Running away from a problem had never solved anything. Xu Huang had said that to many at different times. You had to be strong, to face whatever came at you. But, not even he was strong enough to face this...
He was angry, hurt, and almost down right depressed. He was ashamed of himself, for being so weak, so he did what he always did when this feeling came. He took his trusted axe, and trained with all his might, destroyed the strongest trees.
Normally the sounds of the splintering wood brought him some relief, but not today. The cracking wood reminded him too much of his shattered heart, and once more the tears began to flow from his eyes. He groaned in agony, "Dun... how could you do this to me?"
So he stopped, almost dropping his blade as if it was far too heavy for him to carry now. He never felt so bad when he lost a duel, or a battle... no, that was nothing compared to this.
His heart felt so heavy, and he simply could not stop crying. He felt as though some cornerstone of his had been ripped away, and pain... all the pain, "I don't... want to live like this. I can't..."
Again, he cursed himself as he gripped his axe, looking to the sky to give a short cry. How weak he had become in so little time! He was too weak to deal with this; how could he continue if one incident occurred? He could curse himself to hell and back nine times, but still, no strength would come from this... none...
Staring at the axe blade glinting in the fading sunlight, he wondered if he at least had the strength to end this pain. Gripping his weapon all the tighter, and preparing to deliver a blow to his own stomach, he whispered, "Goodbye... Dun..."
And no one was there to stop him? He sighed... Xiahou Dun truly mustn't have loved him after all...
"Is he worth it?"
Stopping the blade for a second, Xu Huang turned to the voice, in fear of someone seeing him like this. "Zhang He... where are you hiding?!"
Stepping from the bushes, the exotic general had a pile of cherries in his arms, and he spoke softly, "I'm not hiding anywhere, Xu Huang. I was never hiding..."
"What are you doing here?" Xu Huang lowered his axe, now ashamed that someone had found him, especially him. "I thought you were at the castle..."
"What does it matter why I am here? You need me; is that not enough?" Zhang He answered, popping one of the blood red fruits into his mouth and swallowing before speaking again. "But you never answered my question. Is he worth it? Is he worth you giving up all that life has to offer, the sunsets, the cherry blossoms in full bloom? Is he sweeter than this fruit I hold in my arms or stronger than the axe you carry? Is he really worth you giving up this life for him?"
Angered to even be ASKED this, he sneered, "Of course he's worth it... he would not have done what he did, if... if I would have given him what he wanted."
"And what was it that he wanted that you refused to give?"
As if insulted, Xu Huang turned away, going elsewhere to train alone. "What do you think? You know what he wants..."
Zhang He responded coldly, "If he wants you only as a love toy, then he does not love you, and he is unworthy of your love."
"Silence! How would you know?!" Xu Huang hissed, annoyed to see the man following him. "I don't see why you should care... you've already stopped me, so your task is done. I must go train..."
"Do you know how it pains me, to see you so misguided?"
"Misguided?" Shaking his head, the man did not stop or slow down. He only sped up.
Zhang He nodded, "Yes. Misguided. Don't you realize that what Xiahou Dun has done has nothing to do with you?"
That statement stopped him, and he hissed, turning to the still cursed man and his cherries. "Take that back..."
"Why? You know it is true..." Zhang He said, his lovely voice oh so soft.
"I don't care... take it back, and I am not afraid of what Sima Yi will do to me when I return your body to him in a thousand pieces!"
Those amethyst eyes, so full of life, were like jewels looking at him, and they shined with pity, a pity he hated, "Xu Huang, please listen to me. You did not drive Xiahou Dun away. It is not your fault what has happened to Lu Xun, or any of us. I know you are in pain; I know better than you do. But do not ask me to take back the truth; the truth is all I have..."
Xu Huang turned away from them, sneering, "I know you speak the truth, though, but that is what I fear. What was it then that drove him away?"
"Certainly not you..."
"Xiahou Dun?!" It was hard to tell who was more surprised, but easily evident the most afraid. Xu Huang averted his eyes, almost avoiding his one-eyed gaze.
It was quick for Zhang He to avoid the man, as Xiahou Dun practically pushed him aside. He did not care for him, as he only saw Xu Huang in front of him, seeing his grip upon the axe tighten as he drew closer. "Xu Huang, I truly don't know what to tell you..."
"I... I thought you loved me..."
Seeing his pain, Xiahou Dun once again mentally cursed that Zhou Yu, as he tried to dig himself out of this situation. "Of course I do... I can explain everything, but I fear if you will even listen to me, much less believe me."
Zhang He hissed, "Why should he listen to you, when all you've ever done is betray him?"
Remaining silent, Xu Huang said nothing, as Xiahou Dun turned about the man, decking him right in the jaw and squashing the cherries under his feet as he kicked at the body. "What do you know?! How many times have you betrayed Sima Yi then, and Yuan Shao too? Do not fool me that you are pure!"
It almost made him smile to see the beautiful man at his feet tremble, but when Zhang He spoke, it became obvious that he was not trembling from fear, but rage, "I... have never betrayed... ANYONE!"
"Why take out your anger on him? Why take out your anger on anyone?" Xu Huang asked, his voice soft. "There's no honor in that..."
Beginning to rise to his feet, Zhang He's voice was bitter, "What care he of honor?"
Xiahou Dun only kicked him back down, and he turned his full attention to Xu Huang, almost trembling in rage himself. "Xu Huang, they do not matter to me, nobody does! I would kill them all if I must for you to see that, even my own cousin if I must!"
"Then, you have no respect for life? You think you have the right... to do this to people?"
"If it keeps you safe, then yes," Xiahou Dun replied. "Can't you see that I'm only trying to protect you?"
That was as surprising to hear to Xu Huang as it was to Zhang He, and carefully listening to his words, Zhang He wished to find any false behind them, not wishing for Xu Huang to fall to that possibly fake kindness. "I never told anyone because I did not wish to harm you, I tried to cover the truth because I feared you were unready or did not share the same feelings. Don't you understand that?"
