"Zhuge Liang, are you quite sure these cages will hold?"
It was just like Liu Bei to worry, as he inspected the cages for himself, and Cao Cao only rolled his eyes as the young man plucked at the wooden door, testing its strength. "I was told that werefoxes have enhanced strength..."
The soothing, almost seductive voice of the Shu's main strategist could not be denied of its confidence, "I am perfectly sure the cages will hold, my lord."
Even the makeshift one seemed worthy of being called the work of Zhuge Liang's, as they seemed almost too good to be true. Cao Cao almost envied the man for being so brilliant, as well as the other for having him.
Not that anyone noticed. Sun Ce was busy inspecting the locks; Ma Chao was double checking the cages in their entirety, and the Lord and head strategist of Shu conversed over the plans.
Cao Cao sneered, walking up to one and testing it, slamming the cage door shut while poor Liu Bei was inside. Seeing the man jump in alarm made him snicker, "Do you think the sound will frighten the others we're capturing as well?"
"I think THEY will be expecting it," Liu Bei answered stiffly, his grey eyes narrowing. "Let me out!"
"I was only testing it..." Cao Cao gave a slight grin, liking, for the short amount of time it had lasted, the small look of fear in the Imperial Uncle's eyes. He gave him his wish, rather a demand, and opened the door, commenting to Zhuge Liang as he did so. "I find it hard to close the door... do you intend for it to be that way?"
"The door may be hard to close, sir, but once it closes, it is equally hard to open, as you yourself can attest."
Boy was he ever true, as he had to use both hands to complete the task. Liu Bei hardly looked at him when he did, and he asked another simple question, "Hard for us, but will it be hard for them if we do not get the lock on in enough time?"
"That is what we are hoping for, sir, but you forget that they will also be chained, which will allow us more time, if we should need it," Zhuge Liang answered. "Hopefully, we shall be able to cure them quickly without them becoming overly frightened."
Gan Ning's voice was heard over the jingle of his bells, and all eyes turned to him as he and a few soldiers were trying to carry the struggling form of Lu Xun, avoiding the teeth and drool quite well. "Trust me, it WON'T take too long to get them frightened if they're anything like Lu Xun... prepare for a fight, boys..."
Zhou Yu responded, slinking in from the forest, "But the others are going to try much more than he is. He hasn't had the time to adjust..."
It was the first time seeing a werefox for some of them, and Lu Xun wasn't really a good example, as he showed nothing but fear and anger towards them. They could see how easily Gan Ning was losing his patience with him, and if it weren't for the fact that he was needed to hear the words, then he would have easily knocked him into unconsciousness to stop his struggles.
Gan Ning was trying, trying so hard to remain gentle, even as he set his love in the cage and shut the door. Sighing, he asked Zhou Yu, "Where are the others? I didn't see them behind us; are they even there?"
Fearing to be seen by Sun Ce so quickly, Zhou Yu tried to answer, keeping his voice down but trying to speak over Lu Xun's howling. "They will come shortly... I sent Jiang Wei off so that Zhao Yun could explain the plans with him."
"Will they be willing to come out with both of us here, or should I leave?"
Zhou Yu didn't have a sure answer, but he looked to Liu Bei and Cao Cao, addressing them, "I know for sure that you two should not be seen... you might want to hide elsewhere until they are all captured."
Liu Bei nodded, instantly seeing the wisdom in this, "Simply inform us when we may see our officers again, and we shall not bother you until then."
"I trust you with the matter then..." Cao Cao stated, waiting and seeing where the other lord went before following him. He was curious about his two officers, however, he had a feeling that they were safe. Besides, it gave him time to be alone... well, not completely, anyway. There was Liu Bei to be concerned with.
The afore mentioned officer stared at him, his cold, silvery eyes suspicious, "What are you staring at me for?"
Cao Cao only grinned, leaning against the closest tree and looking at him through the corner of his eyes as he replied, fingering the hilt of his beautiful sword. "Do you think it will work?"
The Lord of Shu sighed, slowly sliding to the ground as he leaned against a tree, "I hope so. I hate seeing my officers like this..."
"You haven't even seen them and you automatically presume they were like him?"
"I was referring to Zhuge Liang and Ma Chao..."
Now Cao Cao gave a small chuckle, making Liu Bei wonder as the Hero of Chaos shook his head. "My mistake then."
Liu Bei raised an eyebrow, "Don't tell me you didn't notice anything wrong with Sima Yi. I have a feeling he was worse than mine!"
"You apparently don't know Sima Yi..." Cao Cao grinned, lowering his gaze to look at him again through his point of view. He hadn't changed much since the Yellow Turbans or Chang Ban... he found himself grinning a rather teethy grin, one that he and only he could own.
"Would you care to share the good humor?" Liu Bei asked, raising his hand to remove his strange hat, his dark hair floating softly in the night breeze. "I fail to see anything worth smiling about..."
Taking a seat next to him, Cao Cao tried to explain, enjoying the sudden rise of fear in Liu Bei's grey eyes once again. He felt as if it gave him power and strength, something he loved. "You don't seem to have enough trust in your officers... you worry too much over the smallest of things, and that's why you will never defeat me, dear old friend."
The determination and strength that entered the man's voice was amazing to see, as the fear in his eyes turned to flame, "Then I will die trying..."
