Bring Me to Life
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
~*~*~*~
Chapter Eighteen
~*~*~*~
The chaos was finally over, and the retreating Wei forces finally regrouped, marching endless and not daring to stop until they reached safety. The thing about it was the fact that they did NOT know where safety was, as they knew to expect ambushes once they reached the mountain trail.
Lu Xun had long since been awake, as the thorn collar was once again decorated his scratched neck. He was back in Zhang He's custody, wearing a spare Wei officer uniform. He did not care about what he wore, but he did not like the fact that someone dressed him while he was drugged.
Though he was awake, the drugged hadn't totally worn off, and he would fall to one knee occasionally, trying to recover the lost steps as his slave owner showed no signs of slowing down.
It was odd, to find himself willingly obeying Zhang He now. No, it was horribly embarrassing, but he could live through this for a little while longer. When he was forced into bathing, Lu Xun felt that there was one man that he could somewhat trust, even if he was towed around on a thorn collar.
When Zhang He was there, he had not much to fear, for he protected him from the other officers.
Lu Xun had awoken to Sima Yi's abuse, and, per usual, he was blamed for slowing them down. Cao Cao had silenced the man, but punished Lu Xun with a blow as well. Now Lu Xun was limping and his jaw was swollen, as he tried to keep up with his slave master. If Zhang He was there, the others would leave him alone...
'I won't be here for long...' Lu Xun thought with a weak smile, once again falling to one knee and bringing Zhang He to a stop. He had to slow them down, to give his rescue party more time. As Zhang He turned to him, he gasped for air, "Surely you don't mean to walk me to death..."
"It's not much further... and why are you limping?" Zhang He asked, tugging the rope slightly and giving his prisoner time to get back to his feet. It worked... it stopped Zhang He.
"I was thrown from the horse and I landed wrong... and I suppose you are wondering where my swollen jaw came from, too, but you don't need ME to tell you that." Instead of standing back up, Lu Xun sat upon the dirty earth floor, refusing to rise as he faked his fatigue. "Be patient... I need some time to rest!"
But he wasn't given time, as Sima Yi shouted for them to keep moving. Seeing that Lu Xun wasn't going to budge, Zhang He grabbed his arms and hefted him up, turning about to lift the young man onto his back. So now, he was being carried, as they reached the mountain's basin.
Sima Yi hissed when he saw the sight, shaking his head from on top the horse. "You're spoiling him... it's not wonder we're in this mess when you pamper the prisoner of war!"
"Overworking him will not help either..." Zhang He replied, not really minding the extra weight. He could see the look of pure disgust on Sima Yi's face, and he asked softly, not wishing for their conversation to leave their hearing range. "Sir, I think you're taking this too harshly. You shouldn't let him get to you like this; it's all for nothing."
The angered strategist refused to look at him, for if he did, he could see that demon's face as well, shattering the perfect image of his love. He kept his head turned forward, spatting. "Show too much sympathy and it will be you who will be wearing that collar... you're letting that... thing... cloud your judgement."
Lu Xun heard Zhang He's sigh, feeling bad to be hearing this conversation as the man replied, "I see with the very same eyes as before... perhaps it is you, my Lord, who' seeing with eyes clouded, by hatred and jealousy."
Expecting another argument, Lu Xun braced for a strike, but got nothing in return, seeing Sima Yi's horse break into a trot, to escape them. Again, he heard Zhang He's sigh, and after a few minutes, Lu Xun asked, "Is he really all worked up because of me?"
"I'm afraid so..."
"Well, if you return me to my Kingdom, then I'm sure matters will resolve themselves." Even as he said that, he knew it would not be too easy. He had a feeling it was something more... something that was beyond his power. And hearing Zhang He's sigh deepen, his suspicions were confirmed.
But Zhang He smiled, deciding to make good use of the time and opened a conversation, seeing no harm in it. Perhaps it would get him closer to his little prisoner, and earn his trust. He already knew he gained some ground, and he only needed a little bit more. "Tell me... do you think that this land will ever find peace?"
That was a question that no one could truly answer, but Lu Xun tried his best, wishing to sound as logical as he could, even if it were only a dream. "I believe that if we truly wished for peace, then it would come. However, it appears not to be the case, as we cannot seem to put aside what doesn't matter, the things that starts wars."
"Oh really? So, what do you think causes war, little Xun-chan?"
"Why do you use those sayings? It's not of our culture..." Lu Xun was curious, changing the subject quickly with the question.
Zhang He shrugged, trying to get a better grip on him. "I've heard merchants speak in such a way, and I find it to be unique... no, the terms aren't used around here, but somewhere, over the seas, there's a small group that uses such dialogues."
Nodding, Lu Xun rested his chin on his bare shoulder, not really caring about the conversation anyway. Zhang He asked again, not wishing for his question to go unanswered. "What do you think causes war?"
"Money, politics, personal gain... all things that we are all guilty of. Perhaps it is in our nature to thrive in war, always seeking peace that we all know is hard to come, or may never come." The very subject made him sick to his stomach, and Zhang He felt his tiny hands cling to his skin, as if to seek comfort. He knew that the kid was brought up in chaos, much as many others, and he sighed heavily, realizing that he never knew what real peace felt like. "Peace is almost impossible to find... we do not wish to fight, but we don't want to back down."
Such sorrow rose from the young boy's lips, and Zhang He wished to counter it. "I suppose you're right; we all do wish for peace. I myself was lucky enough to have a taste of it, and though I yearn for it again, I find that this war is bringing about some good upon the world."
He heard a pitiful laugh, as if to be mocked, and Lu Xun asked, trying to smile. "What good could come from war?"
"Lessons, a chance to learn from your mistakes... we all must live by trial by error. We know what misery war can bring, and perhaps, when this is over, we will learn never to bring it about again."
Feeling Lu Xun's shin rest on his shoulders again, he heard the laugh increase, but it was a lighthearted laugh, one that seemed to escape its host, in spite of his true emotions. "But when will it all end? Who will back down first, and who shall win?"
Now that made Zhang He shrug, so deep into the conversation that he could not hear Zhang Liao's warning. "In war, no one wins..."
