Forbidden Dreams
By Natsue Arishima
Chapter Seven: Surrounded
Exquisite, green eyes closed as the officer sighed. He handled his spear, the slender and yet strong fingers running along the curving, dangerous blade.
There was a strange and yet innocent, peaceful feeling in the air. Many of the other men had relaxed, spending the days in lazy enjoyment, or challenging each other to friendly duels.
He lowered his face, examining his weapon more closely. Dark, smooth bangs drifted across his face, and the long, shining hair that had not been bothered to be tied back had fallen over his strong shoulders.
A young strategist sat across from him, clothed in comfortable, casual green silk. He was a bit small and more slim, less muscular. Numerous scrolls lay before him, and his soft brown eyes, hidden underneath long lashes, skated back and forth as he skimmed a new one. A single strand of dark hair fell in front of his face, and he smiled faintly before tucking it behind his ear.
Zhao Yun let his eyes wander away from Fierce Dragon and onto Jiang Wei's figure. The boy was so pure, like an angel from the heavens.
He was perfect.
Feeling eyes on the back of his head, Jiang Wei slowly looked up from his scroll. Brown orbs gazed into green.
Jiang Wei grinned, his cute face lighting up. Wordlessly, he gathered ups his belongings and scurried over to Zhao Yun, who didn't comment and immediately scooted over to give the younger boy some room.
Settling himself down, Jiang Wei rested his head on Zhao Yun's shoulder, sighed contentedly, before he returned back to his reading.
The Tiger General gently placed his arm around his lover's smaller body, looking deeply into the sweet, and yet complex face.
Jiang Wei smiled again, and tilted his head.
Their lips brushed.
The comfortable silence stretched on.
Not a word was said, but voices weren't needed.
*~*~*
Golden eyes slowly opened as the young boy stared up at the clear, blue sky. His slightly disobedient, light brown hair blew about in his face as small breezes past him, looking as feminine as many of the other women in the city.
He cleared his throat slightly. A red and gold hat was held in his slim hands, which were placed on his chest as he lay on his back, eyes lost high up in the clouds.
The playful pirate yawned loudly, and blinked as he realized where his was. Cool, green grass brushed his bare, firm stomach and he could feel weight on his back. He crossed his arms and rested his head on them, his brown eyes staring at the pretty boy.
His keen eyes could see the outline of Sea Master against the trunk of a nearby weeping willow, its long, grassy branches swaying gently with the wind.
Lu Xun didn't move from his position, head on Gan Ning's back as one would do to a pillow. "You're awake."
Gan Ning scoffed. "Yeah, I guess so," he drawled, scratching his spiky hair with a drowsy finger. "Woulda slept longer too if I hadn't felt something on my back."
Lu Xun grinned, turning onto his side to face his friend. "You looked so comfortable that I couldn't resist. And it seemed as if I was right, wasn't I? For that was a nice nap..."
The pirate pretended to be annoyed, but couldn't hide his usual, teasing smile. His close friend stretched before pushing himself up into a sitting position. His old Wu outfit was slightly crinkled from the small rest, and Gan Ning knew that he wasn't much better off.
Gan Ning flipped up, landing on his feet and brushing the grass off of his pants. Lu Xun looked up, amused, at him. "You seem strangely refreshed."
The pyro received a wink.
Instead of his usual grin back, the former Wu strategist sighed. "I wanted to talk to you."
"Yeah?" asked Gan Ning carelessly, turning to grab his Sea Master. "Doesn't happen to have anything about dueling, does it? Then sure, I'll fight with you!"
He whipped around, his sword held in his hands. Lu Xun raised an eyebrow, his golden eyes joyful. Then he shook his head, becoming more serious. "I'm just... so unsure..."
Gan Ning blinked, and then sighed, sinking back to the ground. His close friend usually had times like these, in where he just needed someone to talk too, and it was usually Gan Ning who ended up comforting him. "'Bout what?"
He fingered his hat, tracing the gold lining absentmindedly. His eyes were once again towards the sky. "After Wu's defeat..." he cleared his throat, trying to rid the memory. "I just... I'm lost, Gan Ning. I have no idea about what to do. I've talked to Sun Ce, that maybe we could start over but..."
He turned his gaze onto his friend. "Do you think we should continue fighting with Shu? Does this feel right to you?"
Gan Ning raised both eyebrows. "You think too much. Things are so complicated for you. Can't you just accept it?"
Lu Xun frowned. He reached out pale, long fingers towards a willow branch. "I guess you're right... We're with Shu now..." But his voice was still slightly leaden.
Gan Ning grinned, hoisting his sword over his shoulders. The muscles in his bare, tattooed arms flexed. "Now, how about a few nice practices?"
His companion sighed, grinning, and also got up.
