Chapter IX
The Tears of Ice Wind
Ice Wind mournfully wrote in her diary, trying very hard to restrain the loss of her closest friend. She wrote:
Aoi…I miss him so much…but I keep feeling like it's my own fault…is this normal? Do all people credit themselves for a friend's death? I feel so horrible. But I should have known this would happen sooner or later…I mean, I was living in a dream world…just thinking to myself "he's immortal in battle", and "he'd never die on me"…I know now I was wrong…but I ask myself another question…why? Why did this sick twist of fate happen? Why did he have to die so young? He was taken away from me so young…it's not fair…
The writing was interrupted as a cold teardrop fell onto the stuttering skin of her hand, which made its way down to the journal. Ice Wind collapsed herself onto the journal, drowning herself in mournful tears.
Ice Wind pulled herself together, and walked out to the ships outside railing. She leaned against it, watching the beautiful sunrise, with gorgeous shades of orange and pink. She figured it would cheer her up, but it came to no avail. She rested her head into her arms, and her icy blue eyes restrained more tears of deep anguish. Shiro Inazuma walked to her side.
"You miss him, too, huh?" said Shiro, dully. His reply came in the slightest nod. "I know you are in pain, I am, too. But he died nobly, and with honor. And that is the best way. He was honored with a warrior's death."
But Shiro's words came to no avail, and another tear streamed down her cheek. She rose and wiped it off, and looked at Shiro.
"Its just…have you ever known someone so long…that when you are with them, you feel…like you are always safe? And then when that person is gone…you feel like a part of you is too?"
Every day, Kori, thought Shiro. He simply stared at her.
"There is one more thing," said Shiro. "A messenger managed to retrieve this."
He handed her a beautiful, long, skinny box, with panther fur coating and a purple ribbon tying it up. Kori opened it, and there it was. Blue Fox's blade. The Reaper's dark aura isolating the deadly blade of the sword. She lifted it, and it felt like it accepted her instantly.
"Thank you, Shiro…" said Kori, gratefully.
They were all called to an assembly, held by Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang.
"We will ally with the Sun family, and take Cao Cao down once and for all!" said Liu Bei. "I will be sending Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong to Sun Quan, and they will form a plan. I will need volunteers to join with them, to secure the alliance."
Pang Tong was a brilliant strategist, and was nicknamed "Little Phoenix." He was not very attractive, but he was said to be as great a mastermind as Zhuge Liang himself.
Zhao Yun quickly stood up, and said, "My lord! My forces and I will gladly volunteer!"
Kori stood up as well, and shouted, "I will join as well!"
White Lightning looked at her quickly, and stood up, and shouted, "Lord Liu Bei, I shall also volunteer!"
"It is done, then." Said Zhuge Liang. "Shiro Inazuma, Kori Kaze, and Zhao Yun will accompany us to the Wu fleet."
And so they did. Ice Wind rode an almost silver colored horse, with an ice blue saddle. She wore a silver chest plate, and a metal-plated skirt. She had a small buckler attached to her left wrist, and on the right side of her waist, was the sheathed blade of Aoi Kitsune.
White Lightning rode his steed, Storm. He wore a white, sleeveless undershirt, which was covered by a silver chest plate. He wore baggy pants, and on his left waist was his blade. Upon his right waist was his metal staff, which was broken down into two reattatchable pieces.
With Blue Fox gone, White Lightning would have to take his place. They no longer had Blue Fox to protect them. Blue Fox, who would try a valiant rescue at impossible odds. Blue Fox, who would never fear the scythe of Death. It was White Lightning's turn to step up, it would not be easy.
The assembly ended, and Zhou Yu told Sun Quan, "If Zhuge Liang is such a genius, why is he with Liu Bei? Perhaps we should persuade him to join us, instead."
Later, Zhou Yu had Mi Zhu bring in Liu Bei. When he and Lu Su, a Wu officer, were alone, they spoke confidentially.
"Why do you wish for Liu Bei to come? What is your purpose?" asked Lu Su.
"Liu Bei is a dangerous man, and he will be a threat to Wu. We must exterminate him now, so that the threat is gone." Said Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu wore white and red robes, and had long black hair, usually covered by a red battle helmet.
Zhou Yu had Mi Zhu have Liu Bei report to him. He then ordered a platoon of fifty men to prepare to slay Liu Bei within the lining of his tent.
"When I drop my cup, that will be the signal to kill Liu Bei." Said Zhou Yu.
"I don't trust him!" said Zhang Fei.
"I must agree, brother. Zhou Yu is a treachorous man, and there is still no news from Lord Zhuge Liang." Said Guan Yu.
"If I refuse to show, they will suspect a betrayal, so I will go." Said Liu Bei.
"Then I will come with you!" said Zhang Fei.
"As will I." Said Guan Yu.
"Guan Yu will join me, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun will watch the camp." Said Liu Bei.
