Author's Note: Ack, a short chapter! Whee, I like this one, it was a lot
of fun to write, and I hope y'all like it too! I am worried that people
are not reading it anymore because nobody bothers to review. As for those
of you who do, I WUV YOU SO MUCH! Thank you, ppl. Anything you want to
happen I shall grant it, just say it in a review or email me ay Bluebomr2@sbcglobal.net I'm sooo sorry about what happened, I do not know how ore why it did, but heres the REAL chapter! (lol ^^;;) Arragh there are
some problems going on, I dunt know why, but I will fix them!
Enjoy!
Part 3
Romance of the Four Leaders
Chapter 27
Rekindle the Flame
The cold night air whipped against Zhang He's face as he sped towards the battlefield. Once he reached the hill he took a flying leap off of it, landing in a roll and barley missing the Talons.
"Not going to try that again," He said as he stood up. Most of the Nanmans had been defeated and their corpses littered the ground like a gruesome carpet of flesh. A thick and foul odor filled the air, churning Zhang He's stomach. He set out across the path of discarded soldiers, searching for signs of life. After about ten minutes of walking, he heard a feeble cry coming from the mountain of bodies. He wheeled around quickly and surveyed the scene. Something was trying to escape under a heavy man. Zhang He approached the area of movement slowly, and then kicked the body aside. A small, injured child crept out feebly, gasping for life. He was only about seven or eight, yet dressed in full battle garb. Zhang he's first instinct was to destroy the enemy soldier, but he held back at the child's frightened expression.
"What is your name, boy?" Zhang He asked powerfully.
"H-Han Rui, s-sir . . ." He sputtered, gazing up at Zhang He as if he were some terrible and sublime god.
"You are on the Nanman side?" Zhang He asked a little less forcefully.
"Y-yes, but I could be on your side, sir. Please d-don't kill me, your men already got my mother and father . . ." He squeaked. Zhang He winced slightly, and then rubbed his forehead thoughtfully.
"If you wish to, you may return to our main camp. They will tend to your wounds and give you some food. It does not matter to me which side you join. Tell them that you are there by word of Zhang He." He said.
"T-thank you, sir, I'll serve you well!" He said, limping off into the distance. After a moment he returned. "W-which way?" He asked pathetically. Zhang He smiled and pointed him in the right direction. After a few moments the mission rematerialized into his mind and he set off once again.
After an hour of searching, he found what appeared to be the life of the battle. A gigantic amount of men were all focused on something in the middle of their ring. Every now and then a peon would fly up into the air then crash down to his death. Zhang he rushed up and asked the first man he came upon what was going down.
"We are wearing down Meng Huo, my Lord. Once he is dead, we take control of the land, and all the survivors." The soldier informed.
"Thank you, soldier, good work." Zhang He said, and then pierced through to crowd, pushing his way towards the center. A second later he saw Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and the two Qiaos. When Sun Ce saw him he let out another cry of rage.
"You and Sima Yi both! You have a death wish or something!" He screamed.
"I'm fine, Sun Ce, magic was used and my arm is healed! See? I'm totally alright!" He explained.
"Amazing . . ." He said, touching Zhang He's arm where the break had once been. "Well, then I'm glad to have you back! We need your help too . . ."
A fresh wave of soldiers were launched into the air and crashed back down to earth, screaming. Suddenly, the path was opened up and Meng Huo was revealed. Zhang He's previous assumption that Dong Zhou was the fattest man in the entire world quickly was changed at once. Meng Huo stood nearly seven feet tall and was almost as wide as he was tall. He was covered in thick leather, which was held on with chains. His beard and hair were wild and wiry and hair seemed to be covering his body. Two gargantuan metal ornaments in the shape of wolves' heads were fastened to each of his hands, each probably weighing up to one hundred pounds. He roared once, and then stamped down his foot, making the earth tremble.
"You little runts! This is my land, I'M THE KING!" He bellowed ferociously, crushing a soldier with mighty force.
