Jiang Wei's eyes fluttered open, and he gave a slight moan in pain. The back of his head ached horribly, and he whimpered, "Zhuge Liang..."
But he was not there. In fact, no one was there, or at least he thought so. He looked around in the infirmary, thinking he was completely alone until he saw Zhao Yun dash by, trying to adjust his armor. And Ma Chao was close behind him, as if to argue with him. What was going on?
"Don't try and stop me, Ma Chao; I am going!" Zhao Yun was saying, looking around for his spear. Though it did not take him long to find the weapon, Ma Chao grabbed the spear, refusing him to go anywhere. "Let go..."
"I will not! Do you really think, after all that's happened, that I am just going to let you go out there and get yourself hurt? Stay here! I'll go!"
Jiang Wei watched, wondering if they'd ever notice him as they almost fought for the weapon. He couldn't understand anything, and he tried to remember what happened before he blacked out. He did remember Lu Xun, but that was about it.
Raising a hand to his throbbing head, he begged, "Please... if the two of you are going to fight, could you do it elsewhere? My head really hurts..."
Now they looked to him, and Zhao Yun asked, his fighting spirit suspended for a second. "Jiang Wei, are you alright?"
Bringing his knees to his chest, the younger man responded, "I-I can't remember what happened..."
"Lu Xun is what happened..."
Jiang Wei nodded, "I know that much..." He asked, trying to rise from the bed, "Where's the Prime Minister?"
It was Ma Chao that helped him back into bed, and he kept an eye on the Little Dragon as he spoke, "That's a very good question. He's missing, as well as Zhang He and Sima Yi... and we STILL haven't heard a thing about that one-eyed monster..."
Zhao Yun sighed, "Yes we HAVE! I swear to you that was Zhang He howling for us! He's in trouble; and that trouble would HAVE to be Xiahou Dun!"
"What? He was howling?" Jiang Wei asked. "I didn't hear any howling..."
Growing slightly impatient, the vengeful Shu officer nodded, "Well... I can swear to you that it was him... and Lu Xun was calling back..."
"I still swear it was only singing..."
Singing? Jiang Wei didn't think about it too much, and he, once again, tried rising, but Ma Chao refused. "Where are the others? What's going on?"
"The others have already left going to investigate, and I will be too, once Ma Chao stops being so overprotective," Zhao Yun said, his voice falsely gentle for Jiang Wei's sake. "You need to stay here, and he needs to watch over you. You must have been hit harder then we thought..."
"But if the Prime Minister is in danger, then I must assist him!"
Ma Chao's voice was firm, "NEITHER of you are going anywhere! You are BOTH injured, and I would rather kill myself then send either of you into battle!"
But Jiang Wei insisted, wondering if he had to waste what little strength he had to fight his way out.
Zhao Yun seemed to be in conflict, but suddenly he spoke, his voice softening, "I think that is wise of you Ma Chao..."
Giving him such a look, the warrior wasn't too confident to trust that sudden change, and he asked, "So what's the sudden change of ideas?"
Drawing closer, Zhao Yun wrapped his arms around his love's neck, his emerald eyes sparkling, "Because you know I love it when you sound so strong..."
Surprised, Jiang Wei asked, "But... what about the others, Zhao Yun?"
Moving only to nuzzle his love's face, he answered, "They'll be okay, Jiang Wei. I mean, we really wouldn't be able to help too much in our conditions, right?"
"I... I suppose you are right..."
Purring, Zhao Yun asked, "Forgive me, Ma Chao?"
Still slightly suspicious, Ma Chao nodded, giving a sigh. "Of course I do... now quit trying to butter me up... and go back to bed."
"If I do... will you give me a good night kiss?"
Now Jiang Wei blushed, and he turned away, not really sure if he wanted to see that or not.
Ma Chao seemed surprised, but he smiled, "If you wish me to..."
It was strange to see Zhao Yun like this, and Ma Chao almost suspected it, but it came too late. Before their lips could ever met, Zhan Yun, the sneaky beast, grabbed a tray from Jiang Wei's table and smashed it on his love's helmet less head twice, knocking him senseless in an instant. The young boy watched as the warrior fell to the floor, lucky that the one that struck him was there.
The warrior sighed, laying his love gently on the bed, speaking to him, although he knew he could not hear him, "I really did not wish to do that, but you left me no choice. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me..."
"I'm sure he will..." Jiang Wei added in, trying to make Zhao Yun feel a little bit better. He knew it probably wouldn't have worked, but it was worth a shot, as he rubbed his tired eyes.
Zhao Yun's voice was soft and concerned as he spoke to him, "Are you sure you're up to going? You don't have to; I swear I would bring back Lord Zhuge Liang safe if you did not..."
Shaking his head, Jiang Wei stood, swaying slightly but gaining his balance again. "I must go... I want him safe and I do not wish to be here when Ma Chao wakes up..."
"Alright then; let's go."
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu remembered his first fight as a werefox, and needless to say, Lu Xun didn't have a chance in hell against the more experienced Zhang He. Not used to the speed boost, the young one would overshoot his attacks, leaving himself completely open for attack, and he was nothing more than a bloody mess as Zhang He stood, the only blood caking his coat was Lu Xun's...
