Bring Me to Life
by Gingivere the Shadowreaver
Chapter Two
Yes, the plan seemed flawless, but both the Shu and the Wei didn't not count on the intellegence of both of Wu's strategist. If Zhuge Liang was there, he would have instantly turned down the plan, knowing that neither men of Wu were not that foolish. And Sima Yi had his doubts, but what else could be done in such a short amount of time?
Sima Yi had also underestimated and miscalculated the distance between themselves and the Shu army. He had no idea that the Shu were already within the patch of woodland, where it was esitmated the Wu would arrive. That was where the ambush, lead by Zhang He, would be. And he glanced towards the hillside, where Zhang Liao and his forces waited, looking for the signal.
Everything was worked out wonderfully, and the plan would have possibly worked, if it wasn't the Wu they were going against...
~*~*~*~
"Why don't you tell her already?"
Lu Xun was torn away from his studies by Zhou Yu's deeper voice, and he looked up from the map he looked at, to see the amusing look on his superior's face, trying to understand it. Da Qiao off scouting ahead of them, lucky for Lu Xun as he sat alone on the horse to give him time to study. Zhou Yu had to repeat himself before Lu Xun finally caught on to what he was getting at. "I'm sure she already knows; everytime you squeezed her in fear of falling off the horse, you blushed."
'Can't he just let that go already?' Lu Xun looked away, pretending to be too busy plotting to even care about the subject. Here they are, about to go head first into trouble, and all Zhou Yu worried about was the many ways he can make him blush? He denied it, as usual, "We ahve better things to worry about, Zhou Yu, and you should know that."
"Nonsense..." He laughed, he freakin' laughed, and Lu Xun could tell it was a mocking one. "It will be much easier on you if you just tell her, and if she declines your love, then you'll feel betterthan this, then to never know how she feels."
"I don't see why you're bugging me about it... we should be more worried about finding out the secrets to this land. For some reason I can't find it on the ma-hey!"
Zhou Yu grabbed the map that was in his hands and rolled it back up. Then, he hit Lu XUn on the head lightly, almost knocking his hat off. "How is it that we're both strategist but we ahve totally different lifestyles? You're too young to worry about all this, Lu Xun... what the hell ever happened to your childhood?"
Quickly looking away, Lu Xun snapped, trying to keep his voice calm. "My childhood has nothing to do with my abilities... I need to stay focused, just like you do."
"But the major difference is that I have a life beyond the maps and scrolls."
That was a low blow, but Lu Xun couldn't even fight back before Zhou Yu went back onto the offense, his voice never raising but each note sharp and to the point, catching his attention, as well as many others. "I remember clearly of a battle; you spent three full days, day and night, coming up with that, might I add in, rather impressive and practically fool proof strategy. Haven't slept a wink, nor had you eaten or had a drink. No, you just locked yourself away in that tent, ignoring the rest of the world. Then, when we won the battle, instead of celebrating like the rest of you, where were you? Recording the plan to put into that little scroll of endless strategies of yours."
The look Lu Xun gave him was almost frightening, his normal, childish face quite a frightening sight to see when he was angry. He tried hard, so very hard, to keep his voice from carrying, knowing that an argument between the two would definately turn heads, especially for enemy soldiers. "If we did not have those strategies, where would Wu be right now?! What I do is the same as what you do, except I don't try to outdo another. I do if for Wu, not to wave over Zhuge Liang's head! Maybe you should be more concerned about YOUR strategies, Zhou Yu!"
He was nearly knocked off his horse as Zhou Yu withdrew his sword, aiming it directly under his chin. The look in his eyes were frightening, like twin flames, and the entire army stopped. Both men were silent, as Lu Xun returned Zhou Yu's raged look with a defiant one of his own. "I suggest that both of us forget anything was ever said here... I was only concerned for your well-being..." Zhou Yu hissed, obviously struck by the younger man's words.
"Don't worry yourself about me... I know my limits."
"But…" Zhou Yu sheathed his sword, looking away and shaking his head, relieving the tension around them. "You only think you do. Slow down and enjoy the times away from the wars, the planning."
Lu Xun wanted to laugh, and he did. It was an almost stressful laugh, but it was practically a new sound coming from him, at least to Zhou Yu. "Yes, I wish I could do that… but if the both of us slacked and got behind on the current activities, then Wu would be in flames as we speak."
It was Zhou Yu's smile that ended the short quarrel, as the troops continued to march forward. "When all of this fighting's over, what do you plan to do with your life?"
"I'm not sure…" Lu Xun looked away, trying to enjoy the scenery. "I guess I plan on writing and sharing my strategies… perhaps become a teacher or sorts."
"A teacher of war?" Zhou Yu's grin went deeper. "Yes, I can see you now, waving a stick at a child for blinking as you're explaining an old campaign. Yes, Lu Xun-sensai* indeed!"
*I know, it's Japanese. I don't know how to say Master or Teacher in Chinese, sue me!
Sending him a false warnful glare, the young strategist countered. "Well? What about you?"
Zhou Yu was somewhat speechless, and he sighed, looking up. "I'm not sure about that… maybe I'll be like you and become a teacher."
"See? Don't see why you had to mock my decision."
"I wasn't; I just thought it would be cute to see that, that's all." Seeing that Lu Xun was in a rotten mood, he just shrugged. He didn't mean to arouse him, and he didn't blame him for almost losing it either. 'I probably should apologize,' Zhou Yu thought to himself, pondering the look of forced serenity on the youthful face.
He never got the chance, as Da Qiao returned, running as silently as she could. "Anything?"
"There's a clearing, about a mile north." Da Qiao replied, slightly out of breath. "It's strangely quiet over there, but I didn't look too deep into it. I suspect there's someone there."
