Author's Note: Ooh, this chapter was fun to write. I put some more Sima
Yi/Sun Shang Xiang stuff in. I sure I hope you like it and plz continue to
review. I'm going to try and write two chapter tomorrow for all of you
wonderful ppl. Thank you for reading, enjoy ^,^
Part 1
Rise of the Stars
Chapter 8
Lightening
Just as soon as Zhang He thought he could've got an easy hit in, Zhang Jiao blocked in the blink of an eye. No matter how fast Zhang He slash, Zhang Jiao was a step faster than him. They went a while in their dance of death, blocking and attacking. After a near hit, Zhang Jiao backed. "You are quite talented, yes, but you will not be able to stand much more of my powerful magic!" Zhang Jiao, yelled, twirling his staff around in the air like a baton. "Hahaha! Take this!" He said, sending a spurt of fire out of the gem. Zhang He dodged, but it had come dangerously close. After swiftly avoid several waves of flames, Zhang Jiao stopped. "Ahh, you have avoided the fire, but there are eight different elements, my dear nephew, fire, water, wind, earth, flora, ice, mind and lightening. With wind I can stop you." He performed a sweeping motion with his staff and a gigantic gust, 10 times stronger than the one back in the trench. Zhang He fell over onto his back and hit his head hard on the stone floor. He tried to lift his arms, but the wind was too strong. Zhang Jiao could be heard laughing over the strong wind. "How does it feel to be powerless against a great entity? Did I not warn you that you could not win against me?" He said striding forward, completely unaffected by the wind. "I will give you one more chance.Join me, and continue to live, refuse, and you will die." "Never, I'd rather die than be anywhere near joining the Yellow Turbans!" Zhang He snapped. His mind was racing for a solution. Someone had told him once that there was always a counter when faced with the elements, even if you are not using them yourself. What counters wind? Earth counters wind, so I've got to use the earth to my advantage. Zhang He thought. How the hell was he supposed to do that? Zhang Jiao stepped closer and closer, staff raised. He kicked Zhang He around painfully a couple of time, and whacked him hard in the stomach with his heavy staff. Then an idea came to Zhang He. The second Zhang Jiao was close enough; Zhang He slid his powerfully in the current of the wind. The power of the wind mixed with the force of his kick collided with Zhang Jiao's ankle. He tumbled to the ground, dumbstruck, and the staff flew out of his hands. "No!" He yelled, crawling over to try and reclaim it, but the second he'd let go, the wind had ceased. Zhang He leapt up on his feet and planted a foot on Zhang Jiao's back. "So." Zhang He said cruelly "How does it feel to be powerless against someone who can think for himself?" "Why you-" Then Zhang He moved the Talon's sharp ends onto Zhang Jiao's back. He thrust them in, hooked down, and then ripped them out. Zhang Jiao cried out in pain, inches from death. Zhang He performed two diagonal slashing movements that cleared areas of flesh, and Zhang Jiao was dead. Zhang He stumbled away from Zhang Jiao's motionless body. He could barely walk or think straightly. He vision was become blurred, but he knew he had to get back to Yuan Shao and report. Sun Jian rode up and slid of his horse. "Are you alright?" Sun Jain said putting a hand on Zhang He's back. Zhang He tried to answer, but he seemed to have lost his voice. He leaned against Sun Jian's chest armor and closed his eyes. "Hey! Don't die on me kid!" He said and Zhang He blacked out. Everything was dark. Zhang He didn't want to open his eyes. He moved closer to something warm and soft beside him. He heard whispering al around him and occasionally a soft cough. He placed his hand on the wound on his chest and felt it had been covered in bandages. The crust of dried blood had formed onto the white bandages and left little red flakes on his fingers. He opened his eyes and looked around. He was in the main camps infirmary. He looked beside him and saw that the warm soft something was Sima Yi. He was lying with his hair down, asleep with an arm around Sun Shang Xiang, who was also sleeping. Zhang He smiled at them and sat up. He thought he was probably well enough to stand up. He stood slowly up and walked towards the mouth of the tent. Outside it was nighttime and a cool air greeted him. The large full moon shone down, bathing the land in a milky white glow. The stars hung beautifully and he could hear the murmur of conversation from inside the illuminated tents. Luna moths and playful fireflies