Author's Note: Ooh, a good chapter for all those out there who are routing
for Diao Chan and Zhang He to get together! Whoops, sorry y'all, I didn't
get to fit Zhou Yu and Sun Ce in, MY BAD ^^;; But I promise them in the
next chapter or the one after that I PROMISE! Hehehe... Ok, I hope u like
it!
Enjoy!
Part 2
The Power of The Red Moon
Chapter 19
Someday's Leaders
"Why he attacking the Wei soldiers!? Has he gone mad?" Diao Chan exclaimed. It was true, Sima Yi was killing the soldiers ferociously, the ones from the Wei. There was no way he could have made a mistake.
"What the Hell!? Sima Yi, stop!" Zhang He yelled at him. Sima Yi paid no attention and continued to whack away at the confused peons in blue.
"Aren't you going to go stop him?" Diao Chan asked worriedly, placing her head on his shoulder to get a better look.
"No, something's wrong, Sima Yi would never do something like this unless there was a very good reason, I'm going to stay back and watch." Zhang He confirmed, and ducked out of sight. Once all the men were cleared away, Sima Yi heaved one off the ground and Zhang He's noticed someone was lying there. Then, Sima Yi's angry expression faded and he knelt gently to the ground beside the person.
"A-are you alright?" He asked, as if talking to a frightened animal.
"GET AWAY FROM ME!!" A woman's voice shrieked. "You joined the Wei, you betrayed us!"
"Please, forgive me. I had my reasons, I didn't even want to join Wei! I just saved you, doesn't that make you believe I'm on your side? Please, allow me to bring you to safety." Sima Yi said, a look of guilt on his face.
"You'll kill me . . ." She wailed, sounding terrified.
"I would never even scratch you. Please, don't tell me you've forgotten me." Sima Yi said sounding hurt.
"Y-yeah, I r-remember." She said shakily.
"Please, let me help you, you're hurt . . ." Sima Yi said, sounding very put out.
"Please don't hurt me . . ." She cried. Sima Yi laid his long, pale hands on her stomach and bandaged her up very carefully with a piece of cloth. Sima Yi then lightly lifted her into his arms and held her securely. There was no mistaking that red hair and tiny body; the girl was Sun Shang Xiang. She hadn't grown any taller, but she had certainly gotten more beautiful. Even marred by the field of battle, her face glowed with loveliness. She had lost the round faced, cheerful look and now seemed like a woman. He hair was a bit longer and now she had become a woman. You would have thought years had passed between her two looks. She was probably thirteen by now, and she radiated with newfound maturity. She was shaking from head to toe violently and grasped Sima Yi's clothing.
"Please, don't be frightened, I only want to help you." Said Sima Yi.
"I know it seems stupid, but I believe you." Sun Shang Xiang said half to herself. "I . . . r-really missed you!" She sobbed into him. Sima Yi sympathetically caressed the back of her bright hair and stood up, still holding her closely.
"I'll take you to your father, can you tell me his position?" Sima Yi said in a leader-like way.
"He's at t-the eastern end of the canyon." She said willingly. Sima Yi located a nearby horse, pulled her up with him, and they rode off.
"Come on, let's follow them!" Zhang He said eagerly, also catching a white horse. "Can you mount?" He said offering Diao Chan a hand. She took it and landed on the horse behind him. "Hold on now." Diao Chan swung her arms around Zhang He's waist and they sped off down the bumpy road. Once they caught up with Sima Yi, they trailed carefully behind, so as not to let him know they were eavesdropping.
They rode on for quite a while, and Zhang He noticed the sun had already begun its routine trip beyond the horizon. Everything was illuminated in blood red light and long black shadows were draped across the land. No soldiers were in this region; they were heading straight towards the Wu camp. A strong sense of foreboding set itself in Zhang He's mind. It hung over him like a great bird, waiting to swoop down.
