Author's note: WHOOOHOO! The long awaited Halloween chapter! 21 pages in
word, you lucky people! I hope you enjoy it!
Happy Halloween!
Part 3
Romance of the Four Leaders
Chapter 31
All Hallows Eve
The work went slowly but nicely. For the rest September They collected the survivors and made Ru Nan inhabitable once again. Pang Tong was appointed the new leader of this city and under him were Ma Chao and Wei Yan. Zhang He thought these people would be smart and strong, very goof for protecting and moderating the city. The Nanmans themselves seemed happier to be rid of Meng Huo for good and quickly assigned their loyalty to the Shi.
On October the 18th Zhang He decided he'd better be getting back to the main camp, to check up on things at the least. He set out with Sima Yi, Zhou Yu, Sun Ce, the Qiao sisters, Diao Chan, Sun Shang Xiang and a number of other Shi generals. Just as soon as they'd got a foot outside of the temporary camp, Mitsuke came racing up behind them.
"C-can I come?" He asked breathlessly. He was holding up Kawaii-Sama by the crimson bow in her hair. She looked quite content and was still munching away on the magenta object.
"Sure, come onto my horse, if we all ride fast, we can get back about this time tomorrow." Zhang He said, backing up a little to make room for him.
"O-on your horse? Couldn't I ride with Diao Chan?" He asked softly. Zhang He laughed shortly.
"There's no way your going near my woman!" He smiled. "Now, get on in front of me, your a lot shorter than I am and you might fall off while were speeding up." He nodded and hoisted himself onto the horse in front of Zhang He. Kawaii-Sama crawled onto his shoulder and then onto Zhang He's head. Mitsuke laughed a little.
"She likes you." He said sounding more relaxed. Zhang He laughed then put his arms on either side of Mitsuke, grabbing the reigns. Sun Ce, growing impatient, whipped his horse and sped off as fast as he could go.
"Sun Ce, don't be foolish!" Zhou Yu called, riding after him. Sima Yi took off followed by Da Qiao who looked terrified to be going this fast on anything. Xiao Qiao was clutching the neck of her steed and trying to catch up to Zhou Yu. Sun Shang Xiang seemed to be rather enjoying speeding around on her horse and Sun Ce and she got into somewhat of a race. Diao Chan's horse was almost out of control and she swept by, crying out: "Zhang He!! How do you make it stoooooooop!?" and she disappeared into the jungle.
Zhang He laughed a little and cracked the reigns ferociously on the horse, caught up with Diao Chan and slowed the raging stallion. "Thank you." She breathed, looking a little embarrassed.
They all rode on at full speed, not stopping for at least five hours. Mitsuke remained ridged as board, leaning forward so he would come in contact with Zhang He. Everyone was very tired and their legs grew sorer and sorer, but Zhang He knew they had to be back as soon as possible. Xiao Qiao started whining to Zhou Yu and Sun Ce as the sun set slowly. Zhang He found this very annoying, but still, he would not stop for the night. As Mitsuke grew wearier he began to droop onto Zhang He's chest. At first, Zhang He didn't really notice anything but when he rested his arm on his chest out of tiredness, he suddenly felt very odd. He was getting almost the same feeling he did when he held Diao Chan. His heart leapt a little, and he moved his arms away. He looked down at Mitsuke. He was sleeping soundly, and he looked . . . looked . . . attractive? The pit of Zhang He's stomach sickened. It was not normal or good in his opinion that he was finding another man attractive. He chewed his nail a bit and searched his soul. This wasn't correct. He always liked women; he loved Diao Chan more than anything. He never really wanted to touch men or anything, so why was Mitsuke different? He looked back down a Mitsuke again. His long raven hair swept gently at his sides and his pale face looked very peaceful. Maybe it was because he looked so feminine or the way he acted was always a bit girlish. Zhang He gasped. What if Mitsuke was the one who preferred men? He suddenly felt very uncomfortable having Mitsuke on his chest. He wanted nothing to do with that other side, he'd heard about that from his brothers. He tried to inch back a little, but Mitsuke only fell farther onto him. Then, another thought dawned on Zhang He. Mitsuke was very feminine, very short, very skinny, not that strong. What if he wasn't a 'he' at all?
Zhang He looked around him, nobody was looking at him, and they were all enveloped in their own conversations. Zhang He casually let himself fall to the back of the group and waited until they were all looking away. He timidly raised a hand to Mitsuke's chest and gently inserted into the small opening in the kimono. There was one to know whether he was a girl or not for sure. He didn't feel good about it, but he had to know. He hesitated, and then pushed down slightly. Before Zhang He could register anything, Mitsuke's eyes snapped open. They stared at each other for a moment, the Mitsuke let out an earsplitting scream. He pushed Zhang He off the horse then launched off the horse himself. Kawaii -Sama remained on the still moving horse. Zhang He tried to apologize, but he was being clobbered with perhaps a million punches.
"WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA!!??" Mitsuke yelled, kicking him repeatedly. The others started noticing what was going on and turned their horses back to witness the beating.
"Please, I'm sorry!" Zhang He whined, his cheeks turning red when all his friends asked him what had happened. Mitsuke stopped his severe thrashing and turned to the rest of them.
"He had his hand in my shirt! He was touching me in a very disturbing way, too!" Mitsuke raged. Zhang He turned brick red. He knew how it must seem. This was worse than when Yuan Shao thought he had been sleeping with Diao Chan . . .
"Zhang He, is that true?" Diao Chan asked, horrified.
"It's not how it sounds!" Zhang He yelped defensively.
"Then why did you have our hand in my kimono?" Mitsuke asked, now also blushing.
"Because . . ." Zhang He stopped. It now seemed extremely stupid what he had been thinking before. He had to make up a good excuse, and fast. "Because I had a . . . I ring for Diao Chan and I was taking it out to give it to her, but I accidentally dropped it. I thought it might have fallen into you shirt, so I tried to get it out with waking you up. It was hanging open a little." Zhang He explained. Now it was Mitsuke's turn to blush.
"M-my shirt was hanging open? You didn't look inside it, did you?" He asked quickly.
"Why would you care, it's not there's anything to hide?" Sima Yi said darkly from the corner.
"What? M-maybe I just don't like people looking at my chest!" He said in a very uninfluencing way.
"Right you are, Onesan." Sima Yi said softly.
"O-onesan?" Mitsuke asked, his voice getting higher and more worried.
"Isn't that what your sister calls you?" Sima Yi asked.
"Oh, yeah, she's always called me that for some weird reason." Mitsuke explained. Mitsuke opened his mouth again to say something else, but a strange noise came from the trees. Mitsuke drew his Katana and Zhang He sprang to his feet, retrieving the Talons from the back of the horse. Sun Ce pulled his Tonfas and Zhou Yu unsheathed the mighty Sword of Ancients. All the females readied their fans, maces, and Chakrams, waiting for something to show itself.
The rest of the trip was uneventful and contained a portion less cheerful conversation. The arrived back at the camp on the morning of the 19th. Everyone was extremely weary and went straight to bed. Over the next few days a small surprise greeted them. On the morning of the 21st they discovered a familiar face they thought none of them would ever see again. Sanding outside at the front gate was Zhen Ji, looking tearful and deprived.
"Zhen Ji! What are you doing here?" Zhang He asked, utterly bewildered. She took a deep breath and shut her eyes softly.
"My husband was killed in a battle with the Shu. I couldn't bear to hang around with Cao Cao ordering everyone around anymore. I remembered you, how nice you were, and how . . ." She smiled "Handsome you were . . ." Zhang He's brow furrowed. "Could I pretty please stay with you guys and maybe help you fight or something?" She offered hopefully.
"Sure, Zhen Ji, if you really want to." Zhang He said scratching his head. She let out a little shriek of delight, pranced over and kissed Zhang He quickly on the cheek. Zhang He turned red and Diao Chan looked reproachful.
"Now, I get the biggest and most expensive looking room, right? Ooh, that one looks good!" She said, hurrying off. Zhang He looked over at Diao Chan, whose eyes were narrowed to slits. He laughed flutteringly and avoided her gaze.
The next few days crawled on soon the 30th of October dawned on them. Zhang he threw off the covers and yawned. He rolled onto his side and rubbed his sore back, looking over at Sima Yi. He was reading in his bed, oblivious to the world around him. Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were still snoring softly in the background.
"Did you stay up all night reading that?" Zhang He said thickly through another yawn. Sima Yi looked up quickly then gazed back down at the pages.
"Yeah." He said slowly, running his fingers through his hair.
"How can stay up all night and not even be tired?" Zhang He asked lying back down.
"I don't know, I just lose track of the time . . ." Sima Yi said distractedly.
"What's so interesting about it, anyway?" Zhang He inquired, walking over and peering at the yellowing pages. Zhang He could never read very well, but he knew some symbols. However, with this book, none of the characters were familiar to him. Sima Yi suddenly doubled back a bit, his eyes darting on each symbol. He suddenly snapped the book shut and gave a cry of triumph.
"I knew it!" He yelled.
"You knew what?" Zhang He said, picking up the flimsy book and flipped through the pages.
"Tomorrow's a European holiday!" He smiled.
"Great, let's all hear it for the folks in Europe." Zhang He said.
"But not just a holiday, it has great effect on the spirit world, no matter where you live." Sima Yi said somewhat darkly.
"Explain." Zhang He said, setting down the book and looking at Sima Yi.
