Bring Me to Life
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
~*~*~*~
Chapter Eleven
~*~*~*~
She could hear him crying out her name, but she couldn't answer. She felt his presence dying away, and she could see him standing in front of her, arms spread apart, wanting nothing more than to hold her forever in that loving embrace.
Da Qiao cried in her sleep, and she wondered, was he having the same dreams as she was? Was she there when he rested his eyes? How did he see her? Happy? Sad? Were they memories, or things he wished he could see? Did he ever sleep under the imprisonment that the Wei kept him in?
So again she cried out his name, to get no answer. Instead, she felt a strong hand wrap its just as powerful fingers around her own, and a familiar voice tried to soothe her. "Calm yourself, Lady Qiao... you'll make your wounds worse."
It was Lu Jun. She was thankful that he was alive, and she opened her eyes to see his smiling features. Never had she seen him smile like this, one so sad and robbed of its original purpose, but his eyes sparkled, as if he was pleased to see her alive. "Lu Jun... where are we?"
Then she noticed that she was being carried in a small, makeshift carrier, and Lu Jun was holding the back end up as one of her surviving bodyguards held up the front. If she looked hard enough, she could spot the top of Zhao Yun's spear and see the people trekking beside her.
"We're going to get my people and you to the next village, where it's safer, deeper into Wu territory." Lu Jun answered, looking at his tired people. How he felt for them, wishing nothing more than to make the trek quicker for them. "You've suffered great wounds, but with time you'll heal, Lady Qiao."
"Where's Zhou Yu? Is he alright?"
Nodding, Lu Jun answered, speaking his name with slight venom. "He's gone back, to make sure the Wei aren't on our heels... he can fend for himself."
She trusted him and asked about him no further, but instead, she asked a more personal question, one that made her eyes water. "Is Lu Xun still their prisoner?"
"Yes, and is he alive, I don't know. Do not worry yourself, dear Lady... my son is strong and can withstand their torment." This Lu Jun said with pure confidence, though the look on his face was one that sent a mental warning to his son, as if to DARE him to speak so that he could be punished by his hands instead. She could see so much anger towards his own blood, yet she couldn't understand why. Lu Xun was a very smart and spiritually powerful young boy, one that many knew never to underestimate, yet, his father was the only one not satisfied! How could he not be? "Still, it's a wonder how he even got captured in the first place..."
Since no one was there to speak for him, Da Qiao did, speaking very bravely to him. "We're only human, and he was outnumbered, sir... we should be more concerned with getting him back than how it all started now."
The look he gave was surprising, and he asked, eyeing her closely, "And tell me, Lady Qiao, by your concern, I take it that you are willing to face the entire army of Wei to save him, right?"
"What?" Da Qiao was taken back by the answer, and it sent her into silent thoughts. It was then when Zhou Yu's teasing took its effect, making her heart race. She thought about it carefully, wondering if she should confess her love for Lu Xun to his father. It was not in fear of his reaction, but more of betraying her own heart and her love. "If it will bring him back to us... to me... then yes, I would, sir."
And what joy it brought to Lu Jun, to hear such words. He gave a rare smile, one that no one, not even his own wife, had ever seen before. It was sad that neither his wife nor his only child could witness it, but Da Qiao did. "And I am sure he feels the same way... once he is returned to safe grounds, I suppose he will pop the question, right?"
Blushing slightly, she giggled, "I... I would hope so... which is why I'm pretty anxious to get him back!"
"Then we won't waste too much time; it's been too long that I had to wait to witness another wedding in my family!" Lu Jun practically announced it, letting his people hear, succeeding in lifting their spirits. He gave a hearty laugh, yet something his own family never heard before, and to be honest, it almost frightened Zhao Yun, who turned his head to see what the sudden burst of excitement was about. "My son will wed the fairest maiden in the land, and then I shall be the proudest father in all of China!"
His people cheered, already giving their congratulations, and Zhao Yun sighed, shaking his head. As long as it kept their moral high, he couldn't bare to shine reality onto the subject, especially on Da Qiao and Lu Jun. Though, he had a feeling that they already knew the brutality of the situation and only covered it with this false hope.
~*~*~*~
Warm sunlight bathed Sima Yi's face, forcing him to open his eyes slowly. It was time for him to get up already, and he could not even remember when it was he had fallen asleep. He remembered crying himself to sleep, though, his soft tears still damp upon his new fluffy white pillow. He gave a sad sigh; never had he went to sleep in tears before...
And yet those same tears seemed to fill his eyes again, as he brought his knees up to his chest. Sleeping had been wonderful; to float along without a worry or a care, and to forget...
But how could he? He sighed; why had he picked this room? By the looks of it, it appeared to have belonged to a little boy, for the bed was so small. It was just the right size for him, but still. This must have been Lu Xun's room...
He spat, closing his eyes against the rising tears, "Of course I had to end up in the demon's lair..."
He went to turn over, but as he turned, he hit an arm, and he screeched, waking the sleeping Zhang He that laid peacefully next to him. "What the... what are you doing in here?!"
A single blue eyes opened, and he murmured, "I was sleeping..."
"I... I can see that..." Sima Yi sat up, looking down at him as he smiled warmly. "Are we short of rooms?"
"No... I... I just wanted to come see you..."