After about an hour they came upon several tents and small buildings Sima Yi's horse slowed and his dismounted very carefully, like Sun Shang Xiang was a porcelain doll, just waiting to be broken. Zhang He dismounted silently and helped Diao Chan onto his back once again. They crept up stealthily behind Sima Yi, each of them eager to see what would happen next. Sima Yi strode through the entrance to the camp and right up to Sun Jian, who was standing near the main building. He looked enraged and ready to stab the man that had laid hands on his only daughter. Sima Yi stepped up to him and handed him the woman delicately.
"I have delivered her." He said strongly. Sun Shang Xiang looked as though all the fear within her had drained away. She was now gazing back at Sima Yi from her father's grasp with an oh-so-familiar look. Sun Jian looked as though he had taken a great swallow of sour milk.
"What were you doing with her in the first place!?" He barked.
"He saved my life father! When everyone had retreated, no one was around to protect me, and Sima Yi jumped in and slaughtered his own men to save me." Sun Shang Xiang said, in awe that anyone could be angry with her Sima Yi.
"You are from the Wei, you treacherous fiend! Archer, shoot him down!" The man pulled back his arrow and Sima Yi stared. He turned to run, but it was too late. The arrow hit the back of his right shoulder and he fell to the ground with a cry of pain.
"NO! HOW COULD YOU!?" Sun Shang Xiang screamed as she fought herself free from her father. She collapsed down near Sima Yi who was wincing from the terrible pain. She was tugged away from Sima Yi's crumpled figure by two more guards.
"Take him down, men!" Sun Jian ordered. They raised their weapons, and Zhang He would have no more.
"GET AWAY!! BACK!" He bellowed, racing out from his hiding spot. He slashed the men across the bellies, spilling their entrails. "Don't you touch my brother!" He spat at Sun Jian. He pulled Sima Yi to his feet and rested his body upon his shoulder. He fled away from them as fast as he could, hearing arrows thunking near his feet. He mounted the horse, and Diao Chan jumped onto the steed. A second later they had galloped out of sight.
"That bastard! Sima Yi are you alright?" Diao Chan said, tending to Sima Yi's wound once they had gotten out of range.
"Oh God, it hurts!" Sima Yi cried, grasping the place where the arrow dug into his flesh.
"Will he be alright?" Zhang He said softly to Diao Chan.
"If the arrow comes out alright, he should be fine after a couple of weeks, but if it damaged the muscle too much, he may lose mobility in his arm for a while . . ." Diao Chan said so only Zhang He could hear "I'm going to remove it right now." She knelt back down beside Sima Yi and took off his helmet. "Try to relax, ok?" She said kindly "I'm going to take off your shirt, then remove the arrow, alright?" She carefully unbuttoned his torn robe and lifted it above his head. His body was still thin and frail as ever, but there was a collection of new cuts and a trail of blood was leaking down from the arrow in his shoulder. Diao Chan delicately ran her fingers over the scars on Sima Yi's chest, the scars that his father had given him. She looked back at Zhang He with a worried expression on her face, looking as if she wanted an explanation. Zhang He shook his head. He knew that Sima Yi would tell him everything, but he wasn't sure whether he wanted everybody else knowing about something like that. She turned back and grasped the arrow firmly. When she tugged on it slightly, Sima Yi screamed and tears sprang from his eyes.
"GOD NO! NEVER DO THAT AGAIN! Please, just leave me to die, just leave it in . . ." He wailed.
"I'm sorry, Sima Yi, but it has to come out." She said stiffly. "Look, I'm going to take it out really fast, and, yes, it's going to hurt like hell, but it'll feel so much better after it's all done, ok? Just trust me . . ."
"Noooo . . ." He whined, clenching his fists. Diao Chan put her hand back on the arrow. A pain ached in Zhang He's chest; it truly hurt him to see his friend in such pain
"One . . ." Her fist closed around the wood. "Two . . ." a drop of sweat rolled down Zhang He's forehead "THREE!" She ripped the arrow out as fast as she could, bring a shower of blood and warm fragments of muscle with it. Sima Yi was yanked forward and he shrieked in pure agony. He fell forward onto Diao Chan and wrapped his arms around her, his eyes streaming.