"Well, tomorrow is the Celtic holiday "Samhaim", or as the less enlightened Christians call it, All Hallows Eve. This started as a Celtic and Pagan celebration, but those religious fanatics stole it and warped it. Anyway, it's held to celebrate the last harvest of autumn. It is also said that the veil between the spirit world and the world of the living is lifted and if you know the right spells you may communicate with the dead!" Sima Yi said, his eyes blazing with excitement. Zhang He looked at his feet.
"Like Rai Tso?" He asked timidly.
"Exactly, but there's also another side to it. Along with the peaceful spirits roaming about, the dark ones come out too." Sima Yi gave a somewhat twisted smile and continued, "This means they can bring us bad luck throughout the year and even in some cases, kill someone."
"Isn't there something to do to protect ourselves?" Zhang He said worried, not wanting to be cursed or killed.
"Of course there is. To ward off evil spirits, you must take an autumnal vegetable, like a turnip or a pumpkin; carve an angry face into it, the put a candle inside or light in on fire. It says here that scares them away." He said, pointing to a section in the book. "It also says 'dances and songs also may be performed to ward of these malicious specters'."
"Sounds . . . fun . . ." Zhang He said, starting to smile.
"What's fun?" Sun Ce grunted from behind them.
"Quiet Sun Ce, it's early . . ." Zhou Yu sighed, covering up his head with the futon. Sun Ce cackled and leaped onto to Zhou Yu's bed and yanked off the covers. Zhou Yu started yelling but Sun Ce playfully pushed him on the floor. "SUN CE!" Zhou Yu bellowed, gasping. Sun Ce laughed and ran over to where Zhang He was sitting.
"What're you guys talking about?" He asked, finally calming down. Sima Yi and Zhang He took turns explaining to Zhou Yu and Sun Ce about All Hallow's Eve.
"That does sound fun." Sun Ce agreed.
"That's not the last of it. We're all supposed to make a dish of food, then go to meet everyone else and share it with them. If they are greedy, and don't have anything, the we get to punish them." He smiled. "And, oh yes, you'll like this one Sun Ce, since the evil spirits will be out and searching for unfortunate souls to play tricks on, the women will be helpless. So, tonight, they ask a brave man to protect them from the ghosts until the sunrise of November 1st."
"Wait, wait, so if we celebrate this we get to spend and entire night all alone with a beautiful woman?" Sun Ce asked excitedly. Sima Yi nodded and Sun Ce let out a loud whoop.
"We have to do this! This'll be the best! Ohhh, an entire night with Da Qiao, watching the sunrise, all alone on a hill . . ." He went on dreamily.
"But I can't cook, you'll all punish me . . ." Zhang He said, smiling despite this fact.
"You don't have to cook, just throw some autumn fruits and vegetables together!" Sima Yi explained.
"This sounds great . . ." Admitted Zhou Yu.
"Let's go tell the girls!"
"Sounds great!" Diao Chan cried after they'd explained to all the girls. They were all still dreamy and puffy eyed. Diao Chan's hair was down and hung at her back, an odd but pretty change from the usual flower headdress.
"Maybe we should tell everyone and ask them to celebrate with us, it'll be a nice change from all the work and battling." Xiao Qiao offered. After the girls put their hair up and pulled on their colorful clothes, the made their way around the camp asking people if they'd like to participate in the event. Most everyone but Taishi Ci seemed keen on it. Zhen Ji gasped with pleasure when she heard about the part where she'd get to spend an entire day with an attractive man. It could've just been Zhang He, but she didn't seem too upset about her husband's recent death. The soldiers went out to nearby farms to purchase a surplus of different vegetables, fruits, eggs, bread and other goods for the morrow. In the excitement, everyone's spirits were rising continually. The women decided it would be fun to make eloquent and beautiful robes to wear and lock them selves up in a room with sewing needles, scissors, and an assortment of fabrics all with stunning hues of purple, orange, black, sage green and other autumn shades.
Later on the soldiers arrived with a giant pile of foods and goods. They all piled them in the center of the camp on some tatami mats from Japan. Sun Quan surly attitude seemed to have been lifted and he display a seldom- used smile. Zhang Liao, who had finally healed from hi injury, escaping with naught but a few scars, stayed with Zhang He and his sworn brothers for the entire day. Huang Zhong could been dozing near a building and Xu Huang and Taishi Ci sat on a wall, talking in their low voices and laughing noisily on occasions.
As the sunset, the girls came out finally, displaying their finished products. Each had an identical gown, lavished with fine colors and sewed perfectly. The dresses were not made in the traditional Chinese style, but bore a new creative design that made all men double take. The sleeves were long and voluminous and line with gold.
"Wow, I can't wait to see you in that." Smiled Zhang He as he looked over Diao Chan's fine work. Only a second later, Gan Ning came bounding up, smiling from ear to ear.
"Hey, lovely ladies!" He cheered. "Sun Shang Xiang, want to spend the day with The Ning tomorrow!? Ning can protect you from any spirits that come our way!"
"Uch, no! And besides, the girls have to ask the men, not the other way around." She explained exasperatedly. Gan Ning's mouth drooped at this sentence, but the he suddenly regained his spunkiness and moved in next to Diao Chan. He brought his face close to hers and smiled a little over- hopefully. Diao Chan pushed him out of the way and joined Sun Shang Xiang, the Qiao sisters and Zhen Ji.
"Come, ladies, let us go confer on the guys we shall ask to be our warriors." She smiled, gliding off as the other girls giggled.
"Ooooh, I hope she picks me." Sun Ce whined. Zhou Yu gnawed his nail and Sima Yi seemed to be intrigued with a dead leaf that was skidding across the ground because of the breeze. Zhang He sat down on a low wall, and scratched his head. Suddenly, something small and warm leapt on his lap. He looked down quickly. It was only Kawaii-Sama, still with her unblinking gaze and unreadable expression.
"Hello, Kawaii-Sama." He said, hoping to get a reaction. She stared at him for a moment longer, then sat down in his lap and chewed the pink object blankly. Mitsuke came striding out of the darkness, looking alternately left, then right.
"Have you guys seen - Oh, there she is." Mitsuke discovered.
"Hello, Mitsuke." Zhang He smiled.
"Hey, I heard about that All Hallow's Eve thing, sounds fun!" He said, plucking Kawaii-Sama from Zhang He's lap and placing her on his shoulder.
"Who do you want to spend the day with tomorrow?" Zhang He asked somewhat devilishly.
"Umm, well, I don't know." He said shortly with any thought.
"Oh, come on, if you could have any girl, which one?" Zhang He continued.
"Well, I'm kind of a lone wolf, I never really wanted to get involved with women." He said a bit nervously.
"Alright, well if you had to pick a girl, who'd it be?" Zhang He said a bit frustrated.
"I guess Sun Shang Xiang, just cause I like he personality, but I know Sima Yi likes her, and I wouldn't want to wreck their relationship." He finished. Zhang He laughed suddenly.
"You should spend the day with Kawaii-Sama." He pointed out. Mitsuke laughed and looked at Kawaii-Sama, who was completely unconscious of their conversation.
"I don't think she'd understand." He said through another laugh. They sat, talking for almost an hour and watching the night grow darker and darker. Then, the women came striding back, looked reserved and ready. The sworn brothers and Mitsuke sat tense as they approached, smiling smugly. Diao Chan walked over femininely and sat where Kawaii-Sama had previously been on Zhang He's lap.
"Hello, kind warriors, you look strong and brave. Would you consider protecting me during the morrow?" She said playfully.
"Why, of course, beautiful maiden! It would be my pleasure." He said, playing along. A loud whoop from somewhere on Zhang He's left told him Da Qiao had asked Sun Ce. He saw Xiao Qiao next to Zhou Yu looking cheerful as usual. Sun Shang Xiang hesitantly approached Sima Yi, whose cheeks were glowing red, and looked down at her feet as she spoke in a hushed voice. Unexpectedly, Zhen Ji advanced on Mitsuke, who looked just as surprised as Zhang He felt.
"You're from Japan, aren't you?" She asked mischievously, playing with a bit of his hair. Mitsuke leaned away from and nodded, his face very red. "So how 'bout it, want to protect me from the evil spirits?" She said temptingly.
"Well, um . . . Sure, why not?" he said, giving up.
Feeling considerably happier knowing they'd all be spending tomorrow with beautiful women, they went to bed contently. Zhang He had wonderful dreams in which he could hear his own mind wanting to tell Sima Yi about them, but when he finally woke they were gone. He was greeted buy the inviting smell of pumpkin in the air. The next thing he knew the door burst open and Diao Chan leapt onto his bed, wearing her splendid new robe.
"Wake up, Zhang He, you have to protect me!" She cheered, reaving him happily from the covers. The other girls also started waking up the rest of them. In a moment's time they were awake, dressed and fixing their hair in the usual styles.
"Why do you always wear that heavy helmet or the hat?" Sun Shang Xiang asked Sima Yi as he picked up the object in question.
"I don't know, I just . . ." Sima Yi started. Sun Shang Xiang seized the string that fastened his hair bun and yanked it off.
"Wear your hair down today, it's lovely." She said, running her fingers fleetingly over Sima Yi's long hair.
"But it's not what I usually do . . ." He protested with a smile.
"Well, I don't usually wear a dress, do I?" She countered. He shrugged and shook of the discussion.
Outside, the air was pleasantly cool and crisp and the skies blue and cloudless. Zhang He took a breath of the refreshing oxygen and smiled. All around them people were busily performing different tasks: Making food, collecting candles, and carving the pumpkins and turnips, and much more. Diao Chan grabbed him by the arm and smiled.