Zhou Yu gave Lu Xun a look, and he nodded. "A perfect spot for an ambush… but the Wei aren't foolish enough for that. They CAN'T be."
"Maybe luck is on our side and stole their brains in their sleep." No one laughed as his short joke, and Zhou Yu then looked down at the Maiden. "Can you describe the clearing from your distance?"
She nodded, prying her attention away from Lu Xun, who was almost frantically looking for a map of the area. 'That boy… always worrying!' "The clearing wasn't really too big, but there were a line of trees bordered the north and bushes all around the place."
Lu Xun never did find the map, and he covered his frustration well. "So they could easily be in the trees or in the bushes. Maybe even both."
"Knowing Wei, they're most likely to hide their archers in the trees." Zhou Yu pointed out. "Sima Yi has a thing for that; let us hope he doesn't have a change of heart."
"Can't be too sure, but there IS an ambush in await for us there." Lu Xun was completely positive of it. It was a good thing the two had argued, he realized, since it had made them stop from their movement. It gave them more time to come up with a strategy. It was obvious now what the Wei were up to. "What do you suggest we do?"
Like Lu Xun, Zhou Yu was never short from ideas. "It will involved one of us entering the clearing, though. That in itself is dangerous enough."
"Just like you, to chose the dangerous stuff." Da Qiao put her hands on her hip, looking back and forth between the two. "I want to go, Zhou Yu, if you don't mind."
"I have no problem with it, though you might want to ask Lu Xun if it bothers him."
He said that with the Devil's smile, and Lu Xun could see it before taking a wild glance at the now giggling Da Qiao. Did she know?! That rat… curse Zhou Yu, the filthy rat! He couldn't stop the blush from arising, his cheeks now as red as his clothing. If he refuses her to go, he's practically announcing his love for her, but if he didn't, he would feel as if dooming her to death. What if she wasn't fast enough to avoid the arrows?
"We can't afford losing you; how could I tell your sister that we let you die like this?" Lu Xun quickly thought of an excuse, and it seemed to have worked well. It still didn't wipe the smug look on Zhou Yu's face, nor the cheeky smile from her. Curse her… "I'll go."
Zhou Yu nodded, "Take the horse; they can sense danger faster than a human can."
He wasn't going to object that, though if ANYTHING frightened Pat Se, it was a demon from Hell itself. He nodded, waiting for Zhou Yu to give out the orders. Once again, he had avoided proclaiming his love, and his heart nagged at him. He fought it down, as he always did. Fight first, love later…
~*~*~*~
The clearing was deathly silent, something that was a dead give away to danger. Zhang He knew this, as he ordered his archers to stop their talking. He had spotted Da Qiao, seeing her stare at the clearing, out of range by all of the arrows. He didn't like that; the Maiden probably knew of a possible ambush, as she hastily ran back. She was as wise as she was foolish, for now she gave away the position of the Wu. They were exactly where Zhang He wanted them…
He readied one of his special arrows, tasting his sharp metal tip against a leaf. This was meant for the first Wu soldier that walked into the clearing, and he was to be the first to die from it. Only he had these arrows, for he didn't trust them with his soldiers. None of them were nearly as skilled as he was, and he didn't want these arrows to be wasted.
He felt a tug at his pants, and he looked towards a soldier, who motioned him towards him. He had found something… and as Zhang He climbed higher, to see what the archer had seen, he almost paled. Awaiting in the bushes was Liu Bei!
The Shu were here already?! A few seconds later, he spotted Zhao Yun, then Ma Chao. It wasn't exactly what he needed, but he said nothing, as he heard Liu Bei give a command. "The Wu should be passing here soon… remember, aim for the two strategist. One is draped in cloaks and has long brown hair, while the other wears a hat."
'So, you are ambushing the Wu as well?' Zhang He smiled, guessing that Liu Bei did not know of the Wei awaiting in the trees. He commanded the other archer through silence, using a form of sign language. The archer nodded, and gave the command to the other archers. 'This will be killing two birds with one stone… today, the Wu and the Shu will perish…'
The only sound that was heard now was the clopping of a horse, and both groups looked towards the opening to the clearing. They were expecting an army, two men on horses and the rest on foot. Instead, they got one lonely strategist and a dull looking animal to carrying him. They wondered where there rest were, and to Liu Bei it did not matter. With a simple motion of his hand, the Shu archers took aim for various spots, waiting until he was within firing range. The Wei did the same, except Zhang He, who instead took his aim at Liu Bei.
Lu Xun was weary to enter the clearing alone, but he tried not to let it show. He had to remain clueless and unaware, and keep his head in a straight forward look. A simple turn of the head would give away the position of their targets, and it had to be just right.
One of the Wei archers pulled back on his string, and Lu Xun heard it just as the horse did. He quickly looked towards the bushes at his side, bringing the horse to a complete stop. From a considerable distance, Da Qiao nodded, giving the silent command to her archers. They rose their arrows high into the trees, unseen from the Wei.
Now Lu Xun's heart began to race, and the horse could feel the fear slowly radiating from it's master. 'Stay calm… stay calm…'
He ushered the horse forward, but the beast refused to move. Any closer, and it would have been in range with the Shu archers. Pat Se knew this, but Lu Xun didn't. He gave the command again, but the damn creature would not budge an inch. This was NOT what he needed. He gave it a harsh kick, driving his heel into the horse's rib cage, trying to get it to start. He hissed, making a crucial mistake. "Go!"
The first arrow was released, by Liu Bei's command, and the horse wailed loudly, bucking his rider off of his back and kicking his front legs high, making the loudest noise he could possibly make.
Zhou Yu almost gave away his position when he saw the man fall off the horse, but he stopped, as Pat Se stomped around and making a ruckus, Lu Xun held an arrow between his fingers. It was within mere inches of his heart… that arrow didn't come from the Wei!
"Fire!"