Liu Bei's anger turned into confusion, as Cao Cao observed him, grabbing his chin and holding his head still, "Quite a spirit for such an underdog. It makes your admirable... like your eyes."
"What on earth are you doing?" The Lord of Shu demanded, jerking away. "Get your hands off of me!"
However, Cao Cao did not obey, as his grip got a little bit tighter. "Is that fear or anxiety I see in your eyes, and if it's the latter, why so anxious?"
Liu Bei hissed, "I am not afraid of you, not now, and not ever!"
"I don't think of it as that way..." Cao Cao narrowed his eyes, releasing him to turn back to observing him from the corner of his eyes. They were alone; there was no business to discuss. Now was the perfect time, and that was what Liu Bei feared, as he quickly turned away. Mutual feelings?
What the Shu lord said was something he did not expect, "I see you are much like your cousin then..."
Curious, Cao Cao asked, "Why?"
"You both love in intimidate, and dominate those you feel are weaker than you. You would both be willing to rape to get that feeling, am I right?"
Now that was truly unexpected, and how else could Cao Cao answer the question without one of his own. "If I were to kiss you right now, would you consider it love or rape? I could see it in your eyes that you would wish for it."
Liu Bei could not stop his blush, but he tried to keep his voice calm, "If you try and kiss me right now, I will remove this blade of mine and run it through you!"
"Let's test that then, shall we?" Before Liu Bei could even bring his hand towards his sword, Cao Cao had turned about, his hand grabbing his own and his lips meeting his own.
It did not take long for Liu Bei to succumb, melting into the kiss and not trying in the least to pull away. And it wasn't that he didn't realize he was doing this, but he knew very well what he was doing. He loved it! He never realized how long he had been waiting...
He moaned as he was released, "Don't stop..."
"Aha! So you do enjoy this... then it's not rape!"
Liu Bei gave a hiss through his teeth, closing his grey eyes, "Don't mock me."
It was more of a relief then anything to see that he wanted this, and Cao Cao snickered as he obliged by his wishes. This earned him a glare, as Liu Bei hissed again, "I'm serious! Do not mock me for my feelings!"
"I don't mock you, at least not willingly... I can't help it if I'm the Hero of Chaos..."
"So you think I am in chaos?" Liu Bei asked in a most curious voice, one that Cao Cao could not help but smile at. "How so?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Cao Cao countered the question, then, as quick as a panther, struck, pinning the smaller man on the ground and giving a rather sly look. "As much as I wish to be with you, I'd much rather see you on the opposite side of the battlefield... I like men with such strong will..."
"I will destroy you one day. You realize this?" Liu Bei responded, his silver eyes shining.
Somehow, Cao Cao could not help but laugh at this, speaking a few more words as he went back to the pleasure once again. "I'd like to see you try..."
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu looked at his cage, his nose crinkling in distaste, "I hate this... I hate having to do this, although it is necessary..."
The cages were rather large, but it gave the werefoxes enough room to where they would not injure themselves if they begun to panic. Now Lu Xun and Zhang He were within the cages, and Zhang He only sat quietly as Lu Xun still continued his violent struggles, wearing on everyone's nerves quickly. Ma Chao asked, "Don't you think it's time we get the others?"
Zhou Yu went to answer, but the soft voice of Zhao Yun called out, "We're... we're here, Ma Chao..."
Once again, all heads turned tot he general direction, and Zhang He rose his ears, giving a small bark, "Zhao Yun, Jiang Wei, you can show yourselves... they won't hurt you."
It was actually Jiang Wei who slunk out of the bushes first, his tail between his legs and scared to death. The puppy gave a whimper when his eye fell upon Zhuge Liang, and he began to crawl away.
Seeing this, Zhuge Liang lowered his gaze, wondering if the same thing would have to be done for these two as well. "It's quite alright, Jiang Wei... you have no reason to fear... neither of you."
"D-do you hate me, Prime Minister? Are you angry at me because of this?"
"Of course not..."
Ma Chao took his cue from this conversation, "And I, of course, harbor nothing but good for you, Zhao Yun..."
From wherever Zhao Yun was, he only lowered himself even more to the ground, in fear and shame. Zhou Yu found him, trying to nudge him along, "Why do you hold back?"
"Oh Zhou Yu. I... I cannot face him! Do you know how many nights I've spent, with another member of the pack upon me, in a position only HE should have occupied?" The werefox spoke mournfully, trying not to cry, "I am dirty, and soiled. He deserves better..."
He understood his troubles, and Zhou Yu only did his best to console it, "But that shouldn't get in the way of correcting that mistake... he doesn't deserve the one he loves refusing to return to him."
Again, Ma Chao called, a tone of pleading in his voice, "Zhao Yun... please..."
"Go to him..." Zhou Yu whispered, nuzzling the other werefox in a friendly manner. "He doesn't care what has happened to you; he still loves you..."
Heeding his words, Zhao Yun crawled from the bushes, even twice as frightened as poor Jiang Wei. He trembled when he lay onto his stomach, looking up at Ma Chao with the saddest of eyes. To see a warrior a great as he, turned into something so fearful and weak...
Unable to resist, and knowing full aware of the danger, Ma Chao threw himself at his love, scooping him up into his arms, and swiftly, almost fearfully whispering, "Zhao Yun... Zhao Yun... Zhao Yun..."
