"So, after tonight, this grand adventure will be over, eh?" Gan Ning asked, stretching and leaning back in his chair. If he had known anything about what had been going on in his love's room, he wouldn't have been sitting about in the dining hall. Instead he would have been out hunting for the one-eyed general... but he was completely clueless.
Liu Bei raised an eyebrow, smiling, "Don't even try to say you do not wish for it to be so, pirate."
The only ones even in the dining hall were Liu Bei, who was remarkably silent throughout most of the day, Lu Meng, who had dozed off not too far away from them, and Gan Ning, who now grew restless. He shrugged, fiddling with his bells to get on the man's nerves. "It certainly gave us a little action... but it would be good if it was over."
If he was trying to rattle the calmness of the Shu leader, he was failing horribly, and the man's grey eyes lit up as he spoke softly, "I think we will all be happy to go back to the way things were."
"Hey, take it easy, will ya?" Resting his boots on the table, Gan Ning spoke with a cocky smile, though something was nagging at him and gnawing on the back of his head. "Don't see why you want to go back to war so quickly... I thought you WANTED peace!"
"I do, but surely you've realized, as I have, that there will be no peace as long as our three kingdoms remain. None of us are willing to give up fighting for what we believe in."
Shrugging, Gan Ning closed his eyes to avoid his stare, "Perhaps... you two want to rule the land... we just want nothing to do with you. Got that?"
Liu Bei's chuckle was unnerving, "Yet, you fight us, which is having something to do with us, is it not?"
"Touché..." Gan Ning was beginning to become very uncomfortable speaking to the Lord of Shu, and he asked, "Shouldn't you be checking on your officers to make sure they're okay or something?"
Liu Bei could sense it, and he just shook his, not wishing to speak with the pirate either. How could anyone trust a pirate, especially one as annoying as this? He rose and left, not even saying farewell.
Lu Meng's voice was a tired murmur, "You should have been more polite. He was not bothering you..."
Being taken by surprise was something Gan Ning hated, and he looked over to the now awakening general, poking out his tongue. "Whose side are you on anyway?"
"His. Could you not see something was on his mind? You should show him some respect, even if he is our enemy."
Now Liu Bei was a smart man, knowing best to take the opportunity to walk away, leaving the two to argue the rest of the afternoon away. He had better things to do, and he walked down the hallways, not really caring if he got lost or not. He would rather be alone for his thoughts...
He wondered what it was about his actions that had tipped off Lu Meng that something was preying on his mind. True, the foolish pirate had not noticed, but somehow the perceptive Wu officer had, "He's almost too perceptive..."
"Who is? Surely you don't mean the pirate!" He heard Cao Cao say, as he jumped when the man practically appeared from the shadows behind him.
Liu Bei gave a hiss, "Were you SPYING on me?!"
The Wei emperor gave an obviously fake look of surprise, as if to be offended by such a comment. "Now why would I stoop THAT low to spy on you? It's not my fault if you say your thoughts aloud..."
Those eyes were like chips of stone glaring at him, "I did not mention the pirate aloud. Don't even try to tell me you can read my mind."
"Hm, can't fool you, can I?" Cao Cao grinned, something that sent shivers through Liu Bei's form. He had seen it, he MUST have seen it, as his grin got deeper. "So perhaps I was spying on you... we're at a time of peace, remember? Not like you were doing anything political in there anyway."
"You still have no right to spy on me! It disturbs me," Liu Bei admitted, suddenly wishing he hadn't as the man's grin grew even deeper, his baby blue eyes sparkling with a most frightening glint. He shuddered, "Don't look at me like that... it's like..."
"Like what?"
The words were a whisper, "Like you own me..."
That only made the dark emperor laugh, one that was as equally frightening to hear for poor Liu Bei. It gave him power, and he only fed that power with his uncontrollable fear. "Perhaps not now, but soon..."
The Shu leader jerked back, his grey eyes full of fear, but his voice was defiant, "I am not your property! I will not tolerate being treated as such."
"That's what I like about you, Liu Bei... your will to fight the impossible, even if you are no match for it. I like that indeed."
Liu Bei took another step back, "You are indeed a strange, strange person..."
As some familiar faces began to appear from around the corner, Cao Cao ended the conversation on an equally frightening note, turning to greet Lord Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. "Perhaps so, but it has gotten me this far and it will get me much further than many would think."
Sun Ce gave a teasing smile, "Now, I know my two worst enemies wouldn't be standing in the dark, conspiring against me, right?"
They gave him such a look, but Liu Bei spoke softly, resting his hands in his long grey sleeves. "It would be foolish to do so in your land... and we're still on our peace treaty."
Zhou Yu was bitter, "There are some who do not seem to care about that treaty..."
"I cannot apologize for my cousin enough... and have you found him yet? I don't like the fact that two of my officers are still missing."
The officer's brown eyes flamed with anger and something very akin to hatred, but he kept his voice cold, "Oh, I have found evidence of him, sir."
Raising en eyebrow, Cao Cao had a feeling of what it was, "Where is he, and has he done something he shouldn't have?"
"I have no idea where he is now, and yes, he has done something that I would kill him for if I had the chance..."
Now Liu Bei was curious, "May we ask what happened?"
Zhou Yu's words were frigid, "I shall only say that your cousin is no better at controlling himself now than when he was cursed..."
Cao Cao needed no further explanation, and his face was almost indescribable, almost shameful to hear of his own blood doing something like this. He asked, "Who was it, then?"
"Lu Xun, the only one he had not managed to catch before."
Sun Ce almost growled, trying to lighten the situation, "We were just coming to talk to you about that... and you're pretty lucky that he wasn't hurt worse then what he is now. Do you have ANY idea where we could find your cousin, before somebody else gets hurt?"
The Wei lord shook his head, "I am sorry to say that I haven't the faintest idea."