No one was sure who gave the command, but arrows were everywhere within seconds. Wei archers fell from the trees, though Zhang He, higher than the rest, was not hit. Nor did he catch his pray, thanks to Lu Xun's now panicked horse. The best dashed into the bushes, drawing out Liu Bei and a few of his soldiers. Lu Xun had regained consciousness by then, and he looked up as the sword of the Shu ruler came crashing down on him.
Metal collided with metal, and Zhou Yu had caught the blade, diverting it from the youth. The two circled, as Shu and Wu soldiers gathered, and Zhou Yu growled, "Liu Bei, what's the meaning of this?!"
"What do you mean?!" Liu Bei struck again, only to have his sword locked with Zhou Yu's. Lu Xun had gotten to his feet by this time, as Da Qiao arrived with her group of archer, each taking aim at Liu Bei.
Lu Xun stopped them, however, and turned to Liu Bei, "Did you not send the messenger requesting our aid against the Wei?"
When he saw the look on Liu Bei's face, he cursed, not believing how easily he was fooled. He withdrew his twin swords, just as Zhou Yu had caught on. "It was a trick... a clever little trick to lure out and separate the Wu!"
From a short distance, Zhang Liao smiled, preparing his troops for the attack as Zhang He gave the single. All he needed was an arrow to soar through the sky, and what done was done. He would have to give out a good word about Sima Yi later for the plan; he always thought the guy was obsessed with destroying the supply depot. He would worry about that later; they had a battle to win. "Don't leave any survivors! Destroy the Wu strategists and Liu Bei! ATTACK!!!!"
The Shu and Wu armies had heard the shout, and a soldier fell next to Liu Bei, and arrow piercing through his armor. Da Qiao quickly took her aims to the trees, but missed, cursing as another solider fell. Zhou Yu shouted to get, "Find the archers and kill them, Da Qiao!"
She was off, and as Ma Chao and Zhao Yun circled Lu Xun, he offered a truce. "We fell into the same trap as you have, Lord Liu Bei, and if I am correct to say, they planned for us to kill one another and then finish the job. Let's call a truce until the Wei are defeated!"
Liu Bei could see the incoming army in the opening of the stress, and he spat, swallowing his pride and lowering his weapon against him. His ego was just as damaged as Zhou Yu's, and he gave the command to his troops, "All archers, aim to the south, and don't fire until they're in range! Don't waste your arrows on wounding them; kill them instantly!"
And Zhou Yu practically gave the same command, "Aim for the neck and heart! Wait for my command!"
Now both troops were ready, and Lu Xun hissed, "Sima Yi's not with them; he's definitely planned this."
"Go find him, and show no mercy."
Lu Xun was not to disobey, but before he could go, a huge gray horse has ran in his way, nearly knocking him over as Liu Bei mounted his steed. "Ma Chao, Zhao Yun, stay here; I'll call for reinforcements if they are needed."
"Hai!" They two saluted, as Zhao Yun quickly took charge, and Liu Bei looked at Lu Xun, seeing how he was hesitant to anywhere near the horse. "Tell me, child, where would be the best place to find him?"
Slightly insulted, Lu Xun quickly controlled his anger, answering his question. "The attack is coming from the South, and he is always behind the main troops."
"Get on; you're less likely to be hit, and it's faster."
Looking at the horse again, Lu Xun swallowed the knot, quickly mounting, taking the small place behind the Shu leader. This was definitely the tallest horse he's ever been on, and when the thing took off, he had to practically GRAB Liu Bei's pants to stop himself from falling off. Just as the horse shot through the bushes, the archers let loose a rally of arrows, instantly killing the entire front row. Lu Xun would have been content if he could just cling onto the Shu leader, close his eyes and hope they'd get to wherever they were needed soon. However, things would never work out that way, as Liu Bei shouted to him. "Watch out for any archers!"
He nodded, and with one hand, he held onto Liu Bei, and with the other, slashed away any arrow that was aimed towards them. He heard the battle cry of the Shu and Wu, and the battle had started!
~*~*~*~
They caught on too quickly, Zhang He feared, sniping yet another soldier. He wasn't aiming to kill them instantly, but he couldn't help it if he was just that good. He wanted to stick around, to see if the poison would kill the men, however, a certain fan wielding girl seemed to want his audience. Now he stood on the tree limp, as Da Qiao balanced herself well on the thinner branch ahead of him, her beautiful red fans poised.
He smiled, aiming his bow to take a shot. Knowing that the chances of actually hitting her were slim to none, he'd might as well have fun with her. "Da Qiao, I presume, the older of the Qiao Twins?"
"Then you know it's useless to fight me with those silly arrows, right?" Da Qiao gave a cheeky smile, waiting for his attack.
Zhang He nodded, but he reeled his arm back and fired anyway. With a simple move of her wrist, the fan knocked it away, and she leapt off the branch as Zhang He destroyed it with his powerful golden claws. The two fell to the ground, and the minute their feet touched the ground, they engaged each other, Da Qiao blocking the claws and swiping, barely missing him.
He would admit, that he was surprised by her agility and strength. He knew she was quick, but not this quick. He barely had trouble keeping up with her, but he managed. There was no way he was going to be outdoned by a simple maiden, despite her beauty.
"You're not too bad..." Zhang He complimented with a cocky grin.
Da Qiao returned the smile, striking with a fury of offense, leaving the Wei officer in defense. She was definitely a spirited fighter, one never to be underestimated. He was lucky he could silence his consciousness, fighting its urge to stop fighting a woman. She had nothing stopping her from killing him, so he shared no sympathy.
She made a mistake, and she held back her cry as the claws drew blood. It was only her shoulder, and it wasn't too bad. She ducked the second claw and the kick that aimed to remove her head, not surprised to see it strong enough to shatter a small tree next to them. "But I'm better!"