No one could stop him, and though Zhuge Liang nearly grabbed him, to tell him of the danger is acting to rash, it only seemed to help Zhao Yun that it was done so quickly. He gave a small howl, as all others watched the transformation begin to take place.
Panting, naked, the Shu warrior gazed into Ma Chao's eyes, "W-was that it?'
The smile on Ma Chao's face was enough, but the slight purr that rose from Zhang He told all, as he stared clearly at his naked rear. "Quite nice..."
Zhao Yun's face turned as red as any Wu tunic, and Jiang Wei barked happily, "Wow! You're human, and at night too!"
Holding back his laughter, Zhuge Liang spoke, hiding behind his fan as Sima Yi did the same. "It works then... welcome back tot he human world, Zhao Yun."
"I don't suppose I could be welcomed back into the human world a little less... naked?" Zhao Yun asked as his face was bright, bright red, and he was thankful to hear his own voice at night, not the animalistic one that had haunted him so. He went deeper into Ma Chao's hold, resting his head against his chest. "It's... finally... over..."
"No fair! No fair! I wanna be human again too!" Jiang Wei pouted.
Unable to help himself, Zhuge Liang laughed, rather enjoying the youthful enthusiasm of his prized pupil. "Your turn is next then..."
Forgetting his fear, the puppy gave a yelp, sprinting over to the strategist, and sitting at his feet, barely able to control himself, "YAY! My turn! My turn!"
They did not see Zhang He's, nor Lu Xun's eyes upon them, and Lu Xun growled, once again trying to pry the chains from him. "Why... do they make it look so easy?!"
The Wei general answered, his voice sad, "I don't think it will be so easy for Jiang Wei..."
"What do you mean?!" Lu Xun asked, confusion in his words.
"The same thing happened with Xiahou Dun and myself; Xiahou Dun was taken by surprise and easily cured; I was waiting and not easily cured. But, heaven may smile upon the poor child..."
Zhuge Liang could not help bu overhear the conversation, and he spoke softly to Jiang Wei, wishing to prove them wrong. "I know you're stronger then you look, strong on the inside, and I know you can control your instincts long enough for me to cure you. Do you doubt that?"
"If you have faith in me, Prime Minister, how can I fail?"
That thought along made the Prime Minister smile, and, with a rather quick movement, he began the task. Instantly, Jiang Wei stiffened, and his puppyish expression was gone, and the first time his name was spoken, he gave a howl, as if he had been stabbed.
Zhou Yu struck quickly, pouncing and pushing Zhuge Liang away from the now raging puppy, doing his best not to scratch him with his deadly claws. He gave a cry as well, as Jiang Wei threw himself at him, driving his jaws into his neck with a deadly thrust.
'NO! LET HIM FINISH IT!'
Jiang Wei could not even think coherent thoughts, and the jaws got tighter and tighter, drawing even more blood to run down his sleek back. He gave a yelp, uncertain of what to do, "Sun Ce!"
Sun Ce was as pale as a sheet, wishing he had his tonfas. As it was, he did the only thing he could think to do; he tackled the mad beast head on. The chaos was almost unimaginable, as Sun Ce tried to pin the mad beast down and avoid being injured at the same time. Others came to assist, and Lu Xun began barking as the soldiers and Sun Ce tried to bind Jiang Wei as well.
The pain that shined in those tawny eyes was terrible to behold, but at last the deed was done, and he whimpered, curling into a ball within his locked cage. Zhang He sighed, "Alas, the fates are indeed cruel..."
As the excitement was over, Lu Xun's barks came to a cease, sneering, "Indeed..."
Amethyst eyes met his own through wooden bars, and the normally sultry voice of Zhang He held a tinge of anger, "I fail to see how one so beautiful can be so pitiless. That puppy has endured things you have never had to, and if I were you, I would treat him kindly..."
Gan Ning spoke for Lu Xun's defense, "Knock it off... not like anyone's been having a good day, you know."
"So you feel a cold, merciless heart is appropriate? But, then again, I'd expect you to say that, oh Belled one..."
The pirate withdrew his sword, and luckily for Zhang He, there were two things between him and the pirate. The cage bars and Sima Yi.
Never in all of his life had Gan Ning EVER seen the Wei strategist so angry, or so powerful looking, the black fan he had once joked of now seeming as deadly as any blade, "I would advise you to put that away, pirate."
Zhou Yu choked, trying to rise from his wound to stop them, but unable to even stand now as blood gushed from his wounds. "This... is getting... us nowhere!"
Zhao Yun, now semi-clothed with a piece of cloth, could not help but agree, "Please, gentle sirs, do not reduce yourselves to petty squabbling! It is not helping your loves at all!"
"Easy... for you to say..." Lu Xun said in a low whisper, lowering his head and giving a small gruff, but nothing more. Even Gan Ning was ashamed of him, and he felt nothing but the overwhelming sense of shame and anger circle within his mind.
Zhang He flicked his tail, resting his head onto his paws, "Someone, please bind poor Zhou Yu's wounds. It pains me to see him so..."
Many were already on it, but before any could touch him, Zhou Yu bared his teeth, "Later... I might strike you... if you do it now..."
Zhang He was firm, "Then you must be healed of the curse NOW, before you bleed to death. Once the transformation is complete, the wounds will disappear."
