Bring Me to Life
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
Chapter Five
"Through the endless night I dream
Times of gold, you've return to me
I can pray an' hope that you return
But only makes my dead heart burn..."
It was a beautiful song to wake up to, and the ill Liu Bei forced his eyes open, looking in the direction of the voice. It took so long for his vision to straighten out, the effects of the poison slowly rubbing off, but when it did, he saw what looked to be an angel dancing a few feet away from him... he knew this girl; she was the daughter of Sun Jian, and as she danced around the fire, he could not pry his weary eyes off of her. And her song was so sad... as if to mourn.
Yes, he remembered. The battle. Many lives were lost...
"Lord Liu Bei!"
Liu Bei looked towards the second voice, seeing the slight look of relief on Ma Chao's face. He looked sleep deprived, and he figured the man would not sleep a single wink until he was sure his Lord was safe. "You've survived the night; how do you feel?"
"Cold... I'm not quite used to this humidity..." he replied, unable to stop the shiver that ran down his spine. Ma Chao grabbed another blanket, shielding him from the chill in the air. He noticed his attention was towards the singing woman, and Liu Bei asked. "Why is her song so sad?"
"Through death, through Hell, I see you
Fire tears us both in two
Chains of hell, lustfulness, pray I am wrong
Use the moonlight, fight free, be strong..."
Glancing towards her himself, the dragon warrior unclogged the flask next to him, allowing a little water to rest on Liu Bei's lips. "It's a funeral service to all those who died today. Mainly soldiers, but they lost one of their generals as well."
"Yes, I know who you speak of." He nearly choked on the water. The last time he saw Lu Xun, Zhang He had struck them both with the same arrow. It was Lu Xun that took away most of the impact; that had actually saved his life. He shook his head, swallowing more water before speaking. "His death won't be forgotten."
Ma Chao sighed, wiping some of the water from his Lord's face as it escaped his lips. "Unfortunately some don't think so; Zhou Yu's run off on his own, and Zhao Yun and his troops are with him. If they do not return by morning, then we are to presume them dead."
"What a way to end a long day..." Liu Bei had already drifted to sleep, and the officer grabbed a blanket of his own, draping it over his tired shoulders. He could rest easy now, knowing that Liu Bei would be there when he woke up in the morning, and so he took a well deserved slumber, mentally thanking Sun Shang Xiang as he shortly followed his Lord.
~*~*~*~
As Sun Shang Xiang finished her song, the short memorial service was over, and many soldiers decided it was time to rest. They weren't sure what they were going to do the next morning, but they did not dwell on it. But Da Qiao did, as she remained seated as the rest left towards the tents.
No, she wasn't crying, but she still felt horrible. And Sun Shang Xiang could clearly see that, as she took a seat next to the Maiden, who gave her a smile. "You sounded great up there, Lady Sun..."
"Thanks... I'm glad at least SOMEONE was listening to me." Sun Shang Xiang smiled, drawing her knees to her chest. She could spot Gan Ning sleeping a short distance away, her smile running deeper. "I was actually singing for him, since he DID win the bet."
The older of the Qiao Twins cocked her head slightly, "A bet?"
Stretching, Lady Sun plopped onto the cool grass, looking up at the stars as she laughed. "Yeah; whoever killed the most Wei soldiers had to sing in front of everyone... and the fool beat me with that little raid he did. Curse him, and he was sleeping through the entire thing!"
Da Qiao tried to smile, but it wasn't pure as she had wanted it to be. "That's just him, I guess... besides, I think he, as well as everyone else, had a long day..."
"Especially you... don't be angry with me for accusations, but did... did you and Lu Xun have anything together, like a relationship?"
Surprised by the question, she didn't know how to answer. She was a few years older than him, and her and her sister met him at an early age. He had not changed much, only matured, formulating into the man she, as well as several others, knew now. He seemed like nothing special, but he was, at LEAST to her. He was bright, full of potential that he would often hide, in fear of trying to outdo someone. Calm, collective, and one that seemed to deprived of affection as a kid. Sure, his father was often in wars, and his mother was like any other, and he had no siblings.
"You don't have to answer if you don't want... I know I'm entering dangerous territory here."
"No... you have the right to know." Da Qiao sighed, wondering if it would make her feel better if she would just admit it. "Maybe we could have had a relationship, but... I guess it's kind of late for that now, huh? I mean, if he IS dead, then it's hard to proclaim love to him, right?"
Sun Shang Xiang felt bad for her, but she admired her strength, seeing how well she fought back tears. She then asked, "Do you think he's alive, like Zhou Yu does?"
'What if he is? Would he still have the same feelings for me?' Da Qiao turned away, unable to answer her question. Maybe, if he were dead, it would be easier for her to accept the fact that Sun Ce loved her as well. And easier for him as well, for he knew as well, which was probably the biggest cause of why he put up a barrier between each other. Yet, she couldn't tell her heart to stop beating in hopes of him returning, laughing as if it was a joke that he worried so many people.
"Maybe he is... but, even then... I don't think I can open my heart to him..." She looked down at Sun Shang Xiang to answer her look of confusion. "You know your brother likes me... and Lu Xun knows this too."