He had gotten too cocky, and he went for another slash, only to have it get caught between the two fans. Zhang He felt her feet drive into his gut, and he fell back, breaking through the bushes before digging his claws into the ground to stop the momentum off his fall. And she continued on with the attack, leaping through the bushes like a elegant wolf. He ducked and dodge the attacks, as the battle raged on.
Zhang Liao had his own problems, defending himself against Zhao Yun. Halbred met with spear, and Little Dragon was not an easy customer to defeat. The young man had fire in his eyes, and it wasn't that Zhang Liao feared that, but it was the fact that he had not planned for him to be there. And Zhao Yun was one NEVER to take lightly.
From the corner of his eyes, he saw the Shu ruler and the Wu officer gallop past on the gray steed, and he shouted, holding off his enemy. "Stop them! Stop them dead!"
A group of soliders didn't take him lightly, obeying as they turned their attention to the two on horseback. Liu Bei noticed this just as well as Lu Xun did, and he cursed, "Keep them off our backs!"
"I am!"
A soldier leapt, hoping to remove one or both of the officers, however, he met his fate as Lu Xun gutted him, quickly knocking him off to hack away at another soldier. Killing was never a problem for Lu Xun; kill or be killed. He felt no pity to see the soldier's face of horror as he killed them, daring the others to come. They made their decision and chose their destiny the minute they picked up their weapons for the first time. This was war; to weild a sword, pike, spear, or bow was announcing that you shall die by the very weapon itself.
He didn't see the soldier from behind, but he was saved, as Zhou Yu countered, ripping his chest open with a single slash. He had things taken care of from there, and Lu Xun would have to remind himself to thank him later.
"Are you sure he's in the far back?" Liu Bei demanded, grunting as he noticed three horsemen running towards them. He withdrew his sword, as Lu Xun stood up on the reigns, catching sight of them. One let loose and arrow, and it came within inches of Liu Bei's head before shattering from Lu Xun's blade. Before the archer could reload, Liu Bei's horse and sword was upon him, crushing his skull under his strong hilt. Lu Xun had looked back to make sure he was dead, failing to notice that they were entering another patch of woods. "Get down!"
He received the warning too late, and the branch got him good in the chest, knocking him straight off the horse, dangling for a few seconds before falling, somehow LANDING on yet, another horse. He saw Liu Bei look back at him, shaking his head in shame before turning his own around, and, grabbing his swords and turning them backwards, drove the blades into the horseman's back and knocking him off.
The horse knew of its master's death, and it retaliated, bucking and kicking wildly to throw the Wu officer off his back. He succeeded, and as Lu Xun landed on his feet, he killed the soldiers that gathered around him before noticing the last horseman's fall. He heard the sounds of running hoods from behind him, and a strong hand grabbed him, lifting him high and back onto the gray horse's back.
"Stay on the horse!"
"Horseman I am not!" Lu Xun shouted back, relieved to see they were leaving the main part of the battle. Now, all they had left was to get to Sima Yi, who awaited them at the end of the patch of woodland.
Zhou Yu saw them enter the woods, and he shouted to his troops. "They're secure! Finish the job here!"
He didn't wait any longer to obey the command himself, causing the fall of another soldier before turning to the next unfortunate one. From a short distance he could see Zhang He and Da Qiao dueling, and amongst the battlefield was Zhao Yun and Ma Chao. They were excellent warriors indeed, and it was a pity to see that their allegiance was to Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, however, this was not the time to worry about it. He spotted Zhang Liao, fending off the Little Dragon, and he jumped in, nearly catching him off guard.
~*~*~*~
"Clever little rodents…" Sima Yi looked towards the battle that laid ahead of him, not really liking how things were turning out. He was sure that the Shu and Wu would destroy one another, or at least battle a little bit longer before joining forces. "Quick thinkers indeed you are, Zhou Yu and Lu Xun... never the less, Wu will perish once we slay you both like dogs!"
He quickly caught sight of the gray steed, and he hissed, "Liu Bei! Damn him... I'm a fighter, but I'm not THAT good! How did he find my location so quickly?!"
As the steed got closer and made it into the small patch of woods, he could see the smaller red officer, and from his size of him, he hissed once again, quickly forumlating a plan as both of their troops entered the woods. "Lu Xun as well... we'll kill them both! Archers, line the rocks! Fire the minute you see the horse's head! Soldiers, line behind them; if they're lucky enough to make it past the archers, it's YOUR duty to kill them!"
They saluted, and the archers lined, loading their bows and waiting for their mark. They heard the sound of hooves grow nearer, and they drew back, waiting...
They never saw a horse's head, only a demon soaring over them, its battle cry quite a frightening sound, and as the beast landed,. crushing several unaware archers, Sima Yi watched as Lu Xun threw himself into the soldiers behind them, slaying five in an instant. And Liu Bei gave a single blow, killing the last of the archers his horse had missed. Sima Yi wasn't expecting them to attack so fast, and he backed away as Wu and Shu soldiers arrived.
Sima Yi rose to hide half his face, eying Lu Xun, the closer to him, cautiously. However, someone else caught his attention, as he ducked the sword. The second time around, he used his fan as a chield, and he put on a fake smile, looking at Liu Bei. "So we meet again..."
Pulling his weapon back, the leader of Shu dismounted, "This time I won't let your slithering hide escape..."
The two began their battle, and Liu Bei shouted to that Wu strategist gruffly. "Take care of his bodyguards, child!"