"Lu Xun, please, just give up! I have no wish to kill you!"
There was no use. Inexperienced and frightened of death, the puppy's beastly side took control, and any sign of the normal, timid little man that was trapped within there was gone.
The sight of it made Zhou Yu angry suddenly. Why should two men be cursed in such a way, forced to fight to the death?! They fought each other enough at all other times, and for better reasons then this! He brought his blade down with a particularly savage blow, locking swords with Xiahou Dun and hissing, "You shall burn in hell for your crimes..."
'So I may, but that's only after death... and I don't plan on dying.' Xiahou Dun thought with a smile, a cunning smile indeed.
It was amazing how such a simple thing as a smile enraged the noble man all the more, and the fire in his eyes was truly entrancing when his cultured voice spoke again, "You dare to be amused at me?!"
Nodding, the stronger man knocked him back, going now to block the even more enraged Gan Ning. "Of course..."
NOW Zhou Yu was truly angered, and he growled, "Gan Ning, please... help Sun Ce... this one is MINE!"
No, that certainly could not be done, as Gan Ning refused, his fury of offense only countered by Xiahou Dun's undeniable luck, able to block the faster blade by mere inches. The pirate was too into bloodlust to hear Zhou Yu, and he shouted, kicking Xiahou Dun's square in the gut and knocking him flat on his back. "Bastard!"
"I feel honored, truly I do. I never imagined two such magnificent men would ever fight over who would get my head..."
The man's tauntings weren't helping any, and as he dodged from the pirate's next assault, he heard a howl, turning around to see the blur of the psychotic creature that lusted for his blood. He raised his sword in defense, to shield himself from Lu Xun's attack. "Shit!"
Lu Xun gave a howl that was not words, and the blade was barely keeping those away from his enemy's flesh. He could see the fury in his eyes, but he did not care, only smiling as the enraged werefox gave a pain filled whine, falling from the axe's blade that struck from his flank. Xu Huang asked, his voice slightly trembling, "Dun, are you alright?"
"Thanks to you..."
"Lu Xun!" Gan Ning's cry was ragged, and he rushed to his love's side, practically dropping his weapon and neglecting the battle to be near him.
All action seemed to stop, and Sun Ce asked, as he finally noticed the bloody messy lump that was obviously his young officer. "Gan Ning, is he alright? Get him out of here and heal him quickly!"
Zhang He thought this was sage advice indeed, and he cringed when he heard, "Oh... He-chan..."
Turning away, he looked to the slowly waking Sima Yi, and he dashed to his side in an instant, everything else blocked. "Stay still... don't move... are you alright?"
"My... head hurts..."
And Gan Ning's screaming did not help, desperately trying to get Lu Xun to respond to anything. Guilt struck Zhang He, but fear struck him now as Xiahou Dun spat, rising from the ground. "Take care of them, Zhang He..."
His heart fell when he looked at them, and his silken voice dropped, "No... do not ask it of me..."
"I just did."
Sima Yi was obviously confused, "He-chan... what's going on?"
Now Zhou Yu joined Gan Ning's side, trying to convince him to leave before anything else happened. "Gan Ning, it's not safe here... take him away and cure him as soon as possible. His wounds will heal after he's cure; go quickly! There isn't much time left!"
The pirate seemed only a bit more hesitant, but he scooped the small werefox into his arms, regardless of the danger, and trying to ignore the blood dripping into his arms.
The minute he touched him, he sprung to life, and Lu Xun, almost panicking, looked about wildly before fixing his gaze to the almost crying pirate. "G-an-Ning?!"
"Yes... don't worry. I'm going to save you..."
His pants were ragged, but he said nothing more, waiting to be carried away. However, Xiahou Dun raised his sword again, growling, "Now Zhang He, or you will pay DEARLY!"
The response was like ice, beautiful, but cold, "Yes... master..."
So now, the last standing werefox stood in the pirate's path, but to counter the barrier was Zhou Yu, and had no regret in raising his sword against Zhang He. There was a stand off, and the silence was broken by the angered Zhou Yu, disgusted with all of this. "I thought you did not call him that anymore..."
Those amethyst eyes glimmered with pain, and Zhang He whispered, "Please... don't make this any harder on me..."
"Get going, Gan Ning..." Sun Ce growled, standing next to his own friend. "We'll cover you."
Zhou Yu gripped his sword tighter, and he almost shuddered to feel Zhang He's mental caress, 'Please... I know you understand. If I do not obey... he will kill Yi-chan...'
That made his eyes divert to the still confused strategist behind him, and he sighed, turning back to Xiahou Dun. "How low can you possibly get? To do something like this to your own clan?"
"Can you blame me?"
"Gan-Ning... I... I can't-breathe..."
Gan Ning cursed, as Zhang He began to catch up to him, "I'm sorry... I have to embrace you to cure you... and I can't do that right now!"
"Get them, Zhang He, before they escape!"
Zhou Yu's voice was feral, soft and almost frightening, "You should worry about yourself..."