"Let's go make our dish, we don't want to be punished!" She offered. Zhang He nodded and she trotted ahead and got the ingredients. The couples broke off from the group and started on their food as well.
"Shall we make a dessert?" Diao Chan asked. Zhang He shrugged.
"It's all up to you, I can't cook at all." He admitted.
"Ok, this is all the stuff we need, let's get cooking!" She cheered.
Zhang He had never been inside the kitchens before. The building was large with a domed roof and had several places for fires, a number of cauldrons, pots, pans, a well for getting water, and some spoons, bowls and chopsticks for use. Several long tables were placed at the end and a lot of people were already making things that smelled heavenly. Diao Chan snatched a spot and laid out the ingredients. Zhang He noticed several ceramic ovens in the corners.
"Can you get me a medium sized bowl and some spoons, please?" She asked politely. Zhang He smiled and nodded, then retrieved the objects. Diao Chan turned out to be very well educated in the world of cuisine. She whisked out eggs, milk, sugar, and flour as easy as second nature. Her hands mixed faster than Zhang He's hands with the Talons. She kept telling Zhang He exactly what she was doing and tricks for cooking, but his male brain couldn't take in a word. He just watched in awe as she turned a jumble of ingredients into a creamy, white batter.
"Amazing . . ." He whispered as she poured in delicately into a circular baking pan and slid it into an oven. They sat back and waited for it to be done, talking happily and laughing. Then, after twenty-five minutes on the dot, Diao Chan pulled the fluffy white cake out of the oven with a "tadaa!" and displayed it happily.
"Now, for the finishing touches. . ." She said, cutting a middle section out of the cake. Wondering why, Zhang He watched her intently. She then filled the freshly cut hole with raspberry, cranberries, and several other autumnal fruits. "And sprinkle a little of this . . ." Diao Chan said, scattering sugar over the aroma surround sweet. After placing a few more berries around the rim, she announced that it was completed. Zhang He clapped as she showed it off, beaming.
"Come on, let's go see what the others have got!" She said wrapping the cake in a yellow cloth and hurrying off, beckoning to Zhang He who followed promptly.
They met everyone else back in the courtyard, who also had dishes of their own.
"Wow, Diao Chan, that looks great!" Sun Shang Xiang said as Diao Chan unveiled her creation. They all took turns trying each other's food. Zhou Yu and Xiao Qiao had come up with a chicken, baked with an assortment of potatoes, carrots, onions, and other vegetables. It tasted wonderful, but the first appearance of it put them off a bit. Da Qiao had whipped up mashed potatoes with cheese and a garnish of carrots. It was delicious, if not a little simple. The cake was a huge success with everyone and it soon got finished off.
"That's great, Diao Chan, I envy the man that marries you." Sun Ce said thickly as he took a bite. She blushed and giggled.
Nothing on earth could've compelled him to taste Sun Shang Xiang's cooking. Zhang He wasn't exactly sure what is was supposed to be, but he could tell it was black, crusty and very smelly.
"Doesn't anyone want to try mine?" Sun Shang Xiang said as everyone suddenly looked away. "Oh, you're all the nicest people in the world. Sima Yi, will you try it, please?" She said with large watery eyes. Sima Yi gave a nervous look at the blackened catastrophe and closed his eyes.
"S-sure, of course I will . . ." He whined. Zhang He decided that no man loved Sun Shang Xiang more than Sima Yi, because Zhang He wouldn't have taken a bite to save his life. Sima Yi apprehensible moved a piece to his lips and bit off a section. He chewed painfully, then suddenly gagged, cried out and fell to the floor.
"Sima Yi! Are you alright!!??" She said coming to his aid.
"It must've tasted so bad that it knocked him unconscious!" Sun Ce laughed.
"Hey! I worked really hard on that, it's just a coincidence that he suddenly . . . fainted . . ." She said hopelessly. Sima Yi suddenly breathed in a guttural way, he was trying to say something. "Huh? What is it?" Sun Shang Xiang asked.
"T . . . To . . . Toxic . . ." He breathed. Sun Shang Xiang laughed innocently, scratching her head.
After that unfortunate incident was cleared up, they came upon Mitsuke and Zhen Ji. She was holding his arm luxuriously and Mitsuke looked uncomfortable.
"Having a good day so far?" She asked, flicking her long eyelashes.
"Great day." Zhang He said, laughing at the look on Mitsuke's face. He winked slyly to him as he passed by, but Mitsuke didn't seem to want to respond. As he turned back to the group, he saw the women conferring among themselves. Diao Chan faced back at the men, smiling.
"Meet us in the main building, we'll be right there." She said excitedly.
"Out of curiosity, why?" Zhang He asked.
"Don't ask questions, just go." She said grinning and running off with the other girls. Zhang He moved the other guys to the main building and they all sat down and talked. Sima Yi was still holding his stomach and looking a bit ill.
"What do you think they're calling us in here for?" Sun Ce asked as he absentmindedly flicked a small pebble at Zhou Yu, who threw it right back at him.
"Couldn't say." Zhang He said laying back. After ten minutes, all five females came striding into the room, holding musical instruments. Mitsuke strode over to the men and sat down with them. Zhen Ji carried a lute, called a Pipa in China, and the gracefully curved handpick for playing it. Diao Chan possessed a Gao-Hu, a string instrument that had only one string a bow was used for playing it. Da Qiao obviously could play a Di-Zi, a long wooden flute made form bamboo. Sun Shang Xiang walked in with the long and shiny San-Xian, similar to a present day banjo. Xiao Qiao carried in the graceful and beautiful Zheng, the equivalent to a Shamisen in Japan (A shamisen is basically a "lapharp", played with a pick on each finger).
"We thought since this holiday has a lot to do with death, we'd sing a song about it. And now, let us entertain you . . ." Diao Chan said as they arranged themselves appealingly and readied their instruments. They played a harmonious intro and Diao Chan took a deep breath and began to sing.
Is it a kind of a dream
Floating out on the tide
Following the river of death downstream
Oh, is it a dream?
There's a fog along the horizon
A strange glow in the sky
And nobody seems to know where you go
And what does it mean?
Oh, is it a dream?
Bright eyes
Burning like fire
Bright eyes
How can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes
There's a high wind in the trees
A cold sound in the air
And nobody ever knows when you go
And where do you start
Oh, into the dark
Bright eyes
Burning like fire
Bright eyes
How can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes
Zhang He clapped furiously as they finished. Each of them were obviously fine musicians, as their piece was so delicate and beautiful. Diao Chan's lovely angelic tones certainly complimented the melody and everyone seemed to enjoy it thoroughly.
"Excellent, you guys are the greatest!" Sun Ce cheered at the women who were laughing and smiling at everyone.
"Truly an inspiration." Smiled Zhou Yu.
"Beautiful!" Said Sima Yi.
"I loved it!" Zhang He called. Mitsuke beamed politely and clapped a hand on Zhen Ji's shoulder, who looked as if she thought she deserved to have her own palace at for her tremendous effort. They left Mitsuke and Zhen Ji to themselves and stepped outside.
They spent the rest of the light hours walking through the forest, gazing at the lovely autumn colors all around them. Something about the forest was so intriguing to Zhang He; it seemed to summon him every time he looked at it. He knew that must be something in those silent trees, but he didn't know what. He remembered that night with Zhou Yu when they had both heard that mysterious song, the song they both knew from somewhere.
"The air feels so good!" Said Sun Shang Xiang, taking Sima Yi by the hand. "Such a nice break from the hot summer."
"The sun's already setting." Diao Chan noticed, leaning her head on Zhang He's shoulder.
"Looks real pretty through the trees." Xiao Qiao pointed out. Zhang He smiled, feeling very content. He gazed around at beautiful nature all around him. He head a bit dazed and out of it, a bit like bliss. If he had just been a bit sleepier, he wouldn't have noticed it. . .
"What do you suppose that it?" He asked, pointing to a clearing near to the path. Everyone stopped and Diao Chan peeked out from behind his side. Zhou Yu peered into it inquisitively, then stepped right into the clearing. Everyone cautiously followed, looking down at the ground. A smooth gray stone was sticking up from the ground. On it was a symbol, the one that means "night". It stood about one and a half feet in the air and most definitely had been polished. Zhou Yu cleared away some leaves that were obscuring the ground before it. The earth had been disturbed and was soft and loose.
"Something's buried here." Zhou Yu concluded.
"Should we dig it up?" Sun Ce asked, looking at the unfixed ground. Zhou Yu seemed to be thinking. He rubbed his chin and his eyes darted across the ground. He nodded, then dropped down on all fours and started pulling heaps of dirt away. Zhang He, Sima Yi and Sun Ce joined in, but the girls hung back, not wanting to dirty their new robes. They dug away gigantic mounds of soil over and over again, dirt flying behind them like dogs. Then, Sima Yi clapped a hand over his mouth and coughed.
"What is that god awful stench?" He said, backing away from their excavation site.
"Oh, damn, I smell that too." Sun Ce said as he screwed up his face. Zhang He took a wary sniff ion the air, then immediately covered his nose as well. It smelled like an animal had died close by. The women moaned and whined about the smell and Da Qiao was sure they should go back. Zhou Yu sat still a moment, and then nodded. He began tearing away at the ground, reaping enormous amounts of earth quicker than before. Suddenly he gasped and tumbled backward.
"What is it?" Zhang He asked, alerted.
"L-look . . ." He said pointing. Zhang He cast a quick glance into the pit and also gasped. There was still a bit of dirt blocking it from view, but clearly there was dead body in the hole.