*~*~*
Jiang Wei paced through the city, not paying the least amount of attention to where he was going. He idly brushed his hair out of his eyes, waving at a passerby.
He remembered the first few weeks that he had been here. Everyone had avoided him, calling him stupid, troublesome, behind his back. Zhuge Liang had often been with him, showing his the sites, introducing him to some people...
His mind flicked back to that day at Tian Shui. He could still remember it as if it was yesterday...
The wind howled roughly, like ravaging, wild wolves. Bare branches whipped, clawing at him, and all the time as if screaming, "You've failed... You've failed..."
His two sub-officers lay dead at his feet. Their faces were clotted with blood, the once moving hands motionless. His eyes slowly filled with angry tears. Outrage burst from within him. He didn't care anymore... his mind was crazy, uncontrollable...
Sima Yi's words during his visit the previous day swirled in his mind. "You worthless scum! You're cowardice will surely kill you one day, and don't expect me to be there!"
The young officer gritted his teeth, his hands clenched.
Just watch me Sima Yi... I'll kill them all...
Leaving the dead bodies, his horse whinnied, a magnificent, trumpeting around the clearing. Sweat pouring, muscles flexing, his steed flew down the rocky hill, towards the worn, wooden bridge.
His hands became dry as he saw two officers on the other side. His eyes were immediately attached onto the flash of a sharp, bloodstained blade - a spear...
Zhuge Liang urged his horse calmly forward as Jiang Wei approached. His voice carried passion, and without a single hint of fear.
Jiang Wei secretly admired this bravery.
"My son..." Zhuge Liang murmured. "Join us, will you? Unless you wish for a pitiless death."
The genius tensed at these words. His horse reared. "Don't you dare look down on me!" Jiang Wei yelled.
The fierce man behind the Prime Minister shifted on his white steed, his eyes dark, but Zhuge Liang held up a hand, and the movement ceased.
"What do you fight for?" It was the same, soft voice. "Wei already regards you as a traitor."
"I didn't do anything! It wasn't me..." Jiang Wei hissed, his hands tightening on Blink.
"I'm sure..." Zhuge Liang smiled. "Of course it wasn't you. Never underestimate the power of Shu."
Before he knew what had happened, Jiang Wei had pushed his horse forward, his spear ready for the kill.
There was a clash of weaponry, and Jiang Wei felt his arm go numb. The man with the white horse had galloped out in front of his Prime Minister with incredible speed. His strength was powerful as well, and Jiang Wei felt a faint twinge of fear.
And yet he continued slashing wildly. All the anger that he had felt towards himself yesterday... after his lover's visit... he seemed to vent out towards the Tiger General. His dead sub-officers haunted him... "Kill... kill..."
Blink flew out of his hand and dug into the ground a few feet away.
And then he saw the eyes... Two, twin, glowing green orbs, shining out of the darkness. A fiery passion was hidden in the depths, currently covered by a silent rage.
Jiang Wei was rooted to the spot, unable to move. What was this power that held him here?
"Come..." Zhuge Liang murmured once again. "Come with us..."
Jiang Wei shook his head. What had that been about?
His feet had carried him towards the dark alleyways, where he didn't usually prowl. Shadows crept past him, like silent ghosts.
Missing the comfort of Blink, Jiang Wei hesitated. Something flashed across him, and he breathed in sharply. What had that been? A mere shadow...? Or... something else...?
He was getting nervous. Just leave... You're imagining things...
Turning around, he had walked a few paces until he definitely saw a figure in front of him.
No... it was more that one...
At least a dozen men stood blocking his path, armed and covered in black material. He swallowed.
Damn.
Turning around, he realized that he was surrounded. The dangerous men were behind him too.
And then they parted, allowing another man to walk through. Long, dark hair flowed around his shoulders. The moon glinted off a shining shoulder piece. Purple pants hugged his hips.
Zhang He.
The Wei general stared at his previous ally before speaking, his voice cold. "We would prefer it if you didn't struggle."
Jiang Wei swallowed. Zhao Yun immediately came to mind. The strategist grinned. "What else am I supposed to do then? Let you take me?"
Zhang He sighed. "If that is your answer..." He stared at Jiang Wei out of a dark, graceful eye before he swung up his hand. Instantly, the men surrounding him charged forward.
Ducking under a sword, Jiang Wei shot his fist up. His opponent staggered off, clutching his ribs. Another took his place, scythe flying.
Flipping over him, the strategist landed a few feet away. Clenching both fists, he was about to lunge when he saw, out of the corner of his eye, ten razor sharp claws aiming for his heart.
**********
A/N: *snicker* Yes, I'll just leave it like that. And, after many pleads, I might have some Gan Ning x Lu Xun. But their relationship will be developing SLOWLY! Anyhoo, R&R!
