Forbidden Dreams
By Natsue Arishima
Chapter Eleven: Xu Chang
He lifted his tired emerald eyes towards the distant Xu Chang. It seemed so far away… they would never get there.
Zhao Yun's eyes began to close. They had been riding for many days now, at Zhao Yun's urging, with little rest and short stops for food. Behind him, the other fierce and battle worn Shu officers stumbled along, nudging their horses and desperately fighting sleep.
His own white stallion nickered underneath him, and Zhao Yun started. His horse shook his head angrily, and the Little Dragon readjusted his position on his steed's back. After several moments, his horse snorted with satisfaction and continued his steady pace, as if glad that he had woken his master for a few minutes. The stallion seemed to have put the task on himself, and would whinny every few minutes to get Zhao Yun's sleep-clouded attention.
Shaking his dirty and matted black bangs out of his eyes, Zhao Yun started regretting his three nights without sleep. His horse was tired too, but held his head up proudly, sweat glistening on his once snowy colored hide.
The Little Dragon's mind fell upon Jiang Wei. His Jiang Wei. Those Wei bastards. They would pay. Zhao Yun's fists clenched around his horse's reins and he nudged the beast forward with a spurt of speed.
Behind him, his troops groaned. Liu Bei's Hex Mark was suddenly blocking the path, in front of Zhao Yun, who sighed and slowed his horse.
"There's no need for such haste," Liu Bei stated, his voice low and commanding. "We'll get there in time. Besides, what good is an army in battle if they are weak and hungry?"
Zhao Yun hung his head in defeat. His horse snorted, but the gray Hex Mark whinnied, rearing. The two animals stood glaring at each other, and then slowly, the white stallion averted its blue-eye gaze and turned away.
Another rider came galloping up toward them. Sun Shang Xiang nudged her horse next to Liu Bei's, a smile on her face. She had to admit, this whole Wu and Shu thing was nice. She had never thought that she would have ever seen Liu Bei again. But here he was...
Shaking her head and snapping out of her thoughts, she looked at Zhao Yun curiously, a smile teasing her lips. Cocking her head so that a few strands of short, light brown hair fell over her eyes, she blinked. "What's the rush?"
Though he would have usually responded cheerfully, Zhao Yun shook his head.
Liu Bei sighed. Placing a hand on Zhao Yun's shoulder, he raised an eyebrow, a patient look crossing his face. "Do think before acting next time, will you?"
He received an obedient "Yes sir."
*~*~*
Zhen Ji pursed her lips in anger, crossing her arms. She shifted her weight onto one leg on habit, her slim form blocking Cao Cao's way.
"Excuse me?" Her voice was dangerous and low.
Her lord ignored her protest, stepping around her. The lady flicked out her elegant flute and jutted it out across Cao Cao's stomach. The man sighed and then slowly turned towards her piercing gaze.
"You expect me to stay here?" she exclaimed in disbelief. "What makes you think I'm not capable of fighting?"
"The Shu army will be coming soon. You can't face them in your injured state." He waved his hand carelessly. "They're coming here for Jiang Wei, and I'm giving you an honorable place in this battle."
"Honorable?" she hissed. "Honorable? More like pathetic. I won't just stand by and not do anything."
"Unless you can magically heal yourself by the time they arrive, you'll be guarding the boy!" Cao Cao exclaimed, losing his temper.
Zhen Ji looked up at her father-in-law, her eyes flashing. She opened her mouth to speak, but another voice cut in.
"Lady Zhen Ji, you shouldn't disagree with your lord."
She turned around, her flute shaking in her hand, and couldn't believe her eyes when she found herself looking up at Xiahou Dun.
"What?" she whispered in a hurt voice, eyes clouded with shock. "You... of all people... wish for me to stay too?"
He gave her a merciless look, more like a warning, and Zhen Ji immediately hid her surprise. She turned back towards Cao Cao, who was smiling in gratitude at his officer. Xiahou Dun nodded his head faintly before turning around and pacing off.
The lady gave Cao Cao another accusing stare before hurrying off in the other direction, taking the longer way to the garden, where she knew Xiahou Dun would be.
Ten minutes later, she stalked up behind the gruff officer, limping slightly, and raised her flute. Xiahou Dun turned around, grabbing the weapon before she could bring it down in a dangerous blow.
"You..." she hissed. "Not you too."
His eye glinted with a tiny fleck of apology, and the two of them sat down on a nearby bench. Turning to look at her, Xiahou Dun gently brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes.
"Understand that Cao Cao is trying to keep you away from harm."