"But... those men. They didn't deserve for you to use them, to strip them of their dignity and pride..."
Lowering his head, Xiahou Dun almost hinted tears, but he fought them well, "I know... and for that, I am wrong... but how do you expect me to apologize?"
Xu Huang motioned to Zhang He, "Why don't you ask him?"
"If only it was that easy..." The Wei officer half-whispered, his bare arms stained red from the smashed fruit that lay near him. "Xu Huang, surely you know I cannot forgive him? NONE of us can..."
Eyeing him, the man in the robes and turban sighed, "Perhaps there is nothing more to discuss. What done is done, and there is nothing we can do to change that."
"He will betray you again, you know. He cannot control himself; that he has made quite apparent. He may indeed be trying to protect you, but can you live with his continuing of these actions?"
Those were difficult questions indeed, and Xu Huang gave Xiahou Dun a look. That was his answer, and he turned away to avoid that gaze. "I can... if I must..."
Now, for the first time, Zhang He detected falsehood in his words, and his eyes narrowed, "No... you can't."
"And how could you be so certain of the truth then?"
The reply was soft, "I can tell when you lie. I always have been able to."
Seeing Xu Huang back away, Xiahou Dun growled, his fist curled until his knuckles almost bled. "Xu Huang, please believe me... forgive me for what I've done, but I did it for you!"
"You may have thought you did, but in reality... you did it for yourself," It hurt, oh it hurt for Xu Huang to say those words, but he knew they were true. "I forgive you, but... what guarantee do I have that you WON'T hurt me again?!"
Zhang He could hardly believe what he was hearing; how could someone just forgive him like this? He looked to Xiahou Dun, to see his reaction. That voice was all to fake, but it was enough to fool a broken heart so easily. "Anything you want me to do... anything; all I want is you back!"
And Xu Huang, though he knew he shouldn't bend so quickly, dropped his weapon to embrace his love, "Then... you shall have what you desire..."
Seeing the two embrace was almost heartbreaking for Zhang He to see, but he did not object, knowing that there was nothing he could say to change any of this. Instead, he lowered his gaze, sighing and looking away.
It would be best for him if he left them alone, and so, wincing a bit, he rose and began to stumble away, his grace losing to the new wounds that racked his body with pain.
"Zhang He..." Xiahou Dun's voice came low, but it caught his attention well.
He froze in his tracks, and spoke without turning, "What do you want?"
"Where are you going?"
Beginning to tremble again with barely contained emotions, he spoke as calmly as he could, "Anywhere away from here."
He didn't know exactly struck him, but he was upon the forest ground within seconds, barely winning the struggle for consciousness as Xiahou Dun stood over him, bringing his sword back into it's sheath. "No... I'm afraid I can't let you go back..."
"Heartless beast... I... did nothing... to you..." Zhang He murmured, struggling to keep his eyes open, "Why do you strike me?"
"Because you saw too much..."
When Xu Huang spoke, Zhang He barely caught his words. They sounded so distant... "W-what are you going to do to him?"
As unconsciousness began to nibble at the back of his mind, Zhang He felt his arms being bound, and Xiahou Dun spoke quickly. "The sun will fall soon... and it's best that we keep him bound before he can heal his wounds."
"Why can't we just let him go? He... he hasn't been healed yet..."
However, Zhang He could not remain awake long enough to even hear the explanation, and he muttered his love's name before giving into the darkness, only wondering what this sick man had in mind for him...
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu watched the sun setting, and his heart began to plummet. A horrible ending... to a horrible day.
It had went from bad to worst in so little time, as Zhang He was missing, Gan Ning was on a rampage and now had a searching party after him, Lu Xun was in hiding, and he felt the effect of the blade get worse. He sighed... what next?
He felt two, warm hands rest upon his shoulders, "Why is that you always look like you bear the weight of the world upon you?"
"Because... I do..."
"You work too hard..."
Who was this? Zhou Yu figured he was in the hospital, and by the slight concern in that voice, he could only assume it was one person. Sun Ce.
He tensed slightly as the hands began to massage his shoulders, "Don't you ever take a break?"
He smiled, giving a small chuckle as he shook his head. Those drugs were something... Sun Ce's voice sounded so calm and gentle, so soothing. "You know as well as I that time waits for no man..."
"Time will have to wait for you. You need time to heal." Zhou Yu almost purred as the massage deepened, "Relax and sleep now..."
"If you command me, my Lord..." He murmured, leaning his head back to rest on those strong, but gentle hands. "You know I cannot resist you..."
The person seemed hesitant, "Indeed?"
"Do you question it? I knew I was drawn to you from the moment we first met, and only cowardice has had me containing these feelings for so long..."
Yes, the drugs indeed infected him, as the hands slowly removed themselves from his body. The voice was full of surprise now, "I see... needless to say, I'm rather... shocked, about this..."
Zhou Yu was only just getting comfortable, and he reached out to grab those warm, comforting hands, his eyes closed in contentment, "No... don't leave me..."
"If you wish for me to stay, then I will..."
"Why wouldn't I wish for you to stay?" Zhou Yu asked, his heart now beginning to race. "Don't... you feel the same?"
The silence was painful to him, and he clung to those hands, "Oh gods. You have to love me! I-I can't LIVE without your love!"
"Zhou Yu..."
"How can you do this to me?!" Zhou Yu was near panic now, and he nearly whimpered.
"Hey, calm down... it's not a big deal." How? How could Sun Ce SAY this?!
"It is to me! It is VERY important to me! I've given you my heart, my soul!" He tightened his grip, "You... you have to love me."
Without anything else being said, Zhou Yu brought his lips to this man he loved so, as if to deny anything he was saying. Sun Ce had to love him, otherwise why would the cure have worked? He wanted to cry, but he only held that kiss as if it was his last.
"ZHOU YU?! WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING?!"