To be quite honest, Zhang He was begging for someone to come and save the day for the two, and his prayers were answered, hearing the distant sound of hooves. Someone was SURELY coming, and he stopped his pursuit, calling to Xiahou Dun, "They have reinforcements..."
"And the sun will be rising soon, at any rate," Xu Huang called, once more battling with Sun Ce.
Angered, he foolishly threw his sword, only nicking Gan Ning's ear before the pirate and the wounded puppy were out of sight. He cursed, "Dammit! Damn them both to hell then!"
Zhou Yu could not help but chuckled, his chocolate eyes lighting with hatred, "Demon... you should have known your plans would not succeed..."
"What WERE they, anyway?" Sun Ce asked in a cocky manner, hoping to buy time for his officers and help himself alive.
Drawing closer to Zhou Yu, so close they could almost touch, Xiahou Dun laughed in his ear, "What makes you think my plan has failed?"
Now that was not too comforting to hear, and he slowly looked towards Sima Yi, who was finally getting to his feet with the careful help of his love. He growled, "You wouldn't... waste the life of your top strategist..."
"Him? He is but a tool, to control the one I find I need most of all..."
"What the HELL?!" Sun Ce's yell made Zhou Yu pull back, and the strategist hissed, 'W-what are you saying?"
His smile only deepened, and Xiahou Dun called to Zhang He, rather enjoying as the poor cursed beast flinched and braced, as if waiting for his death sentence. "You didn't hold up your end of the deal... you've failed me."
Zhang He whispered, "Please... I beg of you. Punish me... and not my love..."
"He-chan, what in God's name is going on?!" Sima Yi asked, finally regaining some of his natural vigor as he tried to rise to his feet alone. "Xiahou Dun, what's the meaning of this?!"
"Can't you guess?"
Now Sima Yi noticed how different Zhang He was, and he asked, almost forgetting that look of horror on his face. "What happened to you?"
His black tail and ears drooped, and his amethyst eyes glowed, as he whispered, shocking Sima Yi with the sheer magnificence in his voice, "I... am sorry. I know I must look horrible to you now..."
"Anything but that..." Sima Yi murmured, doing his best not to stare at the glorious specimen of flesh that stood before him. "But please... what's going on?"
Sun Ce was just as confused as Sima Yi was, and he looked to Zhou Yu, hoping for an answer, "What's the deal?"
As Zhou Yu shook his head, Xiahou Dun drew even closer, cupping the man's chin in his hand, "Join me... and I'll tell you everything..."
The cultured man narrowed his eyes, "No... you never had me whenever I was in your little pack, and you have nothing over me now..."
Chuckling, the one-eyed man murmured, "Didn't I 'have' you? Have you told your beloved Sun Ce about that little adventure?"
"Adventure?" Sun Ce rose an eyebrow, then looked to Zhou Yu, almost as if he was the enemy. "What adventure?!"
His face paling, Zhou Yu growled, "You bastard..."
"Perhaps I am... just remember that he may NEVER accept the truth..."
"Zhou Yu... what is he talking about?" When the man turned away, Sun Ce got furious, and he asked again, this time with force as he nearly knocked Zhou Yu off of his feet. "ANSWER ME!"
Zhang He's eyes narrowed, and he growled, "Why must you be so cruel to them?"
He was decked to the ground, and Sima Yi rushed to his aid, only to be held in a headlock by Xu Huang. Feeling the pole of his axe against his throat, the confused strategist asked, choking, "Xu Huang-you-traitor!"
"I had to follow the one I loved, Sima Yi. Would you not do the same, if it was Zhang He?"
Still, though angry, the man only agreed, "I see... this will surely be an ending that I would not have wanted..."
Zhou Yu growled, pressing his own blade to Xiahou Dun's throat as fast as lightening, "Release him!"
And Zhang He begged as well, bowing and pleading, "Please!"
Xiahou Dun chuckled again, "We are at a standstill, gentlemen..."
Yes, it was certainly a standstill indeed, as either man did nothing now, unable to think of their next move. How did they get stuck into this was beyond the point now, and their only thoughts now where how to get out...
Sun Ce spoke quietly, addressing his strategist, "What should we do?"
That was the question indeed, and Zhou Yu sighed, hoping that at least Lu Xun would have been cured this night. He sighed, "I ... haven't a clue, Sun Ce... none at all..."
"Might I propose a trade? Me... for Zhuge Liang..."
All looked to Xiahou Dun, waiting for an explanation. As he pointed to the still unconscious Shu strategist, he smile was unequalled. "Take him with you and leave... it's already too late for Zhang He to be cured tonight, so you can have your little baby boy and be happy. However, Zhang He owes me something, now that I am sure Lu Xun is cured by now."
Zhou Yu hesitated, "Will you not release Sima Yi instead?"
"If I release him, then Zhang He will take me too lightly... and we don't need that..."
Feeling his stomach clench, the strategist turned to Zhang He, his voice dropping, "Well? This is as much your decision as anyone's..."
To him, it was a no win situation, and what choice did he have? Giving in, Zhang He lowered his head with such beauty that you swore he would not have said such things as this. "Trade accepted... now leave please. Tell Wu and Shu that matters are taken care of... they are no longer a threat."
