Bring Me to Life
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
~*~*~*~
Chapter Ten
~*~*~*~
Needless to say, Sun Ce was a tad bit disappointed to find that he was already too late for battle, as they found retreating Wei forces trying to escape for the wrath of Wei Yan. They watched the masked warrior, chasing after the stragglers and showing them no mercy, spinning his double voulge and making a salad with them. Lu Meng almost pitied the Wei soldiers that met their deaths to the blades, though he was sure they deserved it, trying to get his stomach to unknot itself.
"He seems to be enjoying himself..." Sun Ce commented, as he and Lu Meng watched from a considerably safe distance. He almost wished this man could have been in Wu, however, he could see his faults, rushing headstrong into battle without much of a plan or any care. It was not Bloodwrath, as he knew, but it was probably called stupidity.
Lu Meng shook his head, watching as Wei Yan seemed to finally collect himself, killing one last enemy soldier before actually obeying his superior's orders, turning to the arriving Pang Tong. That immediately brought a look of disgust on Sun Ce's face, and Lu Meng asked, looking at the rather odd looking man for himself. "You seem to share the same feelings as your father."
The Little Conqueror laughed, watching as Pang Tong seemed to scold his masked warrior. "Who wouldn't? Lord Liu Bei is desperate to have him..."
"That's not wise to say, lord." Lu Meng warned him. "Pang Tong, though not the best of sights, is quite a crafty man, one that should never be overlooked. He is nothing short of Zhuge Liang."
His advice seemed to have gone in one ear and right out of the other as Sun Ce just snorted. "I suppose we should get this over with... I'm starting to get worried about Zhou Yu, Lu Xun, and Da Qiao."
He wasn't the only one, as Lu Meng still couldn't untie that knot in his stomach. He suggested that they turn back around, but Sun Ce had quickly neglected it, simply stating foolishly that he had complete faith in Zhou Yu. Not that Zhou Yu was undependable, but he feared that Sun Ce was underestimating the situation and the strength of their enemies. He nodded, though, only trying to make this man into a better leader.
When they drew closer, Wei Yan, who had knelt in front of odd figure, quickly leapt to his feet, wielding his deadly double-sided voulge and turning upon them. Sun Ce rose a hand, stopping the troops, as Pang Tong turned to them now, though it was hard to see if he was even looking at them, his eyes hidden under the strange hat he wore. "Lord Sun Ce of Wu, you are venturing deep towards territory that is not your own. Do you plan on taking this land for yourselves?"
"Pang Tong, surely you know why we are here." Sun Ce shouted back, eyeing both men, seeing that neither seemed to acknowledge the reason. "We have received word requesting aid in driving the Wei out of your land; have there been a change of plans?"
Wei Yan shouted back, his speech almost hard to understand. "Wei... gone! Kill... them... Wei Yan... did!"
He silenced himself when Pang Tong cleared his throat, fwapping the staff on his head lightly to keep him quiet. Then, the strange dressed man turned his attention back towards the waiting Wu officers. "I do not remember my lord ever making that command... and he would never do such a thing without Zhuge Liang's nor my approval..."
Lu Meng gave his lord a look, one of slight confusion, as Pang Tong continued. "You've been tricked, Lord Sun Ce, by none other than Sima Yi... we sent no message to you requesting your assistance."
"Sima Yi... he better pray that I do not find him before any other officer of mine or Shu does, because I will tear him apart!" Sun Ce proclaimed in his rage, unable to believe he had been tricked so easily. And now Lu Meng's feelings were justified, as he shook his head, looking to his lord.
"Sir, we must return to Wu quickly... those forces we spotted earlier might still be there, and I am sure they had no friendly intentions." He advised, not wishing to waste more time here.
Sun Ce nodded, though Pang Tong's voice caught their attention once again. "However... if it's not already too late, Lord Sun Ce, I am sure my lord would gladly accept your offer, now that you were dragged into this."
The Little Conqueror turned to him, now wishing that either Zhou Yu or Lu Xun were here. He foolishly sent them out alone; he knew he would regret making this decision without them. "Accepted... where is your lord, by the way."
"He has taken his forces and has pursued a group of Wei headed east, so I presume that he is with the forces you sent out." Pang Tong replied, catching both men by surprise. If he mouth was not hidden, they could have seen his smile. How did he know? "You are without your council; allow me to replace them for now, lord."
After getting the approval from Lu Meng, Sun Ce accepted, feeling there was nothing to lose. "All I ask of you is to keep up, and translate your officer's words."
If Wei Yan cared, he would have been insulted, but instead, the warrior sent a questioning look to Pang Tong as the forces began their march. "Pang Tong... feel... sure... don't.... trust... red men..."
"We're allies only for a short time..." Pang Tong told him, seeing how Lu Meng kept his head half turned, keeping a watchful eye on him. He seemed to share the same feelings with Wei Yan, Pang Tong noted, and he tipped his hat lower, his voice slightly muffled. "It will be hard, but we must trust each other enough until this is all settled. Be patient."
Giving a half pout, Wei Yan shook head, "No like... to... wait. Kill... kill... now."
Pang Tong only chuckled, "That is why Zhuge Liang doesn't like you, dear friend. You will learn patience, before he loses his with you. Now hush."
"Yes..."