Now Zhang He stretched, and one hand wandered to stroke the wavy black hair of Sima Yi. However, it was turned away, as Sima Yi rose from the bed to go stand by the window. "Keep professional, subordinate..."
The general spoke softly, "If it is what you desire, I shall."
Now Zhang He rose from the bed, taking the time to stretch. And, of course, Sima Yi would turn his head slightly, to look and envy that body of his. Zhang He always knew he did that, otherwise he would not stretch so much. "Is there anything I can get you, my lord? Breakfast, perhaps?"
"No... I am not hungry..."
"You sure?" Zhang He couldn't help but smile at his stubbornness, and he withdraw a little bag that he tied to the belt of his pants. "I grabbed something from the kitchen, and I thought you'd might like it, sir."
Curiosity, as it always did, made the other man look, and he asked, somewhat suspiciously, "What is it?"
Smiling, the exotic man opened the bag, pulling out what appeared to be a star-shaped pink cookie. He plopped it in his mouth, crunching it slightly and grinning, pulling out another. "You'd have to ask Lu Xun; he might know these things. But they're good... found them while raiding the kitchens last night."
Sima Yi stared at it, poking it gently with his finger, "It's... pink..."
"Picky... there are more colors, of course..."
Sima Yi could see there was no denying this man so close to his broken heart, so he took the second star that was offered to him, a blue one this time. Nibbling at the corner, he was rather surprised to taste how sweet it was, "It's a cookie..."
"Try another... they seem only to get better with quantity..." Zhang He offered him another, but would not drop it in his hand. His superior officer hesitated, but raised his hand to take the sweet. He touched a corner cautiously, begin sure to avoid contact with Zhang He's hand in any way. Smiling, Zhang He took it back, "Close your eyes... I'll show you the proper way to eat these."
Sima Yi turned away, keeping his voice carefully controlled, though his heart was breaking all the more. He could not forget the pain he had suffered, or the tears he had cried, and he whispered, "I do not know if that would be wise."
Zhang He tried again, his voice calm and quiet. "Please, sir, humor me at least."
Sima Yi was grateful he was not looking at him; to look in those deep, sapphire eyes would be his undoing. He tried to hold onto his pain, to his jealousy, but he felt them melt away as ice under the hot sun, and he sat on the edge of the bed, closing his eyes, "Fine then."
"Thank you sir... you won't regret this..."
Sighing, the Wei strategist spoke quietly to himself, "I hope not..."
And boy was Zhang He right, and as he had it mouth opened, he tasted the sweetness of the cookie, mingling with the new intruder as well, mixing with the even sweeter tongue. He was alarmed; what was this man doing?!
He tried to pull back, to demand an answer, but when his hands lit on Zhang He's shoulders, he only drew him closer, 'Gods... why does this feel so right?'
Now he was released, and somehow, he willed himself to swallow the dissolved pieces as Zhang He asked, pulling out another. "Would you like another, sir?"
Sima Yi could feel the heat as he blushed furiously, but he hissed, willing his racing heart to quite itself, "Why do you mock me?!"
"I will never do such a thing, my lord!" Zhang He mocked-pleaded, waving the cookie in front of his nose.
It was too tempting to resist, and Sima Yi could feel his chest tighten, as he looked away, "Do what you will... even if all of this is but a lie... and you care not for me at all, I have no strength to resist you..."
Blinking, Zhang He pouted, "You've changed... why have you changed?"
Now the tears could not be contained, and Sima Yi whispered, "Changed? How have I changed?"
"You're too angry now, and you're angry with me... why? What have I done to upset you?"
Practically sobbing, the superior officer turned his moist, violet eyes to his love, "How can you ask that of me? Look at what you do to me! I can deny you nothing... and all I get in return is heartache and pain..."
Confused, Zhang He asked, concerned edged in his voice. He never seen Sima Yi cry before! Had he caused him so much pain?! "How have I hurt you, my lord? I never intended for such pain as this! Yi-chan?"
Instead of receiving an answer, he got a question in return, "Do you love me?"
"How... how can you ask that?" Drawing himself closer, Zhang He wanted to ease his pain with his touch, but it would not help. "What would make you think otherwise?"
Sima Yi knew he was weeping, weeping shamefully, like a woman, and tried to stop, but he could not, and he told him the truth, "That little bitch you brought home..."
Tilting his head, he asked, "Lu Xun? How can he make you think so, then?"
"Because he is so young, and beautiful... and... what he said..."
"What did he say? You shouldn't listen to him; he's only a prisoner!"
Sima Yi drew away from him, even further, and the sobbing only increased, "And now you're ashamed of me, ashamed that I could let his words get to me! I know I must be hideous to you, weak and disgusting..."
And Zhang He grabbed him again, almost pleading with him now. "No! Of course I don't think so! You are anything but those to me! I still feel the same way I felt the second I first laid eyes upon you!"
Warm tears slid down his shoulders as his love rested his head, and Sima Yi whispered, "What else can you possibly think of me now? I am some filthy thing, unworthy of your love..."
Looking at him brought so much pain, and Zhang He couldn't touch him anymore. He knew that would not make things better, but what could he do? Sima Yi didn't trust him; it was only so obvious by the way he looked at him. He sighed, looking at the cookie that still rested in his hand, wanting to crush it into tiny pieces...