danced around in the air and soft music drifted through the night. Zhang He set out to find where Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were sleeping. He searched around tents, listening for Sun Ce's "enthusiastic" voice. Just as soon as he was about to give up and go back to the infirmary, he heard a familiar voice come out of the night. "So, you survived did you?" It said with an unpleasant air. Zhang He spun around and stood face to face with Guo Tu. "You know, Yuan Shao can't stop talking about how wonderfully heroic you were. If you ask me, the warrior is only as good as the plan, but who got the credit? You did! I used to be the one who everybody would congratulate after a battle, just until you stepped in, you ruined it all." Guo Tu spat. "I'm tired of you prancing around and taking all the glory for yourself, I warn you right now, leave Yuan Shao's forces, or I will make you." "Go to Hell, Guo Tu.Just because Yuan Shao likes me better doesn't mean you have to get all sour." Zhang He said clutching his chest. "You'll pay for that!" Guo Tu yelled, and punched him in the chest. Zhang He screamed as he felt his wound reopen and blood flow out. Zhang He applied pressure to his bleeding chest, trying to stop the gushing blood. "Hurts, doesn't it? Now you know how other people feel!" Guo Tu cackled. Zhang He got to his knees and felt the linen bandages growing wet. He tried to get away from Guo Tu, but he was kicked to the ground. "I should kill you right now." Guo Tu said, grabbing the back of Zhang He's neck and wrenching him upward. "S-stop." Zhang He said, feeling warm liquid drip down his stomach onto his legs. "What are you doing!?" Boomed from behind them. Guo Tu dropped Zhang He to the ground and looked horror struck. "Guo Tu? What in the world is going on here?" Yuan Shao said, utterly shocked. "My Lord, I.It's not what it looks like, I was just." Guo Tu said, his voice shaking. "M-my Lord.H..elp me." Zhang He said. "I am furious with these actions Guo Tu! If you were not a valuable asset to my forces, I would have you killed on the spot!" Yuan Shao said losing his temper. "Please forgive me, please my lord, I did not mean it, I was just trying to- " Guo Tu started. "SILENCE, you fool!" Yuan Shao said, drawing his sword. "Show me your arm, at once!" Yuan Shao bellowed. "Please, my Lord, anything but that!" Pleaded Guo Tu, dropping to his knees. "You will obey or die!" Yuan Shao yelled menacingly. Guo Tu removed the sleeve from his arm with a shivering hand. His eyes were watering and he looked extremely scared. Zhang He looked up, watching in sickened anticipation. Yuan Shao raised his steel blade and swing down. Guo Tu shrieked and Zhang He closed his eyes and heard a thud. When he opened his eyes and saw Guo Tu writhing on the floor holding his wrist, which was bleeding profusely. At first, Zhang thought Yuan Shao had slashed him across the wrist, but then he saw that he had cut Guo Tu's hand off. Yuan Shao Seized Gou Tu's arm and cut a symbol into his bleeding arm. It was the symbol for "Punishment". "Come, Zhang He, let me escort you back to the infirmary." Yuan Shao said, offering him a hand. "Thank you, my Lord." Zhang He said breathlessly as Yuan Shao hoisted him up. "What a horrible thing to do, he attacked you when you were injured." Yuan Shao said as if he had tasted something very unpleasant. They reached the quiet infirmary tent and Zhang He fell back to his place beside Sima Yi, who hadn't moved at all. "You fought very bravely, Zhang He. Not many people with your amount of training could've taken down Zhang Jiao alone. I think the true art of battle is in your blood, your are destined for greatness." Yuan Shao kindly. "Thank you, my lord, I am glad you made it out safely as well. "Try to get some sleep, we should be moving back to the palace sometime this week." Yuan Shao said, exiting the tent. The next day, Zhang He awoke to hear voices talking next to him. "It was probably my fault, I just kind of move around when I sleep!" Said a bright, but nervous sounding girls voice. "I'm profusely sorry, I didn't mean to invade your personal space." Said a man's voice, which was equally nervous. Zhang He pretended to be asleep to he could listen to their conversation. "No it's perfectly alright, I don't mind in the slightest!" The girl said. "I just feel it was somewhat of my doing.I didn't want to upset you." The boy said. "You've got it all wrong, it didn't upset me at all." The girl said and paused. "I actually liked it very much!" She said quickly, then swift footsteps were heard, and the conversation ceased.