"This guy is insane, I think he's killed one or two of our generals already. We need to kill him right away, or else . . ." Sun Ce said, stepping back. Zhang He squinted menacingly then threw his shoulders back in a masculine fashion. He marched up to the raging man, not showing a bit of the fear bubbling up in his chest.
"Meng Huo!" He yelled, trying to get his attention. The enormous male turned around most like a rotating whale, and stared down his nose at Zhang He. Zhang He, at five feet, eleven inches, looked like a mere child to Meng Huo drawn up at his full height. The bearded face contorted into a grotesque smile as he sized up Zhang He.
"Um, I am, er. . . the leader of the Shi, and I would, er . . . You should . . . I challenge you to a battle with just me and my comrades, leave the soldiers alone." Zhang He said much less in a much less intimidating manner than he had hoped. Meng Huo stared blankly for a few moments the reared his swarthy head back and unleashed a booming laugh.
"Are you stupid? HAHAHAHAHA! I'll trounce you in a second! I accept, if you want an early death." He boomed at an earsplitting volume.
"Don't you dare underestimate me, I killed your wife after all . . ." Zhang He smiled. His confidence seemed to return as he felt Xiao Qiao, her sister, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu step up behind him. Meng Huo stopped acting so cocky and his eyes went blank.
"Zhu . . . Rong? You little vermin killed my wife!? I'LL TEAR YOU ALL TO PIECES!!!!" He screeched deeply, his eyes back on fire.
"Maybe you should have left that little detail out . . ." Zhou Yu said as a sense of impending doom descended. Zhang He pushed his way back through the crowd, which had stopped attacking to watch the scene.
"Run away, you fools, get out of here!!" Zhang He said, pushing his own men away. The dispersed quickly, fleeing from Meng Huo's prowess, similar to that of a volcano just waiting to erupt. Meng Huo swung the bulbous fist and only just missed Sun Ce's face. Sun Ce fell onto his back, his eyes wide with surprise. Meng Huo reared back again, but Zhang He pushed him out of the way quickly. "Wake up, Sun Ce, we're in a battle here!" Zhang He said, pulling his brother to his feet. Zhou Yu raced up stealthily from behind and attempted to drive his sword in Meng Huo's spine, but it simply bounced of the leather he was wearing, only creating a small scar in the material.
"What in the?" He said, suffering from the recoil of the attack.
"HAHAHA! Your puny sticks are no match for my elephant leather armor! It's INVINCIBLE!" He roared, beating his chest like an overgrown ape.
"What in the Hell is an elephant?" Zhang He asked bitterly.
"Oh, you don't know what that is? Let me introduce you to my best one . . ." He cackled deeply. He pursed his lips and blew a high-pitched whistle. Nothing happened for a moment and everyone looked around for some sign of action. Then all at once the earth started to shake and debris from the palm trees filled the air. Suddenly, through the door came the most terrifying creature Zhang He had ever seen. It was 12 feet tall and had two enormous teeth protruding out of either side of its mouth. Its skin was gray and scabby and looked, as the nothing would pierce it. Its beady black eyes gleamed malevolently and the nose was a long tube that hung down near its flat feet. It filled the air with an extremely odd sound; it seemed to be coming from the tube like snout. Meng Huo laughed and leapt into the air, landing on its back where a saddle had been placed.
"This is my good friend Jiu Hai. She's my elephant, and she's gonna crushed you like little, tiny insects! HAHAHA!" He snarled insanely. He pulled back on the royal purple reigns in the elephants mouth and it bucked into the air, trumpeting the sound again. It charged at the group and they all scattered quickly. At first it looked as though they were safe for the time being, but then Zhang He noticed Xiao Qiao sitting in the path, clutching her fans, paralyzed with fear. Meng Huo made a sharp U-turn and came back battering straight towards her tiny frame. Zhou Yu cried out and shot out towards her, seizing her little body and falling into the underbrush beside them. A millisecond later, the elephant's feet stampeded by, flattening the space of land where Xiao Qiao had just been. She whimpered feebly and clutched Zhou Yu, hiding her face in his chest. He looked surprised, but then his expression softened and he put a comforting hand on her back. He put an arm under her legs and stood up, her body suspended between his arms.
