Disclaimer: (For the whole story) I do not own Dynasty Warriors or Romance of the Three Kingdoms in any way. Nu-uh. Not me. Nope... Sad, isn't it?
Note: The user Animatized is a writing duo between me, Natsue Arishima, and Kimiko Hiraki. However, Kimi won't be participating much in this... *sniff* I know, it's sad... *cough* Anyhoo, moving on...
Innocence
By Natsue Arishima
Chapter One: Dead or Alive
Crimson.
That was all he saw.
That was all he knew.
As warm, fresh blood poured over his arms, the man pulled back. A bloodstained blade lay in his hands, and his opponent groaned, falling onto his knees. Staring up at his superior, he glared, his eyes full of venom. Slowly, he bent over, his form hitting the ground. The struggling slowly ceased, and the form was still.
Gan Ning spun around, slashing behind him. The air was full of yells... screams... as many others lost their lives. And yet he smiled through it all, the grin always plastered firmly onto his face.
He was a pirate. He was Gan Ning. Always cheerful, always happy.
Lies.
All lies.
And yet, during battles, he fitted in perfectly. It was like a dance, a perfect, synchronized dance. One small mistake could ruin and cause death and despair.
It wasn't like the battles written on scrolls. This was much more different. Everything was real, from the smallest fleck of blood to the lifeless body of the dead. No one knew how long they would last. The uncertainty of it unnerved him.
He hated it.
And yet, that was how he lived. That was what he expected. He was willing to take that risk.
It was crazy, and he knew it. But it was the only thing that could distract his mind. It was the only thing that could make him sometimes believe that he was truly happy.
And the only other times were with...
He shook his head. Don't go there. Lu Xun doesn't even know...
We're friends... only friends...
Smirking, he leapt over his dead enemies towards a group of huddled soldiers, all with identical looks of fright on their faces.
"Hey boys..." he whispered, his face calm and light-hearted as he slowly killed them off, one by one. Their eyes were wide as they continued staring lifelessly towards their cheerful killer. The dying cries around him softened as blood splattered onto the ground.
The last man fell forward, into the pirate's arms, and the man automatically caught him. Raising an eyebrow underneath the spiky hair, Gan Ning examined the empty eyes. He sighed, before lowering the dead onto the ground.
Licking his lips, his bronze-colored eyes scanned the battle. Callused hands tightened around the handle of Sea Master.
"Now, who's next?"
~*~
His blood ran cold as his opponent fell. He jerked around, eyes wide with shock under the spiky brown bangs.
The cries sounded so familiar... He knew that voice. He could recognize it anywhere.
Could it be...
No... it couldn't be. He wouldn't be that foolhardy... Yes... there it was again... The desperation and need of it sent shivers down his spine. Wiping the blood off of his face with his sleeve, Gan Ning continued slashing, listening intently.
Another cry of help echoed throughout the trees. The fighting seemed to stop - seemed to freeze with the yell.
And then he knew.
No... no no no... Please... no...
His desperation overtook him for a few seconds, before the usual smile found its way to his face. "Later then," he murmured, winking at the remaining, shaking men. "I've some business."
Muscles flexing, he swung his sword over his shoulder and took off, eyes narrowed against the wind. The faint thumping of his footsteps soon faded away.
~*~
Running... running...
The trees flashed past him, as he wound his way through the empty forest. It was silent here... so completely quiet that he could hear the silence. The unearthly buzzing filled his ears, and he shook his head, tripping slightly.
His breath caught up in his chest. The knot wouldn't untie. The hem of his pants snagged on a branch and ripped. Heaving, he paused for a moment, bending over and with his hands on his tired legs.
No... Can't stop now...
Slowly, he forced himself up, and staggered forwards.
Almost out...
The trees were thinning. Light pierced through the emerald leaves, creating a last canopy of peaceful, olive shade.
Bursting out of the trees, he spotted a horse a few feet away, with arrows in its side and unmistakably dead. The smooth gray coat was clotted with dried blood, and something about it stirred faint recognition.
Lu Xun's horse...?
And then, the world seemed to stop as his eyes spotted...
A younger man, with light brown hair and golden eyes, crouched down in a small puddle of blood. The serene face was twisted in pain, the two hands empty of their usual swords. A red hat was alone on the ground, the golden lining unseen under the thick coating of crimson.
"No... God no..."
He was hardly aware of the fighting around him. The shrieks of battle were distant to him. Blades cut into him, blood poured over him, and yet he couldn't feel anything.
Rushing forward, he pushed his way past the few remainders of the young strategist's bodyguards and came to a stop in front of the younger man. Slowly, the pirate fell to his knees, and suddenly didn't know what to do.