Now, to that Zhou Yu had no objections, and he practically collapsed to the ground as he tried to stand again, but this time, Sun Ce was there. "Zhou Yu... I'm sorry I didn't act sooner..."
"W-why? So that you could have been hurt?" The Wu strategist asked, his breathing ragged. "I'd rather... you safe. Isn't that how this curse got started for me in the first place?"
They could feel eyes upon them, but they did not care. Sun Ce laughed, daring to touch him with his own gentle hands. "Of course only you would remember something like that... well, I'll make up for it. I promise."
Zhou Yu instantly stiffened, but he did not attack, his voice dropping, "You already make up for it, just by being you..."
Careful not to touch the wounds, Sun Ce embraced his closest friend, his strategist, and his love tightly, whispering the names in his ears. "Return to me, okay? Zhou Yu... Zhou Yu... Zhou Yu..."
The transformation, the one everyone had witnessed at least once, began, and Zhou Yu gave a gasp as his wounds seemed to knit themselves shut. Even as he felt the transformation end, he asked, licking his suddenly dry lips, "Am... am I... human, again?"
"Yes..." Lu Xun said with a sigh, speaking before Sun Ce could. The Little Conqueror, however, did not release him, even as he saw how the curse ending, too afraid to reveal to the others that he was crying.
Zhou Yu only returned the embrace, neglecting his naked state to murmur in his ear, "It's okay..."
Now Lu Xun was begging for it, as he gave a low bark, "Can we continue? The night is passing away quickly!"
Zhang He sighed, "By all means. Though, if it comes down to the final minutes, cure these young ones first. I can bear this curse... one more night."
"But Zhang He..."
The black werefox shook his head, "No buts. Not from anyone, not even you, Yi-chan."
"Prime Minister... I'm so sorry... please forgive me..." Jiang Wei whimpered, finally finding the nerves to speak again. All could see Zhuge Liang's concern, as he knelt against the cage bars, eyeing his pupil with deep concern.
His voice, always so deep and seductive, was doubly so, as he spoke from the heart, softly "Oh my dear, what on earth should you be sorry for?"
The puppy only trembled more, not wishing to speak another word for in fear of shaking his Prime minister again.
After a few minutes, as no one seemed to say anything, he finally answered again, "I... I didn't mean to disappoint you sir, with my weakness."
"Weakness?" Nonsense... it's not entirely your fault..."
"W-will you trust me enough... to try again?"
The look on his face was enough, but he gave a nod for reassurance. However, he did turn to Zhou Yu, speaking lowly, "You saved me... why?"
Those chocolate brown eyes burned into him, "Why do you think? For poor Jiang Wei. Certainly not to help you; that is only an unfortunate side effect of curing my little puppy friend..."
"As I expected... well, I thank you for his sake then." Zhuge Liang gave a bow, showing no grudge.
"His cure will be my thanks..."
Once again Lu Xun gave a bark, looking to the moon in slight fear. "Spare the suspense..."
Jiang Wei said nothing as his Prime Minister opened the door to the cage and stepped inside, though his light brown eyes never left the other man's face.
"Are you ready this time, Jiang Wei?"
"I... I am prepared if you are, Prime Minister."
Instead of saying anything, Lu Xun knew better, keeping his mouth shut and turning away.
Zhuge Liang slowly wrapped his arms around the puppy, gently pulling him closer, "Shh... it will be over soon..."
"I'm still sorry..." Jiang Wei whimpered, resting his head on the other man's arm, "I will try... try to be stronger for you..."
His almost secretive smile meant something, but no one cared enough to notice it. "You already showed me your strength."
Then, he repeated the words, like a mantra, like a prayer, "Jiang Wei... Jiang Wei... Jiang Wei..."
Now it was Gan Ning who commented, speaking for his love in an attempt to keep him silent as Jiang Wei began the transformation. "It's easy... almost... TOO easy..."
Giving a heartfelt moan, Lu Xun cried out, "I know... I know. But look! The sun is rising!"
All heads turned to great the small light breaking through the mountain tops, and Zhang He gave a sigh, bowing his head to welcome the morning, "So be it then... we will have to wait another night it seems, Lu Xun... perhaps then you will adjust to this as we have."
The Wu officer hissed, "I don't WANT to adjust!"
It appeared the only one who had compassion for him was Gan Ning, as the pirate tried his best to console him, "Don't worry about it, buddy... it's only for one more night! Surely you can handle it..."
Zhao Yun spoke, equally soft, "Surely Lu Xun, you can find the strengh for one more night of a torture I have spent months enduring..."
He was only given a hated glare, and Lu Xun gave a moan, as the sun's warm ways turned his fur and burned it away, leaving him and Zhang He now bare and chained still. Gan Ning was within the cage in an instant, untying him and trying to console him as Zhuge Liang agreed with his officer. "It hardly seems fair for you to even complain..."
But Jiang Wei instantly protested, tightening his grip on his Prime Minister's robes, "Oh sir, it may not be fair, but I think we all understand. Please... I... I don't want to see anymore fighting. He and Zhang He are part of my pack, it would seem, for a little while longer."
As a new day begun, no one could truly argue, but they were thankful that most of their task was complete. Cao Cao and Liu Bei had arrived, figuring it was safe, and as questions began to arise, they wondered what the future brought in their paths now...
