Forbidden Dreams
By Natsue Arishima
Chapter Two: Emotions Unfold
Jiang Wei slowly opened his dark brown eyes. Blinking several times, he slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position.
The sun was just rising. Delicate colors of orange and red poured gently through the gaps in the cloth shades and onto the slightly messy bed. Jiang Wei yawned, closing his eyes as the soothing colors washed over his face, the first breath of the day.
Slipping his legs over the edge of the bed, he stood up, opening his window. The sun was there, ready to greet him. The grounds were sparkling as the light slowly expanded its reign and was reflected off the many dewdrops.
One by one, the birds awoke, and soon a faint singing chorus could be heard as they stretched out their wings and chirped.
The young strategist smiled, breathing deeply. This was the time of day that he liked the most.
Shutting his eyes hard, he could almost imagine that he was back in Tian Shui. Strangely enough, his memory seemed slightly chopped. He couldn't even remember where his favorite spot had used to be.
No matter. Jiang Wei shook his head, opening his big eyes and blinking at the Shu territory before him. The memories of Wei still made him grieve quietly... There was Cao Cao, smiling in his mind's eye... The beautiful Zhen Ji, dancing gracefully... Xiahou Dun was sparring with Dian Wei, whom was laughing slightly... Zhang He was at Cao Cao's side, still wearing his shoulder armor...
Among all of these memories, Jiang Wei felt his heart clench. And then his mind's eye fell onto dark purple fabric, twisting and forming an elegant robe. A dark, outlined eye pierced the day... A faint chuckle as a hand waved a dark feathered fan lightly...
And Jiang Wei knew that most of all, he missed...
Him.
It seemed strange that a master and apprentice could get so close, along with all of their differences, but Jiang Wei had slowly grown feelings for the brilliant Sima Yi. And now... with the knowledge that he would have to fight his lover one day, Jiang Wei couldn't feel any more depressed.
Shu was a wonderful kingdom, yes, but it still wasn't the kingdom of Wei.
Sima Yi wasn't in it.
Besides that fact, there was one more thing that he hated.
That girl.
That annoying, brown haired girl.
What was her name again? Oh yes... wasn't it something like... Mei Hua?
Her personality could really make a person sick.
And recently, she seemed to have developed the fact that she and Jiang Wei had something, and so spent so much of her day chasing after him.
He sighed, reaching for his battle outfit. Though he knew that he should probably be with Zhuge Liang, he desperately wanted some time for practice. It often cleared his mind.
Grabbing his spear, Blink, he walked out his room, pulling up his hair in the process.
Heading towards the practice grounds, he was surprised to already hear weapon clashes.
It seemed as if he wasn't the only early riser in this kingdom.
He debated with himself in the hall whether or not he should still practice. His curiosity got the better of him and he continued his course towards the practice field.
The clashing sounds grew louder, and he thought he heard a familiar voice usher a quiet curse. Turning the corner of Cheng Du, his eyes adjusted to the two officers on the otherwise quiet ground, sparring.
They were two of the top three Tiger Generals - Guan Yu and Zhao Yun.
Jiang Wei watched the duel in fascination. He had rarely seen fights like this one, where the two people were equally balanced in different talents. Guan Yu was definitely stronger but his speed was nothing compared to Zhao Yun's.
Neither of them were wearing their battle garb, and instead were wearing regular clothing with not a single piece of armor.
Leaning against a nearby tree and resting Blink on his shoulder, Jiang Wei examined the moves of both warriors.
Guan Yu lunged forward, sending his Blue Moon Dragon upward. Dodging the tossing attack, Zhao Yun slipped easily behind the older officer and attempted a dangerous swipe with his Fierce Dragon.
The bearded man quickly brought his weapon back in perfect timing, his automatic defense taking over him. The two officers ended in a deadlock.
Judging by Guan Yu's face, Jiang Wei assumed that the bearded man was holding back, yes, but only slightly, for when Zhao Yun won the cessation, the older man's eyes widened in surprise.