Of course he was lying, and neither man there could hardly blame him. However, Liu Bei pushed the issue for the other two, "Perhaps he is still feeling the effects of the curse and is not in control of himself. He could very well harm another... are you sure of this, Cao Cao?"
The man remained firm, "Perfectly."
Now Sun Ce pressed it, his tone not as polite at Liu Bei's, but quickly getting angrier by the second. "You HAVE to know something... otherwise we'll just send more troops then we have now to track his sorry hide down."
Liu Bei's voice softened, "Please, Cao Cao."
"Suppose I have a hunch..." Cao Cao could not resist the plea, feeling strength come from that to turn against his own blood for a second. "However, I don't think killing him would solve anything, except make matters worse. Because if you do kill him, then I will drop this treaty quicker then it was meant to be."
Zhou Yu sighed, "You cannot deny that he must be punished, am I correct?"
Cao Cao nodded, giving a sigh, "You may punish him as you see fit, but I am firm to my words if you take his life."
The strategist bowed his head, "I understand, Lord Cao Cao. Thank you."
Saying nothing, the lord simply turned away, preparing to go into the dining hall when he noticed the still arguing Gan Ning and Lu Meng. He asked, "Does he know?"
Sun Ce rubbed his temples, "No. Not yet. We... we don't want to be the ones to tell him. We feel Lu Xun will want to do it himself."
"Do you think he will take it well?" Liu Bei asked this, slightly concerned.
It was Cao Cao who responded, turning to leave now, "He had better, for the boy's sake."
They supposed that Cao Cao was angry, and none stopped him either. He had the right to be angry, and Liu Bei gave a small sigh of relief, hoping that the other two did not hear him.
His blood ran cold, therefore, when the Lord of Wei called back, "Lord Liu Bei? May I have a word with you?"
Now Sun Ce saw the look, but he said nothing as Zhou Yu pinched him, giving him a look of death if he should say anything. Knowing better than to ignore him, Liu Bei nodded, turning to catch up with him. "Yes?"
Cao Cao's voice was an angry mutter, "Not here, not where they can hear. I want to talk to you in private..."
"Why should I even bother?" Liu Bei demanded, though he dared not turn aside from the path. His heart throbbed painfully in his chest, and he thought it would burst as he spoke, "What can you have to say to me that they cannot hear?"
Narrowing his eyes, Cao Cao spoke in a harsh whisper, one not to be taken lightly, "You'll see... if you wish to know where my cousin is."
"Why... why would you show him to me?"
"If I show them to them, then he will surely be killed." Cao Cao said harshly as they continued their walk, constantly looking over his shoulders to check and make sure they were not being followed. "You know as well as any other man that I can't just let my blood be destroyed, even for crimes such as this. I can't stand aside and let them kill him."
Liu Bei shook his head, "You have Zhou Yu's word that he will not be killed, and his word is his bond."
"I don't trust them as far as I can throw them..."
The Shu's lord froze, his voice angry, "Then why should I trust you? I have faith in the honor of Wu."
Cao Cao gave him a look, one that hinted deep pain, "Nothing can excuse my cousin for what he has done... if I were in their position, or yours even, don't you think you would be concerned for his life? I can't strike against my blood, no more then you can strike against Guan Yu or Zhang Fei."
Liu Bei's expression softened, and he placed a hand on the man's shoulder, "I know, but put his life in my hands. I know that Zhou Yu is trustworthy, or I would never have pressed you to reveal that you knew your cousin's whereabouts." Then, hardly knowing why, he stood on his tiptoes, giving the taller man a peck on the cheek, "I know everything will turn out okay."
Now that was a surprise, even to Cao Cao, and Liu Bei could hardly believe himself for doing that. However, Cao Cao did not complain, as he gave that artful grin. "Taking a liking for me at last?"
Blushing furiously, Liu Bei lowered his grey eyes, "I... I don't why I did that. It just sort of... happened."
"I liked it..." Cao Cao grinned wolfishly, pulling the man closer. "And so did you..."
Now Liu Bei pulled away, "We have more important things to do, Cao Cao... and we haven't too much time left."
"More important than this? We'll never be together again..."
"Perhaps... it's for the best." The Lord of Shu whispered, again pushing himself away. "If... if we never touch, it will be easier to say good-bye. I cannot put you before my people. You... you do know that?"
Cao Cao gave him such a look, one that was horribly frightening to look at. Liu Bei felt himself weak under those eyes, but he knew better, as Cao Cao turned away. "I see... for that I do not blame you. Perhaps one day we shall meet again, off of the battlefield."
Liu Bei spoke softly, placing a hand on the man's shoulder, "Have I hurt you?"
He was almost struck, and his hand was caught in a vice grip, nearly shattering the bones in his fingers. He gasped, as Cao Cao spoke softly, "Not often, but for now... yes."
His heart thudded within his chest, and as much as he tried to, he could not break free of that grasp, "I-I'm sorry..."
"Don't be. We're enemies... we're supposed to be enemies here."
Swallowing the knot in his throat, Liu Bei asked, "Will you let go of my hand now? You're hurting me..."
After a final, yet painful squeeze, he was released, and Cao Cao almost stormed down the hallway, not even giving Liu Bei a second glance.
The pain in Liu Bei's hand was nothing compared to the throbbing of his heart, and he raised a hand to cover his tears, as he went his own way.
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu could not stop himself from looking at Gan Ning with a growing dread from inside of him, and as Sun Ce tried to start up a friendly conversation with the pirate, to butter him up, the strategist stayed back. He didn't know how or when they were to tell him the truth, but they knew it could not be held back. Eventually the truth would seep out...
He knew, however, that when it did, he would not be ready for it. He was not ready for it now, and the thought of trying to talk to Gan Ning when he held such a secret sickened him. He decided, instead, to go for a walk in the forest, perhaps play his flute. That would give him time to collect his thoughts... and decide how he would act when Gan Ning was told.
He never even told Sun Ce the entire truth... he knew exactly how Lu Xun felt.