Guan Yu grabbed the Green Dragon Saber, and escorted Liu Bei. As soon as they left the tent, a guard rushed to Zhou Yu.
"How many escorts does he have?" asked Zhou Yu.
"One, sir. And he is merely a score." Replied the soldier.
"Excellent, his fate is sealed."
Zhou Yu placed the executioners between the inner and outer tents, when all was arranged for the assassination he created, he had Liu Bei shown in, along with Guan Yu. After the greetings, Zhou Yu asked Liu Bei to take the upper seat.
"General, you are famous throughout the empire." Liu Bei declined. "But I am a nobody. Please do not overwhelm me with these spoils."
Zhuge Liang arrived, and saw suspicious activity. He saw murder written all over Zhou Yu's conscience. He then noticed hidden assassins in the walls. After this, he saw an unconcerned Liu Bei, conversing with Zhou Yu. He was about to step in, until he saw Guan Yu at his side. He then decided to wait for the end of the interview.
Meanwhile, the banquet continued. After the wine had been passed around several times, Zhou Yu picked up a cup to give the signal for the assassination. But then he saw a fierce look upon the face of the man standing, pike in hand, behind Liu Bei.
"Who is he?" asked Zhou Yu hastily.
"This is my sworn oath brother, Lord Guan Yu." Said Liu Bei.
"Is this the man who slaughtered both Lord Yan Liang and Lord Wen Chou?" said a nervous Zhou Yu.
"Yes, he is." Replied Liu Bei.
A cold chill sprinted through Zhou Yu's spine, so he carefully poored Guan Yu a glass of wine.
Just then, Lu Su approached them. Liu Bei looked at him and asked, "Where is Lord Zhuge Liang?"
"You may see him after we have defeated Cao Cao." Said Zhou Yu.
Liu Bei did not dare repeat his request, but Guan Yu gave him a meaningful look. Liu Bei rose and said, "I must take my leave now. I will return after Cao Cao has been defeated." Liu Bei bowed respectfully, and took his leave.
Shiro was riding Storm alongside Zhuge Liang, who was riding his own horse.
"Do you think Aoi is really dead?" he asked.
"The fox is a cunning creature, indeed." Said Zhuge Liang. "However, fate forges it's own path. If Lord Aoi Kitsune has truly fallen, it is a sign for you to forge your own as well."
Liu Bei and Guan Yu met up with them back at the camp. Zhuge Liang rode to Liu Bei anxiously.
"My lord, had you any idea what danger you were in just now?" said Zhuge Liang.
"No…I did not think of any danger."
"Had Lord Guan Yu not been there, you would have surely been slaughtered."
Liu Bei reflected on the banquet, and realized Zhuge Liang was right. He then begged Zhuge Liang to come with him to Fankou, but Zhuge Liang refused.
"I am quite safe," said Zhuge Liang. "Although I am living in the tiger's mouth, I am as steady as the Taishan Mountains. Now, my lord, return and prepare your ships and soldiers. On the twentieth day of the eleventh month, send Zhao Yun with a small ship to the south bank to wait for me. Be sure there is no miscarriage."
"What are you planning?" asked Liu Bei.
"When the southeast wind blows, I shall return." Said Zhuge Liang.
The boat had not proceeded far when a small fleet of fifty ships appeared, sweeping down with the current. In the prow of the leading vessel stood a tall man with a spear. Guan Yu was ready to fight, but they recognized that it was Zhang Fei, to aid his brother in case of some sort of difficulty.
Lu Su, once again, approached Zhou Yu, and asked, "Lord Zhou Yu, you had Liu Bei positioned, so why did you not kill him?"
"Because of that Guan Yu. He is a devil of a warrior. He didn't even leave his brother for a minute, had anything happened, it would have been my head."
Later on, Huang Gai told Zhou Yu he would carry out his plan.
"If you do not show some sort of injury, they will know it to be a ploy." Said Zhou Yu.
"The Sun family has been very generous to me. I would not mind at all if they crushed me to death." Said Huang Gai.
Zhou Yu thanked him, and said, "If you would not object to some bodily suffering, the South Land would indeed be happy."
"Then kill me, I do not mind." Said Huang Gai as he left the room.
The next day, the drums called all the officers together to the Commander-in-Chief's tent, and Zhuge Liang came with the others.
"Thee enemy camps extend one hundred miles, so that the campaign will be a long one. Each leader is to prepare supplies for three months." Said Zhou Yu. Scarcely had he spoken when Huang Gai started up.
"Say not three months. Be ready for thirty months, and even then it will not be ended. If you can destroy them this month, then all is well. If you cannot, then it were better to take Zhang Zhao's advice, throw down your weapons, turn to the north, and surrender."
"Our lord's orders were to destroy Cao Cao!" said Zhou Yu, angrily. "Whoever mentioned the word surrender should be put to death! Now, the very moment when the two armies are to engaqge, you dare talk of surrender and damp the eagerness of my army! If I do not slay you, how can I support the others?"