He was shocked to feel strong arms encircle his waist, and he asked, "Yi-chan?"
"I will kill him to make you see what he is! He's no human, and you've cursed us both... you cursed us when you first saw him!" Sima Yi cried, squeezing only tighter. "I want him dead, but what would you do, then? Will it make things better... or worse?!"
Zhang He tried to turn, but the grip upon him was too tight, and he whispered, "I do not know what has happened between the two of you. I cannot let you kill him... Let us not speak of him; he does not matter. I don't CARE about HIM; I love YOU! And all I can see is that I have caused you pain, which I never meant to do..."
He could feel the wet tears on his back, and he heard Sima Yi's growl. "I hate him... can't you see that?!"
"Yes... I can..." Gently removing the grip around his waist, he turned and fell to his knees, cupping his love's moist face, and Zhang He whispered, "But I am not he; do you hate me all the same?"
That left Sima Yi at a lost for words, and as he tried to think of something to say, the doors opened slightly, and both men turned to Xiahou Dun's stern face. He eyed them both weirdly, before speaking up, "I presume we're at a shortage of rooms?"
Zhang He looked towards him, and he did his best to be respectful, "No sir, we are not."
"Really?" Looking at them still, he kept his poker face on, and brought in Lu Xun with little force, though it was enough to send the child head over heels to the floor. "I brought the kid; Cao Cao wants him to be attended to immediately."
Lu Xun said nothing, looking to the ground, though that did not save him from Sima Yi's hate, 'Great... of all the people that could be in my room it had to be THESE two...'
Sima Yi sent him the SAME look, and Zhang He nodded, "Then I shall do just that."
Sima Yi refused to let him go, wiping his face rather awkwardly on one of his long sleeves and smearing his makeup, "Take the child back and let a doctor look at him. You do not need Zhang He for that..."
Once again, that eye was turned upon him, and Xiahou Dun seemed to speak for Zhang He's defense, resting a hand on Lu Xun's damp hair. "But wasn't it YOU that inflicted these wounds upon him, Sima Yi, in a fit of rage? Lord Cao Cao has strict orders to keep his prisoner alive, despite what plots you have running through your head."
Those icy amethyst eyes fell upon him, "Then give him a doctor, someone who can heal his wounds. Zhang He has no training for such a thing..."
"The doctors have done all they can... second degree burns will not kill him."
"Then he is not needed. All he needs is a guard, which YOU can choose from any of our troops. I fail to see why He-chan is needed..."
Touché. Xiahou Dun was clearly defeated there, and you could tell by the one-eyed glare he sent him. He growled, getting angry now, "I was told by Lord Cao Cao to bring him to Zhang He; it is no place for you to change his direct orders."
Zhang He spoke softly, caressing his lord's hair, "He is right, Yi-chan. If Lord Cao Cao has ordered it, I must go. I wish to cause you no more pain... or trouble..."
Lu Xun would have much rather Xiahou Dun to stay... at least then he'd be safe from them. He then noticed the bag and the cookie that laid in Zhang He's hand, and he snapped, "If you MUST live in my castle, don't raid the kitchens! They are not meant for you!"
Zhang He cocked an eyebrow, "Technically neither is the castle. Why so concerned over a cookie?"
"Because... nevermind..." Lu Xun sneered, turning away again and noticing that the murderer of his love had yet to take his leave. And he was not the only one. Sighing even deeper, Zhang He tossed the bag of cookies to the bed, "I will take care of him, Xiahou Dun, as Lord Cao Cao commands."
"Report to us later then..." Xiahou Dun gave Lu Xun another glare, then took his leave. But Sima Yi had not moved anywhere, only staying behind his love to glare at the little beast from a safe distance.
Sima Yi asked, "I suppose you shall leave me, then. He-chan?"
He gave him such the weirdest look, turning those exotic eyes to him, before letting them divert to the bag, then to Lu Xun. He shrugged, smiling deeply, "There's still a few more cookies left, sir... and I wish to finish them with you, if you do not mind."
For the first time that day, a sincere smile graced Sima Yi's face, "I would like that..."
Lu Xun gave them a bizarre look, and he nearly gagged when Zhang He pinned the smaller man onto his bed. It bounced slightly, and wiggled when Zhang He straddled on the top, covering Sima Yi's small and delicate body. Lu Xun turned away, trying to crawl to the exit, only to discover that Xiahou Dun had locked the doors! "Shit!"
He banged against them futilely with his damaged hands, and he cursed loudly, "No, damn it NO! I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THIS!"
He heard a laugh rise from outside the door, and Xiahou Dun's voice was thick with amusement. "Too bad, kid. Tough it up; don't tell me it your first time!"
Lu Xun gulped, covering his face with his bandaged hands. He had to pull himself together; he had to be stronger than this...
But still, this was just sick! If Zhang He and Sima Yi knew of his discomfort, they cared not at all. Reaching for the bag, Zhang He asked, "So, what color shall we try now? One of those pink ones you so despised earlier?"
"Why not? What do they taste like; any different flavor?"
"Ah, but if I told you, it would spoil the surprise!"
Now Lu Xun tried to hide, finding the corner and crouching low there, still shielding his face. How disgusting was this! And still, it was frightening, sharp, painful memories exploding and rising from the back of his head. But he fought them down, trying to block out their laughs and snorting. "Pigs..."