It was just like Liu Bei to worry, as he inspected the cages for himself, and Cao Cao only rolled his eyes as the young man plucked at the wooden door, testing its strength. "I was told that werefoxes have enhanced strength..."
The soothing, almost seductive voice of the Shu's main strategist could not be denied of its confidence, "I am perfectly sure the cages will hold, my lord."
Even the makeshift one seemed worthy of being called the work of Zhuge Liang's, as they seemed almost too good to be true. Cao Cao almost envied the man for being so brilliant, as well as the other for having him.
Not that anyone noticed. Sun Ce was busy inspecting the locks; Ma Chao was double checking the cages in their entirety, and the Lord and head strategist of Shu conversed over the plans.
Cao Cao sneered, walking up to one and testing it, slamming the cage door shut while poor Liu Bei was inside. Seeing the man jump in alarm made him snicker, "Do you think the sound will frighten the others we're capturing as well?"
"I think THEY will be expecting it," Liu Bei answered stiffly, his grey eyes narrowing. "Let me out!"
"I was only testing it..." Cao Cao gave a slight grin, liking, for the short amount of time it had lasted, the small look of fear in the Imperial Uncle's eyes. He gave him his wish, rather a demand, and opened the door, commenting to Zhuge Liang as he did so. "I find it hard to close the door... do you intend for it to be that way?"
"The door may be hard to close, sir, but once it closes, it is equally hard to open, as you yourself can attest."
Boy was he ever true, as he had to use both hands to complete the task. Liu Bei hardly looked at him when he did, and he asked another simple question, "Hard for us, but will it be hard for them if we do not get the lock on in enough time?"
"That is what we are hoping for, sir, but you forget that they will also be chained, which will allow us more time, if we should need it," Zhuge Liang answered. "Hopefully, we shall be able to cure them quickly without them becoming overly frightened."
Gan Ning's voice was heard over the jingle of his bells, and all eyes turned to him as he and a few soldiers were trying to carry the struggling form of Lu Xun, avoiding the teeth and drool quite well. "Trust me, it WON'T take too long to get them frightened if they're anything like Lu Xun... prepare for a fight, boys..."
Zhou Yu responded, slinking in from the forest, "But the others are going to try much more than he is. He hasn't had the time to adjust..."
It was the first time seeing a werefox for some of them, and Lu Xun wasn't really a good example, as he showed nothing but fear and anger towards them. They could see how easily Gan Ning was losing his patience with him, and if it weren't for the fact that he was needed to hear the words, then he would have easily knocked him into unconsciousness to stop his struggles.
Gan Ning was trying, trying so hard to remain gentle, even as he set his love in the cage and shut the door. Sighing, he asked Zhou Yu, "Where are the others? I didn't see them behind us; are they even there?"
Fearing to be seen by Sun Ce so quickly, Zhou Yu tried to answer, keeping his voice down but trying to speak over Lu Xun's howling. "They will come shortly... I sent Jiang Wei off so that Zhao Yun could explain the plans with him."
"Will they be willing to come out with both of us here, or should I leave?"
Zhou Yu didn't have a sure answer, but he looked to Liu Bei and Cao Cao, addressing them, "I know for sure that you two should not be seen... you might want to hide elsewhere until they are all captured."
Liu Bei nodded, instantly seeing the wisdom in this, "Simply inform us when we may see our officers again, and we shall not bother you until then."
"I trust you with the matter then..." Cao Cao stated, waiting and seeing where the other lord went before following him. He was curious about his two officers, however, he had a feeling that they were safe. Besides, it gave him time to be alone... well, not completely, anyway. There was Liu Bei to be concerned with.
The afore mentioned officer stared at him, his cold, silvery eyes suspicious, "What are you staring at me for?"
Cao Cao only grinned, leaning against the closest tree and looking at him through the corner of his eyes as he replied, fingering the hilt of his beautiful sword. "Do you think it will work?"
The Lord of Shu sighed, slowly sliding to the ground as he leaned against a tree, "I hope so. I hate seeing my officers like this..."
"You haven't even seen them and you automatically presume they were like him?"
"I was referring to Zhuge Liang and Ma Chao..."
Now Cao Cao gave a small chuckle, making Liu Bei wonder as the Hero of Chaos shook his head. "My mistake then."
Liu Bei raised an eyebrow, "Don't tell me you didn't notice anything wrong with Sima Yi. I have a feeling he was worse than mine!"
"You apparently don't know Sima Yi..." Cao Cao grinned, lowering his gaze to look at him again through his point of view. He hadn't changed much since the Yellow Turbans or Chang Ban... he found himself grinning a rather teethy grin, one that he and only he could own.
"Would you care to share the good humor?" Liu Bei asked, raising his hand to remove his strange hat, his dark hair floating softly in the night breeze. "I fail to see anything worth smiling about..."
Taking a seat next to him, Cao Cao tried to explain, enjoying the sudden rise of fear in Liu Bei's grey eyes once again. He felt as if it gave him power and strength, something he loved. "You don't seem to have enough trust in your officers... you worry too much over the smallest of things, and that's why you will never defeat me, dear old friend."
The determination and strength that entered the man's voice was amazing to see, as the fear in his eyes turned to flame, "Then I will die trying..."