It was as if someone took the sun's rays, and Zhang He froze, seeing his shadow grow as he heard the sound of slipping rocks. He looked up, just as Lu Xun did, seeing the raining boulders in just enough time to dodge them. He had miscalculated his leap, forgetting he had an extra passenger, and he wasn't sure what saved him first. A soldier's hand or his claws digging into the side of the cliff.
"Enemy ambush!"
The warning itself was too late, as many soldiers laid wounded or dead by the time the rocks stopped, and Lu Xun finally opened his eyes, still clinging to the struggling general. Looking down at his death below, he gasped, only clinging tighter.
He heard Cao Cao's shout, and Zhang Liao's head appeared from over the side, grabbing a hold of the barely hanging soldier that had saved the general and the slave. "Hang on!"
'Don't worry about that...' Lu Xun thought, not daring to let his fingers slip. He knew he could have ended his slavery right then and there, but to end his life would mean to end his chances with Da Qiao. That was the one thought that was running through his head, even when he heard the sounds of battle going on above.
~*~*~*~
The plan was perfect.
Almost TOO perfect, and Pang Tong scratched his nose, thinking that those rocks were just a tad bit too powerful. It was good that it killed most of the peons and subordinates, but they came too close to the little prisoner. 'Oh well... At least it stopped them.'
As the rock slide ended, he backed away, letting the warriors handle the dirty work. He was a strategist, not a fighter.
"Remember, nobody go anywhere near Lu Xun!" Sun Ce shouted, preparing his troops for the attack. "We don't wanna risk any harm to him! CHARGE!"
With a battle cry, the Allied forces began their attack, jumping into the makeshift battlefield and raining upon the now aware Wei forces. They had suspected an ambush, though this was a rather unlikely battlefield, as it was easy to fall over the edge. However, Sima Yi was prepared, ordering the archers resting in the supply carriages to take their aim.
Now Pang Tong WASN'T expecting that, and he shook his head, watching the battle from where he and Da Qiao were stationed. "Hm... tougher then I thought."
He heard the sound of a sword being unsheathed, as he looked at Da Qiao, wielding both of Lu Xun's twin swords. Boy did she look ready for a fight. "And exactly what do YOU plan to do with those, milady?"
"I'm going to assist, of course... if it gets bad enough." She replied, searching the battleground for Lu Xun. She had not seen him and Zhang He fall over the edge during the rockslide, much to Pang Tong's relief. "Surely you don't plan to sit back and just watch, sir!"
That statement made him chuckle, and he place a hand behind his back in a friendly gesture, acting as if the heat of the battle was no concern to him at all. This made Da Qiao nervous and angry, but hearing his reply eased all of the tension towards him. "Of course not! But it wouldn't be good if we rushed in too early... what use will the reinforcements be if we're dead before being needed?"
She nodded, lowering the swords with much relief. "I see... then I shall wait. I have faith in Lord Sun Ce and Lu Meng."
"Good for you..."
Pang Tong went back to watching the fight, waiting for the next round of Wei archers to fire, to catch their pattern. Sima Yi was good, as he knew exactly when to fire, keeping the main troops back as the soldiers tried to recover from the rockslide. "Hm... better take care of those archers, before the tide changes."
"Next round, fire!" Sima Yi ordered, watching as more soldiers fell dead, arrows protruding through their chests and gut. The bows at Wujun were much better equipped then their own, giving them a slight advantage over the enemies. He personally would have wanted to grab Lu Xun and hurl him at his rescue party using a catapult, but we wasn't willing to let HIS forces lose again. "Next round, ready! Aim!"
Fire arrows shot into the sky, rising like fireworks over the side of the rise and raining upon the Wei forces, and more so, the carriages. It was not long before the fake supply convoys were destroyed, giving the Allied Forces enough time to push through the first line. Now, the REAL battle began.
"Blast..." Sima Yi cursed, ducking the Wu soldier and slaying him with the knife he had equipped in his sleeve, taking the soldier's sword and using it for himself to slay another. What were soldiers to him? He spat, beheading the next one that ventured into his range. "What a nuisance... all this over a whiney little brat!"
A soldier fell dead behind him, as Xiahou Dun joined the battle. The one eyed general showed no mercy, striking one soldier after another. "We best get used to this then... how much death will it take before they realize he's not worth it?"
Before the next pouncing soldier could even touch the ground, the Wei strategist drove the knife and sword into him, ending his life quickly before wiping the commoner's blood from his cheek. "How about we kill the brat now, right in front of them? He's not worth our time."
"As much as I wish to agree, we have orders..." Xiahou Dun grinned, slashing away at the soldiers as if they were nothing but grass needing to be mowed. "And if you wish to disobey Cao Cao, I suggest you shut your mouth and move your sword!"
Without further argument, Sima Yi turned his gaze to the soldiers, looking above them to see two figures. The hunched over Pang Tong and the older of the Qiaos. He sneered, "I thought you slayed her!"
Looking up, Xiahou Dun quickly caught sight of her, his one eye wide with surprise. "Appears I haven't... blast! She has to be immortal, or just plain lucky to avoid death so many times!"
"I wouldn't be surprised if she slept her way out of death, that she-devil!" Sima Yi put aside his sword, tearing a bow from a dead archer's hands and snatching an arrow from the same dead body. He took quick aim, and it would have been true, had it not been for Pang Tong's staff. "See? Luck is upon her... he comes in rags and a bell-shaped hat!"
Gripping his sword as if possessed, Xiahou Dun snarled, "This time I shall kill them both!"
He was stopped, but not by enemy forces, but by Sima Yi. "No! Wait... she might be use to us alive!"
"How so?"
Seeing the two back away from their range, Xiahou Dun turned to face the strategist, seeing that ever so evil grin rise upon his sly face. He knew what that look meant... he knew EXACTLY what that look meant, and his violet eyes were ones that brought fear into any generals' hearts. "Lu Xun knows she lives... and her being alive could cause more damage to him then us killing her in front of him."
Slightly distracted from the fight, Xiahou Dun asked, "What is your scheme?"