"Don't worry, you're safe." He reassured her, and then sped back to join the rest of them. Once they were both back to safety, Zhou Yu set Xiao Qiao down gently next to her sister, then he drew his sword once more.
"Where'd he go?" Sun Ce asked peering around. They all stood in pained silence, waiting for the elephant to burst out of the trees once again. Then, an idea struck Zhang He.
"I need a bow." He stated. "Please help me look for one, brothers."
"Why?" Sun Ce asked defiantly.
"Here's one. And some arrows." Zhou Yu said, handing the weapons to Zhang He.
"Thanks, Zhou Yu." He said nodding. Only four shots, his aim must remain true. He grasped the wooden handle of the bow and knocked the arrow. He pulled the silver string back to his jaw and closed the left eye. Then they all waited, Zhang He's arm warning to give out under the pull of the bowstring at any second. Then, Meng Huo ruptured through the jungle trees, laughing madly. Zhang He waited until his back was open, and then let his arrow fly. It had perfect aim but simply bounced off his armor. Zhang He cursed and pulled another projectile from the quiver. He shot again, but it still made no impression. "DAMN!" He yelled, as he pulled the third.
"Brother, I admire that you tried to come up with a plan, but this isn't working!" Sun Ce yelled.
"Wait, I think I see where this is going . . ." Zhou Yu said, quelling Sun Ce's annoying complaints.
"Get 'em, Zhang He! Go!" Xiao Qiao cheered from behind him.
"You can do it, my Lord!" Da Qiao said. I have to do this, for the sake of my friends . . . Zhang He thought fiercely as he anchored the arrow beneath his jaw. Meng Huo came charging up once again, eyes wide with madness, intent on seeing them all crushed. Look fro a weak spot, Zhang He, you can do this . . . He encouraged himself. There was a small opening near his right breast, and Zhang He took careful aim. When He released, he saw at once that is was a miss. The missile whizzed straight by Meng Huo's ear, not even coming in contact. Zhang He swiftly pulled the last arrow. Zhou Yu led them all away from the position where Zhang he stood, Meng Huo was coming full on. His body began to shake, not helping the aim at all. The bow shook violently, only a few seconds remained. Zhang He's hand gave way and the arrow flew blindly at the Nanman leader. Zhang He shut his eyes and put his hands over his head, bracing himself for the elephant. Then he felt something enormous crash down beside him, and another something fly by his shoulder. When he opened him, Meng Huo was on the floor next to him, very much alive and without an arrow in him at all. He bellowed loudly and crawled over to Zhang He, throwing off his enormous metal fists. His shovel sized hands clasped painfully around Zhang He's throat and began to squeeze.
"I'll kill you myself, you little bastard!" He roared in Zhang He's ear, as Zhang He tried ineffectually to throw off his strangle. Sun Ce began to run out to assist him, but he wasn't very fast. He began to feel lightheaded, but refused to go down without a fight. He kicked at Meng Huo's large body, but his legs were only long enough to reach the armpits. Suddenly, out of the trees came the elephant, Jiu Hai. In it's left eye was the arrow that Zhang He had shot before. It flailed its head in agony, trumpeting again and again. It stomped all over the ground, destroying whatever got in its way. Meng Huo lessened the grip to get a good look at what was going on, the cried out in surprise. The enormous creature was stomping right towards him and Zhang He. He tried to get up and run, but the elephant on moved towards him even more. Zhang He leapt to his feet and removed him self from the danger zone, diving into the trees where it was much safer.