Xiahou Dun snickered still from behind the closed door, "I suppose they would be... if they were actually consuming those cookies..."
"Sick sick sick!" Lu Xun dug his face deeper into his hands as they only got louder. Still, he cursed, not wanting to hear or see what distasteful acts they were doing now.
He drew his knees to his chest and buried his face, breaking out into uncontrollable shivers. This reminded him of another time, another place... 'NO! I won't think about that!'
Hearing Sima Yi's laugh made the shivers worse, "Not bad... I rather like the pink ones..."
"You always were a sucker for wild strawberries..."
'Stay still, and be silent, you brat!' Lu Xun could feel the hands on his shoulders, even now, and he leaned against the wall, as that was his only protection from those powerful hands. He rubbed his arms frantically, trying to rid himself of its touch, but it was still there. 'It'll only hurt more if you resist!'
'NO! DON'T TOUCH ME!'
Now Zhang He noticed him through the corner of his eyes, and he smiled slightly, continuing his pleasure with his love before the man could get jealous. "There's still a few more left..."
Those violet eyes, burning with love and raw passion, gazed back up at him, and Sima Yi purred, "I don't think we need to bother with them... do you? You're far sweeter than they are..."
'YOU'RE HURTING ME! STOP IT!' Lu Xun cried as loudly as he could, but nothing worked. Why was he forced through this? He shouted, for real this time, "Get out of my room! GET OUT OF HERE NOW!"
He didn't care when Sima Yi sent him a hate-filled glance, for he saw another pair of eyes, deadlier and more frightening to him, and he screamed, a scream that would make blood curdle, shivering from terror and from the chill of the cold air blowing across his tender flesh.
Hearing the cry, Xiahou Dun grew slightly worried, and he grumbled, hoping nothing too bad was happening in there. "Don't give him a heart-attack, you two... he is just a kid, after all."
Zhang He was about to respond, but the look of his prisoner stopped all of his harsh words. Never had he seen someone shiver so violently, and before he could stop himself, he was kneeling before the child, reaching to lift his head, "Here now... what ever is the matter with you? Surely you have men in your camp that have done such things as this... why do you shiver so?"
"Don't... touch... me..." Lu Xun snapped, slapping his hand away and backing away deeper, though it was impossible. He was trying so hard not to cry, especially not in front of them, but it was almost too impossible for him to do. He tried to control himself, but even that was hard. "Don't!"
Sima Yi hissed, "Leave him be, He-chan..."
Instead, Zhang He tried again, this time, slower, more peaceful than before. He spoke like a father to a son, though that didn't help either. "Is there something you'd like to tell me, child? Are you hurt?"
"SHUT UP! You don't care... NO ONE CARES!" Lu Xun hissed, actually baring his teeth as though he would bite that offending hand if it got any closer.
Again, Sima Yi tried to pry Zhang He away from him. "Let him wallow in his own self-pity..."
Xiahou Dun's voice rang out, "What ARE you doing to the boy?!"
"I did nothing... at least not intentionally."
By now the shoutings seemed to be even louder than they truly were, mingled with the harsh, husky voice in Lu Xun's ears. His heart thudded in his chest; he could not stop shivering. Hands crawled across his body; his soul quaked in terror. His damaged body could not take this stress... and so he gave in, and he fainted, slipping into the oblivion with pleasure. There were no hands here... and no voices...
Seeing him faint made him worry, and the door swung open, with Xiahou Dun's stern voice demanding an answer, "What did you do?!"
"He had a fit, what does it look like? The brat." Sneered Sima Yi, giving Zhang He such a glare before leaving.
But Zhang He had a slightly different answer, reaching for him and lifting the trouble child into his arms. He spoke lowly, but loud enough for Xiahou Dun to hear his words. "It looked like he was trapped in a flashback... one that, if I knew more about, we could turn it around and use it for our purposes."
"Where are you taking him?" Xiahou Dun asked, showing a slight hint of concern for him.
"To get some fresh air... and work on unlocking that little memory some more. If you could see the look of horror on his face..."
He took his leave with the unconscious child in his arms, leaving Xiahou Dun to wonder alone. He wasn't completely sure of letting Zhang he go alone, and he pulled aside a soldier in the hallway, speaking lowly. "Keep your eyes on both of them, especially the captive, and report everything to me when they return to the castle."
"Yes sir!" the soldier saluted, quickly going to do his task.
Feeling a bit better, the one-eyed general went to go do things for himself, to keep himself occupied. So he grabbed his sword, wondering if he could find the body of the maiden he killed the night before and bring it as better proof for his lord. He felt as if he left something incomplete, something that never often happened to him before. So, as he marched out of the gates, escorted by a few officers, he tried to recall their exact trail. He bowed his head to the scout that passed him by, not really caring for him at all. However, if he would have been as alert as he usually was, he would have noticed the familiar blade that hung from his sheath, and then he would have known that this was no Wei scout.
Instead, as he entered through the gates, Zhou Yu smiled to hear the gates closing behind him, knowing that he had indeed fooled the cautious general. Now, as he stood within the walls of Wujun, he went along with his plan. He acted casual, mimicking the other soldiers around him, and keeping his ears open to their conversations... and his eyes peeled for Lu Xun...