Now THAT voice was definitely Sun Ce's, and in an instant, Zhou Yu's brown eyes opened, seeing someone who was obviously NOT Sun Ce in front of him. He screamed, falling out of the bed as he tried to escape whom he had just kissed. "YOU?! What... what are YOU doing there?!"
"I was ALWAYS here!" Zhuge Liang gave him such a look through his bright red face, and Sun Ce nearly plowed him over as he tried to get to his wounded friend. It was blissful that Jiang Wei was not there, as he would have probably killed himself to see such a sight.
Zhou Yu was practically gagging now, and his brown eyes were filled with fury, "WHY DID YOU NOT IDENTIFY YOURSELF?! I THOUGHT YOU WERE SUN CE!"
It was almost too confusing, and the Sleeping Dragon tried to defend himself, blushing horribly behind that white fan of his. "I thought you knew... your medication must be effecting your hearing and your sense of reality then."
Zhou Yu was sputtering now, something Sun Ce had NEVER seen him do, and he hissed, "All you had to do was push me away or tell me to open my eyes..."
Sun Ce hissed, "Okay, I think this is enough... Zhou Yu, are you alright? You fainted after you returned, will you be alright?"
"If I can get over the fact that I just kissed my most hated enemy... then yes..."
When he said this, Zhuge Liang gave him a look, but the tension did not last too long as Zhou Yu was helped back into bed. He looked to Sun Ce, rubbing his eyes. "Has anything come up with Zhang He or Gan Ning?"
"I finally convinced Gan Ning to come back by reminding him that Lu Xun needed him tonight," Sun Ce sighed, taking a seat upon the bed. "But, unfortunately, nothing about Zhang He."
That made many of them worry, and Zhuge Liang spoke softly, as if the past incident never occurred. "It will be night soon, so Lu Xun and Zhang He will change... I don't know if anyone has noticed, but tonight is the first night of the full moon. Do you think this will cause a problem?"
Zhou Yu sighed, rubbing his temples, "I don't know; I haven't had enough time to do any research..."
Giving a usual, clueless look, Sun Ce asked, "So... could that BE a problem? I mean, what if Zhang He's still loose in the woods somewhere?"
Zhuge Liang frowned, "The moon is a very powerful thing. It can lead even ordinary men into madness. Can you imagine how it may affect the infected ones?"
"Well... then I suppose it's good that Lu Xun locked himself away in his quarters..." Sun Ce sighed, looking at Zhou Yu. "Zhang He might be a problem indeed..."
"Maybe... maybe that's why he left..."
Nodding, Zhou Yu ran a hand through his hair, looking towards the window. "I don't think we should hold this off until the full moon is gone. Three days would be asking too much of them..."
"I know Sima Yi and Gan Ning will be willing to do it, no matter what the risk," Sun Ce replied. "Crazy they are..."
"As well as another person I know..." All eyes turned to the Little Conqueror when Zhou Yu said so, and he gave a confused look as Zhou Yu tried to rise, forgetting his wound that lay upon his pained back. "Your orders, sir?"
"Well, for one, YOU stay in bed! We can't have you getting more hurt!" Sun Ce commanded, gently placing his hands on his friend's shoulders and forcing him to sit back down onto the bed. Zhou Yu offered no resistance, and he let Sun Ce continued. "Since he's here, we should worry more about Lu Xun first, then focus on finding Zhang He. We'll have to be extra careful..."
Zhou Y nodded, "Perhaps it would be best if you discussed your plans with me, my Lord."
Now, their eyes shifted to Zhuge Liang, and the man took hints well, giving a nod and leaving without a word of protest. He did what he needed to do anyway, and he walked down the halls quietly, in search of Sima Yi.
Zhou Yu sighed, getting a strong grip on Sun Ce's shirt and pulling him close, "I thought he'd never leave..."
"What was he doing in here anyways?" Sun Ce gave a look towards the door, shaking his head. "Nah, don't worry about him. He'll be gone soon..."
"I don't know why... I thought he was you..."
Now that made Sun Ce laugh, and he ruffled Zhou Yu's hair, knowing it would aggravate him. "You're goofy, mistaking that pompous ass for me! I thought you knew me better then that, Zhou Yu! You hurt my feelings!"
The strategist smiled, drawing so close that their lips almost touched, "Well, how about I do something to make them feel better then?"
As much as Sun Ce would have loved to oblige, they weren't given the chance as the door swung open, and the two whirled around as a soldier shouted to them, blood speeing from his mouth. "Sir, Lu Xun has changed and he is loose in the castle. We did what Lord Lu Meng ordered and locked all doors; there's no escape for him!"
He blinked, seeing their position, and he coughed, "Did... did I come in at a bad time, sir?"
Sun Ce snapped, ignoring the question, "Where is he? You didn't hurt him, did you?"
"No sir; we're merely trying to contain him. He was heading eastward sir."
Looking at Zhou Yu with a slightly grim look, Sun Ce gave a nod, rising and pulling out his tonfas that rested in his belt. Gripping them firmly, he gave a practice swing, then followed the soldier, "Lock the doors, Zhou Yu... it's safer for you here. You stay with him and guard him, alright?"
Zhou Yu immediately protested, "Who's going to protect you?"
"I can take care of myself..." Sun Ce then lowered his voice for his closest friend to hear. "And if he should hurt you, then he'd leave me no choice but to seriously hurt him... even kill him if I must."
What could Zhou Yu say? He hated being this helpless, having to sit out, and he looked away, "Be safe..."
"Will do, buddy."
~*~*~*~
Lu Xun raced down the hallway, yearning for escape, and the feel of the night air on his fur. Not that he had that much; for some reason, this transformation felt... different...
His clothes had not been torn to shreds; the obvious differences were clear. He did not need a mirror to see what he had become, but he had looked anyway...