"DAMN IT!!!" He bellowed and Zhang He could see his fingers digging into to Diao Chan's back.
"Stop it, let me go, you're hurting me!" Diao Chan squeaked, trying to fight her way out. Sima Yi's arms relaxed and his eyes opened a little.
"S-sorry 'bout that, I just couldn't see you, so much haze . . ." He said drowsily. He groggily put a hand on his own forehead and then blacked out. He fell into Diao Chan's lap, looking pitiful. Diao Chan placed a hand on his hand and stroked it sympathetically. Suddenly, the anger in Zhang He boiled up again. She's showing affection towards him? He thought, as his head tilted downwards.
"Alright, time to get back to the camp, they'll be expecting us." He said, trying to get Diao Chan to move.
"I can't go, Zhang He, I've got to look after him, and he's in no fit state to travel, he'll have to stay here at least one night. Please, go, and let them know we're hurt." She asked him from the ground.
"Y-you'll stay here all alone with Sima Yi?" Zhang He said a little sadly.
"Yes, he might get even worse, or discovered if I leave him." She said imperatively. "Will you please, please go for me?"
"I will, anything for you . . ." He said walking towards the horse.
"Oh! There's one more thing you need to do for me Zhang He!" She said, standing up and walking over to him. He turned around and faced her. "I-I need to know..." She said taking his hand, "What it feels like to . . ." She looked up into his eyes and put her arms around his back. All the anger towards Sima Yi vanished and his stomach did a flip inside him. She stood up on her tiptoes and looked up directly at Zhang He. He hooked his arm gently around her slender waist and put the other on her back. He leaned his neck down and closed his eyes. This time, there would be no one to interrupt them . . . He moved his hand up to her soft, silky hair and ran his fingers through it. He brought their lips together and they kissed for seven beautiful seconds. She broke away and looked back into his calm, gray eyes once more. " . . .Be truly loved by you." She finished. Zhang He's heart sang and he pulled her warm body against his once more. She rested her head on his strong chest and held her pale arms around his lower back.
"Don't be silly." Zhang He said emphatically. "You've known that ever since I laid eyes upon you." Her lips curved into a smile and they stood, feeling their affection for one another for what seemed like hours. Then, Zhang He released her and backed towards the horse. She let go of his hand sadly and lets hers fall lamely to her side. Zhang He mounted the horse, still gazing into her shining eyes.
"I'd better see you again! Don't get yourself killed, you hear?" She said, sounding more worried than demanding.
"How can I die now? I've got you . . ." He said gallantly, speeding away into the night.
"Where is Cao Cao? I need to speak with him right away!" Zhang He had made it back to the camp. The moon was high in the sky and cool air had descended.
"You are back Zhang He! We thought you had died!" Xiahou Dun said, laying a hand on his shoulder as he dismounted. "What took you so long?"
"Sima Yi, he couldn't bear to see Sun Shang Xiang get killed, so he rescued her and brought her back to Sun Jian. Then do you know what that bastard did to Sima Yi? He shot him! Shot him with an arrow. Well, he survived and Diao Chan is taking care of him somewhere near the battlefield. They need to be picked up, they're out there all alone!" Zhang He explained quickly. Xiahou Dun's expression turned grim and he looked a little anxious.
"Sima Yi really did that?" He said darkly.
"Yes! Now, they need help!" Zhang he said, trying to emphasize the importance of the situation.
"Oh, not good, not good at all . . ." Xiahou Dun said turning away.
"What's the matter?" Zhang he said, his tone changing quickly.
"No, never you mind, I shall send some men to pick them up at once." Xiahou Dun said speeding off. Zhang He sighed with relief and fatigue bore down on him. He stumbled over to the room and collapsed on Sima Yi's bed.
