Bring Me to Life
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
~*~*~*~
Chapter Twenty Two
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Zhou Yu was well known for his love and gift in the arts, as he enjoyed listening to music as well as literature and poetry. He wrote a few poems, but none that he wished to share to anyone, and this was the first time someone had actually requested for him to do one.
This one was quite difficult, Zhou Yu discovered, and the reasons why were quite simple. In poetry, one had to add their emotion to the piece to give it life and meaning. However, the elder strategist found it extremely hard, as though he cared for Da Qiao as a friend, he couldn't express how Sun Ce felt about her. This was just wrong, but he gave a sigh, taking another sip of the wine before continuing with another verse.
Usually one to take pride in his works, Zhou Yu couldn't find a damn thing about this one that he enjoyed. The words were simple and the meaning was plain, something that he surely would have never had written. However, he was suppose to pretend that Sun Ce wrote this, but even THIS was a bit too... lifeless.
"Among the meadows I see a flower/ dancing in the wind you have my heart..."
Even reading the line aloud was painful to his ears as well as his heart, and, practically swallowing the glass of wine whole, he coughed, grabbing the paper and tearing it to pieces in a fit of rage. Screw the poem! Screw Sun Ce! And screw him for not realizing why he just couldn't write a simple little poem!
"When we should be raiding and attacking Cao Cao, we waste time on POETRY and love!" Zhou Yu proclaimed, turning over his chair and storming from the tent, ignoring the soldiers about. He couldn't do this anymore, Zhou Yu thought angrily, careful not to bump into the guards and soldiers as he headed from Sun Ce's tent. "I do not care if he loves her with all his heart; he needs to get his priorities straight!"
And, though that was not the complete reasons for Zhou Yu's anguish, the strategist stormed into his friend's tent, letting the guards in his trail as he noticed it was empty. He turned to the guards, curiosity dancing in his voice. "Where's Lord Sun Ce?"
The older of the guards replied, "He left with Lady Qiao some time ago, sir, and he hasn't come back since."
'Making his moves? So early?!' Zhou Yu thought, fighting down the urge to panic. He remembered his teasing of Lu Xun, and, fearing that his friend breaking the younger strategist's heart, Zhou Yu knew he had to stop him. "Where did they go?"
"To the gardens to the south, above the hills." The other answered, pointing with his spear. "He told us that he wanted to be alone, if you know what I mean, sir."
"Blast!" Zhou Yu shouted, preparing a trip to see them but asking the question aloud before doing so. "Why now? Though he's my friend, I often wonder where his head is! Does he not realize that there are more important things than love right now?"
As if hesitant, one of the guards went into the tent and brought out a scroll, handing it to Zhou Yu with a bow. "He received this earlier today, sir... and shortly after reading it he threw it on his table and stormed away with Lady Qiao."
"Sun Ce received a letter?" Zhou Yu asked, taking it into his hands and throwing the neat little bow to the ground as he opened the scroll to read it. "Why was I not informed?"
The soldiers could not answer, and they kept silent, watching the movements of Zhou Yu's narrow eyes dart back and forth as he read the letter. The way his brow knitted, one could tell something was bothering him, and, with a growl, he asked, "Who sent this?"
"One of the deserters of Wei, sir..."
"Do you realize what this is, soldier? It is a letter from Cao Cao, stating that he is to build a Bronze Phoenix, and directly states that when it is done, he was attain the Qiaos!" Zhou Yu fumed, nearly ripping the paper from within his hands. When the soldiers gave him a blank look, he explained even more. "And he is holding Lu Xun as a ransom. 'Chose between the child or the older Qiao.' DAMMIT!"
"We should inform him immediately!"
Zhou Yu had no objection to this, as he raced towards the gardens on the hills. Now he understood why Sun Ce was acting so quickly to propose to Da Qiao, but to Zhou Yu, this was inexcusable. He had to stop them, and quick!
~*~*~*~
Against all odds, Lu Xun now found himself running freely through the gardens, not daring to stop or look back to see if Sima Yi or Zhang He was following him anymore. He didn't want to; tears of joy ran down his face! He was free, and he longed to see the faces of his friends, of his love, when he came running through the camp.
As badly as he desired to see his friends, it was the hope of seeing Da Qiao that spurred him on the most. He would FINALLY be able to tell her how he felt... and be loved in return...
If he wasn't afraid of any Wei soldier hearing him, he would have cried out her name, so he ran through, hoping to see the lanterns from the camps light his path. Instead, he found a small clearing, with a beautiful fountain in the middle. 'Water...'
If it had been another, more peaceful time, he may have found the spot romantic, but he was too busy running to really notice.
"Isn't the moon beautiful?" He heard a voice say, and he stopped, to look at the moon himself. Yes, yes it was awfully pretty this night, to celebrate his freedom. "It's almost as beautiful as your eyes..."
Now... THAT was a rather odd statement to hear, even in the middle of nowhere. The voice sounded vaguely familiar, and he crept closer as quietly as he could, to see JUST who it was. He froze, before even taking a look, when he heard a second voice, that of a girl he knew. "I... I wouldn't say that, Lord Sun Ce..."
Da Qiao?! And Sun Ce? Lu Xun knew he should be thrilled, yet there was a tiny worm of fear making its way to his heart.
He bravely looked through the rose bushes, trying not to wince as its thorns pricked at his fingers. There, he could see the two sitting, side by side, and the worse part was that Sun Ce, his superior, had rested a hand over the beauty's shoulders. 'Oh... please... no...'
"That's just because you are so modest, never allowing yourself to see your own beauty," Sun Ce answered, smiling towards the maiden. It seemed that he had taken the letter given to him seriously, and he failed to see Lu Xun staring at them from behind. He pulled her closer, to claim that she was his. "The whole land knows of your beauty, but yourself!"
If Lu Xun had been able to see the face of his love, he would have easily read her agitation and nervousness, but since he could not, her response made him tremble, "My lord... you are too kind..."
'But Da Qiao... I thought... I was hoping that you'd...' Lu Xun looked away for a second, and when he returned his gaze, to see why his love had gasped, and he laid in silence, as Sun Ce held what appeared to be a rose in his hands, and attached to it, a golden ring. 'No! No...'
The Fan Maiden spoke in a hushed tone, "My lord? What are you doing?"
"Da Qiao, I know you had feelings for Lu Xun, but... I was hoping that we could have the same relationship, or even better," Sun Ce began, speaking lowly and capturing her bright brown eyes. He could see she was ready to cry, and he tried to stop them, "Please, don't cry... Da Qiao, I love you with all my heart, and... I wish that you and I could become one tonight..."
