Author's Note: I spent all day writing this chapter, I can't believe it!
I hope you like it, I worked hard, I didn't even get to play Metal Gear or
Dynasty Warriors Four! I was kindy angsty and a little deep, so this one
is kinda odd. I hope you like it, I wrote and extra long one!
Enjoy!
Part 2
The Power of The Red Moon
Chapter 14
Blood Red
Zhang He stared at the vast structures before him. Thousands of men were all around busying themselves with different tasks. There were tents and quickly constructed buildings littered all over the place, and some men were still constructing the back part of the wall. All around was the color blue, blue armors, blue paint, blue weapons. He supposed if Shu's color was green, then the Wei had to be blue. They stumbled over men and tools, heading towards a large building. Xiahou Dun pushed open the large blue doors and entered the massive hall. In the back stood Lord Cao Cao, speaking with Dian Wei, who was scowling.
"Cousin! I have returned!" Xiahou Dun announced as Cao Cao finally noticed they had come in.
"Welcome back, cousin. Did you have a safe trip?" Cao Cao paused and his face turned sour. "Who are they . . .?"
"These are my friends, Zhang He and Diao Chan. They have journeyed from far to speak with our strategist." Xiahou Dun said, gesturing to each of them. Zhang He looked around the large build. Sima Yi had to be around somewhere, didn't he?
"They are spies from the Shu. Kill them at once, guards!" Said Cao Cao angrily. Zhang He and Diao Chan backed into each other and readied their weapons as the guards marched towards them.
"Stop this at once!" Xiahou Dun ordered to the guards.
"What are you doing, cousin!? Don't you know his father is the sworn brother of Liu Bei himself?" Cao Cao spat.
"I-is this true?" Xiahou Dun said surprised.
"I hate my father! I wouldn't care if he dropped dead in front of me. I have broken all allegiance I ever had with him! He is an arrogant pig who is drunk almost all the time, I would never join the Shu, just because he's on it!" Zhang He yelled defensively.
"That does not change my point of view, cousin, he will die along with that little girl!" Cao Cao bellowed. The guards closed in on them and one pointed his spear very close to Diao Chan's throat. He didn't care who they were; nobody harmed Diao Chan and lived. Zhang He forced his way in front of her and moved his Talons in the light so that they gleamed dangerously. The man began to back off, but another man came from behind. Just as soon as it looked like Zhang He was going to have to resort to violence, a voice rang out.
"Brother?" It said, sounding surprised. Zhang He turned at gazed into the face of his older brother, Zhang Liao.
"Liao!" He said, just as surprised, and happy to see him.
"Stop this, you!" Zhang Liao said, pushing the guard aside and stepping up to Zhang He. He smiled for a bit, then clapped a hand onto Zhang He's shoulder. "It is wonderful to see you, again, He."
"You are his brother, Zhang Liao?" Cao Cao said, fury rising.
"Of course! You did not know my father was Zhang Fei?" Zhang Liao said.
"No, I believed him to be Zhang Liao. I should release you from my forces at once." Cao Cao said.
"My Lord, when have I ever shown signs of being a Shu supporter?" Zhang Liao said respectively, with only a hint of superiority in his voice.
"I suppose you're right . . ." Cao Cao mused bitterly. "Fine, leave now, and take them with you!" He pointed to Zhang He and Diao Chan. Zhang He bowed to Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun, and Dian Wei, the left in a hurry. Once outside, they could all talk a bit more freely.
"What brings you all the way out here, He? Last I heard you were working for Yuan Shao as a bodyguard." Zhang Liao said amiably.
"A-a lot has happened. I am not part of anyone's forces at the moment . . ." Zhang He said, avoiding the subject. "We've come here to speak with Sima Yi."
"Yes, he's made it clear that you are his sworn brother. I can take you to him in a little while. Now, who is this brother? She's very beautiful, is she your woman?" Zhang Liao said smiling a sly smile.
"No! I'm her . . . bodyguard. Her name is Diao Chan." Zhang He retorted.
"Whatever you say, brother. He's kind of the hopeless romantic type." Zhang Liao added to Diao Chan, who giggled. Zhang He glared up at his older brother in a kind of friendly way. He looked quite stunning in his light blue armor, purple cape and fine, feathered hat. He had grown a small beard and a moustache on either side of his upper lip.
"What kind of weapon are you using these days?" Zhang He asked.