As he strolled out into the sun, he paused to let it warm his flesh before moving on into the forest. Yes, that was a question indeed, how to tell his love the truth.
It was something to be well considered, and he would have been content as to not even think about it for now. "Hm... not good at all..."
Ever since his transformation, he had grown a deep attachment to the forested areas, with their cool, shady trees and quietness. True, there were some bad memories attached to them, but overall their gentle demeanor made him wish he were there more often. He found a comfortable rock to sit upon, and raised the instrument to his lips, playing the first thing that came to his mind.
The song seemed so sad to listen to, so sad that any creature would raise their head to mourn with it, and he almost felt his own tears mingle on his cheeks as he did not strain to hit those beautiful notes. This was to help relieve stress, and it was working until he heard footsteps brush through the bushes. He stopped, almost forgetting that he was human again. "Who's there...?"
"I would never have guessed that you fancied a flute..."
Sneering, Zhou Yu's cultured voice was low and feral, as he turned to the one eyed general. "There are many things you don't know."
Unfazed, Xiahou Dun commented, "You play better than Zhen Ji. And you are right, there are many things I do not know, but also many things I'd love to learn."
"Why do you feel as if you must torment so many?" Zhou Yu growled, tightening the grip upon his instrument, and wishing that he had brought his sword. "Be gone."
Xiahou Dun gave a low grin, not moving forward but not backing away as well. He wasn't afraid of Zhou Yu, especially not here. "Why do you seek impossible information? Can't you accept the fact that people just are because they feel like it?"
The Wu strategist narrowed his chocolate brown eyes, turning his face away, "I will never understand how anyone can 'feel' like being cruel."
"Perhaps you are not meant to understand. You can't accept that, can you?"
Again tightening his grip on his flute, he answered truthfully, though lowly, "No. I can't."
"Then I'm sorry for your ignorance..." Xiahou Dun did not smile, nor boast. Instead, he drew closer. "Why alone, may I ask? Where's Sun Ce?"
Fiery eyes were turned to him, and hatred was so obvious in that cultured voice, "Talking with Gan Ning. Trying to keep him occupied while Lu Xun prepares to confess to him. I couldn't bear to stay..."
"Have you told Sun Ce?"
Zhou Yu drew back, avoiding the question with one of his own, "What do you care?"
He could see the slight amusement in his eye, and though he seemed as if he wished to edge it on, another voice broke their conversation, one that took Xiahou Dun off guard completely. "Why would you care, may I ask? Aren't you healed?"
Xu Huang was the owner of the voice, and despite everything, Zhou Yu felt a wave of pity sweep over him. Xiahou Dun's voice was cool, "Just curious..."
Now the man had his axe, and Zhou Yu seemed hesitant to even speak right now, as Xu Huang directed his next question towards his love. "Where were you this morning? You had me worried."
"I certainly never meant to worry you."
When around Xu Huang, Xiahou Dun was completely different, no longer this aggressive, seductive man. Instead, he was almost kind, almost enough to make Zhou Yu forget his crimes. Almost. "He was raping Lu Xun this morning..."
The look that one eye sent him could kill, and Xu Huang looked utterly crushed, and again, he felt pity sweep over him. He didn't deserve this...
What else was there to say, and Xu Huang's grip on his axe tightened, his knuckles white. "That's impossible to believe... he's not longer a beast so... he no longer has that sort of instinct cursing him."
Zhou Yu spoke softly, "I wish... I wish I could tell you that was true."
"Is this true, Dun?" The man's voice was pleading, tears welling in his eyes. "Tell me... tell me it isn't true, that he's lying..."
Now Xiahou Dun kept his cool attitude, keeping up this false self when around him. It made Zhou Yu sick to be witnessing this, but it appeared that Xiahou Dun knew better than to even lie. "Believe what you want... but if you want, go ask Lu Xun."
Now the tears coursed down his face, and Xu Huang choked, "You did do it, didn't you? Otherwise you would say so; I know you cannot lie to me. How... how could you? Don't I mean anything to you at all?"
"Wonderful..." Zhou Yu began to back away, wondering why he had even showed up at all. This was a stupid idea...
Xiahou Dun growled, "Oh no... you got me into this mess, and you are helping me get out of it..."
Zhou Yu, however, refused, "You got yourself into this... get yourself out."
But it was too late for that. Distressed beyond all belief, Xu Huang had frozen where he stood before taking his axe and running deeper into the forest. He did not want anyone to see his tears or his pain, not even saying goodbye. To even speak to his love hurt too much...
Seeing Xiahou Dun's pain seemed unbelievable, but it was there, as plain as day. He called to him, but he could not pursue. Zhou Yu almost smiled if it wasn't for the fact that Xu Huang was the victim in all of this. "I don't think you can get out of this one..."
"I should kill you..."
Already on his way, Zhou Yu sneered, "Not while I am needed elsewhere... if you truly love him, then go to him. Running from it will not help."
And he never looked back, making sure he had his flute before turning and beginning to walk out of the forest. Let the demon deal with his own troubles... that was a crucial mistake, one that he had felt before, but this time, it was a blade against his back that he felt.
He stiffened, and tried to remain calm, "What are you doing? This will not help you get him back..."
"But it'll make me feel better... I'll slice your head off and send it back to Sun Ce! I'll be quick, though, so that you can still be alive to see the look of horror on his face!"
Zhou Yu knew he was in a bad situation. He could not fight back against this, and a tinge of fear went down his spine. Then he sighed, bowing his head, "I cannot stop you. Kill me then and break the truce, which our kingdoms hold. And wait, for Sun Ce will surely destroy you, your cousin, your love, and your entire clan."
Those words seemed to knock some sense into him, and he was relieved when the foot removed itself from his back. Still, he could see his blood dripping from the blade, as Xiahou Dun spoke with pure rage. "I shall wait, then... but I promise you, Zhou Yu... I'll have your head!"
Zhou Yu smirked, despite the pain in his back, "Not... before... I have yours..."