~*~*~*~
The rest of the night was rather peaceful for the villagers of Wujun, camping out in the woods where Zhao Yun and Lu Jun convinced them it was safe, and they couldn't feel any safer with both men there, wondering the small camp and helping with the wounded. They learned to trust Zhao Yun quickly, despite he was aligned with the Shu, and it seemed that their lord trusted him as well. With them around, there was absolutely nothing to fear.
Though the now awake Zhou Yu didn't think so, as he wondered the scattered campsite, looking at the villagers that barely made it out alive. When he had awakened, he found his hands were bandaged, and when he asked what had happened, the soldier that was told to watch him claimed that he reached into the small fire he had started and grabbed a flaming log, shouting in his sleep. The dream felt so real... and it did not hurt him now, though they felt numb under the tightly wrapped bandages.
Now, who he did really worry about was Da Qiao, as he had waken up to not only his bandaged hands but to an battle-weary maiden. Her hair was a mess, a sleeve was missing, and with her wounded arm was another wound to the chest, given to her as payback by Xiahou Dun. She was soaked, trembling, and cold, so before wondering off, he stripped of his own robes and laid them on top of her, fearing to return Lu Xun to say the woman of his heart had died of a cold.
Visions of his dreams tried to resurface themselves, but he fought them off, looking at the villagers who laid resting. They couldn't stay here for long, for Cao Cao's troops would surely pass by here soon, and Zhao Yun, Lu Jun, and he alone couldn't defend them alone.
As a bird gave a cry to warn the people of the morning, Zhou Yu found the lord of Wujun and the Little Dragon sharing a meal in a small clearing. Sneering, Zhou Yu commented silently, not wishing to wake any villagers sleeping nearby. "How long until we move them into the next village?"
Lu Jun turned to him, breaking off a piece of bread and handing it to the strategist. Though he wasn't hungry, he accepted it, knowing it would only help to keep his strength up. As he nibbled, Lu Jun answered, looking at the walls of his captured city through the sun's first light, seeing its true beauty. "As soon as they wake... my people had a long night, and you've seen the condition of some of them, as well as Lady Qiao. Moving them now would be asking too much of them."
"But keeping them here any longer would be dooming them... Cao Cao will pass, find them, and kill them all." Zhou Yu stated, swallowing his piece before saying anything more. "Or take them prisoner, like your son."
Lu Jun quickly snapped, warning him to be silent. "Do not speak of the situation... you think I'm not already aware of that?"
Narrowing his eyes, Zhou Yu asked, and Zhao Yun decided it was best to stay out of the conversation as best as he possibly could. "You show undying sympathy for your people, but not for your own blood... you are a great ruler, but a horrible father."
Oh, the look Lu Jun gave could have given the same affect if it was given by Lu Bu himself, but it did not frightened Zhou Yu at all as the lord rose from where he sat, gripping his tight fingers around his neck. It was not a vice grip, but only meant to threaten him and keep their eyes locked. "Would you like to repeat yourself, boy? I don't think I've heard you correctly."
"I shall for your deaf ears, then... why do you care for your people and not your son?" Zhou Yu never blinked, eyes never shifted. Unlike the soldiers, he knew not to fear him. "Does he not deserve equal attention?"
The grip got tighter, but still, he did not flinch, not even has his icy words nipped at his face. "You're making this personal when it has no need to be... the good of my people outweigh the life of my son. It is better for him to be dead and silent, than to release valuable information against you."
"Excuse me..." Zhao Yun now tried to butt in.
But they ignored him. "You fear that Lu Xun will speak against us and yourself... he will stay silent; I trust him!"
"Yes, but how is it that you're so sure? He's not strong enough, nor will he ever be!" Lu Jun proclaimed, almost in fear. "The Bloodwrath died within him, he has no lust for battle, no strength to carry anything but those swords in which he stole from me! What makes you think he won't rat?"
"And betray you as you did him?"
That brought a look of pure anger, and Zhao Yun was forced to cut between the two, trying to pry the enraged Lord from Zhou Yu. He could see the fury in his eyes and hasten, wondering if he was going to have to draw his spear. "Take back those words, you smiling heathen, before I rip that tongue from your throat and shove it back in!"
Somehow, Zhao Yun was able to separate the two, standing between them as they continued to stare at one another. Zhou Yu snorted, coughing once before turning to spit. "I can see why he left to join Sun's forces... how can one tolerate living in the same house as you?"
"That's quite enough out of both of you!" Zhao Yun shouted before either could say another word. Looking back and forth between them, he was slightly confused, but knew better than to stick his nose into their personal affairs. Making sure he had their attention, he continued. "The situation is the same; your village and son are in the Wei's hands now, and our top priority is to guide your people into safer grounds. We MUST stay away from Lord Cao Cao and his men, at least until he doesn't get anything more to hold against us."
Still, that did not alter Lu Jun's glare from the Wu strategist across from him, but his tone softened a bit. "We shall wake them... we'll move at a slow rate, for the wounded. I trust that we can guard them, just in case if the Wei forces are on the move as well..."
Grabbing his spear, Zhao Yun gave his answer, "Neither Shu, Wei, or Wu, villagers should never be victims... any man who gets near them with a blade shall die."
And Lu Jun turned to Zhou Yu, who only nodded. They could tell that he was plotting, and before either one of them could ask, he looked to Zhao Yun. "Did you send any men to check on the Wei?"
"I was going to... but I wasn't sure if I wanted to risk him being caught." Zhao Yun rested against his spear, looking towards the guarded castle. "I saw a patrol come out once or twice, but nothing more..."