"Same as usual, a pike, but this one I have now is very finely made and strong too." Zhang Liao said, still leading them to some unknown destination. "Come on, come see my chambers. Since I'm a main general, I get my own room." He walked them to the edge of the camp to a small building with a curtain flap door. He bent down and disappeared inside, followed by Diao Chan, then Zhang He.
It was quite pathetic inside, but still suitable. He had a small bed in the corner then and even smaller table, which you had to kneel down to write upon. There was no flooring, just earth. He pike was standing up in the corner, and it truly was fine. It had symbols etched into the side, which glowed orange. The place the held the blade still was shaped in the head of a dragon and made out of solid gold. The pole was made out of strong cedar wood that smelled fragrant when you got close to it. At the end was a shiny silver ornament that gleamed in the sunlight.
"How magnificent!" Diao Chan exclaimed, trotting over to the weapon.
"Like it, do you?" Zhang Liao said kindly, joining her. "It's specially made . . ." Zhang He looked down at his lovely Talons. They were just as shiny and well crafted at the pike, and defiantly more expensive and powerful. He didn't remember Diao Chan ever going crazy over his weapon. He heard them jabbering away stupidly over different weapons and a strange emotion boiled in his chest. He felt sick and at the same time anger and hatred toward his own brother.
"It's not that great . . ." He said as if he'd tasted something disgusting. This made them both stop talking and stare at him. Please don't look at me like that Diao Chan. . . Zhang He thought, his entire stomach growing seasick. He frowned and looked at his feet. "We'd better go find Sima Yi . . ." He said, trying to recover his normal voice.
"Oh, yeah, he's only two buildings down, do you think you can make it there yourself?" Zhang Liao said in his normal manner.
"Sure, I'll be fine." Returning back to his normal self. He started to walk to the exit and his heart gave another leap when Diao Chan did not follow. "I'm g-going now . . . bye . . ."
Why didn't Diao Chan come with him? Surely she couldn't have found the pike that interesting. He trudged over to the house Sima Yi was supposed to be living in. It was a bit bigger and actually had a door. He grimly knocked on the door, still grumbling about Diao Chan to himself. Nothing happened for a long while and Zhang He knocked again louder. Something crashed inside and sounds of hurried shuffling were heard. Zhang He pushed the door slightly open and a loud yell made him fall back.
"Don't you dare come in! I told you I don't want to see anyone! When there's battle going on I'll help, but now I want to be left alone!" Sima Yi screamed loudly through the door. Zhang He stood, a little surprised, and then pushed the door forward a little more.
"Didn't you hear me!? Shove off you bastards! I am not in the mood for your stupidity!" Sima Yi roared again louder.
"Sima Yi?" Zhang He said sounding hurt and poking his head inside. Sima Yi was kneeling on the floor of his slightly impressive room looking terrible. His eyes were very bloodshot and the skin around them was very red. He looked much older and much more tired. He appeared to have grown several inches taller than before. He was wearing robes set in dark blue, for the Wei, and a black helmet with small golden wings in several places around the edges, and a black feather on the end. The room was terribly messy, a half eaten bowl of hard rice with broken chopsticks, crumpled papers and discarded robes were all over the floor. The second Zhang He appeared in his sight, Sima Yi expression of loathing turned to a wide-eyed stare.
"Zhang He . . ." He said breathlessly. He stood up on his feet and rocked precariously. "Zhang He!"
"What's wrong Sima Yi? You look awful." Zhang he said in surprise, standing ready to catch him if he suddenly fell.
"I'm so glad you're here . . ." He said falling over onto Zhang He's chest, he was so tired he couldn't even stand.
"Look, you need some sleep or something. Look at this place, it's a mess!" Zhang He scolded, dragging Sima Yi over to the unmade bed.
"No don't! I can't sleep!" He exclaimed, suddenly sounding terrified.
"What's wrong, brother? You look really sick . . ." Zhang He said, trying to force him onto the bed.
"No, please no!!! Don't make me!!!" Sima Yi said his hands shaking violently trying to fight off Zhang He.
"Stop, Stop! I won't make you sleep, ok? It's all right, calm down. Tell me what's wrong, right now." Zhang He said, getting worried.
"I-I don't want to . . ." Siam Yi said, looking at his knees.
"Well, your telling me anyway, you have to!" Zhang He said firmly.