"We'll see about that..."
"I have given your cousin my promise not to kill you... yet." Zhou Yu winced, now feeling the affects of the wound more prominently as he tried to walk away. "You're lucky."
Saying nothing else, Xiahou Dun disappeared into the woods behind Xu Huang, leaving Zhou Yu alone to take care of his wound. He wished he would have expected the attack, or that the warm blood would cease to trickle down his spine. How was he going to explain THIS to Sun Ce?
He knew he could have told him the truth, that Xiahou Dun struck him from behind, but he didn't right now, knowing it was best to quickly return to Jian Ye before he lost too much blood. Damn that Xiahou Dun, and damn himself for hurting Xu Huang so...
It was cruel of him and totally unnecessary. Yes, it had hurt Xiahou Dun, but there was no excuse for hurting the innocent. What ever was he thinking?
"I hope he can understand this..." Zhou Yu gasped, stopping for a second to catch his breath. "Xu Huang, I'm sorry..."
He tried to make it to the walls, and he succeeded in his goal. He knew his wound was not serious, but he also knew it was bleeding enough to become a problem.
He tried to make it to the walls, and he succeeded in his goal. He knew his wound was not serious, but he also knew it was bleeding enough to become a problem. As he slipped through the hallways now, he wondered exactly how far he could get before anyone noticed his injury, and it seemed he would have gotten pretty far... had it not been for the fact he saw Lu Xun slinking out of his quarters.
And, of course, the boy's first words were stating the obvious, "Sun Ce's not going to like those wounds on your back."
Putting up a fake smile, Zhou Yu laughed softly, despite the little pain it caused. "And you shouldn't be running about..."
"I want to go see Gan Ning..." Lu Xun's voice was low, and though he knew he shouldn't have been keeping him from sick bay. Something must have spooked him, as he held his hands nervously. "He should know... he has the right, and I should do it myself..."
Zhou Yu looked at him, forgetting his own wound in light of the boy's fear, "Where's Zhang He? He's supposed to be guarding you..."
"Still in the room, at least last time I checked... when I woke up I was alone... so I thought, since he's gone, that now would have been the best time to.... you know..."
This news disturbed Zhou Yu immensely, but he did not wish to take anything away from the strength Lu Xun had suddenly gained, "Well, you go ahead and tell Gan Ning. I'll go get patched up and search for Zhang He."
Lu Xun had nodded, and as he turned, hoping that the few steps towards Gan Ning would give him more strength, two strong hands rose from behind the wall, and the pirate's laugh was the first thing he heard. "Come here!"
Zhou Yu gasped as he heard Lu Xun begin to giggle, suddenly realizing that the pirate was tickling the younger man. But he could also see the tears running down the boy's face, and he tried to step in, "No, Gan Ning! Leave him be!"
Rather it was the cry or the fists of self-defense that stopped Gan Ning, Zhou Yu wasn't sure, but when the pirate ceased, Lu Xun fell to the floor, cringing as pain coursed throughout his entire body. Gan Ning asked, seeing the obvious pain and the way Lu Xun held himself, "Lu Xun... what? Are you hurt?"
Lu Xun sobbed, "I was coming to tell you... and you pull something like this! W-why?"
Confusion lit Gan Ning's face, and for the second time today, Zhou Yu found himself in an old position, feeling completely useless, but doing his best to soothe Lu Xun, "He didn't know, Lu Xun, don't be angry with him..."
"What... what's going on? I never meant to hurt you, Lu Xun!"
As Lu Xun tried to rise, he seemed to lose any strength he had left, but by the way he presented himself, it was only so obvious. Footsteps were heard, as Sun Ce, Liu Bei, and Lu Meng arrived. "What's going on?"
Gan Ning backed away from his love, his crimson eyes wide, "I... I just... tickled him..."
He had that feeling that all of them knew something he didn't, and he asked, directing his question now towards Sun Ce, who had talked with him earlier, "What's going on?"
His lord looked away, "It is up to Lu Xun to tell you..."
"Lu Xun?" Now his eyes went back to him, and by this time, Lu Xun finally rose back to his feet, but he leaned against the wall, head hung, tears still streaming down his face. The pirate spoke through clenched teeth, as he looked him over and had a good guess at what happened, "Lu Xun, tell me..."
"Don't be angry at me... please..."
"Why would I be angry with you? Just tell me, so that I can make it better..."
And Lu Xun tried, running his tongue over his lips, "I..."
To see the anger growing within the pirate was frightening, and he didn't even need to be told, as he gripped the sword that hung from his belt. All looked to him, as he hissed, "Who?! I swear to GOD I'll have his head!"
Zhou Yu sighed, "You can't, Gan Ning. I've already claimed it."
"WHO?!" Gan Ning was beyond frightening now, his red eyes gleaming demonically. "Tell me Zhou Yu..."
With the pressure upon him, Zhou Yu could hardly handle it, and he replied lowly, "Who else do you think?"
" XIAHOU DUN! The bastard! I'll have his OTHER eye!"
No one was expecting any other sort of reaction, and Lu Meng spoke softly, at Lu Xun's side in a heartbeat. "Calm down... you'll have your chance later tonight..."
Liu Bei shook his head, "No. He cannot be killed."
The sword was pointed as him now, and the pirate's rage was one to be feared, as Lu Xun trembled uncontrollably from those words, "Then let it be war! Tell Cao Cao to have a funeral service prepared for his sick-minded cousin! It's war!"
He ran out, and Sun Ce headed after him, shouting, "GAN NING! DON'T DO ANYTHING SO FOOLISH!"
Liu Bei did not know what to do, as he could have joined Sun Ce to stop the pirate, but some things were more important, as Zhou Yu finally collapsed, falling to his knees from the blood loss. Liu Bei went to help him as he noticed the blood, "My goodness, what happened to you?"
"Got... stabbed in the back... for telling the truth..."
Bringing his attention from Lu Xun Lu Meng asked, "Who did that?"