Lu Xun wearily raised his face to the pirate's. The golden eyes flicked, the usual brightness of them gone. They were dull now, with not a single flicker of light.
The eyes of the dead...
He smiled weakly. A small trickle of blood crept from the corner of his mouth. "Gan Ning..." he managed to whisper. His young voice seemed frail, fragile. It was so soft...
Gan Ning bit his lip, eyes starting to blur. He pulled the younger boy to him, embracing Lu Xun into strong, warm arms. Why was he so light? He was nearly weightless... No one should be like this...
Lu Xun bent over suddenly, coughing. Both hands went up to his mouth, but couldn't stop the splatter of blood. Gan Ning suddenly noticed the huge gash in his stomach. The thick flow of scarlet didn't seem to be stopping...
Oh please...
He was suddenly aware of footsteps, and the faint hollers of Sun Ce echoed through the background. Wei was retreating, it seemed... The strategist rested his head on Gan Ning's chest, his golden eyes closed. His breath seemed to be becoming harder... more desperate...
Damn them...
He buried his face into Lu Xun's soft light brown hair. It was so smooth... He could touch it forever.
He hated himself. At the time that Lu Xun needed help the most...
I wasn't there... He wasn't... This isn't real...
This isn't REAL!
This isn't happening...
"Lu Xun..." He looked down, and gently brushed Lu Xun's pale cheek, wiping away the blood. "I'm so sorry..."
Why is he so cold...?
His already weak voice was faltering. His breath was coming in gasps, and he managed a faint chuckle. "No... I'm... s-sorry... Forgive me...?"
Stop it. Stop it! STOP IT!
"God dammit... shut up... shut up!" Gan Ning shook his head furiously, forcing back the tears. "Shut it! Just - no! Keep your eyes open! Stop it!" He pulled the young man closer. "Please..." he whispered, his voice clogged and muffled in the soft golden brown hair. "Stay awake..."
Behind him, he could hear hoofbeats, and Wu hollers of victory.
SHUT UP! ALL OF YOU!
The noise was fading. He wanted to call to them... yell to the oblivious idiots...
His angel was dying...
Somebody! Help him!
Silent screams ran through him. His voice didn't seem to want to speak. Lu Xun gave a ragged breath, slowly looking up through dark lashes at his friend.
Gan Ning swallowed, tears streaming soundlessly down his face. He tangled his fingers into Lu Xun's own hand, clenching down hard.
The strategist weakly brought up his free arm and placed a slim, cold finger onto Gan Ning's lips.
"Shh... D-don't cry..." The golden eyed boy smiled softly, biting back his own tears.
Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! His whole body trembled, shaking madly out of both fear and sorrow. "Who the hell did this to you!?"
Lu Xun didn't reply, his eyes shutting closed.
"No! Awake! Dammit... awake..." His remaining words disappeared, replaced by tears. Please! Stay awake! Please! For me!
He felt a hand on his shoulder and suddenly stiffened. Looking up, tear stained, he was surprised to see the scarred face of Zhou Tai. The previous pirate captain smiled sadly at him, and shook his head, looking at Lu Xun.
Not dead... Never dead...
Zhou Tai stood up and pointed over his back. "They're getting a horse for you. We're going back."
And with that, he turned and walked away, his cloak whipping at the breeze.
No... I'm not leaving...
I won't leave.
His hands wouldn't stop trembling, and yet, as Zhou Yu came by with a gray stallion, Gan Ning ignored him. The older strategist stared at them quietly before whispering. "Gan Ning. It's time to go." His voice was slightly weak.
What about...?
"Lu Xun's going to need medical care. We need to take him now, or it will be too late..."
He didn't need to finish his sentence.
Hopelessly, Gan Ning sat motionless as Lu Xun was taken from his arms. His tears almost started again, but he bit down in his lip, his fists clenched. Blood slid down his wrists.
"We'll be waiting for you. Take your time," Zhou Yu whispered, mounting his own horse. Flanked by five others, they carefully carried Lu Xun back to camp.
His horse whinnied at him, nuzzling his hair. Gan Ning smiled faintly, and stood up. Shakily, he mounted, and suddenly stared back to where he previously was.
Lu Xun's hat.
Jumping off his rather confused steed, he slowly bent down to pick up the elaborate bloodstained garment.
Oh God... Lu Xun, please forgive me...
It's all my fault...
He walked back to his horse.
Please... Be alright...
**********
A/N: How was it? Cheesy? Well sorry if it was really bad... ^^;; *sigh* And yes, lil' Gan Ning has been... looking at Lu Xun for quite a long time before... so yes! ^^;; And yes, it was also kinda weird... I'd have to admit that... But please R&R anyway! And no, this isn't a one shot... it's kinda weird, but alot of people always think that my works are one shots... hmm... Anyhoo...