"Odd... surely they would try to leave now..."
Lu Jun shrugged, "Perhaps a change of plans?"
As another guard left the walls to patrol the area, Zhou Yu's brow knitted slightly, smiling now. "Yes indeed... luck is on our side once again! They're getting supplies, but who knows how long they will stay there... gives us more time to get the people to safety."
"Are you sure? Perhaps you want me to send a spy to make sure?"
"No; I don't want to risk the villagers being without as much protection as possible, and it'll be too dangerous." Zhou Yu replied almost harshly, and before Lu Jun could volunteer, he quickly stepped in. "Sir, you are needed with your people; they will trust you far more than myself or Zhao Yun. I'll go."
Zhao Yun was quick to disagree, "You'll get caught... and it's too dangerous. Wu doesn't need to lose two of its great strategists..."
He stopped himself in mid-thought as they eyed him, and he smiled lightly. "Don't any of you dare tell Zhuge Liang I said this... he will skin my hide."
"Please, let's leave him out of this." Zhou Yu spat nonchalantly, going back to look at the castle. "I won't go in, but I'll find my way to get the information. I'll catch up with you as soon as I can."
As Zhao Yun left towards the people, Lu Jun lingered a bit, and he sneered, "Be careful, because when you return I wish to continue where we left off."
He only smiled in returned, parting their separate ways.
~*~*~*~
It was perhaps the most peaceful moment he would feel now, and he knew it and relished in it. He wanted to sleep away his worries and troubles, hide under the warm blankets and dig his head into the pillows. Lu Xun was never a heavy sleeper; if he overslept, others would worry and send messengers to check. It annoyed him... he was human, too, dammit.
What made it even worse was the he KNEW he should be sleeping. He was exhausted from his fight with Sima Yi, and even now his body would not let him sleep. He growled, cursing it mentally, 'Damn you body... damn you...'
Of course, it laughed at him, and he allowed it to win, letting his eyes open to take in the surroundings. "Castle... I'm... I'm in the castle?"
He shivered slightly, though he did not dare to glance down to the thin bandages covering his burnt body. Hopefully he would not scar, and he sighed, "This... this is not QUITE the way I wished to come home..."
No, he would have rather to be welcomed into the arms of his people and his father, but even that seemed farfetched. He sighed, defeated... 'Father, seems I've failed you once again...'
He allowed his eyes to roam the room, and he raised an eyebrow in surprise, 'What? No guards?'
Apparently, there were none, and he took the chance, reaching over and moving his arm, wincing in pain as he instantly regretted it. And it was a chain reaction to his entire body, as he now laid withering in the bed. "Pain... pain..."
Wincing, struggling, practically dragging himself out the room, Lu Xun gritted his teeth and waited for his legs to begin working properly again. This was a trap, he realized when he came to his senses, to be unguarded, and now he wondered how far within the castle he could get before Zhang He were to jump from the corners. He hoped, though, that he could at least get to the Great Hall... at least then perhaps he could defend himself...
He laughed bitterly, chiding himself, 'Who are you trying to fool? Zhang He could manhandle you any way he wanted to in your present condition...'
Still, better to face Zhang He than to face the vengeful Sima Yi. The mere thought of him brought pain. 'Note to self... when Zhang He captures him again... torment him RELENTLESSLY about his jealous lover...'
Somehow, just SOMEHOW, he made it to the Great Hall, and he looked upon the walls, seeing the endless line of weapons that hung from the walls. He instantly spotted the empty spot, where two small swords once laid. "My great uncle's swords... where are they now?"
The answer seemed to be on the tip of his tongue; he felt he SHOULD know. Yet, as he stared and stared, he could not remember where the swords had gone, or anyone who would dare to wield them...
He remembered now... he almost forgot! He smiled, once again blocking the thought as he noticed another empty slot. It was a much bigger sword, and he tried to remember which one it was. "Strange... did my father take that one before he left..."
He walked closer to inspect the empty space, and his heart dropped. The dust had only recently been shifted, and he hissed, "Some Wei bastard stole it..."
"Only borrowing it for a little while..."
Lu Xun's heart plummeted even more at the sound of the cold voice behind him, and he trembled slightly, despite himself. He knew that voice, and with more dignity than he thought he had left, he spoke, "Cao Cao... of course..."
The Wei Emperor only smiled, and Lu Xun felt the tip of the great blade rest upon his shoulder, feeling its weight and sighing. "That's my father's favorite sword..."
He closed his eyes, smiling to himself, though it was a mirthless grin, "Of course... you and father DO have similar taste when it comes to weaponry..."
"The blade is too heavy for me..." The young officer admitted, keeping his head turned as the blade did not shift at all. He wondered what Cao Cao was waiting for, but he dared not ask, instead placing his hands behind him, quickly giving in before he could get himself any deeper. He only hoped that Cao Cao would fall of this, not wanting any confidence to show.
"You disappoint me a little, Lu Xun; surely your father would want you to fight a bit more..."
That was a pure slap to the face, but Lu Xun did not respond to it quickly, instead staying in the surrender position and considering his words very, very carefully. "My father wishes for me to die than to speak another word... seems I dishonor him without even realizing it, then..."
He felt the cold tip of the sword pressed gently against his burnt back, gently forming little swirls and patterns as it was traced softly, so carefully across his skin, "The question now is, what shall I do with you..."