"I will, and DON'T CALL ME THAT!" Lu Xun gave a series of swipes, doing his job jsut fine. The soldiers and bodyguards weren't a problem, but what worried him was the fact that they were so close to Wu territory. How was it that there was no backup? Surely someone back in Wu territory knew of the Wei here. "Curse you, Sima Yi!"
by Gingivere the Shadowreaver
Chapter Two
Yes, the plan seemed flawless, but both the Shu and the Wei didn't not count on the intellegence of both of Wu's strategist. If Zhuge Liang was there, he would have instantly turned down the plan, knowing that neither men of Wu were not that foolish. And Sima Yi had his doubts, but what else could be done in such a short amount of time?
Sima Yi had also underestimated and miscalculated the distance between themselves and the Shu army. He had no idea that the Shu were already within the patch of woodland, where it was esitmated the Wu would arrive. That was where the ambush, lead by Zhang He, would be. And he glanced towards the hillside, where Zhang Liao and his forces waited, looking for the signal.
Everything was worked out wonderfully, and the plan would have possibly worked, if it wasn't the Wu they were going against...
~*~*~*~
"Why don't you tell her already?"
Lu Xun was torn away from his studies by Zhou Yu's deeper voice, and he looked up from the map he looked at, to see the amusing look on his superior's face, trying to understand it. Da Qiao off scouting ahead of them, lucky for Lu Xun as he sat alone on the horse to give him time to study. Zhou Yu had to repeat himself before Lu Xun finally caught on to what he was getting at. "I'm sure she already knows; everytime you squeezed her in fear of falling off the horse, you blushed."
'Can't he just let that go already?' Lu Xun looked away, pretending to be too busy plotting to even care about the subject. Here they are, about to go head first into trouble, and all Zhou Yu worried about was the many ways he can make him blush? He denied it, as usual, "We ahve better things to worry about, Zhou Yu, and you should know that."
"Nonsense..." He laughed, he freakin' laughed, and Lu Xun could tell it was a mocking one. "It will be much easier on you if you just tell her, and if she declines your love, then you'll feel betterthan this, then to never know how she feels."
"I don't see why you're bugging me about it... we should be more worried about finding out the secrets to this land. For some reason I can't find it on the ma-hey!"
Zhou Yu grabbed the map that was in his hands and rolled it back up. Then, he hit Lu XUn on the head lightly, almost knocking his hat off. "How is it that we're both strategist but we ahve totally different lifestyles? You're too young to worry about all this, Lu Xun... what the hell ever happened to your childhood?"
Quickly looking away, Lu Xun snapped, trying to keep his voice calm. "My childhood has nothing to do with my abilities... I need to stay focused, just like you do."
"But the major difference is that I have a life beyond the maps and scrolls."
That was a low blow, but Lu Xun couldn't even fight back before Zhou Yu went back onto the offense, his voice never raising but each note sharp and to the point, catching his attention, as well as many others. "I remember clearly of a battle; you spent three full days, day and night, coming up with that, might I add in, rather impressive and practically fool proof strategy. Haven't slept a wink, nor had you eaten or had a drink. No, you just locked yourself away in that tent, ignoring the rest of the world. Then, when we won the battle, instead of celebrating like the rest of you, where were you? Recording the plan to put into that little scroll of endless strategies of yours."
The look Lu Xun gave him was almost frightening, his normal, childish face quite a frightening sight to see when he was angry. He tried hard, so very hard, to keep his voice from carrying, knowing that an argument between the two would definately turn heads, especially for enemy soldiers. "If we did not have those strategies, where would Wu be right now?! What I do is the same as what you do, except I don't try to outdo another. I do if for Wu, not to wave over Zhuge Liang's head! Maybe you should be more concerned about YOUR strategies, Zhou Yu!"
He was nearly knocked off his horse as Zhou Yu withdrew his sword, aiming it directly under his chin. The look in his eyes were frightening, like twin flames, and the entire army stopped. Both men were silent, as Lu Xun returned Zhou Yu's raged look with a defiant one of his own. "I suggest that both of us forget anything was ever said here... I was only concerned for your well-being..." Zhou Yu hissed, obviously struck by the younger man's words.
"Don't worry yourself about me... I know my limits."
"But…" Zhou Yu sheathed his sword, looking away and shaking his head, relieving the tension around them. "You only think you do. Slow down and enjoy the times away from the wars, the planning."
Lu Xun wanted to laugh, and he did. It was an almost stressful laugh, but it was practically a new sound coming from him, at least to Zhou Yu. "Yes, I wish I could do that… but if the both of us slacked and got behind on the current activities, then Wu would be in flames as we speak."
It was Zhou Yu's smile that ended the short quarrel, as the troops continued to march forward. "When all of this fighting's over, what do you plan to do with your life?"
"I'm not sure…" Lu Xun looked away, trying to enjoy the scenery. "I guess I plan on writing and sharing my strategies… perhaps become a teacher or sorts."
"A teacher of war?" Zhou Yu's grin went deeper. "Yes, I can see you now, waving a stick at a child for blinking as you're explaining an old campaign. Yes, Lu Xun-sensai* indeed!"
*I know, it's Japanese. I don't know how to say Master or Teacher in Chinese, sue me!
Sending him a false warnful glare, the young strategist countered. "Well? What about you?"
Zhou Yu was somewhat speechless, and he sighed, looking up. "I'm not sure about that… maybe I'll be like you and become a teacher."
"See? Don't see why you had to mock my decision."
"I wasn't; I just thought it would be cute to see that, that's all." Seeing that Lu Xun was in a rotten mood, he just shrugged. He didn't mean to arouse him, and he didn't blame him for almost losing it either. 'I probably should apologize,' Zhou Yu thought to himself, pondering the look of forced serenity on the youthful face.
He never got the chance, as Da Qiao returned, running as silently as she could. "Anything?"
"There's a clearing, about a mile north." Da Qiao replied, slightly out of breath. "It's strangely quiet over there, but I didn't look too deep into it. I suspect there's someone there."