--Natsue Arishima
Note: The user Animatized is a writing duo between me, Natsue Arishima, and Kimiko Hiraki. However, Kimi won't be participating much in this... *sniff* I know, it's sad... *cough* Anyhoo, moving on...
Innocence
By Natsue Arishima
Chapter One: Dead or Alive
Crimson.
That was all he saw.
That was all he knew.
As warm, fresh blood poured over his arms, the man pulled back. A bloodstained blade lay in his hands, and his opponent groaned, falling onto his knees. Staring up at his superior, he glared, his eyes full of venom. Slowly, he bent over, his form hitting the ground. The struggling slowly ceased, and the form was still.
Gan Ning spun around, slashing behind him. The air was full of yells... screams... as many others lost their lives. And yet he smiled through it all, the grin always plastered firmly onto his face.
He was a pirate. He was Gan Ning. Always cheerful, always happy.
Lies.
All lies.
And yet, during battles, he fitted in perfectly. It was like a dance, a perfect, synchronized dance. One small mistake could ruin and cause death and despair.
It wasn't like the battles written on scrolls. This was much more different. Everything was real, from the smallest fleck of blood to the lifeless body of the dead. No one knew how long they would last. The uncertainty of it unnerved him.
He hated it.
And yet, that was how he lived. That was what he expected. He was willing to take that risk.
It was crazy, and he knew it. But it was the only thing that could distract his mind. It was the only thing that could make him sometimes believe that he was truly happy.
And the only other times were with...
He shook his head. Don't go there. Lu Xun doesn't even know...
We're friends... only friends...
Smirking, he leapt over his dead enemies towards a group of huddled soldiers, all with identical looks of fright on their faces.
"Hey boys..." he whispered, his face calm and light-hearted as he slowly killed them off, one by one. Their eyes were wide as they continued staring lifelessly towards their cheerful killer. The dying cries around him softened as blood splattered onto the ground.
The last man fell forward, into the pirate's arms, and the man automatically caught him. Raising an eyebrow underneath the spiky hair, Gan Ning examined the empty eyes. He sighed, before lowering the dead onto the ground.
Licking his lips, his bronze-colored eyes scanned the battle. Callused hands tightened around the handle of Sea Master.
"Now, who's next?"
~*~
His blood ran cold as his opponent fell. He jerked around, eyes wide with shock under the spiky brown bangs.
The cries sounded so familiar... He knew that voice. He could recognize it anywhere.
Could it be...
No... it couldn't be. He wouldn't be that foolhardy... Yes... there it was again... The desperation and need of it sent shivers down his spine. Wiping the blood off of his face with his sleeve, Gan Ning continued slashing, listening intently.
Another cry of help echoed throughout the trees. The fighting seemed to stop - seemed to freeze with the yell.
And then he knew.
No... no no no... Please... no...
His desperation overtook him for a few seconds, before the usual smile found its way to his face. "Later then," he murmured, winking at the remaining, shaking men. "I've some business."
Muscles flexing, he swung his sword over his shoulder and took off, eyes narrowed against the wind. The faint thumping of his footsteps soon faded away.
~*~
Running... running...
The trees flashed past him, as he wound his way through the empty forest. It was silent here... so completely quiet that he could hear the silence. The unearthly buzzing filled his ears, and he shook his head, tripping slightly.
His breath caught up in his chest. The knot wouldn't untie. The hem of his pants snagged on a branch and ripped. Heaving, he paused for a moment, bending over and with his hands on his tired legs.
No... Can't stop now...
Slowly, he forced himself up, and staggered forwards.
Almost out...
The trees were thinning. Light pierced through the emerald leaves, creating a last canopy of peaceful, olive shade.
Bursting out of the trees, he spotted a horse a few feet away, with arrows in its side and unmistakably dead. The smooth gray coat was clotted with dried blood, and something about it stirred faint recognition.
Lu Xun's horse...?
And then, the world seemed to stop as his eyes spotted...
A younger man, with light brown hair and golden eyes, crouched down in a small puddle of blood. The serene face was twisted in pain, the two hands empty of their usual swords. A red hat was alone on the ground, the golden lining unseen under the thick coating of crimson.
"No... God no..."
He was hardly aware of the fighting around him. The shrieks of battle were distant to him. Blades cut into him, blood poured over him, and yet he couldn't feel anything.
Rushing forward, he pushed his way past the few remainders of the young strategist's bodyguards and came to a stop in front of the younger man. Slowly, the pirate fell to his knees, and suddenly didn't know what to do.
Lu Xun wearily raised his face to the pirate's. The golden eyes flicked, the usual brightness of them gone. They were dull now, with not a single flicker of light.