"Stop, STOP, you stupid animal, NOOOOO!!!!!" It's long teeth struck Meng Huo, knocking him to the ground easily. It reared back onto its back legs, pedaling its arms violently. It came crashing down on Meng Huo's stomach, bursting the large man. His innards spilled out on either side, and a wave of blood and fat seeped out like a nauseating meat bun that had been stepped upon. His eyes bulged and a scarlet waterfall sprang from his lip. The once round human was now totally flat, with all of its insides displayed horribly like a revolting painting of horror. Zhang He clapped a hand over his mouth and turned away, holding back the urge to vomit. He heard Xiao Qiao scream and Sun Ce make a disgusted noise. The elephant collapsed onto the ground and ceased all movement.
"How sickening . . ." Said Da Qiao uneasily. Zhang He looked over at his friends, carefully avoiding the scene of dreadfulness to the side of him. Zhou Yu was holding Xiao Qiao, who was trembling and shaking her head and Sun Ce had his hands on Da Qiao's shoulders, both not looking.
"Come on, let's get out of here . . ." Zhang He said, ushering them away.
"That was . . . disturbing." Zhou Yu said, still soothing Xiao Qiao, who refused to remove her face. They all trudged back in silence until they got back to the city.
"You guys, we won!" Sun Ce cheered. "The Shi just won their first battle!"
"We did win! We're the greatest!" Zhang He agreed. Xiao Qiao poked her face out and smiled weakly. Zhou Yu released her and smiled too.
"Just wait until we tell everyone, they'll be so happy! We could have a celebration. Zhang He smiled broadly now, stretching as he felt the sun rise from behind him. It was a new day already, amazing how fast the days passed. He grinned at the sun, feeling its warmth caress his body.
"What's the date, anyway?" Sun Ce asked.
"Twenty-second." Zhou Yu said automatically. Zhang He's stomach suddenly tied itself in a knot.
"W-what?" He asked.
"The twenty-second." Zhou Yu reiterated placidly.
"Oh, no . . . Sima Yi . . ." Zhang He said, growing sicker by the second. "We've got to get back, now!" He yelled, racing towards the camp. His legs pumped faster and faster as he raced with the rising sun. Sweat droplets collected on his forehead and he jumped onto the steep slope. He toppled backward onto his rear, but jumped up without thinking again. He scaled the hill, hopping up the loosening sediments like a fleeing hare. He reached the top of the slope and landed on the flat ground, sliding a forward. He raced at top speed, clutching an excruciating stitch in his side. Every breath he took stung his lungs, but he had to b there for Sima Yi. A root that had grown out impended his flight. It sent him flying through the air, and then landing on his chin. He brushed the sand and blood away and continued on speeding ahead.
"I'm going to be there, Sima Yi! I'll be there . . ." He gasped, feeling his eyes sting with the foreboding of tears. The edge of the camp came into view. People were lying all over the floor, being tended to by various healers. The over crowded infirmary was wide open with people rushing in and out. Zhang He pushed him self to run down the last hill, he couldn't bear to have Sima Yi die. He rushed into the collection of tents and burst in, leaping over some soldiers on the floor. "SIMA YI!" He yelled, sliding into the area where he had been before. Diao Chan was still present, but Sun Shan Xiang and Sima Yi were gone.
"Where'd they go!?" He gasped at Diao Chan, who was staring at him.
"I don't know, they just left a moment ago. Sima Yi was acting really weird." She said. "What's the matter?"
"It's the twenty-second . . ." Zhang He panted sadly. Her eyes opened wide and she leapt out of bed.
"I think they went this way, come on!" She said, racing out of the infirmary. They went to the end of the camp, and headed up another slope into a vast meadow. They could distantly see Sima Yi and Sun Shang Xiang in the middle of the field. Sun Shang Xiang was low to the ground and looked as though she were staring up at Sima Yi, who was bending over her.