Zhang He opened his eyes to see a blushing Sima Yi sitting up staring at the door. He realized the girl had been Sun Shang Xiang and he started to laugh. Sima Yi looked over at Zhang He. "What's so funny?" He said. "Nothing, I just had a really funny dream." Zhang He lied. "What was this really funny dream about?" Sima Yi said skeptically. "You wouldn't understand, it's for adults only." Zhang He teased. "You idiot, we're the same age!" Sima Yi said smiling. "What month were you born in?" Zhang He asked. "December." "Well that makes me four months older than you!" Zhang He bragged playfully. "Forget it, let's go outside." Sima Yi said, standing up.
"Bet Sun Jian will thank you for saving his daughter." Zhang He said as they walked outside. It was cool outside and a wind was blowing, carrying leaves with it. Zhang He looked at the brilliant blue sky. The pillow-like white clouds skimmed lazily along and often passed by the sun.
"It wasn't that big of a deal, I didn't do anything that special." Sima Yi said, blinking from the brightness.
"Yes you did," Said Zhang He stopping. "You risked your life to save her, she would have been dead if you hadn't done that!"
"You would have done the same thing if you were in my position! It's not like I care about her or anything." Sima Yi said a little nervously.
"Why do I detect a hint of worry in your voice, my friend?" Zhang He said smiling. "What? I didn't sound worried! Did I really sound worried?" Sima Yi said quickly. All Zhang He did was smile more broadly. "What's the matter with you? Why are you smiling like that?" Sima Yi said looking around. "Fine, lie to me, it's not like I care." Zhang He said, giving up. "Lie to you? What have I been lying about?" Sima Yi said, whining a little. "Oh, come on, I'm not blind, you know." Zhang He said, then he added with a laugh "Or deaf." "You rotten little eavesdropper!" Sima Yi said smiling with his mouth hanging open. "I can't help it if I accidentally overhear a secret conversation!" Zhang He said laughing. "Listen." Sima Yi said looking back and lowering his voice. "You wouldn't go speaking to everyone about this, would you?" "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." Zhang He said smiling. "There they are!" Someone yelled from far away. "The only person I know who is that loud." Zhang He said, looking in the direction of the sound. Sun Ce bounded into sight and crashed into the boys. Zhou Yu came into view, shaking his head and holding his forehead. "How are you both?" Sun Ce asked happily. "We've made a full recovery!" Sima Yi said. "Glad to see you both well again." Said Zhou Yu. "We've got a bit of bad news though." Sun Ce said, without the usual spunk. "The Han is dead." "Yes, more fighting will begin soon." Zhou Yu "I assume in a year or two the armies will be ready." "My father says he's gonna lead the most powerful army! You guys are gonna be in it right?" Sun Ce said to Zhang He and Sima Yi. "I'm not sure what Yuan Shao's actions will be, but I hope so!" Zhang He said. "I will try and persuade my father at all times!" Sima Yi said excitedly. "It would be wonderful to fight alongside all of you if fighting has to be done!" "You guys." Sun Ce began "You are the best friends I've ever had." "I could say the same." Zhou Yu said "Even though we've only known each other for a short amount of time, it feels like we have been friends since we were all very small." "Let us take a vow then! We shall be sworn brothers, fighting against all who oppose us!" Sun Ce said. "I'll be your sworn brother Sun Ce!" Zhang He said. "I will be, as well!" Sima Yi said, joining in. "Of course I will!" Zhou Yu said smiling. So it began under the shady trees at the camp. They each took the vows of brotherhood, swearing they would never let anything come between them, friends forever. They stayed at the camp for a couple days more, then came the day they had all been dreading. The morning came, bright and blue, and the camp was packed away into the carts. The different families mounted their horses and bid farewell. They waved sadly goodbye until they were just specs on the horizon. "Don't worry." Said Rai Tso, when she spied Zhang He looking so melancholy "You'll definitely see them again." After a long and uneventful three weeks of riding, they finally arrived back a Yuan Shao's palace. It felt odd coming home; it was so normal being with his brothers and Sun Shang Xiang. It had begun to snow almost everyday now. The world