Guan Yu was thrown back into a vulnerable position, but instead of attacking, Zhao Yun waited until the strongest of the Tiger General's was back on his feet.
"What's this?" the man asked, his deep voice slightly perplexed.
Readjusting his green band, the other replied, "One more."
Smiling faintly, the Little Dragon parried as a confused but satisfied Guan Yu sent slashes at him, eyes darting from side to side to find a weak spot.
Zhao Yun suddenly swung his spear, at the same time Guan Yu sent his Blue Moon Dragon forward for a fatal blow, and they both froze inches away from their target.
Fierce Dragon stayed motionless, it's blade glinting a few centimeters away from Guan Yu's left leg. Guan Yu's weapon rested quietly in the crook of Zhao Yun's neck. A small trickle of blood slid down from the younger man's jaw line, but besides that, no harm was done.
They remained unmoved for a few minutes before Guan Yu lowered his weapon. "You have improved greatly. I rarely need to use my full strength on opponents."
Zhao Yun swung his spear over his shoulder and rubbed his neck. "You still remain unbeatable, General Guan Yu."
The older man's eyes crinkled into a smile. "I must get inside. I have already promised Liu Bei to go to Zhuge Liang's meeting."
Zhao Yun nodded, his hand slowing lowering from his cut. "I will not be there."
After Guan Yu departed, Zhao Yun stretched, yawning and staring up at the sky, where the sun now was.
Jiang Wei found himself entranced by the other male, his eyes never leaving his body. The wind started whipping up, pressing Zhao Yun's shirt into his muscular frame. Jiang Wei couldn't help but stare. The only one that had made him feel this way before was Sima Yi, and Jiang Wei was surprised by the fact that the brilliant strategist's face was slowly turning into the Little Dragon.
He had heard of the great Tiger Generals of Shu. Their courage and strength sent him into awe, and yet he had always wanted to meet them, even if it meant to give up his life. And most of all, he had heard of the legendary Little Dragon, of whom was one Shu's greatest supporters. His bravery was, in no doubt, unbeatable, and many of his surviving opponents spent days after battle still shivering in fear.
Feeling eyes pressed into his back, Zhao Yun turned, still shouldering his Fierce Dragon. His expression became a mix of delight and surprise. "Jiang Wei! I didn't expect you to be here. Shouldn't you be going through a battle plan with Master Zhuge Liang?"
Jiang Wei smiled sheepishly, stepping away from the tree. "I wasn't in the correct mood."
The Little Dragon raised an eyebrow. "Did you do this to your previous master, if you don't mind me asking?"
The young genius was suddenly looking towards his feet. "Sima Yi was very, very different." He trailed off, and then catching the strange look on Zhao Yun's face, added quickly, "But the Prime Minister is also extremely clever. In fact, I take pride that I may become the pupil of the greatest mastermind in this age."
Zhao Yun stared at Jiang Wei for a few more seconds before shrugging. Jiang Wei must have thought that he had been offended, but the truth was that Zhao Yun had noticed the way the younger boy had mentioned his previous master. Had there been something between them?
He cleared his throat, and noticed Jiang Wei's spear. A smile crossed his face as he swung his own spear off his shoulder. "Fancy a duel?"
Jiang Wei opened his mouth to protest, but he couldn't think of any excuses at the moment. Instead, he accepted nervously, fingering his weapon.
Walking up, closer to his opponent, Jiang Wei looked uncertainly at him. Zhao Yun nodded, and after a moments decision, the young mastermind lunged forward.
Zhao Yun brought up his spear automatically up to his face, and had to once again marvel at the strength Jiang Wei had. His face was screwed up in concentration, doing various slashes, and Zhao Yun found himself wincing as he blocked repetitively.
Eyes widened as Jiang Wei suddenly shoved his spear upward. Only used to Guan Yu pulling this move, Zhao Yun cleared it only just. Flipping backwards and hearing the hiss of Blink underneath him, the Tiger General landed a few feet away, smiling softly.