Liu Bei's anger turned into confusion, as Cao Cao observed him, grabbing his chin and holding his head still, "Quite a spirit for such an underdog. It makes your admirable... like your eyes."
"What on earth are you doing?" The Lord of Shu demanded, jerking away. "Get your hands off of me!"
However, Cao Cao did not obey, as his grip got a little bit tighter. "Is that fear or anxiety I see in your eyes, and if it's the latter, why so anxious?"
Liu Bei hissed, "I am not afraid of you, not now, and not ever!"
"I don't think of it as that way..." Cao Cao narrowed his eyes, releasing him to turn back to observing him from the corner of his eyes. They were alone; there was no business to discuss. Now was the perfect time, and that was what Liu Bei feared, as he quickly turned away. Mutual feelings?
What the Shu lord said was something he did not expect, "I see you are much like your cousin then..."
Curious, Cao Cao asked, "Why?"
"You both love in intimidate, and dominate those you feel are weaker than you. You would both be willing to rape to get that feeling, am I right?"
Now that was truly unexpected, and how else could Cao Cao answer the question without one of his own. "If I were to kiss you right now, would you consider it love or rape? I could see it in your eyes that you would wish for it."
Liu Bei could not stop his blush, but he tried to keep his voice calm, "If you try and kiss me right now, I will remove this blade of mine and run it through you!"
"Let's test that then, shall we?" Before Liu Bei could even bring his hand towards his sword, Cao Cao had turned about, his hand grabbing his own and his lips meeting his own.
It did not take long for Liu Bei to succumb, melting into the kiss and not trying in the least to pull away. And it wasn't that he didn't realize he was doing this, but he knew very well what he was doing. He loved it! He never realized how long he had been waiting...
He moaned as he was released, "Don't stop..."
"Aha! So you do enjoy this... then it's not rape!"
Liu Bei gave a hiss through his teeth, closing his grey eyes, "Don't mock me."
It was more of a relief then anything to see that he wanted this, and Cao Cao snickered as he obliged by his wishes. This earned him a glare, as Liu Bei hissed again, "I'm serious! Do not mock me for my feelings!"
"I don't mock you, at least not willingly... I can't help it if I'm the Hero of Chaos..."
"So you think I am in chaos?" Liu Bei asked in a most curious voice, one that Cao Cao could not help but smile at. "How so?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Cao Cao countered the question, then, as quick as a panther, struck, pinning the smaller man on the ground and giving a rather sly look. "As much as I wish to be with you, I'd much rather see you on the opposite side of the battlefield... I like men with such strong will..."
"I will destroy you one day. You realize this?" Liu Bei responded, his silver eyes shining.
Somehow, Cao Cao could not help but laugh at this, speaking a few more words as he went back to the pleasure once again. "I'd like to see you try..."
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu looked at his cage, his nose crinkling in distaste, "I hate this... I hate having to do this, although it is necessary..."
The cages were rather large, but it gave the werefoxes enough room to where they would not injure themselves if they begun to panic. Now Lu Xun and Zhang He were within the cages, and Zhang He only sat quietly as Lu Xun still continued his violent struggles, wearing on everyone's nerves quickly. Ma Chao asked, "Don't you think it's time we get the others?"
Zhou Yu went to answer, but the soft voice of Zhao Yun called out, "We're... we're here, Ma Chao..."
Once again, all heads turned tot he general direction, and Zhang He rose his ears, giving a small bark, "Zhao Yun, Jiang Wei, you can show yourselves... they won't hurt you."
It was actually Jiang Wei who slunk out of the bushes first, his tail between his legs and scared to death. The puppy gave a whimper when his eye fell upon Zhuge Liang, and he began to crawl away.
Seeing this, Zhuge Liang lowered his gaze, wondering if the same thing would have to be done for these two as well. "It's quite alright, Jiang Wei... you have no reason to fear... neither of you."
"D-do you hate me, Prime Minister? Are you angry at me because of this?"
"Of course not..."
Ma Chao took his cue from this conversation, "And I, of course, harbor nothing but good for you, Zhao Yun..."
From wherever Zhao Yun was, he only lowered himself even more to the ground, in fear and shame. Zhou Yu found him, trying to nudge him along, "Why do you hold back?"
"Oh Zhou Yu. I... I cannot face him! Do you know how many nights I've spent, with another member of the pack upon me, in a position only HE should have occupied?" The werefox spoke mournfully, trying not to cry, "I am dirty, and soiled. He deserves better..."
He understood his troubles, and Zhou Yu only did his best to console it, "But that shouldn't get in the way of correcting that mistake... he doesn't deserve the one he loves refusing to return to him."
Again, Ma Chao called, a tone of pleading in his voice, "Zhao Yun... please..."
"Go to him..." Zhou Yu whispered, nuzzling the other werefox in a friendly manner. "He doesn't care what has happened to you; he still loves you..."
Heeding his words, Zhao Yun crawled from the bushes, even twice as frightened as poor Jiang Wei. He trembled when he lay onto his stomach, looking up at Ma Chao with the saddest of eyes. To see a warrior a great as he, turned into something so fearful and weak...
Unable to resist, and knowing full aware of the danger, Ma Chao threw himself at his love, scooping him up into his arms, and swiftly, almost fearfully whispering, "Zhao Yun... Zhao Yun... Zhao Yun..."