Blackness clawed at his consciousness, and he only managed to whisper before he fainted, "Xiahou Dun..."
Liu Bei raised an eyebrow, smiling, "Don't even try to say you do not wish for it to be so, pirate."
The only ones even in the dining hall were Liu Bei, who was remarkably silent throughout most of the day, Lu Meng, who had dozed off not too far away from them, and Gan Ning, who now grew restless. He shrugged, fiddling with his bells to get on the man's nerves. "It certainly gave us a little action... but it would be good if it was over."
If he was trying to rattle the calmness of the Shu leader, he was failing horribly, and the man's grey eyes lit up as he spoke softly, "I think we will all be happy to go back to the way things were."
"Hey, take it easy, will ya?" Resting his boots on the table, Gan Ning spoke with a cocky smile, though something was nagging at him and gnawing on the back of his head. "Don't see why you want to go back to war so quickly... I thought you WANTED peace!"
"I do, but surely you've realized, as I have, that there will be no peace as long as our three kingdoms remain. None of us are willing to give up fighting for what we believe in."
Shrugging, Gan Ning closed his eyes to avoid his stare, "Perhaps... you two want to rule the land... we just want nothing to do with you. Got that?"
Liu Bei's chuckle was unnerving, "Yet, you fight us, which is having something to do with us, is it not?"
"Touché..." Gan Ning was beginning to become very uncomfortable speaking to the Lord of Shu, and he asked, "Shouldn't you be checking on your officers to make sure they're okay or something?"
Liu Bei could sense it, and he just shook his, not wishing to speak with the pirate either. How could anyone trust a pirate, especially one as annoying as this? He rose and left, not even saying farewell.
Lu Meng's voice was a tired murmur, "You should have been more polite. He was not bothering you..."
Being taken by surprise was something Gan Ning hated, and he looked over to the now awakening general, poking out his tongue. "Whose side are you on anyway?"
"His. Could you not see something was on his mind? You should show him some respect, even if he is our enemy."
Now Liu Bei was a smart man, knowing best to take the opportunity to walk away, leaving the two to argue the rest of the afternoon away. He had better things to do, and he walked down the hallways, not really caring if he got lost or not. He would rather be alone for his thoughts...
He wondered what it was about his actions that had tipped off Lu Meng that something was preying on his mind. True, the foolish pirate had not noticed, but somehow the perceptive Wu officer had, "He's almost too perceptive..."
"Who is? Surely you don't mean the pirate!" He heard Cao Cao say, as he jumped when the man practically appeared from the shadows behind him.
Liu Bei gave a hiss, "Were you SPYING on me?!"
The Wei emperor gave an obviously fake look of surprise, as if to be offended by such a comment. "Now why would I stoop THAT low to spy on you? It's not my fault if you say your thoughts aloud..."
Those eyes were like chips of stone glaring at him, "I did not mention the pirate aloud. Don't even try to tell me you can read my mind."
"Hm, can't fool you, can I?" Cao Cao grinned, something that sent shivers through Liu Bei's form. He had seen it, he MUST have seen it, as his grin got deeper. "So perhaps I was spying on you... we're at a time of peace, remember? Not like you were doing anything political in there anyway."
"You still have no right to spy on me! It disturbs me," Liu Bei admitted, suddenly wishing he hadn't as the man's grin grew even deeper, his baby blue eyes sparkling with a most frightening glint. He shuddered, "Don't look at me like that... it's like..."
"Like what?"
The words were a whisper, "Like you own me..."
That only made the dark emperor laugh, one that was as equally frightening to hear for poor Liu Bei. It gave him power, and he only fed that power with his uncontrollable fear. "Perhaps not now, but soon..."
The Shu leader jerked back, his grey eyes full of fear, but his voice was defiant, "I am not your property! I will not tolerate being treated as such."
"That's what I like about you, Liu Bei... your will to fight the impossible, even if you are no match for it. I like that indeed."
Liu Bei took another step back, "You are indeed a strange, strange person..."
As some familiar faces began to appear from around the corner, Cao Cao ended the conversation on an equally frightening note, turning to greet Lord Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. "Perhaps so, but it has gotten me this far and it will get me much further than many would think."
Sun Ce gave a teasing smile, "Now, I know my two worst enemies wouldn't be standing in the dark, conspiring against me, right?"
They gave him such a look, but Liu Bei spoke softly, resting his hands in his long grey sleeves. "It would be foolish to do so in your land... and we're still on our peace treaty."
Zhou Yu was bitter, "There are some who do not seem to care about that treaty..."
"I cannot apologize for my cousin enough... and have you found him yet? I don't like the fact that two of my officers are still missing."
The officer's brown eyes flamed with anger and something very akin to hatred, but he kept his voice cold, "Oh, I have found evidence of him, sir."
Raising en eyebrow, Cao Cao had a feeling of what it was, "Where is he, and has he done something he shouldn't have?"
"I have no idea where he is now, and yes, he has done something that I would kill him for if I had the chance..."
Now Liu Bei was curious, "May we ask what happened?"
Zhou Yu's words were frigid, "I shall only say that your cousin is no better at controlling himself now than when he was cursed..."
Cao Cao needed no further explanation, and his face was almost indescribable, almost shameful to hear of his own blood doing something like this. He asked, "Who was it, then?"
"Lu Xun, the only one he had not managed to catch before."
Sun Ce almost growled, trying to lighten the situation, "We were just coming to talk to you about that... and you're pretty lucky that he wasn't hurt worse then what he is now. Do you have ANY idea where we could find your cousin, before somebody else gets hurt?"
The Wei lord shook his head, "I am sorry to say that I haven't the faintest idea."
Of course he was lying, and neither man there could hardly blame him. However, Liu Bei pushed the issue for the other two, "Perhaps he is still feeling the effects of the curse and is not in control of himself. He could very well harm another... are you sure of this, Cao Cao?"