"I didn't want to come, I really didn't." He said pathetically. "Tried to refuse, but he wouldn't let me. He told me it was good to fight for the Wei, but I wanted to be with you guys, with my brothers. He got so mad, furious; I've never seen him like that before. Well, I went to sleep that night, but he woke me up in the middle of the night. He started yelling so loud I could understand him, and then he took one of my swords and started beating me with the hilt. Then he slashed me across the back a couple of times and started kicking me around. He said that if I didn't go to the Wei, he would kill me. I didn't have any other choice. So, when I got here I tried to sleep, horrible, horrible nightmares, I can't sleep, I'm too afraid, I think I'm going insane or something, I just keep everyone out, I'm sorry, so sorry, oh God, please forgive me . . ." Sima Yi said, tears leaking out from his eyes as he buried his face in Zhang He's lap. He sat there stunned, trying to comfort Sima Yi as best he could. This is what he had been going through? Zhang He thought he had it rough . . .
"It's going to be alright, Sima Yi." He said patting him on the back. "For now, you really, really need to sleep. How long has it been since you last slept for more than an hour, anyway?" Siam Yi sat up and, still sobbing and thought. He rubbed his eyebrow and closed his eyes.
"Ummm. . . About three and a half weeks, I think." He said pitifully.
"That's bad, really bad!" Zhang He said firmly. "You need to sleep right now! Yes, you will, you really are going to crazy if you don't sleep, you know that right? When was the last time you ate?"
"I can't remember . . ." Sima Yi said, still massaging his forehead.
"Go to bed right now, don't worry I'll be right here beside you. Nothing is going to happen, now take off that helmet." Zhang He said, sincerely worried. Sima Yi looked uneasy for a few moments, but then slowly removed his helm. He took out the bun in his hair and let his long hair fall down to his back. He untied the ribbons and strings on his sleeves and torso and lifted the robe over his head. He was sickeningly thin; Zhang He could see his bones quite clearly. The belt that held up his pants was so small it looked like a child was wearing it. Scars and bruises were all over his back; it was horrible to see his best friend brought down to this. He tried to get into the bed and ended up falling immediately asleep with only his head on the mattress. Zhang He lifted the rest of his body up, and then went outside to find some food for the both of them. Sima Yi could've died in there and Cao Cao would have never known.
He ducked into his brother's hut and opened his mouth to ask him where he could get food, but he was suddenly dumbstruck at what he saw. Diao Chan was leaning towards and being held by Zhang Liao. They both stared at him as he entered, and Diao Chan quickly freed herself from Zhang Liao's grip.
"It's not what it looks like!" She exclaimed, running over to Zhang He and put her hands on his chest. Zhang He gave her a look of disgust and slapped her hands away.
"I can't believe you'd lie like that to me . . ." He said, feeling the anger build up inside him.
"Please, Zhang He, I only fell." She pleaded.
"Shut up!" Zhang He yelled at her as she sank to the floor in front of him. "You never even thought twice abut me, and even if you had, he's soooo much better than I am! Go ahead, marry him, and see if I even look twice! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find my brother some food before he starves to death, without your goddamn help!!!" He screamed at her with his fists balled up. He pounded quickly outside, leaving Diao Chan behind with her sobs. I don't care if she's crying! How dare she, after all we've been through! I always have been kind to her, I've saved her life countless amounts of times and this is how she repays me! Zhang He stopped and looked up at the sky. He could feel his eyes aching, foreboding the coming of tears. Why the hell I am crying!? I don't even care about her, I never did! She's not even my friend, we're just traveling companions, she can love anyone she wants, she. . . Zhang He closed his eyes and bit his lip. He wouldn't let himself cry. He was a fifteen-year-old man, not a baby. He swallowed his pain and went off to find some food. He marched over to a man and asked if he may please have some rice very stiffly. The soldier picked up some rice from a pot and scooped it into a bowl. "Thanks. . ." He said, taking the glass bowl and swept off back to Sima Yi's room.