was covered in a glistening white blanket of frost. Yuan Shao was at the end of his temper fuse everyday. Ever since the Han had crumbled, he was in denial. "Just bluffing." He would say. " That's the way they do things nowadays.Yes, just a bluff." After they got back, Rai Tso came into Zhang He's room one morning and informed of something. "The way you handled yourself back at the Yellow Turbans was amazing. Seeing as how much you've grown, and your expertise with using the Talons, I'd say your training is complete!" She said smiling. "Congratulations, you're a full fledged bodyguard!" The days passed quickly, with not much happening, and before Zhang He knew it, winter was dying. The snowstorms subsided and it slowly got warmer. Zhang He spent his days lazing around and taking long bathes. He seemed only three quarters of the way alive without his friends, like something was always missing. There were rumors flying around that three armies were gathering to take control of the dynasty. One was the Shu, lead by Liu Bei, the second was the Wei, Led by Cao Cao, and finally the Wu, led by the Sun family. Zhang He hoped to himself every day that Yuan Shao was thinking about joining the Wu. One day, while going about his usual business, Yuan Shao approached him. "I will be having some very important guests staying with us tomorrow. I've always hated this man, and he I. Infact, I'm extremely puzzled why he would ask to stay here at all. I suspect he may be after my head, so I want you to be on the lookout for me. If he shows the slightest hint that he wants to kill me, destroy him immediately. He will be bringing with him his two bodyguards, one of which is a woman; you may have to kill them as well." Yuan Shao said. "I am sorry, my Lord, but I do not believe in killing women, I beg your pardon." Zhang He said bowing. "But I will gladly protect you in the face of danger." "Good, good. I don't suppose she has to die, anyway. Just wanted to let you know, good day." Yuan Shao said, departing. "So what was that all about?" Someone said from behind him. Zhang He turned and saw Rai Tso. "Oh, Yuan Shao's adversary is coming to stay here and he wants me to watch him." Zhang He explained. "Uh-oh, it's not Dong Zhou, is it?" Rai Tso asked with worry in her voice. "I'm not sure.All he said was they hated each other and he has two bodyguards." Zhang He said, wondering what was so bad about Dong Zhou. "That's him alright.oh, boy we're in deep. Dong Zhou is definitely on an assassination mission. Let's just hope to God he doesn't bring Lu Bu." Rai Tso said worried. "What's so scary about Lu Bu?" Zhang He asked. "Oh, nothing much. he just kills everyone that bugs him in a horribly brutal way, and he's never lost to anyone once!" Rai Tso said, "Oh.that's what's so scary about Lu Bu." Zhang He said. "But Diao Chan isn't so bad, she's really sweet once you get to know her." Rai Tso said, "I wouldn't worry too much about her." "I hope you're right." Zhang He said, dreading the morrow.
review. I'm going to try and write two chapter tomorrow for all of you
wonderful ppl. Thank you for reading, enjoy ^,^
Part 1
Rise of the Stars
Chapter 8
Lightening
Just as soon as Zhang He thought he could've got an easy hit in, Zhang Jiao blocked in the blink of an eye. No matter how fast Zhang He slash, Zhang Jiao was a step faster than him. They went a while in their dance of death, blocking and attacking. After a near hit, Zhang Jiao backed. "You are quite talented, yes, but you will not be able to stand much more of my powerful magic!" Zhang Jiao, yelled, twirling his staff around in the air like a baton. "Hahaha! Take this!" He said, sending a spurt of fire out of the gem. Zhang He dodged, but it had come dangerously close. After swiftly avoid several waves of flames, Zhang Jiao stopped. "Ahh, you have avoided the fire, but there are eight different elements, my dear nephew, fire, water, wind, earth, flora, ice, mind and lightening. With wind I can stop you." He performed a sweeping motion with his staff and a gigantic gust, 10 times stronger than the one back in the trench. Zhang He fell over onto his back and hit his head hard on the stone floor. He tried to lift his arms, but the wind was too strong. Zhang Jiao could be heard laughing over the strong wind. "How does it feel to be powerless against a great entity? Did I not warn you that you could not win against me?" He said striding forward, completely unaffected by the wind. "I will