"I don't think he'll mind, just for one night . . ." Zhang He assured himself sleepily. He felt like he was lying on a cloud. So comfortable, letting his tired body rest. All the fatigue and weariness drifted away. He opened his eyes and he was in the middle of the. There were clouds of every color floating everywhere, like enormous fluffy blankets. Stars fell down like beautiful sparkling rain, and Zhang He discovered the sky changed colors from a lovely deep blue, to royal purple, then iridescent green. This was his world, his perfect, beautiful world that he had visited ever since he was old enough to dream up such adventures. In this dream world, everything was pretty, and Zhang He loved pretty things. Pretty, just like my Diao Chan. His dream self thought I wish that she were here.
"But I am here, Zhang He . . ." Said a very familiar voice above him. "I'm right here." Zhang He opened his eyes for real this time. Morning light glared down at him and he squinted. Diao Chan stared down at him, her eyes wide. "You were saying that your wanted me near you."
"Dreaming . . ." He explained in a word and closed his eyes again.
"You were dreaming about me, eh?" She said, sitting down on the bed.
"Yeah, I wanted you to come share my dream world. I'm really glad you got back safe, did you have a rough time?" He asked.
"I was worried that Sima Yi was going to bleed to death, but he made it back also." She said serenely, lying down next to Zhang He. "I'm tired . . . I only just got back an hour ago."
"Well, I'll stop hogging the bed then." Zhang he said, starting to rise.
"No, stay! Please?" She pleaded tiredly.
"Why? All I do is take up space." He smiled.
"No, I need you near me when I go to sleep, its makes me feel safe, almost like we're married . . ." Zhang He laid down next to her and she immediately fell into sleep. He clutched her sleeping body and inhaled her sweet fragrance. Married . . .Zhang he thought peacefully. Well, I'm certainly old enough . . . But I always resented the idea for fear of having a horrible partner. But Diao Chan isn't horrible at all; in fact, she's the only girl I ever felt this way about, the first person I ever really loved. And I do love her, and I want her for my wife. If I can persuade her father . . .
Sima Yi lay injured for quite a while. His arm wasn't rendered useless, but he still needed plenty of time to heal. About a week, after the battle, he was summoned to meet with Cao Cao.
"Come with me Zhang He, just lag behind and stay out of sight, come on I need you for moral support." Sima Yi requested.
"Alright, but if I get caught, you're taking the blame." They walked together towards the large tent where Cao Cao had been staying. Sima Yi stepped through the barrier and Zhang he watched silently through a crack in the cloth. Cao Cao turned and faced Sima Yi like a hawk bearing down on a mouse.
"I have been informed that you killed several of our men in order to save the life of an enemy general . . ." Cao Cao said dangerously. The rumors came flooding back to Zhang He, was Sima Yi in danger?
"Y-yes, My Lord, this is true . . ." He said, feeling Cao Cao's anger from all the way back where he was standing.
"Why have you done this?" Cao Cao said, on the edge of losing his temper.
"She's a woman, My Lord, I couldn't bear to sit back and watch her be slaughtered." Sima Yi lied.
"Even so, she is powerful and treacherous! The prevention of her death could have been the soul thing that will cost us victory!" Cao Cao spat.
"I realize this, My Lord" He said bowing his head and continuing to stare at the ground.
"I should really have you punished for this." Cao Cao said firmly.
"I would not protest if that was your decision, although I may not agree with it." Sima Yi said coolly, but still avoiding his eyes.
"And WHY would you not agree with me?" Cao Cao said, as though Sima Yi had viciously insulted him.
"Because, My Lord, I think you are completely devoid of kindness. That helpless girl was going to be slaughtered before my eyes, it struck my heart." Sima Yi said, still in his toneless voice. Cao Cao's face contorted and he took the sheath of his sword and hit Sima Yi across the head. Sima Yi fell to his knees, his face wincing and hands clutching his bleeding head.