The eyes of the dead...
He smiled weakly. A small trickle of blood crept from the corner of his mouth. "Gan Ning..." he managed to whisper. His young voice seemed frail, fragile. It was so soft...
Gan Ning bit his lip, eyes starting to blur. He pulled the younger boy to him, embracing Lu Xun into strong, warm arms. Why was he so light? He was nearly weightless... No one should be like this...
Lu Xun bent over suddenly, coughing. Both hands went up to his mouth, but couldn't stop the splatter of blood. Gan Ning suddenly noticed the huge gash in his stomach. The thick flow of scarlet didn't seem to be stopping...
Oh please...
He was suddenly aware of footsteps, and the faint hollers of Sun Ce echoed through the background. Wei was retreating, it seemed... The strategist rested his head on Gan Ning's chest, his golden eyes closed. His breath seemed to be becoming harder... more desperate...
Damn them...
He buried his face into Lu Xun's soft light brown hair. It was so smooth... He could touch it forever.
He hated himself. At the time that Lu Xun needed help the most...
I wasn't there... He wasn't... This isn't real...
This isn't REAL!
This isn't happening...
"Lu Xun..." He looked down, and gently brushed Lu Xun's pale cheek, wiping away the blood. "I'm so sorry..."
Why is he so cold...?
His already weak voice was faltering. His breath was coming in gasps, and he managed a faint chuckle. "No... I'm... s-sorry... Forgive me...?"
Stop it. Stop it! STOP IT!
"God dammit... shut up... shut up!" Gan Ning shook his head furiously, forcing back the tears. "Shut it! Just - no! Keep your eyes open! Stop it!" He pulled the young man closer. "Please..." he whispered, his voice clogged and muffled in the soft golden brown hair. "Stay awake..."
Behind him, he could hear hoofbeats, and Wu hollers of victory.
SHUT UP! ALL OF YOU!
The noise was fading. He wanted to call to them... yell to the oblivious idiots...
His angel was dying...
Somebody! Help him!
Silent screams ran through him. His voice didn't seem to want to speak. Lu Xun gave a ragged breath, slowly looking up through dark lashes at his friend.
Gan Ning swallowed, tears streaming soundlessly down his face. He tangled his fingers into Lu Xun's own hand, clenching down hard.
The strategist weakly brought up his free arm and placed a slim, cold finger onto Gan Ning's lips.
"Shh... D-don't cry..." The golden eyed boy smiled softly, biting back his own tears.
Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! His whole body trembled, shaking madly out of both fear and sorrow. "Who the hell did this to you!?"
Lu Xun didn't reply, his eyes shutting closed.
"No! Awake! Dammit... awake..." His remaining words disappeared, replaced by tears. Please! Stay awake! Please! For me!
He felt a hand on his shoulder and suddenly stiffened. Looking up, tear stained, he was surprised to see the scarred face of Zhou Tai. The previous pirate captain smiled sadly at him, and shook his head, looking at Lu Xun.
Not dead... Never dead...
Zhou Tai stood up and pointed over his back. "They're getting a horse for you. We're going back."
And with that, he turned and walked away, his cloak whipping at the breeze.
No... I'm not leaving...
I won't leave.
His hands wouldn't stop trembling, and yet, as Zhou Yu came by with a gray stallion, Gan Ning ignored him. The older strategist stared at them quietly before whispering. "Gan Ning. It's time to go." His voice was slightly weak.
What about...?
"Lu Xun's going to need medical care. We need to take him now, or it will be too late..."
He didn't need to finish his sentence.
Hopelessly, Gan Ning sat motionless as Lu Xun was taken from his arms. His tears almost started again, but he bit down in his lip, his fists clenched. Blood slid down his wrists.
"We'll be waiting for you. Take your time," Zhou Yu whispered, mounting his own horse. Flanked by five others, they carefully carried Lu Xun back to camp.
His horse whinnied at him, nuzzling his hair. Gan Ning smiled faintly, and stood up. Shakily, he mounted, and suddenly stared back to where he previously was.
Lu Xun's hat.
Jumping off his rather confused steed, he slowly bent down to pick up the elaborate bloodstained garment.
Oh God... Lu Xun, please forgive me...
It's all my fault...
He walked back to his horse.
Please... Be alright...
**********
A/N: How was it? Cheesy? Well sorry if it was really bad... ^^;; *sigh* And yes, lil' Gan Ning has been... looking at Lu Xun for quite a long time before... so yes! ^^;; And yes, it was also kinda weird... I'd have to admit that... But please R&R anyway! And no, this isn't a one shot... it's kinda weird, but alot of people always think that my works are one shots... hmm... Anyhoo...
--Natsue Arishima