He had become somewhat used to the beast he had become, but tonight he had been shocked. His fur was so light and thin that it could hardly be seen; his golden eyes were shining brighter than ever. And the only physical changes towards werefox he had gained were the ears and the tail... and claws...
He did not notice the full moon, but he did not care. This was his only chance to get revenge for what Xiahou Dun had done to him, and he wasn't going to waste it. Now he had the advantage... and as he was cornered yet again, he gave a sneer, looking to the soldiers and guards that stood in his way of that sweet taste...
He gave a flick of his tail, and when he spoke, he was amazed that it was not the animalistic sound he was used to. It was soft... and sultry, "You don't want to stand in my way..."
One of the soldiers rose his spears, and he knocked it away as another tried to explain. "You are to stay inside until you are cured, sir. Lord Lu Meng's orders."
"Why won't you be good little boys and let me by?"
His voice or appearance must have frightened them, as a few actually seemed to want to obey his wishes. However, one stood firm, and that man was tossed aside like a rag doll. Lu Xun had forgotten the strength increase, and he smiled, swearing he could taste his revenge even mow. "Interesting..."
"Lu Xun... please don't do this..."
Lu Xun looked to the younger man, and he did not care for an instant, curling his fist to keep his claws from striking the once-cursed kid. Jiang Wei hit the wall with a thud, instantly falling into unconsciousness as more soldiers began to arrive, only to be brutally attacked for going anywhere near the cursed beast.
"Lu Xun... don't resist. This is for your own good, and you know it," Zhao Yun's voice was soft, so soft that Lu Xun almost jumped to realize the man had snuck up on him. "Don't make this any harder on us..."
With a feral growl, Lu Xun turned to the warrior, grabbing the spear and nearly snapping it in two as he pried it out of his hands. Then, as many would have feared that Zhao Yun would soon join his fellow comrade, it was a complete shock to see Lu Xun pinning the taller man against the wall, and Zhao Yun asked, in an almost fearful voice, "What are you doing?!"
"Do you know how completely captivating your eyes are when you're frightened?"
"Lu Xun!" The warrior struggled against his fear, but he could no longer keep it from his voice, "Don't! This is the beast in you!"
That grin was too frightening, and perhaps Lu Xun would have done worse if the soldiers had not tried to strike him with their weapons. He was released, as Lu Xun turned to them, practically plowing through them with such force unequaled. "Leave me alone already... leave me to my prey!"
He was knocked to the ground, and Zhao Yun struggled to keep him down, "No! I can't let you lose yourself like this!"
He was thrown away so casually, and as Zhao Yun struggled for consciousness, Lu Xun growled, looking at the frightened soldiers. "I haven't killed or infected any of you yet... but don't bring me to that..."
Yet, when he heard one voice, he froze, as the light sound of jingling accompanied them, "Don't make me hurt you..."
"Gan Ning..."
The shirtless pirate had withdrawn his sword, and his crimson eyes carefully hid his pain, "I mean it Lu Xun. I don't want to hurt you, but I can't let you harm anyone else. Please..."
Looking at the mere blade, Lu Xun gave a smile, crawling onto his stomach and rolling to reveal his beautiful back. Gan Ning took a step back, as Lu Xun's voice came out like a calm stream, his words music to everyone's ears. "You'd draw your sword upon me... why?"
Blinking, the pirate hardly hesitated, "To protect you from yourself..."
"I need no protection..." Lu Xun smiled, seeing how Gan Ning held back as he rolled onto his belly and crawled towards him slowly, his gaze never leaving his love's confused and hurt face. "I can protect myself... I'm sick of people treating me as a weak, helpless child!"
"That's not what I meant. I've never seen you as weak or helpless!" Gan Ning protested, lowering his weapon. "It's just... I want to protect you... I love you..."
The soldiers said nothing when Lu Xun suddenly grew feral, swiping at his love without hesitation. "Where were you then to protect me?"
The pirate barely jerked back to avoid those claws, and pain exploded in his heart, "I didn't know; how could I have known? Don't you think I would have DIED then let anything happen to you?"
"Still... you were not there, but I don't need your strength anymore." Rising to his feet, Lu Xun gave a hiss, preparing to strike at his love and his soldiers once again. "I can kill Xiahou Dun with my own hands now... I don't need to rely on you to make things right... I can do it by myself..."
"I know you can... but... I still love you..." Seeing that this hardly affected Lu Xun's lust for revenge, Gan Ning tried again, nearly throwing his weapon aside and he nearly pleaded with him. "Lu Xun, I know I can't take back what he's done, but so help me god, if there was a way to make it better, I would have done it in an instant! I wasn't there to protect you last time, but I will-"
Lu Xun paused, turning back to his love with a grin, "Make it better? Do you truly wish to do so?"
Now he lowered his sword, nearly driving it into the ground, and the pirate revealed his tender side as he spread his arms apart. "Yes... anything, Lu Xun..."
Moving faster then he could even see, Gan Ning froze when he heard his love's voice behind him, "Remember... you asked for this..."
"Lu Xun-" Gan Ning gasped, feeling a warm tongue lap his neck so softly. Lu Xun paused as he shuddered, and he whispered, "What? It's not like you to shiver in fear, my love..."
This was not like Lu Xun at all, and Gan Ning almost panicked, gripping Lu Xun's hair and trying to pry him off of his back. "Lu Xun, you need to control yourself; this is not you!"
"Oh... but it feels so nice..." Lu Xun's voice was so smooth, it was frightening, but before he could say or do anything, his ear flinched, but he moved too late. The clawed hands on Gan Ning's vest tightened for a second, and as Lu Xun whispered, they loosened, letting him slip off of his love's back. "Gan Ning..."
Nearly crying, he only whispered, "I'm sorry Lu Xun... so sorry..."
Lu Xun was upon the floor, and Sun Ce looked over him, giving a sigh. He had been watching the entire time, and he felt bad that he only acted now. He looked to the now awakening Shu officers, and then to Gan Ning. "He'll be normal soon, Gan Ning... and I'm sorry, but it was for his own good."