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
~*~*~*~
Chapter Eleven
~*~*~*~
She could hear him crying out her name, but she couldn't answer. She felt his presence dying away, and she could see him standing in front of her, arms spread apart, wanting nothing more than to hold her forever in that loving embrace.
Da Qiao cried in her sleep, and she wondered, was he having the same dreams as she was? Was she there when he rested his eyes? How did he see her? Happy? Sad? Were they memories, or things he wished he could see? Did he ever sleep under the imprisonment that the Wei kept him in?
So again she cried out his name, to get no answer. Instead, she felt a strong hand wrap its just as powerful fingers around her own, and a familiar voice tried to soothe her. "Calm yourself, Lady Qiao... you'll make your wounds worse."
It was Lu Jun. She was thankful that he was alive, and she opened her eyes to see his smiling features. Never had she seen him smile like this, one so sad and robbed of its original purpose, but his eyes sparkled, as if he was pleased to see her alive. "Lu Jun... where are we?"
Then she noticed that she was being carried in a small, makeshift carrier, and Lu Jun was holding the back end up as one of her surviving bodyguards held up the front. If she looked hard enough, she could spot the top of Zhao Yun's spear and see the people trekking beside her.
"We're going to get my people and you to the next village, where it's safer, deeper into Wu territory." Lu Jun answered, looking at his tired people. How he felt for them, wishing nothing more than to make the trek quicker for them. "You've suffered great wounds, but with time you'll heal, Lady Qiao."
"Where's Zhou Yu? Is he alright?"
Nodding, Lu Jun answered, speaking his name with slight venom. "He's gone back, to make sure the Wei aren't on our heels... he can fend for himself."
She trusted him and asked about him no further, but instead, she asked a more personal question, one that made her eyes water. "Is Lu Xun still their prisoner?"
"Yes, and is he alive, I don't know. Do not worry yourself, dear Lady... my son is strong and can withstand their torment." This Lu Jun said with pure confidence, though the look on his face was one that sent a mental warning to his son, as if to DARE him to speak so that he could be punished by his hands instead. She could see so much anger towards his own blood, yet she couldn't understand why. Lu Xun was a very smart and spiritually powerful young boy, one that many knew never to underestimate, yet, his father was the only one not satisfied! How could he not be? "Still, it's a wonder how he even got captured in the first place..."
Since no one was there to speak for him, Da Qiao did, speaking very bravely to him. "We're only human, and he was outnumbered, sir... we should be more concerned with getting him back than how it all started now."
The look he gave was surprising, and he asked, eyeing her closely, "And tell me, Lady Qiao, by your concern, I take it that you are willing to face the entire army of Wei to save him, right?"
"What?" Da Qiao was taken back by the answer, and it sent her into silent thoughts. It was then when Zhou Yu's teasing took its effect, making her heart race. She thought about it carefully, wondering if she should confess her love for Lu Xun to his father. It was not in fear of his reaction, but more of betraying her own heart and her love. "If it will bring him back to us... to me... then yes, I would, sir."
And what joy it brought to Lu Jun, to hear such words. He gave a rare smile, one that no one, not even his own wife, had ever seen before. It was sad that neither his wife nor his only child could witness it, but Da Qiao did. "And I am sure he feels the same way... once he is returned to safe grounds, I suppose he will pop the question, right?"
Blushing slightly, she giggled, "I... I would hope so... which is why I'm pretty anxious to get him back!"
"Then we won't waste too much time; it's been too long that I had to wait to witness another wedding in my family!" Lu Jun practically announced it, letting his people hear, succeeding in lifting their spirits. He gave a hearty laugh, yet something his own family never heard before, and to be honest, it almost frightened Zhao Yun, who turned his head to see what the sudden burst of excitement was about. "My son will wed the fairest maiden in the land, and then I shall be the proudest father in all of China!"
His people cheered, already giving their congratulations, and Zhao Yun sighed, shaking his head. As long as it kept their moral high, he couldn't bare to shine reality onto the subject, especially on Da Qiao and Lu Jun. Though, he had a feeling that they already knew the brutality of the situation and only covered it with this false hope.
~*~*~*~
Warm sunlight bathed Sima Yi's face, forcing him to open his eyes slowly. It was time for him to get up already, and he could not even remember when it was he had fallen asleep. He remembered crying himself to sleep, though, his soft tears still damp upon his new fluffy white pillow. He gave a sad sigh; never had he went to sleep in tears before...
And yet those same tears seemed to fill his eyes again, as he brought his knees up to his chest. Sleeping had been wonderful; to float along without a worry or a care, and to forget...
But how could he? He sighed; why had he picked this room? By the looks of it, it appeared to have belonged to a little boy, for the bed was so small. It was just the right size for him, but still. This must have been Lu Xun's room...
He spat, closing his eyes against the rising tears, "Of course I had to end up in the demon's lair..."
He went to turn over, but as he turned, he hit an arm, and he screeched, waking the sleeping Zhang He that laid peacefully next to him. "What the... what are you doing in here?!"
A single blue eyes opened, and he murmured, "I was sleeping..."
"I... I can see that..." Sima Yi sat up, looking down at him as he smiled warmly. "Are we short of rooms?"
"No... I... I just wanted to come see you..."