The man remained firm, "Perfectly."
Now Sun Ce pressed it, his tone not as polite at Liu Bei's, but quickly getting angrier by the second. "You HAVE to know something... otherwise we'll just send more troops then we have now to track his sorry hide down."
Liu Bei's voice softened, "Please, Cao Cao."
"Suppose I have a hunch..." Cao Cao could not resist the plea, feeling strength come from that to turn against his own blood for a second. "However, I don't think killing him would solve anything, except make matters worse. Because if you do kill him, then I will drop this treaty quicker then it was meant to be."
Zhou Yu sighed, "You cannot deny that he must be punished, am I correct?"
Cao Cao nodded, giving a sigh, "You may punish him as you see fit, but I am firm to my words if you take his life."
The strategist bowed his head, "I understand, Lord Cao Cao. Thank you."
Saying nothing, the lord simply turned away, preparing to go into the dining hall when he noticed the still arguing Gan Ning and Lu Meng. He asked, "Does he know?"
Sun Ce rubbed his temples, "No. Not yet. We... we don't want to be the ones to tell him. We feel Lu Xun will want to do it himself."
"Do you think he will take it well?" Liu Bei asked this, slightly concerned.
It was Cao Cao who responded, turning to leave now, "He had better, for the boy's sake."
They supposed that Cao Cao was angry, and none stopped him either. He had the right to be angry, and Liu Bei gave a small sigh of relief, hoping that the other two did not hear him.
His blood ran cold, therefore, when the Lord of Wei called back, "Lord Liu Bei? May I have a word with you?"
Now Sun Ce saw the look, but he said nothing as Zhou Yu pinched him, giving him a look of death if he should say anything. Knowing better than to ignore him, Liu Bei nodded, turning to catch up with him. "Yes?"
Cao Cao's voice was an angry mutter, "Not here, not where they can hear. I want to talk to you in private..."
"Why should I even bother?" Liu Bei demanded, though he dared not turn aside from the path. His heart throbbed painfully in his chest, and he thought it would burst as he spoke, "What can you have to say to me that they cannot hear?"
Narrowing his eyes, Cao Cao spoke in a harsh whisper, one not to be taken lightly, "You'll see... if you wish to know where my cousin is."
"Why... why would you show him to me?"
"If I show them to them, then he will surely be killed." Cao Cao said harshly as they continued their walk, constantly looking over his shoulders to check and make sure they were not being followed. "You know as well as any other man that I can't just let my blood be destroyed, even for crimes such as this. I can't stand aside and let them kill him."
Liu Bei shook his head, "You have Zhou Yu's word that he will not be killed, and his word is his bond."
"I don't trust them as far as I can throw them..."
The Shu's lord froze, his voice angry, "Then why should I trust you? I have faith in the honor of Wu."
Cao Cao gave him a look, one that hinted deep pain, "Nothing can excuse my cousin for what he has done... if I were in their position, or yours even, don't you think you would be concerned for his life? I can't strike against my blood, no more then you can strike against Guan Yu or Zhang Fei."
Liu Bei's expression softened, and he placed a hand on the man's shoulder, "I know, but put his life in my hands. I know that Zhou Yu is trustworthy, or I would never have pressed you to reveal that you knew your cousin's whereabouts." Then, hardly knowing why, he stood on his tiptoes, giving the taller man a peck on the cheek, "I know everything will turn out okay."
Now that was a surprise, even to Cao Cao, and Liu Bei could hardly believe himself for doing that. However, Cao Cao did not complain, as he gave that artful grin. "Taking a liking for me at last?"
Blushing furiously, Liu Bei lowered his grey eyes, "I... I don't why I did that. It just sort of... happened."
"I liked it..." Cao Cao grinned wolfishly, pulling the man closer. "And so did you..."
Now Liu Bei pulled away, "We have more important things to do, Cao Cao... and we haven't too much time left."
"More important than this? We'll never be together again..."
"Perhaps... it's for the best." The Lord of Shu whispered, again pushing himself away. "If... if we never touch, it will be easier to say good-bye. I cannot put you before my people. You... you do know that?"
Cao Cao gave him such a look, one that was horribly frightening to look at. Liu Bei felt himself weak under those eyes, but he knew better, as Cao Cao turned away. "I see... for that I do not blame you. Perhaps one day we shall meet again, off of the battlefield."
Liu Bei spoke softly, placing a hand on the man's shoulder, "Have I hurt you?"
He was almost struck, and his hand was caught in a vice grip, nearly shattering the bones in his fingers. He gasped, as Cao Cao spoke softly, "Not often, but for now... yes."
His heart thudded within his chest, and as much as he tried to, he could not break free of that grasp, "I-I'm sorry..."
"Don't be. We're enemies... we're supposed to be enemies here."
Swallowing the knot in his throat, Liu Bei asked, "Will you let go of my hand now? You're hurting me..."
After a final, yet painful squeeze, he was released, and Cao Cao almost stormed down the hallway, not even giving Liu Bei a second glance.
The pain in Liu Bei's hand was nothing compared to the throbbing of his heart, and he raised a hand to cover his tears, as he went his own way.
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu could not stop himself from looking at Gan Ning with a growing dread from inside of him, and as Sun Ce tried to start up a friendly conversation with the pirate, to butter him up, the strategist stayed back. He didn't know how or when they were to tell him the truth, but they knew it could not be held back. Eventually the truth would seep out...
He knew, however, that when it did, he would not be ready for it. He was not ready for it now, and the thought of trying to talk to Gan Ning when he held such a secret sickened him. He decided, instead, to go for a walk in the forest, perhaps play his flute. That would give him time to collect his thoughts... and decide how he would act when Gan Ning was told.
He never even told Sun Ce the entire truth... he knew exactly how Lu Xun felt.
As he strolled out into the sun, he paused to let it warm his flesh before moving on into the forest. Yes, that was a question indeed, how to tell his love the truth.