"I know... I know..."
He was angry, hurt, and almost down right depressed. He was ashamed of himself, for being so weak, so he did what he always did when this feeling came. He took his trusted axe, and trained with all his might, destroyed the strongest trees.
Normally the sounds of the splintering wood brought him some relief, but not today. The cracking wood reminded him too much of his shattered heart, and once more the tears began to flow from his eyes. He groaned in agony, "Dun... how could you do this to me?"
So he stopped, almost dropping his blade as if it was far too heavy for him to carry now. He never felt so bad when he lost a duel, or a battle... no, that was nothing compared to this.
His heart felt so heavy, and he simply could not stop crying. He felt as though some cornerstone of his had been ripped away, and pain... all the pain, "I don't... want to live like this. I can't..."
Again, he cursed himself as he gripped his axe, looking to the sky to give a short cry. How weak he had become in so little time! He was too weak to deal with this; how could he continue if one incident occurred? He could curse himself to hell and back nine times, but still, no strength would come from this... none...
Staring at the axe blade glinting in the fading sunlight, he wondered if he at least had the strength to end this pain. Gripping his weapon all the tighter, and preparing to deliver a blow to his own stomach, he whispered, "Goodbye... Dun..."
And no one was there to stop him? He sighed... Xiahou Dun truly mustn't have loved him after all...
"Is he worth it?"
Stopping the blade for a second, Xu Huang turned to the voice, in fear of someone seeing him like this. "Zhang He... where are you hiding?!"
Stepping from the bushes, the exotic general had a pile of cherries in his arms, and he spoke softly, "I'm not hiding anywhere, Xu Huang. I was never hiding..."
"What are you doing here?" Xu Huang lowered his axe, now ashamed that someone had found him, especially him. "I thought you were at the castle..."
"What does it matter why I am here? You need me; is that not enough?" Zhang He answered, popping one of the blood red fruits into his mouth and swallowing before speaking again. "But you never answered my question. Is he worth it? Is he worth you giving up all that life has to offer, the sunsets, the cherry blossoms in full bloom? Is he sweeter than this fruit I hold in my arms or stronger than the axe you carry? Is he really worth you giving up this life for him?"
Angered to even be ASKED this, he sneered, "Of course he's worth it... he would not have done what he did, if... if I would have given him what he wanted."
"And what was it that he wanted that you refused to give?"
As if insulted, Xu Huang turned away, going elsewhere to train alone. "What do you think? You know what he wants..."
Zhang He responded coldly, "If he wants you only as a love toy, then he does not love you, and he is unworthy of your love."
"Silence! How would you know?!" Xu Huang hissed, annoyed to see the man following him. "I don't see why you should care... you've already stopped me, so your task is done. I must go train..."
"Do you know how it pains me, to see you so misguided?"
"Misguided?" Shaking his head, the man did not stop or slow down. He only sped up.
Zhang He nodded, "Yes. Misguided. Don't you realize that what Xiahou Dun has done has nothing to do with you?"
That statement stopped him, and he hissed, turning to the still cursed man and his cherries. "Take that back..."
"Why? You know it is true..." Zhang He said, his lovely voice oh so soft.
"I don't care... take it back, and I am not afraid of what Sima Yi will do to me when I return your body to him in a thousand pieces!"
Those amethyst eyes, so full of life, were like jewels looking at him, and they shined with pity, a pity he hated, "Xu Huang, please listen to me. You did not drive Xiahou Dun away. It is not your fault what has happened to Lu Xun, or any of us. I know you are in pain; I know better than you do. But do not ask me to take back the truth; the truth is all I have..."
Xu Huang turned away from them, sneering, "I know you speak the truth, though, but that is what I fear. What was it then that drove him away?"
"Certainly not you..."
"Xiahou Dun?!" It was hard to tell who was more surprised, but easily evident the most afraid. Xu Huang averted his eyes, almost avoiding his one-eyed gaze.
It was quick for Zhang He to avoid the man, as Xiahou Dun practically pushed him aside. He did not care for him, as he only saw Xu Huang in front of him, seeing his grip upon the axe tighten as he drew closer. "Xu Huang, I truly don't know what to tell you..."
"I... I thought you loved me..."
Seeing his pain, Xiahou Dun once again mentally cursed that Zhou Yu, as he tried to dig himself out of this situation. "Of course I do... I can explain everything, but I fear if you will even listen to me, much less believe me."
Zhang He hissed, "Why should he listen to you, when all you've ever done is betray him?"
Remaining silent, Xu Huang said nothing, as Xiahou Dun turned about the man, decking him right in the jaw and squashing the cherries under his feet as he kicked at the body. "What do you know?! How many times have you betrayed Sima Yi then, and Yuan Shao too? Do not fool me that you are pure!"
It almost made him smile to see the beautiful man at his feet tremble, but when Zhang He spoke, it became obvious that he was not trembling from fear, but rage, "I... have never betrayed... ANYONE!"
"Why take out your anger on him? Why take out your anger on anyone?" Xu Huang asked, his voice soft. "There's no honor in that..."
Beginning to rise to his feet, Zhang He's voice was bitter, "What care he of honor?"
Xiahou Dun only kicked him back down, and he turned his full attention to Xu Huang, almost trembling in rage himself. "Xu Huang, they do not matter to me, nobody does! I would kill them all if I must for you to see that, even my own cousin if I must!"
"Then, you have no respect for life? You think you have the right... to do this to people?"
"If it keeps you safe, then yes," Xiahou Dun replied. "Can't you see that I'm only trying to protect you?"
That was as surprising to hear to Xu Huang as it was to Zhang He, and carefully listening to his words, Zhang He wished to find any false behind them, not wishing for Xu Huang to fall to that possibly fake kindness. "I never told anyone because I did not wish to harm you, I tried to cover the truth because I feared you were unready or did not share the same feelings. Don't you understand that?"