Lu Xun could not bear to hear this. What choice did Da Qiao have? She thought he was dead, or worst... of course she would have gotten with someone who could love her. Tears sliding down his face, he backed away from his hiding spot, and he whispered, "Good bye... my love..."
It was almost as if she had heard him, as she looked to the roses too late. But he didn't care, quickly running off, away from this garden, to free himself from such beauty that he knew he could not have. He didn't care where he was going now; he wanted to be anywhere but here!
He made no move to stop the tears running down his face, and he sobbed, "Oh Da Qiao... how could you do this to me?"
So what Zhou Yu told him was a lie? He was not watching where he was going, and he cried out, slipping and tumbling down the hill, feeling nothing but the pain in his heart as he reached its bottom. Cut and bleeding, he only continued to cry, unable to stand against the internal pain. "You've betrayed me... the last person I'd expect... damn you!"
Nothing the Wei had inflicted upon him could match this pain, and he cursed, "Damn them BOTH then! And damn Sun Ce too..."
"Lu Xun? What are you doing out of the tent?!"
Lu Xun turned his tear-filled amber eyes to the owner of the voice, and he spoke with deep pain, "And damn you the most... you stupid, sick, perverted Wei BASTARD!"
Zhang He looked at him, confusion lighting his entire face. He could read his pain like a book, and he was serious when he asked, "What's happened? Did anyone hurt you while I was gone?"
Lu Xun practically screamed, leaping at the other man and gripping his hands around his throat, "Your fault, all your fault! She would never have forgotten me if not for you!"
"What are you... talking about?!" He tried to pry him away, but he would not budge. He choked, trying to break free, "Who!?"
"As if you didn't know... you bastard!" Fury resounded in Lu Xun's voice, and his grip only tightened, "Da Qiao... my Da Qiao..."
Somehow, Zhang He broke the grip, now gripping the arms and twisting them, hoping to calm him down. It only made him worse, and he bellowed, starting to kick at his open stomach now. "I loved her... I loved her with all my HEART! WHY?!"
The look in his eyes made a chill run down the Wei general's spine, "It doesn't matter... I'll make you pay for what you've done to me..."
"I have done nothing... at least nothing to make her forget you." Zhang He tried to talk sense with him, to ease his fury. He knew well what kind of blood ran through Lu Xun, and he feared the same unequaled fury to arise in him as it would have in his father. "Please believe me on this, Lu Xun, I have nothing to do with whatever you saw or heard about her."
Lu Xun snarled, "YOU TOOK ME AWAY! YOU TORE US APART!"
Before Zhang He could argue any more, he broke free, making blood gush from Zhang He's mouth as he brought his boot into his gut. He would have ran, if he was in his right mind, but instead, he followed up with the kick with a fury of punches, immediately causing a ruckus to break out as a soldier heard his cries. But he didn't care; he was going to kill him with his bare hands if he had to!
Lu Xun sneered, the tears running down his face confirming his pain, "I cannot forgive this... you will DIE this night!"
"He's gone insane! The prisoner's gone insane!" cried a soldier, trying to help his general.
In a way it was true. All of the pain had caused him to lose control, and apparently, he had inherited his father's lust for blood. And Lu Xun wanted blood... this man's blood. And he was GOING to have it...
He could feel the hands of the soldiers grabbing him, but he did not obey. He struck them too, driving his fists into their chest and jaws, even smashing one right in the temple, killing him instantly. He did not care about the blood that gushed from his hands, nor the soldier's head; this was NOT the blood he wanted!
His eyes lit upon his prey, and his smile was sickly. Yes... Zhang He... THAT was the blood he wanted... his and no one else's...
But his prey was getting away, as soldiers tried to drag him away from him. He bellowed, "NO, LET ME HAVE HIM! I WANT HIS HEAD! I WANT HIS HEARTTTTTT!"
One of the soldiers, the one with his arm wrapped around the prisoner's throat, pleaded with the still stunned general, "Master Zhang He... please get away sir!"
How Zhang He wanted to do so, as he could see Zhang Liao arriving, his halberd at the ready and eyes set on killing the insane beast. But he could not, and he watched as the soldier was brutally killed in front of his own eyes. 'I'm sorry...'
Lu Xun called to him, his voice an animalistic snarl, "Call them off... I care nothing for them..."
"Get out of the way!" Zhang Liao demanded the soldiers, pushing them aside easily. He could see the insane look in his eyes, but it did not phase him in the least. He went to strike, trying his very best NOT to kill him. "You lack discipline!"
Zhang He's voice rang out in warning, "No Zhang Liao! LEAVE HIM BE!"
It was too late, and by the time the halberd's hilt came down for the second time open his open back, Lu Xun turned his fury upon him, grabbing the hilt and OVERPOWERING the much stronger Zhang Liao. Now he held the halberd, and though it seemed like a weapon he would never carry, it only made him an even more frightening sight to look upon, as he used this weapon against the soldiers it was suppose to protect. Zhang He hissed, "You fool..."
"What the hell is he?!" Zhang Liao asked, quickly grabbing Zhang He and trying to get him to safety, leaving the soldiers to fend for themselves. "That can't be a human boy!"
"He was, is, and will be again... once he tires himself out..."
The general gave the man an odd look, turning back around to face him. It was Sima Yi who answered, grinning slyly as he seemed to have just appeared out of no where. "Hm... so Lu Jun was wrong to say that the Bloodwrath died within him... I did not believe it's tale until now..."
Zhang He gave a sigh, "I wish it HAD died within Lu Jun..."
"You seem to have suspected this, Sima Yi... have you planned for this?!" Zhang Liao demanded, seeing his men fall dead to the Bloodwrath of the child.
Sima Yi smirked, "Does it really matter? We have to deal with the demon now..."
"Then you have done this to him... why?" Zhang He asked, almost heartbroken as he looked at the scheming man standing next to him.
"He had it coming to him..."
Not even Zhang Liao could hold his gasp, and Sima Yi shouted, raising his fan and catching Lu Xun's attention, though it seemed not to be the best of ideas. "Enough of this, Lu Xun, you whining little brat! Face the real person behind your pain!"
The amber eyes met his own, but they seemed to be redder now... and Lu Xun hissed, "Yes... it would have been you..."
"What the hell are you doing?! Don't bring him up here!" Zhang Liao shouted, seeing the man with his weapon now coming towards them. He was about to shout to Sima Yi, when he noticed the soldiers upon the walls, each holding a smoking bomb. He shouted now, to Zhang He and his fellow soldiers. "GET DOWN!"