Zhou Yu gave Lu Xun a look, and he nodded. "A perfect spot for an ambush… but the Wei aren't foolish enough for that. They CAN'T be."
"Maybe luck is on our side and stole their brains in their sleep." No one laughed as his short joke, and Zhou Yu then looked down at the Maiden. "Can you describe the clearing from your distance?"
She nodded, prying her attention away from Lu Xun, who was almost frantically looking for a map of the area. 'That boy… always worrying!' "The clearing wasn't really too big, but there were a line of trees bordered the north and bushes all around the place."
Lu Xun never did find the map, and he covered his frustration well. "So they could easily be in the trees or in the bushes. Maybe even both."
"Knowing Wei, they're most likely to hide their archers in the trees." Zhou Yu pointed out. "Sima Yi has a thing for that; let us hope he doesn't have a change of heart."
"Can't be too sure, but there IS an ambush in await for us there." Lu Xun was completely positive of it. It was a good thing the two had argued, he realized, since it had made them stop from their movement. It gave them more time to come up with a strategy. It was obvious now what the Wei were up to. "What do you suggest we do?"
Like Lu Xun, Zhou Yu was never short from ideas. "It will involved one of us entering the clearing, though. That in itself is dangerous enough."
"Just like you, to chose the dangerous stuff." Da Qiao put her hands on her hip, looking back and forth between the two. "I want to go, Zhou Yu, if you don't mind."
"I have no problem with it, though you might want to ask Lu Xun if it bothers him."
He said that with the Devil's smile, and Lu Xun could see it before taking a wild glance at the now giggling Da Qiao. Did she know?! That rat… curse Zhou Yu, the filthy rat! He couldn't stop the blush from arising, his cheeks now as red as his clothing. If he refuses her to go, he's practically announcing his love for her, but if he didn't, he would feel as if dooming her to death. What if she wasn't fast enough to avoid the arrows?
"We can't afford losing you; how could I tell your sister that we let you die like this?" Lu Xun quickly thought of an excuse, and it seemed to have worked well. It still didn't wipe the smug look on Zhou Yu's face, nor the cheeky smile from her. Curse her… "I'll go."
Zhou Yu nodded, "Take the horse; they can sense danger faster than a human can."
He wasn't going to object that, though if ANYTHING frightened Pat Se, it was a demon from Hell itself. He nodded, waiting for Zhou Yu to give out the orders. Once again, he had avoided proclaiming his love, and his heart nagged at him. He fought it down, as he always did. Fight first, love later…
~*~*~*~
The clearing was deathly silent, something that was a dead give away to danger. Zhang He knew this, as he ordered his archers to stop their talking. He had spotted Da Qiao, seeing her stare at the clearing, out of range by all of the arrows. He didn't like that; the Maiden probably knew of a possible ambush, as she hastily ran back. She was as wise as she was foolish, for now she gave away the position of the Wu. They were exactly where Zhang He wanted them…
He readied one of his special arrows, tasting his sharp metal tip against a leaf. This was meant for the first Wu soldier that walked into the clearing, and he was to be the first to die from it. Only he had these arrows, for he didn't trust them with his soldiers. None of them were nearly as skilled as he was, and he didn't want these arrows to be wasted.
He felt a tug at his pants, and he looked towards a soldier, who motioned him towards him. He had found something… and as Zhang He climbed higher, to see what the archer had seen, he almost paled. Awaiting in the bushes was Liu Bei!
The Shu were here already?! A few seconds later, he spotted Zhao Yun, then Ma Chao. It wasn't exactly what he needed, but he said nothing, as he heard Liu Bei give a command. "The Wu should be passing here soon… remember, aim for the two strategist. One is draped in cloaks and has long brown hair, while the other wears a hat."
'So, you are ambushing the Wu as well?' Zhang He smiled, guessing that Liu Bei did not know of the Wei awaiting in the trees. He commanded the other archer through silence, using a form of sign language. The archer nodded, and gave the command to the other archers. 'This will be killing two birds with one stone… today, the Wu and the Shu will perish…'
The only sound that was heard now was the clopping of a horse, and both groups looked towards the opening to the clearing. They were expecting an army, two men on horses and the rest on foot. Instead, they got one lonely strategist and a dull looking animal to carrying him. They wondered where there rest were, and to Liu Bei it did not matter. With a simple motion of his hand, the Shu archers took aim for various spots, waiting until he was within firing range. The Wei did the same, except Zhang He, who instead took his aim at Liu Bei.
Lu Xun was weary to enter the clearing alone, but he tried not to let it show. He had to remain clueless and unaware, and keep his head in a straight forward look. A simple turn of the head would give away the position of their targets, and it had to be just right.
One of the Wei archers pulled back on his string, and Lu Xun heard it just as the horse did. He quickly looked towards the bushes at his side, bringing the horse to a complete stop. From a considerable distance, Da Qiao nodded, giving the silent command to her archers. They rose their arrows high into the trees, unseen from the Wei.
Now Lu Xun's heart began to race, and the horse could feel the fear slowly radiating from it's master. 'Stay calm… stay calm…'
He ushered the horse forward, but the beast refused to move. Any closer, and it would have been in range with the Shu archers. Pat Se knew this, but Lu Xun didn't. He gave the command again, but the damn creature would not budge an inch. This was NOT what he needed. He gave it a harsh kick, driving his heel into the horse's rib cage, trying to get it to start. He hissed, making a crucial mistake. "Go!"
The first arrow was released, by Liu Bei's command, and the horse wailed loudly, bucking his rider off of his back and kicking his front legs high, making the loudest noise he could possibly make.
Zhou Yu almost gave away his position when he saw the man fall off the horse, but he stopped, as Pat Se stomped around and making a ruckus, Lu Xun held an arrow between his fingers. It was within mere inches of his heart… that arrow didn't come from the Wei!
"Fire!"