"But... those men. They didn't deserve for you to use them, to strip them of their dignity and pride..."
Lowering his head, Xiahou Dun almost hinted tears, but he fought them well, "I know... and for that, I am wrong... but how do you expect me to apologize?"
Xu Huang motioned to Zhang He, "Why don't you ask him?"
"If only it was that easy..." The Wei officer half-whispered, his bare arms stained red from the smashed fruit that lay near him. "Xu Huang, surely you know I cannot forgive him? NONE of us can..."
Eyeing him, the man in the robes and turban sighed, "Perhaps there is nothing more to discuss. What done is done, and there is nothing we can do to change that."
"He will betray you again, you know. He cannot control himself; that he has made quite apparent. He may indeed be trying to protect you, but can you live with his continuing of these actions?"
Those were difficult questions indeed, and Xu Huang gave Xiahou Dun a look. That was his answer, and he turned away to avoid that gaze. "I can... if I must..."
Now, for the first time, Zhang He detected falsehood in his words, and his eyes narrowed, "No... you can't."
"And how could you be so certain of the truth then?"
The reply was soft, "I can tell when you lie. I always have been able to."
Seeing Xu Huang back away, Xiahou Dun growled, his fist curled until his knuckles almost bled. "Xu Huang, please believe me... forgive me for what I've done, but I did it for you!"
"You may have thought you did, but in reality... you did it for yourself," It hurt, oh it hurt for Xu Huang to say those words, but he knew they were true. "I forgive you, but... what guarantee do I have that you WON'T hurt me again?!"
Zhang He could hardly believe what he was hearing; how could someone just forgive him like this? He looked to Xiahou Dun, to see his reaction. That voice was all to fake, but it was enough to fool a broken heart so easily. "Anything you want me to do... anything; all I want is you back!"
And Xu Huang, though he knew he shouldn't bend so quickly, dropped his weapon to embrace his love, "Then... you shall have what you desire..."
Seeing the two embrace was almost heartbreaking for Zhang He to see, but he did not object, knowing that there was nothing he could say to change any of this. Instead, he lowered his gaze, sighing and looking away.
It would be best for him if he left them alone, and so, wincing a bit, he rose and began to stumble away, his grace losing to the new wounds that racked his body with pain.
"Zhang He..." Xiahou Dun's voice came low, but it caught his attention well.
He froze in his tracks, and spoke without turning, "What do you want?"
"Where are you going?"
Beginning to tremble again with barely contained emotions, he spoke as calmly as he could, "Anywhere away from here."
He didn't know exactly struck him, but he was upon the forest ground within seconds, barely winning the struggle for consciousness as Xiahou Dun stood over him, bringing his sword back into it's sheath. "No... I'm afraid I can't let you go back..."
"Heartless beast... I... did nothing... to you..." Zhang He murmured, struggling to keep his eyes open, "Why do you strike me?"
"Because you saw too much..."
When Xu Huang spoke, Zhang He barely caught his words. They sounded so distant... "W-what are you going to do to him?"
As unconsciousness began to nibble at the back of his mind, Zhang He felt his arms being bound, and Xiahou Dun spoke quickly. "The sun will fall soon... and it's best that we keep him bound before he can heal his wounds."
"Why can't we just let him go? He... he hasn't been healed yet..."
However, Zhang He could not remain awake long enough to even hear the explanation, and he muttered his love's name before giving into the darkness, only wondering what this sick man had in mind for him...
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu watched the sun setting, and his heart began to plummet. A horrible ending... to a horrible day.
It had went from bad to worst in so little time, as Zhang He was missing, Gan Ning was on a rampage and now had a searching party after him, Lu Xun was in hiding, and he felt the effect of the blade get worse. He sighed... what next?
He felt two, warm hands rest upon his shoulders, "Why is that you always look like you bear the weight of the world upon you?"
"Because... I do..."
"You work too hard..."
Who was this? Zhou Yu figured he was in the hospital, and by the slight concern in that voice, he could only assume it was one person. Sun Ce.
He tensed slightly as the hands began to massage his shoulders, "Don't you ever take a break?"
He smiled, giving a small chuckle as he shook his head. Those drugs were something... Sun Ce's voice sounded so calm and gentle, so soothing. "You know as well as I that time waits for no man..."
"Time will have to wait for you. You need time to heal." Zhou Yu almost purred as the massage deepened, "Relax and sleep now..."
"If you command me, my Lord..." He murmured, leaning his head back to rest on those strong, but gentle hands. "You know I cannot resist you..."
The person seemed hesitant, "Indeed?"
"Do you question it? I knew I was drawn to you from the moment we first met, and only cowardice has had me containing these feelings for so long..."
Yes, the drugs indeed infected him, as the hands slowly removed themselves from his body. The voice was full of surprise now, "I see... needless to say, I'm rather... shocked, about this..."
Zhou Yu was only just getting comfortable, and he reached out to grab those warm, comforting hands, his eyes closed in contentment, "No... don't leave me..."
"If you wish for me to stay, then I will..."
"Why wouldn't I wish for you to stay?" Zhou Yu asked, his heart now beginning to race. "Don't... you feel the same?"
The silence was painful to him, and he clung to those hands, "Oh gods. You have to love me! I-I can't LIVE without your love!"
"Zhou Yu..."
"How can you do this to me?!" Zhou Yu was near panic now, and he nearly whimpered.
"Hey, calm down... it's not a big deal." How? How could Sun Ce SAY this?!
"It is to me! It is VERY important to me! I've given you my heart, my soul!" He tightened his grip, "You... you have to love me."
Without anything else being said, Zhou Yu brought his lips to this man he loved so, as if to deny anything he was saying. Sun Ce had to love him, otherwise why would the cure have worked? He wanted to cry, but he only held that kiss as if it was his last.
"ZHOU YU?! WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING?!"