Lu Xun seemed unaware of the danger, pressing forward. All he ever wanted now was to slay that man ahead of him, to kill him dead! He wanted to swim in his blood and drink it, as wine! He screamed, "I HATE YOU! I HATE YOUUUUUUUU!"
Sima Yi sneered, "Not nearly enough... not nearly as much as I hate you..."
Lu Xun took another step, before the ground below him exploded. He could not remember anything, nor hear the explosions of the bombs being dropped in several positions around him. Then, as he went to land, he felt something close around him, only to discover the net too late. He was caught!
A net, a simple net, composed of nothing more magical than ropes tied into knots. Yet it bound him tightly, locking him so that he could not break free, and his howl was almost terrifying to hear.
"Quit your belly-aching, you little brat... why do you think your father abandoned you?" Sima Yi taunted him, watching him struggle. He laughed, actually walking UP to the net and grabbing a spear. "I can see why... if you acted like this as a child!"
Zhang He cried out in warning, "Sir... it would not be wise to mock him now..."
And Zhang Liao agreed, giving the strategist a weary look. "He's likely to bite your hand off..."
Lu Xun appeared to have quieted down a bit, but he snarled as the spear was jabbed into his side, "You BASTARD! I'm going to KILL you when I get free!"
"Not likely... but you can continue on with your animalistic screaming, if it makes you feel better. This won't get you back Da Qiao, now will it?"
"Silence! You are unworthy to speak of her!" Lu Xun hissed, trying to stop the tears that ran from his eyes, tears that made them shine even more than the strange light of insanity there.
But he did not, only encouraging him, despite the other general's warning. "Sun Ce now owns her pretty little heart, doesn't he? What a pity! I bet you two would have had such beautiful children together..."
"SHUT UP! SHUT THE HELL UP!"
Again and again, he was struck with the dead end of the spear, and Sima Yi laughed now, striking him through the net again and again. He shouted only louder, "I can hear news of their wedding; can't you? Wouldn't it be wonderful to see Da Qiao in such a lovely dress, with Sun Ce standing next to her... holding her hands and heart!"
Sobs choked the Wu officer's throat, but that only served to hide his rising pain and anger, "No..."
"But yes... can't you just see that now?"
Yes, Lu Xun could see it. But he didn't want to see it, wanted it to be nothing more than some bad dream that would never occur. He shook his head, trying to tear the image from his mind.
Seeing his pain, Zhang He growled, grabbing the spear and prying it out of the robed man's hands. He shouted, "Enough is enough... I think he's suffered enough for one day!"
Sima Yi's voice was icy, "That's where you are wrong, my subordinate. He can... NEVER suffer enough..."
"What are you trying to do?!" Zhang He demanded in a harsh whisper. "You're only making him angrier towards you, and that won't help the situation at all!"
"Do you think I care?"
The look of horror masked Zhang He's face, and both men turned to Lu Xun when he gave another vicious cry, clutching his head, almost tearing into his flesh. "SUN CE, YOU'VE STOLEN MY LOVE AND MY HEART, YOU BASTARD! YOU BASTARDDDD!!!!!"
Fire blazed behind his eyes, and blood soon dripped from his self-inflicted wounds to mingle with his tears, "And I will not forget... or forgive..."
"Yes! Blame Sun Ce!" Sima Yi pushed on, speaking in a false soothing voice. He looked to Zhang He, trying to get him to complete the task, but the man just stared at him. "You can NEVER forgive such an act, not like this! Sun Ce must pay for the pain he's given you, dear boy! Blame him!"
The blood stained the boy's fingers, coming down faster than the tears, and his voice was frightening, "He knew I loved her... he even said so... and he still took her from me..."
Now seeing what Sima Yi was getting at, Zhang He nodded, kneeling in front of him, "How heartless can a man get, to do that... and, you know what... I'm willing to bet that he knew you were there, listening to them..."
"Yes... the bastard... he didn't care... still doesn't... and she listened!" Now the tears came faster, and, forgetting the hatred he had shown to this man only moments before, Lu Xun turned his bloody, tear-stained face to him, "Why? Why did she listen?!"
Ignoring the nagging feeling, Zhang He answered. "Because... if she truly cared about you, Lu Xun, she wouldn't have given him the chance to breathe..."
"I gave her my heart... and my soul... I love her," Lu Xun sobbed. "I still love her..."
"Unfortunately... she does not love you, my friend..."
It was Sima Yi who had spoken; he received a hiss in response, "Silence... I wasn't talking to you, you beast!"
Taken back, Sima Yi just shrugged, but Zhang He spoke softly, looking at him with such pity, so unequaled. "I'm sorry, but he's right... Da Qiao never loved you... otherwise, she wouldn't have done such a terrible act against you."
Lu Xun met his gaze, his voice equally soft, "I can forgive you... you truly did not know about this... and I am sorry too because you must suffer for it..."
'Bingo...' Zhang He did not reveal the smile, and he grabbed the net, freeing Lu Xun from it. Still, the child was trembling with rage, but he did not move from his spot, only staring down at the ground, almost setting it alight with his wild eyes. He didn't see Zhang He's hand, but he heard his words well. "Easily forgiven... now, we shall return the pain to the ones that hurt you so much... but only if you want to."
Lu Xun lifted his eyes, chilling him with his gaze, "I would not ask it of you... you cannot hurt your love any more than I could hurt mine. I only ask that you do not stand in my way..."
"Then it is Sun Ce you wish to slay?"
Lu Xun's smile was sickening, "His turn will come..."
To hear such words from him, Zhang Liao turned to Sima Yi and Zhang He, seeing their smiles as well. He was concerned, though, as if found himself in fear of that boy's gaze now. Was he speaking as his true self, or was it through the Bloodwrath?
The boy's voice dropped even lower, "There is another I must destroy first... I am so sorry..."
Before Zhang He could stop him, Lu Xun lunged himself directly at Sima Yi, and the strategist truly did not see it coming. He knew he couldn't stop him, and those deathly red eyes were among him. He couldn't escape, and he slammed his eyes shut, like the coward that he was... not wishing to see his death this night.
But the blow he had been expecting did not fall, and he opened a single eye, gasping, "HE-CHAN!"
Yes, Zhang He did intervene, grabbing Lu Xun's hands and trying to hold him back. He knew he couldn't, as those fearsome eyes were upon him now, but he was willing to try. He spoke to Lu Xun, trying not to lose his grip. "Lu Xun... Lu Xun... please! I know you hate him, almost as much, or even more, than you hate Sun Ce! But don't do this!"