She looked up at him, incredulous, before her eyes softened and she sighed. "I guess you're right." She glared at her wounded leg, her fists clenching hopelessly at her sides. She could feel an eye gazing intently at the back of her head, and she turned around. "What?"
He was silent for a moment, and then stood up. "Be careful. The strength of Shu is not one to be underestimated."
She stood up too, placing a hand gently on his arm. "I will."
She was about to say more when she heard Cao Pi's voice in the distance again. Shutting her eyes in annoyance and pain, she silently turned away. Behind her, Xiahou Dun stood, immobile, before fading into the shadows.
*~*~*
A knock rapped at his door. Jiang Wei closed his eyes and ignored it. He knew who it would be.
He headed back towards his bed, snuggling underneath the covers. Perhaps if he played sick...? But no. Even Xu Zhu wouldn't fall for that.
Even so, he hid himself under the covers, rolling up into a small ball. The knock was repeated, a little more impatiently, and Jiang Wei mumbled, "Come'n."
He was a bit surprised that Sima Yi hadn't just walked in after the first knock. He quickly shifted his position, back facing the down, and heard it open behind him. Shutting his mahogany eyes, Jiang Wei breathed deeply and then faked a cough, followed by a shuddering sigh.
"Jiang Wei, I haven't the time for this."
The strategist frowned. That wasn't Sima Yi's voice. He slowly sat up and turned around, stretching.
Zhen Ji glared back at him, her dark eyes glittering with annoyance.
"I've been given orders to escort you to a nearby village, where a house will be waiting for you." She carelessly flicked a strand of hair out of her face.
Jiang Wei blinked, clueless. "What?"
The lady sighed, walking to a pile of clothes on the floor. She lowered herself gracefully to her knees and began pulling the pile towards her, examining the outfits. Several didn't match her taste - she dumped them heartlessly aside. That done, she started folding the remaining clothes.
Finally, she looked up at him again. "Well? Why are you just sitting there? We leave tonight. Some of my guards will be waiting for you at the back entrance."
She got up, placed the folded clothes neatly at the foot of his bed, and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Jiang Wei shouted, falling out of his bed in a tangle of bed sheets in his haste to stop her. "What's going on?"
Maybe, just maybe... His mind pictured a mental image of Zhao Yun. Please...
Zhen Ji turned around again, her eyes examining his desperate face. After a while, she sighed and smiled. "Forgive me if this insults you, but Sima Yi thinks highly of you." She paused for a moment, fingering several black feathers on her dark lavender dress. "A bit too highly..." Her eyes flashed cunningly, and Jiang Wei knew that she had found out about his previous relationship with the Wei strategist.
"He seems to be afraid of loosing you," Zhen Ji continued in her musical voice. She caught his gaze and smiled, but the joy didn't light her eyes. Then, in a quiet voice, she whispered, "Shu is coming for you, Jiang Wei."
She couldn't help but having a twinge of jealously in her voice. In her mind, she could clearly see two faces - one of Cao Pi and the other of Xiahou Dun. Unlike Jiang Wei, she never got a choice.
Quickly, she excused herself before Jiang Wei could ask her for any more questions.
*~*~*
Zhao Yun felt dazed and lightheaded. He had no strength left in him. Several suns had passed, and he had always refused to sleep. Now, barely able to sit upright on his stallion, he started to, once again, regret his decisions.
He felt his head begin to nod, and he gratefully shut his emerald eyes. His horse suddenly gave an impatient whinny and Zhao Yun started.
"Sorry old boy," he whispered, patting his horse's snowy neck. "I'm not being fair to you, am I?"
His horse snorted in reply.
Gradually, the sun drifted up into the sky at its highest extent. The Shu army was now subdued, riding sleepily and wordlessly. Behind him, Zhao Yun could hear the tired grunts of Zhang Fei. Next to him, Yue Ying smiled encouragingly, but her bright eyes were also weary.
It seemed that the only person who was really awake was Sun Ce, which was a bit strange since he had spent the first three days complaining. Now, next to his sworn brother, the two of them nudged their horses between the depressed soldiers, talking and laughing.
There was a nicker, and Zhao Yun turned to his left. Lu Xun had rode up besides him, and his face broke out into a weary smile. His eyes still had their usual shine.
Zhao Yun couldn't help but smile back, and continued his way a bit more happily. His horse seemed to feel his emotions, and had a bit more spring to its steps.
He didn't know why he suddenly felt happy. Maybe just because of the people surrounding him, trying to act their normal selves. And the fact that Wu was with them.