"Think about it... he loves her, but she... doesn't love him..." Sima Yi spoke these words with venom, one that made even Cao Cao's cousin cease from the battle. He swore he saw the devil in those eyes, and that smile did not help. "Do you remember the letter Zhuge Liang sent to Zhou Yu, regarding the Qiaos? Sun Ce has a liking for her as well..."
Now it dawned on Xiahou Dun, and as he killed another soldier that got too close, he nodded. "I see... most impressive, Sima Yi. And how do you plan to use this to our advantage?"
"We'll soon see... but first, let's worry about our survival first."
"No arguments here..."
~*~*~*~
Gan Ning was having a rather peaceful sleep, but of course, all good things must come to an end. He didn't really get too far with his escape, and soon he found himself awake in the dungeon, surrounded by his ever so loving friends.
Not.
"You don't have to be so upset... I'm sure Gan Ning has a good explanation for it all, Lady Sun." He heard Taishi Ci speak on his behalf, and the pirate, bruised and beaten but only physically, gnawed on the straw, laying back for it caused too much pain to do anything else. "It's not his fault."
Sun Shang Xiang was a bit upset to hear about the pirate's little escape, and she growled, jumping from her straw bed to plant a foot on the stomach of the pirate, making him grunt. "I thought ALL pirates were sneaky and seductive! You mean to tell me you couldn't even seduce HER into letting us go?"
Now confusion rose, and Liu Bei asked, "What, you mean this was all a plan?"
"A plan that only HE could fail!" Sun Shang Xiang replied, sitting down and deciding to explain the details to the Shu lord, not really caring if the Nanman guards heard or not. "We figured that Zhu Rong would have had sex with anyone, considering the fact that Meng Huo was her husband, and if Gan Ning would have played his cards right, then we would be on our way OUT of the gates instead of sitting here and rotting away."
For the first time arriving there, Gan Ning spoke, "Meh, if you like her so much, why don't YOU sleep with her, Shang Xiang?"
"What was that?" They swore they saw a vein pop, and she was upon him in an instant, kicking him several times before the pirate begged for mercy. "Even if it was me, we would have escaped! What's wrong with you? Explain yourself!"
Ma Chao sighed, looking out the barred window. "I don't blame him, really... you can't just give up your morals for a woman like that."
Now Gan Ning laughed, "Morals? HA! I think you keep forgetting that I'm a pirate! What are some morals to me?"
"Nevertheless, we better come up with something soon..." Taishi Ci crossed his legs, wishing he could have had more time to think over the matter. "We can't possibly stay here any longer... our forces need us."
That dawned reality upon them now, as much as they didn't like it, and Sun Shang Xiang fell to the ground to sit, giving an exasperated sigh. She hated being so useless, and Liu Bei could see that, almost envying her. "If we had Lu Xun... or Zhou Yu... then this would be no problem at all."
"Well, they're obviously not here, so we can't really think about that, now can we?" Ma Chao gave a yawn, looking at the bright skies of the southern lands. He rather enjoyed it, but he pushed it aside, trying to formulate some sort of plan. "Can't we do things the old fashion way and just dig our way out?"
"With what? Our fingers?"
The pirate was hit once again, this time by Taishi Ci's foot. "Or how about we rebel, hm, Gan Ning? That seemed to have gotten us pretty far last time."
"Hey, at LEAST it was something other then sitting around and doing nothing..." Gan Ning sneered, turning over and regretting is instantly. That's when he noticed the way Liu Bei looked at the daughter of Sun Jian, and he sighed, realizing that Zhu Rong was probably right. His heart hurt, though it wasn't as bad as he thought, rather thankful for that. "Unless you guys can come up with something that doesn't involve burning these primitive monkeys alive, leave me out of it until I feel better."
Taishi Ci laughed, "What's this? The 'itching to fight' pirate had enough?"
Gan Ning gave a snide look, "Nah, the 'itching to sleep' pirate wishes to rest up a bit before the grand escape, part three."
They could only laugh, even as he tried to sleep. However, it was not to last long, as they h the guards opening the door. They all turned, expecting to see the arrival of either the Nanman King or his battleaxe of a wife, but all were stunned to see the outlines of the very well known man, hiding part of his face behind the sparkling fan. It was Liu Bei who said his name, "Master Zhuge Liang!"
There was a twinkle in his eyes, one that was as welcoming as it was almost dreaded. "I have arrived, my lord..."
~*~*~*~
Zhao Yun had never been inside the walls of Wujun before, and he had to admit that the village was indeed a beauty in itself. All villages seemed to have that aurora when they were scorched to the ground from a battle, and this village was no different. He was glad now, that soon the villagers could return to their homes and try to carry on with their everyday lives.
The Little Dragon had indeed felt welcomed inside the walls of the castle, where the Lu Family made their home, and he was trapped in the main hall, looking at the beautiful display of weaponry hanging from the walls. Never had he seen so many weapons before, though Sun Shang Xiang's room could have easily countered such a room. Still, he found himself in dreaded awe as he resisted the urge to grab one and pretend to be in a battle, like a small kid, wishing to play with his father's toys.
But these were not toys... these were weapons on destruction, something that he, a soldier in war, could not come to love. But still, he found himself envious, and wondered how the Lu Family had held so many weapons.
He noticed a few swords were missing, two of wish were the very swords that Lu Xun had carried. How odd, he thought, but he was not given time to question is as he heard Lu Jun's harsh words, spotting the Red Eyed Beast sitting at his rightful throne. "You can have one if you want... seems that everyone else has been taking their fill."
Smiling, Zhao Yun replied, turning away from the weapon hallway and addressing the lord respectfully. "No sir... I was just admiring your collection. How old are these?"
"Many generations... some old, some recent by a few years. Each one with the same task as another, to take the lives of the villainous scums that dare try to challenge its might." Lu Jun looked tired, but nothing more as he rose, holding the hilt of his destroyed sword in his hand. He didn't have to guess on how it got broken, for he already knew the moment he found it in his son's empty quarters. That was where he put Wei Yan, and he had ordered his troops to rest before beginning the march north. He looked down the corridor, looking at the weapons. "There are two types of people Zhao Yun... the ones who carry the sword, and those who must be protected by it. We are the ones who carry the blade, and it is our duty to make sure that the ones too weak to raise the are safe from others like us."