He was still sleeping soundly with his face buried in the blankets. Zhang He set the rice down on a table and began to clean up the room. Just don't think about anything, and I'll be fine. Nothing happened today, it's all good. Just got to this room cleaned up. It was no good, he felt hot tears run down his face and hit the ground. His lip trembled and he paused in his cleaning. Why did it hurt so much? It's not like they were in love or anything. That's a lie. His inner voice told him, you always loved her, you wanted her for yourself, but were too stupid realize that you did. Not true, it's not true. . . What was the good of lying to himself? Of course he loved her, he wanted to hold her right now. How could he have said those horrible things to her? He yelled at her and made her cry, that beautiful creature, gentle and sweet. She obviously cared for him too, how could he have been so blind? He had to apologize, beg her forgiveness, anything to get her back. But she was holding him; she's attracted to Zhang Liao. She's probably glad to be rid of me . . . How he wanted her by his side once again; just to look at her loveliness was a privilege. He was no better than Dong Zhou and Lu Bu, he was disgusting. He dropped the trash in his hands and covered his face shamefully with his hands. He sank onto his stomach and lay there sobbing to himself for hours. After a while, he stopped crying and had to cope with a pounding headache.
He had to get outside; he needed fresh air, that was all. He strolled outside, trying to looks casual, but stared intently at the ground. He found himself at a quiet tranquility pond with a red and black bridge. He walked over onto the bridge and stared into the black, glasslike water. Stars were reflected in the water, and the moon appeared as a magic, rippling sphere of light. Delicate pink blossoms danced down from the flowering trees around him and floated on the water like miniature glowing boats. It was so beautiful, Zhang He was calmed and a smile appeared on his lips. Fireflies appeared into the air and fluttered around like enchanted lanterns. Zhang He gazed at them and felt tranquility set in, like a rainbow after a storm. Light music floated in from the illuminated window in Cao Cao's building. It reminded him of his innocent childhood, a simple and light tune that seemed to lift heaviness of the heart, and somehow bring along a gorgeous sadness in his chest.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Said a strong voice from beside him. Xiahou Dun stepped onto the bridge and looked at the sky smiling.
"Yes. . ." Zhang He muttered.
"My cousin wants to know whether you will be joining the Wei or not." Xiahou Dun said in a different tone.
"I'm not sure, a lot of stuff has happened, I still need to decide on some things." Zhang He said, sounding tired.
"I hope you find everything alright, please consider our offer." Xiahou Dun said, preparing to leave.
"Um, c-can I ask you something?" Zhang He said apprehensively.
"Certainly, what is it?" Xiahou Dun said, turning to face him.
"Well, what if you were mean to someone, so mean that you made her cry, and maybe it was a mistake or something, or maybe she's in love with someone else, but you kinda-" Zhang he mumbled.
"Just apologize to her." Xiahou Dun said smiling.
"T-thanks." Zhang He said, also smiling weakly. Xiahou Dun waved a quick goodbye and disappeared off into the descending gloom. After about ten minutes Zhang He turned to go and find Diao Chan. He walked back in the direction of the buildings and suddenly he was standing face to face with her. She stared at him, her eyelashes still glistening.
"Diao Chan. . ." Zhang He said softly. She let out a small sob and her lip moved quickly. Zhang He hands trembled and reached out for her.
"Z-Zhang He, I . . . know . . . Please listen . . ." She mumbled. He saw two wet tears slide down her face. Zhang He couldn't stand it anymore; he fell forward and grasped Diao Chan with all his might. He pulled her body against his and put a hand on the back of her head.
"I'm so sorry!" He cried into her hair.
"Do you believe me!? I swear, I just fell! I don't even like him!" She wailed, voice muffled by his chest. They stood there in a tight embrace for a long while, feeling sweet relief wash over them. They finally stopped and began to walk back to the building, still attached to each other. They were just about to enter Zhang Liao's building, when something strange caught Zhang He's eye. Brilliant white light was shining through the cracks of Sima Yi's door. Zhang He stopped, and started towards the door. Diao Chan latched on to his back and stared at the door. Zhang He pushed it open, then shut his eyes immediately, the light was extremely bright. Once his eyes adjusted, he saw that the light was surrounding Sima Yi, sitting down on the bed hugging his knees and looking frightened, and mumbling to himself.
"I-I don't know. . ." He said, looking at his feet. " I can't tell you, please leave me alone. . ."
"Sima Yi!" Zhang he yelled, rushing into the room. Suddenly, Sima Yi's pupils dilated and his body went all ridged. Suddenly, his lids drop and e walked shakily over to Zhang He with and extended arm. Then a voice echoed out from the earth and rang all around.
"Let me kill him, Sima Yi, lend me your body, give it to me . . ." It said in a drawling, yet somehow quiet voice.