No one could stop him, and though Zhuge Liang nearly grabbed him, to tell him of the danger is acting to rash, it only seemed to help Zhao Yun that it was done so quickly. He gave a small howl, as all others watched the transformation begin to take place.
Panting, naked, the Shu warrior gazed into Ma Chao's eyes, "W-was that it?'
The smile on Ma Chao's face was enough, but the slight purr that rose from Zhang He told all, as he stared clearly at his naked rear. "Quite nice..."
Zhao Yun's face turned as red as any Wu tunic, and Jiang Wei barked happily, "Wow! You're human, and at night too!"
Holding back his laughter, Zhuge Liang spoke, hiding behind his fan as Sima Yi did the same. "It works then... welcome back tot he human world, Zhao Yun."
"I don't suppose I could be welcomed back into the human world a little less... naked?" Zhao Yun asked as his face was bright, bright red, and he was thankful to hear his own voice at night, not the animalistic one that had haunted him so. He went deeper into Ma Chao's hold, resting his head against his chest. "It's... finally... over..."
"No fair! No fair! I wanna be human again too!" Jiang Wei pouted.
Unable to help himself, Zhuge Liang laughed, rather enjoying the youthful enthusiasm of his prized pupil. "Your turn is next then..."
Forgetting his fear, the puppy gave a yelp, sprinting over to the strategist, and sitting at his feet, barely able to control himself, "YAY! My turn! My turn!"
They did not see Zhang He's, nor Lu Xun's eyes upon them, and Lu Xun growled, once again trying to pry the chains from him. "Why... do they make it look so easy?!"
The Wei general answered, his voice sad, "I don't think it will be so easy for Jiang Wei..."
"What do you mean?!" Lu Xun asked, confusion in his words.
"The same thing happened with Xiahou Dun and myself; Xiahou Dun was taken by surprise and easily cured; I was waiting and not easily cured. But, heaven may smile upon the poor child..."
Zhuge Liang could not help bu overhear the conversation, and he spoke softly to Jiang Wei, wishing to prove them wrong. "I know you're stronger then you look, strong on the inside, and I know you can control your instincts long enough for me to cure you. Do you doubt that?"
"If you have faith in me, Prime Minister, how can I fail?"
That thought along made the Prime Minister smile, and, with a rather quick movement, he began the task. Instantly, Jiang Wei stiffened, and his puppyish expression was gone, and the first time his name was spoken, he gave a howl, as if he had been stabbed.
Zhou Yu struck quickly, pouncing and pushing Zhuge Liang away from the now raging puppy, doing his best not to scratch him with his deadly claws. He gave a cry as well, as Jiang Wei threw himself at him, driving his jaws into his neck with a deadly thrust.
'NO! LET HIM FINISH IT!'
Jiang Wei could not even think coherent thoughts, and the jaws got tighter and tighter, drawing even more blood to run down his sleek back. He gave a yelp, uncertain of what to do, "Sun Ce!"
Sun Ce was as pale as a sheet, wishing he had his tonfas. As it was, he did the only thing he could think to do; he tackled the mad beast head on. The chaos was almost unimaginable, as Sun Ce tried to pin the mad beast down and avoid being injured at the same time. Others came to assist, and Lu Xun began barking as the soldiers and Sun Ce tried to bind Jiang Wei as well.
The pain that shined in those tawny eyes was terrible to behold, but at last the deed was done, and he whimpered, curling into a ball within his locked cage. Zhang He sighed, "Alas, the fates are indeed cruel..."
As the excitement was over, Lu Xun's barks came to a cease, sneering, "Indeed..."
Amethyst eyes met his own through wooden bars, and the normally sultry voice of Zhang He held a tinge of anger, "I fail to see how one so beautiful can be so pitiless. That puppy has endured things you have never had to, and if I were you, I would treat him kindly..."
Gan Ning spoke for Lu Xun's defense, "Knock it off... not like anyone's been having a good day, you know."
"So you feel a cold, merciless heart is appropriate? But, then again, I'd expect you to say that, oh Belled one..."
The pirate withdrew his sword, and luckily for Zhang He, there were two things between him and the pirate. The cage bars and Sima Yi.
Never in all of his life had Gan Ning EVER seen the Wei strategist so angry, or so powerful looking, the black fan he had once joked of now seeming as deadly as any blade, "I would advise you to put that away, pirate."
Zhou Yu choked, trying to rise from his wound to stop them, but unable to even stand now as blood gushed from his wounds. "This... is getting... us nowhere!"
Zhao Yun, now semi-clothed with a piece of cloth, could not help but agree, "Please, gentle sirs, do not reduce yourselves to petty squabbling! It is not helping your loves at all!"
"Easy... for you to say..." Lu Xun said in a low whisper, lowering his head and giving a small gruff, but nothing more. Even Gan Ning was ashamed of him, and he felt nothing but the overwhelming sense of shame and anger circle within his mind.
Zhang He flicked his tail, resting his head onto his paws, "Someone, please bind poor Zhou Yu's wounds. It pains me to see him so..."
Many were already on it, but before any could touch him, Zhou Yu bared his teeth, "Later... I might strike you... if you do it now..."
Zhang He was firm, "Then you must be healed of the curse NOW, before you bleed to death. Once the transformation is complete, the wounds will disappear."