The look Lady Sun gave almost brought a smile, and she quickly apologized, "I'm sorry for bringing it up... I easily forgot that. Well, I guess that kinda DOES put a restriction on your relationship, right?"
Da Qiao shrugged, getting up to leave towards her tent. She already knew she wasn't going to get any sleep tonight, but it was worth a shot. She just prayed that the minute she closed her eyes, he would not be the first thing to come to his mind... how could she find a way to help him if he was alive if he would not let her sleep?
~*~*~*~
This was his first night under imprisonment, and though he would have wished to sleep, Lu Xun was a bit disgruntled at the fact that the Wei were going to move so quickly. He wasn't the only one, as he heard many soldiers complain as they walked by, grabbing their weapons and supplies. He heard Cao Cao give the order to march north until midday, and as Zhang He tied a rope around his neck, he dared to resist it, bringing his bound hands up to grasp the rope. For his troubles, he received a knee to the gut, and nothing more as Zhang He finished his task successfully.
"Let's try to keep up with the group... and whatever you do, stay close to me. There are many here already plotting your demise behind my back."
"They... they seem to have the right idea." Lu Xun snapped back, not particularly caring for the tightness of the rope around his knee. Zhang He saw him fiddling with it, slapping the prisoner's hand away from his neck.
He tugged on the rope, seeing how Lu Xun wasn't going to budge, and he shrugged. "Don't make me have to do this the hard way, child. You WILL learn who the master is between us."
Lu Xun gave him a smug look, like a stubborn mule, refusing to budge for its owner. He had to slow them down, at least to where Zhou Yu could find him quicker. And Zhang He knew this, sneering before leaving the tent, ordering a few guards to watch his prisoner for him as he left. Under their deadly eyes, Lu Xun knew better then to put up a scene, taking a seat with the rope still around his neck, smiling snobbishly, in preparation for Cao Cao to arrive, to fuss at his subordinate to being to weak as to not to get a 'child' to move. He would rather take a beating from their ruler than to move for such a beast.
However, when Zhang He returned alone, Lu Xun noticed the ring of twigs with a single rose that he held in his hands. As he came closer, he noticed they were thorns, and Zhang He said nothing as he ripped the rope from his captive's neck, replacing it with the thorns and rose. A few pricked his skin, but nothing else, and as he adjusted the new necklace, Zhang He spoke lowly. "I've done this to a stubborn horse once... let's see which one of the two lasted longer before budging..."
"I'd rather die."
"No, this probably won't kill you... but trust me, you WILL move." Zhang He rose after adjusting the rose to wear it stuck out, resting near Lu Xun's ear. He smiled, rather admiring it... "Stand."
Lu Xun looked away, like a spoiled brat refusing to obey its mother. Zhang He, like a mother, would certainly not stand for it, and he gave the rope a tug, grinning as Lu Xun gave an ear-piercing screech, immediately grasping the thorns. Just as his fingers got close, he removed them, almost terrified to see how much blood rested on his hands within a few seconds.
"Now stand!"
And Lu Xun stood, and through his pain, he could still see his repulsion, mentally berating himself as he obeyed. "Good boy... seems the horse won. Now unless you want your throat torn apart and yours hands in shreds, I'll suggest you keep up."
"Go... go-to..."
Bringing him closer, Zhang He made another cry lift from the throat of the victim, and Lu Xun finished his sentence, spitting the blood in Zhang He's face as he choked. "Go-to-Hell!"
It was just a single squeeze, but it was enough to bring tears, and Lu Xun couldn't hold back the blood-curling scream before it died, drowned by the rushing blood. Zhang He barely moved back to avoid it, and he took a few steps forward, grinning as the Wu officer stumbled upon his own feet to quickly keep up. He had won this short battle, and he ran a hand through his hair, laughing as he saw the resiliency mixed with pain in Lu Xun's tearful brown eyes. "I've hope you've learned your lesson... now, be quick to your feet. Lord Cao Cao is not the one to move slow and steady."
And what else could Lu Xun do? He cursed himself over and over again as he obeyed, both bloody hands resting on the ropes that guided him along, fearing if Zhang He gave another tug. Now all he had to deal with was Zhang He's taunting, but he could handle it, quickly blocking him out and trying to formulate a plan to escape this Hell... the only thing that bothered him was that he couldn't think of anything! His mind was already too full of thoughts of his inevitable demise.
Did he fear death? He feared to die just as he feared to live under these conditions. He bit his lips, 'Stop feeling sorry for yourself... it won't get you anywhere!'
So he kept his silence throughout the entire march, being very aware of what would happen if he lacked a single step. He felt so ashamed...
Zhang He had caught up with Sima Yi, seeing the upset man on a horse, and he went to walk side by side with him with his prisoner in toe. He saw the way Sima Yi glared at Lu Xun through the corner of his eyes, and he smiled, trying to lighten the mood. He always preferred him when he smiled, trying to get it to shine. "You know, you could have told Cao Cao it was YOUR idea to capture him..."