A strange aurora rose, and Zhao Yun looked at him, surprised to hear such words from this man. Earlier, this man was the one that had slayed any and all men that stood in his path, and now, he was almost completely different, almost virtuous, even as he threw his broken blade aside, grasping another weapon to take its place.
The sword's hilt was wrapped in red velvet, only making its golden wings shine all the more. But the blade was the most dazzling of the two, short, but brighter then the brightest star, shining pure white with the smallest flicker of candlelight. This lord held the blade close, looking at his reflection through its shine.
"We are neither right or wrong when we pick up the blade for the first time. There is only one destiny that awaits you, and once you grasp it, it's too late to turn away from it. You can either be like my son, and flee from it, or be like myself and accept it."
The torches along the wall twinkled, as if the wind had tried to take it away, and Zhao Yun finally found his nerve to speak again. "I have made my choice a long time ago as well... the minute I joined Lord Liu Bei, I promised to help him in this struggle, to restore the Han, and I do not mean to turn away from my fate."
That seemed to please Lu Jun, and he spoke with a smile, one that struck Zhao Yun as rare and unique. "You have chosen well. Though we have different objections, we share the same destiny. Little Dragon, you truly are one of China's greatest and most valiant warriors, and it makes me regret serving under different lords at times."
"As do I... but for now, we are allies, and let's hope that we can stay this way for a long time."
The chamber doors opened, and they turned to the green cladded general that bowed to them. "We are making final preparations and we wish for your approval, my lord."
Lu Jun nodded, turning to address the issue and leaving Zhao Yun alone in the Great Hall. It felt eerie now to be alone in this room, seeing all of these weapons. Lu Jun's words repeated within his head, and he could almost hear his lord say such words. He had, or at least it was something similar. When not under the Bloodwrath, Lu Jun was a good man, and Zhao Yun sighed, holding his spear at his side and leaving the room, to think to himself. As long as he stayed within this hall, he could not brush away the strange aurora that was left there.
'So there are no true sides in battle... only to fight for the survival of yourself and the ones who cannot protect themselves.' Zhao Yun thought almost sadly, not knowing why it brought him down so much. 'I have no regrets... not anymore. I know that I am fighting for the right cause, and I shall continue doing so...'
It did not take him long to find Lu Xun's room, and he entered the room, to see his masked comrade resting upon the smaller bed. He was curled into a ball, and he slept in his armor still, as if he could not wear anything else.
Zhao Yun had not known Wei Yan for long, and even now, he still had so much to know about him. He knew he was a victim of Bloodwrath, one that he could not control, and he wondered how much of a different man Wei Yan was if he were not cursed with such a thing.
'Man, I'm really letting this get to me...' Zhao Yun thought with a nervous smile, pulling up a chair and taking a seat. He'd thought he'd just watch over him, just in case of Wei Yan needed some company when he woke up. Surely the man wouldn't mind... then again, not many could get close to him. He had known only two men that could speak to him without risk of getting their heads torn off.
Huang Zhong was almost a father to him, and Pang Tong treated him like an equal, not just a muscle bound idiot trapped in the endless fight for his identity. Zhao Yun could never get close to him without being pushed away, but he did not question Liu Bei's decision of recruiting him, not like Zhuge Liang.
As he watched the masked warrior's chest move up and down with each gentle breath, Zhao Yun recalled how he was treated so harshly at the hands of Zhuge Liang. Wei Yan was constantly being ridiculed as an idiot, a rebellious monster with no emotions or common sense. Perhaps he did not know of Wei Yan's pain, or he was impatient with him?
"Poor guy... I do hope Lu Jun can help you, Wei Yan..." Zhao Yun said softly, not wishing to wake the man, as sleep seemed to be the only time of peace for him. "I truly do... for your sake, more so then anyone else's..."
Wei Yan did not respond, and even if he could, he didn't. He only stayed in that state of rare peace, and he was truly content now, even as the Bloodwrath within him begged to be fed. But not now... his body was too tired to obey the urge to kill now...
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu was worried.
The battle had dragged on much longer then he had expected, and he cut away any soldier that got near him. This was only meant to stun the Wei forces, and he wasn't expecting the forces to fight back so fiercely.
However, now was not the time to worry about it, and he called to Lu Meng, seeing how he was fairing. As the Wei had concentrated their focus on their front line, Lu Meng and a small force had begun raiding the back lines, destroying as many supply convoys as they could without being detected.
Lower the morale and slow down the party... that was all that they truly needed to do.
And now would have been the best time to fall back, as Zhang Liao finally returned to the back lines to protect what they had left. Seeing the enraged general, Lu Meng quickly fell back, waiting until his forces were safe before joining them. He let lose and arrow, missing Zhang Liao's head with purpose and letting it strike the convoy closest to Sun Ce.
"Fall back! All forces fall back!" Sun Ce shouted, and it was a complete turn about, as the Allied forces withdrew their weapons and dashed back up the incline. The Wei forces had begun to follow, and Sun Ce turned to Cao Cao, poking out his tongue and slapping his own ass. "You won't be so lucky next time, grandpa!"
Oh, if you could see the steam that rose from the lord, you could easily sense his anger. However, he shouted to his troops, "Do not pursue! Don't over exert yourselves... let them run like the spineless cowards that they are... we'll be ready!"
'Good... enough damage was done.' Zhou Yu nodded, finally calling his own forces back and retreating with Lu Meng. He looked at the arrow still stuck in the wooden side of the carriage, hoping that it somehow got to where it needed to be. 'Slow them down, Lu Xun...'
Seeing the Allied forces retreating was one of the most refreshing moments one could witness, and Cao Cao looked at his forces, taking in the damage and death count. Damn them! Damn them all to hell! He looked towards Lu Xun, as they were finally brought to safety from the cliff hanger they were stuck on. 'That boy is more of a hassle then he's worth... but if they want him so desperately, they can pry it from my cold dead hands! I will NOT be defeated this time...'