And he kept his promise to his father now, locking his lips and doing nothing, nothing but wait for Cao Cao's inevitable strike. Cao Cao gave his devious smile, though Lu Xun couldn't see it, and he asked a simple question, "Child... with your injuries, can you lift a sword?"
Still, Lu Xun said nothing, tilting his head slightly, to allow his enemy the privilege of seeing his cold amber eyes. He could not see anyone else in the hallways, and he was going to use that to his advantage. He could kill him now, with one easy strike, and end this all. He said nothing.
"I will take that as a yes... now tell me, or I will make the choice for you; would you like your father's sword, or another?"
'Father's sword's too heavy...' Lu Xun eyed the silver blade cautiously, but he wasn't given much of a choice as it was turned around, its golden hilt tempting him to reach for it. He thought about it, once again making sure they were the only ones there. He wouldn't trust Cao Cao for a second, knowing this was leading to something.
The Wei emperor laughed, his eyes narrowing, "No; I am the only one here. You have no other combatant but me..."
Narrowing his eyes, Lu Xun slowly turned around, gripping the hilt with both nicely wrapped hands. He waited for Cao Cao to release the blade, and when he did, it took all the strength he had to keep the thing from slamming onto the cold solid floor. "Damn..."
He spoke, his voice frosty, "And what weapon shall you use, then? This is one of the family's finest..."
"My own, of course." Cao Cao rested his hand on the hilt of his own, his smile deepening as he looked upon this pitiful sight. "You won't last long."
Lu Xun's smile was humorless, "Then kill me quickly... and end it for us both..."
He did not even have his sword out, but he was poised and ready. Cao Cao nodded, "Depends if I'm in a good mood or not..."
"Enough... let us waste no more time..."
"As you wish..." Cao Cao still had not withdrawn his sword... Lu Xun watched him with confusion. Why was he taking so long to begin this fight? Did the Wei leader WANT him to make the first strike? "Well?"
Lu Xun sneered, lifting his own sword, though wincing slightly from the pain it caused him, "Does it ALWAYS take this long for you to draw your sword?"
Just as the words left his lips, Lu Xun struck, leaping from the ground and swinging the sword with all his might. He could see the silver blade slicing through Cao Cao's chest, but he knew it would not happen. In a blink of an eye, the Emperor gave the quickest movement he had ever seen, his own silver blade rising from its den to catch the other halfway there!
It was a deadlock, and Lu Xun knew who would win it. He had not the strength... Still, he hissed, determined not to go down without a fight.
"It's done, then..." It was all Cao Cao said, overpowering him with simple ease and giving one last swing, the sheer force he gave was enough to shatter the bright silver blade of Lu Jun's greatest sword with a loud CRASH!
Lu Xun watched the silver shards rain down to the ground, and he sighed, his voice a fierce whisper, "Kill me then..."
He considered it for perhaps a second, but he shook his head, placing his victorious sword back into his sheath. "No, not today, I'm afraid."
Then, Cao Cao had turned his back to the man that still held the broken sword in his hands, rather he did it on purpose or by accident wasn't on Lu Xun's mind as he trembled in both fear and rage. He broke his father's greatest sword, he fondest weapon! It was a great sword indeed, as he had seen it in action so many times before, seeing it take the lives of the unlucky to fall into its path. And now, nothing but a quarter of its true height!
But still... there was a blade there, just enough to drive into the man's turned head. And its weight would not hold him down, not this time. So, he struck again, taking aim and going to strike, but halfway there a brick wall in the form of a fist stopped him. He could see, through the corner of his eye as he kept his gaze on the back of Cao Cao's elegant violet robes, Xiahou Dun's stern, one-eyed face, fighting back the urge to vomit blood.
The quarter sword hit the ground before he did, and he doubled over on his knees, still fighting back blood as he rested his bandaged arms over his gut. Cao Cao turned to look at him, as Xiahou Dun finally unclenched his fist, "He was aiming for your head, my lord. It's unwise to turn your back on him..."
"You were there, so I had nothing to fear." Cao Cao said to his relative with a grin, spitting upon the pained officer. "Take him to Zhang He at once, and be sure to give him every bit of detail of the Qiao Maiden's death on the way there."
As he bowed, Lu Xun, forgetting his pain, glared at the general with a look so pathetically sad that Cao Cao ALMOST felt pity for him, but nothing came from Xiahou Dun. The man said nothing, grabbing what was left of his torn and battered shirt and forcing him to his feet to trek to the east wing.
No, Xiahou Dun was not the one to gloat, even if it meant to disobey his lord's orders, and the trip was remarkably silent. He could feel Lu Xun's tear-filled amber eyes blazing in the back of his skull, forcing him to speak. "She died with honor, if it makes you feel better."
"She... she was a woman, and you slayed her..." The despairing officer hissed, fighting off those tears well. Her cry was still fresh in his ears and mind, only mixing in with the pain he felt now, and his voice became very frightening, striking a chord of fear in Xiahou Dun's heart. "It's not wise... to keep your back at the enemy... fear the day I escape, for I will avenge her, and your cries will be my lullaby every night, demon..."
For his threat, he was thrown forward and kicked three times, but that did not save Xiahou Dun's conscious, as he now forced him to walk ahead of him. At least now he wouldn't have to feel those wrathful eyes, tearing him from the back of his mind...