"He must die. I know this will hurt you, and I should have killed him by now. But... you deserved a chance to protect him, the chance I was not given..." Despite his words, Lu Xun's voice registered no remorse, "Now, please, stand aside..."
"No... I can't..."
He could feel his grip weakening, and Lu Xun's sigh, "So be it... I warned you..."
And Zhang He was overpowered for a second time, but this time, Zhang Liao was there, ramming him into the side of the wall before he could even lay a hand on either man. The impact of the wall was almost enough to send Lu Xun into unconsciousness, however, not even that could phase him.
His eyes narrowed as he rose to his feet, "Must I kill you ALL then?!"
"No..." Zhang He rose from the ground again, looking at him with sad eyes. He didn't realize how close he was to losing Sima Yi that night... almost as Lu Xun had lost his love. "You don't have to kill us at all... have you already forgotten the one who is the source of your pain?"
"No," Lu Xun acknowledged. "But that one has hurt me too, and he has admitted that he caused this..."
Sending Sima Yi a deathly look, Zhang Liao snapped, "You mean to tell me you're actually going to BELIEVE him?! He's nothing more than a glory hound, taking the credit all for himself, the selfish pig!"
"The only glory he will receive is through death," Lu Xun spat coldly. He could feel the rage within him growl, and it hurt to keep it back. He hissed, wincing in pain as he tried to break free, "I... I have to kill him! WHY CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
Zhang Liao smirked, "Believe me, if you were to kill him and he were not my superior officer, I would probably help you and cheer you on... but that is not the case."
As he was being held there, Zhang He turned to Sima Yi, almost glaring, speaking low to where Lu Xun could not hear him, "I had everything under control, and now look at what you've done! How will we get him now, if he hates you so dearly?!"
"What does it matter whether he hates me or not?"
Eyes flaring, he answered, "Because with hate comes distrust, and how can one join a side of whom he does not trust?!"
Sima Yi shook his head, his voice bitter, "He's not joining MY side, my dear Zhang He... he's joining yours..."
It seemed all hope was lost, and Zhang He turned to Zhang Liao, speaking coldly. "Release him and let him have his fun... I care not."
Zhang Liao could hardly believe his ears, "Are you insane?!"
He said nothing, just walking away, not even waiting to see if he was going to be obeyed or not. Sima Yi was the most surprised of them all, staring at his disappearing love before turning to leave, not wishing for Zhang Liao to do such a thing. What an odd situation...
Surprisingly, it was Lu Xun that spoke, "Zhang He... wait..."
"Yes?" Zhang He stopped dead in his tracks, half turning his head to face the man. The look in his eyes had changed, no longer raging fireballs... they seemed extinguished now, though how he could not tell. Turning to face him completely now, and asked again, "What do you want?"
Lu Xun's voice was soft, changing back to his normal tone, "You... you cannot leave him like this. I know what it feels like to be abandoned by the one you love; not even Sima Yi deserves to feel such a thing..."
Blinking, Zhang He was truly surprised, and Zhang Liao's grip loosened, as Lu Xun looked away, "I... I can't take anymore pain tonight... not from myself, or from you, or anyone! I just... I just want it all to stop, dammit!"
He swallowed, turning his now somber amber eyes back to the Wei general, "So please... don't walk away from him... don't make him go through what I am going through. You love him too much to do such a thing, and it will end up hurting you both. And to feel sorry for the two of you... in addition to my own sorrow... is more than I can bear..."
'Yick... am I the only one who doesn't find this touchy?' Zhang Liao kept his gaze away from the three men, wanting nothing more then to silence them now.
Zhang He spoke, his voice low, "Then what would you have me do, little Xun-chan?"
With tears streaming, the last of Lu Xun's strength went through his words, before going hoarse. He could not see Sima Yi's gaze upon him, but still he did not care. "Kill me, and end this tension between you two... stop the pain now..."
The Wu officer continued, the huskiness added to his words not blemishing them in the least, "I have nothing to live for now with Da Qiao gone; if my death can serve some purpose, even to help my enemies, at least it is better than living without a cause..."
"I won't do such a thing, even if it would end all this suffering," Zhang He denied his request once again, sighing deeply and running a hand through his bloody hair. He spoke tenderly, his voice softer than red velvet. "There is no place in her heart for you, Xun-chan, but you know... you are always welcomed here... with me."
Surprisingly, he was not immediately pushed away. Instead, Lu Xun allowed him to stroke his hair and his bloodstained face, before sighing, "Zhang He... if you throw your love away over a worthless piece of trash like me... then you are truly a naive fool."
He laughed softly, holding him in an embrace now. "Then think of it as I am adopting you... as a son or brother..."
"No... I will bring you nothing but trouble," Lu Xun shook his head before resting it on the other man's shoulder, too weak to resist his hold. His eyes seemed so vacant and distant, as he murmured. "That's all I am... is trouble."
The voice that rejected this statement was Cao Cao, as he finally revealed himself from where he stood, watching everything. As he spoke, Lu Xun looked to him, eyes wide and tears streaming from them freely. "That's what they thought of you... what fools they are then, to tell you that you are nothing but trouble."
Prostrating themselves before their lord, the generals waited until Cao Cao gave the order, and the emperor approached Lu Xun and Zhang He, kneeling down to get a better look at the boy cursed with the Bloodwrath. In a simple gesture, he removed his cloaks again, and gave it to Zhang He. "Wrap him in this... we're short of blankets and towels for the moment."
"Yes, my lord." Zhang He accepted and gave a humble bow.
The rest of the scene seemed to bypass the poor confused and hurt Lu Xun, and as Zhang He did was he was commanded to do, the child snuggled into the cape's warmth, giving a sad sigh as he asked, "Why? Why is he so kind to me, Zhang He? Twice he clothed me, today he executed two officers for striking me, and calls my ... the Kingdom of Wu... fools for denouncing me! What have I done to earn anyone's favor, especially his?"
As Zhang He acknowledged his Lord's command to bring the prisoner into Cao Cao's tent, he gave his answer, "That is something that perhaps you can discover on your own... but for now, rest. Your clan, I am afraid, will never come for you."
"My clan? What clan?" Lu Xun asked now, with the saddest golden eyes anyone could ever lay eyes upon. It brought such pity to see them, and his sob-stricken voice only enforced his tears. "I have... no clan!"