Now Zhang He stretched, and one hand wandered to stroke the wavy black hair of Sima Yi. However, it was turned away, as Sima Yi rose from the bed to go stand by the window. "Keep professional, subordinate..."
The general spoke softly, "If it is what you desire, I shall."
Now Zhang He rose from the bed, taking the time to stretch. And, of course, Sima Yi would turn his head slightly, to look and envy that body of his. Zhang He always knew he did that, otherwise he would not stretch so much. "Is there anything I can get you, my lord? Breakfast, perhaps?"
"No... I am not hungry..."
"You sure?" Zhang He couldn't help but smile at his stubbornness, and he withdraw a little bag that he tied to the belt of his pants. "I grabbed something from the kitchen, and I thought you'd might like it, sir."
Curiosity, as it always did, made the other man look, and he asked, somewhat suspiciously, "What is it?"
Smiling, the exotic man opened the bag, pulling out what appeared to be a star-shaped pink cookie. He plopped it in his mouth, crunching it slightly and grinning, pulling out another. "You'd have to ask Lu Xun; he might know these things. But they're good... found them while raiding the kitchens last night."
Sima Yi stared at it, poking it gently with his finger, "It's... pink..."
"Picky... there are more colors, of course..."
Sima Yi could see there was no denying this man so close to his broken heart, so he took the second star that was offered to him, a blue one this time. Nibbling at the corner, he was rather surprised to taste how sweet it was, "It's a cookie..."
"Try another... they seem only to get better with quantity..." Zhang He offered him another, but would not drop it in his hand. His superior officer hesitated, but raised his hand to take the sweet. He touched a corner cautiously, begin sure to avoid contact with Zhang He's hand in any way. Smiling, Zhang He took it back, "Close your eyes... I'll show you the proper way to eat these."
Sima Yi turned away, keeping his voice carefully controlled, though his heart was breaking all the more. He could not forget the pain he had suffered, or the tears he had cried, and he whispered, "I do not know if that would be wise."
Zhang He tried again, his voice calm and quiet. "Please, sir, humor me at least."
Sima Yi was grateful he was not looking at him; to look in those deep, sapphire eyes would be his undoing. He tried to hold onto his pain, to his jealousy, but he felt them melt away as ice under the hot sun, and he sat on the edge of the bed, closing his eyes, "Fine then."
"Thank you sir... you won't regret this..."
Sighing, the Wei strategist spoke quietly to himself, "I hope not..."
And boy was Zhang He right, and as he had it mouth opened, he tasted the sweetness of the cookie, mingling with the new intruder as well, mixing with the even sweeter tongue. He was alarmed; what was this man doing?!
He tried to pull back, to demand an answer, but when his hands lit on Zhang He's shoulders, he only drew him closer, 'Gods... why does this feel so right?'
Now he was released, and somehow, he willed himself to swallow the dissolved pieces as Zhang He asked, pulling out another. "Would you like another, sir?"
Sima Yi could feel the heat as he blushed furiously, but he hissed, willing his racing heart to quite itself, "Why do you mock me?!"
"I will never do such a thing, my lord!" Zhang He mocked-pleaded, waving the cookie in front of his nose.
It was too tempting to resist, and Sima Yi could feel his chest tighten, as he looked away, "Do what you will... even if all of this is but a lie... and you care not for me at all, I have no strength to resist you..."
Blinking, Zhang He pouted, "You've changed... why have you changed?"
Now the tears could not be contained, and Sima Yi whispered, "Changed? How have I changed?"
"You're too angry now, and you're angry with me... why? What have I done to upset you?"
Practically sobbing, the superior officer turned his moist, violet eyes to his love, "How can you ask that of me? Look at what you do to me! I can deny you nothing... and all I get in return is heartache and pain..."
Confused, Zhang He asked, concerned edged in his voice. He never seen Sima Yi cry before! Had he caused him so much pain?! "How have I hurt you, my lord? I never intended for such pain as this! Yi-chan?"
Instead of receiving an answer, he got a question in return, "Do you love me?"
"How... how can you ask that?" Drawing himself closer, Zhang He wanted to ease his pain with his touch, but it would not help. "What would make you think otherwise?"
Sima Yi knew he was weeping, weeping shamefully, like a woman, and tried to stop, but he could not, and he told him the truth, "That little bitch you brought home..."
Tilting his head, he asked, "Lu Xun? How can he make you think so, then?"
"Because he is so young, and beautiful... and... what he said..."
"What did he say? You shouldn't listen to him; he's only a prisoner!"
Sima Yi drew away from him, even further, and the sobbing only increased, "And now you're ashamed of me, ashamed that I could let his words get to me! I know I must be hideous to you, weak and disgusting..."
And Zhang He grabbed him again, almost pleading with him now. "No! Of course I don't think so! You are anything but those to me! I still feel the same way I felt the second I first laid eyes upon you!"
Warm tears slid down his shoulders as his love rested his head, and Sima Yi whispered, "What else can you possibly think of me now? I am some filthy thing, unworthy of your love..."
Looking at him brought so much pain, and Zhang He couldn't touch him anymore. He knew that would not make things better, but what could he do? Sima Yi didn't trust him; it was only so obvious by the way he looked at him. He sighed, looking at the cookie that still rested in his hand, wanting to crush it into tiny pieces...