"What the . . ." Sun Ce said leaning over to get a better look. White, decayed skin still clung the partly exposed bones and the stink was enveloping them.
"What kind of sick person buries someone in the ground?" Sima Yi said, producing a cloth from his pocket and covering his mouth and nose.
"It's a woman . . ." Zhou Yu said, refusing the urge to gag from the revolting odor.
"Let's get out of here, I don't think -" Sun Shang Xiang started, but suddenly a great gust of wind swept through the clearing knocking everyone to the ground. A blood-curdling scream was mixed with the roar of the wind and Zhang He crawled over to protect Diao Chan. Suddenly the wind stopped and they all opened their eyes. All the dirt had blown off the body, revealing her decayed features. Al the girls turned away, but Zhou Yu could somehow look closer. He moved shakily over to her final resting place and looked in.
"Don't touch it, Zhou Yu!" Sima Yi warned. "It's diseased to the point it could kill you with one touch!"
"Hold on a moment, there's something in her hand." Prying it loose. It came out with a sickening snap and Zhou Yu held it above his head. It was a necklace. A deep blue crystal hung on a black rope. Engraved on the stone was the same symbol, "night".
"Look, Zhou Yu, let's get out of here, let's all just forget this ever happened." Sima Yi advised.
"Good idea . . ." Zhou Yu said, pocketing the stone.
"You're taking that thing with you?" Zhang He said, appalled.
"I think it's rather beautiful, and besides, there's no harm in it. She's not going to miss it, she's dead." He pointed out.
"Come on, let's gooooo." Whined Xiao Qiao.
They all walked back to the camp in silence, the previous follies turned foul. However, once they arrived back at the camp, some of their spirits seemed to have returned. They moved into the men's building and lounged around there, speaking about how the corpse could have gotten there in the first place. The sun was well gone and night had taken into full affect.
"Would you look at that full moon?" Sima Yi said, pointing at the luminous orb that decorated the sky. Diao Chan yawned, as did Sun Shang Xiang and Da Qiao shortly after.
"Let's all get to bed." Zhou Yu commanded weakly, retreating to the sheet s along with Xiao Qiao. Zhang He collapsed onto the bed, feeling the stress within pour out. Diao Chan dropped onto the bed beside him and sighed comfortably. Zhang He dropped off dreamily, happy that they had spent the day relaxing and not working. He thought that this would be the finish for the day, but more was to come . . .
Zhang He was abruptly awoken by the sound of a sobbing child. He sat up bolt right and listened to it. He shook Diao Chan beside him and she rubbed her eyes and looked up.
"Can you hear that?" He whispered.
"Wha . . .?" She asked drowsily, but as the sound became clear to her she regain full consciousness. "What is that?" She asked, sounding alarmed.
"Hey, everyone, wake up!" Zhang He announced. They all slowly came to their senses, moaning and asking what was going on, but as they heard the sound they grew silent.
"We have to find out where it's coming from . . ." confirmed Sima Yi, getting out of his bed.
"I suggest we split up into four groups," Said Zhou Yu, "each one of us with a girl." Everyone nodded and stood up.
"We'll meet back here in about ten minutes, agreed?" Sun Ce planned. They all decided this was the best plan and set out.
Diao Chan clutched Zhang He's arm as they strode through the cold night. She whimpered and looked frantically from side to side.
"There's nothing to be afraid of, Diao Chan." Zhang He reassured her.
"I don't know why, but I've got a bad feeling about this . . ." She whined, increasing her grip.
"Well, I'll protect you. No matter what." He said strongly. She nodded and smiled a little and they continued on. The sound kept growing louder and louder, and then finally they saw the source. A small child was sitting on the floor, crying into her hands. Diao Chan bravely spoke to her.
"A-are you okay, little girl?" She said shakily.
"Someone's taken it . . ." She sobbed, "Some horrible person took it."
"W-we can help get it back." Offered Zhang He carefully. "What is it your looking for?" Suddenly the girl stopped sobbing.
"It was you. You stole it from me . . ."
"Now, now, kid, we didn't take anything!" Zhang He protested, throwing his hands into the air. The child screeched.
"THEIF! GIVE IT BACK TO ME OR I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT YOU HATE . . ." She shrieked.
"But we haven't . . ." Zhang He started, but the child flew upon him. Diao Chan screamed, and Zhang He noticed her face looked dead. He was knocked to the floor and lay unconscious for a few moments. "I'll find you all, I'll find on one of you!" He heard the girl's voice echo.
When Zhang He opened his eyes, the world around him was very different. A dismal gray fog hung in the air, which obscured his view.
"My love? Where are you my love?" called a voice out of the misty wisps. Diao Chan! He thought, she's here!
"I'm right over here, Diao Chan!" He answered back into the gloom. He saw her silhouette form through the murk and he advanced to find her. Something in the pit of his stomach just didn't feel right, though. "Diao Chan?" He asked uncertainly. No answer, the figure only advanced further. "D-Diao Chan?" He asked again. This time he knew something was wrong. The figure was too tall to be Diao Chan, the hair was mangled and ragged, the neck unnaturally long, the fingers. The fingers seemed to blur into the air. His stomach gave an enormous lurch. It couldn't be, it just couldn't be . . . It was as he feared, the Lady In Black loomed out of the darkness. Her arms were outstretched, Her mouth pulled into that twisted smile that wrought nothing but fear from Zhang He, he sat paralyzed, staring in the Her pit-like eyes. He whole body began to tremble violently, why the Lady? He throat was stuck, therefore he could not scream, but he instead stumbled onto his behind, still staring into those gaping pits . . . "I hate you . . ."
Diao Chan didn't have time to react; the child swooped down on her. She screamed and tried to bat her away, but ended up falling down instead. She hit her head hard on the ground and shut her eyes tight, wanting nothing more than to feel Zhang He's protective grip on her shoulder. When she finally opened up her eyes she was sitting there in the dark, Zhang He standing in front of her with . . . with . . . Zhen Ji!!
"Z-zhang He, I was so scared, why is she here?" She asked frantically.
"Oh, you know her?" Zhen Ji said with a cruel smile.
"I think we've met once . . ." Zhang He said, in something that was most definitely not his usual voice.
"B-but Zhang He . . ." She started.
"Let's go, darling, I think she's touched in the head." Zhen Ji whispered to him.
"Hey! what the Hell are you talking about? He's in love with me!" Diao Chan said defensively.
"You're right, she is crazy. . ." Zhang He said, looking confused and disgruntled. Diao Chan's chest felt empty. She was almost on the verge of tears. Why was he acting this way?
"How can you say that?" Diao Chan said, hurt, as she stood up. She marched over, her eyes brimming. She violently pushed Zhen Ji back. She screamed and yelled for Zhang He's help.
"You get away from her!" Zhang He roared, striking Diao Chan painfully across the face.
"Zhang He . . ." Diao Chan wept . . .
Sima Yi was not going to let Sun Shang Xiang see that he was scared at all. This was one of his only chances to prove himself to her, and he was not going to screw it up.
"Think you can still go on?" He asked her as muscularly as possible. She nodded bravely and Sima Yi grabbed her hand. All at once a horrible shriek rang through the air and Sun Shang Xiang yelled and leapt onto him. He blushed, but tried not to show it.
"L-let's go back, I'm scared . . ." She shivered, not letting him go.
"Alright." He said, sighing with relief silently. They started to go back, when something white pierced through the air and came to rest in the air in front of Sima Yi. He pushed Sun Shang Xiang behind, protecting her from whatever it was.
"You have it, don't you!?" It bellowed, and then flew bluntly into Sima Yi's head. He stumbled back ward, oddly not feeling Sun Shang Xiang behind him. He rubbed his forehead and opened his eyes. He heart gave a jolt as he discovered Zhou Yu, Sun Ce, Zhang He, the Qiaos, Diao Chan and Sun Shang Xiang standing around him in a ring, all looking grim.
"Oh, guys, what was that thing?" They didn't answer. "Zhang He? Zhou Yu? What's the matter with everyone?" He asked. Xiao Qiao Turned away from him and walked of, her brow furrowed into the darkness. She was shortly followed by Da Qiao, then Sun Ce. "Where's everyone going!? Why won't you talk to me!?" He said, growing frustrated and a little scared. Diao Chan disappeared off, the Zhou Yu, leaving only Zhang He and Sun Shang Xiang. Sima Yi ran desperately over to Zhang He and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "What's going on, brother?" He asked, sweat dripping off his face. Zhang He wrenched his shoulder away from Sima Yi and looked disgusted. He also followed in the other's footsteps, melting into the gloom. Sima Yi stood in front of Sun Shang Xiang, his heart pounding. Where was everyone going? Why were they treating him like this? Had he been possessed again and accidentally killed someone? But he usually heard Zhuge Liang's voice in his head before that happened. . . "Sun Shang Xiang." He said, his voice quivering. He threw his arms around her, refusing to let her leave him. Instead of walking away, she just disappeared before his eyes.
"NO!" Sima Yi yelled to no one. "Don't leave me alone!!" He looked around for some sort of sign of reassurance. His insides turned to ice as the dismal setting grew in around him. He finally sat down all by himself and hugged his knees pathetically. How foolish of him to think he actually had friends . . . How dare he even dream of love, even? He was going to go back, go back to that torturous room, to be all alone again. Would people mock him some more? Did everyone hate him once again? "Don't leave me . . ." He whined. "I don't want to be alone . . ."