"She was just a woman! What made her so special to you?" Cao Cao growled. Sima Yi hesitated then shut his eyes and said:
"Because, My Lord, I . . . I love her."
it!
Enjoy!
Part 2
The Power of The Red Moon
Chapter 19
Someday's Leaders
"Why he attacking the Wei soldiers!? Has he gone mad?" Diao Chan exclaimed. It was true, Sima Yi was killing the soldiers ferociously, the ones from the Wei. There was no way he could have made a mistake.
"What the Hell!? Sima Yi, stop!" Zhang He yelled at him. Sima Yi paid no attention and continued to whack away at the confused peons in blue.
"Aren't you going to go stop him?" Diao Chan asked worriedly, placing her head on his shoulder to get a better look.
"No, something's wrong, Sima Yi would never do something like this unless there was a very good reason, I'm going to stay back and watch." Zhang He confirmed, and ducked out of sight. Once all the men were cleared away, Sima Yi heaved one off the ground and Zhang He's noticed someone was lying there. Then, Sima Yi's angry expression faded and he knelt gently to the ground beside the person.
"A-are you alright?" He asked, as if talking to a frightened animal.
"GET AWAY FROM ME!!" A woman's voice shrieked. "You joined the Wei, you betrayed us!"
"Please, forgive me. I had my reasons, I didn't even want to join Wei! I just saved you, doesn't that make you believe I'm on your side? Please, allow me to bring you to safety." Sima Yi said, a look of guilt on his face.
"You'll kill me . . ." She wailed, sounding terrified.
"I would never even scratch you. Please, don't tell me you've forgotten me." Sima Yi said sounding hurt.
"Y-yeah, I r-remember." She said shakily.
"Please, let me help you, you're hurt . . ." Sima Yi said, sounding very put out.
"Please don't hurt me . . ." She cried. Sima Yi laid his long, pale hands on her stomach and bandaged her up very carefully with a piece of cloth. Sima Yi then lightly lifted her into his arms and held her securely. There was no mistaking that red hair and tiny body; the girl was Sun Shang Xiang. She hadn't grown any taller, but she had certainly gotten more beautiful. Even marred by the field of battle, her face glowed with loveliness. She had lost the round faced, cheerful look and now seemed like a woman. He hair was a bit longer and now she had become a woman. You would have thought years had passed between her two looks. She was probably thirteen by now, and she radiated with newfound maturity. She was shaking from head to toe violently and grasped Sima Yi's clothing.
"Please, don't be frightened, I only want to help you." Said Sima Yi.
"I know it seems stupid, but I believe you." Sun Shang Xiang said half to herself. "I . . . r-really missed you!" She sobbed into him. Sima Yi sympathetically caressed the back of her bright hair and stood up, still holding her closely.
"I'll take you to your father, can you tell me his position?" Sima Yi said in a leader-like way.
"He's at t-the eastern end of the canyon." She said willingly. Sima Yi located a nearby horse, pulled her up with him, and they rode off.
"Come on, let's follow them!" Zhang He said eagerly, also catching a white horse. "Can you mount?" He said offering Diao Chan a hand. She took it and landed on the horse behind him. "Hold on now." Diao Chan swung her arms around Zhang He's waist and they sped off down the bumpy road. Once they caught up with Sima Yi, they trailed carefully behind, so as not to let him know they were eavesdropping.
They rode on for quite a while, and Zhang He noticed the sun had already begun its routine trip beyond the horizon. Everything was illuminated in blood red light and long black shadows were draped across the land. No soldiers were in this region; they were heading straight towards the Wu camp. A strong sense of foreboding set itself in Zhang He's mind. It hung over him like a great bird, waiting to swoop down.