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
~*~*~*~
Chapter Eighteen
~*~*~*~
The chaos was finally over, and the retreating Wei forces finally regrouped, marching endless and not daring to stop until they reached safety. The thing about it was the fact that they did NOT know where safety was, as they knew to expect ambushes once they reached the mountain trail.
Lu Xun had long since been awake, as the thorn collar was once again decorated his scratched neck. He was back in Zhang He's custody, wearing a spare Wei officer uniform. He did not care about what he wore, but he did not like the fact that someone dressed him while he was drugged.
Though he was awake, the drugged hadn't totally worn off, and he would fall to one knee occasionally, trying to recover the lost steps as his slave owner showed no signs of slowing down.
It was odd, to find himself willingly obeying Zhang He now. No, it was horribly embarrassing, but he could live through this for a little while longer. When he was forced into bathing, Lu Xun felt that there was one man that he could somewhat trust, even if he was towed around on a thorn collar.
When Zhang He was there, he had not much to fear, for he protected him from the other officers.
Lu Xun had awoken to Sima Yi's abuse, and, per usual, he was blamed for slowing them down. Cao Cao had silenced the man, but punished Lu Xun with a blow as well. Now Lu Xun was limping and his jaw was swollen, as he tried to keep up with his slave master. If Zhang He was there, the others would leave him alone...
'I won't be here for long...' Lu Xun thought with a weak smile, once again falling to one knee and bringing Zhang He to a stop. He had to slow them down, to give his rescue party more time. As Zhang He turned to him, he gasped for air, "Surely you don't mean to walk me to death..."
"It's not much further... and why are you limping?" Zhang He asked, tugging the rope slightly and giving his prisoner time to get back to his feet. It worked... it stopped Zhang He.
"I was thrown from the horse and I landed wrong... and I suppose you are wondering where my swollen jaw came from, too, but you don't need ME to tell you that." Instead of standing back up, Lu Xun sat upon the dirty earth floor, refusing to rise as he faked his fatigue. "Be patient... I need some time to rest!"
But he wasn't given time, as Sima Yi shouted for them to keep moving. Seeing that Lu Xun wasn't going to budge, Zhang He grabbed his arms and hefted him up, turning about to lift the young man onto his back. So now, he was being carried, as they reached the mountain's basin.
Sima Yi hissed when he saw the sight, shaking his head from on top the horse. "You're spoiling him... it's not wonder we're in this mess when you pamper the prisoner of war!"
"Overworking him will not help either..." Zhang He replied, not really minding the extra weight. He could see the look of pure disgust on Sima Yi's face, and he asked softly, not wishing for their conversation to leave their hearing range. "Sir, I think you're taking this too harshly. You shouldn't let him get to you like this; it's all for nothing."
The angered strategist refused to look at him, for if he did, he could see that demon's face as well, shattering the perfect image of his love. He kept his head turned forward, spatting. "Show too much sympathy and it will be you who will be wearing that collar... you're letting that... thing... cloud your judgement."
Lu Xun heard Zhang He's sigh, feeling bad to be hearing this conversation as the man replied, "I see with the very same eyes as before... perhaps it is you, my Lord, who' seeing with eyes clouded, by hatred and jealousy."
Expecting another argument, Lu Xun braced for a strike, but got nothing in return, seeing Sima Yi's horse break into a trot, to escape them. Again, he heard Zhang He's sigh, and after a few minutes, Lu Xun asked, "Is he really all worked up because of me?"
"I'm afraid so..."
"Well, if you return me to my Kingdom, then I'm sure matters will resolve themselves." Even as he said that, he knew it would not be too easy. He had a feeling it was something more... something that was beyond his power. And hearing Zhang He's sigh deepen, his suspicions were confirmed.
But Zhang He smiled, deciding to make good use of the time and opened a conversation, seeing no harm in it. Perhaps it would get him closer to his little prisoner, and earn his trust. He already knew he gained some ground, and he only needed a little bit more. "Tell me... do you think that this land will ever find peace?"
That was a question that no one could truly answer, but Lu Xun tried his best, wishing to sound as logical as he could, even if it were only a dream. "I believe that if we truly wished for peace, then it would come. However, it appears not to be the case, as we cannot seem to put aside what doesn't matter, the things that starts wars."
"Oh really? So, what do you think causes war, little Xun-chan?"
"Why do you use those sayings? It's not of our culture..." Lu Xun was curious, changing the subject quickly with the question.
Zhang He shrugged, trying to get a better grip on him. "I've heard merchants speak in such a way, and I find it to be unique... no, the terms aren't used around here, but somewhere, over the seas, there's a small group that uses such dialogues."
Nodding, Lu Xun rested his chin on his bare shoulder, not really caring about the conversation anyway. Zhang He asked again, not wishing for his question to go unanswered. "What do you think causes war?"
"Money, politics, personal gain... all things that we are all guilty of. Perhaps it is in our nature to thrive in war, always seeking peace that we all know is hard to come, or may never come." The very subject made him sick to his stomach, and Zhang He felt his tiny hands cling to his skin, as if to seek comfort. He knew that the kid was brought up in chaos, much as many others, and he sighed heavily, realizing that he never knew what real peace felt like. "Peace is almost impossible to find... we do not wish to fight, but we don't want to back down."
Such sorrow rose from the young boy's lips, and Zhang He wished to counter it. "I suppose you're right; we all do wish for peace. I myself was lucky enough to have a taste of it, and though I yearn for it again, I find that this war is bringing about some good upon the world."
He heard a pitiful laugh, as if to be mocked, and Lu Xun asked, trying to smile. "What good could come from war?"
"Lessons, a chance to learn from your mistakes... we all must live by trial by error. We know what misery war can bring, and perhaps, when this is over, we will learn never to bring it about again."
Feeling Lu Xun's shin rest on his shoulders again, he heard the laugh increase, but it was a lighthearted laugh, one that seemed to escape its host, in spite of his true emotions. "But when will it all end? Who will back down first, and who shall win?"
Now that made Zhang He shrug, so deep into the conversation that he could not hear Zhang Liao's warning. "In war, no one wins..."