Sun Shang Xiang watched Sima Yi hit the floor. She screamed and jumped back promptly. The screeching thing landed on the ground and stared at her. She gasped as she saw the decaying features. She summoned up her courage and moved over to Sima Yi, but he brought no comfort. His body was in something close to fetal position his eyes were wide-open and blank. Sun Shang Xiang could hear him whimpering about something.
"Sima Yi?" She ventured, but she felt something hard thump against the side of her and she was immediately brought to the floor. When she lifted her head, a recognizable smell was all around. She looked back down a received a surprise. Where was Sima Yi? She sniffed once more, and finally identified the odor. It was smoke.
"Smoke?" She said to herself, an got up and started to walk left, but terrifyingly a wall of inferno burst in existence right in front of her. A bit of her hair came in contact with the flames and suddenly her entire head was on fire. The pain was agonizing, she rolled around on the floor viciously to put it out. The awful fire lick painfully at her cheek and tears automatically flowed from her eyes. When it was finally extinguished, she moved a cautious hand up to her face. Almost all her hair was gone, and she could feel horrible nasty burn marks all over her skin. She began to cry, now for sorrow instead. Her face was ruined. Her beautiful hair was gone. She looked like a freak, and Sima Yi would never want to marry her. When she opened her eyes she discovered that not only she was horribly marred and scarred, she was also blind.
"Noooooo . . ." She wailed. "Why did this happen to me. . .?"
Sun Ce strutted bravely on next to Da Qiao. He grazed his fingers over his tiny little beard, thinking this made him look manly.
"Don't worry Da Qiao, I'll protect you from whatever comes our way!" He announced, beating his chest once with his fist. She nodded, looking a little unsure and they continued on. Suddenly, she stopped abruptly. "What is it?"
"Did you hear that? Someone just screamed." She said, looking terrified. Sun Ce moved back next to her. He peered back into the darkness. Everything seemed silent enough. He waited for a few more minutes, then turned, ready to go on. Hi large, thick, gloved hand clamped over Da Qiao's tiny white one as he led the on. Then suddenly, another filled the air, and this time he heard it.
"That was sis!" He yelled, panic filling his chest. "Come on!" He charged in blindly through the darkness, determined to find his sister. If Sima Yi so much as touched her, I'm going to have two brothers instead of three. Ohh, I just know it, sis, why did you want to get involved with guys to early? As he was thumping forward, his face collided with something hard and he got knocked to the floor. He felt Da Qiao remain underneath him as he fell. He felt her thin and frail body crunch under his thick sinewy one. He immediately rolled off of her and looked, with eyes wide and bulging. She was lying on the ground, her eyes still open, staring blank and expressionless. He shook her once and saw her fall back limp and still. He quickly dropped her when he noticed a bone sticking out at an odd angle in her neck.
"Da Qiao?" He said cautiously. He shook her again, this time more violently. "Da Qiao!" The second time her shook her he heard another sickening snap. He put his head to her chest and listened for a heartbeat. Nothing. Not the most accurate way, he decided. He grabbed her wrist and checked for a pulse. Nothing. She's not dead, she couldn't be . . . He clutched her close. What had he done? He robbed an innocent girl of her life? He looked back at her face. She was so beautiful, even in death. Sun Ce's heart sickened. "How could I have done this?"
Da Qiao felt Sun Ce fall back onto her. She fell onto the ground and looked up. The white thing soared across the sky and started falling towards her face. She yelled as it hit her head on. When she opened her eyes a horrible scene met her.
"Xiao Qiao!" She cried. Her younger sister was being held captive by two tall, burly bandits! "Release her at once!" Da Qiao cried running up to save her.
"Help me sis, they're hurting me!" Xiao Qiao whined.
"Hehe, let's get the other one and have some fun . . ." One of the surly bandits cackled.
"Leave us alone, you fiends!" She said, her body shaking as she tried to help Xiao Qiao from their iron grip. One of the men clamped a paw on her wrist and pulled her along with him. "Stop it! Help, someone!" Da Qiao screamed. The men just continued to laugh and drag them along. "Help me!! SUN CE! HELP!" She cried, tears coming for her eyes. "Help me! Why won't anyone help me?"
Zhou Yu strode around, Xiao Qiao bouncing at his side. He looked down at her. She didn't seem at all scared by these happens. Zhou Yu chuckled at her. He knew he had only known her for a while, but he was really falling for her. His thoughts turned to what they had seen this afternoon. Had he been wrong in removing the necklace? All at once a scream rang out. Xiao Qiao stopped beside him.
"What was that?" She said, her face innocent and a bit frightened.
"I'm not sure . . ." He said, taking her shoulder, "let's go back." As they were walking back a series of yells and screams precede the first and by the time they had ended Zhou Yu was in a full out run. Xiao Qiao was gasping behind him, holding his hand to keep up.
"Zhou Yu, I can't run anymore . . ." She gasped, clutching her side. Zhou Yu stopped abruptly and hoisted her onto his back, then ran at full speed forward again. As he was running something white and speed tore through the air and collided with his face. He was instantly knocked to the ground and lay unconscious. He heard an odd rushing noise in his ear before he opened his eyes. When he finally did, he saw the reflection of water on the sides of a room he had never been in before. He got to his feet and looked around. Suddenly, he noticed water on the floor. He watched it, and discovered it was rising at an alarming rate. Zhou Yu looked at the ceiling. It was sealed. There was no way out of this room. The water was now waist high and it didn't look as if it was going to stop. An old sort of panic filled Zhou Yu's chest. He remembered when he had almost drowned all those years ago. The old trauma was reassembled and he began to hyperventilate. The water had now risen to his shoulders, and then to his neck, then his body started to float. The ceiling was not that high, and he was nearing ever closer by the second. He gasped for air, then sank under for a second, only to burst through the surface another moment later.
"No!" He said, refusing to give in. But it was too late, the water had reached the ceiling. Zhou Yu screwed up his face as he savored his last bit of air. The swirling, the rushing of the water, the pressure, it was more than he could stand. He hated water. He hated being in it, he hated being near it and now he was going to die because of it. His lungs feeling ready to burst inside of him, he finally just gave up the will to live. He let his body sink to the bottom and he stared up at the ceiling, his head aching beyond imagine. "It's all going to end like this?"
Xiao Qiao was knocked onto the floor when Zhou Yu fell. Something impacted her head and she yelled with surprise. She was suddenly on long wooden board with a pole. On the pole hung a rope with a knotted hole at the end. She was being sneered at by hundreds of people. All of them looked terribly different form the ones in China. Their eyes were round and fiery, they all looked very dirty and unkempt. The clothes were filthy and very odd. Everyone was speaking in a strange language, yelling and cursing her. She noticed she was bound at her wrists and many people in black cloaks were around her. One of them men pulled out a scroll and read off it grimly in his crude language. All at once the rope was fitted around her neck. The man yelled once. Xiao Qiao grew frightened. Whatever this was, it couldn't be good. He yelled again. She suddenly knew they were going to hurt her in some way. "What's going on?"
Something was wrong. Usually Zhang He felt cold and hopeless, but this time it was just fear. He reached over and touched her face. He didn't feel cold at all.
"You're not real!" He said, the fear draining away. He kicked her to the ground, and she screeched. With a pop the dream was over. He was standing right where he had been before it had started. Then, he noticed Diao Chan. She was on the ground, quivering and shaking with fear, repeating his name over and over. He shook her.
"Diao Chan! Wake up! It's a dream! It's not real!" He yelled at her. She didn't wake. Zhang He figured that you had to realize that is was fake while you were having the dream, so it was pointless to try. But why was this child attacking them and why did she look the way she did? Then, it clicked in Zhang He's head. He remembered, her face, it was the girl in the grave! Zhou Yu took her necklace, and it angered her spirit. Furious, she must have come out and haunted the camp, putting them all into a dream- like state, which displayed their greatest fears. Zhang He knew what he had to do. He pounded back to the building and ripped through Zhou Yu's things until he discovered the jewelry. He seized it, and raced toward the forest. Just as he exited through the gate, he heard the angry wraith behind him. He urged his legs to move quicker, and he took in as much breath as he could. He burst into the trees, gasping for air, but not daring to stop. Which way, WHICH WAY? He thought as he weaving through the wood. He felt rain pound down on his head and the path grew slippery and muddy. When he finally found the odor of decay, he launched himself into the clearing. And stepped painfully next to the grave. Just then the angry spirit blasted to vision in front of him, shrieking and advancing. Zhang He lifted his hand and thrust the stone back into the grave. The ghost disappeared right before it made contact with him. He sighed, feeling the icy rain all around him.
It had been on hell of a Halloween.
word, you lucky people! I hope you enjoy it!
Happy Halloween!
Part 3
Romance of the Four Leaders
Chapter 31
All Hallows Eve
The work went slowly but nicely. For the rest September They collected the survivors and made Ru Nan inhabitable once again. Pang Tong was appointed the new leader of this city and under him were Ma Chao and Wei Yan. Zhang He thought these people would be smart and strong, very goof for protecting and moderating the city. The Nanmans themselves seemed happier to be rid of Meng Huo for good and quickly assigned their loyalty to the Shi.
On October the 18th Zhang He decided he'd better be getting back to the main camp, to check up on things at the least. He set out with Sima Yi, Zhou Yu, Sun Ce, the Qiao sisters, Diao Chan, Sun Shang Xiang and a number of other Shi generals. Just as soon as they'd got a foot outside of the temporary camp, Mitsuke came racing up behind them.
