Bring Me to Life
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
~*~*~*~
Chapter Eight
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The Wei were rather odd and their definition of guests was totally different from Lu Jun's. The minute they set foot into the village, the Wei soldiers turned their weapons to the Wu soldiers, and Cao Cao made his announcement, turning to his sword and archers upon Lu Jun, declaring that the city of Wujun now belonged to him. It was one of the easiest invasions he had ever done; he almost would have applauded himself, succeeding in conquering Lu Jun without losing a single man.
And now Lu Jun was kneeling at his feet, two guards gripping his soldiers and forcing him there as the Wei made themselves at home. Lu Jun growled, "You son of a bitch... heartless, rotten son of a bitch... you will so pay dearly for this!"
Somehow, Cao Cao was not frightened by his words at all, and he turned to Lu Jun's son, driving his fist into the young general's gut right in front of him. Lu Jun's fury was hardly contained, and Cao Cao turned his back on him, wishing to tour the village. "One Lu is like the other in his family... weak and foolish. Take Lu Jun to the woods and kill him. He's not even worth my time."
"No, Cao Cao, don't!" Lu Xun shouted, only to be silenced by his father's deadly tongue.
"Hush, boy! He has made the right decision..." He looked towards his son, who turned away in shame, then looked to the disappearing Lord. "For if he kept me alive, then the Wei will find themselves without their Devil..."
That didn't even phase Cao Cao, and as the soldiers prepared to carry out their orders, Lu Xun looked again to his father, wishing now that he wouldn't have ran away all those years ago. "Father..."
He was only consoled with a glare, and his words to him were bitter, as if to blame him. "Swallow your tongue and say nothing... kill yourself at dawn if it keeps your traitorous words from spreading to the Wei! I will greet you in heaven."
Then, from father to son, Lu Jun kissed his only son lightly on the head before being forced away. Lu Xun would have struggled for more time if he had the strength, but he sat there and watched as the small troops dragged his father out of the now closing gates. Was his father right to say that this was his fault? Had he forsaken his home village?
Cao Cao's laugh only justified that fact, looking around as Lu Xun's village was plundered by his soldiers. They stole clothes, food, jewelry, working animals; Lu Xun had to force himself to find a place not being torn by these beasts as the Lord shouted. "Don't take everything, you fools! Leave something for us to destroy when we leave!"
"How much of a monster are you?" Lu Xun could no longer hold back his words, and he kept his head turned when he saw the Lord turn to him. He waited to hear the cries of the villagers, knowing that they would start soon. "Is there any humanity left in you at all?!"
"I wonder, though... where are your villagers?" Now Cao Cao had noticed, taking a look around. The Wu soldiers were lined against the wall, their weapons being striped from them, but there were no signs of women or children anywhere. "Your father is smart if he got them to evacuate so quickly, but no fun at all. Oh well, set the fires and fine the plumpest cow! We will dine tonight and leave at sunrise!"
An eruption of cheers broke out, and Sima Yi sneered, still not liking the fact that the village was practically empty. Perhaps they were hiding... but where would the entire village hide?! What place was remotely big enough for all of them to fit?
However, Lu Xun knew, and his mind was a storm of ideas, now realizing just how bad the odds were stacked against him. He prayed that no one would have noticed the shrine, but it wouldn't be long before they went to raid the holy temple as well. Somehow, he had to give them time to realize the situation and escape; he wouldn't be able to live with himself if they were caught...
So, he did the first thing he could possibly think of; when a man was stressed, he often found a soldier talking to himself and mumbling on and on about pointless things. So, he tried to mimic that soldier...
"The caterpillar dropped from the stool... the fish are rare and sweet, making a horrible stinky smell from your ears."
That brought a moment of silence, and Zhang He gave the boy the STRANGEST of looks, though how it could even compare to Cao Cao's was a real question. Lu Xun didn't look at them, to see if it was working, too red in the face and embarrassed to even think of looking at them. "Foul presence are pigs; swine swine, and smelly. Miff miff muff, heads so puff."
"What... the HELL is he talking about?" Sima Yi asked, hiding the lower half of his face behind his fan. He saw Cao Cao ready to laugh, and he shook his head, "Child, make sense!"
He struck him with his fan, using the handle against his temple, but Lu Xun kept on, glaring at him now. "Pig are you, your hat is red, like wine! Eat it!"
Now that actually made the Lord of Wei laugh, though whether that was good or bad, Lu Xun couldn't tell. "What's this, secret codes of some sort?"
'Why am I even doing this again? This is stupid... at least no one else is here to see it...'
Lu Xun swallowed, trying to come up with more babbling, finally noticing some movement come from the Shrine. It was Da Qiao! She seemed ready for battle, but he shouted now, singing to distract the enemy, and perhaps sing the message to Da Qiao.
"Sweet are the roses that flow with the wind
And how low is my heart, in my chest within
Flee to the East, for there is life
Find the Sun, the Sun to the East!
Find the Sun, Quick- QUICK!"
"Now we have music for entertainment... is this your welcoming dance, silly boy?" Cao Cao demanded, now growing a bit annoyed, knowing he was saying something. He did not see Da Qiao at the doorway of the temple, eyeing Lu Xun with a bizarre look of confusion. If he had, Lu Xun's insane babbling would have meant nothing.
So, Lu Xun sang again, this time even louder, drawing even more attention to himself.
"Dear love of my heart, why do you stare?
Ride to the East to greet the Sun!
Dear dear love of my heart, please be fair
The Sun is to the East, go to the Sun!"
'Lu Xun, what are you doing?' Da Qiao was so confused; what the hell was Lu Xun doing? He had no time to sing! Was he trying to tell her something?
He wanted to glare at her, but he knew that would give her away, and now Cao Cao was growing suspicious. He sang one last verse, practically shouting it to her.
"Ride to the East, before it's too late!
The Sun will wait upon you
Find the Sun, before it's too late
Fair Maiden of love, get going, will you?!"
'The Sun? Go to the East?' The Maiden blinked, suddenly realizing what he was saying. The Sun laid in the East, and the sun he spoke about was the Sun family! 'Go get Sun Ce?'
It seemed to be what he was hinting, and she motioned for her bodyguard, whispering the order to him. "Make sure every villager gets through the South gate... tell them to flee to the city of Yu Lei and don't look back or slow down. I'll take the rear."
"What about Lord Lu Jun and Lu Xun?" he asked, but she said nothing, urging him to go. She gave Lu Xun one last look, giving a bow, reluctantly leaving with the rest of the villagers. She promised that she would come back for him, and it appeared the Wei were completely content into keeping him alive. She only hoped that he stayed alive by the time she found Sun Ce...
Seeing them leave must have been the greatest thing to happen to him lately, and Lu Xun made the foolish mistake to stop with his insane babbling. Sima Yi saw the scampering villagers out of the corner of his eye, and he hissed, his eyes lighting with anger, "You stupid little rat... you've protected them, but who's going to protect YOU?!"