"LEAVE ME ALONE!!!" Sima Yi yelled, suddenly coming back to normal and grabbing his head and falling to his knees.
is kinda odd. I hope you like it, I wrote and extra long one!
Enjoy!
Part 2
The Power of The Red Moon
Chapter 14
Blood Red
Zhang He stared at the vast structures before him. Thousands of men were all around busying themselves with different tasks. There were tents and quickly constructed buildings littered all over the place, and some men were still constructing the back part of the wall. All around was the color blue, blue armors, blue paint, blue weapons. He supposed if Shu's color was green, then the Wei had to be blue. They stumbled over men and tools, heading towards a large building. Xiahou Dun pushed open the large blue doors and entered the massive hall. In the back stood Lord Cao Cao, speaking with Dian Wei, who was scowling.
"Cousin! I have returned!" Xiahou Dun announced as Cao Cao finally noticed they had come in.
"Welcome back, cousin. Did you have a safe trip?" Cao Cao paused and his face turned sour. "Who are they . . .?"
"These are my friends, Zhang He and Diao Chan. They have journeyed from far to speak with our strategist." Xiahou Dun said, gesturing to each of them. Zhang He looked around the large build. Sima Yi had to be around somewhere, didn't he?
"They are spies from the Shu. Kill them at once, guards!" Said Cao Cao angrily. Zhang He and Diao Chan backed into each other and readied their weapons as the guards marched towards them.
"Stop this at once!" Xiahou Dun ordered to the guards.
"What are you doing, cousin!? Don't you know his father is the sworn brother of Liu Bei himself?" Cao Cao spat.
"I-is this true?" Xiahou Dun said surprised.
"I hate my father! I wouldn't care if he dropped dead in front of me. I have broken all allegiance I ever had with him! He is an arrogant pig who is drunk almost all the time, I would never join the Shu, just because he's on it!" Zhang He yelled defensively.
"That does not change my point of view, cousin, he will die along with that little girl!" Cao Cao bellowed. The guards closed in on them and one pointed his spear very close to Diao Chan's throat. He didn't care who they were; nobody harmed Diao Chan and lived. Zhang He forced his way in front of her and moved his Talons in the light so that they gleamed dangerously. The man began to back off, but another man came from behind. Just as soon as it looked like Zhang He was going to have to resort to violence, a voice rang out.
"Brother?" It said, sounding surprised. Zhang He turned at gazed into the face of his older brother, Zhang Liao.
"Liao!" He said, just as surprised, and happy to see him.
"Stop this, you!" Zhang Liao said, pushing the guard aside and stepping up to Zhang He. He smiled for a bit, then clapped a hand onto Zhang He's shoulder. "It is wonderful to see you, again, He."
"You are his brother, Zhang Liao?" Cao Cao said, fury rising.
"Of course! You did not know my father was Zhang Fei?" Zhang Liao said.
"No, I believed him to be Zhang Liao. I should release you from my forces at once." Cao Cao said.
"My Lord, when have I ever shown signs of being a Shu supporter?" Zhang Liao said respectively, with only a hint of superiority in his voice.
"I suppose you're right . . ." Cao Cao mused bitterly. "Fine, leave now, and take them with you!" He pointed to Zhang He and Diao Chan. Zhang He bowed to Cao Cao, Xiahou Dun, and Dian Wei, the left in a hurry. Once outside, they could all talk a bit more freely.
"What brings you all the way out here, He? Last I heard you were working for Yuan Shao as a bodyguard." Zhang Liao said amiably.
"A-a lot has happened. I am not part of anyone's forces at the moment . . ." Zhang He said, avoiding the subject. "We've come here to speak with Sima Yi."
"Yes, he's made it clear that you are his sworn brother. I can take you to him in a little while. Now, who is this brother? She's very beautiful, is she your woman?" Zhang Liao said smiling a sly smile.
"No! I'm her . . . bodyguard. Her name is Diao Chan." Zhang He retorted.
"Whatever you say, brother. He's kind of the hopeless romantic type." Zhang Liao added to Diao Chan, who giggled. Zhang He glared up at his older brother in a kind of friendly way. He looked quite stunning in his light blue armor, purple cape and fine, feathered hat. He had grown a small beard and a moustache on either side of his upper lip.
"What kind of weapon are you using these days?" Zhang He asked.