After about an hour they came upon several tents and small buildings Sima Yi's horse slowed and his dismounted very carefully, like Sun Shang Xiang was a porcelain doll, just waiting to be broken. Zhang He dismounted silently and helped Diao Chan onto his back once again. They crept up stealthily behind Sima Yi, each of them eager to see what would happen next. Sima Yi strode through the entrance to the camp and right up to Sun Jian, who was standing near the main building. He looked enraged and ready to stab the man that had laid hands on his only daughter. Sima Yi stepped up to him and handed him the woman delicately.
"I have delivered her." He said strongly. Sun Shang Xiang looked as though all the fear within her had drained away. She was now gazing back at Sima Yi from her father's grasp with an oh-so-familiar look. Sun Jian looked as though he had taken a great swallow of sour milk.
"What were you doing with her in the first place!?" He barked.
"He saved my life father! When everyone had retreated, no one was around to protect me, and Sima Yi jumped in and slaughtered his own men to save me." Sun Shang Xiang said, in awe that anyone could be angry with her Sima Yi.
"You are from the Wei, you treacherous fiend! Archer, shoot him down!" The man pulled back his arrow and Sima Yi stared. He turned to run, but it was too late. The arrow hit the back of his right shoulder and he fell to the ground with a cry of pain.
"NO! HOW COULD YOU!?" Sun Shang Xiang screamed as she fought herself free from her father. She collapsed down near Sima Yi who was wincing from the terrible pain. She was tugged away from Sima Yi's crumpled figure by two more guards.
"Take him down, men!" Sun Jian ordered. They raised their weapons, and Zhang He would have no more.
"GET AWAY!! BACK!" He bellowed, racing out from his hiding spot. He slashed the men across the bellies, spilling their entrails. "Don't you touch my brother!" He spat at Sun Jian. He pulled Sima Yi to his feet and rested his body upon his shoulder. He fled away from them as fast as he could, hearing arrows thunking near his feet. He mounted the horse, and Diao Chan jumped onto the steed. A second later they had galloped out of sight.
"That bastard! Sima Yi are you alright?" Diao Chan said, tending to Sima Yi's wound once they had gotten out of range.
"Oh God, it hurts!" Sima Yi cried, grasping the place where the arrow dug into his flesh.
"Will he be alright?" Zhang He said softly to Diao Chan.
"If the arrow comes out alright, he should be fine after a couple of weeks, but if it damaged the muscle too much, he may lose mobility in his arm for a while . . ." Diao Chan said so only Zhang He could hear "I'm going to remove it right now." She knelt back down beside Sima Yi and took off his helmet. "Try to relax, ok?" She said kindly "I'm going to take off your shirt, then remove the arrow, alright?" She carefully unbuttoned his torn robe and lifted it above his head. His body was still thin and frail as ever, but there was a collection of new cuts and a trail of blood was leaking down from the arrow in his shoulder. Diao Chan delicately ran her fingers over the scars on Sima Yi's chest, the scars that his father had given him. She looked back at Zhang He with a worried expression on her face, looking as if she wanted an explanation. Zhang He shook his head. He knew that Sima Yi would tell him everything, but he wasn't sure whether he wanted everybody else knowing about something like that. She turned back and grasped the arrow firmly. When she tugged on it slightly, Sima Yi screamed and tears sprang from his eyes.
"GOD NO! NEVER DO THAT AGAIN! Please, just leave me to die, just leave it in . . ." He wailed.
"I'm sorry, Sima Yi, but it has to come out." She said stiffly. "Look, I'm going to take it out really fast, and, yes, it's going to hurt like hell, but it'll feel so much better after it's all done, ok? Just trust me . . ."
"Noooo . . ." He whined, clenching his fists. Diao Chan put her hand back on the arrow. A pain ached in Zhang He's chest; it truly hurt him to see his friend in such pain
"One . . ." Her fist closed around the wood. "Two . . ." a drop of sweat rolled down Zhang He's forehead "THREE!" She ripped the arrow out as fast as she could, bring a shower of blood and warm fragments of muscle with it. Sima Yi was yanked forward and he shrieked in pure agony. He fell forward onto Diao Chan and wrapped his arms around her, his eyes streaming.