He was shocked to feel strong arms encircle his waist, and he asked, "Yi-chan?"
"I will kill him to make you see what he is! He's no human, and you've cursed us both... you cursed us when you first saw him!" Sima Yi cried, squeezing only tighter. "I want him dead, but what would you do, then? Will it make things better... or worse?!"
Zhang He tried to turn, but the grip upon him was too tight, and he whispered, "I do not know what has happened between the two of you. I cannot let you kill him... Let us not speak of him; he does not matter. I don't CARE about HIM; I love YOU! And all I can see is that I have caused you pain, which I never meant to do..."
He could feel the wet tears on his back, and he heard Sima Yi's growl. "I hate him... can't you see that?!"
"Yes... I can..." Gently removing the grip around his waist, he turned and fell to his knees, cupping his love's moist face, and Zhang He whispered, "But I am not he; do you hate me all the same?"
That left Sima Yi at a lost for words, and as he tried to think of something to say, the doors opened slightly, and both men turned to Xiahou Dun's stern face. He eyed them both weirdly, before speaking up, "I presume we're at a shortage of rooms?"
Zhang He looked towards him, and he did his best to be respectful, "No sir, we are not."
"Really?" Looking at them still, he kept his poker face on, and brought in Lu Xun with little force, though it was enough to send the child head over heels to the floor. "I brought the kid; Cao Cao wants him to be attended to immediately."
Lu Xun said nothing, looking to the ground, though that did not save him from Sima Yi's hate, 'Great... of all the people that could be in my room it had to be THESE two...'
Sima Yi sent him the SAME look, and Zhang He nodded, "Then I shall do just that."
Sima Yi refused to let him go, wiping his face rather awkwardly on one of his long sleeves and smearing his makeup, "Take the child back and let a doctor look at him. You do not need Zhang He for that..."
Once again, that eye was turned upon him, and Xiahou Dun seemed to speak for Zhang He's defense, resting a hand on Lu Xun's damp hair. "But wasn't it YOU that inflicted these wounds upon him, Sima Yi, in a fit of rage? Lord Cao Cao has strict orders to keep his prisoner alive, despite what plots you have running through your head."
Those icy amethyst eyes fell upon him, "Then give him a doctor, someone who can heal his wounds. Zhang He has no training for such a thing..."
"The doctors have done all they can... second degree burns will not kill him."
"Then he is not needed. All he needs is a guard, which YOU can choose from any of our troops. I fail to see why He-chan is needed..."
Touché. Xiahou Dun was clearly defeated there, and you could tell by the one-eyed glare he sent him. He growled, getting angry now, "I was told by Lord Cao Cao to bring him to Zhang He; it is no place for you to change his direct orders."
Zhang He spoke softly, caressing his lord's hair, "He is right, Yi-chan. If Lord Cao Cao has ordered it, I must go. I wish to cause you no more pain... or trouble..."
Lu Xun would have much rather Xiahou Dun to stay... at least then he'd be safe from them. He then noticed the bag and the cookie that laid in Zhang He's hand, and he snapped, "If you MUST live in my castle, don't raid the kitchens! They are not meant for you!"
Zhang He cocked an eyebrow, "Technically neither is the castle. Why so concerned over a cookie?"
"Because... nevermind..." Lu Xun sneered, turning away again and noticing that the murderer of his love had yet to take his leave. And he was not the only one. Sighing even deeper, Zhang He tossed the bag of cookies to the bed, "I will take care of him, Xiahou Dun, as Lord Cao Cao commands."
"Report to us later then..." Xiahou Dun gave Lu Xun another glare, then took his leave. But Sima Yi had not moved anywhere, only staying behind his love to glare at the little beast from a safe distance.
Sima Yi asked, "I suppose you shall leave me, then. He-chan?"
He gave him such the weirdest look, turning those exotic eyes to him, before letting them divert to the bag, then to Lu Xun. He shrugged, smiling deeply, "There's still a few more cookies left, sir... and I wish to finish them with you, if you do not mind."
For the first time that day, a sincere smile graced Sima Yi's face, "I would like that..."
Lu Xun gave them a bizarre look, and he nearly gagged when Zhang He pinned the smaller man onto his bed. It bounced slightly, and wiggled when Zhang He straddled on the top, covering Sima Yi's small and delicate body. Lu Xun turned away, trying to crawl to the exit, only to discover that Xiahou Dun had locked the doors! "Shit!"
He banged against them futilely with his damaged hands, and he cursed loudly, "No, damn it NO! I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THIS!"
He heard a laugh rise from outside the door, and Xiahou Dun's voice was thick with amusement. "Too bad, kid. Tough it up; don't tell me it your first time!"
Lu Xun gulped, covering his face with his bandaged hands. He had to pull himself together; he had to be stronger than this...
But still, this was just sick! If Zhang He and Sima Yi knew of his discomfort, they cared not at all. Reaching for the bag, Zhang He asked, "So, what color shall we try now? One of those pink ones you so despised earlier?"
"Why not? What do they taste like; any different flavor?"
"Ah, but if I told you, it would spoil the surprise!"
Now Lu Xun tried to hide, finding the corner and crouching low there, still shielding his face. How disgusting was this! And still, it was frightening, sharp, painful memories exploding and rising from the back of his head. But he fought them down, trying to block out their laughs and snorting. "Pigs..."