Sima Yi hissed, quickly diverting his head the other way, away from both Zhang He and the little devil rat. "Then it would make me look worse then I already do; if I would capture him, I'd slit his throat in front of his entire army, then slay them."
"Now you sound like Cao Cao; that's not like you at all, Yi-chan!"
He ducked the foot that was aimed for his head, and Lu Xun couldn't help but look up at this time to see the enraged strategist's face, giving a warning to his subordinate. "Don't ever call me that... ever again. Remember your place and rank, soldier."
Lu Xun was expecting a snide remark, however, as the horse carrying Sima Yi went forth, he gave another cry as Zhang He let out his silent anger on his prisoner, trudging alone at a pace that was hard to keep up with. Seeing Sima Yi's eyes turn to him again, Lu Xun knew he should have considered himself lucky to be in the hands of Zhang He and not the other...
~*~*~*~
'Lu Xun, I know you're still alive...' Zhou Yu knew looking in the dark was pointless, but he held his torch towards the strap of clothing he found hanging on a tree, careful not to let its wild flames catch it. It did not belong to Lu Xun, but perhaps one of Wei's soldiers, and as he touched it, he found it drenched in blood and fresh, too. He narrowed his eyes, putting it back where it was as a marker. He wasn't too familiar with this territory, and Lu Xun's horse held the maps. 'But, dammit... be the smart little prick that I know and leave a trail...'
He looked towards Zhao Yun, only to see he was having the same luck. And the soldiers were no better. They had passed the last of the bodies, knowing that Gan Ning had discovered the hat around that general area... perhaps Lu Xun did leave something else and they hadn't looked in the right place.
Edging his horse a bit further, he searched the ground and trees, and he caught something. "Zhao Yun..."
The Little Dragon was there in an instant, and Zhou Yu waved his torch over something shiny. Zhao Yun grabbed it, pulling up a horse's reigns, and he nodded, "This belongs to Liu Bei's horse... they must have taken it with them."
"Damn... if Lu Xun WAS alive, he would leave a trail."
Shrugging, Zhao Yun tugged the reigns into a bag, hating to return to his Lord with the news of his horse; that man loved his horse. "Maybe he was unconscious when they took him; maybe he still is... but he IS still alive."
Zhou Yu nodded, not having a single doubt in his mind. "We need to search a little while longer... there has to be SOMETHING here!"
"We should wait until the sun rises... then maybe we'll... WAIT, stop, shine your torch over there!"
And, without question, he obeyed, a spark of hope lighting with the reflection. Zhao Yun quickly went towards the object, and Zhou Yu laughed at the sight of a saber, blood staining it's golden blade, resting in Zhao Yun's hands. He could recognize this sword from ANYWHERE, and he took it into his own hands, holding one of Lu Xun's sabers. "Smart little rat indeed... he must have dropped his second sword a bit further ahead, then he'll probably start drop clothing or other items."
He heard a laugh rise from the soldiers, and Zhao Yun could not hold back his snicker, explaining to him. "What if he runs out of clothing?"
Before Zhou Yu could fuss at him to be serious, Da Qiao's voice came through the darkness before she was visible, riding on a horse. "Then it will be a cute sight to behold when we find him indeed!"
"Da Qiao?! What the Hell are you doing out here?!" Zhou Yu shouted, relieved to see she had brought a few men with her.
"I came to find Lu Xun, of course!" She replied, patting the horse on the head as it demanded her attention. She kept her smile hidden from them though, and her blush, for which she had since Zhao Yun had asked the question before. "If you haven't noticed, you're a few good men, and girl, short. Besides, I was kind of hoping that, well, he'd be happy to see me, you know..."
The Maiden turned away, and Zhou Yu smiled, nodding as Zhao Yun was left confused, looking back and forth between the two, obviously not knowing any of them well enough to see her point. Letting the subject go, Da Qiao looked at one of her bodyguards, "Go back and tell Taishi Ci we're alright; Lu Xun is alive, and we're going to rescue him. Be quick!"
He nodded, quickly backtracking as Da Qiao turned back to the other two officers, hiding her blush well. "Shall we keep going?"
"So he's been captured... Sima Yi will suspect him to leave a trail, so they're probably already on the run, in fear of us tracking them down with a huge endless horde." Zhou Yu tossed the sword to Da Qiao, who gladly accepted it. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, forbidding them to close. "Problem is, we're only about fifty or so, and that's nothing compared to their forces."
Mounting his horse, Zhao Yun shook his head, "Running in head on won't do anything but make us look foolish. This is the time for a strategy, one that involves stealth."
He looked towards Zhou Yu, his face serious, and "I should turn back now, since I promised to search for him. But if you have a plan, I shall do whatever is in my power to help him return to your hands."
"You do realize that you are helping the Wu, your natural enemy, right?" The Wu strategist rose an eyebrow.
And Zhao Yun gave him a look of his own, though it wasn't merely as eccentric as the other's. "You forget; we share a common enemy, and you have offered to aid us, even though it was a trap by the Wei. It proves that we can trust one another, even if it's for a little while."