Behind him, Sun Ce gave a joyful holler and broke into song. Gan Ning's drawling voice could be heard bellowing, "Shuddap!" but there was a twinge of laughter in his voice. Yue Ying's face broke into a smile, and Zhuge Liang rode besides her, waving his fan without realizing it.
The sun was low in the sky when Guan Yu suddenly came galloping out of nowhere, Red Hare pounding his powerful hooves on the ground. The officer looked a bit winded - his green battle garb was slightly tattered and Blue Moon Dragon was covered in blood.
He stopped Red Hare in front of Liu Bei. The great horse gave a loud whinny and reared up, eyes white. The Tiger General skillfully patted its grand neck and the horse calmed down, though still slightly shaken up.
A few seconds later, Ma Chao's golden gelding also came galloping into view. The horse lord's weapon was also out and flashing crimson.
Zhao Yun remembered. The two of them had gone ahead to find an easier way to Xu Chang the previous morning. Shaking his head, he nudged his horse closer to Liu Bei, in hearing range.
"Brother, dear Lady." Guan Yu nodded his head towards Liu Bei and Sun Shang Xiang. "We are close to Xu Chang." Ma Chao confirmed the information wordlessly, his fierce eyes glinting.
Liu Bei looked concerned at his officers, but Guan Yu waved it aside. "We came across some Wei spies, that's all. But that's not the point. If we stop here for the night, we can still get to Xu Chang by the afternoon tomorrow. It'll give us a good and deserved rest."
Liu Bei nodded, and turned to face his troops.
Zhao Yun took in the information without comment. Part of him wanted to stay awake, but the other half told him that it was only common sense to sleep. He would need his strength tomorrow if they were to arrive at Xu Chang.
The Wei army was most likely waiting for him.
As usually, before every battle, a wave of excitement and fear crossed over him, but this time, he didn't feel nervous. Instead, his whole body was numb.
Jiang Wei... I'm almost there...
That night, he fell into a dreamless sleep.
**********
A/N: Well, how was that? Once again, forgive if I had any spelling errors or stuff like that... it's kinda hard to spot out your own mistakes. But anyway, Shu is nearing Xu Chang. And I guess that also means that this story is most likely soon to be over, unless I'm in a different sort of mood. But never fear, there are still several chapters to go... so please R&R!
--Natsue Arishima
By Natsue Arishima
Chapter Eleven: Xu Chang
He lifted his tired emerald eyes towards the distant Xu Chang. It seemed so far away… they would never get there.
Zhao Yun's eyes began to close. They had been riding for many days now, at Zhao Yun's urging, with little rest and short stops for food. Behind him, the other fierce and battle worn Shu officers stumbled along, nudging their horses and desperately fighting sleep.
His own white stallion nickered underneath him, and Zhao Yun started. His horse shook his head angrily, and the Little Dragon readjusted his position on his steed's back. After several moments, his horse snorted with satisfaction and continued his steady pace, as if glad that he had woken his master for a few minutes. The stallion seemed to have put the task on himself, and would whinny every few minutes to get Zhao Yun's sleep-clouded attention.
Shaking his dirty and matted black bangs out of his eyes, Zhao Yun started regretting his three nights without sleep. His horse was tired too, but held his head up proudly, sweat glistening on his once snowy colored hide.
The Little Dragon's mind fell upon Jiang Wei. His Jiang Wei. Those Wei bastards. They would pay. Zhao Yun's fists clenched around his horse's reins and he nudged the beast forward with a spurt of speed.
Behind him, his troops groaned. Liu Bei's Hex Mark was suddenly blocking the path, in front of Zhao Yun, who sighed and slowed his horse.
"There's no need for such haste," Liu Bei stated, his voice low and commanding. "We'll get there in time. Besides, what good is an army in battle if they are weak and hungry?"
Zhao Yun hung his head in defeat. His horse snorted, but the gray Hex Mark whinnied, rearing. The two animals stood glaring at each other, and then slowly, the white stallion averted its blue-eye gaze and turned away.
Another rider came galloping up toward them. Sun Shang Xiang nudged her horse next to Liu Bei's, a smile on her face. She had to admit, this whole Wu and Shu thing was nice. She had never thought that she would have ever seen Liu Bei again. But here he was...
Shaking her head and snapping out of her thoughts, she looked at Zhao Yun curiously, a smile teasing her lips. Cocking her head so that a few strands of short, light brown hair fell over her eyes, she blinked. "What's the rush?"
Though he would have usually responded cheerfully, Zhao Yun shook his head.