It was something to be well considered, and he would have been content as to not even think about it for now. "Hm... not good at all..."
Ever since his transformation, he had grown a deep attachment to the forested areas, with their cool, shady trees and quietness. True, there were some bad memories attached to them, but overall their gentle demeanor made him wish he were there more often. He found a comfortable rock to sit upon, and raised the instrument to his lips, playing the first thing that came to his mind.
The song seemed so sad to listen to, so sad that any creature would raise their head to mourn with it, and he almost felt his own tears mingle on his cheeks as he did not strain to hit those beautiful notes. This was to help relieve stress, and it was working until he heard footsteps brush through the bushes. He stopped, almost forgetting that he was human again. "Who's there...?"
"I would never have guessed that you fancied a flute..."
Sneering, Zhou Yu's cultured voice was low and feral, as he turned to the one eyed general. "There are many things you don't know."
Unfazed, Xiahou Dun commented, "You play better than Zhen Ji. And you are right, there are many things I do not know, but also many things I'd love to learn."
"Why do you feel as if you must torment so many?" Zhou Yu growled, tightening the grip upon his instrument, and wishing that he had brought his sword. "Be gone."
Xiahou Dun gave a low grin, not moving forward but not backing away as well. He wasn't afraid of Zhou Yu, especially not here. "Why do you seek impossible information? Can't you accept the fact that people just are because they feel like it?"
The Wu strategist narrowed his chocolate brown eyes, turning his face away, "I will never understand how anyone can 'feel' like being cruel."
"Perhaps you are not meant to understand. You can't accept that, can you?"
Again tightening his grip on his flute, he answered truthfully, though lowly, "No. I can't."
"Then I'm sorry for your ignorance..." Xiahou Dun did not smile, nor boast. Instead, he drew closer. "Why alone, may I ask? Where's Sun Ce?"
Fiery eyes were turned to him, and hatred was so obvious in that cultured voice, "Talking with Gan Ning. Trying to keep him occupied while Lu Xun prepares to confess to him. I couldn't bear to stay..."
"Have you told Sun Ce?"
Zhou Yu drew back, avoiding the question with one of his own, "What do you care?"
He could see the slight amusement in his eye, and though he seemed as if he wished to edge it on, another voice broke their conversation, one that took Xiahou Dun off guard completely. "Why would you care, may I ask? Aren't you healed?"
Xu Huang was the owner of the voice, and despite everything, Zhou Yu felt a wave of pity sweep over him. Xiahou Dun's voice was cool, "Just curious..."
Now the man had his axe, and Zhou Yu seemed hesitant to even speak right now, as Xu Huang directed his next question towards his love. "Where were you this morning? You had me worried."
"I certainly never meant to worry you."
When around Xu Huang, Xiahou Dun was completely different, no longer this aggressive, seductive man. Instead, he was almost kind, almost enough to make Zhou Yu forget his crimes. Almost. "He was raping Lu Xun this morning..."
The look that one eye sent him could kill, and Xu Huang looked utterly crushed, and again, he felt pity sweep over him. He didn't deserve this...
What else was there to say, and Xu Huang's grip on his axe tightened, his knuckles white. "That's impossible to believe... he's not longer a beast so... he no longer has that sort of instinct cursing him."
Zhou Yu spoke softly, "I wish... I wish I could tell you that was true."
"Is this true, Dun?" The man's voice was pleading, tears welling in his eyes. "Tell me... tell me it isn't true, that he's lying..."
Now Xiahou Dun kept his cool attitude, keeping up this false self when around him. It made Zhou Yu sick to be witnessing this, but it appeared that Xiahou Dun knew better than to even lie. "Believe what you want... but if you want, go ask Lu Xun."
Now the tears coursed down his face, and Xu Huang choked, "You did do it, didn't you? Otherwise you would say so; I know you cannot lie to me. How... how could you? Don't I mean anything to you at all?"
"Wonderful..." Zhou Yu began to back away, wondering why he had even showed up at all. This was a stupid idea...
Xiahou Dun growled, "Oh no... you got me into this mess, and you are helping me get out of it..."
Zhou Yu, however, refused, "You got yourself into this... get yourself out."
But it was too late for that. Distressed beyond all belief, Xu Huang had frozen where he stood before taking his axe and running deeper into the forest. He did not want anyone to see his tears or his pain, not even saying goodbye. To even speak to his love hurt too much...
Seeing Xiahou Dun's pain seemed unbelievable, but it was there, as plain as day. He called to him, but he could not pursue. Zhou Yu almost smiled if it wasn't for the fact that Xu Huang was the victim in all of this. "I don't think you can get out of this one..."
"I should kill you..."
Already on his way, Zhou Yu sneered, "Not while I am needed elsewhere... if you truly love him, then go to him. Running from it will not help."
And he never looked back, making sure he had his flute before turning and beginning to walk out of the forest. Let the demon deal with his own troubles... that was a crucial mistake, one that he had felt before, but this time, it was a blade against his back that he felt.
He stiffened, and tried to remain calm, "What are you doing? This will not help you get him back..."
"But it'll make me feel better... I'll slice your head off and send it back to Sun Ce! I'll be quick, though, so that you can still be alive to see the look of horror on his face!"
Zhou Yu knew he was in a bad situation. He could not fight back against this, and a tinge of fear went down his spine. Then he sighed, bowing his head, "I cannot stop you. Kill me then and break the truce, which our kingdoms hold. And wait, for Sun Ce will surely destroy you, your cousin, your love, and your entire clan."
Those words seemed to knock some sense into him, and he was relieved when the foot removed itself from his back. Still, he could see his blood dripping from the blade, as Xiahou Dun spoke with pure rage. "I shall wait, then... but I promise you, Zhou Yu... I'll have your head!"
Zhou Yu smirked, despite the pain in his back, "Not... before... I have yours..."
"We'll see about that..."
"I have given your cousin my promise not to kill you... yet." Zhou Yu winced, now feeling the affects of the wound more prominently as he tried to walk away. "You're lucky."