By Gingivere the Shadowreaver
~*~*~*~
Chapter Twenty Two
~*~*~*~
Zhou Yu was well known for his love and gift in the arts, as he enjoyed listening to music as well as literature and poetry. He wrote a few poems, but none that he wished to share to anyone, and this was the first time someone had actually requested for him to do one.
This one was quite difficult, Zhou Yu discovered, and the reasons why were quite simple. In poetry, one had to add their emotion to the piece to give it life and meaning. However, the elder strategist found it extremely hard, as though he cared for Da Qiao as a friend, he couldn't express how Sun Ce felt about her. This was just wrong, but he gave a sigh, taking another sip of the wine before continuing with another verse.
Usually one to take pride in his works, Zhou Yu couldn't find a damn thing about this one that he enjoyed. The words were simple and the meaning was plain, something that he surely would have never had written. However, he was suppose to pretend that Sun Ce wrote this, but even THIS was a bit too... lifeless.
"Among the meadows I see a flower/ dancing in the wind you have my heart..."
Even reading the line aloud was painful to his ears as well as his heart, and, practically swallowing the glass of wine whole, he coughed, grabbing the paper and tearing it to pieces in a fit of rage. Screw the poem! Screw Sun Ce! And screw him for not realizing why he just couldn't write a simple little poem!
"When we should be raiding and attacking Cao Cao, we waste time on POETRY and love!" Zhou Yu proclaimed, turning over his chair and storming from the tent, ignoring the soldiers about. He couldn't do this anymore, Zhou Yu thought angrily, careful not to bump into the guards and soldiers as he headed from Sun Ce's tent. "I do not care if he loves her with all his heart; he needs to get his priorities straight!"
And, though that was not the complete reasons for Zhou Yu's anguish, the strategist stormed into his friend's tent, letting the guards in his trail as he noticed it was empty. He turned to the guards, curiosity dancing in his voice. "Where's Lord Sun Ce?"
The older of the guards replied, "He left with Lady Qiao some time ago, sir, and he hasn't come back since."
'Making his moves? So early?!' Zhou Yu thought, fighting down the urge to panic. He remembered his teasing of Lu Xun, and, fearing that his friend breaking the younger strategist's heart, Zhou Yu knew he had to stop him. "Where did they go?"
"To the gardens to the south, above the hills." The other answered, pointing with his spear. "He told us that he wanted to be alone, if you know what I mean, sir."
"Blast!" Zhou Yu shouted, preparing a trip to see them but asking the question aloud before doing so. "Why now? Though he's my friend, I often wonder where his head is! Does he not realize that there are more important things than love right now?"
As if hesitant, one of the guards went into the tent and brought out a scroll, handing it to Zhou Yu with a bow. "He received this earlier today, sir... and shortly after reading it he threw it on his table and stormed away with Lady Qiao."
"Sun Ce received a letter?" Zhou Yu asked, taking it into his hands and throwing the neat little bow to the ground as he opened the scroll to read it. "Why was I not informed?"
The soldiers could not answer, and they kept silent, watching the movements of Zhou Yu's narrow eyes dart back and forth as he read the letter. The way his brow knitted, one could tell something was bothering him, and, with a growl, he asked, "Who sent this?"
"One of the deserters of Wei, sir..."
"Do you realize what this is, soldier? It is a letter from Cao Cao, stating that he is to build a Bronze Phoenix, and directly states that when it is done, he was attain the Qiaos!" Zhou Yu fumed, nearly ripping the paper from within his hands. When the soldiers gave him a blank look, he explained even more. "And he is holding Lu Xun as a ransom. 'Chose between the child or the older Qiao.' DAMMIT!"
"We should inform him immediately!"
Zhou Yu had no objection to this, as he raced towards the gardens on the hills. Now he understood why Sun Ce was acting so quickly to propose to Da Qiao, but to Zhou Yu, this was inexcusable. He had to stop them, and quick!
~*~*~*~
Against all odds, Lu Xun now found himself running freely through the gardens, not daring to stop or look back to see if Sima Yi or Zhang He was following him anymore. He didn't want to; tears of joy ran down his face! He was free, and he longed to see the faces of his friends, of his love, when he came running through the camp.
As badly as he desired to see his friends, it was the hope of seeing Da Qiao that spurred him on the most. He would FINALLY be able to tell her how he felt... and be loved in return...
If he wasn't afraid of any Wei soldier hearing him, he would have cried out her name, so he ran through, hoping to see the lanterns from the camps light his path. Instead, he found a small clearing, with a beautiful fountain in the middle. 'Water...'
If it had been another, more peaceful time, he may have found the spot romantic, but he was too busy running to really notice.
"Isn't the moon beautiful?" He heard a voice say, and he stopped, to look at the moon himself. Yes, yes it was awfully pretty this night, to celebrate his freedom. "It's almost as beautiful as your eyes..."
Now... THAT was a rather odd statement to hear, even in the middle of nowhere. The voice sounded vaguely familiar, and he crept closer as quietly as he could, to see JUST who it was. He froze, before even taking a look, when he heard a second voice, that of a girl he knew. "I... I wouldn't say that, Lord Sun Ce..."
Da Qiao?! And Sun Ce? Lu Xun knew he should be thrilled, yet there was a tiny worm of fear making its way to his heart.
He bravely looked through the rose bushes, trying not to wince as its thorns pricked at his fingers. There, he could see the two sitting, side by side, and the worse part was that Sun Ce, his superior, had rested a hand over the beauty's shoulders. 'Oh... please... no...'
"That's just because you are so modest, never allowing yourself to see your own beauty," Sun Ce answered, smiling towards the maiden. It seemed that he had taken the letter given to him seriously, and he failed to see Lu Xun staring at them from behind. He pulled her closer, to claim that she was his. "The whole land knows of your beauty, but yourself!"
If Lu Xun had been able to see the face of his love, he would have easily read her agitation and nervousness, but since he could not, her response made him tremble, "My lord... you are too kind..."
'But Da Qiao... I thought... I was hoping that you'd...' Lu Xun looked away for a second, and when he returned his gaze, to see why his love had gasped, and he laid in silence, as Sun Ce held what appeared to be a rose in his hands, and attached to it, a golden ring. 'No! No...'
The Fan Maiden spoke in a hushed tone, "My lord? What are you doing?"
"Da Qiao, I know you had feelings for Lu Xun, but... I was hoping that we could have the same relationship, or even better," Sun Ce began, speaking lowly and capturing her bright brown eyes. He could see she was ready to cry, and he tried to stop them, "Please, don't cry... Da Qiao, I love you with all my heart, and... I wish that you and I could become one tonight..."