"What?" Zhang He said bewildered. "SIMA YI!!" He called to his brother, who didn't even look up. They ran to meet him, but when the saw what was going on, their hearts turned to ice. Sima Yi had his hands around Sun Shang Xiang's neck with an expressionless look on his face. She was wailing and crying, struggling with all her might to free herself. "No! NO!" Zhang He yelled, blasting forward to try and stop him.
happen I shall grant it, just say it in a review or email me ay Bluebomr2@sbcglobal.net I'm sooo sorry about what happened, I do not know how ore why it did, but heres the REAL chapter! (lol ^^;;) Arragh there are
some problems going on, I dunt know why, but I will fix them!
Enjoy!
Part 3
Romance of the Four Leaders
Chapter 27
Rekindle the Flame
The cold night air whipped against Zhang He's face as he sped towards the battlefield. Once he reached the hill he took a flying leap off of it, landing in a roll and barley missing the Talons.
"Not going to try that again," He said as he stood up. Most of the Nanmans had been defeated and their corpses littered the ground like a gruesome carpet of flesh. A thick and foul odor filled the air, churning Zhang He's stomach. He set out across the path of discarded soldiers, searching for signs of life. After about ten minutes of walking, he heard a feeble cry coming from the mountain of bodies. He wheeled around quickly and surveyed the scene. Something was trying to escape under a heavy man. Zhang He approached the area of movement slowly, and then kicked the body aside. A small, injured child crept out feebly, gasping for life. He was only about seven or eight, yet dressed in full battle garb. Zhang he's first instinct was to destroy the enemy soldier, but he held back at the child's frightened expression.
"What is your name, boy?" Zhang He asked powerfully.
"H-Han Rui, s-sir . . ." He sputtered, gazing up at Zhang He as if he were some terrible and sublime god.
"You are on the Nanman side?" Zhang He asked a little less forcefully.
"Y-yes, but I could be on your side, sir. Please d-don't kill me, your men already got my mother and father . . ." He squeaked. Zhang He winced slightly, and then rubbed his forehead thoughtfully.
"If you wish to, you may return to our main camp. They will tend to your wounds and give you some food. It does not matter to me which side you join. Tell them that you are there by word of Zhang He." He said.
"T-thank you, sir, I'll serve you well!" He said, limping off into the distance. After a moment he returned. "W-which way?" He asked pathetically. Zhang He smiled and pointed him in the right direction. After a few moments the mission rematerialized into his mind and he set off once again.
After an hour of searching, he found what appeared to be the life of the battle. A gigantic amount of men were all focused on something in the middle of their ring. Every now and then a peon would fly up into the air then crash down to his death. Zhang he rushed up and asked the first man he came upon what was going down.
"We are wearing down Meng Huo, my Lord. Once he is dead, we take control of the land, and all the survivors." The soldier informed.
"Thank you, soldier, good work." Zhang He said, and then pierced through to crowd, pushing his way towards the center. A second later he saw Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and the two Qiaos. When Sun Ce saw him he let out another cry of rage.
"You and Sima Yi both! You have a death wish or something!" He screamed.
"I'm fine, Sun Ce, magic was used and my arm is healed! See? I'm totally alright!" He explained.
"Amazing . . ." He said, touching Zhang He's arm where the break had once been. "Well, then I'm glad to have you back! We need your help too . . ."
A fresh wave of soldiers were launched into the air and crashed back down to earth, screaming. Suddenly, the path was opened up and Meng Huo was revealed. Zhang He's previous assumption that Dong Zhou was the fattest man in the entire world quickly was changed at once. Meng Huo stood nearly seven feet tall and was almost as wide as he was tall. He was covered in thick leather, which was held on with chains. His beard and hair were wild and wiry and hair seemed to be covering his body. Two gargantuan metal ornaments in the shape of wolves' heads were fastened to each of his hands, each probably weighing up to one hundred pounds. He roared once, and then stamped down his foot, making the earth tremble.
"You little runts! This is my land, I'M THE KING!" He bellowed ferociously, crushing a soldier with mighty force.
"This guy is insane, I think he's killed one or two of our generals already. We need to kill him right away, or else . . ." Sun Ce said, stepping back. Zhang He squinted menacingly then threw his shoulders back in a masculine fashion. He marched up to the raging man, not showing a bit of the fear bubbling up in his chest.