"Same as usual, a pike, but this one I have now is very finely made and strong too." Zhang Liao said, still leading them to some unknown destination. "Come on, come see my chambers. Since I'm a main general, I get my own room." He walked them to the edge of the camp to a small building with a curtain flap door. He bent down and disappeared inside, followed by Diao Chan, then Zhang He.
It was quite pathetic inside, but still suitable. He had a small bed in the corner then and even smaller table, which you had to kneel down to write upon. There was no flooring, just earth. He pike was standing up in the corner, and it truly was fine. It had symbols etched into the side, which glowed orange. The place the held the blade still was shaped in the head of a dragon and made out of solid gold. The pole was made out of strong cedar wood that smelled fragrant when you got close to it. At the end was a shiny silver ornament that gleamed in the sunlight.
"How magnificent!" Diao Chan exclaimed, trotting over to the weapon.
"Like it, do you?" Zhang Liao said kindly, joining her. "It's specially made . . ." Zhang He looked down at his lovely Talons. They were just as shiny and well crafted at the pike, and defiantly more expensive and powerful. He didn't remember Diao Chan ever going crazy over his weapon. He heard them jabbering away stupidly over different weapons and a strange emotion boiled in his chest. He felt sick and at the same time anger and hatred toward his own brother.
"It's not that great . . ." He said as if he'd tasted something disgusting. This made them both stop talking and stare at him. Please don't look at me like that Diao Chan. . . Zhang He thought, his entire stomach growing seasick. He frowned and looked at his feet. "We'd better go find Sima Yi . . ." He said, trying to recover his normal voice.
"Oh, yeah, he's only two buildings down, do you think you can make it there yourself?" Zhang Liao said in his normal manner.
"Sure, I'll be fine." Returning back to his normal self. He started to walk to the exit and his heart gave another leap when Diao Chan did not follow. "I'm g-going now . . . bye . . ."
Why didn't Diao Chan come with him? Surely she couldn't have found the pike that interesting. He trudged over to the house Sima Yi was supposed to be living in. It was a bit bigger and actually had a door. He grimly knocked on the door, still grumbling about Diao Chan to himself. Nothing happened for a long while and Zhang He knocked again louder. Something crashed inside and sounds of hurried shuffling were heard. Zhang He pushed the door slightly open and a loud yell made him fall back.
"Don't you dare come in! I told you I don't want to see anyone! When there's battle going on I'll help, but now I want to be left alone!" Sima Yi screamed loudly through the door. Zhang He stood, a little surprised, and then pushed the door forward a little more.
"Didn't you hear me!? Shove off you bastards! I am not in the mood for your stupidity!" Sima Yi roared again louder.
"Sima Yi?" Zhang He said sounding hurt and poking his head inside. Sima Yi was kneeling on the floor of his slightly impressive room looking terrible. His eyes were very bloodshot and the skin around them was very red. He looked much older and much more tired. He appeared to have grown several inches taller than before. He was wearing robes set in dark blue, for the Wei, and a black helmet with small golden wings in several places around the edges, and a black feather on the end. The room was terribly messy, a half eaten bowl of hard rice with broken chopsticks, crumpled papers and discarded robes were all over the floor. The second Zhang He appeared in his sight, Sima Yi expression of loathing turned to a wide-eyed stare.
"Zhang He . . ." He said breathlessly. He stood up on his feet and rocked precariously. "Zhang He!"
"What's wrong Sima Yi? You look awful." Zhang he said in surprise, standing ready to catch him if he suddenly fell.
"I'm so glad you're here . . ." He said falling over onto Zhang He's chest, he was so tired he couldn't even stand.
"Look, you need some sleep or something. Look at this place, it's a mess!" Zhang He scolded, dragging Sima Yi over to the unmade bed.
"No don't! I can't sleep!" He exclaimed, suddenly sounding terrified.
"What's wrong, brother? You look really sick . . ." Zhang He said, trying to force him onto the bed.
"No, please no!!! Don't make me!!!" Sima Yi said his hands shaking violently trying to fight off Zhang He.
"Stop, Stop! I won't make you sleep, ok? It's all right, calm down. Tell me what's wrong, right now." Zhang He said, getting worried.
"I-I don't want to . . ." Siam Yi said, looking at his knees.
"Well, your telling me anyway, you have to!" Zhang He said firmly.