Before Lu Xun could even turn his head to him, the enraged Wei officer tore him from Zhang He's grips, throwing him to the ground. Lu Xun looked up at him as he stormed forth, kicking him in the ribs and causing a painfilled cry to pass through his lips with the blood. Even with the pain, Lu Xun shouted to Da Qiao and the villagers, "QUICKLY! GET OUT OF HERE NOW!"
"FOOLS! SOMEONE START AFTER THEM!"
It was Cao Cao who barked the order, and Xiahou Dun instantly spotted the Fan Maiden he had faced earlier. Lu XUn saw his grin, feeling his heart shatter as the one-eyed general grabbed the closest horse to him and did exactly what his Lord had ordered him to do. This time, he wasn't going to return unless she was dead...
He felt his heart sink even lower as the warm blood continued to bubble to his lips, and he coughed, desperately trying to clear his lungs. The cruel gaze of the angered Wei strategist burned into him, and Sima Yi hissed, "Lord Cao Cao, I ask for permission to temporarily relieve this... creature from Zhang He's watch."
Though Zhang He seemed one hundred percent against this, he was given no choice when Cao Cao granted him, his love's, wish. "Keep him alive, Sima Yi... if he dies, then you shall die a far worse death than he."
The nasty grin that appeared on Sima Yi's normally beautiful face did nothing to calm Zhang He's anxiety, "Never fear my lord; death is too great a gift to give him..."
Cao Cao eyed him suspiciously, knowing that he was going to get carried away. He could see the jealousy and hatred radiating him, but he would rather allow him to release his anger on this child rather than to make a costly mistake on the battlefield. He gave Lu Xun a look, before leaving him to the beast. "Here comes the pain..."
Zhang He took another look at the bleeding Wu officer, and he spoke quickly, before his superior could leave hearing range, "My lord... I must protest! With all do respect to Sima Yi, he may ruin everything I have worked for!"
"Which is what exactly, Zhang He?" Cao Cao was quick to respond. "If you were watching him more, he wouldn't have allowed those villagers and the Maiden to escape. Maybe Sima Yi could straighten him out..."
The general kept his tone carefully controlled, "I will follow your orders, as always, my lord. I simply do not think it wise to leave him in Sima Yi's care..."
Cao Cao narrowed his eyes, "Yes... however, you will be given a second chance. But tonight, he shall be Sima Yi's responsibility..."
Knowing there was no further use in protest, Zhang He only bowed, "As you command."
"Good... now join Xiahou Dun and do what you do best. Leave no survivors, and don't you dare return until you have proof." The Lord ordered, his grin running deeper as the look of horror brightened Lu Xun's eyes for a few seconds before he slammed them shut, knowing they had betrayed him.
Sima Yi watched his love's blue eyes close, hiding whatever his true emotions were as he bowed again and left. The strategist spoke softly, "With your permission, lord, I will take my leave and begin."
"Try not to have too much fun... remember how valuable he is to us."
The sarcasm was barely contained in his voice, though he managed to keep his tone respectable, "Valuable... yes my lord, I shall remember..."
As he was brought to his feet, the prisoner looked towards Zhang He, seeing his angered expression as he mounted the horse. He looked as if he almost pitied him...
The piercing of the thorns in his throat broke his thought, and he shrieked as his new tormentor hissed, "Come, child."
"Don't-" Lu Xun began, but quickly silenced himself, stumbling upon his feet and hastily following him at a pace that could not be kept up with.
~*~*~*~
"We're too late..." Zhao Yun seemed to have stated the obvious, almost forgetting that Zhou Yu was a few feet ahead of him. They could see the Wei soldiers entering the walls of the village of Wujun, and they only presumed that Cao Cao used his hostage well. They could not see the retreating villagers yet, and he asked, looking to the Wu officer. "It seems that Wujun is now their property..."
"That's a problem... Wujun is so close to Wei territory." Bringing a finger to his mouth, his nervously nibbled on the nail of his thumb, spitting it out as he looked across the land. "No acts of violence either... damn Cao Cao..."
This was not a good situation indeed, and the Little Dragon asked, "So what shall we do now? They'll most likely use their army against us."
Zhou Yu spat, keeping good control over his wild temper as he quickly tried to come up with a plan. They were no match for them now, as they laid protected in their defensive wall. They could have done a possible raid, but two raids in one day? Cao Cao wasn't that foolish...
"Sir!" a soldier shouted, catching both of the warrior's attention. He pointed to a small group of Wei soldiers that marched out of the gates, with a very angry Lu Jun in tow. Zhou Yu instantly recognized the Lord, and he cursed again, grabbing his sword. "There's the champion of Wujun... strange; if they are to execute them, why isn't a general with him?"
Joking, Zhao Yun held up his once resting spear, once again preparing for battle. "Lord Lu Jun, I presumed? His uncle was quite a force to deal with, and I assume he is just as great."
"Exactly... do they really expect a few soldiers to slay this man?"
"Perhaps Cao Cao likes to play with his food?"
Before Zhou Yu could even counter his sarcasm, they heard a crack, looking down as Lu Jun released probably the most fearsome round of punches any man known (other than, perhaps the greater Lu Bu or Guan Yu) could give. It slayed a soldier, and as others tried to control this raging beast, they were thrown about. Zhao Yun and Zhou Yu looked on, but the soldiers gasped, watching in wide eyed.
What kind of man was this, to defeat a whole group of soldiers with his bare hands? As two more feel dead, three tried to flee, but there was no mercy for them, for the rageful Lu Jun was there, grabbing two fallen spears and holding back nothing against them.
"I've seen this before from few men..." Zhao Yun stated, watching as the last of the soldiers met their doom on that blood-shed ground. He addressed his soldiers, in a feeble attempt to ease their confusion. "A fury that cannot be tamed... usually it comes when one's will overcomes death, pain, all other emotions. The only thing they feel is rage, hatred, an undying desire for death."
The battled was over as quick as it started, and the single lord holding the two spears looked to them, knowing they were there. Some soldiers cowered, but were at ease when Zhou Yu called to him. "Lord Lu Jun, I am Zhou Yu of the Wu army, and this is Zhao Yun of Shu! We have joined forces against the Wei. We wish to speak with you on getting your village and son back!"
Sanity slowly seemed to be returning to those frightful eyes, but they were torn when Cao Cao's cry was heard, ordering for the villagers to be destroyed. Zhao Yun could see the fleeing villagers heading towards the south, and he snapped. "Well, great... seems where ever your angel goes, trouble follows."
Lu Jun called back to them, "Let me save my villagers, and then we shall talk, Zhou Yu of Wu and Zhao Yun of Shu!"
And once again, they brought themselves towards the battle. As they rushed towards the villagers, Zhou Yu asked, looking back at the battle weary soldiers. "Do you think you're men can handle this fight?"