They eyed each other, each somewhat wishing that they did not have different rulers and customs. However, before anything else was done, Da Qiao snapped, jumping up and down on her horse lightly. "And Lu Xun is getting further and further away; come on! Come on!"
"She normally like this?" Zhao Yun asked, seeing Zhou Yu's grin. Now he caught on, and he laughed, slapping his horse lightly on the rear to get it started. "I wonder if that's her strong spirit or her heart speaking..."
She fumed, quickly defending herself. "So what? Whatever connection Lu Xun and I have not your business, nor is it important!"
"Then why do you get so defensive? Whatever, you're right; we're getting no where by chit- chatting here..." Zhou Yu gave her a smile before turning his horse in the right direction, the troops moving once again. Da Qiao waited for a few seconds before following up, deciding to take up the rear. Zhou Yu could see the way she held Lu Xun's saber, and he shook his head, 'Don't see why you're ashamed of it... not like anyone would blame you at all.'
~*~*~*~
"Lord, are you sure you're ready so soon?"
When the sun had risen, Liu Bei was already up, forcing his armor to fit over his shoulders and neck. It seemed much smaller than yesterday, but it was only due to the bandages that Sun Shang Xiang had quadruple wrapped around his wounded abdomen. When he finally pushed it through, he sighed, waiting a second before grabbing his fallen sword. He was ready for revenge; he would track down Sima Yi and destroy him with his own hands.
He ignored Ma Chao like the plague, quickly looking for his horse, whistling for it. "Your wound is not completely healed, sir, and the Wei are many miles away by now."
"Then it will give me time to recover, would it not?" Liu Bei was annoyed; where the hell was his horse?! "Where's my horse, Ma Chao?"
The general saluted as he turned to him, "We're not sure, sir, and we don't have many horses to spare."
Liu Bei growled, only promising to make their deaths twice as painful. "I liked that horse too. I'll find another as a replacement."
"Sir, I'm only concerned for your health and safety. At least have a healer look at it, or Sun Shang Xiang, or someone before we leave."
"Leave?" Both men turned to see Taishi Ci walk towards him, pulling a horse along with him. Gan Ning was behind him, looking to had just woken up, rubbing his tired eyes as he tried to register what was going on around them. "May I ask where to?"
Liu Bei was a bit surprised when Taishi Ci handed him the reigns, and he gave his nod as a thanks before climbing on. It took him awhile to get adjusted to this new horse, and he sighed again. He missed his horse a lot. "We thank you for your aid in battle and for caring for the wounded, myself included. Tell Zhou Yu, if and when he returns, that his troops were well needed, otherwise the loss would have been much worse."
Half asleep, Gan Ning moaned, scratching the back of his neck as he looked up at him. "So that's it? They save your butt and all you have to do is say 'thank you'? Talk about gratitude!"
"GAN NING!"
The ex-pirate cowered under the general's glare, and more calmly, Taishi Ci turned back to Liu Bei. "In a more polite way of putting it, Lord Liu Bei, we can't allow you to leave on your own. You do not have Zhao Yun and his troops, cutting your forces down to almost a laughing stock in Sima Yi's eyes."
Saying nothing, the Shu ruler tugged on the reigns, ordering it towards the north where the Wei had retreated. However, Taishi Ci grabbed the reigns, stopping the horse in midstep. "Don't you understand?! You'd die within seconds of getting into plain sight of them... Sima Yi is not that stupid!"
"He suspects me dead, giving us the surprise." Liu Bei kicked his hands off the reigns, giving him an almost deathly glare "I know you are mourning for your loss of men and both of your strategists, since Zhou Yu has not returned, but that is none of my concern. What becomes of the Wu without them is none of my concern, neither."
Taishi Ci was fuming! Gan Ning could see the fire light up in his brown eyes, but he was lucky that Sun Shang Xiang had arrived, holding a note in her hand, and Da Qiao's bodyguard in close pursuit. Her eyes locked with Liu Bei's for a split second, before turning to Taishi Ci. "Da Qiao's gone, too... she's taken her bodyguards and gone with Zhou Yu and Zhao Yun. They've claimed they found proof that Lu Xun is alive."
"That's good news!" Gan Ning was fully awake now, only to get glares from both of his fellow officers AND from Liu Bei. He quickly added in, "That Lu Xun and Zhou Yu are alive, that is..."
"It gets worse..." Sun Shang Xiang smiled sheepishly. "They're going after the Wei to get Lu Xun back..."
Taishi Ci's eyes widened like grapefruits, and he nearly shouted, stomping his foot into the ground and nearly getting the horse into a running start. "ZHOU YU, DON'T TELL ME YOU'RE THAT STUPID! THE LEAST YOU COULD DO IS WAIT FOR US! STUPID! STUPID! STUPID!"
The horse started walking, and Liu Bei called to them as his troops began to follow after him. "You have a choice, Taishi Ci... join us, or go back home and forsake them. I will aid them in getting your officer back, as payment of your troops aiding ours in battle."
And what choice was that, and Taishi Ci growled, "As you might have noticed, we're short on horses and supplies. At least lets be prepared for this mission and prevent more losses."