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
~*~*~*~
Chapter Ten
~*~*~*~
Needless to say, Sun Ce was a tad bit disappointed to find that he was already too late for battle, as they found retreating Wei forces trying to escape for the wrath of Wei Yan. They watched the masked warrior, chasing after the stragglers and showing them no mercy, spinning his double voulge and making a salad with them. Lu Meng almost pitied the Wei soldiers that met their deaths to the blades, though he was sure they deserved it, trying to get his stomach to unknot itself.
"He seems to be enjoying himself..." Sun Ce commented, as he and Lu Meng watched from a considerably safe distance. He almost wished this man could have been in Wu, however, he could see his faults, rushing headstrong into battle without much of a plan or any care. It was not Bloodwrath, as he knew, but it was probably called stupidity.
Lu Meng shook his head, watching as Wei Yan seemed to finally collect himself, killing one last enemy soldier before actually obeying his superior's orders, turning to the arriving Pang Tong. That immediately brought a look of disgust on Sun Ce's face, and Lu Meng asked, looking at the rather odd looking man for himself. "You seem to share the same feelings as your father."
The Little Conqueror laughed, watching as Pang Tong seemed to scold his masked warrior. "Who wouldn't? Lord Liu Bei is desperate to have him..."
"That's not wise to say, lord." Lu Meng warned him. "Pang Tong, though not the best of sights, is quite a crafty man, one that should never be overlooked. He is nothing short of Zhuge Liang."
His advice seemed to have gone in one ear and right out of the other as Sun Ce just snorted. "I suppose we should get this over with... I'm starting to get worried about Zhou Yu, Lu Xun, and Da Qiao."
He wasn't the only one, as Lu Meng still couldn't untie that knot in his stomach. He suggested that they turn back around, but Sun Ce had quickly neglected it, simply stating foolishly that he had complete faith in Zhou Yu. Not that Zhou Yu was undependable, but he feared that Sun Ce was underestimating the situation and the strength of their enemies. He nodded, though, only trying to make this man into a better leader.
When they drew closer, Wei Yan, who had knelt in front of odd figure, quickly leapt to his feet, wielding his deadly double-sided voulge and turning upon them. Sun Ce rose a hand, stopping the troops, as Pang Tong turned to them now, though it was hard to see if he was even looking at them, his eyes hidden under the strange hat he wore. "Lord Sun Ce of Wu, you are venturing deep towards territory that is not your own. Do you plan on taking this land for yourselves?"
"Pang Tong, surely you know why we are here." Sun Ce shouted back, eyeing both men, seeing that neither seemed to acknowledge the reason. "We have received word requesting aid in driving the Wei out of your land; have there been a change of plans?"
Wei Yan shouted back, his speech almost hard to understand. "Wei... gone! Kill... them... Wei Yan... did!"
He silenced himself when Pang Tong cleared his throat, fwapping the staff on his head lightly to keep him quiet. Then, the strange dressed man turned his attention back towards the waiting Wu officers. "I do not remember my lord ever making that command... and he would never do such a thing without Zhuge Liang's nor my approval..."
Lu Meng gave his lord a look, one of slight confusion, as Pang Tong continued. "You've been tricked, Lord Sun Ce, by none other than Sima Yi... we sent no message to you requesting your assistance."
"Sima Yi... he better pray that I do not find him before any other officer of mine or Shu does, because I will tear him apart!" Sun Ce proclaimed in his rage, unable to believe he had been tricked so easily. And now Lu Meng's feelings were justified, as he shook his head, looking to his lord.
"Sir, we must return to Wu quickly... those forces we spotted earlier might still be there, and I am sure they had no friendly intentions." He advised, not wishing to waste more time here.
Sun Ce nodded, though Pang Tong's voice caught their attention once again. "However... if it's not already too late, Lord Sun Ce, I am sure my lord would gladly accept your offer, now that you were dragged into this."
The Little Conqueror turned to him, now wishing that either Zhou Yu or Lu Xun were here. He foolishly sent them out alone; he knew he would regret making this decision without them. "Accepted... where is your lord, by the way."
"He has taken his forces and has pursued a group of Wei headed east, so I presume that he is with the forces you sent out." Pang Tong replied, catching both men by surprise. If he mouth was not hidden, they could have seen his smile. How did he know? "You are without your council; allow me to replace them for now, lord."
After getting the approval from Lu Meng, Sun Ce accepted, feeling there was nothing to lose. "All I ask of you is to keep up, and translate your officer's words."
If Wei Yan cared, he would have been insulted, but instead, the warrior sent a questioning look to Pang Tong as the forces began their march. "Pang Tong... feel... sure... don't.... trust... red men..."
"We're allies only for a short time..." Pang Tong told him, seeing how Lu Meng kept his head half turned, keeping a watchful eye on him. He seemed to share the same feelings with Wei Yan, Pang Tong noted, and he tipped his hat lower, his voice slightly muffled. "It will be hard, but we must trust each other enough until this is all settled. Be patient."
Giving a half pout, Wei Yan shook head, "No like... to... wait. Kill... kill... now."
Pang Tong only chuckled, "That is why Zhuge Liang doesn't like you, dear friend. You will learn patience, before he loses his with you. Now hush."
"Yes..."