"They will do their best..." Zhao Yun showed no signs of fatigue, and it seemed this man could fight forever. Zhou Yu, on the other hand, wanted nothing more to do with swords, spears, or soldiers. It wasn't the fact that he was tired, but he wasn't sure how much his mind could take much more of this. He wanted sleep; then he could actually sit down and come up with a plan. But he didn't need to complain now, as the lives of those villagers were more important then regaining his strength...
~*~*~*~
It did not take long for them to become separated from the rest of the Wei clan, and Sima Yi wasted no time, tugging until he could once more hear the prisoner's cry, and he smirked, "Yes... scream... I want to hear you scream..."
When Lu Xun said nothing, the jealous man stopped suddenly, and with all of his might, he tossed him into the air and into the side of one of the buildings. His cry would have made even Cao Cao flinch, but not Sima Yi, as he begged for more. "Louder! MUCH louder!"
"You're... insane..."
A slow, soft chuckle rose from Sima Yi's lips, as he looked upon him, trying to see what his love had on that fateful day of his capture. He saw nothing but a child, a rotten, filthy, bratty son-of-a-bitch child playing in the game of war. He also saw a demon sent from hell... with one mission. To steal Zhang He. The demon would suffer...
"My only warning to you; do not plead for mercy. The more you beg for relief... the more I will increase your pain..."
And, grasping the ropes again and placing a foot on his chest, Sima Yi gave one last, but long yank, relishing in the sweet music of the cries that came from this evil instrument. Lu Xun asked, gripping the ropes and trying to free himself, his eyes wide in fear and pain. "W-w-why?!"
The Wei strategist only sneered, "You had no pity when you ripped my heart of hearts from me; I will have no pity as I destroy yours..."
He pressed the foot down harder, as Lu Xun began to kick, struggling for air. How he loved to see a man struggle, knowing that their life was on the line at this moment. Cao Cao ordered him to live, and he was making sure he would stay alive and conscious... but Lu Xun swore that this tormentor had no intentions for such things. "Maybe, if Zhang He could hear you... he'd see how foolish this all was."
"I... did... nothing... to... encourage him..."
"Have you? Have you really?! Somehow I find it hard to believe..." Sima Yi yanked harder, careful not to break his neck. Now he could see tears rushing to break free, but he held back, refusing to give Sima Yi the pleasure. But he wanted those cries, those tears. "You stole him from me..."
Lu Xun choked, barely able to breath, managing one word, "No..."
"YOU HAVE! DON'T LIE TO ME, DEMON!" He roared, yanking until he was sure the tears were running down Lu Xun's cheeks. "But I will make you pay... yes, for all this pain you have caused, and for all the love you have stolen... I WILL make you pay..."
Lu Xun shouted back, but words could not come out. Seeing this only angered him more, and he smashed his foot into his chest again, screaming in pure rage. "SPEAK YOU MONSTER, TELL ME THE TRUTH!!!!!!"
"I... h-have..."
Smashing his foot down again, Sima Yi roared, tears almost rising from him. No, he couldn't let this bother him; this little beast wasn't worth it! "NO! YOU'RE LYING!"
When he was given a moment's reprieve, Lu Xun whimpered, "No... he... I... WE'VE NEVER TOUCHED!"
Now blood replaced his words shortly after, and he nearly wept when the ropes loosened and the foot was replaced by a hand. The voice frightened him, making him tremble as they broke the short silence between them. "No... maybe not yet... but I will not give you the chance to lay your filthy, unpure hands upon my angel... I will tear those hands away, I will burn them into ash before allowing you to do such a thing!"
Lu Xun choked, seeing that they were now moving again, closer and closer to a huge fire. Such a fire was not uncommon for camps; this one was uncommon because no one was around, no one anywhere near. He gasped, "W-what are you going to do?"
"You Wu officers love fire... I forget, was it you or the other that burned our supplies at Chi Bi?"
So this was how it would be. Sima Yi would ask him questions; he was supposed to respond. And Lu Xun did the only thing he could; he kept silent. To do otherwise would be to play into the jealous man's hands...
"Well? Will you answer me, or have you finally grown brains in that puny little head of yours?"
Lu Xun looked away, "I have nothing to tell you."
The flames were frighteningly close now, and he screeched when the jealous man gripped his hair, bringing his face close to those dancing red and orange flames. "Answer me..."
Lu Xun felt the flames lick his face, the heat causing beads of sweat to collect on his forehead. He swore it was so close it was singeing his eyelashes, though he couldn't be sure, and the light blazed into his eyes, tears flowing even more from the smoke, as he choked, "Zhou Yu... burnt the supplies..."
"Hm... then we will find that fire demon and slay him shortly after..." Sima Yi only held him closer, asking, now, another question. "Tell me, do you enjoy fire, dear child? Do you like to watch as men are engulfed in its flames and wither with unimaginable pain?"
Closing his eyes, the Wu officer spoke quietly, not bothering to lie, "No... I do not like to watch others die... or cause them pain..."
"Then tell me, WHY ARE YOU ON THE BATTLEFIELD?!"
"I... have... to... fight..."
The answer wasn't good enough as Sima Yi give him another inch, and Lu Xun gave a painful shout, feeling the hot flames touch his bare skin. "THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH!"
Lu Xun bit his lip to control his cries, tasting the salty, metallic blood in his mouth before he had realized he had broken the skin, "I... fight... when... I... am ordered... to..."
"What a pathetic reason... this is war, child; if Sun Ce was to order you to destroy an entire village, would you do it?!"
"Sun Ce... is not like you... he would not order such a thing..."
He must have angered the strategist, for suddenly he found himself thrown upon the raging fire. The fiery tendrils quickly encompassed his body, running over his flesh, and he could not stop the screams of agony that he released into the air. All he could feel was heat; all he could see was fire; all he could feel was pain...
"Tell Zhou Yu how real fire is if you ever see him again... flames are not beautiful! It was those flames that claimed the lives of many men, many innocents!" Sima Yi bellowed, and Lu Xun quickly snapped into reality, somehow finding a way out of the fire hell, rolling on the dirt and earth in a weak attempt to stop the pain and flames.
Even though the heat was gone, and the cold night air washed over him, nothing could stop his pain. The dirt rubbed against his tender flesh, though he did not cry out, managing to get his clothes to stop burning. His shirt hung about him in tattered ashes, though his pants were only partially singed. He coughed, tears streaming from the smoke, from his pain, and his voice was raspy from the smoke and soot he had inhaled, "No... we only burnt supplies... not people..."
"Wrong again!" Somehow, Sima Yi was already upon him, smashing his foot into his back. He let the scream come first before he began kicking dirt upon the man, shouting angrily and ready to snap once again. "You Wu always look for the peaceful way out; same as the Shu! That's why you're going to lose this war... you're not willing to make a few sacrifices!"
"We're not... all... beasts... like you..."
"Then perhaps you should be... maybe then you will survive..." Grabbing the shirt, the angered strategist ripped it off of the man's back, tossing the remains into the flames as Lu Xun felt the cold, chilly wind make a feeble attempt to relieve him of this pain by replacing it with its own.