"Meng Huo!" He yelled, trying to get his attention. The enormous male turned around most like a rotating whale, and stared down his nose at Zhang He. Zhang He, at five feet, eleven inches, looked like a mere child to Meng Huo drawn up at his full height. The bearded face contorted into a grotesque smile as he sized up Zhang He.
"Um, I am, er. . . the leader of the Shi, and I would, er . . . You should . . . I challenge you to a battle with just me and my comrades, leave the soldiers alone." Zhang He said much less in a much less intimidating manner than he had hoped. Meng Huo stared blankly for a few moments the reared his swarthy head back and unleashed a booming laugh.
"Are you stupid? HAHAHAHAHA! I'll trounce you in a second! I accept, if you want an early death." He boomed at an earsplitting volume.
"Don't you dare underestimate me, I killed your wife after all . . ." Zhang He smiled. His confidence seemed to return as he felt Xiao Qiao, her sister, Sun Ce, and Zhou Yu step up behind him. Meng Huo stopped acting so cocky and his eyes went blank.
"Zhu . . . Rong? You little vermin killed my wife!? I'LL TEAR YOU ALL TO PIECES!!!!" He screeched deeply, his eyes back on fire.
"Maybe you should have left that little detail out . . ." Zhou Yu said as a sense of impending doom descended. Zhang He pushed his way back through the crowd, which had stopped attacking to watch the scene.
"Run away, you fools, get out of here!!" Zhang He said, pushing his own men away. The dispersed quickly, fleeing from Meng Huo's prowess, similar to that of a volcano just waiting to erupt. Meng Huo swung the bulbous fist and only just missed Sun Ce's face. Sun Ce fell onto his back, his eyes wide with surprise. Meng Huo reared back again, but Zhang He pushed him out of the way quickly. "Wake up, Sun Ce, we're in a battle here!" Zhang He said, pulling his brother to his feet. Zhou Yu raced up stealthily from behind and attempted to drive his sword in Meng Huo's spine, but it simply bounced of the leather he was wearing, only creating a small scar in the material.
"What in the?" He said, suffering from the recoil of the attack.
"HAHAHA! Your puny sticks are no match for my elephant leather armor! It's INVINCIBLE!" He roared, beating his chest like an overgrown ape.
"What in the Hell is an elephant?" Zhang He asked bitterly.
"Oh, you don't know what that is? Let me introduce you to my best one . . ." He cackled deeply. He pursed his lips and blew a high-pitched whistle. Nothing happened for a moment and everyone looked around for some sign of action. Then all at once the earth started to shake and debris from the palm trees filled the air. Suddenly, through the door came the most terrifying creature Zhang He had ever seen. It was 12 feet tall and had two enormous teeth protruding out of either side of its mouth. Its skin was gray and scabby and looked, as the nothing would pierce it. Its beady black eyes gleamed malevolently and the nose was a long tube that hung down near its flat feet. It filled the air with an extremely odd sound; it seemed to be coming from the tube like snout. Meng Huo laughed and leapt into the air, landing on its back where a saddle had been placed.
"This is my good friend Jiu Hai. She's my elephant, and she's gonna crushed you like little, tiny insects! HAHAHA!" He snarled insanely. He pulled back on the royal purple reigns in the elephants mouth and it bucked into the air, trumpeting the sound again. It charged at the group and they all scattered quickly. At first it looked as though they were safe for the time being, but then Zhang He noticed Xiao Qiao sitting in the path, clutching her fans, paralyzed with fear. Meng Huo made a sharp U-turn and came back battering straight towards her tiny frame. Zhou Yu cried out and shot out towards her, seizing her little body and falling into the underbrush beside them. A millisecond later, the elephant's feet stampeded by, flattening the space of land where Xiao Qiao had just been. She whimpered feebly and clutched Zhou Yu, hiding her face in his chest. He looked surprised, but then his expression softened and he put a comforting hand on her back. He put an arm under her legs and stood up, her body suspended between his arms.