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
Chapter Five
"Through the endless night I dream
Times of gold, you've return to me
I can pray an' hope that you return
But only makes my dead heart burn..."
It was a beautiful song to wake up to, and the ill Liu Bei forced his eyes open, looking in the direction of the voice. It took so long for his vision to straighten out, the effects of the poison slowly rubbing off, but when it did, he saw what looked to be an angel dancing a few feet away from him... he knew this girl; she was the daughter of Sun Jian, and as she danced around the fire, he could not pry his weary eyes off of her. And her song was so sad... as if to mourn.
Yes, he remembered. The battle. Many lives were lost...
"Lord Liu Bei!"
Liu Bei looked towards the second voice, seeing the slight look of relief on Ma Chao's face. He looked sleep deprived, and he figured the man would not sleep a single wink until he was sure his Lord was safe. "You've survived the night; how do you feel?"
"Cold... I'm not quite used to this humidity..." he replied, unable to stop the shiver that ran down his spine. Ma Chao grabbed another blanket, shielding him from the chill in the air. He noticed his attention was towards the singing woman, and Liu Bei asked. "Why is her song so sad?"
"Through death, through Hell, I see you
Fire tears us both in two
Chains of hell, lustfulness, pray I am wrong
Use the moonlight, fight free, be strong..."
Glancing towards her himself, the dragon warrior unclogged the flask next to him, allowing a little water to rest on Liu Bei's lips. "It's a funeral service to all those who died today. Mainly soldiers, but they lost one of their generals as well."
"Yes, I know who you speak of." He nearly choked on the water. The last time he saw Lu Xun, Zhang He had struck them both with the same arrow. It was Lu Xun that took away most of the impact; that had actually saved his life. He shook his head, swallowing more water before speaking. "His death won't be forgotten."
Ma Chao sighed, wiping some of the water from his Lord's face as it escaped his lips. "Unfortunately some don't think so; Zhou Yu's run off on his own, and Zhao Yun and his troops are with him. If they do not return by morning, then we are to presume them dead."
"What a way to end a long day..." Liu Bei had already drifted to sleep, and the officer grabbed a blanket of his own, draping it over his tired shoulders. He could rest easy now, knowing that Liu Bei would be there when he woke up in the morning, and so he took a well deserved slumber, mentally thanking Sun Shang Xiang as he shortly followed his Lord.
~*~*~*~
As Sun Shang Xiang finished her song, the short memorial service was over, and many soldiers decided it was time to rest. They weren't sure what they were going to do the next morning, but they did not dwell on it. But Da Qiao did, as she remained seated as the rest left towards the tents.
No, she wasn't crying, but she still felt horrible. And Sun Shang Xiang could clearly see that, as she took a seat next to the Maiden, who gave her a smile. "You sounded great up there, Lady Sun..."
"Thanks... I'm glad at least SOMEONE was listening to me." Sun Shang Xiang smiled, drawing her knees to her chest. She could spot Gan Ning sleeping a short distance away, her smile running deeper. "I was actually singing for him, since he DID win the bet."
The older of the Qiao Twins cocked her head slightly, "A bet?"
Stretching, Lady Sun plopped onto the cool grass, looking up at the stars as she laughed. "Yeah; whoever killed the most Wei soldiers had to sing in front of everyone... and the fool beat me with that little raid he did. Curse him, and he was sleeping through the entire thing!"
Da Qiao tried to smile, but it wasn't pure as she had wanted it to be. "That's just him, I guess... besides, I think he, as well as everyone else, had a long day..."
"Especially you... don't be angry with me for accusations, but did... did you and Lu Xun have anything together, like a relationship?"
Surprised by the question, she didn't know how to answer. She was a few years older than him, and her and her sister met him at an early age. He had not changed much, only matured, formulating into the man she, as well as several others, knew now. He seemed like nothing special, but he was, at LEAST to her. He was bright, full of potential that he would often hide, in fear of trying to outdo someone. Calm, collective, and one that seemed to deprived of affection as a kid. Sure, his father was often in wars, and his mother was like any other, and he had no siblings.
"You don't have to answer if you don't want... I know I'm entering dangerous territory here."
"No... you have the right to know." Da Qiao sighed, wondering if it would make her feel better if she would just admit it. "Maybe we could have had a relationship, but... I guess it's kind of late for that now, huh? I mean, if he IS dead, then it's hard to proclaim love to him, right?"
Sun Shang Xiang felt bad for her, but she admired her strength, seeing how well she fought back tears. She then asked, "Do you think he's alive, like Zhou Yu does?"
'What if he is? Would he still have the same feelings for me?' Da Qiao turned away, unable to answer her question. Maybe, if he were dead, it would be easier for her to accept the fact that Sun Ce loved her as well. And easier for him as well, for he knew as well, which was probably the biggest cause of why he put up a barrier between each other. Yet, she couldn't tell her heart to stop beating in hopes of him returning, laughing as if it was a joke that he worried so many people.
"Maybe he is... but, even then... I don't think I can open my heart to him..." She looked down at Sun Shang Xiang to answer her look of confusion. "You know your brother likes me... and Lu Xun knows this too."