"It seems that I have made a mistake in underestimating your skill."
Jiang Wei turned slightly pink, still breathless.
"I'm sorry -"
"It's fine." Tucking a wild strand of loose hair behind his ear, Zhao Yun held out his Fierce Dragon. "Be ready," he whispered before lunging forward.
His speed was deadly. Jiang Wei ushered a faint gasp as Blink was thrown into the air and at the same time, he felt the tip of Fierce Dragon nick a cut in the palm of his hand.
Zhao Yun dropped his weapon immediately, his clear, green eyes once again widening in shock. Moving without thinking, he gently took hold of Jiang Wei's hand and examined it. The blood was oozing out slowly, and kneeling down, the Tiger General quickly ripped off a strip of his shirt and tied it carefully around Jiang Wei's slightly smaller hand.
Holding the hand unnecessarily tight for a moment and still on his knees, Zhao Yun suddenly realized what he was doing and looked up uncertainly at Jiang Wei. The young strategist's face was a steady shade of pink, and Zhao Yun felt a faint blush creep up onto his own tan face.
He stood up, still holding Jiang Wei's hand, and stared down into his face. Jiang Wei stared back in fascination, sinking deep into the green orbs. They were the color of green that you could never describe - grass green but not, with small hints of teal. He found himself lost, drifting around in a perfect, spacious world...
A yell suddenly came from inside Cheng Du and Zhao Yun dropped his hands immediately, turning away.
Shaking himself back into the real world, Jiang Wei watched the other leave, his voice suddenly clogged in his throat.
**********
A/N: Second chapter up! This is not a one-shot! Well? How was it? I know the pairing Jiang Wei and Sima Yi seems a bit weird, but no one else from the Wei kingdom fitted properly. And yes, you did read the summary right, this IS a Zhao Yun and Jiang Wei fic, don't worry. Oh, and I know that Zhao Yun's eyes aren't really suppose to be green, but I've always imagined them that way so, yeah. Well, R&R!
--Natsue Arishima
By Natsue Arishima
Chapter Two: Emotions Unfold
Jiang Wei slowly opened his dark brown eyes. Blinking several times, he slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position.
The sun was just rising. Delicate colors of orange and red poured gently through the gaps in the cloth shades and onto the slightly messy bed. Jiang Wei yawned, closing his eyes as the soothing colors washed over his face, the first breath of the day.
Slipping his legs over the edge of the bed, he stood up, opening his window. The sun was there, ready to greet him. The grounds were sparkling as the light slowly expanded its reign and was reflected off the many dewdrops.
One by one, the birds awoke, and soon a faint singing chorus could be heard as they stretched out their wings and chirped.
The young strategist smiled, breathing deeply. This was the time of day that he liked the most.
Shutting his eyes hard, he could almost imagine that he was back in Tian Shui. Strangely enough, his memory seemed slightly chopped. He couldn't even remember where his favorite spot had used to be.
No matter. Jiang Wei shook his head, opening his big eyes and blinking at the Shu territory before him. The memories of Wei still made him grieve quietly... There was Cao Cao, smiling in his mind's eye... The beautiful Zhen Ji, dancing gracefully... Xiahou Dun was sparring with Dian Wei, whom was laughing slightly... Zhang He was at Cao Cao's side, still wearing his shoulder armor...
Among all of these memories, Jiang Wei felt his heart clench. And then his mind's eye fell onto dark purple fabric, twisting and forming an elegant robe. A dark, outlined eye pierced the day... A faint chuckle as a hand waved a dark feathered fan lightly...
And Jiang Wei knew that most of all, he missed...
Him.
It seemed strange that a master and apprentice could get so close, along with all of their differences, but Jiang Wei had slowly grown feelings for the brilliant Sima Yi. And now... with the knowledge that he would have to fight his lover one day, Jiang Wei couldn't feel any more depressed.
Shu was a wonderful kingdom, yes, but it still wasn't the kingdom of Wei.
Sima Yi wasn't in it.