give you one more chance.Join me, and continue to live, refuse, and you will die." "Never, I'd rather die than be anywhere near joining the Yellow Turbans!" Zhang He snapped. His mind was racing for a solution. Someone had told him once that there was always a counter when faced with the elements, even if you are not using them yourself. What counters wind? Earth counters wind, so I've got to use the earth to my advantage. Zhang He thought. How the hell was he supposed to do that? Zhang Jiao stepped closer and closer, staff raised. He kicked Zhang He around painfully a couple of time, and whacked him hard in the stomach with his heavy staff. Then an idea came to Zhang He. The second Zhang Jiao was close enough; Zhang He slid his powerfully in the current of the wind. The power of the wind mixed with the force of his kick collided with Zhang Jiao's ankle. He tumbled to the ground, dumbstruck, and the staff flew out of his hands. "No!" He yelled, crawling over to try and reclaim it, but the second he'd let go, the wind had ceased. Zhang He leapt up on his feet and planted a foot on Zhang Jiao's back. "So." Zhang He said cruelly "How does it feel to be powerless against someone who can think for himself?" "Why you-" Then Zhang He moved the Talon's sharp ends onto Zhang Jiao's back. He thrust them in, hooked down, and then ripped them out. Zhang Jiao cried out in pain, inches from death. Zhang He performed two diagonal slashing movements that cleared areas of flesh, and Zhang Jiao was dead. Zhang He stumbled away from Zhang Jiao's motionless body. He could barely walk or think straightly. He vision was become blurred, but he knew he had to get back to Yuan Shao and report. Sun Jian rode up and slid of his horse. "Are you alright?" Sun Jain said putting a hand on Zhang He's back. Zhang He tried to answer, but he seemed to have lost his voice. He leaned against Sun Jian's chest armor and closed his eyes. "Hey! Don't die on me kid!" He said and Zhang He blacked out. Everything was dark. Zhang He didn't want to open his eyes. He moved closer to something warm and soft beside him. He heard whispering al around him and occasionally a soft cough. He placed his hand on the wound on his chest and felt it had been covered in bandages. The crust of dried blood had formed onto the white bandages and left little red flakes on his fingers. He opened his eyes and looked around. He was in the main camps infirmary. He looked beside him and saw that the warm soft something was Sima Yi. He was lying with his hair down, asleep with an arm around Sun Shang Xiang, who was also sleeping. Zhang He smiled at them and sat up. He thought he was probably well enough to stand up. He stood slowly up and walked towards the mouth of the tent. Outside it was nighttime and a cool air greeted him. The large full moon shone down, bathing the land in a milky white glow. The stars hung beautifully and he could hear the murmur of conversation from inside the illuminated tents. Luna moths and playful fireflies danced around in the air and soft music drifted through the night. Zhang He set out to find where Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were sleeping. He searched around tents, listening for Sun Ce's "enthusiastic" voice. Just as soon as he was about to give up and go back to the infirmary, he heard a familiar voice come out of the night. "So, you survived did you?" It said with an unpleasant air. Zhang He spun around and stood face to face with Guo Tu. "You know, Yuan Shao can't stop talking about how wonderfully heroic you were. If you ask me, the warrior is only as good as the plan, but who got the credit? You did! I used to be the one who everybody would congratulate after a battle, just until you stepped in, you ruined it all." Guo Tu spat. "I'm tired of you prancing around and taking all the glory for yourself, I warn you right now, leave Yuan Shao's forces, or I will make you." "Go to Hell, Guo Tu.Just because Yuan Shao likes me better doesn't mean you have to get all sour." Zhang He said clutching his chest. "You'll pay for that!" Guo Tu yelled, and punched him in the chest. Zhang He screamed as he felt his wound reopen and blood flow out. Zhang He applied pressure to his bleeding chest, trying to stop the gushing blood. "Hurts, doesn't it? Now you know how other people feel!" Guo Tu cackled. Zhang He got to his knees and felt the linen bandages growing wet. He tried to get away from Guo Tu, but he was kicked to the