The look Lady Sun gave almost brought a smile, and she quickly apologized, "I'm sorry for bringing it up... I easily forgot that. Well, I guess that kinda DOES put a restriction on your relationship, right?"
Da Qiao shrugged, getting up to leave towards her tent. She already knew she wasn't going to get any sleep tonight, but it was worth a shot. She just prayed that the minute she closed her eyes, he would not be the first thing to come to his mind... how could she find a way to help him if he was alive if he would not let her sleep?
~*~*~*~
This was his first night under imprisonment, and though he would have wished to sleep, Lu Xun was a bit disgruntled at the fact that the Wei were going to move so quickly. He wasn't the only one, as he heard many soldiers complain as they walked by, grabbing their weapons and supplies. He heard Cao Cao give the order to march north until midday, and as Zhang He tied a rope around his neck, he dared to resist it, bringing his bound hands up to grasp the rope. For his troubles, he received a knee to the gut, and nothing more as Zhang He finished his task successfully.
"Let's try to keep up with the group... and whatever you do, stay close to me. There are many here already plotting your demise behind my back."
"They... they seem to have the right idea." Lu Xun snapped back, not particularly caring for the tightness of the rope around his knee. Zhang He saw him fiddling with it, slapping the prisoner's hand away from his neck.
He tugged on the rope, seeing how Lu Xun wasn't going to budge, and he shrugged. "Don't make me have to do this the hard way, child. You WILL learn who the master is between us."
Lu Xun gave him a smug look, like a stubborn mule, refusing to budge for its owner. He had to slow them down, at least to where Zhou Yu could find him quicker. And Zhang He knew this, sneering before leaving the tent, ordering a few guards to watch his prisoner for him as he left. Under their deadly eyes, Lu Xun knew better then to put up a scene, taking a seat with the rope still around his neck, smiling snobbishly, in preparation for Cao Cao to arrive, to fuss at his subordinate to being to weak as to not to get a 'child' to move. He would rather take a beating from their ruler than to move for such a beast.
However, when Zhang He returned alone, Lu Xun noticed the ring of twigs with a single rose that he held in his hands. As he came closer, he noticed they were thorns, and Zhang He said nothing as he ripped the rope from his captive's neck, replacing it with the thorns and rose. A few pricked his skin, but nothing else, and as he adjusted the new necklace, Zhang He spoke lowly. "I've done this to a stubborn horse once... let's see which one of the two lasted longer before budging..."
"I'd rather die."
"No, this probably won't kill you... but trust me, you WILL move." Zhang He rose after adjusting the rose to wear it stuck out, resting near Lu Xun's ear. He smiled, rather admiring it... "Stand."
Lu Xun looked away, like a spoiled brat refusing to obey its mother. Zhang He, like a mother, would certainly not stand for it, and he gave the rope a tug, grinning as Lu Xun gave an ear-piercing screech, immediately grasping the thorns. Just as his fingers got close, he removed them, almost terrified to see how much blood rested on his hands within a few seconds.
"Now stand!"
And Lu Xun stood, and through his pain, he could still see his repulsion, mentally berating himself as he obeyed. "Good boy... seems the horse won. Now unless you want your throat torn apart and yours hands in shreds, I'll suggest you keep up."
"Go... go-to..."
Bringing him closer, Zhang He made another cry lift from the throat of the victim, and Lu Xun finished his sentence, spitting the blood in Zhang He's face as he choked. "Go-to-Hell!"
It was just a single squeeze, but it was enough to bring tears, and Lu Xun couldn't hold back the blood-curling scream before it died, drowned by the rushing blood. Zhang He barely moved back to avoid it, and he took a few steps forward, grinning as the Wu officer stumbled upon his own feet to quickly keep up. He had won this short battle, and he ran a hand through his hair, laughing as he saw the resiliency mixed with pain in Lu Xun's tearful brown eyes. "I've hope you've learned your lesson... now, be quick to your feet. Lord Cao Cao is not the one to move slow and steady."
And what else could Lu Xun do? He cursed himself over and over again as he obeyed, both bloody hands resting on the ropes that guided him along, fearing if Zhang He gave another tug. Now all he had to deal with was Zhang He's taunting, but he could handle it, quickly blocking him out and trying to formulate a plan to escape this Hell... the only thing that bothered him was that he couldn't think of anything! His mind was already too full of thoughts of his inevitable demise.
Did he fear death? He feared to die just as he feared to live under these conditions. He bit his lips, 'Stop feeling sorry for yourself... it won't get you anywhere!'
So he kept his silence throughout the entire march, being very aware of what would happen if he lacked a single step. He felt so ashamed...
Zhang He had caught up with Sima Yi, seeing the upset man on a horse, and he went to walk side by side with him with his prisoner in toe. He saw the way Sima Yi glared at Lu Xun through the corner of his eyes, and he smiled, trying to lighten the mood. He always preferred him when he smiled, trying to get it to shine. "You know, you could have told Cao Cao it was YOUR idea to capture him..."