He shuddered, chills running up and down his spine, and he said nothing more, not daring to bring any more anger upon himself until he could recover. He cursed at himself for being so weak, as he heard his teeth chattering slightly and the hoarse sound of his own breathing.
The silence, however, was broken by another cry, and it was one that instantly caught Lu Xun's attention. As it died away, his heart began its descent to his stomach. "Da Qiao?"
Sima Yi only smirked, gazing down at him through glittering, slitted eyes, "I almost wish you could watch her death at Zhang He's claws. Just imagine it, child, those wonderful golden weapons sliding gracefully across her throat, her crimson blood staining the ground. You tried to save her, but it is all in vain... you know as well as I she will die this night..."
"Da Qiao... no... dammit... Da Qiao!" Lu Xun tried as hard as he could to stop the tears, but nothing worked, and he cried out, turning his head from the enemy and hoping she could at least hear his voice one last time. "DA QIAOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
"Yes... call for her. I can almost hear your heart shattering; it is a thousand times better than your simple screams... what pain I see in your eyes... and I relish it..."
And he cried out again before his voice gave out, releasing himself with no remorse whatsoever. Why hide his love for her now? He had so many chances before, but it was over now. He blew it, and he screamed, not caring who heard his mourn-filled cries. "DA QIAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
And through it all he could hear the soft, merciless chuckling of the Wei officer that stood beside him. Hatred, anger, and pain engulfed him, and his eyes flew open as he screamed, "DAMN YOU! Damn you for enjoying this... for taking pleasure from my pain... I hate you, you bastard... I hate you..."
"Then our feelings are mutual... you have destroyed my heart, and you now know how I feel every time I look at your horrible, soulless vessel..."
Lu Xun spat back, his amber eyes burning as much as the fire that lay behind his foe, "I almost wish I COULD steal Zhang He from you, just so you know just how I do feel. You speak of ripping your heart apart; I WISH I HAD DONE SOMETHING TO ACTUALLY DO SO!"
He was silenced by a powerful backhand, finding himself on his back and at the feet of the insane beast. "If it would bring Zhang He to his senses, then I would slay you now, give his heart to him and show how truly ugly it is inside! Maybe then he'd come around... BASTARDS! BOTH OF YOU!"
The Wu officer snarled again, realizing he sounded just as animalistic as the one towering over him, "I shall tell of that... and it will hurt him, and that will hurt you... and THAT alone will give me pleasure..."
Now, Sima Yi was a man well known for his use of magic, and Lu Xun couldn't even see the attack, but, boy did HE ever feel it. The soldiers within hearing range flinched, but they calmed down as they heard Sima Yi's bitter words. "As long as you stay within our hands, I will do my best to make you hideous! You are UNWORTHY of Zhang He's attention, you little toad!"
"THEN WHY AM I GETTING IT AND YOU AREN'T?!" Lu Xun laughed maniacally, beyond the point of caring about pain. All that mattered was hurting his tormentor, and his voice turned sly, despite it's hoarseness, "Apparently, he feels YOU are the one who is unworthy..."
The look on Sima Yi's face hinted fear, fear of the truth, and he struck again, screaming at the top of his lungs. "NO! YOU'RE WRONG, DEMON! WRONG!"
Lu Xun only laughed more, allowing a smirk to rise to his face, "Am I? You seem uncertain. Perhaps your once fabled beauty is now fading; perhaps Zhang He is tired of your love. It maybe that he never even truly cared at all..."
"Shut up shut up SHUT UP!"
"You're pathetic, Sima Yi, for all your harsh words, for all your vile torture. Deep down inside you are more of a scared child than I am. No wonder Zhang He is losing interest in you..."
The tables had turned considerably, and he found himself trembling... was it fear, rage, or both? He didn't care; he was going to knock that grin RIGHT off of his precious little face! "LIARRRRRRR!"
Lu Xun almost made another snappy combat, but the sight of the angered Sima Yi made him pale. Tendrils of white and blue rose from his hands, and sparkling lights poured over his body; his musou had risen. With a violent cry, and after quickly withdrawing one of his fans, Sima Yi attacked the young Wu officer, slashing his head, shoulders, chest, back, and anything else that happened to come into contact with his burnt body. The combined pain of the weapons and the energy surrounding them made him scream again, and Lu Xun felt blackness clawing for his soul. He wanted to faint... just faint... and have it go away...
But no, this raging demon would not allow such a thing, as he dragged the attack as long as he possibly could. He heard a shout, possibly from Cao Cao, but it didn't matter to him. Soon, he would be either unconscious, or dead... 'Da Qiao... I'm coming to join you... wait for me!'
"OH NO YOU DON'T!" Sima Yi snarled, "DON'T you DARE to try to escape me through unconsciousness, you brat!"
And his screams continued, and Cao Cao shouted again, withdrawing his sword. "SIMA YI, I ORDER YOU TO STOP THIS NOW! SIMA YI!!!"
If his strategist heard him, he gave no indication, continuing to attack the young Wu officer in both action and word, "I WILL STRIP YOU OF YOUR PRIDE! I WILL BEND YOUR HAUGHTY WILL! Soon you will call ME master, and I will make sure Zhang He... NEVER TOUCHES YOU AGAIN!"
"Sima Yi!" Cao Cao dared to advance, turning his sword around. When the man ignored him again, he smashed the hilt of his weapon against the man's neck, and the two bodies fell. He shouted tot he soldiers who just watched, the rage contagious. "If that man dies, then we lose our advantage, and your heads!"
It did not take the soldiers long to comprehend, as the quickly separated the raging Sima Yi from the beaten and bleeding Lu Xun. Sima Yi howled, "NO! I have not even BEGUN to inflict pain upon him... LET ME GO!"
Grabbing his strategist, Cao Cao shook him violently, wrapping his strong hands around his neck and only squeezing harder when his senses slowly began to come around. "You fool! I said to torture him, not kill him! Have you lost your mind?! A disgrace! Look at yourself!"
"My lord... he is nowhere NEAR death... I... I have obeyed... your... command..."
"If his wounds do not heal, I will make yours considerably worse... do you understand?!"
Sima Yi choked, "Perfectly, my gracious lord..."
He could see the dead seriousness in his Lords eyes, and he sputtered, choking for air as he was released and thrown to the ground. Sima Yi's anger was slowly fading, transforming into shame as he looked towards the soldiers that tried to figure out what to do with the now unconscious Lu Xun. 'One day I'll get my chance... even if it means to hurt Zhang He, I will slit your throat...'
Almost reading his thoughts, Cao Cao sneered, "I see now that I should have trusted Zhang He's judgment. From now on, if you wish to interrogate the prisoner, you must have another officer present with you. You are not allowed to be with him alone; is that understood?"
It was almost a slap in the face to him, but Sima Yi knew better, trying to hide his snide look. "Completely..."
"Good... now, go and amuse yourself in some other fashion... we will not need you any more this night..."
"Yes sir..."