~*~*~*~
The rest of the night was rather peaceful for the villagers of Wujun, camping out in the woods where Zhao Yun and Lu Jun convinced them it was safe, and they couldn't feel any safer with both men there, wondering the small camp and helping with the wounded. They learned to trust Zhao Yun quickly, despite he was aligned with the Shu, and it seemed that their lord trusted him as well. With them around, there was absolutely nothing to fear.
Though the now awake Zhou Yu didn't think so, as he wondered the scattered campsite, looking at the villagers that barely made it out alive. When he had awakened, he found his hands were bandaged, and when he asked what had happened, the soldier that was told to watch him claimed that he reached into the small fire he had started and grabbed a flaming log, shouting in his sleep. The dream felt so real... and it did not hurt him now, though they felt numb under the tightly wrapped bandages.
Now, who he did really worry about was Da Qiao, as he had waken up to not only his bandaged hands but to an battle-weary maiden. Her hair was a mess, a sleeve was missing, and with her wounded arm was another wound to the chest, given to her as payback by Xiahou Dun. She was soaked, trembling, and cold, so before wondering off, he stripped of his own robes and laid them on top of her, fearing to return Lu Xun to say the woman of his heart had died of a cold.
Visions of his dreams tried to resurface themselves, but he fought them off, looking at the villagers who laid resting. They couldn't stay here for long, for Cao Cao's troops would surely pass by here soon, and Zhao Yun, Lu Jun, and he alone couldn't defend them alone.
As a bird gave a cry to warn the people of the morning, Zhou Yu found the lord of Wujun and the Little Dragon sharing a meal in a small clearing. Sneering, Zhou Yu commented silently, not wishing to wake any villagers sleeping nearby. "How long until we move them into the next village?"
Lu Jun turned to him, breaking off a piece of bread and handing it to the strategist. Though he wasn't hungry, he accepted it, knowing it would only help to keep his strength up. As he nibbled, Lu Jun answered, looking at the walls of his captured city through the sun's first light, seeing its true beauty. "As soon as they wake... my people had a long night, and you've seen the condition of some of them, as well as Lady Qiao. Moving them now would be asking too much of them."
"But keeping them here any longer would be dooming them... Cao Cao will pass, find them, and kill them all." Zhou Yu stated, swallowing his piece before saying anything more. "Or take them prisoner, like your son."
Lu Jun quickly snapped, warning him to be silent. "Do not speak of the situation... you think I'm not already aware of that?"
Narrowing his eyes, Zhou Yu asked, and Zhao Yun decided it was best to stay out of the conversation as best as he possibly could. "You show undying sympathy for your people, but not for your own blood... you are a great ruler, but a horrible father."
Oh, the look Lu Jun gave could have given the same affect if it was given by Lu Bu himself, but it did not frightened Zhou Yu at all as the lord rose from where he sat, gripping his tight fingers around his neck. It was not a vice grip, but only meant to threaten him and keep their eyes locked. "Would you like to repeat yourself, boy? I don't think I've heard you correctly."
"I shall for your deaf ears, then... why do you care for your people and not your son?" Zhou Yu never blinked, eyes never shifted. Unlike the soldiers, he knew not to fear him. "Does he not deserve equal attention?"
The grip got tighter, but still, he did not flinch, not even has his icy words nipped at his face. "You're making this personal when it has no need to be... the good of my people outweigh the life of my son. It is better for him to be dead and silent, than to release valuable information against you."
"Excuse me..." Zhao Yun now tried to butt in.
But they ignored him. "You fear that Lu Xun will speak against us and yourself... he will stay silent; I trust him!"
"Yes, but how is it that you're so sure? He's not strong enough, nor will he ever be!" Lu Jun proclaimed, almost in fear. "The Bloodwrath died within him, he has no lust for battle, no strength to carry anything but those swords in which he stole from me! What makes you think he won't rat?"
"And betray you as you did him?"
That brought a look of pure anger, and Zhao Yun was forced to cut between the two, trying to pry the enraged Lord from Zhou Yu. He could see the fury in his eyes and hasten, wondering if he was going to have to draw his spear. "Take back those words, you smiling heathen, before I rip that tongue from your throat and shove it back in!"
Somehow, Zhao Yun was able to separate the two, standing between them as they continued to stare at one another. Zhou Yu snorted, coughing once before turning to spit. "I can see why he left to join Sun's forces... how can one tolerate living in the same house as you?"
"That's quite enough out of both of you!" Zhao Yun shouted before either could say another word. Looking back and forth between them, he was slightly confused, but knew better than to stick his nose into their personal affairs. Making sure he had their attention, he continued. "The situation is the same; your village and son are in the Wei's hands now, and our top priority is to guide your people into safer grounds. We MUST stay away from Lord Cao Cao and his men, at least until he doesn't get anything more to hold against us."
Still, that did not alter Lu Jun's glare from the Wu strategist across from him, but his tone softened a bit. "We shall wake them... we'll move at a slow rate, for the wounded. I trust that we can guard them, just in case if the Wei forces are on the move as well..."
Grabbing his spear, Zhao Yun gave his answer, "Neither Shu, Wei, or Wu, villagers should never be victims... any man who gets near them with a blade shall die."
And Lu Jun turned to Zhou Yu, who only nodded. They could tell that he was plotting, and before either one of them could ask, he looked to Zhao Yun. "Did you send any men to check on the Wei?"
"I was going to... but I wasn't sure if I wanted to risk him being caught." Zhao Yun rested against his spear, looking towards the guarded castle. "I saw a patrol come out once or twice, but nothing more..."