Lu Xun could not bear to hear this. What choice did Da Qiao have? She thought he was dead, or worst... of course she would have gotten with someone who could love her. Tears sliding down his face, he backed away from his hiding spot, and he whispered, "Good bye... my love..."
It was almost as if she had heard him, as she looked to the roses too late. But he didn't care, quickly running off, away from this garden, to free himself from such beauty that he knew he could not have. He didn't care where he was going now; he wanted to be anywhere but here!
He made no move to stop the tears running down his face, and he sobbed, "Oh Da Qiao... how could you do this to me?"
So what Zhou Yu told him was a lie? He was not watching where he was going, and he cried out, slipping and tumbling down the hill, feeling nothing but the pain in his heart as he reached its bottom. Cut and bleeding, he only continued to cry, unable to stand against the internal pain. "You've betrayed me... the last person I'd expect... damn you!"
Nothing the Wei had inflicted upon him could match this pain, and he cursed, "Damn them BOTH then! And damn Sun Ce too..."
"Lu Xun? What are you doing out of the tent?!"
Lu Xun turned his tear-filled amber eyes to the owner of the voice, and he spoke with deep pain, "And damn you the most... you stupid, sick, perverted Wei BASTARD!"
Zhang He looked at him, confusion lighting his entire face. He could read his pain like a book, and he was serious when he asked, "What's happened? Did anyone hurt you while I was gone?"
Lu Xun practically screamed, leaping at the other man and gripping his hands around his throat, "Your fault, all your fault! She would never have forgotten me if not for you!"
"What are you... talking about?!" He tried to pry him away, but he would not budge. He choked, trying to break free, "Who!?"
"As if you didn't know... you bastard!" Fury resounded in Lu Xun's voice, and his grip only tightened, "Da Qiao... my Da Qiao..."
Somehow, Zhang He broke the grip, now gripping the arms and twisting them, hoping to calm him down. It only made him worse, and he bellowed, starting to kick at his open stomach now. "I loved her... I loved her with all my HEART! WHY?!"
The look in his eyes made a chill run down the Wei general's spine, "It doesn't matter... I'll make you pay for what you've done to me..."
"I have done nothing... at least nothing to make her forget you." Zhang He tried to talk sense with him, to ease his fury. He knew well what kind of blood ran through Lu Xun, and he feared the same unequaled fury to arise in him as it would have in his father. "Please believe me on this, Lu Xun, I have nothing to do with whatever you saw or heard about her."
Lu Xun snarled, "YOU TOOK ME AWAY! YOU TORE US APART!"
Before Zhang He could argue any more, he broke free, making blood gush from Zhang He's mouth as he brought his boot into his gut. He would have ran, if he was in his right mind, but instead, he followed up with the kick with a fury of punches, immediately causing a ruckus to break out as a soldier heard his cries. But he didn't care; he was going to kill him with his bare hands if he had to!
Lu Xun sneered, the tears running down his face confirming his pain, "I cannot forgive this... you will DIE this night!"
"He's gone insane! The prisoner's gone insane!" cried a soldier, trying to help his general.
In a way it was true. All of the pain had caused him to lose control, and apparently, he had inherited his father's lust for blood. And Lu Xun wanted blood... this man's blood. And he was GOING to have it...
He could feel the hands of the soldiers grabbing him, but he did not obey. He struck them too, driving his fists into their chest and jaws, even smashing one right in the temple, killing him instantly. He did not care about the blood that gushed from his hands, nor the soldier's head; this was NOT the blood he wanted!
His eyes lit upon his prey, and his smile was sickly. Yes... Zhang He... THAT was the blood he wanted... his and no one else's...
But his prey was getting away, as soldiers tried to drag him away from him. He bellowed, "NO, LET ME HAVE HIM! I WANT HIS HEAD! I WANT HIS HEARTTTTTT!"
One of the soldiers, the one with his arm wrapped around the prisoner's throat, pleaded with the still stunned general, "Master Zhang He... please get away sir!"
How Zhang He wanted to do so, as he could see Zhang Liao arriving, his halberd at the ready and eyes set on killing the insane beast. But he could not, and he watched as the soldier was brutally killed in front of his own eyes. 'I'm sorry...'
Lu Xun called to him, his voice an animalistic snarl, "Call them off... I care nothing for them..."
"Get out of the way!" Zhang Liao demanded the soldiers, pushing them aside easily. He could see the insane look in his eyes, but it did not phase him in the least. He went to strike, trying his very best NOT to kill him. "You lack discipline!"
Zhang He's voice rang out in warning, "No Zhang Liao! LEAVE HIM BE!"
It was too late, and by the time the halberd's hilt came down for the second time open his open back, Lu Xun turned his fury upon him, grabbing the hilt and OVERPOWERING the much stronger Zhang Liao. Now he held the halberd, and though it seemed like a weapon he would never carry, it only made him an even more frightening sight to look upon, as he used this weapon against the soldiers it was suppose to protect. Zhang He hissed, "You fool..."
"What the hell is he?!" Zhang Liao asked, quickly grabbing Zhang He and trying to get him to safety, leaving the soldiers to fend for themselves. "That can't be a human boy!"
"He was, is, and will be again... once he tires himself out..."
The general gave the man an odd look, turning back around to face him. It was Sima Yi who answered, grinning slyly as he seemed to have just appeared out of no where. "Hm... so Lu Jun was wrong to say that the Bloodwrath died within him... I did not believe it's tale until now..."
Zhang He gave a sigh, "I wish it HAD died within Lu Jun..."
"You seem to have suspected this, Sima Yi... have you planned for this?!" Zhang Liao demanded, seeing his men fall dead to the Bloodwrath of the child.
Sima Yi smirked, "Does it really matter? We have to deal with the demon now..."
"Then you have done this to him... why?" Zhang He asked, almost heartbroken as he looked at the scheming man standing next to him.
"He had it coming to him..."
Not even Zhang Liao could hold his gasp, and Sima Yi shouted, raising his fan and catching Lu Xun's attention, though it seemed not to be the best of ideas. "Enough of this, Lu Xun, you whining little brat! Face the real person behind your pain!"
The amber eyes met his own, but they seemed to be redder now... and Lu Xun hissed, "Yes... it would have been you..."
"What the hell are you doing?! Don't bring him up here!" Zhang Liao shouted, seeing the man with his weapon now coming towards them. He was about to shout to Sima Yi, when he noticed the soldiers upon the walls, each holding a smoking bomb. He shouted now, to Zhang He and his fellow soldiers. "GET DOWN!"