Zhou Yu ordered men to execute Huang Gai immediately.
Huang Gai flamed up, and said "This is the third generation since I went with General Sun Jianb, and we overran the southeast. When did you spring up?"
This infuriated Zhou Yu, and ordered instant execution, but Gan Ning interfered.
Gan Ning was a great warrior. He was formerly a pirate, but eventually joined Wu. He wore bells around his waist, so that when he approached towns, the people would hear the bells and either flee or prepare a feast.
"He is a veteran of the South Land!" said Gan Ning. "Please, pardon him."
"What are you pratting about?" said Zhou Yu. "Dare you come between me and my duty?"
Zhou Yu ordered the men to slay Huang Gai, but the other officials took pity on him, saying, "He is indeed most worthy of death, but it would be a loss to the army. We pray you forgive him. Record his fault for the moment; and after the enemy shall have been defeated, then put him to death."
At length, Zhou Yu seemed moved at the officer's plees, saying, "Had you not interceded, he should certainly have suffered death. But now I will mitigate the punishment to a beating. He shall not die."
Huang Gai was sentenced to one hundred blows, hwoever they stopped at fifty, and begged Zhou Yu to stop it there. Zhou Yu agreed, and said, "Should you repeat this, I will order the other fifty!"
With this he left to the inner tent, growling. The other officers helped Huang Gai, who was in a deplorable state, to his feet. His back was cut in several places, and blood was flowing in streams. They led him to his quarters, where he rested. He looked very pitiful.
Lu Su went to see Huang Gai, and called on Zhuge Liang in his boat. Lu Su related to the story of the beating, and said, "Though the other officers were cowed into silence, I saw you might have been…interceded. You are a guest and aren't under Zhou Yu's orders. Why did you just stand by with your hands in your sleeves, and not say a word?"
Zhuge Liang smiled, and said, "You insult me."
"What? I have not insulted you, never since the day we came!" said Lu Su.
"That beating was a mere ruse." Said Zhuge Liang. "Why would I try to dissuade Zhou Yu?"
As Lu Su begun to understand, Zhuge Liang continued, and said, "Cao Cao would not believe the ruse unless there was real bodily suffering. Zhou Yu is going to send Huang Gai to Cao Cao as a deserter, and Zhou Yu will see to it that the two spies Cao Cao sent tell the tale. But when you see Zhou Yu, you must not tell him that I saw through the ruse. Tell him that I am very angry like the others."
Lu Su nodded, and left to see Zhou Yu.
"Why did you act so cruelly upon Huang Gai?" asked Lu Su.
"Do the officers resent it?" asked Zhou Yu.
"They are all upset about it."
"And your friend, Zhuge Liang?"
"He also resents it at heart, he says you made a mistake."
Zhou Yu grinned, and said, "Then for once, I have decieved him."
"What do you mean?" acted Lu Su.
"The entire thing was a mere ploy. I will send Huang Gai to Cao Cao, to feign defection. When he reaches his destination, we will set fire to the Wei fleet. Zhuge Liang says he can make the southeast wind blow, thereby feeding the flame and devouring Cao Cao."
Many people visited Huang Gai, but he would not reply. Huang Gai would say never a word. He only lay sighing deeply from time to time. But when the Strategist Kan Ze came, Huang Gai told them to bring him to the room where he lay. Then he bade the servants go away.
"Surely, there must be some quarrel between you and Zhou Yu."
"I have none." Said Huang Gai.
"Then this beating is a mere ruse?"
"How did you guess?"
"Because I watched the General, and I guessed about nine tenths of the truth."
Huang Gai said, "You see I have been very generously treated by the Sun family, all three of them, and have no means of showing my gratitude except by offering to help in this ruse. True I suffer, but I do not regret that. Among all those I know in the army, there is not one I am intimate with except yourself. You are true, and I can talk with you as a friend."
"And I suppose you would like me to present your surrender letter to Cao Cao?" asked Kan Ze.
"Will you?" asked Huang Gai. Kan Ze accepted joyfully. Huang Gai pointed to his defection letter, and Kan Ze took it. He then dressed up as a mere fisherman as a disguise. Within a day, Cao Cao received the letter.
"He is not a spy?" said Cao Cao.
"No, just a fisherman." Replied a soldier.
"Very well, show him in."
Kan Ze was brought into the brilliantly lighted tent.
"You are an advisor of East Wu, what are you doing here?" said Cao Cao.
"People say that you greedily welcome people of ability. I do not think your question a very proper one. O friend Huang Gai, you made a mistake," said Kan Ze.
"Ofcourse you must realize, I am at battle with East Wu. How can I trust you?" said Cao Cao.