Reluctantly, Zhou Yu lowered his sword, and his voice was fierce, "Get away from me... demon..."
That struck such a nerve, and Zhang He only obeyed, backing away slowly with his tail between his legs. It was a strange silence that came, as Sun Ce went directly for the unconscious Zhuge Liang, lifting him and resting him over his shoulders before calling to Zhou Yu softly, "You heard him... let's go."
Zhou Yu cast one more dirty look before going, sighing mentally, 'Zhang He... I hope it all works out for you...'
The werefox only shook his head, and he tried to stay strong, for Sima Yi's sake. 'As do I, but you know it will not. It's best that you and the others forget about this... and convince Lord Cao Cao to leave... we will eventually catch up with him...'
'I shall do my best...'
There was no further argument, and with one last heated glance towards the one-eyed demon that began all of this, Zhou Yu hissed to Sun Ce, "I am ready whenever you are, my lord..."
"Then, by all means, let us go..."
~*~*~*~
"Ga-n N-ing... st-op..."
Hearing his love's voice beg, Gan Ning did stop, trying to catch his breath. His arms were now stained and dripping with blood, and tears flowed freely from his eyes, "I'm sorry, Lu Xun... so sorry..."
By the time they had stopped, they could almost see sunlight reaching over the mountains, but Gan Ning didn't care. Seeing the pained eyes of his love, he laid him down, not daring to leave his side. "But just wait a little longer, okay? The sun will rise and you'll be healed! Please..."
"N-no... I want you... to heal me..."
The blood loss was horrific, and the pirate almost panicked, "If I touch your wounds I'll only cause more pain... but, if you think you can handle it..."
Those golden eyes, once so bright, were fading, and Lu Xun coughed, "Please... no more... werefox..."
"Of course..." Without a second thought, the pirate brought the wounded puppy into his arms,trying to ignore his pained cry. He could see the sun coming over the horizon, and he practically screamed his love's name, to beat the sun. "Lu Xun! Lu Xun! Lu Xun! Please, return to me!"
The change was immediate, as the wounds began to vanish, as well as the tail, ears, claws, and fangs. Once more those pure, golden eyes looked up to him, and Lu Xun smiled weakly, "Thank... you..."
"What are friend's for, eh, little buddy?"
"I... I... love... you..."
Placing a finger over his blood stained mouth, the pirate silenced him, "I know... save your strength. It's over now; things will get better. See? You're human again, once and for all..."
Lu Xun smiled, softly, weakly, before closing his eyes and drifting off into sleep.
Now Gan Ning practically wept, holding him close and realizing just how close he came to losing him. He stopped as quickly as he could when he heard footsteps, and he turned to face the angered Zhou Yu, trying to cover up his tears. "He's cured..."
"Thank god for small miracles..." Sun Ce said with a grunt, and he looked over at Gan Ning and the resting Lu Xun, giving a small smile. "He alright over there? Need any healing?"
Gan Ning ran a gentle hand over the spot in his love's back, where the cruel stroke of the axe had once been, and he shook his head, "No... he seems to be fine..."
"That's good... that's good indeed..."
Zhou Yu rubbed his forehead, his mood so deep and brooding that it was almost frightening to behold. Sun Ce was worried, but he feared the were more important things to do, as he tried to get the unconscious man in a good grip as he spoke up, breaking the short silence. "We should get these two back before anything else happens... and plan our next moves against that bastard."
Zhou Yu's voice was very frightening indeed, "I want his head..."
The pirate, however, didn't seem too surprised, as he spoke with little or no strength at all. "Have a go then... no one's holding you back."
"No one... but myself... and my honor..."
"Screw Cao Cao and what you said..." Sun Ce spat, almost losing grip on Zhuge Liang completely. They turned to him, surprised to hear him say that. "He's ruined enough lives and I'd rather go to all out war then to see HIS face again, unless it's hanging over the great hall, though... that'd be rather entertaining for the girls to see..."
Zhou Yu shook his head, "No. War will bring even more innocent people to their death, and to things worse than death. For their sakes, I shall hold my temper, and rest my sword in its sheath. Perhaps Cao Cao will change his mind once he sees his cousin has betrayed him..."
They heard a soft voice, and Sun Ce looked back at Zhuge Liang, swearing he saw a smile, "Cao Cao won't change his mind... you know he won't do such a thing..."
"I disagree. I think he will, with the evidence put before him. Or, if he will not allow me to kill him, he shall do it himself..."
Zhuge Liang only kept his smile, but it faded, as he tried to open his eyes but failed. "Tell me... is Lu Xun... still alive?"
Gan Ning sneered, "Did you think I would let him die?"
"Good then..." Resting his head against Sun Ce's shoulder, the man began to drift off again. "Then he must take Zhang He's blood, if it is assumed that he is still cursed..."
"Take Zhang He's blood?! What are you talking about?!"
It was too late as he drifted back into unconsciousness, and Sun Ce sighed, renewing his grip yet again. "No good..."
Zhou Yu could feel his heart beat increase as he pondered the strange words of his what was once his worst enemy. And he did not like them... not at all...
But he was not there. In fact, no one was there, or at least he thought so. He looked around in the infirmary, thinking he was completely alone until he saw Zhao Yun dash by, trying to adjust his armor. And Ma Chao was close behind him, as if to argue with him. What was going on?
"Don't try and stop me, Ma Chao; I am going!" Zhao Yun was saying, looking around for his spear. Though it did not take him long to find the weapon, Ma Chao grabbed the spear, refusing him to go anywhere. "Let go..."
"I will not! Do you really think, after all that's happened, that I am just going to let you go out there and get yourself hurt? Stay here! I'll go!"
Jiang Wei watched, wondering if they'd ever notice him as they almost fought for the weapon. He couldn't understand anything, and he tried to remember what happened before he blacked out. He did remember Lu Xun, but that was about it.
Raising a hand to his throbbing head, he begged, "Please... if the two of you are going to fight, could you do it elsewhere? My head really hurts..."
Now they looked to him, and Zhao Yun asked, his fighting spirit suspended for a second. "Jiang Wei, are you alright?"
Bringing his knees to his chest, the younger man responded, "I-I can't remember what happened..."
"Lu Xun is what happened..."
Jiang Wei nodded, "I know that much..." He asked, trying to rise from the bed, "Where's the Prime Minister?"
It was Ma Chao that helped him back into bed, and he kept an eye on the Little Dragon as he spoke, "That's a very good question. He's missing, as well as Zhang He and Sima Yi... and we STILL haven't heard a thing about that one-eyed monster..."
Zhao Yun sighed, "Yes we HAVE! I swear to you that was Zhang He howling for us! He's in trouble; and that trouble would HAVE to be Xiahou Dun!"
"What? He was howling?" Jiang Wei asked. "I didn't hear any howling..."
Growing slightly impatient, the vengeful Shu officer nodded, "Well... I can swear to you that it was him... and Lu Xun was calling back..."
"I still swear it was only singing..."
Singing? Jiang Wei didn't think about it too much, and he, once again, tried rising, but Ma Chao refused. "Where are the others? What's going on?"
"The others have already left going to investigate, and I will be too, once Ma Chao stops being so overprotective," Zhao Yun said, his voice falsely gentle for Jiang Wei's sake. "You need to stay here, and he needs to watch over you. You must have been hit harder then we thought..."
"But if the Prime Minister is in danger, then I must assist him!"
Ma Chao's voice was firm, "NEITHER of you are going anywhere! You are BOTH injured, and I would rather kill myself then send either of you into battle!"
But Jiang Wei insisted, wondering if he had to waste what little strength he had to fight his way out.
Zhao Yun seemed to be in conflict, but suddenly he spoke, his voice softening, "I think that is wise of you Ma Chao..."
Giving him such a look, the warrior wasn't too confident to trust that sudden change, and he asked, "So what's the sudden change of ideas?"
Drawing closer, Zhao Yun wrapped his arms around his love's neck, his emerald eyes sparkling, "Because you know I love it when you sound so strong..."
Surprised, Jiang Wei asked, "But... what about the others, Zhao Yun?"
Moving only to nuzzle his love's face, he answered, "They'll be okay, Jiang Wei. I mean, we really wouldn't be able to help too much in our conditions, right?"
"I... I suppose you are right..."
Purring, Zhao Yun asked, "Forgive me, Ma Chao?"
Still slightly suspicious, Ma Chao nodded, giving a sigh. "Of course I do... now quit trying to butter me up... and go back to bed."
"If I do... will you give me a good night kiss?"
Now Jiang Wei blushed, and he turned away, not really sure if he wanted to see that or not.
Ma Chao seemed surprised, but he smiled, "If you wish me to..."
It was strange to see Zhao Yun like this, and Ma Chao almost suspected it, but it came too late. Before their lips could ever met, Zhan Yun, the sneaky beast, grabbed a tray from Jiang Wei's table and smashed it on his love's helmet less head twice, knocking him senseless in an instant. The young boy watched as the warrior fell to the floor, lucky that the one that struck him was there.
The warrior sighed, laying his love gently on the bed, speaking to him, although he knew he could not hear him, "I really did not wish to do that, but you left me no choice. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me..."
"I'm sure he will..." Jiang Wei added in, trying to make Zhao Yun feel a little bit better. He knew it probably wouldn't have worked, but it was worth a shot, as he rubbed his tired eyes.
Zhao Yun's voice was soft and concerned as he spoke to him, "Are you sure you're up to going? You don't have to; I swear I would bring back Lord Zhuge Liang safe if you did not..."
Shaking his head, Jiang Wei stood, swaying slightly but gaining his balance again. "I must go... I want him safe and I do not wish to be here when Ma Chao wakes up..."
"Alright then; let's go."
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu remembered his first fight as a werefox, and needless to say, Lu Xun didn't have a chance in hell against the more experienced Zhang He. Not used to the speed boost, the young one would overshoot his attacks, leaving himself completely open for attack, and he was nothing more than a bloody mess as Zhang He stood, the only blood caking his coat was Lu Xun's...
"Lu Xun, please, just give up! I have no wish to kill you!"
There was no use. Inexperienced and frightened of death, the puppy's beastly side took control, and any sign of the normal, timid little man that was trapped within there was gone.
The sight of it made Zhou Yu angry suddenly. Why should two men be cursed in such a way, forced to fight to the death?! They fought each other enough at all other times, and for better reasons then this! He brought his blade down with a particularly savage blow, locking swords with Xiahou Dun and hissing, "You shall burn in hell for your crimes..."
'So I may, but that's only after death... and I don't plan on dying.' Xiahou Dun thought with a smile, a cunning smile indeed.
It was amazing how such a simple thing as a smile enraged the noble man all the more, and the fire in his eyes was truly entrancing when his cultured voice spoke again, "You dare to be amused at me?!"
Nodding, the stronger man knocked him back, going now to block the even more enraged Gan Ning. "Of course..."
NOW Zhou Yu was truly angered, and he growled, "Gan Ning, please... help Sun Ce... this one is MINE!"
No, that certainly could not be done, as Gan Ning refused, his fury of offense only countered by Xiahou Dun's undeniable luck, able to block the faster blade by mere inches. The pirate was too into bloodlust to hear Zhou Yu, and he shouted, kicking Xiahou Dun's square in the gut and knocking him flat on his back. "Bastard!"
"I feel honored, truly I do. I never imagined two such magnificent men would ever fight over who would get my head..."
The man's tauntings weren't helping any, and as he dodged from the pirate's next assault, he heard a howl, turning around to see the blur of the psychotic creature that lusted for his blood. He raised his sword in defense, to shield himself from Lu Xun's attack. "Shit!"
Lu Xun gave a howl that was not words, and the blade was barely keeping those away from his enemy's flesh. He could see the fury in his eyes, but he did not care, only smiling as the enraged werefox gave a pain filled whine, falling from the axe's blade that struck from his flank. Xu Huang asked, his voice slightly trembling, "Dun, are you alright?"
"Thanks to you..."
"Lu Xun!" Gan Ning's cry was ragged, and he rushed to his love's side, practically dropping his weapon and neglecting the battle to be near him.
All action seemed to stop, and Sun Ce asked, as he finally noticed the bloody messy lump that was obviously his young officer. "Gan Ning, is he alright? Get him out of here and heal him quickly!"
Zhang He thought this was sage advice indeed, and he cringed when he heard, "Oh... He-chan..."
Turning away, he looked to the slowly waking Sima Yi, and he dashed to his side in an instant, everything else blocked. "Stay still... don't move... are you alright?"
"My... head hurts..."
And Gan Ning's screaming did not help, desperately trying to get Lu Xun to respond to anything. Guilt struck Zhang He, but fear struck him now as Xiahou Dun spat, rising from the ground. "Take care of them, Zhang He..."
His heart fell when he looked at them, and his silken voice dropped, "No... do not ask it of me..."
"I just did."
Sima Yi was obviously confused, "He-chan... what's going on?"
Now Zhou Yu joined Gan Ning's side, trying to convince him to leave before anything else happened. "Gan Ning, it's not safe here... take him away and cure him as soon as possible. His wounds will heal after he's cure; go quickly! There isn't much time left!"
The pirate seemed only a bit more hesitant, but he scooped the small werefox into his arms, regardless of the danger, and trying to ignore the blood dripping into his arms.
The minute he touched him, he sprung to life, and Lu Xun, almost panicking, looked about wildly before fixing his gaze to the almost crying pirate. "G-an-Ning?!"
"Yes... don't worry. I'm going to save you..."
His pants were ragged, but he said nothing more, waiting to be carried away. However, Xiahou Dun raised his sword again, growling, "Now Zhang He, or you will pay DEARLY!"
The response was like ice, beautiful, but cold, "Yes... master..."
So now, the last standing werefox stood in the pirate's path, but to counter the barrier was Zhou Yu, and had no regret in raising his sword against Zhang He. There was a stand off, and the silence was broken by the angered Zhou Yu, disgusted with all of this. "I thought you did not call him that anymore..."
Those amethyst eyes glimmered with pain, and Zhang He whispered, "Please... don't make this any harder on me..."
"Get going, Gan Ning..." Sun Ce growled, standing next to his own friend. "We'll cover you."
Zhou Yu gripped his sword tighter, and he almost shuddered to feel Zhang He's mental caress, 'Please... I know you understand. If I do not obey... he will kill Yi-chan...'
That made his eyes divert to the still confused strategist behind him, and he sighed, turning back to Xiahou Dun. "How low can you possibly get? To do something like this to your own clan?"
"Can you blame me?"
"Gan-Ning... I... I can't-breathe..."
Gan Ning cursed, as Zhang He began to catch up to him, "I'm sorry... I have to embrace you to cure you... and I can't do that right now!"
"Get them, Zhang He, before they escape!"
Zhou Yu's voice was feral, soft and almost frightening, "You should worry about yourself..."
To be quite honest, Zhang He was begging for someone to come and save the day for the two, and his prayers were answered, hearing the distant sound of hooves. Someone was SURELY coming, and he stopped his pursuit, calling to Xiahou Dun, "They have reinforcements..."
"And the sun will be rising soon, at any rate," Xu Huang called, once more battling with Sun Ce.
Angered, he foolishly threw his sword, only nicking Gan Ning's ear before the pirate and the wounded puppy were out of sight. He cursed, "Dammit! Damn them both to hell then!"
Zhou Yu could not help but chuckled, his chocolate eyes lighting with hatred, "Demon... you should have known your plans would not succeed..."
"What WERE they, anyway?" Sun Ce asked in a cocky manner, hoping to buy time for his officers and help himself alive.
Drawing closer to Zhou Yu, so close they could almost touch, Xiahou Dun laughed in his ear, "What makes you think my plan has failed?"
Now that was not too comforting to hear, and he slowly looked towards Sima Yi, who was finally getting to his feet with the careful help of his love. He growled, "You wouldn't... waste the life of your top strategist..."
"Him? He is but a tool, to control the one I find I need most of all..."
"What the HELL?!" Sun Ce's yell made Zhou Yu pull back, and the strategist hissed, 'W-what are you saying?"
His smile only deepened, and Xiahou Dun called to Zhang He, rather enjoying as the poor cursed beast flinched and braced, as if waiting for his death sentence. "You didn't hold up your end of the deal... you've failed me."
Zhang He whispered, "Please... I beg of you. Punish me... and not my love..."
"He-chan, what in God's name is going on?!" Sima Yi asked, finally regaining some of his natural vigor as he tried to rise to his feet alone. "Xiahou Dun, what's the meaning of this?!"
"Can't you guess?"
Now Sima Yi noticed how different Zhang He was, and he asked, almost forgetting that look of horror on his face. "What happened to you?"
His black tail and ears drooped, and his amethyst eyes glowed, as he whispered, shocking Sima Yi with the sheer magnificence in his voice, "I... am sorry. I know I must look horrible to you now..."
"Anything but that..." Sima Yi murmured, doing his best not to stare at the glorious specimen of flesh that stood before him. "But please... what's going on?"
Sun Ce was just as confused as Sima Yi was, and he looked to Zhou Yu, hoping for an answer, "What's the deal?"
As Zhou Yu shook his head, Xiahou Dun drew even closer, cupping the man's chin in his hand, "Join me... and I'll tell you everything..."
The cultured man narrowed his eyes, "No... you never had me whenever I was in your little pack, and you have nothing over me now..."
Chuckling, the one-eyed man murmured, "Didn't I 'have' you? Have you told your beloved Sun Ce about that little adventure?"
"Adventure?" Sun Ce rose an eyebrow, then looked to Zhou Yu, almost as if he was the enemy. "What adventure?!"
His face paling, Zhou Yu growled, "You bastard..."
"Perhaps I am... just remember that he may NEVER accept the truth..."
"Zhou Yu... what is he talking about?" When the man turned away, Sun Ce got furious, and he asked again, this time with force as he nearly knocked Zhou Yu off of his feet. "ANSWER ME!"
Zhang He's eyes narrowed, and he growled, "Why must you be so cruel to them?"
He was decked to the ground, and Sima Yi rushed to his aid, only to be held in a headlock by Xu Huang. Feeling the pole of his axe against his throat, the confused strategist asked, choking, "Xu Huang-you-traitor!"
"I had to follow the one I loved, Sima Yi. Would you not do the same, if it was Zhang He?"
Still, though angry, the man only agreed, "I see... this will surely be an ending that I would not have wanted..."
Zhou Yu growled, pressing his own blade to Xiahou Dun's throat as fast as lightening, "Release him!"
And Zhang He begged as well, bowing and pleading, "Please!"
Xiahou Dun chuckled again, "We are at a standstill, gentlemen..."
Yes, it was certainly a standstill indeed, as either man did nothing now, unable to think of their next move. How did they get stuck into this was beyond the point now, and their only thoughts now where how to get out...
Sun Ce spoke quietly, addressing his strategist, "What should we do?"
That was the question indeed, and Zhou Yu sighed, hoping that at least Lu Xun would have been cured this night. He sighed, "I ... haven't a clue, Sun Ce... none at all..."
"Might I propose a trade? Me... for Zhuge Liang..."
All looked to Xiahou Dun, waiting for an explanation. As he pointed to the still unconscious Shu strategist, he smile was unequalled. "Take him with you and leave... it's already too late for Zhang He to be cured tonight, so you can have your little baby boy and be happy. However, Zhang He owes me something, now that I am sure Lu Xun is cured by now."
Zhou Yu hesitated, "Will you not release Sima Yi instead?"
"If I release him, then Zhang He will take me too lightly... and we don't need that..."
Feeling his stomach clench, the strategist turned to Zhang He, his voice dropping, "Well? This is as much your decision as anyone's..."
To him, it was a no win situation, and what choice did he have? Giving in, Zhang He lowered his head with such beauty that you swore he would not have said such things as this. "Trade accepted... now leave please. Tell Wu and Shu that matters are taken care of... they are no longer a threat."
Reluctantly, Zhou Yu lowered his sword, and his voice was fierce, "Get away from me... demon..."
That struck such a nerve, and Zhang He only obeyed, backing away slowly with his tail between his legs. It was a strange silence that came, as Sun Ce went directly for the unconscious Zhuge Liang, lifting him and resting him over his shoulders before calling to Zhou Yu softly, "You heard him... let's go."
Zhou Yu cast one more dirty look before going, sighing mentally, 'Zhang He... I hope it all works out for you...'
The werefox only shook his head, and he tried to stay strong, for Sima Yi's sake. 'As do I, but you know it will not. It's best that you and the others forget about this... and convince Lord Cao Cao to leave... we will eventually catch up with him...'
'I shall do my best...'
There was no further argument, and with one last heated glance towards the one-eyed demon that began all of this, Zhou Yu hissed to Sun Ce, "I am ready whenever you are, my lord..."
"Then, by all means, let us go..."
~*~*~*~
"Ga-n N-ing... st-op..."
Hearing his love's voice beg, Gan Ning did stop, trying to catch his breath. His arms were now stained and dripping with blood, and tears flowed freely from his eyes, "I'm sorry, Lu Xun... so sorry..."
By the time they had stopped, they could almost see sunlight reaching over the mountains, but Gan Ning didn't care. Seeing the pained eyes of his love, he laid him down, not daring to leave his side. "But just wait a little longer, okay? The sun will rise and you'll be healed! Please..."
"N-no... I want you... to heal me..."
The blood loss was horrific, and the pirate almost panicked, "If I touch your wounds I'll only cause more pain... but, if you think you can handle it..."
Those golden eyes, once so bright, were fading, and Lu Xun coughed, "Please... no more... werefox..."
"Of course..." Without a second thought, the pirate brought the wounded puppy into his arms,trying to ignore his pained cry. He could see the sun coming over the horizon, and he practically screamed his love's name, to beat the sun. "Lu Xun! Lu Xun! Lu Xun! Please, return to me!"
The change was immediate, as the wounds began to vanish, as well as the tail, ears, claws, and fangs. Once more those pure, golden eyes looked up to him, and Lu Xun smiled weakly, "Thank... you..."
"What are friend's for, eh, little buddy?"
"I... I... love... you..."
Placing a finger over his blood stained mouth, the pirate silenced him, "I know... save your strength. It's over now; things will get better. See? You're human again, once and for all..."
Lu Xun smiled, softly, weakly, before closing his eyes and drifting off into sleep.
Now Gan Ning practically wept, holding him close and realizing just how close he came to losing him. He stopped as quickly as he could when he heard footsteps, and he turned to face the angered Zhou Yu, trying to cover up his tears. "He's cured..."
"Thank god for small miracles..." Sun Ce said with a grunt, and he looked over at Gan Ning and the resting Lu Xun, giving a small smile. "He alright over there? Need any healing?"
Gan Ning ran a gentle hand over the spot in his love's back, where the cruel stroke of the axe had once been, and he shook his head, "No... he seems to be fine..."
"That's good... that's good indeed..."
Zhou Yu rubbed his forehead, his mood so deep and brooding that it was almost frightening to behold. Sun Ce was worried, but he feared the were more important things to do, as he tried to get the unconscious man in a good grip as he spoke up, breaking the short silence. "We should get these two back before anything else happens... and plan our next moves against that bastard."
Zhou Yu's voice was very frightening indeed, "I want his head..."
The pirate, however, didn't seem too surprised, as he spoke with little or no strength at all. "Have a go then... no one's holding you back."
"No one... but myself... and my honor..."
"Screw Cao Cao and what you said..." Sun Ce spat, almost losing grip on Zhuge Liang completely. They turned to him, surprised to hear him say that. "He's ruined enough lives and I'd rather go to all out war then to see HIS face again, unless it's hanging over the great hall, though... that'd be rather entertaining for the girls to see..."
Zhou Yu shook his head, "No. War will bring even more innocent people to their death, and to things worse than death. For their sakes, I shall hold my temper, and rest my sword in its sheath. Perhaps Cao Cao will change his mind once he sees his cousin has betrayed him..."
They heard a soft voice, and Sun Ce looked back at Zhuge Liang, swearing he saw a smile, "Cao Cao won't change his mind... you know he won't do such a thing..."
"I disagree. I think he will, with the evidence put before him. Or, if he will not allow me to kill him, he shall do it himself..."
Zhuge Liang only kept his smile, but it faded, as he tried to open his eyes but failed. "Tell me... is Lu Xun... still alive?"
Gan Ning sneered, "Did you think I would let him die?"
"Good then..." Resting his head against Sun Ce's shoulder, the man began to drift off again. "Then he must take Zhang He's blood, if it is assumed that he is still cursed..."
"Take Zhang He's blood?! What are you talking about?!"
It was too late as he drifted back into unconsciousness, and Sun Ce sighed, renewing his grip yet again. "No good..."
Zhou Yu could feel his heart beat increase as he pondered the strange words of his what was once his worst enemy. And he did not like them... not at all...