Now THAT voice was definitely Sun Ce's, and in an instant, Zhou Yu's brown eyes opened, seeing someone who was obviously NOT Sun Ce in front of him. He screamed, falling out of the bed as he tried to escape whom he had just kissed. "YOU?! What... what are YOU doing there?!"
"I was ALWAYS here!" Zhuge Liang gave him such a look through his bright red face, and Sun Ce nearly plowed him over as he tried to get to his wounded friend. It was blissful that Jiang Wei was not there, as he would have probably killed himself to see such a sight.
Zhou Yu was practically gagging now, and his brown eyes were filled with fury, "WHY DID YOU NOT IDENTIFY YOURSELF?! I THOUGHT YOU WERE SUN CE!"
It was almost too confusing, and the Sleeping Dragon tried to defend himself, blushing horribly behind that white fan of his. "I thought you knew... your medication must be effecting your hearing and your sense of reality then."
Zhou Yu was sputtering now, something Sun Ce had NEVER seen him do, and he hissed, "All you had to do was push me away or tell me to open my eyes..."
Sun Ce hissed, "Okay, I think this is enough... Zhou Yu, are you alright? You fainted after you returned, will you be alright?"
"If I can get over the fact that I just kissed my most hated enemy... then yes..."
When he said this, Zhuge Liang gave him a look, but the tension did not last too long as Zhou Yu was helped back into bed. He looked to Sun Ce, rubbing his eyes. "Has anything come up with Zhang He or Gan Ning?"
"I finally convinced Gan Ning to come back by reminding him that Lu Xun needed him tonight," Sun Ce sighed, taking a seat upon the bed. "But, unfortunately, nothing about Zhang He."
That made many of them worry, and Zhuge Liang spoke softly, as if the past incident never occurred. "It will be night soon, so Lu Xun and Zhang He will change... I don't know if anyone has noticed, but tonight is the first night of the full moon. Do you think this will cause a problem?"
Zhou Yu sighed, rubbing his temples, "I don't know; I haven't had enough time to do any research..."
Giving a usual, clueless look, Sun Ce asked, "So... could that BE a problem? I mean, what if Zhang He's still loose in the woods somewhere?"
Zhuge Liang frowned, "The moon is a very powerful thing. It can lead even ordinary men into madness. Can you imagine how it may affect the infected ones?"
"Well... then I suppose it's good that Lu Xun locked himself away in his quarters..." Sun Ce sighed, looking at Zhou Yu. "Zhang He might be a problem indeed..."
"Maybe... maybe that's why he left..."
Nodding, Zhou Yu ran a hand through his hair, looking towards the window. "I don't think we should hold this off until the full moon is gone. Three days would be asking too much of them..."
"I know Sima Yi and Gan Ning will be willing to do it, no matter what the risk," Sun Ce replied. "Crazy they are..."
"As well as another person I know..." All eyes turned to the Little Conqueror when Zhou Yu said so, and he gave a confused look as Zhou Yu tried to rise, forgetting his wound that lay upon his pained back. "Your orders, sir?"
"Well, for one, YOU stay in bed! We can't have you getting more hurt!" Sun Ce commanded, gently placing his hands on his friend's shoulders and forcing him to sit back down onto the bed. Zhou Yu offered no resistance, and he let Sun Ce continued. "Since he's here, we should worry more about Lu Xun first, then focus on finding Zhang He. We'll have to be extra careful..."
Zhou Y nodded, "Perhaps it would be best if you discussed your plans with me, my Lord."
Now, their eyes shifted to Zhuge Liang, and the man took hints well, giving a nod and leaving without a word of protest. He did what he needed to do anyway, and he walked down the halls quietly, in search of Sima Yi.
Zhou Yu sighed, getting a strong grip on Sun Ce's shirt and pulling him close, "I thought he'd never leave..."
"What was he doing in here anyways?" Sun Ce gave a look towards the door, shaking his head. "Nah, don't worry about him. He'll be gone soon..."
"I don't know why... I thought he was you..."
Now that made Sun Ce laugh, and he ruffled Zhou Yu's hair, knowing it would aggravate him. "You're goofy, mistaking that pompous ass for me! I thought you knew me better then that, Zhou Yu! You hurt my feelings!"
The strategist smiled, drawing so close that their lips almost touched, "Well, how about I do something to make them feel better then?"
As much as Sun Ce would have loved to oblige, they weren't given the chance as the door swung open, and the two whirled around as a soldier shouted to them, blood speeing from his mouth. "Sir, Lu Xun has changed and he is loose in the castle. We did what Lord Lu Meng ordered and locked all doors; there's no escape for him!"
He blinked, seeing their position, and he coughed, "Did... did I come in at a bad time, sir?"
Sun Ce snapped, ignoring the question, "Where is he? You didn't hurt him, did you?"
"No sir; we're merely trying to contain him. He was heading eastward sir."
Looking at Zhou Yu with a slightly grim look, Sun Ce gave a nod, rising and pulling out his tonfas that rested in his belt. Gripping them firmly, he gave a practice swing, then followed the soldier, "Lock the doors, Zhou Yu... it's safer for you here. You stay with him and guard him, alright?"
Zhou Yu immediately protested, "Who's going to protect you?"
"I can take care of myself..." Sun Ce then lowered his voice for his closest friend to hear. "And if he should hurt you, then he'd leave me no choice but to seriously hurt him... even kill him if I must."
What could Zhou Yu say? He hated being this helpless, having to sit out, and he looked away, "Be safe..."
"Will do, buddy."
~*~*~*~
Lu Xun raced down the hallway, yearning for escape, and the feel of the night air on his fur. Not that he had that much; for some reason, this transformation felt... different...
His clothes had not been torn to shreds; the obvious differences were clear. He did not need a mirror to see what he had become, but he had looked anyway...
He had become somewhat used to the beast he had become, but tonight he had been shocked. His fur was so light and thin that it could hardly be seen; his golden eyes were shining brighter than ever. And the only physical changes towards werefox he had gained were the ears and the tail... and claws...