"C-can I come?" He asked breathlessly. He was holding up Kawaii-Sama by the crimson bow in her hair. She looked quite content and was still munching away on the magenta object.
"Sure, come onto my horse, if we all ride fast, we can get back about this time tomorrow." Zhang He said, backing up a little to make room for him.
"O-on your horse? Couldn't I ride with Diao Chan?" He asked softly. Zhang He laughed shortly.
"There's no way your going near my woman!" He smiled. "Now, get on in front of me, your a lot shorter than I am and you might fall off while were speeding up." He nodded and hoisted himself onto the horse in front of Zhang He. Kawaii-Sama crawled onto his shoulder and then onto Zhang He's head. Mitsuke laughed a little.
"She likes you." He said sounding more relaxed. Zhang He laughed then put his arms on either side of Mitsuke, grabbing the reigns. Sun Ce, growing impatient, whipped his horse and sped off as fast as he could go.
"Sun Ce, don't be foolish!" Zhou Yu called, riding after him. Sima Yi took off followed by Da Qiao who looked terrified to be going this fast on anything. Xiao Qiao was clutching the neck of her steed and trying to catch up to Zhou Yu. Sun Shang Xiang seemed to be rather enjoying speeding around on her horse and Sun Ce and she got into somewhat of a race. Diao Chan's horse was almost out of control and she swept by, crying out: "Zhang He!! How do you make it stoooooooop!?" and she disappeared into the jungle.
Zhang He laughed a little and cracked the reigns ferociously on the horse, caught up with Diao Chan and slowed the raging stallion. "Thank you." She breathed, looking a little embarrassed.
They all rode on at full speed, not stopping for at least five hours. Mitsuke remained ridged as board, leaning forward so he would come in contact with Zhang He. Everyone was very tired and their legs grew sorer and sorer, but Zhang He knew they had to be back as soon as possible. Xiao Qiao started whining to Zhou Yu and Sun Ce as the sun set slowly. Zhang He found this very annoying, but still, he would not stop for the night. As Mitsuke grew wearier he began to droop onto Zhang He's chest. At first, Zhang He didn't really notice anything but when he rested his arm on his chest out of tiredness, he suddenly felt very odd. He was getting almost the same feeling he did when he held Diao Chan. His heart leapt a little, and he moved his arms away. He looked down at Mitsuke. He was sleeping soundly, and he looked . . . looked . . . attractive? The pit of Zhang He's stomach sickened. It was not normal or good in his opinion that he was finding another man attractive. He chewed his nail a bit and searched his soul. This wasn't correct. He always liked women; he loved Diao Chan more than anything. He never really wanted to touch men or anything, so why was Mitsuke different? He looked back down a Mitsuke again. His long raven hair swept gently at his sides and his pale face looked very peaceful. Maybe it was because he looked so feminine or the way he acted was always a bit girlish. Zhang He gasped. What if Mitsuke was the one who preferred men? He suddenly felt very uncomfortable having Mitsuke on his chest. He wanted nothing to do with that other side, he'd heard about that from his brothers. He tried to inch back a little, but Mitsuke only fell farther onto him. Then, another thought dawned on Zhang He. Mitsuke was very feminine, very short, very skinny, not that strong. What if he wasn't a 'he' at all?
Zhang He looked around him, nobody was looking at him, and they were all enveloped in their own conversations. Zhang He casually let himself fall to the back of the group and waited until they were all looking away. He timidly raised a hand to Mitsuke's chest and gently inserted into the small opening in the kimono. There was one to know whether he was a girl or not for sure. He didn't feel good about it, but he had to know. He hesitated, and then pushed down slightly. Before Zhang He could register anything, Mitsuke's eyes snapped open. They stared at each other for a moment, the Mitsuke let out an earsplitting scream. He pushed Zhang He off the horse then launched off the horse himself. Kawaii -Sama remained on the still moving horse. Zhang He tried to apologize, but he was being clobbered with perhaps a million punches.
"WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA!!??" Mitsuke yelled, kicking him repeatedly. The others started noticing what was going on and turned their horses back to witness the beating.
"Please, I'm sorry!" Zhang He whined, his cheeks turning red when all his friends asked him what had happened. Mitsuke stopped his severe thrashing and turned to the rest of them.
"He had his hand in my shirt! He was touching me in a very disturbing way, too!" Mitsuke raged. Zhang He turned brick red. He knew how it must seem. This was worse than when Yuan Shao thought he had been sleeping with Diao Chan . . .
"Zhang He, is that true?" Diao Chan asked, horrified.
"It's not how it sounds!" Zhang He yelped defensively.
"Then why did you have our hand in my kimono?" Mitsuke asked, now also blushing.
"Because . . ." Zhang He stopped. It now seemed extremely stupid what he had been thinking before. He had to make up a good excuse, and fast. "Because I had a . . . I ring for Diao Chan and I was taking it out to give it to her, but I accidentally dropped it. I thought it might have fallen into you shirt, so I tried to get it out with waking you up. It was hanging open a little." Zhang He explained. Now it was Mitsuke's turn to blush.
"M-my shirt was hanging open? You didn't look inside it, did you?" He asked quickly.
"Why would you care, it's not there's anything to hide?" Sima Yi said darkly from the corner.
"What? M-maybe I just don't like people looking at my chest!" He said in a very uninfluencing way.
"Right you are, Onesan." Sima Yi said softly.
"O-onesan?" Mitsuke asked, his voice getting higher and more worried.
"Isn't that what your sister calls you?" Sima Yi asked.
"Oh, yeah, she's always called me that for some weird reason." Mitsuke explained. Mitsuke opened his mouth again to say something else, but a strange noise came from the trees. Mitsuke drew his Katana and Zhang He sprang to his feet, retrieving the Talons from the back of the horse. Sun Ce pulled his Tonfas and Zhou Yu unsheathed the mighty Sword of Ancients. All the females readied their fans, maces, and Chakrams, waiting for something to show itself.
The rest of the trip was uneventful and contained a portion less cheerful conversation. The arrived back at the camp on the morning of the 19th. Everyone was extremely weary and went straight to bed. Over the next few days a small surprise greeted them. On the morning of the 21st they discovered a familiar face they thought none of them would ever see again. Sanding outside at the front gate was Zhen Ji, looking tearful and deprived.
"Zhen Ji! What are you doing here?" Zhang He asked, utterly bewildered. She took a deep breath and shut her eyes softly.
"My husband was killed in a battle with the Shu. I couldn't bear to hang around with Cao Cao ordering everyone around anymore. I remembered you, how nice you were, and how . . ." She smiled "Handsome you were . . ." Zhang He's brow furrowed. "Could I pretty please stay with you guys and maybe help you fight or something?" She offered hopefully.
"Sure, Zhen Ji, if you really want to." Zhang He said scratching his head. She let out a little shriek of delight, pranced over and kissed Zhang He quickly on the cheek. Zhang He turned red and Diao Chan looked reproachful.
"Now, I get the biggest and most expensive looking room, right? Ooh, that one looks good!" She said, hurrying off. Zhang He looked over at Diao Chan, whose eyes were narrowed to slits. He laughed flutteringly and avoided her gaze.
The next few days crawled on soon the 30th of October dawned on them. Zhang he threw off the covers and yawned. He rolled onto his side and rubbed his sore back, looking over at Sima Yi. He was reading in his bed, oblivious to the world around him. Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were still snoring softly in the background.
"Did you stay up all night reading that?" Zhang He said thickly through another yawn. Sima Yi looked up quickly then gazed back down at the pages.
"Yeah." He said slowly, running his fingers through his hair.
"How can stay up all night and not even be tired?" Zhang He asked lying back down.
"I don't know, I just lose track of the time . . ." Sima Yi said distractedly.
"What's so interesting about it, anyway?" Zhang He inquired, walking over and peering at the yellowing pages. Zhang He could never read very well, but he knew some symbols. However, with this book, none of the characters were familiar to him. Sima Yi suddenly doubled back a bit, his eyes darting on each symbol. He suddenly snapped the book shut and gave a cry of triumph.
"I knew it!" He yelled.
"You knew what?" Zhang He said, picking up the flimsy book and flipped through the pages.
"Tomorrow's a European holiday!" He smiled.
"Great, let's all hear it for the folks in Europe." Zhang He said.
"But not just a holiday, it has great effect on the spirit world, no matter where you live." Sima Yi said somewhat darkly.
"Explain." Zhang He said, setting down the book and looking at Sima Yi.
"Well, tomorrow is the Celtic holiday "Samhaim", or as the less enlightened Christians call it, All Hallows Eve. This started as a Celtic and Pagan celebration, but those religious fanatics stole it and warped it. Anyway, it's held to celebrate the last harvest of autumn. It is also said that the veil between the spirit world and the world of the living is lifted and if you know the right spells you may communicate with the dead!" Sima Yi said, his eyes blazing with excitement. Zhang He looked at his feet.
"Like Rai Tso?" He asked timidly.
"Exactly, but there's also another side to it. Along with the peaceful spirits roaming about, the dark ones come out too." Sima Yi gave a somewhat twisted smile and continued, "This means they can bring us bad luck throughout the year and even in some cases, kill someone."
"Isn't there something to do to protect ourselves?" Zhang He said worried, not wanting to be cursed or killed.
"Of course there is. To ward off evil spirits, you must take an autumnal vegetable, like a turnip or a pumpkin; carve an angry face into it, the put a candle inside or light in on fire. It says here that scares them away." He said, pointing to a section in the book. "It also says 'dances and songs also may be performed to ward of these malicious specters'."