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
~*~*~*~
Chapter Eight
~*~*~*~
The Wei were rather odd and their definition of guests was totally different from Lu Jun's. The minute they set foot into the village, the Wei soldiers turned their weapons to the Wu soldiers, and Cao Cao made his announcement, turning to his sword and archers upon Lu Jun, declaring that the city of Wujun now belonged to him. It was one of the easiest invasions he had ever done; he almost would have applauded himself, succeeding in conquering Lu Jun without losing a single man.
And now Lu Jun was kneeling at his feet, two guards gripping his soldiers and forcing him there as the Wei made themselves at home. Lu Jun growled, "You son of a bitch... heartless, rotten son of a bitch... you will so pay dearly for this!"
Somehow, Cao Cao was not frightened by his words at all, and he turned to Lu Jun's son, driving his fist into the young general's gut right in front of him. Lu Jun's fury was hardly contained, and Cao Cao turned his back on him, wishing to tour the village. "One Lu is like the other in his family... weak and foolish. Take Lu Jun to the woods and kill him. He's not even worth my time."
"No, Cao Cao, don't!" Lu Xun shouted, only to be silenced by his father's deadly tongue.
"Hush, boy! He has made the right decision..." He looked towards his son, who turned away in shame, then looked to the disappearing Lord. "For if he kept me alive, then the Wei will find themselves without their Devil..."
That didn't even phase Cao Cao, and as the soldiers prepared to carry out their orders, Lu Xun looked again to his father, wishing now that he wouldn't have ran away all those years ago. "Father..."
He was only consoled with a glare, and his words to him were bitter, as if to blame him. "Swallow your tongue and say nothing... kill yourself at dawn if it keeps your traitorous words from spreading to the Wei! I will greet you in heaven."
Then, from father to son, Lu Jun kissed his only son lightly on the head before being forced away. Lu Xun would have struggled for more time if he had the strength, but he sat there and watched as the small troops dragged his father out of the now closing gates. Was his father right to say that this was his fault? Had he forsaken his home village?
Cao Cao's laugh only justified that fact, looking around as Lu Xun's village was plundered by his soldiers. They stole clothes, food, jewelry, working animals; Lu Xun had to force himself to find a place not being torn by these beasts as the Lord shouted. "Don't take everything, you fools! Leave something for us to destroy when we leave!"
"How much of a monster are you?" Lu Xun could no longer hold back his words, and he kept his head turned when he saw the Lord turn to him. He waited to hear the cries of the villagers, knowing that they would start soon. "Is there any humanity left in you at all?!"
"I wonder, though... where are your villagers?" Now Cao Cao had noticed, taking a look around. The Wu soldiers were lined against the wall, their weapons being striped from them, but there were no signs of women or children anywhere. "Your father is smart if he got them to evacuate so quickly, but no fun at all. Oh well, set the fires and fine the plumpest cow! We will dine tonight and leave at sunrise!"
An eruption of cheers broke out, and Sima Yi sneered, still not liking the fact that the village was practically empty. Perhaps they were hiding... but where would the entire village hide?! What place was remotely big enough for all of them to fit?
However, Lu Xun knew, and his mind was a storm of ideas, now realizing just how bad the odds were stacked against him. He prayed that no one would have noticed the shrine, but it wouldn't be long before they went to raid the holy temple as well. Somehow, he had to give them time to realize the situation and escape; he wouldn't be able to live with himself if they were caught...
So, he did the first thing he could possibly think of; when a man was stressed, he often found a soldier talking to himself and mumbling on and on about pointless things. So, he tried to mimic that soldier...
"The caterpillar dropped from the stool... the fish are rare and sweet, making a horrible stinky smell from your ears."
That brought a moment of silence, and Zhang He gave the boy the STRANGEST of looks, though how it could even compare to Cao Cao's was a real question. Lu Xun didn't look at them, to see if it was working, too red in the face and embarrassed to even think of looking at them. "Foul presence are pigs; swine swine, and smelly. Miff miff muff, heads so puff."
"What... the HELL is he talking about?" Sima Yi asked, hiding the lower half of his face behind his fan. He saw Cao Cao ready to laugh, and he shook his head, "Child, make sense!"
He struck him with his fan, using the handle against his temple, but Lu Xun kept on, glaring at him now. "Pig are you, your hat is red, like wine! Eat it!"
Now that actually made the Lord of Wei laugh, though whether that was good or bad, Lu Xun couldn't tell. "What's this, secret codes of some sort?"
'Why am I even doing this again? This is stupid... at least no one else is here to see it...'
Lu Xun swallowed, trying to come up with more babbling, finally noticing some movement come from the Shrine. It was Da Qiao! She seemed ready for battle, but he shouted now, singing to distract the enemy, and perhaps sing the message to Da Qiao.
"Sweet are the roses that flow with the wind
And how low is my heart, in my chest within
Flee to the East, for there is life
Find the Sun, the Sun to the East!
Find the Sun, Quick- QUICK!"
"Now we have music for entertainment... is this your welcoming dance, silly boy?" Cao Cao demanded, now growing a bit annoyed, knowing he was saying something. He did not see Da Qiao at the doorway of the temple, eyeing Lu Xun with a bizarre look of confusion. If he had, Lu Xun's insane babbling would have meant nothing.
So, Lu Xun sang again, this time even louder, drawing even more attention to himself.
"Dear love of my heart, why do you stare?
Ride to the East to greet the Sun!
Dear dear love of my heart, please be fair
The Sun is to the East, go to the Sun!"
'Lu Xun, what are you doing?' Da Qiao was so confused; what the hell was Lu Xun doing? He had no time to sing! Was he trying to tell her something?
He wanted to glare at her, but he knew that would give her away, and now Cao Cao was growing suspicious. He sang one last verse, practically shouting it to her.
"Ride to the East, before it's too late!
The Sun will wait upon you
Find the Sun, before it's too late
Fair Maiden of love, get going, will you?!"
'The Sun? Go to the East?' The Maiden blinked, suddenly realizing what he was saying. The Sun laid in the East, and the sun he spoke about was the Sun family! 'Go get Sun Ce?'
It seemed to be what he was hinting, and she motioned for her bodyguard, whispering the order to him. "Make sure every villager gets through the South gate... tell them to flee to the city of Yu Lei and don't look back or slow down. I'll take the rear."
"What about Lord Lu Jun and Lu Xun?" he asked, but she said nothing, urging him to go. She gave Lu Xun one last look, giving a bow, reluctantly leaving with the rest of the villagers. She promised that she would come back for him, and it appeared the Wei were completely content into keeping him alive. She only hoped that he stayed alive by the time she found Sun Ce...
Seeing them leave must have been the greatest thing to happen to him lately, and Lu Xun made the foolish mistake to stop with his insane babbling. Sima Yi saw the scampering villagers out of the corner of his eye, and he hissed, his eyes lighting with anger, "You stupid little rat... you've protected them, but who's going to protect YOU?!"