He did not notice the full moon, but he did not care. This was his only chance to get revenge for what Xiahou Dun had done to him, and he wasn't going to waste it. Now he had the advantage... and as he was cornered yet again, he gave a sneer, looking to the soldiers and guards that stood in his way of that sweet taste...
He gave a flick of his tail, and when he spoke, he was amazed that it was not the animalistic sound he was used to. It was soft... and sultry, "You don't want to stand in my way..."
One of the soldiers rose his spears, and he knocked it away as another tried to explain. "You are to stay inside until you are cured, sir. Lord Lu Meng's orders."
"Why won't you be good little boys and let me by?"
His voice or appearance must have frightened them, as a few actually seemed to want to obey his wishes. However, one stood firm, and that man was tossed aside like a rag doll. Lu Xun had forgotten the strength increase, and he smiled, swearing he could taste his revenge even mow. "Interesting..."
"Lu Xun... please don't do this..."
Lu Xun looked to the younger man, and he did not care for an instant, curling his fist to keep his claws from striking the once-cursed kid. Jiang Wei hit the wall with a thud, instantly falling into unconsciousness as more soldiers began to arrive, only to be brutally attacked for going anywhere near the cursed beast.
"Lu Xun... don't resist. This is for your own good, and you know it," Zhao Yun's voice was soft, so soft that Lu Xun almost jumped to realize the man had snuck up on him. "Don't make this any harder on us..."
With a feral growl, Lu Xun turned to the warrior, grabbing the spear and nearly snapping it in two as he pried it out of his hands. Then, as many would have feared that Zhao Yun would soon join his fellow comrade, it was a complete shock to see Lu Xun pinning the taller man against the wall, and Zhao Yun asked, in an almost fearful voice, "What are you doing?!"
"Do you know how completely captivating your eyes are when you're frightened?"
"Lu Xun!" The warrior struggled against his fear, but he could no longer keep it from his voice, "Don't! This is the beast in you!"
That grin was too frightening, and perhaps Lu Xun would have done worse if the soldiers had not tried to strike him with their weapons. He was released, as Lu Xun turned to them, practically plowing through them with such force unequaled. "Leave me alone already... leave me to my prey!"
He was knocked to the ground, and Zhao Yun struggled to keep him down, "No! I can't let you lose yourself like this!"
He was thrown away so casually, and as Zhao Yun struggled for consciousness, Lu Xun growled, looking at the frightened soldiers. "I haven't killed or infected any of you yet... but don't bring me to that..."
Yet, when he heard one voice, he froze, as the light sound of jingling accompanied them, "Don't make me hurt you..."
"Gan Ning..."
The shirtless pirate had withdrawn his sword, and his crimson eyes carefully hid his pain, "I mean it Lu Xun. I don't want to hurt you, but I can't let you harm anyone else. Please..."
Looking at the mere blade, Lu Xun gave a smile, crawling onto his stomach and rolling to reveal his beautiful back. Gan Ning took a step back, as Lu Xun's voice came out like a calm stream, his words music to everyone's ears. "You'd draw your sword upon me... why?"
Blinking, the pirate hardly hesitated, "To protect you from yourself..."
"I need no protection..." Lu Xun smiled, seeing how Gan Ning held back as he rolled onto his belly and crawled towards him slowly, his gaze never leaving his love's confused and hurt face. "I can protect myself... I'm sick of people treating me as a weak, helpless child!"
"That's not what I meant. I've never seen you as weak or helpless!" Gan Ning protested, lowering his weapon. "It's just... I want to protect you... I love you..."
The soldiers said nothing when Lu Xun suddenly grew feral, swiping at his love without hesitation. "Where were you then to protect me?"
The pirate barely jerked back to avoid those claws, and pain exploded in his heart, "I didn't know; how could I have known? Don't you think I would have DIED then let anything happen to you?"
"Still... you were not there, but I don't need your strength anymore." Rising to his feet, Lu Xun gave a hiss, preparing to strike at his love and his soldiers once again. "I can kill Xiahou Dun with my own hands now... I don't need to rely on you to make things right... I can do it by myself..."
"I know you can... but... I still love you..." Seeing that this hardly affected Lu Xun's lust for revenge, Gan Ning tried again, nearly throwing his weapon aside and he nearly pleaded with him. "Lu Xun, I know I can't take back what he's done, but so help me god, if there was a way to make it better, I would have done it in an instant! I wasn't there to protect you last time, but I will-"
Lu Xun paused, turning back to his love with a grin, "Make it better? Do you truly wish to do so?"
Now he lowered his sword, nearly driving it into the ground, and the pirate revealed his tender side as he spread his arms apart. "Yes... anything, Lu Xun..."
Moving faster then he could even see, Gan Ning froze when he heard his love's voice behind him, "Remember... you asked for this..."
"Lu Xun-" Gan Ning gasped, feeling a warm tongue lap his neck so softly. Lu Xun paused as he shuddered, and he whispered, "What? It's not like you to shiver in fear, my love..."
This was not like Lu Xun at all, and Gan Ning almost panicked, gripping Lu Xun's hair and trying to pry him off of his back. "Lu Xun, you need to control yourself; this is not you!"
"Oh... but it feels so nice..." Lu Xun's voice was so smooth, it was frightening, but before he could say or do anything, his ear flinched, but he moved too late. The clawed hands on Gan Ning's vest tightened for a second, and as Lu Xun whispered, they loosened, letting him slip off of his love's back. "Gan Ning..."
Nearly crying, he only whispered, "I'm sorry Lu Xun... so sorry..."
Lu Xun was upon the floor, and Sun Ce looked over him, giving a sigh. He had been watching the entire time, and he felt bad that he only acted now. He looked to the now awakening Shu officers, and then to Gan Ning. "He'll be normal soon, Gan Ning... and I'm sorry, but it was for his own good."
"I know... I know..."