Besides that fact, there was one more thing that he hated.
That girl.
That annoying, brown haired girl.
What was her name again? Oh yes... wasn't it something like... Mei Hua?
Her personality could really make a person sick.
And recently, she seemed to have developed the fact that she and Jiang Wei had something, and so spent so much of her day chasing after him.
He sighed, reaching for his battle outfit. Though he knew that he should probably be with Zhuge Liang, he desperately wanted some time for practice. It often cleared his mind.
Grabbing his spear, Blink, he walked out his room, pulling up his hair in the process.
Heading towards the practice grounds, he was surprised to already hear weapon clashes.
It seemed as if he wasn't the only early riser in this kingdom.
He debated with himself in the hall whether or not he should still practice. His curiosity got the better of him and he continued his course towards the practice field.
The clashing sounds grew louder, and he thought he heard a familiar voice usher a quiet curse. Turning the corner of Cheng Du, his eyes adjusted to the two officers on the otherwise quiet ground, sparring.
They were two of the top three Tiger Generals - Guan Yu and Zhao Yun.
Jiang Wei watched the duel in fascination. He had rarely seen fights like this one, where the two people were equally balanced in different talents. Guan Yu was definitely stronger but his speed was nothing compared to Zhao Yun's.
Neither of them were wearing their battle garb, and instead were wearing regular clothing with not a single piece of armor.
Leaning against a nearby tree and resting Blink on his shoulder, Jiang Wei examined the moves of both warriors.
Guan Yu lunged forward, sending his Blue Moon Dragon upward. Dodging the tossing attack, Zhao Yun slipped easily behind the older officer and attempted a dangerous swipe with his Fierce Dragon.
The bearded man quickly brought his weapon back in perfect timing, his automatic defense taking over him. The two officers ended in a deadlock.
Judging by Guan Yu's face, Jiang Wei assumed that the bearded man was holding back, yes, but only slightly, for when Zhao Yun won the cessation, the older man's eyes widened in surprise.
Guan Yu was thrown back into a vulnerable position, but instead of attacking, Zhao Yun waited until the strongest of the Tiger General's was back on his feet.
"What's this?" the man asked, his deep voice slightly perplexed.
Readjusting his green band, the other replied, "One more."
Smiling faintly, the Little Dragon parried as a confused but satisfied Guan Yu sent slashes at him, eyes darting from side to side to find a weak spot.
Zhao Yun suddenly swung his spear, at the same time Guan Yu sent his Blue Moon Dragon forward for a fatal blow, and they both froze inches away from their target.
Fierce Dragon stayed motionless, it's blade glinting a few centimeters away from Guan Yu's left leg. Guan Yu's weapon rested quietly in the crook of Zhao Yun's neck. A small trickle of blood slid down from the younger man's jaw line, but besides that, no harm was done.
They remained unmoved for a few minutes before Guan Yu lowered his weapon. "You have improved greatly. I rarely need to use my full strength on opponents."
Zhao Yun swung his spear over his shoulder and rubbed his neck. "You still remain unbeatable, General Guan Yu."
The older man's eyes crinkled into a smile. "I must get inside. I have already promised Liu Bei to go to Zhuge Liang's meeting."
Zhao Yun nodded, his hand slowing lowering from his cut. "I will not be there."
After Guan Yu departed, Zhao Yun stretched, yawning and staring up at the sky, where the sun now was.
Jiang Wei found himself entranced by the other male, his eyes never leaving his body. The wind started whipping up, pressing Zhao Yun's shirt into his muscular frame. Jiang Wei couldn't help but stare. The only one that had made him feel this way before was Sima Yi, and Jiang Wei was surprised by the fact that the brilliant strategist's face was slowly turning into the Little Dragon.
He had heard of the great Tiger Generals of Shu. Their courage and strength sent him into awe, and yet he had always wanted to meet them, even if it meant to give up his life. And most of all, he had heard of the legendary Little Dragon, of whom was one Shu's greatest supporters. His bravery was, in no doubt, unbeatable, and many of his surviving opponents spent days after battle still shivering in fear.