Before Lu Xun could even turn his head to him, the enraged Wei officer tore him from Zhang He's grips, throwing him to the ground. Lu Xun looked up at him as he stormed forth, kicking him in the ribs and causing a painfilled cry to pass through his lips with the blood. Even with the pain, Lu Xun shouted to Da Qiao and the villagers, "QUICKLY! GET OUT OF HERE NOW!"
"FOOLS! SOMEONE START AFTER THEM!"
It was Cao Cao who barked the order, and Xiahou Dun instantly spotted the Fan Maiden he had faced earlier. Lu XUn saw his grin, feeling his heart shatter as the one-eyed general grabbed the closest horse to him and did exactly what his Lord had ordered him to do. This time, he wasn't going to return unless she was dead...
He felt his heart sink even lower as the warm blood continued to bubble to his lips, and he coughed, desperately trying to clear his lungs. The cruel gaze of the angered Wei strategist burned into him, and Sima Yi hissed, "Lord Cao Cao, I ask for permission to temporarily relieve this... creature from Zhang He's watch."
Though Zhang He seemed one hundred percent against this, he was given no choice when Cao Cao granted him, his love's, wish. "Keep him alive, Sima Yi... if he dies, then you shall die a far worse death than he."
The nasty grin that appeared on Sima Yi's normally beautiful face did nothing to calm Zhang He's anxiety, "Never fear my lord; death is too great a gift to give him..."
Cao Cao eyed him suspiciously, knowing that he was going to get carried away. He could see the jealousy and hatred radiating him, but he would rather allow him to release his anger on this child rather than to make a costly mistake on the battlefield. He gave Lu Xun a look, before leaving him to the beast. "Here comes the pain..."
Zhang He took another look at the bleeding Wu officer, and he spoke quickly, before his superior could leave hearing range, "My lord... I must protest! With all do respect to Sima Yi, he may ruin everything I have worked for!"
"Which is what exactly, Zhang He?" Cao Cao was quick to respond. "If you were watching him more, he wouldn't have allowed those villagers and the Maiden to escape. Maybe Sima Yi could straighten him out..."
The general kept his tone carefully controlled, "I will follow your orders, as always, my lord. I simply do not think it wise to leave him in Sima Yi's care..."
Cao Cao narrowed his eyes, "Yes... however, you will be given a second chance. But tonight, he shall be Sima Yi's responsibility..."
Knowing there was no further use in protest, Zhang He only bowed, "As you command."
"Good... now join Xiahou Dun and do what you do best. Leave no survivors, and don't you dare return until you have proof." The Lord ordered, his grin running deeper as the look of horror brightened Lu Xun's eyes for a few seconds before he slammed them shut, knowing they had betrayed him.
Sima Yi watched his love's blue eyes close, hiding whatever his true emotions were as he bowed again and left. The strategist spoke softly, "With your permission, lord, I will take my leave and begin."
"Try not to have too much fun... remember how valuable he is to us."
The sarcasm was barely contained in his voice, though he managed to keep his tone respectable, "Valuable... yes my lord, I shall remember..."
As he was brought to his feet, the prisoner looked towards Zhang He, seeing his angered expression as he mounted the horse. He looked as if he almost pitied him...
The piercing of the thorns in his throat broke his thought, and he shrieked as his new tormentor hissed, "Come, child."
"Don't-" Lu Xun began, but quickly silenced himself, stumbling upon his feet and hastily following him at a pace that could not be kept up with.
~*~*~*~
"We're too late..." Zhao Yun seemed to have stated the obvious, almost forgetting that Zhou Yu was a few feet ahead of him. They could see the Wei soldiers entering the walls of the village of Wujun, and they only presumed that Cao Cao used his hostage well. They could not see the retreating villagers yet, and he asked, looking to the Wu officer. "It seems that Wujun is now their property..."
"That's a problem... Wujun is so close to Wei territory." Bringing a finger to his mouth, his nervously nibbled on the nail of his thumb, spitting it out as he looked across the land. "No acts of violence either... damn Cao Cao..."
This was not a good situation indeed, and the Little Dragon asked, "So what shall we do now? They'll most likely use their army against us."
Zhou Yu spat, keeping good control over his wild temper as he quickly tried to come up with a plan. They were no match for them now, as they laid protected in their defensive wall. They could have done a possible raid, but two raids in one day? Cao Cao wasn't that foolish...
"Sir!" a soldier shouted, catching both of the warrior's attention. He pointed to a small group of Wei soldiers that marched out of the gates, with a very angry Lu Jun in tow. Zhou Yu instantly recognized the Lord, and he cursed again, grabbing his sword. "There's the champion of Wujun... strange; if they are to execute them, why isn't a general with him?"
Joking, Zhao Yun held up his once resting spear, once again preparing for battle. "Lord Lu Jun, I presumed? His uncle was quite a force to deal with, and I assume he is just as great."
"Exactly... do they really expect a few soldiers to slay this man?"
"Perhaps Cao Cao likes to play with his food?"
Before Zhou Yu could even counter his sarcasm, they heard a crack, looking down as Lu Jun released probably the most fearsome round of punches any man known (other than, perhaps the greater Lu Bu or Guan Yu) could give. It slayed a soldier, and as others tried to control this raging beast, they were thrown about. Zhao Yun and Zhou Yu looked on, but the soldiers gasped, watching in wide eyed.
What kind of man was this, to defeat a whole group of soldiers with his bare hands? As two more feel dead, three tried to flee, but there was no mercy for them, for the rageful Lu Jun was there, grabbing two fallen spears and holding back nothing against them.
"I've seen this before from few men..." Zhao Yun stated, watching as the last of the soldiers met their doom on that blood-shed ground. He addressed his soldiers, in a feeble attempt to ease their confusion. "A fury that cannot be tamed... usually it comes when one's will overcomes death, pain, all other emotions. The only thing they feel is rage, hatred, an undying desire for death."
The battled was over as quick as it started, and the single lord holding the two spears looked to them, knowing they were there. Some soldiers cowered, but were at ease when Zhou Yu called to him. "Lord Lu Jun, I am Zhou Yu of the Wu army, and this is Zhao Yun of Shu! We have joined forces against the Wei. We wish to speak with you on getting your village and son back!"
Sanity slowly seemed to be returning to those frightful eyes, but they were torn when Cao Cao's cry was heard, ordering for the villagers to be destroyed. Zhao Yun could see the fleeing villagers heading towards the south, and he snapped. "Well, great... seems where ever your angel goes, trouble follows."
Lu Jun called back to them, "Let me save my villagers, and then we shall talk, Zhou Yu of Wu and Zhao Yun of Shu!"
And once again, they brought themselves towards the battle. As they rushed towards the villagers, Zhou Yu asked, looking back at the battle weary soldiers. "Do you think you're men can handle this fight?"