"Huang Gai is a very old servant of Wu. He served three successing rulers, Sun Jian, Sun Ce, and now Sun Quan. But for no good reason, he was horrible beaten in front of all of Zhou Yu's officers. He is infuriated at this betrayal, and wishes to join you so that he may have vengeance. We've discussed it, and we are inseperable. So I bring you this letter so that you may accept him."
"Where is this letter?" said Cao Cao.
Kan Ze handed Cao Cao the letter, which read:
I, Huang Gai of Chaunling, have been graciously treated by the Sun family, and have served them with upmost respect. Lately they have been discussing an attack with our forces on the enormous army of the central government. Everyone knows we are no match for such a power, and every single officer of the South Land knows it as well. However, Zhou Yu maintains that success is possible and rashly desires to 'smash stones with an egg.' I knew this was not possible, so I was nearly executed, but instead they let me live. But you, O Primse Minister, treat people with such respect and generousity, that I pray you allow me to join you in the upcoming battle againts Wu.
Cao Cao read it again and again. He then smacked the letter to the table, and shouted in anger.
"Huang Gai is trying to play the injury trick on me, is he?" said Cao Cao. "How dare him! And you are in it as the nogociater to present the later. You dare try to trick me?!"
Cao Cao ordered his men to slaughter Kan Ze, who instead of worry, was laughing.
"You laugh? You laugh at the foiling of your pathetic ruse?"
"Ofcourse not." Said Kan Ze. "I was laughing at my friend's simplicity."
"What do you mean by simplicity?"
"Well if you want to kill me, do so. Do not trouble me with questions."
"I have read all the books on the art of war, and I am well versed in all ways of misleading the enemy. This ruse of yours might have succeeded with many, but it will not do for me."
"And yet you say the letter is a vicious trick?" said Kan Ze.
"What I say is that your little slip has sent you to the death you risked when you begun this ruse. If it were real, if you were sincere, why does not the ltter name a time of arrival?"
Kan Ze waited to the end and then laughed louder than ever, saying, "I am so glad you are not frightened but can still boast of your knowledge of the books of war. Now you will not lead away your soldiers. But should you fight, Zhou Yu will certainly and easily capture you. But how sad to think I die at the hand of such an ignorant fellow!"
"You think I'm ignorant?" said Cao Cao.
"You are ignorant of both strategy and unreason. How many worthy generals have you lost in your conquest? Dian Wei was slaughtered, Aoi Kitsune rejected you, and you've been defeated by Liu Bei a few times as well."
"Then tell me how this has happened." Said Cao Cao, challenging him.
"You treat wise people too badly for me to talk to you. You can finish me and let there be an end of it." Said Kan Ze.
"Speak with reason, and I will treat you differently." Said Cao Cao.
"Do you not know that when one is going to desert one's master and become a renegade, one cannot say exactly when the chance will occur? If one binds one's self to a fixed moment and the thing cannot be done just then, the secret will be discovered. One must watch for an opportunity and take it when it comes. Think: Is it possible to know exactly when? But you know nothing of common sense. All you know is how to put good people to death. So you really are an ignorant fellow!"
Cao Cao stood and bowed.
"Very well, then. I did not see clearly before. I am sorry to offend you."
Kan Ze told Cao Cao he and Huang Gai were inclinded to desert Zhou Yu to join him, and they required no sorts of payment. They soon drank wine, and a man whispered something into Cao Cao's ear. They seemed to report Huang Gai's beating. Cao Cao turned to Kan Ze.
"I must ask you to return to your friend. I will soon have a force waiting."
"I cannot return, sir. Please send someone else."
"If I do, the secret will be discovered. Thus, you must go."
Kan Ze then set off to the Wu camp.
Ice Wind drew a blunt sword and got in a fighting position. Shiro drew a blunt sword as well, and thrusted it forward. The two stood a good twenty feet away from eachother. They were standing on a relatively soft platform, surrounded in grasses and weeds. Their normal weapons were placed inside their tents, so that they could not do any serious damage to eachother.
Ice Wind ran at Shiro and did a powerful swing to his hip, which was blocked by a good grip on his blade. He pressed her back but she twisted around and almost cut Shiro's hip, but he dodged it.
"You never cease to surprise me, Kori." Said Shiro.
Ice Wind went for a stab, but it was countered by Shiro's blade hitting her's up and kicking her in the stomache. She grunted a little, and jump kicked him across the face and tried to slash at his hip again. Shiro lunged forward to dodge, then kicked her ankle bringing her down. She rolled to the left and stood up. Shiro thrusted the sword downward at Kori's head, but her wrist buckler blocked it, and she went for another stab. He pivoted his body away from the attack, just barely dodging the attack, and she managed to trip him to the floor. She tried to finish the duel by putting the blade to his neck but he swiped her leg, tripping her as well. They rolled across the floor and they were both on their feet again.
"I see he taught you some moves somewhere in those two years." Said Shiro.