Sima Yi hissed, quickly diverting his head the other way, away from both Zhang He and the little devil rat. "Then it would make me look worse then I already do; if I would capture him, I'd slit his throat in front of his entire army, then slay them."
"Now you sound like Cao Cao; that's not like you at all, Yi-chan!"
He ducked the foot that was aimed for his head, and Lu Xun couldn't help but look up at this time to see the enraged strategist's face, giving a warning to his subordinate. "Don't ever call me that... ever again. Remember your place and rank, soldier."
Lu Xun was expecting a snide remark, however, as the horse carrying Sima Yi went forth, he gave another cry as Zhang He let out his silent anger on his prisoner, trudging alone at a pace that was hard to keep up with. Seeing Sima Yi's eyes turn to him again, Lu Xun knew he should have considered himself lucky to be in the hands of Zhang He and not the other...
~*~*~*~
'Lu Xun, I know you're still alive...' Zhou Yu knew looking in the dark was pointless, but he held his torch towards the strap of clothing he found hanging on a tree, careful not to let its wild flames catch it. It did not belong to Lu Xun, but perhaps one of Wei's soldiers, and as he touched it, he found it drenched in blood and fresh, too. He narrowed his eyes, putting it back where it was as a marker. He wasn't too familiar with this territory, and Lu Xun's horse held the maps. 'But, dammit... be the smart little prick that I know and leave a trail...'
He looked towards Zhao Yun, only to see he was having the same luck. And the soldiers were no better. They had passed the last of the bodies, knowing that Gan Ning had discovered the hat around that general area... perhaps Lu Xun did leave something else and they hadn't looked in the right place.
Edging his horse a bit further, he searched the ground and trees, and he caught something. "Zhao Yun..."
The Little Dragon was there in an instant, and Zhou Yu waved his torch over something shiny. Zhao Yun grabbed it, pulling up a horse's reigns, and he nodded, "This belongs to Liu Bei's horse... they must have taken it with them."
"Damn... if Lu Xun WAS alive, he would leave a trail."
Shrugging, Zhao Yun tugged the reigns into a bag, hating to return to his Lord with the news of his horse; that man loved his horse. "Maybe he was unconscious when they took him; maybe he still is... but he IS still alive."
Zhou Yu nodded, not having a single doubt in his mind. "We need to search a little while longer... there has to be SOMETHING here!"
"We should wait until the sun rises... then maybe we'll... WAIT, stop, shine your torch over there!"
And, without question, he obeyed, a spark of hope lighting with the reflection. Zhao Yun quickly went towards the object, and Zhou Yu laughed at the sight of a saber, blood staining it's golden blade, resting in Zhao Yun's hands. He could recognize this sword from ANYWHERE, and he took it into his own hands, holding one of Lu Xun's sabers. "Smart little rat indeed... he must have dropped his second sword a bit further ahead, then he'll probably start drop clothing or other items."
He heard a laugh rise from the soldiers, and Zhao Yun could not hold back his snicker, explaining to him. "What if he runs out of clothing?"
Before Zhou Yu could fuss at him to be serious, Da Qiao's voice came through the darkness before she was visible, riding on a horse. "Then it will be a cute sight to behold when we find him indeed!"
"Da Qiao?! What the Hell are you doing out here?!" Zhou Yu shouted, relieved to see she had brought a few men with her.
"I came to find Lu Xun, of course!" She replied, patting the horse on the head as it demanded her attention. She kept her smile hidden from them though, and her blush, for which she had since Zhao Yun had asked the question before. "If you haven't noticed, you're a few good men, and girl, short. Besides, I was kind of hoping that, well, he'd be happy to see me, you know..."
The Maiden turned away, and Zhou Yu smiled, nodding as Zhao Yun was left confused, looking back and forth between the two, obviously not knowing any of them well enough to see her point. Letting the subject go, Da Qiao looked at one of her bodyguards, "Go back and tell Taishi Ci we're alright; Lu Xun is alive, and we're going to rescue him. Be quick!"
He nodded, quickly backtracking as Da Qiao turned back to the other two officers, hiding her blush well. "Shall we keep going?"
"So he's been captured... Sima Yi will suspect him to leave a trail, so they're probably already on the run, in fear of us tracking them down with a huge endless horde." Zhou Yu tossed the sword to Da Qiao, who gladly accepted it. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, forbidding them to close. "Problem is, we're only about fifty or so, and that's nothing compared to their forces."
Mounting his horse, Zhao Yun shook his head, "Running in head on won't do anything but make us look foolish. This is the time for a strategy, one that involves stealth."
He looked towards Zhou Yu, his face serious, and "I should turn back now, since I promised to search for him. But if you have a plan, I shall do whatever is in my power to help him return to your hands."
"You do realize that you are helping the Wu, your natural enemy, right?" The Wu strategist rose an eyebrow.
And Zhao Yun gave him a look of his own, though it wasn't merely as eccentric as the other's. "You forget; we share a common enemy, and you have offered to aid us, even though it was a trap by the Wei. It proves that we can trust one another, even if it's for a little while."