"They will do their best..." Zhao Yun showed no signs of fatigue, and it seemed this man could fight forever. Zhou Yu, on the other hand, wanted nothing more to do with swords, spears, or soldiers. It wasn't the fact that he was tired, but he wasn't sure how much his mind could take much more of this. He wanted sleep; then he could actually sit down and come up with a plan. But he didn't need to complain now, as the lives of those villagers were more important then regaining his strength...
~*~*~*~
It did not take long for them to become separated from the rest of the Wei clan, and Sima Yi wasted no time, tugging until he could once more hear the prisoner's cry, and he smirked, "Yes... scream... I want to hear you scream..."
When Lu Xun said nothing, the jealous man stopped suddenly, and with all of his might, he tossed him into the air and into the side of one of the buildings. His cry would have made even Cao Cao flinch, but not Sima Yi, as he begged for more. "Louder! MUCH louder!"
"You're... insane..."
A slow, soft chuckle rose from Sima Yi's lips, as he looked upon him, trying to see what his love had on that fateful day of his capture. He saw nothing but a child, a rotten, filthy, bratty son-of-a-bitch child playing in the game of war. He also saw a demon sent from hell... with one mission. To steal Zhang He. The demon would suffer...
"My only warning to you; do not plead for mercy. The more you beg for relief... the more I will increase your pain..."
And, grasping the ropes again and placing a foot on his chest, Sima Yi gave one last, but long yank, relishing in the sweet music of the cries that came from this evil instrument. Lu Xun asked, gripping the ropes and trying to free himself, his eyes wide in fear and pain. "W-w-why?!"
The Wei strategist only sneered, "You had no pity when you ripped my heart of hearts from me; I will have no pity as I destroy yours..."
He pressed the foot down harder, as Lu Xun began to kick, struggling for air. How he loved to see a man struggle, knowing that their life was on the line at this moment. Cao Cao ordered him to live, and he was making sure he would stay alive and conscious... but Lu Xun swore that this tormentor had no intentions for such things. "Maybe, if Zhang He could hear you... he'd see how foolish this all was."
"I... did... nothing... to... encourage him..."
"Have you? Have you really?! Somehow I find it hard to believe..." Sima Yi yanked harder, careful not to break his neck. Now he could see tears rushing to break free, but he held back, refusing to give Sima Yi the pleasure. But he wanted those cries, those tears. "You stole him from me..."
Lu Xun choked, barely able to breath, managing one word, "No..."
"YOU HAVE! DON'T LIE TO ME, DEMON!" He roared, yanking until he was sure the tears were running down Lu Xun's cheeks. "But I will make you pay... yes, for all this pain you have caused, and for all the love you have stolen... I WILL make you pay..."
Lu Xun shouted back, but words could not come out. Seeing this only angered him more, and he smashed his foot into his chest again, screaming in pure rage. "SPEAK YOU MONSTER, TELL ME THE TRUTH!!!!!!"
"I... h-have..."
Smashing his foot down again, Sima Yi roared, tears almost rising from him. No, he couldn't let this bother him; this little beast wasn't worth it! "NO! YOU'RE LYING!"
When he was given a moment's reprieve, Lu Xun whimpered, "No... he... I... WE'VE NEVER TOUCHED!"
Now blood replaced his words shortly after, and he nearly wept when the ropes loosened and the foot was replaced by a hand. The voice frightened him, making him tremble as they broke the short silence between them. "No... maybe not yet... but I will not give you the chance to lay your filthy, unpure hands upon my angel... I will tear those hands away, I will burn them into ash before allowing you to do such a thing!"
Lu Xun choked, seeing that they were now moving again, closer and closer to a huge fire. Such a fire was not uncommon for camps; this one was uncommon because no one was around, no one anywhere near. He gasped, "W-what are you going to do?"
"You Wu officers love fire... I forget, was it you or the other that burned our supplies at Chi Bi?"
So this was how it would be. Sima Yi would ask him questions; he was supposed to respond. And Lu Xun did the only thing he could; he kept silent. To do otherwise would be to play into the jealous man's hands...
"Well? Will you answer me, or have you finally grown brains in that puny little head of yours?"
Lu Xun looked away, "I have nothing to tell you."
The flames were frighteningly close now, and he screeched when the jealous man gripped his hair, bringing his face close to those dancing red and orange flames. "Answer me..."
Lu Xun felt the flames lick his face, the heat causing beads of sweat to collect on his forehead. He swore it was so close it was singeing his eyelashes, though he couldn't be sure, and the light blazed into his eyes, tears flowing even more from the smoke, as he choked, "Zhou Yu... burnt the supplies..."
"Hm... then we will find that fire demon and slay him shortly after..." Sima Yi only held him closer, asking, now, another question. "Tell me, do you enjoy fire, dear child? Do you like to watch as men are engulfed in its flames and wither with unimaginable pain?"
Closing his eyes, the Wu officer spoke quietly, not bothering to lie, "No... I do not like to watch others die... or cause them pain..."
"Then tell me, WHY ARE YOU ON THE BATTLEFIELD?!"
"I... have... to... fight..."
The answer wasn't good enough as Sima Yi give him another inch, and Lu Xun gave a painful shout, feeling the hot flames touch his bare skin. "THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH!"
Lu Xun bit his lip to control his cries, tasting the salty, metallic blood in his mouth before he had realized he had broken the skin, "I... fight... when... I... am ordered... to..."
"What a pathetic reason... this is war, child; if Sun Ce was to order you to destroy an entire village, would you do it?!"
"Sun Ce... is not like you... he would not order such a thing..."
He must have angered the strategist, for suddenly he found himself thrown upon the raging fire. The fiery tendrils quickly encompassed his body, running over his flesh, and he could not stop the screams of agony that he released into the air. All he could feel was heat; all he could see was fire; all he could feel was pain...
"Tell Zhou Yu how real fire is if you ever see him again... flames are not beautiful! It was those flames that claimed the lives of many men, many innocents!" Sima Yi bellowed, and Lu Xun quickly snapped into reality, somehow finding a way out of the fire hell, rolling on the dirt and earth in a weak attempt to stop the pain and flames.
Even though the heat was gone, and the cold night air washed over him, nothing could stop his pain. The dirt rubbed against his tender flesh, though he did not cry out, managing to get his clothes to stop burning. His shirt hung about him in tattered ashes, though his pants were only partially singed. He coughed, tears streaming from the smoke, from his pain, and his voice was raspy from the smoke and soot he had inhaled, "No... we only burnt supplies... not people..."
"Wrong again!" Somehow, Sima Yi was already upon him, smashing his foot into his back. He let the scream come first before he began kicking dirt upon the man, shouting angrily and ready to snap once again. "You Wu always look for the peaceful way out; same as the Shu! That's why you're going to lose this war... you're not willing to make a few sacrifices!"
"We're not... all... beasts... like you..."
"Then perhaps you should be... maybe then you will survive..." Grabbing the shirt, the angered strategist ripped it off of the man's back, tossing the remains into the flames as Lu Xun felt the cold, chilly wind make a feeble attempt to relieve him of this pain by replacing it with its own.