"I didn't want to come, I really didn't." He said pathetically. "Tried to refuse, but he wouldn't let me. He told me it was good to fight for the Wei, but I wanted to be with you guys, with my brothers. He got so mad, furious; I've never seen him like that before. Well, I went to sleep that night, but he woke me up in the middle of the night. He started yelling so loud I could understand him, and then he took one of my swords and started beating me with the hilt. Then he slashed me across the back a couple of times and started kicking me around. He said that if I didn't go to the Wei, he would kill me. I didn't have any other choice. So, when I got here I tried to sleep, horrible, horrible nightmares, I can't sleep, I'm too afraid, I think I'm going insane or something, I just keep everyone out, I'm sorry, so sorry, oh God, please forgive me . . ." Sima Yi said, tears leaking out from his eyes as he buried his face in Zhang He's lap. He sat there stunned, trying to comfort Sima Yi as best he could. This is what he had been going through? Zhang He thought he had it rough . . .
"It's going to be alright, Sima Yi." He said patting him on the back. "For now, you really, really need to sleep. How long has it been since you last slept for more than an hour, anyway?" Siam Yi sat up and, still sobbing and thought. He rubbed his eyebrow and closed his eyes.
"Ummm. . . About three and a half weeks, I think." He said pitifully.
"That's bad, really bad!" Zhang He said firmly. "You need to sleep right now! Yes, you will, you really are going to crazy if you don't sleep, you know that right? When was the last time you ate?"
"I can't remember . . ." Sima Yi said, still massaging his forehead.
"Go to bed right now, don't worry I'll be right here beside you. Nothing is going to happen, now take off that helmet." Zhang He said, sincerely worried. Sima Yi looked uneasy for a few moments, but then slowly removed his helm. He took out the bun in his hair and let his long hair fall down to his back. He untied the ribbons and strings on his sleeves and torso and lifted the robe over his head. He was sickeningly thin; Zhang He could see his bones quite clearly. The belt that held up his pants was so small it looked like a child was wearing it. Scars and bruises were all over his back; it was horrible to see his best friend brought down to this. He tried to get into the bed and ended up falling immediately asleep with only his head on the mattress. Zhang He lifted the rest of his body up, and then went outside to find some food for the both of them. Sima Yi could've died in there and Cao Cao would have never known.
He ducked into his brother's hut and opened his mouth to ask him where he could get food, but he was suddenly dumbstruck at what he saw. Diao Chan was leaning towards and being held by Zhang Liao. They both stared at him as he entered, and Diao Chan quickly freed herself from Zhang Liao's grip.
"It's not what it looks like!" She exclaimed, running over to Zhang He and put her hands on his chest. Zhang He gave her a look of disgust and slapped her hands away.
"I can't believe you'd lie like that to me . . ." He said, feeling the anger build up inside him.
"Please, Zhang He, I only fell." She pleaded.
"Shut up!" Zhang He yelled at her as she sank to the floor in front of him. "You never even thought twice abut me, and even if you had, he's soooo much better than I am! Go ahead, marry him, and see if I even look twice! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find my brother some food before he starves to death, without your goddamn help!!!" He screamed at her with his fists balled up. He pounded quickly outside, leaving Diao Chan behind with her sobs. I don't care if she's crying! How dare she, after all we've been through! I always have been kind to her, I've saved her life countless amounts of times and this is how she repays me! Zhang He stopped and looked up at the sky. He could feel his eyes aching, foreboding the coming of tears. Why the hell I am crying!? I don't even care about her, I never did! She's not even my friend, we're just traveling companions, she can love anyone she wants, she. . . Zhang He closed his eyes and bit his lip. He wouldn't let himself cry. He was a fifteen-year-old man, not a baby. He swallowed his pain and went off to find some food. He marched over to a man and asked if he may please have some rice very stiffly. The soldier picked up some rice from a pot and scooped it into a bowl. "Thanks. . ." He said, taking the glass bowl and swept off back to Sima Yi's room.