Liu Bei sighed. Placing a hand on Zhao Yun's shoulder, he raised an eyebrow, a patient look crossing his face. "Do think before acting next time, will you?"
He received an obedient "Yes sir."
Zhen Ji pursed her lips in anger, crossing her arms. She shifted her weight onto one leg on habit, her slim form blocking Cao Cao's way.
"Excuse me?" Her voice was dangerous and low.
Her lord ignored her protest, stepping around her. The lady flicked out her elegant flute and jutted it out across Cao Cao's stomach. The man sighed and then slowly turned towards her piercing gaze.
"You expect me to stay here?" she exclaimed in disbelief. "What makes you think I'm not capable of fighting?"
"The Shu army will be coming soon. You can't face them in your injured state." He waved his hand carelessly. "They're coming here for Jiang Wei, and I'm giving you an honorable place in this battle."
"Honorable?" she hissed. "Honorable? More like pathetic. I won't just stand by and not do anything."
"Unless you can magically heal yourself by the time they arrive, you'll be guarding the boy!" Cao Cao exclaimed, losing his temper.
Zhen Ji looked up at her father-in-law, her eyes flashing. She opened her mouth to speak, but another voice cut in.
"Lady Zhen Ji, you shouldn't disagree with your lord."
She turned around, her flute shaking in her hand, and couldn't believe her eyes when she found herself looking up at Xiahou Dun.
"What?" she whispered in a hurt voice, eyes clouded with shock. "You... of all people... wish for me to stay too?"
He gave her a merciless look, more like a warning, and Zhen Ji immediately hid her surprise. She turned back towards Cao Cao, who was smiling in gratitude at his officer. Xiahou Dun nodded his head faintly before turning around and pacing off.
The lady gave Cao Cao another accusing stare before hurrying off in the other direction, taking the longer way to the garden, where she knew Xiahou Dun would be.
Ten minutes later, she stalked up behind the gruff officer, limping slightly, and raised her flute. Xiahou Dun turned around, grabbing the weapon before she could bring it down in a dangerous blow.
"You..." she hissed. "Not you too."
His eye glinted with a tiny fleck of apology, and the two of them sat down on a nearby bench. Turning to look at her, Xiahou Dun gently brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes.
"Understand that Cao Cao is trying to keep you away from harm."
She looked up at him, incredulous, before her eyes softened and she sighed. "I guess you're right." She glared at her wounded leg, her fists clenching hopelessly at her sides. She could feel an eye gazing intently at the back of her head, and she turned around. "What?"
He was silent for a moment, and then stood up. "Be careful. The strength of Shu is not one to be underestimated."
She stood up too, placing a hand gently on his arm. "I will."
She was about to say more when she heard Cao Pi's voice in the distance again. Shutting her eyes in annoyance and pain, she silently turned away. Behind her, Xiahou Dun stood, immobile, before fading into the shadows.
A knock rapped at his door. Jiang Wei closed his eyes and ignored it. He knew who it would be.
He headed back towards his bed, snuggling underneath the covers. Perhaps if he played sick...? But no. Even Xu Zhu wouldn't fall for that.
Even so, he hid himself under the covers, rolling up into a small ball. The knock was repeated, a little more impatiently, and Jiang Wei mumbled, "Come'n."
He was a bit surprised that Sima Yi hadn't just walked in after the first knock. He quickly shifted his position, back facing the down, and heard it open behind him. Shutting his mahogany eyes, Jiang Wei breathed deeply and then faked a cough, followed by a shuddering sigh.
"Jiang Wei, I haven't the time for this."
The strategist frowned. That wasn't Sima Yi's voice. He slowly sat up and turned around, stretching.
Zhen Ji glared back at him, her dark eyes glittering with annoyance.
"I've been given orders to escort you to a nearby village, where a house will be waiting for you." She carelessly flicked a strand of hair out of her face.
Jiang Wei blinked, clueless. "What?"
The lady sighed, walking to a pile of clothes on the floor. She lowered herself gracefully to her knees and began pulling the pile towards her, examining the outfits. Several didn't match her taste - she dumped them heartlessly aside. That done, she started folding the remaining clothes.
Finally, she looked up at him again. "Well? Why are you just sitting there? We leave tonight. Some of my guards will be waiting for you at the back entrance."
She got up, placed the folded clothes neatly at the foot of his bed, and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Jiang Wei shouted, falling out of his bed in a tangle of bed sheets in his haste to stop her. "What's going on?"
Maybe, just maybe... His mind pictured a mental image of Zhao Yun. Please...