"DAMN IT!!!" He bellowed and Zhang He could see his fingers digging into to Diao Chan's back.
"Stop it, let me go, you're hurting me!" Diao Chan squeaked, trying to fight her way out. Sima Yi's arms relaxed and his eyes opened a little.
"S-sorry 'bout that, I just couldn't see you, so much haze . . ." He said drowsily. He groggily put a hand on his own forehead and then blacked out. He fell into Diao Chan's lap, looking pitiful. Diao Chan placed a hand on his hand and stroked it sympathetically. Suddenly, the anger in Zhang He boiled up again. She's showing affection towards him? He thought, as his head tilted downwards.
"Alright, time to get back to the camp, they'll be expecting us." He said, trying to get Diao Chan to move.
"I can't go, Zhang He, I've got to look after him, and he's in no fit state to travel, he'll have to stay here at least one night. Please, go, and let them know we're hurt." She asked him from the ground.
"Y-you'll stay here all alone with Sima Yi?" Zhang He said a little sadly.
"Yes, he might get even worse, or discovered if I leave him." She said imperatively. "Will you please, please go for me?"
"I will, anything for you . . ." He said walking towards the horse.
"Oh! There's one more thing you need to do for me Zhang He!" She said, standing up and walking over to him. He turned around and faced her. "I-I need to know..." She said taking his hand, "What it feels like to . . ." She looked up into his eyes and put her arms around his back. All the anger towards Sima Yi vanished and his stomach did a flip inside him. She stood up on her tiptoes and looked up directly at Zhang He. He hooked his arm gently around her slender waist and put the other on her back. He leaned his neck down and closed his eyes. This time, there would be no one to interrupt them . . . He moved his hand up to her soft, silky hair and ran his fingers through it. He brought their lips together and they kissed for seven beautiful seconds. She broke away and looked back into his calm, gray eyes once more. " . . .Be truly loved by you." She finished. Zhang He's heart sang and he pulled her warm body against his once more. She rested her head on his strong chest and held her pale arms around his lower back.
"Don't be silly." Zhang He said emphatically. "You've known that ever since I laid eyes upon you." Her lips curved into a smile and they stood, feeling their affection for one another for what seemed like hours. Then, Zhang He released her and backed towards the horse. She let go of his hand sadly and lets hers fall lamely to her side. Zhang He mounted the horse, still gazing into her shining eyes.
"I'd better see you again! Don't get yourself killed, you hear?" She said, sounding more worried than demanding.
"How can I die now? I've got you . . ." He said gallantly, speeding away into the night.
"Where is Cao Cao? I need to speak with him right away!" Zhang He had made it back to the camp. The moon was high in the sky and cool air had descended.
"You are back Zhang He! We thought you had died!" Xiahou Dun said, laying a hand on his shoulder as he dismounted. "What took you so long?"
"Sima Yi, he couldn't bear to see Sun Shang Xiang get killed, so he rescued her and brought her back to Sun Jian. Then do you know what that bastard did to Sima Yi? He shot him! Shot him with an arrow. Well, he survived and Diao Chan is taking care of him somewhere near the battlefield. They need to be picked up, they're out there all alone!" Zhang He explained quickly. Xiahou Dun's expression turned grim and he looked a little anxious.
"Sima Yi really did that?" He said darkly.
"Yes! Now, they need help!" Zhang he said, trying to emphasize the importance of the situation.
"Oh, not good, not good at all . . ." Xiahou Dun said turning away.
"What's the matter?" Zhang he said, his tone changing quickly.
"No, never you mind, I shall send some men to pick them up at once." Xiahou Dun said speeding off. Zhang He sighed with relief and fatigue bore down on him. He stumbled over to the room and collapsed on Sima Yi's bed.