Kori replied with a nod, and brief smirk. She ran at Shiro and faked a slash to the right, which caused him to attempt a block, but she spun around and got him on his right hip. He replied with a spin and had his blade on the back of her neck. He won, but would have been wounded had it been a real duel.
Ice Wind was both beautiful and deadly. This was her best advantage. Most people would let their guard down againts her, and take her lightly. But she would respond with deadly blows.
Later, Pang Tong was called to Zhou Yu. Pang Tong was a man equal, but shadowed, to Zhuge Liang. He did not have nearly as much respect, however he held his own quite well.
"You must use a fire attack, and incinerate the Wei forces." Said Pang Tong. " But the river is wide and if one ship is set on fire, the others will scatter unless they are fastened together so that they must remain in one place. That is the one road to success. In short, we must convince Cao Cao to lock his ships together."
Lu Su looked at Zhou Yu.
"Pang Tong will be the only one who can manage this." He said.
Eventually, Pang Tong was introduced to Cao Cao.
"You are Pang Tong? The one they called 'Little Phoenix?'" asked Cao Cao.
"Yes, I am he." Answered Pang Tong.
Cao Cao discussed current events and other enjoyable conversations with Pang Tong.
"Zhou Yu is a foolish, arrogant, self-centered youth, who disrespects his officers and rejects all their advice, worhty or feeble. I know that." Said Cao Cao. "But your fame has been long known to me, and now that you have been kind enough to turn my way, I pray you not to be stalling of your advice." Said Cao Cao.
"I, too, know well that you are a model of military strategy." said Pang Tong. "But I should like to have one look at your disposition."
They rode on horseback across a few military spots, and Pang Tong gave advice. Soon they reached the marines.
"Have you any medical assistance?" asked Pang Tong.
"What are they for?" asked Cao Cao.
"The marines have gotten seasickness. More than a few have died, and many have vomited. This can be stopped should you link the ships together, thus reducing illness."
"How would linking ships reduce sickness?" said Cao Cao.
"The river is wide and irregular, and the winds do not rest. Your troops from the north are not used to ships. The motion will induce sickness upon them. If your ships, large and small, were classed and dicided into thirties, or fifties, and they were joined by chains, they will rock around less. Even horses could move about them."
"Thankyou, Lord Pang Tong." Said Cao Cao graciously. Pang Tong's suggestion was carried out immediately. Pang Tong took his leave. As he begun his way back, a man in a Taoist robe with a comb in his hair stopped him.
The man said, "You are very bold. Huang Gai is planning to use the 'personal injury ruse', and Kan Ze has presented the letter of pretended desertion. You have offered the fatal scheme of chaining the ships together for the flames may not completely destroy them. This sort of mischievous work may have been enough to deceive Cao Cao, but I saw it all."
Pang Tong was helpless with fear, his spirit scattered. But he saw it as Xu Shu, an old friend of his, and his spirit returned.
"Do you intend to foil my scheme, Xu Shu?"
"I have not forgotten Liu Bei's kindness," said Xu Shu, "nor my oath of revenge of the death of my mother by Cao Cao's hands. I have said I would never think out a plan for him. So am I likely to wreck yours now, brother? But…I have been with Cao Cao thus far…how can I seal my lips shut? Please instruct me with a way to do so."
Pang Tong whispered something in his ear, which seemed to satisfy Xu Shu, who left him. Pang Tong, again, took his leave. Xu Shu left back to the camp and spread rumors.
The next day, some officers reported into Cao Cao, saying, " A rumor is running around the camps that Han Sui and Ma Teng are marching from Xiliang to attack the capital."
This troubled Cao Cao, so he called his advisers to him.
"You have been kind enough to give me an office, Sir, and I have really done nothing in return. If I may have three thousand troops, I will march at once to San Pass and guard this entrance. If there be any pressing matter, I will report at once." Said Xu Shu.
"If you would do this, I should be quite at my ease." Said Cao Cao. "There are already troops beyond the Pass, who will be under your command, and now I will give you three thousand of horse and foot, and Zang Ba shall lead the van and march quickly."
This was Pang Tong's plan to secure Xu Shu, which seemed to be successful.
A few days later, the chained ships had sailed out. The leaders of both land and naval forces were brought to an assembly in the center of the squadron to rreceiveorders. The various armies and squadrons were distinguished by different colored flags: Mao Jie and Yu Jin led the central naval squadron with a yellow flag; Zhang He, the leading squadron had a red flag; Lu Qian with the rear had a black flag; Wen Ping took the left with blue flags; Li Tong took the right squadron with a white flag. On shore, Xu Huang commanded the cavalry with red flags, Li Dian, with the forefront, had the black flag, Yue Jing took the left with blue flags, Xiahou Yuan took the right with white flags, and Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong were in reseave. The general staff was led by Xu Chu and Zhang Liao. The others were to remain in camp, but prepared for a fight.