Saying nothing else, Xiahou Dun disappeared into the woods behind Xu Huang, leaving Zhou Yu alone to take care of his wound. He wished he would have expected the attack, or that the warm blood would cease to trickle down his spine. How was he going to explain THIS to Sun Ce?
He knew he could have told him the truth, that Xiahou Dun struck him from behind, but he didn't right now, knowing it was best to quickly return to Jian Ye before he lost too much blood. Damn that Xiahou Dun, and damn himself for hurting Xu Huang so...
It was cruel of him and totally unnecessary. Yes, it had hurt Xiahou Dun, but there was no excuse for hurting the innocent. What ever was he thinking?
"I hope he can understand this..." Zhou Yu gasped, stopping for a second to catch his breath. "Xu Huang, I'm sorry..."
He tried to make it to the walls, and he succeeded in his goal. He knew his wound was not serious, but he also knew it was bleeding enough to become a problem.
He tried to make it to the walls, and he succeeded in his goal. He knew his wound was not serious, but he also knew it was bleeding enough to become a problem. As he slipped through the hallways now, he wondered exactly how far he could get before anyone noticed his injury, and it seemed he would have gotten pretty far... had it not been for the fact he saw Lu Xun slinking out of his quarters.
And, of course, the boy's first words were stating the obvious, "Sun Ce's not going to like those wounds on your back."
Putting up a fake smile, Zhou Yu laughed softly, despite the little pain it caused. "And you shouldn't be running about..."
"I want to go see Gan Ning..." Lu Xun's voice was low, and though he knew he shouldn't have been keeping him from sick bay. Something must have spooked him, as he held his hands nervously. "He should know... he has the right, and I should do it myself..."
Zhou Yu looked at him, forgetting his own wound in light of the boy's fear, "Where's Zhang He? He's supposed to be guarding you..."
"Still in the room, at least last time I checked... when I woke up I was alone... so I thought, since he's gone, that now would have been the best time to.... you know..."
This news disturbed Zhou Yu immensely, but he did not wish to take anything away from the strength Lu Xun had suddenly gained, "Well, you go ahead and tell Gan Ning. I'll go get patched up and search for Zhang He."
Lu Xun had nodded, and as he turned, hoping that the few steps towards Gan Ning would give him more strength, two strong hands rose from behind the wall, and the pirate's laugh was the first thing he heard. "Come here!"
Zhou Yu gasped as he heard Lu Xun begin to giggle, suddenly realizing that the pirate was tickling the younger man. But he could also see the tears running down the boy's face, and he tried to step in, "No, Gan Ning! Leave him be!"
Rather it was the cry or the fists of self-defense that stopped Gan Ning, Zhou Yu wasn't sure, but when the pirate ceased, Lu Xun fell to the floor, cringing as pain coursed throughout his entire body. Gan Ning asked, seeing the obvious pain and the way Lu Xun held himself, "Lu Xun... what? Are you hurt?"
Lu Xun sobbed, "I was coming to tell you... and you pull something like this! W-why?"
Confusion lit Gan Ning's face, and for the second time today, Zhou Yu found himself in an old position, feeling completely useless, but doing his best to soothe Lu Xun, "He didn't know, Lu Xun, don't be angry with him..."
"What... what's going on? I never meant to hurt you, Lu Xun!"
As Lu Xun tried to rise, he seemed to lose any strength he had left, but by the way he presented himself, it was only so obvious. Footsteps were heard, as Sun Ce, Liu Bei, and Lu Meng arrived. "What's going on?"
Gan Ning backed away from his love, his crimson eyes wide, "I... I just... tickled him..."
He had that feeling that all of them knew something he didn't, and he asked, directing his question now towards Sun Ce, who had talked with him earlier, "What's going on?"
His lord looked away, "It is up to Lu Xun to tell you..."
"Lu Xun?" Now his eyes went back to him, and by this time, Lu Xun finally rose back to his feet, but he leaned against the wall, head hung, tears still streaming down his face. The pirate spoke through clenched teeth, as he looked him over and had a good guess at what happened, "Lu Xun, tell me..."
"Don't be angry at me... please..."
"Why would I be angry with you? Just tell me, so that I can make it better..."
And Lu Xun tried, running his tongue over his lips, "I..."
To see the anger growing within the pirate was frightening, and he didn't even need to be told, as he gripped the sword that hung from his belt. All looked to him, as he hissed, "Who?! I swear to GOD I'll have his head!"
Zhou Yu sighed, "You can't, Gan Ning. I've already claimed it."
"WHO?!" Gan Ning was beyond frightening now, his red eyes gleaming demonically. "Tell me Zhou Yu..."
With the pressure upon him, Zhou Yu could hardly handle it, and he replied lowly, "Who else do you think?"
" XIAHOU DUN! The bastard! I'll have his OTHER eye!"
No one was expecting any other sort of reaction, and Lu Meng spoke softly, at Lu Xun's side in a heartbeat. "Calm down... you'll have your chance later tonight..."
Liu Bei shook his head, "No. He cannot be killed."
The sword was pointed as him now, and the pirate's rage was one to be feared, as Lu Xun trembled uncontrollably from those words, "Then let it be war! Tell Cao Cao to have a funeral service prepared for his sick-minded cousin! It's war!"
He ran out, and Sun Ce headed after him, shouting, "GAN NING! DON'T DO ANYTHING SO FOOLISH!"
Liu Bei did not know what to do, as he could have joined Sun Ce to stop the pirate, but some things were more important, as Zhou Yu finally collapsed, falling to his knees from the blood loss. Liu Bei went to help him as he noticed the blood, "My goodness, what happened to you?"
"Got... stabbed in the back... for telling the truth..."
Bringing his attention from Lu Xun Lu Meng asked, "Who did that?"
Blackness clawed at his consciousness, and he only managed to whisper before he fainted, "Xiahou Dun..."