"Sounds . . . fun . . ." Zhang He said, starting to smile.
"What's fun?" Sun Ce grunted from behind them.
"Quiet Sun Ce, it's early . . ." Zhou Yu sighed, covering up his head with the futon. Sun Ce cackled and leaped onto to Zhou Yu's bed and yanked off the covers. Zhou Yu started yelling but Sun Ce playfully pushed him on the floor. "SUN CE!" Zhou Yu bellowed, gasping. Sun Ce laughed and ran over to where Zhang He was sitting.
"What're you guys talking about?" He asked, finally calming down. Sima Yi and Zhang He took turns explaining to Zhou Yu and Sun Ce about All Hallow's Eve.
"That does sound fun." Sun Ce agreed.
"That's not the last of it. We're all supposed to make a dish of food, then go to meet everyone else and share it with them. If they are greedy, and don't have anything, the we get to punish them." He smiled. "And, oh yes, you'll like this one Sun Ce, since the evil spirits will be out and searching for unfortunate souls to play tricks on, the women will be helpless. So, tonight, they ask a brave man to protect them from the ghosts until the sunrise of November 1st."
"Wait, wait, so if we celebrate this we get to spend and entire night all alone with a beautiful woman?" Sun Ce asked excitedly. Sima Yi nodded and Sun Ce let out a loud whoop.
"We have to do this! This'll be the best! Ohhh, an entire night with Da Qiao, watching the sunrise, all alone on a hill . . ." He went on dreamily.
"But I can't cook, you'll all punish me . . ." Zhang He said, smiling despite this fact.
"You don't have to cook, just throw some autumn fruits and vegetables together!" Sima Yi explained.
"This sounds great . . ." Admitted Zhou Yu.
"Let's go tell the girls!"
"Sounds great!" Diao Chan cried after they'd explained to all the girls. They were all still dreamy and puffy eyed. Diao Chan's hair was down and hung at her back, an odd but pretty change from the usual flower headdress.
"Maybe we should tell everyone and ask them to celebrate with us, it'll be a nice change from all the work and battling." Xiao Qiao offered. After the girls put their hair up and pulled on their colorful clothes, the made their way around the camp asking people if they'd like to participate in the event. Most everyone but Taishi Ci seemed keen on it. Zhen Ji gasped with pleasure when she heard about the part where she'd get to spend an entire day with an attractive man. It could've just been Zhang He, but she didn't seem too upset about her husband's recent death. The soldiers went out to nearby farms to purchase a surplus of different vegetables, fruits, eggs, bread and other goods for the morrow. In the excitement, everyone's spirits were rising continually. The women decided it would be fun to make eloquent and beautiful robes to wear and lock them selves up in a room with sewing needles, scissors, and an assortment of fabrics all with stunning hues of purple, orange, black, sage green and other autumn shades.
Later on the soldiers arrived with a giant pile of foods and goods. They all piled them in the center of the camp on some tatami mats from Japan. Sun Quan surly attitude seemed to have been lifted and he display a seldom- used smile. Zhang Liao, who had finally healed from hi injury, escaping with naught but a few scars, stayed with Zhang He and his sworn brothers for the entire day. Huang Zhong could been dozing near a building and Xu Huang and Taishi Ci sat on a wall, talking in their low voices and laughing noisily on occasions.
As the sunset, the girls came out finally, displaying their finished products. Each had an identical gown, lavished with fine colors and sewed perfectly. The dresses were not made in the traditional Chinese style, but bore a new creative design that made all men double take. The sleeves were long and voluminous and line with gold.
"Wow, I can't wait to see you in that." Smiled Zhang He as he looked over Diao Chan's fine work. Only a second later, Gan Ning came bounding up, smiling from ear to ear.
"Hey, lovely ladies!" He cheered. "Sun Shang Xiang, want to spend the day with The Ning tomorrow!? Ning can protect you from any spirits that come our way!"
"Uch, no! And besides, the girls have to ask the men, not the other way around." She explained exasperatedly. Gan Ning's mouth drooped at this sentence, but the he suddenly regained his spunkiness and moved in next to Diao Chan. He brought his face close to hers and smiled a little over- hopefully. Diao Chan pushed him out of the way and joined Sun Shang Xiang, the Qiao sisters and Zhen Ji.
"Come, ladies, let us go confer on the guys we shall ask to be our warriors." She smiled, gliding off as the other girls giggled.
"Ooooh, I hope she picks me." Sun Ce whined. Zhou Yu gnawed his nail and Sima Yi seemed to be intrigued with a dead leaf that was skidding across the ground because of the breeze. Zhang He sat down on a low wall, and scratched his head. Suddenly, something small and warm leapt on his lap. He looked down quickly. It was only Kawaii-Sama, still with her unblinking gaze and unreadable expression.
"Hello, Kawaii-Sama." He said, hoping to get a reaction. She stared at him for a moment longer, then sat down in his lap and chewed the pink object blankly. Mitsuke came striding out of the darkness, looking alternately left, then right.
"Have you guys seen - Oh, there she is." Mitsuke discovered.
"Hello, Mitsuke." Zhang He smiled.
"Hey, I heard about that All Hallow's Eve thing, sounds fun!" He said, plucking Kawaii-Sama from Zhang He's lap and placing her on his shoulder.
"Who do you want to spend the day with tomorrow?" Zhang He asked somewhat devilishly.
"Umm, well, I don't know." He said shortly with any thought.
"Oh, come on, if you could have any girl, which one?" Zhang He continued.
"Well, I'm kind of a lone wolf, I never really wanted to get involved with women." He said a bit nervously.
"Alright, well if you had to pick a girl, who'd it be?" Zhang He said a bit frustrated.
"I guess Sun Shang Xiang, just cause I like he personality, but I know Sima Yi likes her, and I wouldn't want to wreck their relationship." He finished. Zhang He laughed suddenly.
"You should spend the day with Kawaii-Sama." He pointed out. Mitsuke laughed and looked at Kawaii-Sama, who was completely unconscious of their conversation.
"I don't think she'd understand." He said through another laugh. They sat, talking for almost an hour and watching the night grow darker and darker. Then, the women came striding back, looked reserved and ready. The sworn brothers and Mitsuke sat tense as they approached, smiling smugly. Diao Chan walked over femininely and sat where Kawaii-Sama had previously been on Zhang He's lap.
"Hello, kind warriors, you look strong and brave. Would you consider protecting me during the morrow?" She said playfully.
"Why, of course, beautiful maiden! It would be my pleasure." He said, playing along. A loud whoop from somewhere on Zhang He's left told him Da Qiao had asked Sun Ce. He saw Xiao Qiao next to Zhou Yu looking cheerful as usual. Sun Shang Xiang hesitantly approached Sima Yi, whose cheeks were glowing red, and looked down at her feet as she spoke in a hushed voice. Unexpectedly, Zhen Ji advanced on Mitsuke, who looked just as surprised as Zhang He felt.
"You're from Japan, aren't you?" She asked mischievously, playing with a bit of his hair. Mitsuke leaned away from and nodded, his face very red. "So how 'bout it, want to protect me from the evil spirits?" She said temptingly.
"Well, um . . . Sure, why not?" he said, giving up.
Feeling considerably happier knowing they'd all be spending tomorrow with beautiful women, they went to bed contently. Zhang He had wonderful dreams in which he could hear his own mind wanting to tell Sima Yi about them, but when he finally woke they were gone. He was greeted buy the inviting smell of pumpkin in the air. The next thing he knew the door burst open and Diao Chan leapt onto his bed, wearing her splendid new robe.
"Wake up, Zhang He, you have to protect me!" She cheered, reaving him happily from the covers. The other girls also started waking up the rest of them. In a moment's time they were awake, dressed and fixing their hair in the usual styles.
"Why do you always wear that heavy helmet or the hat?" Sun Shang Xiang asked Sima Yi as he picked up the object in question.
"I don't know, I just . . ." Sima Yi started. Sun Shang Xiang seized the string that fastened his hair bun and yanked it off.
"Wear your hair down today, it's lovely." She said, running her fingers fleetingly over Sima Yi's long hair.
"But it's not what I usually do . . ." He protested with a smile.
"Well, I don't usually wear a dress, do I?" She countered. He shrugged and shook of the discussion.
Outside, the air was pleasantly cool and crisp and the skies blue and cloudless. Zhang He took a breath of the refreshing oxygen and smiled. All around them people were busily performing different tasks: Making food, collecting candles, and carving the pumpkins and turnips, and much more. Diao Chan grabbed him by the arm and smiled.
"Let's go make our dish, we don't want to be punished!" She offered. Zhang He nodded and she trotted ahead and got the ingredients. The couples broke off from the group and started on their food as well.
"Shall we make a dessert?" Diao Chan asked. Zhang He shrugged.
"It's all up to you, I can't cook at all." He admitted.
"Ok, this is all the stuff we need, let's get cooking!" She cheered.
Zhang He had never been inside the kitchens before. The building was large with a domed roof and had several places for fires, a number of cauldrons, pots, pans, a well for getting water, and some spoons, bowls and chopsticks for use. Several long tables were placed at the end and a lot of people were already making things that smelled heavenly. Diao Chan snatched a spot and laid out the ingredients. Zhang He noticed several ceramic ovens in the corners.