Xiahou Yuan was the brother of Xiahou Dun, and cousin to Cao Cao. He carried a longsword and a bow. He was quite the warrior, and often gave quite a beating to his enemies.
Xu Huang carried a ranged axe and a sword. He wore blue chest armor and a helmet. He had a short black mustache and beard.
Yue Jin wore a blue helmet, blue armor, and a red cape. His weapon was a spear.
Cao Cao summoned his advisers, and said, "If Heaven had not been on my side, would I have gotten the excellence of the Young Phoenix? Now that the ships are attatched to one another, one may cross the river as easily as soil."
"Yes, the ships are well attatched," said Cheng Yu, "but you should prepare yourself for a fire attack."
Cao Cao merely laughed at this, saying, "You look a long way ahead, but you see what cannot happen."
"Cheng Yu speaks much to the point, my lord," said Xun You. "Why do you laugh at him?"
Cao Cao said, "Anyone using fire depends upon the wind. This is now winter and only west winds blow. You will get neither east nor south winds. I am on the northwest, and the enemy is on the southeast bank. If they use fire, they will destroy themselves. I have nothing to fear. If it was the tenth moon, or early spring, I would provide against fire."
As Zhou Yu looked down from the mountain, he could see in the distant air a massive fleet approaching his own. He could see the perfectly ordered flags of Cao Cao's ship. Then he saw two officers and his own fleets engaging in battle. It was evident that his fleet was no match for Cao Cao's. A Wei officer turned and retreated, and the two Wu officers, Han Dang and Zhou Tai, pursued him, but Zhou Yu ordered them back.
Zhou Tai was an ex-pirate with a scarred face. He wore a black helmet covering three sides of his head. His body armor was a mix of black and red. He wore black metal guards on his upper legs, and wielded a longsword.
Han Dang was one of Wu's first generals. He wore a black helmet attatched by string, and crimson body armor down to his waist. He wore standard leggings, and wielded a spear.
Just then, a violent wind brushed harshly upon the bank. A corner of Zhou Yu's flag flicked him and a sudden thought rushed to his mind. Zhou Yu shouted and staggered to the floor. His men lifted him to his feet, but he was unconcious as blood trickled down his mouth. He was brought to his large tent quickly.
"What omenous plague has befallen us?!" said a soldier. "Lord Zhou Yu has fallen ill! What if Cao Cao attacks? What will we do?!"
A messenger told Sun Quan of Zhou Yu's sudden illness, while the physicians did their best to aid Zhou Yu. Lu Su rushed to Zhuge Liang to talk with him.
"What do you think of it?" asked Zhuge Liang.
"The heavens are with Cao Cao, and againts us." Said Lu Su
Zhuge Liang laughed, and said, "I can cure him."
"If you would, it would be very fortunate for us."
They left to Zhou Yu's tent, and Lu Su approached first.
"How are you, my lord?" asked Lu Su.
"My heart pains me." Said Zhou Yu.
"Have you tried any treatments?"
Zhou Yu shook his head, rejecting them.
"Lord Zhuge Liang claims he can heal you, shall I show him in?"
Zhou Yu nodded, and Zhuge Liang was brought in, as Zhou Yu was helped into a sitting position.
"I have not seen you for days, how could I have known you were ill?" said Zhuge Liang.
"We are constantly the toys of fortune, rather it be good or bad." Said Zhou Yu.
"Yes, Heaven's clouds are not meant to be measured by us. You seem troubled, is that what struck you?"
"Our plan has failed. Cao Cao is approaching from the northwest, and the wind blows southeast at this time, we would be destroying our own fleet."
Zhuge Liang smiled at this.
"You smile, why?"
"There will be a wind blowing northwest tonight. But Cao Cao does not know this, so he will still not expect it."
Zhou Yu's sickness slowly faded away.
"However, Cao Cao will retreat, so I must prepare for this. Goodbye, Zhou Yu."
White Lightning placed his golden leather harness on top of his steed and mounted it. He approached the gates, and Ice Wind rode up next to him.
White Lightning now wore a long-sleeved white shirt, under a vest. The vest had black lacings, and the outside was white. The back of it had white on the bottom and black flames on the top. Inscribed in blue was the Chinese letter for Lightning. He wore grey leggings, and on his waist was attatched his blade. He currently held a new spear, which he named, "Flash".
Ice Wind was mounted on a white horse. She wore a grey skirt, with metal platings, and upon her chest was a short-sleeved icy-grey shirt. On her left wrist was a wooden buckler. In her right hand was Blue Fox's sword, "The Reaper". She tied back her hair into a pony-tail, so it wouldn't get in her way. She was damn ready to fight, and she was about to prove it.
"You sure you want to do this, Kori?" he asked.
Ice Wind replied with one slow nod. As the gates opened, they raced down the battle field, as a small wind hit them. Soon, they engaged the Wei ground forces.