No one was sure who gave the command, but arrows were everywhere within seconds. Wei archers fell from the trees, though Zhang He, higher than the rest, was not hit. Nor did he catch his pray, thanks to Lu Xun's now panicked horse. The best dashed into the bushes, drawing out Liu Bei and a few of his soldiers. Lu Xun had regained consciousness by then, and he looked up as the sword of the Shu ruler came crashing down on him.
Metal collided with metal, and Zhou Yu had caught the blade, diverting it from the youth. The two circled, as Shu and Wu soldiers gathered, and Zhou Yu growled, "Liu Bei, what's the meaning of this?!"
"What do you mean?!" Liu Bei struck again, only to have his sword locked with Zhou Yu's. Lu Xun had gotten to his feet by this time, as Da Qiao arrived with her group of archer, each taking aim at Liu Bei.
Lu Xun stopped them, however, and turned to Liu Bei, "Did you not send the messenger requesting our aid against the Wei?"
When he saw the look on Liu Bei's face, he cursed, not believing how easily he was fooled. He withdrew his twin swords, just as Zhou Yu had caught on. "It was a trick... a clever little trick to lure out and separate the Wu!"
From a short distance, Zhang Liao smiled, preparing his troops for the attack as Zhang He gave the single. All he needed was an arrow to soar through the sky, and what done was done. He would have to give out a good word about Sima Yi later for the plan; he always thought the guy was obsessed with destroying the supply depot. He would worry about that later; they had a battle to win. "Don't leave any survivors! Destroy the Wu strategists and Liu Bei! ATTACK!!!!"
The Shu and Wu armies had heard the shout, and a soldier fell next to Liu Bei, and arrow piercing through his armor. Da Qiao quickly took her aims to the trees, but missed, cursing as another solider fell. Zhou Yu shouted to get, "Find the archers and kill them, Da Qiao!"
She was off, and as Ma Chao and Zhao Yun circled Lu Xun, he offered a truce. "We fell into the same trap as you have, Lord Liu Bei, and if I am correct to say, they planned for us to kill one another and then finish the job. Let's call a truce until the Wei are defeated!"
Liu Bei could see the incoming army in the opening of the stress, and he spat, swallowing his pride and lowering his weapon against him. His ego was just as damaged as Zhou Yu's, and he gave the command to his troops, "All archers, aim to the south, and don't fire until they're in range! Don't waste your arrows on wounding them; kill them instantly!"
And Zhou Yu practically gave the same command, "Aim for the neck and heart! Wait for my command!"
Now both troops were ready, and Lu Xun hissed, "Sima Yi's not with them; he's definitely planned this."
"Go find him, and show no mercy."
Lu Xun was not to disobey, but before he could go, a huge gray horse has ran in his way, nearly knocking him over as Liu Bei mounted his steed. "Ma Chao, Zhao Yun, stay here; I'll call for reinforcements if they are needed."
"Hai!" They two saluted, as Zhao Yun quickly took charge, and Liu Bei looked at Lu Xun, seeing how he was hesitant to anywhere near the horse. "Tell me, child, where would be the best place to find him?"
Slightly insulted, Lu Xun quickly controlled his anger, answering his question. "The attack is coming from the South, and he is always behind the main troops."
"Get on; you're less likely to be hit, and it's faster."
Looking at the horse again, Lu Xun swallowed the knot, quickly mounting, taking the small place behind the Shu leader. This was definitely the tallest horse he's ever been on, and when the thing took off, he had to practically GRAB Liu Bei's pants to stop himself from falling off. Just as the horse shot through the bushes, the archers let loose a rally of arrows, instantly killing the entire front row. Lu Xun would have been content if he could just cling onto the Shu leader, close his eyes and hope they'd get to wherever they were needed soon. However, things would never work out that way, as Liu Bei shouted to him. "Watch out for any archers!"
He nodded, and with one hand, he held onto Liu Bei, and with the other, slashed away any arrow that was aimed towards them. He heard the battle cry of the Shu and Wu, and the battle had started!
~*~*~*~
They caught on too quickly, Zhang He feared, sniping yet another soldier. He wasn't aiming to kill them instantly, but he couldn't help it if he was just that good. He wanted to stick around, to see if the poison would kill the men, however, a certain fan wielding girl seemed to want his audience. Now he stood on the tree limp, as Da Qiao balanced herself well on the thinner branch ahead of him, her beautiful red fans poised.
He smiled, aiming his bow to take a shot. Knowing that the chances of actually hitting her were slim to none, he'd might as well have fun with her. "Da Qiao, I presume, the older of the Qiao Twins?"
"Then you know it's useless to fight me with those silly arrows, right?" Da Qiao gave a cheeky smile, waiting for his attack.
Zhang He nodded, but he reeled his arm back and fired anyway. With a simple move of her wrist, the fan knocked it away, and she leapt off the branch as Zhang He destroyed it with his powerful golden claws. The two fell to the ground, and the minute their feet touched the ground, they engaged each other, Da Qiao blocking the claws and swiping, barely missing him.
He would admit, that he was surprised by her agility and strength. He knew she was quick, but not this quick. He barely had trouble keeping up with her, but he managed. There was no way he was going to be outdoned by a simple maiden, despite her beauty.
"You're not too bad..." Zhang He complimented with a cocky grin.
Da Qiao returned the smile, striking with a fury of offense, leaving the Wei officer in defense. She was definitely a spirited fighter, one never to be underestimated. He was lucky he could silence his consciousness, fighting its urge to stop fighting a woman. She had nothing stopping her from killing him, so he shared no sympathy.
She made a mistake, and she held back her cry as the claws drew blood. It was only her shoulder, and it wasn't too bad. She ducked the second claw and the kick that aimed to remove her head, not surprised to see it strong enough to shatter a small tree next to them. "But I'm better!"