ground. "I should kill you right now." Guo Tu said, grabbing the back of Zhang He's neck and wrenching him upward. "S-stop." Zhang He said, feeling warm liquid drip down his stomach onto his legs. "What are you doing!?" Boomed from behind them. Guo Tu dropped Zhang He to the ground and looked horror struck. "Guo Tu? What in the world is going on here?" Yuan Shao said, utterly shocked. "My Lord, I.It's not what it looks like, I was just." Guo Tu said, his voice shaking. "M-my Lord.H..elp me." Zhang He said. "I am furious with these actions Guo Tu! If you were not a valuable asset to my forces, I would have you killed on the spot!" Yuan Shao said losing his temper. "Please forgive me, please my lord, I did not mean it, I was just trying to- " Guo Tu started. "SILENCE, you fool!" Yuan Shao said, drawing his sword. "Show me your arm, at once!" Yuan Shao bellowed. "Please, my Lord, anything but that!" Pleaded Guo Tu, dropping to his knees. "You will obey or die!" Yuan Shao yelled menacingly. Guo Tu removed the sleeve from his arm with a shivering hand. His eyes were watering and he looked extremely scared. Zhang He looked up, watching in sickened anticipation. Yuan Shao raised his steel blade and swing down. Guo Tu shrieked and Zhang He closed his eyes and heard a thud. When he opened his eyes and saw Guo Tu writhing on the floor holding his wrist, which was bleeding profusely. At first, Zhang thought Yuan Shao had slashed him across the wrist, but then he saw that he had cut Guo Tu's hand off. Yuan Shao Seized Gou Tu's arm and cut a symbol into his bleeding arm. It was the symbol for "Punishment". "Come, Zhang He, let me escort you back to the infirmary." Yuan Shao said, offering him a hand. "Thank you, my Lord." Zhang He said breathlessly as Yuan Shao hoisted him up. "What a horrible thing to do, he attacked you when you were injured." Yuan Shao said as if he had tasted something very unpleasant. They reached the quiet infirmary tent and Zhang He fell back to his place beside Sima Yi, who hadn't moved at all. "You fought very bravely, Zhang He. Not many people with your amount of training could've taken down Zhang Jiao alone. I think the true art of battle is in your blood, your are destined for greatness." Yuan Shao kindly. "Thank you, my lord, I am glad you made it out safely as well. "Try to get some sleep, we should be moving back to the palace sometime this week." Yuan Shao said, exiting the tent. The next day, Zhang He awoke to hear voices talking next to him. "It was probably my fault, I just kind of move around when I sleep!" Said a bright, but nervous sounding girls voice. "I'm profusely sorry, I didn't mean to invade your personal space." Said a man's voice, which was equally nervous. Zhang He pretended to be asleep to he could listen to their conversation. "No it's perfectly alright, I don't mind in the slightest!" The girl said. "I just feel it was somewhat of my doing.I didn't want to upset you." The boy said. "You've got it all wrong, it didn't upset me at all." The girl said and paused. "I actually liked it very much!" She said quickly, then swift footsteps were heard, and the conversation ceased.
Zhang He opened his eyes to see a blushing Sima Yi sitting up staring at the door. He realized the girl had been Sun Shang Xiang and he started to laugh. Sima Yi looked over at Zhang He. "What's so funny?" He said. "Nothing, I just had a really funny dream." Zhang He lied. "What was this really funny dream about?" Sima Yi said skeptically. "You wouldn't understand, it's for adults only." Zhang He teased. "You idiot, we're the same age!" Sima Yi said smiling. "What month were you born in?" Zhang He asked. "December." "Well that makes me four months older than you!" Zhang He bragged playfully. "Forget it, let's go outside." Sima Yi said, standing up.
"Bet Sun Jian will thank you for saving his daughter." Zhang He said as they walked outside. It was cool outside and a wind was blowing, carrying leaves with it. Zhang He looked at the brilliant blue sky. The pillow-like white clouds skimmed lazily along and often passed by the sun.
"It wasn't that big of a deal, I didn't do anything that special." Sima Yi said, blinking from the brightness.
"Yes you did," Said Zhang He stopping. "You risked your life to save her, she would have been dead if you hadn't done that!"
"You would have done the same thing if you were in my position! It's not like I care about her or anything." Sima Yi said a little nervously.