"Odd... surely they would try to leave now..."
Lu Jun shrugged, "Perhaps a change of plans?"
As another guard left the walls to patrol the area, Zhou Yu's brow knitted slightly, smiling now. "Yes indeed... luck is on our side once again! They're getting supplies, but who knows how long they will stay there... gives us more time to get the people to safety."
"Are you sure? Perhaps you want me to send a spy to make sure?"
"No; I don't want to risk the villagers being without as much protection as possible, and it'll be too dangerous." Zhou Yu replied almost harshly, and before Lu Jun could volunteer, he quickly stepped in. "Sir, you are needed with your people; they will trust you far more than myself or Zhao Yun. I'll go."
Zhao Yun was quick to disagree, "You'll get caught... and it's too dangerous. Wu doesn't need to lose two of its great strategists..."
He stopped himself in mid-thought as they eyed him, and he smiled lightly. "Don't any of you dare tell Zhuge Liang I said this... he will skin my hide."
"Please, let's leave him out of this." Zhou Yu spat nonchalantly, going back to look at the castle. "I won't go in, but I'll find my way to get the information. I'll catch up with you as soon as I can."
As Zhao Yun left towards the people, Lu Jun lingered a bit, and he sneered, "Be careful, because when you return I wish to continue where we left off."
He only smiled in returned, parting their separate ways.
~*~*~*~
It was perhaps the most peaceful moment he would feel now, and he knew it and relished in it. He wanted to sleep away his worries and troubles, hide under the warm blankets and dig his head into the pillows. Lu Xun was never a heavy sleeper; if he overslept, others would worry and send messengers to check. It annoyed him... he was human, too, dammit.
What made it even worse was the he KNEW he should be sleeping. He was exhausted from his fight with Sima Yi, and even now his body would not let him sleep. He growled, cursing it mentally, 'Damn you body... damn you...'
Of course, it laughed at him, and he allowed it to win, letting his eyes open to take in the surroundings. "Castle... I'm... I'm in the castle?"
He shivered slightly, though he did not dare to glance down to the thin bandages covering his burnt body. Hopefully he would not scar, and he sighed, "This... this is not QUITE the way I wished to come home..."
No, he would have rather to be welcomed into the arms of his people and his father, but even that seemed farfetched. He sighed, defeated... 'Father, seems I've failed you once again...'
He allowed his eyes to roam the room, and he raised an eyebrow in surprise, 'What? No guards?'
Apparently, there were none, and he took the chance, reaching over and moving his arm, wincing in pain as he instantly regretted it. And it was a chain reaction to his entire body, as he now laid withering in the bed. "Pain... pain..."
Wincing, struggling, practically dragging himself out the room, Lu Xun gritted his teeth and waited for his legs to begin working properly again. This was a trap, he realized when he came to his senses, to be unguarded, and now he wondered how far within the castle he could get before Zhang He were to jump from the corners. He hoped, though, that he could at least get to the Great Hall... at least then perhaps he could defend himself...
He laughed bitterly, chiding himself, 'Who are you trying to fool? Zhang He could manhandle you any way he wanted to in your present condition...'
Still, better to face Zhang He than to face the vengeful Sima Yi. The mere thought of him brought pain. 'Note to self... when Zhang He captures him again... torment him RELENTLESSLY about his jealous lover...'
Somehow, just SOMEHOW, he made it to the Great Hall, and he looked upon the walls, seeing the endless line of weapons that hung from the walls. He instantly spotted the empty spot, where two small swords once laid. "My great uncle's swords... where are they now?"
The answer seemed to be on the tip of his tongue; he felt he SHOULD know. Yet, as he stared and stared, he could not remember where the swords had gone, or anyone who would dare to wield them...
He remembered now... he almost forgot! He smiled, once again blocking the thought as he noticed another empty slot. It was a much bigger sword, and he tried to remember which one it was. "Strange... did my father take that one before he left..."
He walked closer to inspect the empty space, and his heart dropped. The dust had only recently been shifted, and he hissed, "Some Wei bastard stole it..."
"Only borrowing it for a little while..."
Lu Xun's heart plummeted even more at the sound of the cold voice behind him, and he trembled slightly, despite himself. He knew that voice, and with more dignity than he thought he had left, he spoke, "Cao Cao... of course..."
The Wei Emperor only smiled, and Lu Xun felt the tip of the great blade rest upon his shoulder, feeling its weight and sighing. "That's my father's favorite sword..."
He closed his eyes, smiling to himself, though it was a mirthless grin, "Of course... you and father DO have similar taste when it comes to weaponry..."
"The blade is too heavy for me..." The young officer admitted, keeping his head turned as the blade did not shift at all. He wondered what Cao Cao was waiting for, but he dared not ask, instead placing his hands behind him, quickly giving in before he could get himself any deeper. He only hoped that Cao Cao would fall of this, not wanting any confidence to show.
"You disappoint me a little, Lu Xun; surely your father would want you to fight a bit more..."
That was a pure slap to the face, but Lu Xun did not respond to it quickly, instead staying in the surrender position and considering his words very, very carefully. "My father wishes for me to die than to speak another word... seems I dishonor him without even realizing it, then..."
He felt the cold tip of the sword pressed gently against his burnt back, gently forming little swirls and patterns as it was traced softly, so carefully across his skin, "The question now is, what shall I do with you..."