--Natsue Arishima
By Natsue Arishima
Chapter Seven: Surrounded
Exquisite, green eyes closed as the officer sighed. He handled his spear, the slender and yet strong fingers running along the curving, dangerous blade.
There was a strange and yet innocent, peaceful feeling in the air. Many of the other men had relaxed, spending the days in lazy enjoyment, or challenging each other to friendly duels.
He lowered his face, examining his weapon more closely. Dark, smooth bangs drifted across his face, and the long, shining hair that had not been bothered to be tied back had fallen over his strong shoulders.
A young strategist sat across from him, clothed in comfortable, casual green silk. He was a bit small and more slim, less muscular. Numerous scrolls lay before him, and his soft brown eyes, hidden underneath long lashes, skated back and forth as he skimmed a new one. A single strand of dark hair fell in front of his face, and he smiled faintly before tucking it behind his ear.
Zhao Yun let his eyes wander away from Fierce Dragon and onto Jiang Wei's figure. The boy was so pure, like an angel from the heavens.
He was perfect.
Feeling eyes on the back of his head, Jiang Wei slowly looked up from his scroll. Brown orbs gazed into green.
Jiang Wei grinned, his cute face lighting up. Wordlessly, he gathered ups his belongings and scurried over to Zhao Yun, who didn't comment and immediately scooted over to give the younger boy some room.
Settling himself down, Jiang Wei rested his head on Zhao Yun's shoulder, sighed contentedly, before he returned back to his reading.
The Tiger General gently placed his arm around his lover's smaller body, looking deeply into the sweet, and yet complex face.
Jiang Wei smiled again, and tilted his head.
Their lips brushed.
The comfortable silence stretched on.
Not a word was said, but voices weren't needed.
Golden eyes slowly opened as the young boy stared up at the clear, blue sky. His slightly disobedient, light brown hair blew about in his face as small breezes past him, looking as feminine as many of the other women in the city.
He cleared his throat slightly. A red and gold hat was held in his slim hands, which were placed on his chest as he lay on his back, eyes lost high up in the clouds.
The playful pirate yawned loudly, and blinked as he realized where his was. Cool, green grass brushed his bare, firm stomach and he could feel weight on his back. He crossed his arms and rested his head on them, his brown eyes staring at the pretty boy.
His keen eyes could see the outline of Sea Master against the trunk of a nearby weeping willow, its long, grassy branches swaying gently with the wind.
Lu Xun didn't move from his position, head on Gan Ning's back as one would do to a pillow. "You're awake."
Gan Ning scoffed. "Yeah, I guess so," he drawled, scratching his spiky hair with a drowsy finger. "Woulda slept longer too if I hadn't felt something on my back."
Lu Xun grinned, turning onto his side to face his friend. "You looked so comfortable that I couldn't resist. And it seemed as if I was right, wasn't I? For that was a nice nap..."
The pirate pretended to be annoyed, but couldn't hide his usual, teasing smile. His close friend stretched before pushing himself up into a sitting position. His old Wu outfit was slightly crinkled from the small rest, and Gan Ning knew that he wasn't much better off.
Gan Ning flipped up, landing on his feet and brushing the grass off of his pants. Lu Xun looked up, amused, at him. "You seem strangely refreshed."
The pyro received a wink.
Instead of his usual grin back, the former Wu strategist sighed. "I wanted to talk to you."
"Yeah?" asked Gan Ning carelessly, turning to grab his Sea Master. "Doesn't happen to have anything about dueling, does it? Then sure, I'll fight with you!"
He whipped around, his sword held in his hands. Lu Xun raised an eyebrow, his golden eyes joyful. Then he shook his head, becoming more serious. "I'm just... so unsure..."
Gan Ning blinked, and then sighed, sinking back to the ground. His close friend usually had times like these, in where he just needed someone to talk too, and it was usually Gan Ning who ended up comforting him. "'Bout what?"
He fingered his hat, tracing the gold lining absentmindedly. His eyes were once again towards the sky. "After Wu's defeat..." he cleared his throat, trying to rid the memory. "I just... I'm lost, Gan Ning. I have no idea about what to do. I've talked to Sun Ce, that maybe we could start over but..."
He turned his gaze onto his friend. "Do you think we should continue fighting with Shu? Does this feel right to you?"
Gan Ning raised both eyebrows. "You think too much. Things are so complicated for you. Can't you just accept it?"
Lu Xun frowned. He reached out pale, long fingers towards a willow branch. "I guess you're right... We're with Shu now..." But his voice was still slightly leaden.
Gan Ning grinned, hoisting his sword over his shoulders. The muscles in his bare, tattooed arms flexed. "Now, how about a few nice practices?"
His companion sighed, grinning, and also got up.