Shiro was an excellent horseman with a spear. He gripped Storm's reign and slashed down 4 men. Storm twisted around and Shiro took out another few.
Ice Wind trampled a few down and backflipped off the horse. She blocked an attack with her buckler, and slashed down the assailant. She flipped the blade over and backstabbed the man behind her. She kicked the man back and removed the blade as she spun in one circle, taking two close enemies down.
Shiro dismounted and thrusted his spear forward, impaling a soldier. He removed it quickly and twirled the blade around him. He regripped the spear and did a left slash, taking a man down. He pivoted to dodge a swordsman, and swing the blade, beheading the soldier. He rose the blade and put it between his left armpit, and twisted in a circle taking down the enemies behind him. He put his other hand on the end of it and flipped it back up, killing another soldier.
Ice Wind gripped her blade with both hands, slashing approaching enemies. Two pikesmen ran at her. The blade of The Reaper grew a mixed aura of a snow colored gray and a fuchsia. It moved swiftly blocking the right attacker, as her buckler took the left. She backrolled to dodge the second attack. The third came, and she slashed the end of the second attacker's blade off, and again blocked the other with her buckler. She rolled to his right side and slashed through his back, then to her right and struck down a man behind her.
Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang was giving orders to Liu Bei's forces.
"Cao Cao will see it too dangerous to take the south roads, so he will approach Jingzhou." Said Zhuge Liang. "Zhao Yun, take a force of no less than three thousand across the river into the Black Forest, where Cao Cao will retreat across. Prepare an ambush party in the dense forest. Attack after half of Cao Cao's forces have past."
"Zhang Fei, you will take another three thousand over the river into Yiling. Prepare an ambush in the Hulu Valley. Cao Cao will not go to South Yiling, so he will go to North Yiling. Tommorow, after the rain, he will stop and refresh his troops. As soon as you see the smoke from their cooking, you will fire the hill side. Though you will not capture Cao Cao, you will render excellent service."
So Zhang Fei left. Next was Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, and Liu Feng. They were to take command of three squadrons and go along the river to collect beaten soldiers and their weapons.
They left, and Zhuge Liang told Liu Qi, "The country around Wuchang is very important, so take your troops and station them strategically. The defeated Cao Cao will flee and you will capture him. But unless you have a good enough reason, you are not to leave the city.
"And Lord Liu Bei, I wish that you would stay quietly in Fankou in a high tower. Watch Zhou Yu work out his scheme."
Guan Yu sat quietly waiting for his turn, but Zhuge Liang said nothing to him.
Guan Yu grew impatient and shouted, "Since I first made the oath of sworn brotherhood, since I first followed him to battle long ago, I have never been left behind. Now that great things are afoot, what am I supposed to do?"
"Lord Guan Yu, I wanted you at my most important points, but something is in the way of this." Said Zhuge Liang.
"And what would that be?"
"Cao Cao was once very kind to you. You cannot help but be grateful. Now when his soldiers have been beaten, he will have to fleet along the Huarong Road. But if I sent you to guard it, you would allow passage."
"You are most considerate, Lord Zhuge Liang. But though he has treated me well, I slrew two of his most dreadful opponents, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, by way of repayment, and rose a siege. My debt to him has been repayed. I would not let him pass."
"What if you did?"
"Then you could punish me by military rules."
"I wish for this in writing."
Guan Yu wrote a formal message stating this.
"What if Cao Cao should not pass that way?" asked Guan Yu.
"I will give you a written engagement that he will pass." Zhuge Liang continued, "On the hills by the Huarong Valley, you are to raise a heap of wood and grass to make a great column of smoke and mislead Cao Cao into coming."
"If Cao Cao sees smoke, he will suspect an ambush, and will not approach."
"You are very simple," said Zhuge Liang. "Do you not know more of war's ruses than that? Cao Cao is an able leader, but you can deceive him this time. When he sees the smoke, he will take it as a ploy and risk going that way. But do not let your kindness of heart rule your conduct."
Guan Yu took his adopted son, Guan Ping, and his general, Zhou Cang, and five hundred swordsman to his designation.
Later, the wind begun blowing again, but it headed northwest. Huang Gai snuck past the Wu forces in a ship with a black flag. Cheng Yu suspected an attack and tried to cease the approach of Huang Gai. But it came to no use as bombs shot into the camp and engulfed a mighty flame that devoured Cao Cao's fleet, and the wind continued to feed the fire.
Zhang Liao helped Cao Cao escape in a small boat. Huang Gai saw him and pursued. Zhang Liao took a bow and shot an arrow that hit Huang Gai in the shoulder, which caused him to fall over and roll into the water.
White Lightning and Ice Wind, remounted on their horses, were cutting through the enemy defense. Cao Cao's forces were retreating, and the two were pursuing quickly.
Han Dang found Huang Gai and put him in a medical section.
"The only suitable retreat would be the Black Forest." Said Zhang Liao.