It was as if someone took the sun's rays, and Zhang He froze, seeing his shadow grow as he heard the sound of slipping rocks. He looked up, just as Lu Xun did, seeing the raining boulders in just enough time to dodge them. He had miscalculated his leap, forgetting he had an extra passenger, and he wasn't sure what saved him first. A soldier's hand or his claws digging into the side of the cliff.
"Enemy ambush!"
The warning itself was too late, as many soldiers laid wounded or dead by the time the rocks stopped, and Lu Xun finally opened his eyes, still clinging to the struggling general. Looking down at his death below, he gasped, only clinging tighter.
He heard Cao Cao's shout, and Zhang Liao's head appeared from over the side, grabbing a hold of the barely hanging soldier that had saved the general and the slave. "Hang on!"
'Don't worry about that...' Lu Xun thought, not daring to let his fingers slip. He knew he could have ended his slavery right then and there, but to end his life would mean to end his chances with Da Qiao. That was the one thought that was running through his head, even when he heard the sounds of battle going on above.
~*~*~*~
The plan was perfect.
Almost TOO perfect, and Pang Tong scratched his nose, thinking that those rocks were just a tad bit too powerful. It was good that it killed most of the peons and subordinates, but they came too close to the little prisoner. 'Oh well... At least it stopped them.'
As the rock slide ended, he backed away, letting the warriors handle the dirty work. He was a strategist, not a fighter.
"Remember, nobody go anywhere near Lu Xun!" Sun Ce shouted, preparing his troops for the attack. "We don't wanna risk any harm to him! CHARGE!"
With a battle cry, the Allied forces began their attack, jumping into the makeshift battlefield and raining upon the now aware Wei forces. They had suspected an ambush, though this was a rather unlikely battlefield, as it was easy to fall over the edge. However, Sima Yi was prepared, ordering the archers resting in the supply carriages to take their aim.
Now Pang Tong WASN'T expecting that, and he shook his head, watching the battle from where he and Da Qiao were stationed. "Hm... tougher then I thought."
He heard the sound of a sword being unsheathed, as he looked at Da Qiao, wielding both of Lu Xun's twin swords. Boy did she look ready for a fight. "And exactly what do YOU plan to do with those, milady?"
"I'm going to assist, of course... if it gets bad enough." She replied, searching the battleground for Lu Xun. She had not seen him and Zhang He fall over the edge during the rockslide, much to Pang Tong's relief. "Surely you don't plan to sit back and just watch, sir!"
That statement made him chuckle, and he place a hand behind his back in a friendly gesture, acting as if the heat of the battle was no concern to him at all. This made Da Qiao nervous and angry, but hearing his reply eased all of the tension towards him. "Of course not! But it wouldn't be good if we rushed in too early... what use will the reinforcements be if we're dead before being needed?"
She nodded, lowering the swords with much relief. "I see... then I shall wait. I have faith in Lord Sun Ce and Lu Meng."
"Good for you..."
Pang Tong went back to watching the fight, waiting for the next round of Wei archers to fire, to catch their pattern. Sima Yi was good, as he knew exactly when to fire, keeping the main troops back as the soldiers tried to recover from the rockslide. "Hm... better take care of those archers, before the tide changes."
"Next round, fire!" Sima Yi ordered, watching as more soldiers fell dead, arrows protruding through their chests and gut. The bows at Wujun were much better equipped then their own, giving them a slight advantage over the enemies. He personally would have wanted to grab Lu Xun and hurl him at his rescue party using a catapult, but we wasn't willing to let HIS forces lose again. "Next round, ready! Aim!"
Fire arrows shot into the sky, rising like fireworks over the side of the rise and raining upon the Wei forces, and more so, the carriages. It was not long before the fake supply convoys were destroyed, giving the Allied Forces enough time to push through the first line. Now, the REAL battle began.
"Blast..." Sima Yi cursed, ducking the Wu soldier and slaying him with the knife he had equipped in his sleeve, taking the soldier's sword and using it for himself to slay another. What were soldiers to him? He spat, beheading the next one that ventured into his range. "What a nuisance... all this over a whiney little brat!"
A soldier fell dead behind him, as Xiahou Dun joined the battle. The one eyed general showed no mercy, striking one soldier after another. "We best get used to this then... how much death will it take before they realize he's not worth it?"
Before the next pouncing soldier could even touch the ground, the Wei strategist drove the knife and sword into him, ending his life quickly before wiping the commoner's blood from his cheek. "How about we kill the brat now, right in front of them? He's not worth our time."
"As much as I wish to agree, we have orders..." Xiahou Dun grinned, slashing away at the soldiers as if they were nothing but grass needing to be mowed. "And if you wish to disobey Cao Cao, I suggest you shut your mouth and move your sword!"
Without further argument, Sima Yi turned his gaze to the soldiers, looking above them to see two figures. The hunched over Pang Tong and the older of the Qiaos. He sneered, "I thought you slayed her!"
Looking up, Xiahou Dun quickly caught sight of her, his one eye wide with surprise. "Appears I haven't... blast! She has to be immortal, or just plain lucky to avoid death so many times!"
"I wouldn't be surprised if she slept her way out of death, that she-devil!" Sima Yi put aside his sword, tearing a bow from a dead archer's hands and snatching an arrow from the same dead body. He took quick aim, and it would have been true, had it not been for Pang Tong's staff. "See? Luck is upon her... he comes in rags and a bell-shaped hat!"
Gripping his sword as if possessed, Xiahou Dun snarled, "This time I shall kill them both!"
He was stopped, but not by enemy forces, but by Sima Yi. "No! Wait... she might be use to us alive!"
"How so?"
Seeing the two back away from their range, Xiahou Dun turned to face the strategist, seeing that ever so evil grin rise upon his sly face. He knew what that look meant... he knew EXACTLY what that look meant, and his violet eyes were ones that brought fear into any generals' hearts. "Lu Xun knows she lives... and her being alive could cause more damage to him then us killing her in front of him."
Slightly distracted from the fight, Xiahou Dun asked, "What is your scheme?"