He had gotten too cocky, and he went for another slash, only to have it get caught between the two fans. Zhang He felt her feet drive into his gut, and he fell back, breaking through the bushes before digging his claws into the ground to stop the momentum off his fall. And she continued on with the attack, leaping through the bushes like a elegant wolf. He ducked and dodge the attacks, as the battle raged on.
Zhang Liao had his own problems, defending himself against Zhao Yun. Halbred met with spear, and Little Dragon was not an easy customer to defeat. The young man had fire in his eyes, and it wasn't that Zhang Liao feared that, but it was the fact that he had not planned for him to be there. And Zhao Yun was one NEVER to take lightly.
From the corner of his eyes, he saw the Shu ruler and the Wu officer gallop past on the gray steed, and he shouted, holding off his enemy. "Stop them! Stop them dead!"
A group of soliders didn't take him lightly, obeying as they turned their attention to the two on horseback. Liu Bei noticed this just as well as Lu Xun did, and he cursed, "Keep them off our backs!"
"I am!"
A soldier leapt, hoping to remove one or both of the officers, however, he met his fate as Lu Xun gutted him, quickly knocking him off to hack away at another soldier. Killing was never a problem for Lu Xun; kill or be killed. He felt no pity to see the soldier's face of horror as he killed them, daring the others to come. They made their decision and chose their destiny the minute they picked up their weapons for the first time. This was war; to weild a sword, pike, spear, or bow was announcing that you shall die by the very weapon itself.
He didn't see the soldier from behind, but he was saved, as Zhou Yu countered, ripping his chest open with a single slash. He had things taken care of from there, and Lu Xun would have to remind himself to thank him later.
"Are you sure he's in the far back?" Liu Bei demanded, grunting as he noticed three horsemen running towards them. He withdrew his sword, as Lu Xun stood up on the reigns, catching sight of them. One let loose and arrow, and it came within inches of Liu Bei's head before shattering from Lu Xun's blade. Before the archer could reload, Liu Bei's horse and sword was upon him, crushing his skull under his strong hilt. Lu Xun had looked back to make sure he was dead, failing to notice that they were entering another patch of woods. "Get down!"
He received the warning too late, and the branch got him good in the chest, knocking him straight off the horse, dangling for a few seconds before falling, somehow LANDING on yet, another horse. He saw Liu Bei look back at him, shaking his head in shame before turning his own around, and, grabbing his swords and turning them backwards, drove the blades into the horseman's back and knocking him off.
The horse knew of its master's death, and it retaliated, bucking and kicking wildly to throw the Wu officer off his back. He succeeded, and as Lu Xun landed on his feet, he killed the soldiers that gathered around him before noticing the last horseman's fall. He heard the sounds of running hoods from behind him, and a strong hand grabbed him, lifting him high and back onto the gray horse's back.
"Stay on the horse!"
"Horseman I am not!" Lu Xun shouted back, relieved to see they were leaving the main part of the battle. Now, all they had left was to get to Sima Yi, who awaited them at the end of the patch of woodland.
Zhou Yu saw them enter the woods, and he shouted to his troops. "They're secure! Finish the job here!"
He didn't wait any longer to obey the command himself, causing the fall of another soldier before turning to the next unfortunate one. From a short distance he could see Zhang He and Da Qiao dueling, and amongst the battlefield was Zhao Yun and Ma Chao. They were excellent warriors indeed, and it was a pity to see that their allegiance was to Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, however, this was not the time to worry about it. He spotted Zhang Liao, fending off the Little Dragon, and he jumped in, nearly catching him off guard.
~*~*~*~
"Clever little rodents…" Sima Yi looked towards the battle that laid ahead of him, not really liking how things were turning out. He was sure that the Shu and Wu would destroy one another, or at least battle a little bit longer before joining forces. "Quick thinkers indeed you are, Zhou Yu and Lu Xun... never the less, Wu will perish once we slay you both like dogs!"
He quickly caught sight of the gray steed, and he hissed, "Liu Bei! Damn him... I'm a fighter, but I'm not THAT good! How did he find my location so quickly?!"
As the steed got closer and made it into the small patch of woods, he could see the smaller red officer, and from his size of him, he hissed once again, quickly forumlating a plan as both of their troops entered the woods. "Lu Xun as well... we'll kill them both! Archers, line the rocks! Fire the minute you see the horse's head! Soldiers, line behind them; if they're lucky enough to make it past the archers, it's YOUR duty to kill them!"
They saluted, and the archers lined, loading their bows and waiting for their mark. They heard the sound of hooves grow nearer, and they drew back, waiting...
They never saw a horse's head, only a demon soaring over them, its battle cry quite a frightening sound, and as the beast landed,. crushing several unaware archers, Sima Yi watched as Lu Xun threw himself into the soldiers behind them, slaying five in an instant. And Liu Bei gave a single blow, killing the last of the archers his horse had missed. Sima Yi wasn't expecting them to attack so fast, and he backed away as Wu and Shu soldiers arrived.
Sima Yi rose to hide half his face, eying Lu Xun, the closer to him, cautiously. However, someone else caught his attention, as he ducked the sword. The second time around, he used his fan as a chield, and he put on a fake smile, looking at Liu Bei. "So we meet again..."
Pulling his weapon back, the leader of Shu dismounted, "This time I won't let your slithering hide escape..."
The two began their battle, and Liu Bei shouted to that Wu strategist gruffly. "Take care of his bodyguards, child!"
"I will, and DON'T CALL ME THAT!" Lu Xun gave a series of swipes, doing his job jsut fine. The soldiers and bodyguards weren't a problem, but what worried him was the fact that they were so close to Wu territory. How was it that there was no backup? Surely someone back in Wu territory knew of the Wei here. "Curse you, Sima Yi!"