Lu Xun seemed unaware of the danger, pressing forward. All he ever wanted now was to slay that man ahead of him, to kill him dead! He wanted to swim in his blood and drink it, as wine! He screamed, "I HATE YOU! I HATE YOUUUUUUUU!"
Sima Yi sneered, "Not nearly enough... not nearly as much as I hate you..."
Lu Xun took another step, before the ground below him exploded. He could not remember anything, nor hear the explosions of the bombs being dropped in several positions around him. Then, as he went to land, he felt something close around him, only to discover the net too late. He was caught!
A net, a simple net, composed of nothing more magical than ropes tied into knots. Yet it bound him tightly, locking him so that he could not break free, and his howl was almost terrifying to hear.
"Quit your belly-aching, you little brat... why do you think your father abandoned you?" Sima Yi taunted him, watching him struggle. He laughed, actually walking UP to the net and grabbing a spear. "I can see why... if you acted like this as a child!"
Zhang He cried out in warning, "Sir... it would not be wise to mock him now..."
And Zhang Liao agreed, giving the strategist a weary look. "He's likely to bite your hand off..."
Lu Xun appeared to have quieted down a bit, but he snarled as the spear was jabbed into his side, "You BASTARD! I'm going to KILL you when I get free!"
"Not likely... but you can continue on with your animalistic screaming, if it makes you feel better. This won't get you back Da Qiao, now will it?"
"Silence! You are unworthy to speak of her!" Lu Xun hissed, trying to stop the tears that ran from his eyes, tears that made them shine even more than the strange light of insanity there.
But he did not, only encouraging him, despite the other general's warning. "Sun Ce now owns her pretty little heart, doesn't he? What a pity! I bet you two would have had such beautiful children together..."
"SHUT UP! SHUT THE HELL UP!"
Again and again, he was struck with the dead end of the spear, and Sima Yi laughed now, striking him through the net again and again. He shouted only louder, "I can hear news of their wedding; can't you? Wouldn't it be wonderful to see Da Qiao in such a lovely dress, with Sun Ce standing next to her... holding her hands and heart!"
Sobs choked the Wu officer's throat, but that only served to hide his rising pain and anger, "No..."
"But yes... can't you just see that now?"
Yes, Lu Xun could see it. But he didn't want to see it, wanted it to be nothing more than some bad dream that would never occur. He shook his head, trying to tear the image from his mind.
Seeing his pain, Zhang He growled, grabbing the spear and prying it out of the robed man's hands. He shouted, "Enough is enough... I think he's suffered enough for one day!"
Sima Yi's voice was icy, "That's where you are wrong, my subordinate. He can... NEVER suffer enough..."
"What are you trying to do?!" Zhang He demanded in a harsh whisper. "You're only making him angrier towards you, and that won't help the situation at all!"
"Do you think I care?"
The look of horror masked Zhang He's face, and both men turned to Lu Xun when he gave another vicious cry, clutching his head, almost tearing into his flesh. "SUN CE, YOU'VE STOLEN MY LOVE AND MY HEART, YOU BASTARD! YOU BASTARDDDD!!!!!"
Fire blazed behind his eyes, and blood soon dripped from his self-inflicted wounds to mingle with his tears, "And I will not forget... or forgive..."
"Yes! Blame Sun Ce!" Sima Yi pushed on, speaking in a false soothing voice. He looked to Zhang He, trying to get him to complete the task, but the man just stared at him. "You can NEVER forgive such an act, not like this! Sun Ce must pay for the pain he's given you, dear boy! Blame him!"
The blood stained the boy's fingers, coming down faster than the tears, and his voice was frightening, "He knew I loved her... he even said so... and he still took her from me..."
Now seeing what Sima Yi was getting at, Zhang He nodded, kneeling in front of him, "How heartless can a man get, to do that... and, you know what... I'm willing to bet that he knew you were there, listening to them..."
"Yes... the bastard... he didn't care... still doesn't... and she listened!" Now the tears came faster, and, forgetting the hatred he had shown to this man only moments before, Lu Xun turned his bloody, tear-stained face to him, "Why? Why did she listen?!"
Ignoring the nagging feeling, Zhang He answered. "Because... if she truly cared about you, Lu Xun, she wouldn't have given him the chance to breathe..."
"I gave her my heart... and my soul... I love her," Lu Xun sobbed. "I still love her..."
"Unfortunately... she does not love you, my friend..."
It was Sima Yi who had spoken; he received a hiss in response, "Silence... I wasn't talking to you, you beast!"
Taken back, Sima Yi just shrugged, but Zhang He spoke softly, looking at him with such pity, so unequaled. "I'm sorry, but he's right... Da Qiao never loved you... otherwise, she wouldn't have done such a terrible act against you."
Lu Xun met his gaze, his voice equally soft, "I can forgive you... you truly did not know about this... and I am sorry too because you must suffer for it..."
'Bingo...' Zhang He did not reveal the smile, and he grabbed the net, freeing Lu Xun from it. Still, the child was trembling with rage, but he did not move from his spot, only staring down at the ground, almost setting it alight with his wild eyes. He didn't see Zhang He's hand, but he heard his words well. "Easily forgiven... now, we shall return the pain to the ones that hurt you so much... but only if you want to."
Lu Xun lifted his eyes, chilling him with his gaze, "I would not ask it of you... you cannot hurt your love any more than I could hurt mine. I only ask that you do not stand in my way..."
"Then it is Sun Ce you wish to slay?"
Lu Xun's smile was sickening, "His turn will come..."
To hear such words from him, Zhang Liao turned to Sima Yi and Zhang He, seeing their smiles as well. He was concerned, though, as if found himself in fear of that boy's gaze now. Was he speaking as his true self, or was it through the Bloodwrath?
The boy's voice dropped even lower, "There is another I must destroy first... I am so sorry..."
Before Zhang He could stop him, Lu Xun lunged himself directly at Sima Yi, and the strategist truly did not see it coming. He knew he couldn't stop him, and those deathly red eyes were among him. He couldn't escape, and he slammed his eyes shut, like the coward that he was... not wishing to see his death this night.
But the blow he had been expecting did not fall, and he opened a single eye, gasping, "HE-CHAN!"