Feeling eyes pressed into his back, Zhao Yun turned, still shouldering his Fierce Dragon. His expression became a mix of delight and surprise. "Jiang Wei! I didn't expect you to be here. Shouldn't you be going through a battle plan with Master Zhuge Liang?"
Jiang Wei smiled sheepishly, stepping away from the tree. "I wasn't in the correct mood."
The Little Dragon raised an eyebrow. "Did you do this to your previous master, if you don't mind me asking?"
The young genius was suddenly looking towards his feet. "Sima Yi was very, very different." He trailed off, and then catching the strange look on Zhao Yun's face, added quickly, "But the Prime Minister is also extremely clever. In fact, I take pride that I may become the pupil of the greatest mastermind in this age."
Zhao Yun stared at Jiang Wei for a few more seconds before shrugging. Jiang Wei must have thought that he had been offended, but the truth was that Zhao Yun had noticed the way the younger boy had mentioned his previous master. Had there been something between them?
He cleared his throat, and noticed Jiang Wei's spear. A smile crossed his face as he swung his own spear off his shoulder. "Fancy a duel?"
Jiang Wei opened his mouth to protest, but he couldn't think of any excuses at the moment. Instead, he accepted nervously, fingering his weapon.
Walking up, closer to his opponent, Jiang Wei looked uncertainly at him. Zhao Yun nodded, and after a moments decision, the young mastermind lunged forward.
Zhao Yun brought up his spear automatically up to his face, and had to once again marvel at the strength Jiang Wei had. His face was screwed up in concentration, doing various slashes, and Zhao Yun found himself wincing as he blocked repetitively.
Eyes widened as Jiang Wei suddenly shoved his spear upward. Only used to Guan Yu pulling this move, Zhao Yun cleared it only just. Flipping backwards and hearing the hiss of Blink underneath him, the Tiger General landed a few feet away, smiling softly.
"It seems that I have made a mistake in underestimating your skill."
Jiang Wei turned slightly pink, still breathless.
"I'm sorry -"
"It's fine." Tucking a wild strand of loose hair behind his ear, Zhao Yun held out his Fierce Dragon. "Be ready," he whispered before lunging forward.
His speed was deadly. Jiang Wei ushered a faint gasp as Blink was thrown into the air and at the same time, he felt the tip of Fierce Dragon nick a cut in the palm of his hand.
Zhao Yun dropped his weapon immediately, his clear, green eyes once again widening in shock. Moving without thinking, he gently took hold of Jiang Wei's hand and examined it. The blood was oozing out slowly, and kneeling down, the Tiger General quickly ripped off a strip of his shirt and tied it carefully around Jiang Wei's slightly smaller hand.
Holding the hand unnecessarily tight for a moment and still on his knees, Zhao Yun suddenly realized what he was doing and looked up uncertainly at Jiang Wei. The young strategist's face was a steady shade of pink, and Zhao Yun felt a faint blush creep up onto his own tan face.
He stood up, still holding Jiang Wei's hand, and stared down into his face. Jiang Wei stared back in fascination, sinking deep into the green orbs. They were the color of green that you could never describe - grass green but not, with small hints of teal. He found himself lost, drifting around in a perfect, spacious world...
A yell suddenly came from inside Cheng Du and Zhao Yun dropped his hands immediately, turning away.
Shaking himself back into the real world, Jiang Wei watched the other leave, his voice suddenly clogged in his throat.
**********
A/N: Second chapter up! This is not a one-shot! Well? How was it? I know the pairing Jiang Wei and Sima Yi seems a bit weird, but no one else from the Wei kingdom fitted properly. And yes, you did read the summary right, this IS a Zhao Yun and Jiang Wei fic, don't worry. Oh, and I know that Zhao Yun's eyes aren't really suppose to be green, but I've always imagined them that way so, yeah. Well, R&R!
--Natsue Arishima