips as he tried to fight against Zhou Yu and the overwhelming forces. "Don't... touch... me..."

'I won't harm you, but I must touch you...'

Gan Ning watched from a distance, unable to believe his eyes. This couldn't be Lu Xun! "Calm down already; no one's going to hurt you..."

"Tell him to let GO of me, Gan Ning! I DON'T WANT HIM!" He nearly choked on the foam and spit, hurting himself more as he pushed the soldiers away. "Call them off!"

"I can't; this is for your own good..."

And that was it. Lu Xun was overpowered, and they had to carry his tied body into the cage that was set up for him. He struggled the entire time, snapping and wiggling under the bonds, but to no avail. He gave a desperate howl before cutting it off, the human side of him trying to take over once again.

Zhou Yu sighed, "What about the others?"

Looking at the insane beast, Gan Ning tried to answer, "Xiahou Dun is cured, and Zhang He is captured... just you and the other two left..."

"The other two should have a bit more control..."

"That's good."