Yes, Zhang He did intervene, grabbing Lu Xun's hands and trying to hold him back. He knew he couldn't, as those fearsome eyes were upon him now, but he was willing to try. He spoke to Lu Xun, trying not to lose his grip. "Lu Xun... Lu Xun... please! I know you hate him, almost as much, or even more, than you hate Sun Ce! But don't do this!"
"He must die. I know this will hurt you, and I should have killed him by now. But... you deserved a chance to protect him, the chance I was not given..." Despite his words, Lu Xun's voice registered no remorse, "Now, please, stand aside..."
"No... I can't..."
He could feel his grip weakening, and Lu Xun's sigh, "So be it... I warned you..."
And Zhang He was overpowered for a second time, but this time, Zhang Liao was there, ramming him into the side of the wall before he could even lay a hand on either man. The impact of the wall was almost enough to send Lu Xun into unconsciousness, however, not even that could phase him.
His eyes narrowed as he rose to his feet, "Must I kill you ALL then?!"
"No..." Zhang He rose from the ground again, looking at him with sad eyes. He didn't realize how close he was to losing Sima Yi that night... almost as Lu Xun had lost his love. "You don't have to kill us at all... have you already forgotten the one who is the source of your pain?"
"No," Lu Xun acknowledged. "But that one has hurt me too, and he has admitted that he caused this..."
Sending Sima Yi a deathly look, Zhang Liao snapped, "You mean to tell me you're actually going to BELIEVE him?! He's nothing more than a glory hound, taking the credit all for himself, the selfish pig!"
"The only glory he will receive is through death," Lu Xun spat coldly. He could feel the rage within him growl, and it hurt to keep it back. He hissed, wincing in pain as he tried to break free, "I... I have to kill him! WHY CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
Zhang Liao smirked, "Believe me, if you were to kill him and he were not my superior officer, I would probably help you and cheer you on... but that is not the case."
As he was being held there, Zhang He turned to Sima Yi, almost glaring, speaking low to where Lu Xun could not hear him, "I had everything under control, and now look at what you've done! How will we get him now, if he hates you so dearly?!"
"What does it matter whether he hates me or not?"
Eyes flaring, he answered, "Because with hate comes distrust, and how can one join a side of whom he does not trust?!"
Sima Yi shook his head, his voice bitter, "He's not joining MY side, my dear Zhang He... he's joining yours..."
It seemed all hope was lost, and Zhang He turned to Zhang Liao, speaking coldly. "Release him and let him have his fun... I care not."
Zhang Liao could hardly believe his ears, "Are you insane?!"
He said nothing, just walking away, not even waiting to see if he was going to be obeyed or not. Sima Yi was the most surprised of them all, staring at his disappearing love before turning to leave, not wishing for Zhang Liao to do such a thing. What an odd situation...
Surprisingly, it was Lu Xun that spoke, "Zhang He... wait..."
"Yes?" Zhang He stopped dead in his tracks, half turning his head to face the man. The look in his eyes had changed, no longer raging fireballs... they seemed extinguished now, though how he could not tell. Turning to face him completely now, and asked again, "What do you want?"
Lu Xun's voice was soft, changing back to his normal tone, "You... you cannot leave him like this. I know what it feels like to be abandoned by the one you love; not even Sima Yi deserves to feel such a thing..."
Blinking, Zhang He was truly surprised, and Zhang Liao's grip loosened, as Lu Xun looked away, "I... I can't take anymore pain tonight... not from myself, or from you, or anyone! I just... I just want it all to stop, dammit!"
He swallowed, turning his now somber amber eyes back to the Wei general, "So please... don't walk away from him... don't make him go through what I am going through. You love him too much to do such a thing, and it will end up hurting you both. And to feel sorry for the two of you... in addition to my own sorrow... is more than I can bear..."
'Yick... am I the only one who doesn't find this touchy?' Zhang Liao kept his gaze away from the three men, wanting nothing more then to silence them now.
Zhang He spoke, his voice low, "Then what would you have me do, little Xun-chan?"
With tears streaming, the last of Lu Xun's strength went through his words, before going hoarse. He could not see Sima Yi's gaze upon him, but still he did not care. "Kill me, and end this tension between you two... stop the pain now..."
The Wu officer continued, the huskiness added to his words not blemishing them in the least, "I have nothing to live for now with Da Qiao gone; if my death can serve some purpose, even to help my enemies, at least it is better than living without a cause..."
"I won't do such a thing, even if it would end all this suffering," Zhang He denied his request once again, sighing deeply and running a hand through his bloody hair. He spoke tenderly, his voice softer than red velvet. "There is no place in her heart for you, Xun-chan, but you know... you are always welcomed here... with me."
Surprisingly, he was not immediately pushed away. Instead, Lu Xun allowed him to stroke his hair and his bloodstained face, before sighing, "Zhang He... if you throw your love away over a worthless piece of trash like me... then you are truly a naive fool."
He laughed softly, holding him in an embrace now. "Then think of it as I am adopting you... as a son or brother..."
"No... I will bring you nothing but trouble," Lu Xun shook his head before resting it on the other man's shoulder, too weak to resist his hold. His eyes seemed so vacant and distant, as he murmured. "That's all I am... is trouble."
The voice that rejected this statement was Cao Cao, as he finally revealed himself from where he stood, watching everything. As he spoke, Lu Xun looked to him, eyes wide and tears streaming from them freely. "That's what they thought of you... what fools they are then, to tell you that you are nothing but trouble."
Prostrating themselves before their lord, the generals waited until Cao Cao gave the order, and the emperor approached Lu Xun and Zhang He, kneeling down to get a better look at the boy cursed with the Bloodwrath. In a simple gesture, he removed his cloaks again, and gave it to Zhang He. "Wrap him in this... we're short of blankets and towels for the moment."
"Yes, my lord." Zhang He accepted and gave a humble bow.
The rest of the scene seemed to bypass the poor confused and hurt Lu Xun, and as Zhang He did was he was commanded to do, the child snuggled into the cape's warmth, giving a sad sigh as he asked, "Why? Why is he so kind to me, Zhang He? Twice he clothed me, today he executed two officers for striking me, and calls my ... the Kingdom of Wu... fools for denouncing me! What have I done to earn anyone's favor, especially his?"
As Zhang He acknowledged his Lord's command to bring the prisoner into Cao Cao's tent, he gave his answer, "That is something that perhaps you can discover on your own... but for now, rest. Your clan, I am afraid, will never come for you."
"My clan? What clan?" Lu Xun asked now, with the saddest golden eyes anyone could ever lay eyes upon. It brought such pity to see them, and his sob-stricken voice only enforced his tears. "I have... no clan!"