"I don't think he'll mind, just for one night . . ." Zhang He assured himself sleepily. He felt like he was lying on a cloud. So comfortable, letting his tired body rest. All the fatigue and weariness drifted away. He opened his eyes and he was in the middle of the. There were clouds of every color floating everywhere, like enormous fluffy blankets. Stars fell down like beautiful sparkling rain, and Zhang He discovered the sky changed colors from a lovely deep blue, to royal purple, then iridescent green. This was his world, his perfect, beautiful world that he had visited ever since he was old enough to dream up such adventures. In this dream world, everything was pretty, and Zhang He loved pretty things. Pretty, just like my Diao Chan. His dream self thought I wish that she were here.
"But I am here, Zhang He . . ." Said a very familiar voice above him. "I'm right here." Zhang He opened his eyes for real this time. Morning light glared down at him and he squinted. Diao Chan stared down at him, her eyes wide. "You were saying that your wanted me near you."
"Dreaming . . ." He explained in a word and closed his eyes again.
"You were dreaming about me, eh?" She said, sitting down on the bed.
"Yeah, I wanted you to come share my dream world. I'm really glad you got back safe, did you have a rough time?" He asked.
"I was worried that Sima Yi was going to bleed to death, but he made it back also." She said serenely, lying down next to Zhang He. "I'm tired . . . I only just got back an hour ago."
"Well, I'll stop hogging the bed then." Zhang he said, starting to rise.
"No, stay! Please?" She pleaded tiredly.
"Why? All I do is take up space." He smiled.
"No, I need you near me when I go to sleep, its makes me feel safe, almost like we're married . . ." Zhang He laid down next to her and she immediately fell into sleep. He clutched her sleeping body and inhaled her sweet fragrance. Married . . .Zhang he thought peacefully. Well, I'm certainly old enough . . . But I always resented the idea for fear of having a horrible partner. But Diao Chan isn't horrible at all; in fact, she's the only girl I ever felt this way about, the first person I ever really loved. And I do love her, and I want her for my wife. If I can persuade her father . . .
Sima Yi lay injured for quite a while. His arm wasn't rendered useless, but he still needed plenty of time to heal. About a week, after the battle, he was summoned to meet with Cao Cao.
"Come with me Zhang He, just lag behind and stay out of sight, come on I need you for moral support." Sima Yi requested.
"Alright, but if I get caught, you're taking the blame." They walked together towards the large tent where Cao Cao had been staying. Sima Yi stepped through the barrier and Zhang he watched silently through a crack in the cloth. Cao Cao turned and faced Sima Yi like a hawk bearing down on a mouse.
"I have been informed that you killed several of our men in order to save the life of an enemy general . . ." Cao Cao said dangerously. The rumors came flooding back to Zhang He, was Sima Yi in danger?
"Y-yes, My Lord, this is true . . ." He said, feeling Cao Cao's anger from all the way back where he was standing.
"Why have you done this?" Cao Cao said, on the edge of losing his temper.
"She's a woman, My Lord, I couldn't bear to sit back and watch her be slaughtered." Sima Yi lied.
"Even so, she is powerful and treacherous! The prevention of her death could have been the soul thing that will cost us victory!" Cao Cao spat.
"I realize this, My Lord" He said bowing his head and continuing to stare at the ground.
"I should really have you punished for this." Cao Cao said firmly.
"I would not protest if that was your decision, although I may not agree with it." Sima Yi said coolly, but still avoiding his eyes.
"And WHY would you not agree with me?" Cao Cao said, as though Sima Yi had viciously insulted him.
"Because, My Lord, I think you are completely devoid of kindness. That helpless girl was going to be slaughtered before my eyes, it struck my heart." Sima Yi said, still in his toneless voice. Cao Cao's face contorted and he took the sheath of his sword and hit Sima Yi across the head. Sima Yi fell to his knees, his face wincing and hands clutching his bleeding head.
"She was just a woman! What made her so special to you?" Cao Cao growled. Sima Yi hesitated then shut his eyes and said:
"Because, My Lord, I . . . I love her."