"Can you get me a medium sized bowl and some spoons, please?" She asked politely. Zhang He smiled and nodded, then retrieved the objects. Diao Chan turned out to be very well educated in the world of cuisine. She whisked out eggs, milk, sugar, and flour as easy as second nature. Her hands mixed faster than Zhang He's hands with the Talons. She kept telling Zhang He exactly what she was doing and tricks for cooking, but his male brain couldn't take in a word. He just watched in awe as she turned a jumble of ingredients into a creamy, white batter.
"Amazing . . ." He whispered as she poured in delicately into a circular baking pan and slid it into an oven. They sat back and waited for it to be done, talking happily and laughing. Then, after twenty-five minutes on the dot, Diao Chan pulled the fluffy white cake out of the oven with a "tadaa!" and displayed it happily.
"Now, for the finishing touches. . ." She said, cutting a middle section out of the cake. Wondering why, Zhang He watched her intently. She then filled the freshly cut hole with raspberry, cranberries, and several other autumnal fruits. "And sprinkle a little of this . . ." Diao Chan said, scattering sugar over the aroma surround sweet. After placing a few more berries around the rim, she announced that it was completed. Zhang He clapped as she showed it off, beaming.
"Come on, let's go see what the others have got!" She said wrapping the cake in a yellow cloth and hurrying off, beckoning to Zhang He who followed promptly.
They met everyone else back in the courtyard, who also had dishes of their own.
"Wow, Diao Chan, that looks great!" Sun Shang Xiang said as Diao Chan unveiled her creation. They all took turns trying each other's food. Zhou Yu and Xiao Qiao had come up with a chicken, baked with an assortment of potatoes, carrots, onions, and other vegetables. It tasted wonderful, but the first appearance of it put them off a bit. Da Qiao had whipped up mashed potatoes with cheese and a garnish of carrots. It was delicious, if not a little simple. The cake was a huge success with everyone and it soon got finished off.
"That's great, Diao Chan, I envy the man that marries you." Sun Ce said thickly as he took a bite. She blushed and giggled.
Nothing on earth could've compelled him to taste Sun Shang Xiang's cooking. Zhang He wasn't exactly sure what is was supposed to be, but he could tell it was black, crusty and very smelly.
"Doesn't anyone want to try mine?" Sun Shang Xiang said as everyone suddenly looked away. "Oh, you're all the nicest people in the world. Sima Yi, will you try it, please?" She said with large watery eyes. Sima Yi gave a nervous look at the blackened catastrophe and closed his eyes.
"S-sure, of course I will . . ." He whined. Zhang He decided that no man loved Sun Shang Xiang more than Sima Yi, because Zhang He wouldn't have taken a bite to save his life. Sima Yi apprehensible moved a piece to his lips and bit off a section. He chewed painfully, then suddenly gagged, cried out and fell to the floor.
"Sima Yi! Are you alright!!??" She said coming to his aid.
"It must've tasted so bad that it knocked him unconscious!" Sun Ce laughed.
"Hey! I worked really hard on that, it's just a coincidence that he suddenly . . . fainted . . ." She said hopelessly. Sima Yi suddenly breathed in a guttural way, he was trying to say something. "Huh? What is it?" Sun Shang Xiang asked.
"T . . . To . . . Toxic . . ." He breathed. Sun Shang Xiang laughed innocently, scratching her head.
After that unfortunate incident was cleared up, they came upon Mitsuke and Zhen Ji. She was holding his arm luxuriously and Mitsuke looked uncomfortable.
"Having a good day so far?" She asked, flicking her long eyelashes.
"Great day." Zhang He said, laughing at the look on Mitsuke's face. He winked slyly to him as he passed by, but Mitsuke didn't seem to want to respond. As he turned back to the group, he saw the women conferring among themselves. Diao Chan faced back at the men, smiling.
"Meet us in the main building, we'll be right there." She said excitedly.
"Out of curiosity, why?" Zhang He asked.
"Don't ask questions, just go." She said grinning and running off with the other girls. Zhang He moved the other guys to the main building and they all sat down and talked. Sima Yi was still holding his stomach and looking a bit ill.
"What do you think they're calling us in here for?" Sun Ce asked as he absentmindedly flicked a small pebble at Zhou Yu, who threw it right back at him.
"Couldn't say." Zhang He said laying back. After ten minutes, all five females came striding into the room, holding musical instruments. Mitsuke strode over to the men and sat down with them. Zhen Ji carried a lute, called a Pipa in China, and the gracefully curved handpick for playing it. Diao Chan possessed a Gao-Hu, a string instrument that had only one string a bow was used for playing it. Da Qiao obviously could play a Di-Zi, a long wooden flute made form bamboo. Sun Shang Xiang walked in with the long and shiny San-Xian, similar to a present day banjo. Xiao Qiao carried in the graceful and beautiful Zheng, the equivalent to a Shamisen in Japan (A shamisen is basically a "lapharp", played with a pick on each finger).
"We thought since this holiday has a lot to do with death, we'd sing a song about it. And now, let us entertain you . . ." Diao Chan said as they arranged themselves appealingly and readied their instruments. They played a harmonious intro and Diao Chan took a deep breath and began to sing.
Is it a kind of a dream
Floating out on the tide
Following the river of death downstream
Oh, is it a dream?
There's a fog along the horizon
A strange glow in the sky
And nobody seems to know where you go
And what does it mean?
Oh, is it a dream?
Bright eyes
Burning like fire
Bright eyes
How can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes
There's a high wind in the trees
A cold sound in the air
And nobody ever knows when you go
And where do you start
Oh, into the dark
Bright eyes
Burning like fire
Bright eyes
How can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes
Zhang He clapped furiously as they finished. Each of them were obviously fine musicians, as their piece was so delicate and beautiful. Diao Chan's lovely angelic tones certainly complimented the melody and everyone seemed to enjoy it thoroughly.
"Excellent, you guys are the greatest!" Sun Ce cheered at the women who were laughing and smiling at everyone.
"Truly an inspiration." Smiled Zhou Yu.
"Beautiful!" Said Sima Yi.
"I loved it!" Zhang He called. Mitsuke beamed politely and clapped a hand on Zhen Ji's shoulder, who looked as if she thought she deserved to have her own palace at for her tremendous effort. They left Mitsuke and Zhen Ji to themselves and stepped outside.
They spent the rest of the light hours walking through the forest, gazing at the lovely autumn colors all around them. Something about the forest was so intriguing to Zhang He; it seemed to summon him every time he looked at it. He knew that must be something in those silent trees, but he didn't know what. He remembered that night with Zhou Yu when they had both heard that mysterious song, the song they both knew from somewhere.
"The air feels so good!" Said Sun Shang Xiang, taking Sima Yi by the hand. "Such a nice break from the hot summer."
"The sun's already setting." Diao Chan noticed, leaning her head on Zhang He's shoulder.
"Looks real pretty through the trees." Xiao Qiao pointed out. Zhang He smiled, feeling very content. He gazed around at beautiful nature all around him. He head a bit dazed and out of it, a bit like bliss. If he had just been a bit sleepier, he wouldn't have noticed it. . .
"What do you suppose that it?" He asked, pointing to a clearing near to the path. Everyone stopped and Diao Chan peeked out from behind his side. Zhou Yu peered into it inquisitively, then stepped right into the clearing. Everyone cautiously followed, looking down at the ground. A smooth gray stone was sticking up from the ground. On it was a symbol, the one that means "night". It stood about one and a half feet in the air and most definitely had been polished. Zhou Yu cleared away some leaves that were obscuring the ground before it. The earth had been disturbed and was soft and loose.
"Something's buried here." Zhou Yu concluded.
"Should we dig it up?" Sun Ce asked, looking at the unfixed ground. Zhou Yu seemed to be thinking. He rubbed his chin and his eyes darted across the ground. He nodded, then dropped down on all fours and started pulling heaps of dirt away. Zhang He, Sima Yi and Sun Ce joined in, but the girls hung back, not wanting to dirty their new robes. They dug away gigantic mounds of soil over and over again, dirt flying behind them like dogs. Then, Sima Yi clapped a hand over his mouth and coughed.
"What is that god awful stench?" He said, backing away from their excavation site.
"Oh, damn, I smell that too." Sun Ce said as he screwed up his face. Zhang He took a wary sniff ion the air, then immediately covered his nose as well. It smelled like an animal had died close by. The women moaned and whined about the smell and Da Qiao was sure they should go back. Zhou Yu sat still a moment, and then nodded. He began tearing away at the ground, reaping enormous amounts of earth quicker than before. Suddenly he gasped and tumbled backward.
"What is it?" Zhang He asked, alerted.
"L-look . . ." He said pointing. Zhang He cast a quick glance into the pit and also gasped. There was still a bit of dirt blocking it from view, but clearly there was dead body in the hole.
"What the . . ." Sun Ce said leaning over to get a better look. White, decayed skin still clung the partly exposed bones and the stink was enveloping them.
"What kind of sick person buries someone in the ground?" Sima Yi said, producing a cloth from his pocket and covering his mouth and nose.
"It's a woman . . ." Zhou Yu said, refusing the urge to gag from the revolting odor.
"Let's get out of here, I don't think -" Sun Shang Xiang started, but suddenly a great gust of wind swept through the clearing knocking everyone to the ground. A blood-curdling scream was mixed with the roar of the wind and Zhang He crawled over to protect Diao Chan. Suddenly the wind stopped and they all opened their eyes. All the dirt had blown off the body, revealing her decayed features. Al the girls turned away, but Zhou Yu could somehow look closer. He moved shakily over to her final resting place and looked in.
"Don't touch it, Zhou Yu!" