"Was the fire attack as successful as we had hoped?" It was a question indeed, as soldiers had ventured towards the woods to put out the flames before they became intolerable. Lu Meng and Lu Xun were still stationed on the wall, never hesitant to try it again if the traitors to Wei were to reveal themselves once again. Though now, Sun Ce had joined them, and he was shortly informed of the details shortly after his arrival.

Lu Xun scowled, "Cao Cao was foolish to turn his back on his cousin..."

Only nodding with agreement, Sun Ce added in, "Not to mention he came with such a small force. Not like you can blame him; if Lu Meng were to turn on you, would you believe it?"

Sighing, the young strategist shook his head, "I suppose not."

"What now, Lord Sun Ce?" Lu Meng asked, resting a hand against the wall and casting an angered glance towards the woods. "They're still alive, and they'll most likely try to make their move before dusk."

Sun Ce shrugged, "We cure Zhang He, we have no problem right?"

"What about Zhuge Liang?" Lu Xun suggested, keeping his tone civil. "He was the reason why I did not join Cao Cao in the woods. He's up to something."

A tired voice sneered, "He's ALWAYS up to something..."

They turned to Zhou Yu, and he gave a deep sigh, looking towards Lu Xun. "What's happened this time?"

"Where would you like me to start?" Lu Xun began anyway, pacing slightly as if to keep himself active. "Xiahou Dun and Xu Huang are waiting in the woods, and during their conference, they officially announced their betrayal by nearly taking Lord Cao Cao's life. The good news is that we do have Zhang He and Sima Yi here now, so healing him should be easier..."

Frowning, Zhou Yu asked, "And have we discovered exactly what Xiahou Dun is up to? And what does Zhuge Liang have to do with anything?"

"Werefox's blood grants immortality, at least that is what he was babbling about before attacking his cousin." Lu Xun said, "As for Zhuge Liang... I don't know. I just have a feeling he knows more than he is telling us..."

Giving a rather odd gesture, Sun Ce smirked almost playfully, as if ignoring the situation. "Well, best if we give him a little questioning, right? Especially if you think he convinced Cao Cao to go out when everyone else knew what was going to happen."

"I think it's something deeper than that; he knew about the werefox blood. He had to, otherwise why would he have said something about it?" Lu Xun looked towards the woods, as if to try to remember something. "How did he know this? I've searched through many books and haven't read a thing about it..."

"Well, if he DOES know anything that he hasn't told us, we'll find out..." Zhou Yu insisted, before turning to Sun Ce. "I'll speak with him unless you need me elsewhere?"

"Don't take this personally, Zhou Yu, but I really think it would be best if Lu Meng questioned him. I mean, you two AREN'T exactly the best of friends..."

Zhou Yu looked to Sun Ce, but before he could object, Lu Meng spoke up, "Of course... I'll get to it immediately then, my Lord."

"Good man." Sun Ce smiled, letting him by and he looked to Zhou Yu quickly, trying to get him to feel better about his decision. Seeing Lu Xun through the corner of his eyes, he tried to move the conversation elsewhere, "Perhaps we should speak with Liu Bei. He could probably give us a bit more information since he was there, ya know?"

His voice cold, Zhou Yu bowed, "Your wish is my command."

They were gone before Lu Xun could object, and he went back to guarding the walls, keeping his eyes peeled for either of the two traitors. He was almost more than thankful he was alone, as dealing with the two if they did show up would have been much easier. He still had the bow in his hand, not wishing to be caught off guard by anyone.

He nearly leapt out of his skin when he felt a hand on his shoulder, and a soft voice in his ear, "Lu Xun?"

He nearly fell off the wall to avoid the touch, and he caught his own breath again, regaining his balance. "I'll ask you two to not do that..."

Jiang Wei giggled, "What are you so jumpy for? You should have known it was us!"

"In case if you haven't noticed, I am no longer a werefox, and nor do I have the sense to read your minds." Lu Xun stated, hating the fact that the two surrounded him. "If you don't mind, I have my duties to attend to."

Zhao Yun raised an eyebrow, "And what do we have to do? Dance naked in the town square?"

The look Lu Xun gave was priceless, one that Jiang Wei couldn't help but laugh at. Finally, Lu Xun spoke, "Ask your lord about what to do. I have no authority over you, even if it is Wu territory."

"Lord Liu Bei is quite busy trying to get Lord Cao Cao to medical attention with your pirate friend," Zhao Yun stated calmly. "Besides... he doesn't understand the way we feel at all..."

"And how would I?" Lu Xun asked, wishing for them to leave his kingdom all together.

Jiang Wei almost instantly sensed this, and with a small sigh, he tugged on Zhao Yun's sleeve, "Let's go. Lu Xun doesn't care anymore."

"Apparently you're right..." Zhao Yun was just as sad to say this, ignoring Lu Xun's look. "It's a wonder if anything affected him at all... the only emotions he had were when he was one of the demons, I suppose."

"Why don't we go see if Zhang He is doing alright? He probably needs us more than the Ice Queen..."

Now they could see his pain, but Lu Xun tried so hard to live up to that name they had just given him. It was failing, almost horribly, as he tried to turn away. He spoke through clenched teeth, almost breaking the wooden bow within his hands. "What are you aiming for? To strike a nerve?"

Zhao Yun's green eyes burned into his back, and his voice was almost acid, "At least we would know that you ARE human... and not simply some heartless beast. As sad as it is to say, you were more human when you WERE a beast!"

"Shut up... or I will forget about this treaty..."

Jiang Wei only shook his head, "Why do you try to hide? We KNOW you! And yet... you throw our concern and our feelings into our faces. We're not enemies now, and even if I only speak for myself... I know that no one, on any side, will look quite the same way to me again. But at least I have the strength to realize that... and accept it..."

They weren't really expecting too much, but when Lu Xun grabbed one of the arrows that rested near the flames and turned it upon them, they were silent, to hear his words beyond the deadly flames. "I accept the fact that I was once a beast, but that's done and over with. My only objection is to protect Jiang Ye from the dangers of one and from the traitors outside our walls. I will NOT waste my time on personal revenge!"

Zhao Yun nodded, "Then it is a good thing... that we will waste OUR time, for you."

Now Lu Xun pulled back on the bow, and they swore, they could almost hint tears rising from his wild amber eyes. "Okay, you struck my emotions and stirred them up. Are you happy now? Or... do you wish to inflict MORE?"

"Are we the ones hurting you? Or are you the one hurting... yourself?"

They could see his eyes flinch, and he growled, forgetting everything else now. He hissed, trying to hold back his tears. "I don't care... what happens to me doesn't matter in the long run... the protection of my kingdom and its people do."

Jiang Wei spoke softly, "But don't you see, that while you think that, those around you don't?"

"They'll understand." Lu Xun spoke quickly, now trying to regain himself from this. He lowered the weapon, throwing the arrows back into the flames as he turned away from them, wishing for them to leave. "That's how war is... one individual does not matter. All of this is useless if you really think about it."

Zhao Yun pushed Jiang Wei towards the door, speaking softly before they made their exit, "I pray one day that there is someone who can make you believe otherwise... and make you happy..."

They were gone, though Lu Xun felt no relief come from it. Now he wished either Xiahou Dun or Xu Huang to appear, so that he could have used that arrow. He hissed, almost cutting his own palm with his tight clenched fist. "Bastards..."

"You okay?"

Lu Xun didn't really know what to say to Gan Ning, so he kept silent. Perhaps if he said nothing, he couldn't hurt him too...

Firm hands grasped his shoulders, spinning around until he was facing those crimson eyes, "Don't ignore me..."

"Gan Ning, please..." Lu Xun spat, his voice cracking as they hinted oncoming tears. The pirate could see his pain, but his grip did not lighten at all. "Not now..."

"If not now, then when?! When will you tear down that wall between us and allow me to LOVE you?!" Gan Ning asked, wondering now what happened while he was gone. "Tell me when and I'll come back later..."

"I've failed... I've hurt you too, now..."

Gan Ning's rose an eyebrow, "Me too? Who else did you hurt? Are you alright?"

Lu Xun only sobbed, burying his head onto the pirate's bare shoulder, "Do I look alright?!"

Still, the pirate was confused, but he tried to comfort him, and he would have done more, if a soldier did not run up to them. "Sir, Xiahou Dun is showing strange activity in the western wall... he could be up to something!"

"Dispatch troops there immediately... I shall be there shortly..." Lu Xun replied, quickly wiping his tears away and grabbing his bow. "Inform Lord Sun Ce immediately. That's the side where Lord Cao Cao is right now.

Gan Ning waited until the underling was gone to speak, "I'm coming with you. And don't argue..."

Lu Xun didn't have the chance to, as they both turned the corner, they were greeted with at least a hundred or so soldiers, each one turning their spears, swords, and arrows at them. Lu Xun said nothing, and the pirate asked, "Hey, what's the big idea?"

"If you please, good sirs, we have orders to escort the both of you outside of the castle..."

"For what reasons? By whose orders?" Lu Xun asked, knowing best and dropping his bow to the ground.

"That we cannot reveal to you."

The sound of a sword being withdrawn wasn't too surprising, and Gan Ning growled, "Unless you tell us what we won't, we're not going anywhere!"

"Lord Zhuge Liang..."

~*~*~*~

The Wei warlord was cursing a fit by the time he got to the bed, but it was not long before he had lost consciousness from the blood loss. It was much easier for the doctor's to do their work, and though it was still a question if he was even going to survive...

Liu Bei was tireless in his vigil over the warlord, never leaving his side for more than a few moments. He blamed himself almost too much, he thought, but he didn't care, wondering where this would lead to now. He said nothing when Sun Ce and the elder of the Wu strategist appeared, and Sun Ce spoke up, "So? Anything?"

"Not so much as the wiggling of a finger..."

Zhou Yu spoke low, "If only he knew... he should have brought more men with him. Why Lu Xun didn't accompany him, I don't know. Perhaps you do, Lord Liu Bei..."

Sighing, the Shu lord nodded, "He didn't trust him; he didn't trust anyone. With his cousin's betrayal, and the enemies of his past around him, he had no one to turn to..."

"Still... don't you think there was another reason why?" Sun Ce asked.

"I have told you what I know..."

Now Zhou Yu's eyes shined with a passion, a passion for revenge. "Perhaps your strategist has convinced him otherwise? It was Zhuge Liang that lured Sima Yi and Zhang He into Xiahou DUn's clutches before, and perhaps he convinced Lord Cao Cao to go into the trap?"

"Why would my strategist do such a thing?" Liu Bei asked, not believing them for a second. "He would never do such a thing, especially for something as foolish as immortality!"

"No offense sir, but I truly believe he would, if he thought it was in his best interests..."

From outside the door, Jiang Wei wished to object, but Zhao Yun and Ma Chao did their best to silence him, not wishing to give away the fact that they were eavesdropping. When Liu Bei did not respond, Sun Ce carried on what his friend was saying, "The temptation of immortality can change anyone. Bet if I went up to Lu Xun and told him that MY blood was the gift of everlasting life, then don't you think he would prick my finger and take a sip?"

"Even if that were true, why would he trick Cao Cao into going into a trap? Zhang He is here, resting for the night to come. What's to stop him from just taking the blood he wants, if he does want it?"

Again, the Shu lord would not bring himself to remember, and he rose, turning away from them to think for a second. "If he's done this, it's not for immortality... he's after something else."

Zhou Yu spoke, respectfully, though quickly, "Then what is it, sir?"

It was Sun Ce who gave the suggestion, "What do you think Zhou Yu? Personal revenge..."

His heart sinking, the strategist whispered, "To avenge what happened to Jiang Wei? But he doesn't need immortality for that..."

"Then what is he after then?" Liu Bei asked, almost frustrated. "Find him and tell him to report to me... I will try to get the truth from him, even if I have to beat it out of him!"

"As you wish, sir."

They were surprised to hear him say such a thing, but they said nothing until they left the room, only to bump into the three awaiting Shu officers. Immediately, Jiang Wei clung to Zhou Yu's robes, his voice sharp and fierce, "What's going on? What's this I hear about Master Zhuge?!"

Zhou Yu was taken aback to hear such raw emotion in the boy's voice, and he spoke soothingly, "Calm down Jiang Wei! There's nothing to be upset about!"

Zhao Yun spoke, "Though it would be nice to know what's going on, especially if it could involve us."

Sun Ce blinked, "Does it?"

"If it involves our strategist and lord, then it involves us." Ma Chao stated, his voice almost deadly serious.

"Do ya know I never thought of it that way?" Sun Ce shrugged, "But if you want to know, it's no big secret. There was no reason for ya to hide behind the door..."

The only one who registered shame was Zhao Yun, but Jiang Wei asked, a bit more fiercely this time. "What's going on, Zhou Yu?"

"The truth is Jiang Wei... I'm trying to decide just what it is your strategist is up too..."

Zhou Yu tried to explain, speaking so low that they could barely hear him. "He knew of this gift of immortality, but that's NOT what he's after... and now, Zhang He is wanted for his gift and Cao Cao lays dying... and it's not just Xiahou Dun's fault."

"You DARE to accuse the Prime Minister of treachery?!"

How else could Zhou Yu respond? "I'm afraid so... but perhaps for a reason we can't understand yet."

The look in the boy's eyes was truly heartbreaking, and he sighed, "I'm so sorry... Jiang Wei..."

Before Jiang Wei could even object, they heard a soothing voice, and they turned to Zhuge Liang, who was half hidden behind the wall. Jiang Wei would have approached him, had he not held a sword in his hands, pointing it downward and letting the blood drip onto the floor. "You will understand my reasoning soon enough... but for now, I suggest you go to the western wall."

Seeing the blood, Jiang Wei's eyes widened, "What have you done?!"

"I've done what I must... I do not ask for you to understand or possibly forgive me." Lowering his gaze, the Prime Minister flashed a look towards Zhou Yu, then disappeared behind the walls.

Zhou Yu gave a snarl, practically leaping ahead and running to catch up with the one who was, perhaps, his most hated enemy, "What the hell are you trying to pull?!"

Zhuge Liang only replied, not even looking at him but stopping for a second. "You will understand soon enough, but I will ask for you to come along quietly. No need to get anyone else involved..."

"What do you need me for?"

As Sun Ce and the other Shu officers caught up, the Prime Minister continued his trek, "Follow me to the wall and you will see. All of you... even you, Jiang Wei."

As the neared their destination, Sun Ce growled, "There had better be a good reason for this..."

"Oh, there is..." The Shu strategist nodded, "A very good one..."

The sight that greeted them once they arrived at the walls was quite frightening, as they could see the small army that gathered outside their wall, only containing about a hundred and fifty or so, clad in blue and green uniforms. They weren't really much of a threat, military wise, even with Xiahou Dun and Xu Huang at the front of their ranks. However, that was not the main focus...

It was the three specks of ruby red inside that sea of emerald and sapphire that drew Zhou Yu's focus, and he cursed as he realized who they were, "Lu Xun... Gan Ning... Lu Meng..."

Each one was tied and gagged, and the only one who seemed conscious was Gan Ning, as the pirate still struggled under the heavy arms of the soldiers. Lu Meng was plainly out cold, as Lu Xun seemed dead to the world, his head hung down in shame. Sun Ce growled, "What the HELL?!"

Zhao Yun paled, "What are OUR men doing out there?!"

Now Zhuge Liang explained, "These are all men loyal to the cause of immortality... as you said yourself, one would do anything to achieve such a gift."

Jiang Wei murmured, "But... Zhang He cannot lose enough blood to satisfy so many. He'll die..."

"One sacrifice would be worth it... and he will not be the only one soon enough."

Zhou Yu looked to the younger Shu officer, and his heart immediately broke when he looked into those pained eyes. Apparently he was not the only one, as Zhao Yun stepped to offer comfort, but Jiang Wei pushed him away, his voice low, and suddenly very, very dangerous, "You would curse others... as he is cursed? As I was cursed?!"

To this, Zhuge Liang said nothing, and Sun Ce was furious, as he addressed the bastards outside his wall. "What's the big idea, Xiahou Dun?!"

"Well, it seems that you once again have something that I desire, Sun Ce. And I suppose the same can be said in reverse...." The one-eyed general shouted, and, as he withdrew his sword, he placed its blade neatly under Gan Ning's chin, though the pirate continued his struggles. "I want you to listen well to what I'm offering in return for these three men, so unclog your ears and think hard!"

Sun Ce looked ready to kill, but Zhou Yu laid a hand on his shoulder, "Let him speak. You truly have no choice..."

"What do you want? You don't think one man is worth the lives of three others, do you?" Sun Ce asked, trying to control his anger.

"I do believe you underestimate Zhang He's worth... his looks alone would fetch a pretty penny..." Xiahou Dun smirked, shaking his head, "But, as you say, three for one doesn't seem quite fair. That's why I'm asking for two..."

Zhao Yun questioned this, directing his question towards Zhuge Liang now. "What does he mean two?"

"Why don't you ask him?"

When Zhuge Liang said this, he cast another eye towards Zhou Yu, but they didn't have the time to question this look as Xiahou Dun spoke up, sliding the dull side of the blade across the pirate's bare chest now. "You will hand over Zhang He, as well as your strategist Zhou Yu. Don't ask why because I am NOT in the mood for explaining such things now. It's too hot out here, and I just might let this blade slip."

If Sun Ce had not made the point clear, his words boomed his emotions to all present, "WHAT?!"

And Zhou Yu could not help but agree, denying what the one eyed general had said just a few moments ago. "What business do I have with you? I want nothing more then to let your head roll into the great rivers!"

"Then that will make it all the more satisfying when your blood drips upon the earth..." Xiahou Dun sneered, striking as swift as lightning and planting a stiff kick to Lu Xun's gut. They boy merely flinched, but nothing more as the blade turned to him now. "Or his... bring me your strategist, and the boy goes. Bring me the werefox and the other two are freed as well. Best you do both, or just one and sacrifice the others. Your choice, really..."

Zhou Yu spat, turning his brown eyes away, "You know I will comply with these demands... just let them go..."

Sun Ce turned to him, growling, "No bloody way! There's no chance in hell that I'm going to give up my friend or let that demon have what he wants!"

"My lord... do not make me resign my service with you... and let me go..."

"You... you wouldn't!" Sun Ce said with pure disbelief, his eyes registering deep pain and concern. He turned back to Xiahou Dun, demanding an answer this time. "What do you need him for?"

"It may be better for you, Sun Ce... if you do not know..."

Now Lu Meng was finally showing a few motions of life, and Xiahou Dun spoke loudly, just as archers were being set up behind the wall. "I'll give you half an hour to decide, but if you don't give me what I want, then I'll kill all three of them... one by one, starting from youngest to oldest!"

Zhou Yu's commanding tone made him freeze, "That will not be necessary. It has been decided..."

"No it has NOT!" Sun Ce argued. "We'll give you your answer at the time you want, but don't you DARE try anything stupid!"

Xiahou Dun snickered, "I would advise YOU to do the same, as you are more likely to do something stupid than I...."

Somehow, though no one was for sure how, Gan Ning's mouth was free from the gag, and he screamed, fire in his eyes as he addressed Lord Sun Ce and Zhou Yu. "Forget about us! Pity them for when I break these ropes and get my sword back!"

Sun Ce snapped, "Be calm, Gan Ning. That's an order!"

The pirate sneered, "Give the order and I'll fight to the very end!"

Zhao Yun spoke softly, trying his best to console the now stunned into silence Jiang Wei, "Tell him to be silent, Zhou Yu... or his end could come quite soon..."

"We'll give the order later, but for now, obey Sun Ce." Zhou Yu commanded, any and all emotion deprived of his voice. Oh, how he HATED this man.

And the flame in his eyes only grew, as the one-eyed general looked straight at him and smirked, his voice a purr, "I knew I could count on you to be the noble, intelligent one..."

"We will return soon, but we'll have these archers keeping a strict eye on you until then..." Sun Ce warned, ushering Zhou Yu and the other two generals there to follow him. However, he turned his deadly gaze to Zhuge Liang, his growl feral, "As for you... I suggest you join them outside the walls..."

Before he could do so, Jiang Wei ran from Zhao Yun's protection, and everyone was shocked to see him slap the man he obviously loved across the face. Tears streaming from his eyes, the boy whispered, "I hate you... I can never forgive you for this..."

It was a sight indeed, but Zhuge Liang said nothing. He only looked away, unable to say anything. His silence only seemed to make it worse, as Jiang Wei could no longer contain his sobs, falling to his knees and never wanting to rise. What had he to live for, now?

Though no one above heard him, Lu Xun spoke softly, "So... it was all part of the plan..."

Gan Ning blinked, "What are you murmuring about?"

"Nothing important..." Lu Xun sighed, lowering his head even more if it was even possible.

As he emotionally shattered Jiang Wei was helped inside by his fellow Shu officers, Zhou Yu turned to Xiahou Dun again, his voice ice, "I hope you burn in hell..."

The general only smiled, "You're wasting time..."

Turning on his heel, practically dragging Sun Ce in behind him, Zhou Yu whispered, "You know I have to go, Sun Ce! Don't make me defy you!"

"I won't lose you, not like this! I'd rather fight him to the death then to see you back with him!"

"But it won't be YOUR death! It will be two of your best generals and one of your most promising strategist!" The man insisted, his chocolate eyes flashing. "I won't go without a fight, I promise you... but I will NOT risk those three officers!"

Now Sun Ce hissed, "I don't CARE about them! I care about you!"

Shoving him against the wall, hands gripped tightly on his shoulders, Zhou Yu was suddenly a very frightening sight, "You have to think with your HEAD and not your HEART! Do you doubt my love for you?! But you know we must do this..."

Zhao Yun spoke up, trying to separate the two but failing horribly, "This isn't solving anything; it's only wasting the little time you have left!"

Sun Ce was trying so hard to contain the tears that pricked his eyes, and he almost begged, "Don't ask me to let you go again. I almost lost you once... I don't think I could bear that again..."

"I won't forsake Lu Xun or the others... he's serious! He will kill them if he has already betrayed his cousin!" Zhou Yu could read the pain so easily in those eyes, and he knew the feeling, as it was shattering his own heart. He cupped his lord's face, kissing him so gently before pulling away, "I can't promise that everything will end well. But two lives... if Zhang He is willing, are less than three. And three more people may be needed when you try to come save us..."

Still, Sun Ce wouldn't give in, "But why does he want you?"

"I defied him, from the beginning of my curse to this time. What do you think he wants of me, Sun Ce? He wants to break me, to bend my will... and then kill me."

"I don't think this is the best place to discuss this..." Zhao Yun added in, uncertain if he should even be speaking now.

Sighing, Sun Ce spoke, "Zhao Yun... please go get Zhang He. And, if at all possible, avoid Sima Yi."

Bowing, he was on his way immediately. Though, he wondered if avoiding Sima Yi was EVER possible..."

As he left, the Lord of Wu spoke softly, "Zhou Yu... you had better know what you're doing..."

"I do, my lord... do not worry for me just yet..." His strategist smiled, though it was forced, "I still have a few tricks up my sleeves..."

That did not remove the fear from Sun Ce's eyes. He then asked, "What should we do... what should I do...?"

"Calm down, listen to what Lu Xun or any of the pack members have to suggest to you. Accept help from wherever you can find it, so that this threat can be overcome." Zhou Yu spoke rather quickly, not wishing to waste time for his three comrades. "They know what to do..."

"Don't you die on me..."

They last thing was said was within their embrace, and Zhou Yu meant EXACTLY what he said. "I will not return unless I have his head..."

"Oh, this is really too cute! I hate to break this up!" If that was not Zhang He, Zhou Yu would have let Sun Ce go ballistic on him, however, the man was spared as he asked, "So... what's the situation now?"

"Terrible. I must ask you to come with me, back into Xiahou Dun's hands, for the sake of Lu Xun, Gan Ning, and Lu Meng." The strategist said with a sigh. He looked into those deep, purple eyes, speaking softly, "You don't have to. I won't force you. I know, especially now, that it may not seem like it, and if I could secure their releases on my own, I would do so in an instant. But I cannot. He will not release the two elders without your presence, and I doubt he will release Lu Xun only with me, though he claims he will."

The look on Zhang He's face was frightening, "He would hold hostages after such an... never mind... just don't let this leak out to Sima Yi."

Sun Ce nodded, "We will contain it as long as we can, Zhang He."

Zhou Yu sighed, not liking this at all. "It's only a few more hours until night... then he'll take your life."

"I have no desire to die, dear Zhou Yu... and though he may try, I doubt he will slay me..."

That was only something they could wish, and Sun Ce could do nothing as they slipped outside the door, leaving him with nothing but words to live on.