"Think about it... he loves her, but she... doesn't love him..." Sima Yi spoke these words with venom, one that made even Cao Cao's cousin cease from the battle. He swore he saw the devil in those eyes, and that smile did not help. "Do you remember the letter Zhuge Liang sent to Zhou Yu, regarding the Qiaos? Sun Ce has a liking for her as well..."
Now it dawned on Xiahou Dun, and as he killed another soldier that got too close, he nodded. "I see... most impressive, Sima Yi. And how do you plan to use this to our advantage?"
"We'll soon see... but first, let's worry about our survival first."
"No arguments here..."
~*~*~*~
Gan Ning was having a rather peaceful sleep, but of course, all good things must come to an end. He didn't really get too far with his escape, and soon he found himself awake in the dungeon, surrounded by his ever so loving friends.
Not.
"You don't have to be so upset... I'm sure Gan Ning has a good explanation for it all, Lady Sun." He heard Taishi Ci speak on his behalf, and the pirate, bruised and beaten but only physically, gnawed on the straw, laying back for it caused too much pain to do anything else. "It's not his fault."
Sun Shang Xiang was a bit upset to hear about the pirate's little escape, and she growled, jumping from her straw bed to plant a foot on the stomach of the pirate, making him grunt. "I thought ALL pirates were sneaky and seductive! You mean to tell me you couldn't even seduce HER into letting us go?"
Now confusion rose, and Liu Bei asked, "What, you mean this was all a plan?"
"A plan that only HE could fail!" Sun Shang Xiang replied, sitting down and deciding to explain the details to the Shu lord, not really caring if the Nanman guards heard or not. "We figured that Zhu Rong would have had sex with anyone, considering the fact that Meng Huo was her husband, and if Gan Ning would have played his cards right, then we would be on our way OUT of the gates instead of sitting here and rotting away."
For the first time arriving there, Gan Ning spoke, "Meh, if you like her so much, why don't YOU sleep with her, Shang Xiang?"
"What was that?" They swore they saw a vein pop, and she was upon him in an instant, kicking him several times before the pirate begged for mercy. "Even if it was me, we would have escaped! What's wrong with you? Explain yourself!"
Ma Chao sighed, looking out the barred window. "I don't blame him, really... you can't just give up your morals for a woman like that."
Now Gan Ning laughed, "Morals? HA! I think you keep forgetting that I'm a pirate! What are some morals to me?"
"Nevertheless, we better come up with something soon..." Taishi Ci crossed his legs, wishing he could have had more time to think over the matter. "We can't possibly stay here any longer... our forces need us."
That dawned reality upon them now, as much as they didn't like it, and Sun Shang Xiang fell to the ground to sit, giving an exasperated sigh. She hated being so useless, and Liu Bei could see that, almost envying her. "If we had Lu Xun... or Zhou Yu... then this would be no problem at all."
"Well, they're obviously not here, so we can't really think about that, now can we?" Ma Chao gave a yawn, looking at the bright skies of the southern lands. He rather enjoyed it, but he pushed it aside, trying to formulate some sort of plan. "Can't we do things the old fashion way and just dig our way out?"
"With what? Our fingers?"
The pirate was hit once again, this time by Taishi Ci's foot. "Or how about we rebel, hm, Gan Ning? That seemed to have gotten us pretty far last time."
"Hey, at LEAST it was something other then sitting around and doing nothing..." Gan Ning sneered, turning over and regretting is instantly. That's when he noticed the way Liu Bei looked at the daughter of Sun Jian, and he sighed, realizing that Zhu Rong was probably right. His heart hurt, though it wasn't as bad as he thought, rather thankful for that. "Unless you guys can come up with something that doesn't involve burning these primitive monkeys alive, leave me out of it until I feel better."
Taishi Ci laughed, "What's this? The 'itching to fight' pirate had enough?"
Gan Ning gave a snide look, "Nah, the 'itching to sleep' pirate wishes to rest up a bit before the grand escape, part three."
They could only laugh, even as he tried to sleep. However, it was not to last long, as they h the guards opening the door. They all turned, expecting to see the arrival of either the Nanman King or his battleaxe of a wife, but all were stunned to see the outlines of the very well known man, hiding part of his face behind the sparkling fan. It was Liu Bei who said his name, "Master Zhuge Liang!"
There was a twinkle in his eyes, one that was as welcoming as it was almost dreaded. "I have arrived, my lord..."
~*~*~*~
Zhao Yun had never been inside the walls of Wujun before, and he had to admit that the village was indeed a beauty in itself. All villages seemed to have that aurora when they were scorched to the ground from a battle, and this village was no different. He was glad now, that soon the villagers could return to their homes and try to carry on with their everyday lives.
The Little Dragon had indeed felt welcomed inside the walls of the castle, where the Lu Family made their home, and he was trapped in the main hall, looking at the beautiful display of weaponry hanging from the walls. Never had he seen so many weapons before, though Sun Shang Xiang's room could have easily countered such a room. Still, he found himself in dreaded awe as he resisted the urge to grab one and pretend to be in a battle, like a small kid, wishing to play with his father's toys.
But these were not toys... these were weapons on destruction, something that he, a soldier in war, could not come to love. But still, he found himself envious, and wondered how the Lu Family had held so many weapons.
He noticed a few swords were missing, two of wish were the very swords that Lu Xun had carried. How odd, he thought, but he was not given time to question is as he heard Lu Jun's harsh words, spotting the Red Eyed Beast sitting at his rightful throne. "You can have one if you want... seems that everyone else has been taking their fill."
Smiling, Zhao Yun replied, turning away from the weapon hallway and addressing the lord respectfully. "No sir... I was just admiring your collection. How old are these?"
"Many generations... some old, some recent by a few years. Each one with the same task as another, to take the lives of the villainous scums that dare try to challenge its might." Lu Jun looked tired, but nothing more as he rose, holding the hilt of his destroyed sword in his hand. He didn't have to guess on how it got broken, for he already knew the moment he found it in his son's empty quarters. That was where he put Wei Yan, and he had ordered his troops to rest before beginning the march north. He looked down the corridor, looking at the weapons. "There are two types of people Zhao Yun... the ones who carry the sword, and those who must be protected by it. We are the ones who carry the blade, and it is our duty to make sure that the ones too weak to raise the are safe from others like us."