And he kept his promise to his father now, locking his lips and doing nothing, nothing but wait for Cao Cao's inevitable strike. Cao Cao gave his devious smile, though Lu Xun couldn't see it, and he asked a simple question, "Child... with your injuries, can you lift a sword?"
Still, Lu Xun said nothing, tilting his head slightly, to allow his enemy the privilege of seeing his cold amber eyes. He could not see anyone else in the hallways, and he was going to use that to his advantage. He could kill him now, with one easy strike, and end this all. He said nothing.
"I will take that as a yes... now tell me, or I will make the choice for you; would you like your father's sword, or another?"
'Father's sword's too heavy...' Lu Xun eyed the silver blade cautiously, but he wasn't given much of a choice as it was turned around, its golden hilt tempting him to reach for it. He thought about it, once again making sure they were the only ones there. He wouldn't trust Cao Cao for a second, knowing this was leading to something.
The Wei emperor laughed, his eyes narrowing, "No; I am the only one here. You have no other combatant but me..."
Narrowing his eyes, Lu Xun slowly turned around, gripping the hilt with both nicely wrapped hands. He waited for Cao Cao to release the blade, and when he did, it took all the strength he had to keep the thing from slamming onto the cold solid floor. "Damn..."
He spoke, his voice frosty, "And what weapon shall you use, then? This is one of the family's finest..."
"My own, of course." Cao Cao rested his hand on the hilt of his own, his smile deepening as he looked upon this pitiful sight. "You won't last long."
Lu Xun's smile was humorless, "Then kill me quickly... and end it for us both..."
He did not even have his sword out, but he was poised and ready. Cao Cao nodded, "Depends if I'm in a good mood or not..."
"Enough... let us waste no more time..."
"As you wish..." Cao Cao still had not withdrawn his sword... Lu Xun watched him with confusion. Why was he taking so long to begin this fight? Did the Wei leader WANT him to make the first strike? "Well?"
Lu Xun sneered, lifting his own sword, though wincing slightly from the pain it caused him, "Does it ALWAYS take this long for you to draw your sword?"
Just as the words left his lips, Lu Xun struck, leaping from the ground and swinging the sword with all his might. He could see the silver blade slicing through Cao Cao's chest, but he knew it would not happen. In a blink of an eye, the Emperor gave the quickest movement he had ever seen, his own silver blade rising from its den to catch the other halfway there!
It was a deadlock, and Lu Xun knew who would win it. He had not the strength... Still, he hissed, determined not to go down without a fight.
"It's done, then..." It was all Cao Cao said, overpowering him with simple ease and giving one last swing, the sheer force he gave was enough to shatter the bright silver blade of Lu Jun's greatest sword with a loud CRASH!
Lu Xun watched the silver shards rain down to the ground, and he sighed, his voice a fierce whisper, "Kill me then..."
He considered it for perhaps a second, but he shook his head, placing his victorious sword back into his sheath. "No, not today, I'm afraid."
Then, Cao Cao had turned his back to the man that still held the broken sword in his hands, rather he did it on purpose or by accident wasn't on Lu Xun's mind as he trembled in both fear and rage. He broke his father's greatest sword, he fondest weapon! It was a great sword indeed, as he had seen it in action so many times before, seeing it take the lives of the unlucky to fall into its path. And now, nothing but a quarter of its true height!
But still... there was a blade there, just enough to drive into the man's turned head. And its weight would not hold him down, not this time. So, he struck again, taking aim and going to strike, but halfway there a brick wall in the form of a fist stopped him. He could see, through the corner of his eye as he kept his gaze on the back of Cao Cao's elegant violet robes, Xiahou Dun's stern, one-eyed face, fighting back the urge to vomit blood.
The quarter sword hit the ground before he did, and he doubled over on his knees, still fighting back blood as he rested his bandaged arms over his gut. Cao Cao turned to look at him, as Xiahou Dun finally unclenched his fist, "He was aiming for your head, my lord. It's unwise to turn your back on him..."
"You were there, so I had nothing to fear." Cao Cao said to his relative with a grin, spitting upon the pained officer. "Take him to Zhang He at once, and be sure to give him every bit of detail of the Qiao Maiden's death on the way there."
As he bowed, Lu Xun, forgetting his pain, glared at the general with a look so pathetically sad that Cao Cao ALMOST felt pity for him, but nothing came from Xiahou Dun. The man said nothing, grabbing what was left of his torn and battered shirt and forcing him to his feet to trek to the east wing.
No, Xiahou Dun was not the one to gloat, even if it meant to disobey his lord's orders, and the trip was remarkably silent. He could feel Lu Xun's tear-filled amber eyes blazing in the back of his skull, forcing him to speak. "She died with honor, if it makes you feel better."
"She... she was a woman, and you slayed her..." The despairing officer hissed, fighting off those tears well. Her cry was still fresh in his ears and mind, only mixing in with the pain he felt now, and his voice became very frightening, striking a chord of fear in Xiahou Dun's heart. "It's not wise... to keep your back at the enemy... fear the day I escape, for I will avenge her, and your cries will be my lullaby every night, demon..."
For his threat, he was thrown forward and kicked three times, but that did not save Xiahou Dun's conscious, as he now forced him to walk ahead of him. At least now he wouldn't have to feel those wrathful eyes, tearing him from the back of his mind...