As they reached the shore, Wu was approaching quickly.
"Milord, we will hold them off! Escape with your forces quickly!" said Zhang Liao, mounting a horse.
Cao Cao nodded thankfully, and retreated with his army.
Shiro charged, but was hit off his horse by Zhang Liao. The charging forces stopped their attack.
Zhang Liao extended both his arms out, and shouted, "I AM ZHANG LIAO! I WILL SLAUGHTER ANYONE WHO TRIES TO PASS!"
"CHARGE!" came a voice. The man stood up in the front of the army, it was Shiro.
"You! You are the friend of that pathetic Aoi Kitsune!" said Zhang Liao, tauntingly.
Shiro lifted his spear, Flash, towards Zhang Liao, enraged.
"Vermin! How dare you speak down upon him!"
"What is your name, kid?"
"I am Shiro Inazuma, remember it whilst I slaughter you!"
"Well Aoi Kitsune is no more. In fact, it was fun slaughtering the pig."
Ice Wind's fist was tightening with every word. Blood from her palm trickled down her wrist.
Shiro was no different, as he tightened the grip on his blade.
"You…you killed Aoi?"
"And it was fun, though when we killed him, you should know he died honorably with no fear in his eyes."
Shiro exploded in fury and did a powerful slash to Zhang Liao's waist. Zhang Liao blocked, but the blow pushed him a little.
"CHARGE! Kori, pursue Cao Cao!"
"I want to see this bastard die." Said an equally enraged Ice Wind.
"I said go!"
She proceeded reluctantly, and cut through the defenses.
Shiro Inazuma did a barrage of attacks. He tried a right slash leading to an areal attack, both we blocked so he landed on the floor, and crouched and tried a left swing for his legs. Zhang Liao pivoted back and went for a stab to Shiro, but he dodged it with a roll to the right. Shiro flipped the blade over, holding it backwards, and went for an uppercut stab, but Zhang Liao dodged it and made a slash to Shiro's back.
Shiro lashed out in pain, but as he did he spun and, with one hand on the end of the spear, slashed Zhang Liao's stomache with an elemential attack. Blood came down both of their wounds, but they stood their ground. Shiro and Zhang Liao attacked eachother and got into a lock between their blades.
"Let's make this fair!" said Shiro, struggling. He unsheathed his blade and cut the attatchments of Zhang Liao's chest armor, thus making it fall. Now neither of them held any torso armor, breaking the lock.
Shiro dropped his sword, and held onto his spear.
The soldiers had all gone ahead, and it was a bloody duel to the death between the two warriors.
"You can't win this." Said Zhang Liao.
"Then I'll die trying!" said Shiro and he charged his spear with some more electricity.
Shiro went for Zhang Liao's skull, but Zhang Liao gripped his pike and hit the blade upwards. Zhang Liao spun around hastily and got a good slash on Shiro's hip.
Shiro held in his pain and spun around and got a slash across Zhang Liao's back. Zhang Liao rolled forward and Shiro ran at him. Zhang Liao reversed his pike and spun to the left, slashing Shiro across the lower ribs.
Shiro vomitted blood and fell to his knees, using his spear as support.
"I'll kill you for what you did to Aoi…" said Shiro.
"Kill me? HAH! You can barely stand!" said Zhang Liao, readying himself for combat.
Shiro pulled himself up and spit out some blood. He waved the spear around his left and right sides, and thrusted it downward, getting in position. He charged and faked an attack to Zhang Liao's right hip, then spun and got his left hip.
Zhang Liao kicked Shiro back. Shiro tried to get back into position, but before he could Zhang Liao used his pike to smack Shiro's blade out of his hands. He then kicked Shiro to the ground.
Shiro sighted his sword, and grabbed it, and flipped up back to his fleet. He waved the blade back and forth, but it kept getting blocked. The two warriors had worn eachother down.
Shiro stood his ground, and readied his blade. Zhang Liao ran at him and a roundhouse slash. Shiro jumped out of the way and went for a blow to his back, but Zhang Liao managed to swing his pike back at Shiro, who blocked it and went on the defensive. Zhang Liao slashed to the left, and Shiro blocked it, so he spun to the other direction, but it was blocked as well. Shiro went for an inward stab but Zhang Liao dodged and punched Shiro across the cheek.
Shiro backed away and charged his sword with all the electricity he could gather. He clashed his blade againts Zhang Liao's and it sent Zhang Liao back a bit. He made another and sent him back again, then he went for three more, but Zhang Liao stood his ground. But as Shiro went for a finishing blow, Zhang Liao hit the sword away and kicked Shiro back, and cut across the ribs.
Shiro dropped his blade and vomited more blood. He dropped to his knees.
I've failed…, thought Shiro, I've failed Aoi…I've failed Kori…I failed myself…
Zhang Liao lifted his blade, and thrusted it down…