Now, to that Zhou Yu had no objections, and he practically collapsed to the ground as he tried to stand again, but this time, Sun Ce was there. "Zhou Yu... I'm sorry I didn't act sooner..."
"W-why? So that you could have been hurt?" The Wu strategist asked, his breathing ragged. "I'd rather... you safe. Isn't that how this curse got started for me in the first place?"
They could feel eyes upon them, but they did not care. Sun Ce laughed, daring to touch him with his own gentle hands. "Of course only you would remember something like that... well, I'll make up for it. I promise."
Zhou Yu instantly stiffened, but he did not attack, his voice dropping, "You already make up for it, just by being you..."
Careful not to touch the wounds, Sun Ce embraced his closest friend, his strategist, and his love tightly, whispering the names in his ears. "Return to me, okay? Zhou Yu... Zhou Yu... Zhou Yu..."
The transformation, the one everyone had witnessed at least once, began, and Zhou Yu gave a gasp as his wounds seemed to knit themselves shut. Even as he felt the transformation end, he asked, licking his suddenly dry lips, "Am... am I... human, again?"
"Yes..." Lu Xun said with a sigh, speaking before Sun Ce could. The Little Conqueror, however, did not release him, even as he saw how the curse ending, too afraid to reveal to the others that he was crying.
Zhou Yu only returned the embrace, neglecting his naked state to murmur in his ear, "It's okay..."
Now Lu Xun was begging for it, as he gave a low bark, "Can we continue? The night is passing away quickly!"
Zhang He sighed, "By all means. Though, if it comes down to the final minutes, cure these young ones first. I can bear this curse... one more night."
"But Zhang He..."
The black werefox shook his head, "No buts. Not from anyone, not even you, Yi-chan."
"Prime Minister... I'm so sorry... please forgive me..." Jiang Wei whimpered, finally finding the nerves to speak again. All could see Zhuge Liang's concern, as he knelt against the cage bars, eyeing his pupil with deep concern.
His voice, always so deep and seductive, was doubly so, as he spoke from the heart, softly "Oh my dear, what on earth should you be sorry for?"
The puppy only trembled more, not wishing to speak another word for in fear of shaking his Prime minister again.
After a few minutes, as no one seemed to say anything, he finally answered again, "I... I didn't mean to disappoint you sir, with my weakness."
"Weakness?" Nonsense... it's not entirely your fault..."
"W-will you trust me enough... to try again?"
The look on his face was enough, but he gave a nod for reassurance. However, he did turn to Zhou Yu, speaking lowly, "You saved me... why?"
Those chocolate brown eyes burned into him, "Why do you think? For poor Jiang Wei. Certainly not to help you; that is only an unfortunate side effect of curing my little puppy friend..."
"As I expected... well, I thank you for his sake then." Zhuge Liang gave a bow, showing no grudge.
"His cure will be my thanks..."
Once again Lu Xun gave a bark, looking to the moon in slight fear. "Spare the suspense..."
Jiang Wei said nothing as his Prime Minister opened the door to the cage and stepped inside, though his light brown eyes never left the other man's face.
"Are you ready this time, Jiang Wei?"
"I... I am prepared if you are, Prime Minister."
Instead of saying anything, Lu Xun knew better, keeping his mouth shut and turning away.
Zhuge Liang slowly wrapped his arms around the puppy, gently pulling him closer, "Shh... it will be over soon..."
"I'm still sorry..." Jiang Wei whimpered, resting his head on the other man's arm, "I will try... try to be stronger for you..."
His almost secretive smile meant something, but no one cared enough to notice it. "You already showed me your strength."
Then, he repeated the words, like a mantra, like a prayer, "Jiang Wei... Jiang Wei... Jiang Wei..."
Now it was Gan Ning who commented, speaking for his love in an attempt to keep him silent as Jiang Wei began the transformation. "It's easy... almost... TOO easy..."
Giving a heartfelt moan, Lu Xun cried out, "I know... I know. But look! The sun is rising!"
All heads turned to great the small light breaking through the mountain tops, and Zhang He gave a sigh, bowing his head to welcome the morning, "So be it then... we will have to wait another night it seems, Lu Xun... perhaps then you will adjust to this as we have."
The Wu officer hissed, "I don't WANT to adjust!"
It appeared the only one who had compassion for him was Gan Ning, as the pirate tried his best to console him, "Don't worry about it, buddy... it's only for one more night! Surely you can handle it..."
Zhao Yun spoke, equally soft, "Surely Lu Xun, you can find the strengh for one more night of a torture I have spent months enduring..."
He was only given a hated glare, and Lu Xun gave a moan, as the sun's warm ways turned his fur and burned it away, leaving him and Zhang He now bare and chained still. Gan Ning was within the cage in an instant, untying him and trying to console him as Zhuge Liang agreed with his officer. "It hardly seems fair for you to even complain..."
But Jiang Wei instantly protested, tightening his grip on his Prime Minister's robes, "Oh sir, it may not be fair, but I think we all understand. Please... I... I don't want to see anymore fighting. He and Zhang He are part of my pack, it would seem, for a little while longer."
As a new day begun, no one could truly argue, but they were thankful that most of their task was complete. Cao Cao and Liu Bei had arrived, figuring it was safe, and as questions began to arise, they wondered what the future brought in their paths now...