"Don't worry, you're safe." He reassured her, and then sped back to join the rest of them. Once they were both back to safety, Zhou Yu set Xiao Qiao down gently next to her sister, then he drew his sword once more.
"Where'd he go?" Sun Ce asked peering around. They all stood in pained silence, waiting for the elephant to burst out of the trees once again. Then, an idea struck Zhang He.
"I need a bow." He stated. "Please help me look for one, brothers."
"Why?" Sun Ce asked defiantly.
"Here's one. And some arrows." Zhou Yu said, handing the weapons to Zhang He.
"Thanks, Zhou Yu." He said nodding. Only four shots, his aim must remain true. He grasped the wooden handle of the bow and knocked the arrow. He pulled the silver string back to his jaw and closed the left eye. Then they all waited, Zhang He's arm warning to give out under the pull of the bowstring at any second. Then, Meng Huo ruptured through the jungle trees, laughing madly. Zhang He waited until his back was open, and then let his arrow fly. It had perfect aim but simply bounced off his armor. Zhang He cursed and pulled another projectile from the quiver. He shot again, but it still made no impression. "DAMN!" He yelled, as he pulled the third.
"Brother, I admire that you tried to come up with a plan, but this isn't working!" Sun Ce yelled.
"Wait, I think I see where this is going . . ." Zhou Yu said, quelling Sun Ce's annoying complaints.
"Get 'em, Zhang He! Go!" Xiao Qiao cheered from behind him.
"You can do it, my Lord!" Da Qiao said. I have to do this, for the sake of my friends . . . Zhang He thought fiercely as he anchored the arrow beneath his jaw. Meng Huo came charging up once again, eyes wide with madness, intent on seeing them all crushed. Look fro a weak spot, Zhang He, you can do this . . . He encouraged himself. There was a small opening near his right breast, and Zhang He took careful aim. When He released, he saw at once that is was a miss. The missile whizzed straight by Meng Huo's ear, not even coming in contact. Zhang He swiftly pulled the last arrow. Zhou Yu led them all away from the position where Zhang he stood, Meng Huo was coming full on. His body began to shake, not helping the aim at all. The bow shook violently, only a few seconds remained. Zhang He's hand gave way and the arrow flew blindly at the Nanman leader. Zhang He shut his eyes and put his hands over his head, bracing himself for the elephant. Then he felt something enormous crash down beside him, and another something fly by his shoulder. When he opened him, Meng Huo was on the floor next to him, very much alive and without an arrow in him at all. He bellowed loudly and crawled over to Zhang He, throwing off his enormous metal fists. His shovel sized hands clasped painfully around Zhang He's throat and began to squeeze.
"I'll kill you myself, you little bastard!" He roared in Zhang He's ear, as Zhang He tried ineffectually to throw off his strangle. Sun Ce began to run out to assist him, but he wasn't very fast. He began to feel lightheaded, but refused to go down without a fight. He kicked at Meng Huo's large body, but his legs were only long enough to reach the armpits. Suddenly, out of the trees came the elephant, Jiu Hai. In it's left eye was the arrow that Zhang He had shot before. It flailed its head in agony, trumpeting again and again. It stomped all over the ground, destroying whatever got in its way. Meng Huo lessened the grip to get a good look at what was going on, the cried out in surprise. The enormous creature was stomping right towards him and Zhang He. He tried to get up and run, but the elephant on moved towards him even more. Zhang He leapt to his feet and removed him self from the danger zone, diving into the trees where it was much safer.