Zhen Ji turned around again, her eyes examining his desperate face. After a while, she sighed and smiled. "Forgive me if this insults you, but Sima Yi thinks highly of you." She paused for a moment, fingering several black feathers on her dark lavender dress. "A bit too highly..." Her eyes flashed cunningly, and Jiang Wei knew that she had found out about his previous relationship with the Wei strategist.
"He seems to be afraid of loosing you," Zhen Ji continued in her musical voice. She caught his gaze and smiled, but the joy didn't light her eyes. Then, in a quiet voice, she whispered, "Shu is coming for you, Jiang Wei."
She couldn't help but having a twinge of jealously in her voice. In her mind, she could clearly see two faces - one of Cao Pi and the other of Xiahou Dun. Unlike Jiang Wei, she never got a choice.
Quickly, she excused herself before Jiang Wei could ask her for any more questions.
Zhao Yun felt dazed and lightheaded. He had no strength left in him. Several suns had passed, and he had always refused to sleep. Now, barely able to sit upright on his stallion, he started to, once again, regret his decisions.
He felt his head begin to nod, and he gratefully shut his emerald eyes. His horse suddenly gave an impatient whinny and Zhao Yun started.
"Sorry old boy," he whispered, patting his horse's snowy neck. "I'm not being fair to you, am I?"
His horse snorted in reply.
Gradually, the sun drifted up into the sky at its highest extent. The Shu army was now subdued, riding sleepily and wordlessly. Behind him, Zhao Yun could hear the tired grunts of Zhang Fei. Next to him, Yue Ying smiled encouragingly, but her bright eyes were also weary.
It seemed that the only person who was really awake was Sun Ce, which was a bit strange since he had spent the first three days complaining. Now, next to his sworn brother, the two of them nudged their horses between the depressed soldiers, talking and laughing.
There was a nicker, and Zhao Yun turned to his left. Lu Xun had rode up besides him, and his face broke out into a weary smile. His eyes still had their usual shine.
Zhao Yun couldn't help but smile back, and continued his way a bit more happily. His horse seemed to feel his emotions, and had a bit more spring to its steps.
He didn't know why he suddenly felt happy. Maybe just because of the people surrounding him, trying to act their normal selves. And the fact that Wu was with them.
Behind him, Sun Ce gave a joyful holler and broke into song. Gan Ning's drawling voice could be heard bellowing, "Shuddap!" but there was a twinge of laughter in his voice. Yue Ying's face broke into a smile, and Zhuge Liang rode besides her, waving his fan without realizing it.
The sun was low in the sky when Guan Yu suddenly came galloping out of nowhere, Red Hare pounding his powerful hooves on the ground. The officer looked a bit winded - his green battle garb was slightly tattered and Blue Moon Dragon was covered in blood.
He stopped Red Hare in front of Liu Bei. The great horse gave a loud whinny and reared up, eyes white. The Tiger General skillfully patted its grand neck and the horse calmed down, though still slightly shaken up.
A few seconds later, Ma Chao's golden gelding also came galloping into view. The horse lord's weapon was also out and flashing crimson.
Zhao Yun remembered. The two of them had gone ahead to find an easier way to Xu Chang the previous morning. Shaking his head, he nudged his horse closer to Liu Bei, in hearing range.
"Brother, dear Lady." Guan Yu nodded his head towards Liu Bei and Sun Shang Xiang. "We are close to Xu Chang." Ma Chao confirmed the information wordlessly, his fierce eyes glinting.
Liu Bei looked concerned at his officers, but Guan Yu waved it aside. "We came across some Wei spies, that's all. But that's not the point. If we stop here for the night, we can still get to Xu Chang by the afternoon tomorrow. It'll give us a good and deserved rest."
Liu Bei nodded, and turned to face his troops.
Zhao Yun took in the information without comment. Part of him wanted to stay awake, but the other half told him that it was only common sense to sleep. He would need his strength tomorrow if they were to arrive at Xu Chang.
The Wei army was most likely waiting for him.
As usually, before every battle, a wave of excitement and fear crossed over him, but this time, he didn't feel nervous. Instead, his whole body was numb.
Jiang Wei... I'm almost there...
That night, he fell into a dreamless sleep.
**********
A/N: Well, how was that? Once again, forgive if I had any spelling errors or stuff like that... it's kinda hard to spot out your own mistakes. But anyway, Shu is nearing Xu Chang. And I guess that also means that this story is most likely soon to be over, unless I'm in a different sort of mood. But never fear, there are still several chapters to go... so please R&R!
--Natsue Arishima