He was still sleeping soundly with his face buried in the blankets. Zhang He set the rice down on a table and began to clean up the room. Just don't think about anything, and I'll be fine. Nothing happened today, it's all good. Just got to this room cleaned up. It was no good, he felt hot tears run down his face and hit the ground. His lip trembled and he paused in his cleaning. Why did it hurt so much? It's not like they were in love or anything. That's a lie. His inner voice told him, you always loved her, you wanted her for yourself, but were too stupid realize that you did. Not true, it's not true. . . What was the good of lying to himself? Of course he loved her, he wanted to hold her right now. How could he have said those horrible things to her? He yelled at her and made her cry, that beautiful creature, gentle and sweet. She obviously cared for him too, how could he have been so blind? He had to apologize, beg her forgiveness, anything to get her back. But she was holding him; she's attracted to Zhang Liao. She's probably glad to be rid of me . . . How he wanted her by his side once again; just to look at her loveliness was a privilege. He was no better than Dong Zhou and Lu Bu, he was disgusting. He dropped the trash in his hands and covered his face shamefully with his hands. He sank onto his stomach and lay there sobbing to himself for hours. After a while, he stopped crying and had to cope with a pounding headache.
He had to get outside; he needed fresh air, that was all. He strolled outside, trying to looks casual, but stared intently at the ground. He found himself at a quiet tranquility pond with a red and black bridge. He walked over onto the bridge and stared into the black, glasslike water. Stars were reflected in the water, and the moon appeared as a magic, rippling sphere of light. Delicate pink blossoms danced down from the flowering trees around him and floated on the water like miniature glowing boats. It was so beautiful, Zhang He was calmed and a smile appeared on his lips. Fireflies appeared into the air and fluttered around like enchanted lanterns. Zhang He gazed at them and felt tranquility set in, like a rainbow after a storm. Light music floated in from the illuminated window in Cao Cao's building. It reminded him of his innocent childhood, a simple and light tune that seemed to lift heaviness of the heart, and somehow bring along a gorgeous sadness in his chest.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Said a strong voice from beside him. Xiahou Dun stepped onto the bridge and looked at the sky smiling.
"Yes. . ." Zhang He muttered.
"My cousin wants to know whether you will be joining the Wei or not." Xiahou Dun said in a different tone.
"I'm not sure, a lot of stuff has happened, I still need to decide on some things." Zhang He said, sounding tired.
"I hope you find everything alright, please consider our offer." Xiahou Dun said, preparing to leave.
"Um, c-can I ask you something?" Zhang He said apprehensively.
"Certainly, what is it?" Xiahou Dun said, turning to face him.
"Well, what if you were mean to someone, so mean that you made her cry, and maybe it was a mistake or something, or maybe she's in love with someone else, but you kinda-" Zhang he mumbled.
"Just apologize to her." Xiahou Dun said smiling.
"T-thanks." Zhang He said, also smiling weakly. Xiahou Dun waved a quick goodbye and disappeared off into the descending gloom. After about ten minutes Zhang He turned to go and find Diao Chan. He walked back in the direction of the buildings and suddenly he was standing face to face with her. She stared at him, her eyelashes still glistening.
"Diao Chan. . ." Zhang He said softly. She let out a small sob and her lip moved quickly. Zhang He hands trembled and reached out for her.
"Z-Zhang He, I . . . know . . . Please listen . . ." She mumbled. He saw two wet tears slide down her face. Zhang He couldn't stand it anymore; he fell forward and grasped Diao Chan with all his might. He pulled her body against his and put a hand on the back of her head.
"I'm so sorry!" He cried into her hair.
"Do you believe me!? I swear, I just fell! I don't even like him!" She wailed, voice muffled by his chest. They stood there in a tight embrace for a long while, feeling sweet relief wash over them. They finally stopped and began to walk back to the building, still attached to each other. They were just about to enter Zhang Liao's building, when something strange caught Zhang He's eye. Brilliant white light was shining through the cracks of Sima Yi's door. Zhang He stopped, and started towards the door. Diao Chan latched on to his back and stared at the door. Zhang He pushed it open, then shut his eyes immediately, the light was extremely bright. Once his eyes adjusted, he saw that the light was surrounding Sima Yi, sitting down on the bed hugging his knees and looking frightened, and mumbling to himself.
"I-I don't know. . ." He said, looking at his feet. " I can't tell you, please leave me alone. . ."
"Sima Yi!" Zhang he yelled, rushing into the room. Suddenly, Sima Yi's pupils dilated and his body went all ridged. Suddenly, his lids drop and e walked shakily over to Zhang He with and extended arm. Then a voice echoed out from the earth and rang all around.
"Let me kill him, Sima Yi, lend me your body, give it to me . . ." It said in a drawling, yet somehow quiet voice.
"LEAVE ME ALONE!!!" Sima Yi yelled, suddenly coming back to normal and grabbing his head and falling to his knees.