They eyed each other, each somewhat wishing that they did not have different rulers and customs. However, before anything else was done, Da Qiao snapped, jumping up and down on her horse lightly. "And Lu Xun is getting further and further away; come on! Come on!"
"She normally like this?" Zhao Yun asked, seeing Zhou Yu's grin. Now he caught on, and he laughed, slapping his horse lightly on the rear to get it started. "I wonder if that's her strong spirit or her heart speaking..."
She fumed, quickly defending herself. "So what? Whatever connection Lu Xun and I have not your business, nor is it important!"
"Then why do you get so defensive? Whatever, you're right; we're getting no where by chit- chatting here..." Zhou Yu gave her a smile before turning his horse in the right direction, the troops moving once again. Da Qiao waited for a few seconds before following up, deciding to take up the rear. Zhou Yu could see the way she held Lu Xun's saber, and he shook his head, 'Don't see why you're ashamed of it... not like anyone would blame you at all.'
~*~*~*~
"Lord, are you sure you're ready so soon?"
When the sun had risen, Liu Bei was already up, forcing his armor to fit over his shoulders and neck. It seemed much smaller than yesterday, but it was only due to the bandages that Sun Shang Xiang had quadruple wrapped around his wounded abdomen. When he finally pushed it through, he sighed, waiting a second before grabbing his fallen sword. He was ready for revenge; he would track down Sima Yi and destroy him with his own hands.
He ignored Ma Chao like the plague, quickly looking for his horse, whistling for it. "Your wound is not completely healed, sir, and the Wei are many miles away by now."
"Then it will give me time to recover, would it not?" Liu Bei was annoyed; where the hell was his horse?! "Where's my horse, Ma Chao?"
The general saluted as he turned to him, "We're not sure, sir, and we don't have many horses to spare."
Liu Bei growled, only promising to make their deaths twice as painful. "I liked that horse too. I'll find another as a replacement."
"Sir, I'm only concerned for your health and safety. At least have a healer look at it, or Sun Shang Xiang, or someone before we leave."
"Leave?" Both men turned to see Taishi Ci walk towards him, pulling a horse along with him. Gan Ning was behind him, looking to had just woken up, rubbing his tired eyes as he tried to register what was going on around them. "May I ask where to?"
Liu Bei was a bit surprised when Taishi Ci handed him the reigns, and he gave his nod as a thanks before climbing on. It took him awhile to get adjusted to this new horse, and he sighed again. He missed his horse a lot. "We thank you for your aid in battle and for caring for the wounded, myself included. Tell Zhou Yu, if and when he returns, that his troops were well needed, otherwise the loss would have been much worse."
Half asleep, Gan Ning moaned, scratching the back of his neck as he looked up at him. "So that's it? They save your butt and all you have to do is say 'thank you'? Talk about gratitude!"
"GAN NING!"
The ex-pirate cowered under the general's glare, and more calmly, Taishi Ci turned back to Liu Bei. "In a more polite way of putting it, Lord Liu Bei, we can't allow you to leave on your own. You do not have Zhao Yun and his troops, cutting your forces down to almost a laughing stock in Sima Yi's eyes."
Saying nothing, the Shu ruler tugged on the reigns, ordering it towards the north where the Wei had retreated. However, Taishi Ci grabbed the reigns, stopping the horse in midstep. "Don't you understand?! You'd die within seconds of getting into plain sight of them... Sima Yi is not that stupid!"
"He suspects me dead, giving us the surprise." Liu Bei kicked his hands off the reigns, giving him an almost deathly glare "I know you are mourning for your loss of men and both of your strategists, since Zhou Yu has not returned, but that is none of my concern. What becomes of the Wu without them is none of my concern, neither."
Taishi Ci was fuming! Gan Ning could see the fire light up in his brown eyes, but he was lucky that Sun Shang Xiang had arrived, holding a note in her hand, and Da Qiao's bodyguard in close pursuit. Her eyes locked with Liu Bei's for a split second, before turning to Taishi Ci. "Da Qiao's gone, too... she's taken her bodyguards and gone with Zhou Yu and Zhao Yun. They've claimed they found proof that Lu Xun is alive."
"That's good news!" Gan Ning was fully awake now, only to get glares from both of his fellow officers AND from Liu Bei. He quickly added in, "That Lu Xun and Zhou Yu are alive, that is..."
"It gets worse..." Sun Shang Xiang smiled sheepishly. "They're going after the Wei to get Lu Xun back..."
Taishi Ci's eyes widened like grapefruits, and he nearly shouted, stomping his foot into the ground and nearly getting the horse into a running start. "ZHOU YU, DON'T TELL ME YOU'RE THAT STUPID! THE LEAST YOU COULD DO IS WAIT FOR US! STUPID! STUPID! STUPID!"
The horse started walking, and Liu Bei called to them as his troops began to follow after him. "You have a choice, Taishi Ci... join us, or go back home and forsake them. I will aid them in getting your officer back, as payment of your troops aiding ours in battle."
And what choice was that, and Taishi Ci growled, "As you might have noticed, we're short on horses and supplies. At least lets be prepared for this mission and prevent more losses."