He shuddered, chills running up and down his spine, and he said nothing more, not daring to bring any more anger upon himself until he could recover. He cursed at himself for being so weak, as he heard his teeth chattering slightly and the hoarse sound of his own breathing.
The silence, however, was broken by another cry, and it was one that instantly caught Lu Xun's attention. As it died away, his heart began its descent to his stomach. "Da Qiao?"
Sima Yi only smirked, gazing down at him through glittering, slitted eyes, "I almost wish you could watch her death at Zhang He's claws. Just imagine it, child, those wonderful golden weapons sliding gracefully across her throat, her crimson blood staining the ground. You tried to save her, but it is all in vain... you know as well as I she will die this night..."
"Da Qiao... no... dammit... Da Qiao!" Lu Xun tried as hard as he could to stop the tears, but nothing worked, and he cried out, turning his head from the enemy and hoping she could at least hear his voice one last time. "DA QIAOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
"Yes... call for her. I can almost hear your heart shattering; it is a thousand times better than your simple screams... what pain I see in your eyes... and I relish it..."
And he cried out again before his voice gave out, releasing himself with no remorse whatsoever. Why hide his love for her now? He had so many chances before, but it was over now. He blew it, and he screamed, not caring who heard his mourn-filled cries. "DA QIAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
And through it all he could hear the soft, merciless chuckling of the Wei officer that stood beside him. Hatred, anger, and pain engulfed him, and his eyes flew open as he screamed, "DAMN YOU! Damn you for enjoying this... for taking pleasure from my pain... I hate you, you bastard... I hate you..."
"Then our feelings are mutual... you have destroyed my heart, and you now know how I feel every time I look at your horrible, soulless vessel..."
Lu Xun spat back, his amber eyes burning as much as the fire that lay behind his foe, "I almost wish I COULD steal Zhang He from you, just so you know just how I do feel. You speak of ripping your heart apart; I WISH I HAD DONE SOMETHING TO ACTUALLY DO SO!"
He was silenced by a powerful backhand, finding himself on his back and at the feet of the insane beast. "If it would bring Zhang He to his senses, then I would slay you now, give his heart to him and show how truly ugly it is inside! Maybe then he'd come around... BASTARDS! BOTH OF YOU!"
The Wu officer snarled again, realizing he sounded just as animalistic as the one towering over him, "I shall tell of that... and it will hurt him, and that will hurt you... and THAT alone will give me pleasure..."
Now, Sima Yi was a man well known for his use of magic, and Lu Xun couldn't even see the attack, but, boy did HE ever feel it. The soldiers within hearing range flinched, but they calmed down as they heard Sima Yi's bitter words. "As long as you stay within our hands, I will do my best to make you hideous! You are UNWORTHY of Zhang He's attention, you little toad!"
"THEN WHY AM I GETTING IT AND YOU AREN'T?!" Lu Xun laughed maniacally, beyond the point of caring about pain. All that mattered was hurting his tormentor, and his voice turned sly, despite it's hoarseness, "Apparently, he feels YOU are the one who is unworthy..."
The look on Sima Yi's face hinted fear, fear of the truth, and he struck again, screaming at the top of his lungs. "NO! YOU'RE WRONG, DEMON! WRONG!"
Lu Xun only laughed more, allowing a smirk to rise to his face, "Am I? You seem uncertain. Perhaps your once fabled beauty is now fading; perhaps Zhang He is tired of your love. It maybe that he never even truly cared at all..."
"Shut up shut up SHUT UP!"
"You're pathetic, Sima Yi, for all your harsh words, for all your vile torture. Deep down inside you are more of a scared child than I am. No wonder Zhang He is losing interest in you..."
The tables had turned considerably, and he found himself trembling... was it fear, rage, or both? He didn't care; he was going to knock that grin RIGHT off of his precious little face! "LIARRRRRRR!"
Lu Xun almost made another snappy combat, but the sight of the angered Sima Yi made him pale. Tendrils of white and blue rose from his hands, and sparkling lights poured over his body; his musou had risen. With a violent cry, and after quickly withdrawing one of his fans, Sima Yi attacked the young Wu officer, slashing his head, shoulders, chest, back, and anything else that happened to come into contact with his burnt body. The combined pain of the weapons and the energy surrounding them made him scream again, and Lu Xun felt blackness clawing for his soul. He wanted to faint... just faint... and have it go away...
But no, this raging demon would not allow such a thing, as he dragged the attack as long as he possibly could. He heard a shout, possibly from Cao Cao, but it didn't matter to him. Soon, he would be either unconscious, or dead... 'Da Qiao... I'm coming to join you... wait for me!'
"OH NO YOU DON'T!" Sima Yi snarled, "DON'T you DARE to try to escape me through unconsciousness, you brat!"
And his screams continued, and Cao Cao shouted again, withdrawing his sword. "SIMA YI, I ORDER YOU TO STOP THIS NOW! SIMA YI!!!"
If his strategist heard him, he gave no indication, continuing to attack the young Wu officer in both action and word, "I WILL STRIP YOU OF YOUR PRIDE! I WILL BEND YOUR HAUGHTY WILL! Soon you will call ME master, and I will make sure Zhang He... NEVER TOUCHES YOU AGAIN!"
"Sima Yi!" Cao Cao dared to advance, turning his sword around. When the man ignored him again, he smashed the hilt of his weapon against the man's neck, and the two bodies fell. He shouted tot he soldiers who just watched, the rage contagious. "If that man dies, then we lose our advantage, and your heads!"
It did not take the soldiers long to comprehend, as the quickly separated the raging Sima Yi from the beaten and bleeding Lu Xun. Sima Yi howled, "NO! I have not even BEGUN to inflict pain upon him... LET ME GO!"
Grabbing his strategist, Cao Cao shook him violently, wrapping his strong hands around his neck and only squeezing harder when his senses slowly began to come around. "You fool! I said to torture him, not kill him! Have you lost your mind?! A disgrace! Look at yourself!"
"My lord... he is nowhere NEAR death... I... I have obeyed... your... command..."
"If his wounds do not heal, I will make yours considerably worse... do you understand?!"
Sima Yi choked, "Perfectly, my gracious lord..."
He could see the dead seriousness in his Lords eyes, and he sputtered, choking for air as he was released and thrown to the ground. Sima Yi's anger was slowly fading, transforming into shame as he looked towards the soldiers that tried to figure out what to do with the now unconscious Lu Xun. 'One day I'll get my chance... even if it means to hurt Zhang He, I will slit your throat...'
Almost reading his thoughts, Cao Cao sneered, "I see now that I should have trusted Zhang He's judgment. From now on, if you wish to interrogate the prisoner, you must have another officer present with you. You are not allowed to be with him alone; is that understood?"
It was almost a slap in the face to him, but Sima Yi knew better, trying to hide his snide look. "Completely..."
"Good... now, go and amuse yourself in some other fashion... we will not need you any more this night..."
"Yes sir..."