Xiahou Dun snickered still from behind the closed door, "I suppose they would be... if they were actually consuming those cookies..."
"Sick sick sick!" Lu Xun dug his face deeper into his hands as they only got louder. Still, he cursed, not wanting to hear or see what distasteful acts they were doing now.
He drew his knees to his chest and buried his face, breaking out into uncontrollable shivers. This reminded him of another time, another place... 'NO! I won't think about that!'
Hearing Sima Yi's laugh made the shivers worse, "Not bad... I rather like the pink ones..."
"You always were a sucker for wild strawberries..."
'Stay still, and be silent, you brat!' Lu Xun could feel the hands on his shoulders, even now, and he leaned against the wall, as that was his only protection from those powerful hands. He rubbed his arms frantically, trying to rid himself of its touch, but it was still there. 'It'll only hurt more if you resist!'
'NO! DON'T TOUCH ME!'
Now Zhang He noticed him through the corner of his eyes, and he smiled slightly, continuing his pleasure with his love before the man could get jealous. "There's still a few more left..."
Those violet eyes, burning with love and raw passion, gazed back up at him, and Sima Yi purred, "I don't think we need to bother with them... do you? You're far sweeter than they are..."
'YOU'RE HURTING ME! STOP IT!' Lu Xun cried as loudly as he could, but nothing worked. Why was he forced through this? He shouted, for real this time, "Get out of my room! GET OUT OF HERE NOW!"
He didn't care when Sima Yi sent him a hate-filled glance, for he saw another pair of eyes, deadlier and more frightening to him, and he screamed, a scream that would make blood curdle, shivering from terror and from the chill of the cold air blowing across his tender flesh.
Hearing the cry, Xiahou Dun grew slightly worried, and he grumbled, hoping nothing too bad was happening in there. "Don't give him a heart-attack, you two... he is just a kid, after all."
Zhang He was about to respond, but the look of his prisoner stopped all of his harsh words. Never had he seen someone shiver so violently, and before he could stop himself, he was kneeling before the child, reaching to lift his head, "Here now... what ever is the matter with you? Surely you have men in your camp that have done such things as this... why do you shiver so?"
"Don't... touch... me..." Lu Xun snapped, slapping his hand away and backing away deeper, though it was impossible. He was trying so hard not to cry, especially not in front of them, but it was almost too impossible for him to do. He tried to control himself, but even that was hard. "Don't!"
Sima Yi hissed, "Leave him be, He-chan..."
Instead, Zhang He tried again, this time, slower, more peaceful than before. He spoke like a father to a son, though that didn't help either. "Is there something you'd like to tell me, child? Are you hurt?"
"SHUT UP! You don't care... NO ONE CARES!" Lu Xun hissed, actually baring his teeth as though he would bite that offending hand if it got any closer.
Again, Sima Yi tried to pry Zhang He away from him. "Let him wallow in his own self-pity..."
Xiahou Dun's voice rang out, "What ARE you doing to the boy?!"
"I did nothing... at least not intentionally."
By now the shoutings seemed to be even louder than they truly were, mingled with the harsh, husky voice in Lu Xun's ears. His heart thudded in his chest; he could not stop shivering. Hands crawled across his body; his soul quaked in terror. His damaged body could not take this stress... and so he gave in, and he fainted, slipping into the oblivion with pleasure. There were no hands here... and no voices...
Seeing him faint made him worry, and the door swung open, with Xiahou Dun's stern voice demanding an answer, "What did you do?!"
"He had a fit, what does it look like? The brat." Sneered Sima Yi, giving Zhang He such a glare before leaving.
But Zhang He had a slightly different answer, reaching for him and lifting the trouble child into his arms. He spoke lowly, but loud enough for Xiahou Dun to hear his words. "It looked like he was trapped in a flashback... one that, if I knew more about, we could turn it around and use it for our purposes."
"Where are you taking him?" Xiahou Dun asked, showing a slight hint of concern for him.
"To get some fresh air... and work on unlocking that little memory some more. If you could see the look of horror on his face..."
He took his leave with the unconscious child in his arms, leaving Xiahou Dun to wonder alone. He wasn't completely sure of letting Zhang he go alone, and he pulled aside a soldier in the hallway, speaking lowly. "Keep your eyes on both of them, especially the captive, and report everything to me when they return to the castle."
"Yes sir!" the soldier saluted, quickly going to do his task.
Feeling a bit better, the one-eyed general went to go do things for himself, to keep himself occupied. So he grabbed his sword, wondering if he could find the body of the maiden he killed the night before and bring it as better proof for his lord. He felt as if he left something incomplete, something that never often happened to him before. So, as he marched out of the gates, escorted by a few officers, he tried to recall their exact trail. He bowed his head to the scout that passed him by, not really caring for him at all. However, if he would have been as alert as he usually was, he would have noticed the familiar blade that hung from his sheath, and then he would have known that this was no Wei scout.
Instead, as he entered through the gates, Zhou Yu smiled to hear the gates closing behind him, knowing that he had indeed fooled the cautious general. Now, as he stood within the walls of Wujun, he went along with his plan. He acted casual, mimicking the other soldiers around him, and keeping his ears open to their conversations... and his eyes peeled for Lu Xun...