Jiang Wei paced through the city, not paying the least amount of attention to where he was going. He idly brushed his hair out of his eyes, waving at a passerby.
He remembered the first few weeks that he had been here. Everyone had avoided him, calling him stupid, troublesome, behind his back. Zhuge Liang had often been with him, showing his the sites, introducing him to some people...
His mind flicked back to that day at Tian Shui. He could still remember it as if it was yesterday...
The wind howled roughly, like ravaging, wild wolves. Bare branches whipped, clawing at him, and all the time as if screaming, "You've failed... You've failed..."
His two sub-officers lay dead at his feet. Their faces were clotted with blood, the once moving hands motionless. His eyes slowly filled with angry tears. Outrage burst from within him. He didn't care anymore... his mind was crazy, uncontrollable...
Sima Yi's words during his visit the previous day swirled in his mind. "You worthless scum! You're cowardice will surely kill you one day, and don't expect me to be there!"
The young officer gritted his teeth, his hands clenched.
Just watch me Sima Yi... I'll kill them all...
Leaving the dead bodies, his horse whinnied, a magnificent, trumpeting around the clearing. Sweat pouring, muscles flexing, his steed flew down the rocky hill, towards the worn, wooden bridge.
His hands became dry as he saw two officers on the other side. His eyes were immediately attached onto the flash of a sharp, bloodstained blade - a spear...
Zhuge Liang urged his horse calmly forward as Jiang Wei approached. His voice carried passion, and without a single hint of fear.
Jiang Wei secretly admired this bravery.
"My son..." Zhuge Liang murmured. "Join us, will you? Unless you wish for a pitiless death."
The genius tensed at these words. His horse reared. "Don't you dare look down on me!" Jiang Wei yelled.
The fierce man behind the Prime Minister shifted on his white steed, his eyes dark, but Zhuge Liang held up a hand, and the movement ceased.
"What do you fight for?" It was the same, soft voice. "Wei already regards you as a traitor."
"I didn't do anything! It wasn't me..." Jiang Wei hissed, his hands tightening on Blink.
"I'm sure..." Zhuge Liang smiled. "Of course it wasn't you. Never underestimate the power of Shu."
Before he knew what had happened, Jiang Wei had pushed his horse forward, his spear ready for the kill.
There was a clash of weaponry, and Jiang Wei felt his arm go numb. The man with the white horse had galloped out in front of his Prime Minister with incredible speed. His strength was powerful as well, and Jiang Wei felt a faint twinge of fear.
And yet he continued slashing wildly. All the anger that he had felt towards himself yesterday... after his lover's visit... he seemed to vent out towards the Tiger General. His dead sub-officers haunted him... "Kill... kill..."
Blink flew out of his hand and dug into the ground a few feet away.
And then he saw the eyes... Two, twin, glowing green orbs, shining out of the darkness. A fiery passion was hidden in the depths, currently covered by a silent rage.
Jiang Wei was rooted to the spot, unable to move. What was this power that held him here?
"Come..." Zhuge Liang murmured once again. "Come with us..."
Jiang Wei shook his head. What had that been about?
His feet had carried him towards the dark alleyways, where he didn't usually prowl. Shadows crept past him, like silent ghosts.
Missing the comfort of Blink, Jiang Wei hesitated. Something flashed across him, and he breathed in sharply. What had that been? A mere shadow...? Or... something else...?
He was getting nervous. Just leave... You're imagining things...
Turning around, he had walked a few paces until he definitely saw a figure in front of him.
No... it was more that one...
At least a dozen men stood blocking his path, armed and covered in black material. He swallowed.
Damn.
Turning around, he realized that he was surrounded. The dangerous men were behind him too.
And then they parted, allowing another man to walk through. Long, dark hair flowed around his shoulders. The moon glinted off a shining shoulder piece. Purple pants hugged his hips.
Zhang He.
The Wei general stared at his previous ally before speaking, his voice cold. "We would prefer it if you didn't struggle."
Jiang Wei swallowed. Zhao Yun immediately came to mind. The strategist grinned. "What else am I supposed to do then? Let you take me?"
Zhang He sighed. "If that is your answer..." He stared at Jiang Wei out of a dark, graceful eye before he swung up his hand. Instantly, the men surrounding him charged forward.
Ducking under a sword, Jiang Wei shot his fist up. His opponent staggered off, clutching his ribs. Another took his place, scythe flying.
Flipping over him, the strategist landed a few feet away. Clenching both fists, he was about to lunge when he saw, out of the corner of his eye, ten razor sharp claws aiming for his heart.
**********
A/N: *snicker* Yes, I'll just leave it like that. And, after many pleads, I might have some Gan Ning x Lu Xun. But their relationship will be developing SLOWLY! Anyhoo, R&R!
--Natsue Arishima