"Why do I detect a hint of worry in your voice, my friend?" Zhang He said smiling. "What? I didn't sound worried! Did I really sound worried?" Sima Yi said quickly. All Zhang He did was smile more broadly. "What's the matter with you? Why are you smiling like that?" Sima Yi said looking around. "Fine, lie to me, it's not like I care." Zhang He said, giving up. "Lie to you? What have I been lying about?" Sima Yi said, whining a little. "Oh, come on, I'm not blind, you know." Zhang He said, then he added with a laugh "Or deaf." "You rotten little eavesdropper!" Sima Yi said smiling with his mouth hanging open. "I can't help it if I accidentally overhear a secret conversation!" Zhang He said laughing. "Listen." Sima Yi said looking back and lowering his voice. "You wouldn't go speaking to everyone about this, would you?" "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." Zhang He said smiling. "There they are!" Someone yelled from far away. "The only person I know who is that loud." Zhang He said, looking in the direction of the sound. Sun Ce bounded into sight and crashed into the boys. Zhou Yu came into view, shaking his head and holding his forehead. "How are you both?" Sun Ce asked happily. "We've made a full recovery!" Sima Yi said. "Glad to see you both well again." Said Zhou Yu. "We've got a bit of bad news though." Sun Ce said, without the usual spunk. "The Han is dead." "Yes, more fighting will begin soon." Zhou Yu "I assume in a year or two the armies will be ready." "My father says he's gonna lead the most powerful army! You guys are gonna be in it right?" Sun Ce said to Zhang He and Sima Yi. "I'm not sure what Yuan Shao's actions will be, but I hope so!" Zhang He said. "I will try and persuade my father at all times!" Sima Yi said excitedly. "It would be wonderful to fight alongside all of you if fighting has to be done!" "You guys." Sun Ce began "You are the best friends I've ever had." "I could say the same." Zhou Yu said "Even though we've only known each other for a short amount of time, it feels like we have been friends since we were all very small." "Let us take a vow then! We shall be sworn brothers, fighting against all who oppose us!" Sun Ce said. "I'll be your sworn brother Sun Ce!" Zhang He said. "I will be, as well!" Sima Yi said, joining in. "Of course I will!" Zhou Yu said smiling. So it began under the shady trees at the camp. They each took the vows of brotherhood, swearing they would never let anything come between them, friends forever. They stayed at the camp for a couple days more, then came the day they had all been dreading. The morning came, bright and blue, and the camp was packed away into the carts. The different families mounted their horses and bid farewell. They waved sadly goodbye until they were just specs on the horizon. "Don't worry." Said Rai Tso, when she spied Zhang He looking so melancholy "You'll definitely see them again." After a long and uneventful three weeks of riding, they finally arrived back a Yuan Shao's palace. It felt odd coming home; it was so normal being with his brothers and Sun Shang Xiang. It had begun to snow almost everyday now. The world was covered in a glistening white blanket of frost. Yuan Shao was at the end of his temper fuse everyday. Ever since the Han had crumbled, he was in denial. "Just bluffing." He would say. " That's the way they do things nowadays.Yes, just a bluff." After they got back, Rai Tso came into Zhang He's room one morning and informed of something. "The way you handled yourself back at the Yellow Turbans was amazing. Seeing as how much you've grown, and your expertise with using the Talons, I'd say your training is complete!" She said smiling. "Congratulations, you're a full fledged bodyguard!" The days passed quickly, with not much happening, and before Zhang He knew it, winter was dying. The snowstorms subsided and it slowly got warmer. Zhang He spent his days lazing around and taking long bathes. He seemed only three quarters of the way alive without his friends, like something was always missing. There were rumors flying around that three armies were gathering to take control of the dynasty. One was the Shu, lead by Liu Bei, the second was the Wei, Led by Cao Cao, and finally the Wu, led by the Sun family. Zhang He hoped to himself every day that Yuan Shao was thinking about joining the Wu. One day, while going about his usual business, Yuan Shao approached him. "I will be having some very important guests staying with us tomorrow. I've always hated this man, and he I. Infact, I'm extremely puzzled why he would ask to stay here at all. I suspect he may be after my head, so I want you to be on the lookout for me. If he shows the slightest hint that he wants to kill me, destroy him immediately. He will be bringing with him his two bodyguards, one of which is a woman; you may have to kill them as well." Yuan Shao said. "I am sorry, my Lord, but I do not believe in killing women, I beg your pardon." Zhang He said bowing. "But I will gladly protect you in the face of danger." "Good, good. I don't suppose she has to die, anyway. Just wanted to let you know, good day." Yuan Shao said, departing. "So what was that all about?" Someone said from behind him. Zhang He turned and saw Rai Tso. "Oh, Yuan Shao's adversary is coming to stay here and he wants me to watch him." Zhang He explained. "Uh-oh, it's not Dong Zhou, is it?" Rai Tso asked with worry in her voice. "I'm not sure.All he said was they hated each other and he has two bodyguards." Zhang He said, wondering what was so bad about Dong Zhou. "That's him alright.oh, boy we're in deep. Dong Zhou is definitely on an assassination mission. Let's just hope to God he doesn't bring Lu Bu." Rai Tso said worried. "What's so scary about Lu Bu?" Zhang He asked. "Oh, nothing much. he just kills everyone that bugs him in a horribly brutal way, and he's never lost to anyone once!" Rai Tso said, "Oh.that's what's so scary about Lu Bu." Zhang He said. "But Diao Chan isn't so bad, she's really sweet once you get to know her." Rai Tso said, "I wouldn't worry too much about her." "I hope you're right." Zhang He said, dreading the morrow.