A strange aurora rose, and Zhao Yun looked at him, surprised to hear such words from this man. Earlier, this man was the one that had slayed any and all men that stood in his path, and now, he was almost completely different, almost virtuous, even as he threw his broken blade aside, grasping another weapon to take its place.
The sword's hilt was wrapped in red velvet, only making its golden wings shine all the more. But the blade was the most dazzling of the two, short, but brighter then the brightest star, shining pure white with the smallest flicker of candlelight. This lord held the blade close, looking at his reflection through its shine.
"We are neither right or wrong when we pick up the blade for the first time. There is only one destiny that awaits you, and once you grasp it, it's too late to turn away from it. You can either be like my son, and flee from it, or be like myself and accept it."
The torches along the wall twinkled, as if the wind had tried to take it away, and Zhao Yun finally found his nerve to speak again. "I have made my choice a long time ago as well... the minute I joined Lord Liu Bei, I promised to help him in this struggle, to restore the Han, and I do not mean to turn away from my fate."
That seemed to please Lu Jun, and he spoke with a smile, one that struck Zhao Yun as rare and unique. "You have chosen well. Though we have different objections, we share the same destiny. Little Dragon, you truly are one of China's greatest and most valiant warriors, and it makes me regret serving under different lords at times."
"As do I... but for now, we are allies, and let's hope that we can stay this way for a long time."
The chamber doors opened, and they turned to the green cladded general that bowed to them. "We are making final preparations and we wish for your approval, my lord."
Lu Jun nodded, turning to address the issue and leaving Zhao Yun alone in the Great Hall. It felt eerie now to be alone in this room, seeing all of these weapons. Lu Jun's words repeated within his head, and he could almost hear his lord say such words. He had, or at least it was something similar. When not under the Bloodwrath, Lu Jun was a good man, and Zhao Yun sighed, holding his spear at his side and leaving the room, to think to himself. As long as he stayed within this hall, he could not brush away the strange aurora that was left there.
'So there are no true sides in battle... only to fight for the survival of yourself and the ones who cannot protect themselves.' Zhao Yun thought almost sadly, not knowing why it brought him down so much. 'I have no regrets... not anymore. I know that I am fighting for the right cause, and I shall continue doing so...'
It did not take him long to find Lu Xun's room, and he entered the room, to see his masked comrade resting upon the smaller bed. He was curled into a ball, and he slept in his armor still, as if he could not wear anything else.
Zhao Yun had not known Wei Yan for long, and even now, he still had so much to know about him. He knew he was a victim of Bloodwrath, one that he could not control, and he wondered how much of a different man Wei Yan was if he were not cursed with such a thing.
'Man, I'm really letting this get to me...' Zhao Yun thought with a nervous smile, pulling up a chair and taking a seat. He'd thought he'd just watch over him, just in case of Wei Yan needed some company when he woke up. Surely the man wouldn't mind... then again, not many could get close to him. He had known only two men that could speak to him without risk of getting their heads torn off.
Huang Zhong was almost a father to him, and Pang Tong treated him like an equal, not just a muscle bound idiot trapped in the endless fight for his identity. Zhao Yun could never get close to him without being pushed away, but he did not question Liu Bei's decision of recruiting him, not like Zhuge Liang.
As he watched the masked warrior's chest move up and down with each gentle breath, Zhao Yun recalled how he was treated so harshly at the hands of Zhuge Liang. Wei Yan was constantly being ridiculed as an idiot, a rebellious monster with no emotions or common sense. Perhaps he did not know of Wei Yan's pain, or he was impatient with him?
"Poor guy... I do hope Lu Jun can help you, Wei Yan..." Zhao Yun said softly, not wishing to wake the man, as sleep seemed to be the only time of peace for him. "I truly do... for your sake, more so then anyone else's..."
Wei Yan did not respond, and even if he could, he didn't. He only stayed in that state of rare peace, and he was truly content now, even as the Bloodwrath within him begged to be fed. But not now... his body was too tired to obey the urge to kill now...
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu was worried.
The battle had dragged on much longer then he had expected, and he cut away any soldier that got near him. This was only meant to stun the Wei forces, and he wasn't expecting the forces to fight back so fiercely.
However, now was not the time to worry about it, and he called to Lu Meng, seeing how he was fairing. As the Wei had concentrated their focus on their front line, Lu Meng and a small force had begun raiding the back lines, destroying as many supply convoys as they could without being detected.
Lower the morale and slow down the party... that was all that they truly needed to do.
And now would have been the best time to fall back, as Zhang Liao finally returned to the back lines to protect what they had left. Seeing the enraged general, Lu Meng quickly fell back, waiting until his forces were safe before joining them. He let lose and arrow, missing Zhang Liao's head with purpose and letting it strike the convoy closest to Sun Ce.
"Fall back! All forces fall back!" Sun Ce shouted, and it was a complete turn about, as the Allied forces withdrew their weapons and dashed back up the incline. The Wei forces had begun to follow, and Sun Ce turned to Cao Cao, poking out his tongue and slapping his own ass. "You won't be so lucky next time, grandpa!"
Oh, if you could see the steam that rose from the lord, you could easily sense his anger. However, he shouted to his troops, "Do not pursue! Don't over exert yourselves... let them run like the spineless cowards that they are... we'll be ready!"
'Good... enough damage was done.' Zhou Yu nodded, finally calling his own forces back and retreating with Lu Meng. He looked at the arrow still stuck in the wooden side of the carriage, hoping that it somehow got to where it needed to be. 'Slow them down, Lu Xun...'
Seeing the Allied forces retreating was one of the most refreshing moments one could witness, and Cao Cao looked at his forces, taking in the damage and death count. Damn them! Damn them all to hell! He looked towards Lu Xun, as they were finally brought to safety from the cliff hanger they were stuck on. 'That boy is more of a hassle then he's worth... but if they want him so desperately, they can pry it from my cold dead hands! I will NOT be defeated this time...'