"Stop, STOP, you stupid animal, NOOOOO!!!!!" It's long teeth struck Meng Huo, knocking him to the ground easily. It reared back onto its back legs, pedaling its arms violently. It came crashing down on Meng Huo's stomach, bursting the large man. His innards spilled out on either side, and a wave of blood and fat seeped out like a nauseating meat bun that had been stepped upon. His eyes bulged and a scarlet waterfall sprang from his lip. The once round human was now totally flat, with all of its insides displayed horribly like a revolting painting of horror. Zhang He clapped a hand over his mouth and turned away, holding back the urge to vomit. He heard Xiao Qiao scream and Sun Ce make a disgusted noise. The elephant collapsed onto the ground and ceased all movement.
"How sickening . . ." Said Da Qiao uneasily. Zhang He looked over at his friends, carefully avoiding the scene of dreadfulness to the side of him. Zhou Yu was holding Xiao Qiao, who was trembling and shaking her head and Sun Ce had his hands on Da Qiao's shoulders, both not looking.
"Come on, let's get out of here . . ." Zhang He said, ushering them away.
"That was . . . disturbing." Zhou Yu said, still soothing Xiao Qiao, who refused to remove her face. They all trudged back in silence until they got back to the city.
"You guys, we won!" Sun Ce cheered. "The Shi just won their first battle!"
"We did win! We're the greatest!" Zhang He agreed. Xiao Qiao poked her face out and smiled weakly. Zhou Yu released her and smiled too.
"Just wait until we tell everyone, they'll be so happy! We could have a celebration. Zhang He smiled broadly now, stretching as he felt the sun rise from behind him. It was a new day already, amazing how fast the days passed. He grinned at the sun, feeling its warmth caress his body.
"What's the date, anyway?" Sun Ce asked.
"Twenty-second." Zhou Yu said automatically. Zhang He's stomach suddenly tied itself in a knot.
"W-what?" He asked.
"The twenty-second." Zhou Yu reiterated placidly.
"Oh, no . . . Sima Yi . . ." Zhang He said, growing sicker by the second. "We've got to get back, now!" He yelled, racing towards the camp. His legs pumped faster and faster as he raced with the rising sun. Sweat droplets collected on his forehead and he jumped onto the steep slope. He toppled backward onto his rear, but jumped up without thinking again. He scaled the hill, hopping up the loosening sediments like a fleeing hare. He reached the top of the slope and landed on the flat ground, sliding a forward. He raced at top speed, clutching an excruciating stitch in his side. Every breath he took stung his lungs, but he had to b there for Sima Yi. A root that had grown out impended his flight. It sent him flying through the air, and then landing on his chin. He brushed the sand and blood away and continued on speeding ahead.
"I'm going to be there, Sima Yi! I'll be there . . ." He gasped, feeling his eyes sting with the foreboding of tears. The edge of the camp came into view. People were lying all over the floor, being tended to by various healers. The over crowded infirmary was wide open with people rushing in and out. Zhang He pushed him self to run down the last hill, he couldn't bear to have Sima Yi die. He rushed into the collection of tents and burst in, leaping over some soldiers on the floor. "SIMA YI!" He yelled, sliding into the area where he had been before. Diao Chan was still present, but Sun Shan Xiang and Sima Yi were gone.
"Where'd they go!?" He gasped at Diao Chan, who was staring at him.
"I don't know, they just left a moment ago. Sima Yi was acting really weird." She said. "What's the matter?"
"It's the twenty-second . . ." Zhang He panted sadly. Her eyes opened wide and she leapt out of bed.
"I think they went this way, come on!" She said, racing out of the infirmary. They went to the end of the camp, and headed up another slope into a vast meadow. They could distantly see Sima Yi and Sun Shang Xiang in the middle of the field. Sun Shang Xiang was low to the ground and looked as though she were staring up at Sima Yi, who was bending over her.
"What?" Zhang He said bewildered. "SIMA YI!!" He called to his brother, who didn't even look up. They ran to meet him, but when the saw what was going on, their hearts turned to ice. Sima Yi had his hands around Sun Shang Xiang's neck with an expressionless look on his face. She was wailing and crying, struggling with all her might to free herself. "No! NO!" Zhang He yelled, blasting forward to try and stop him.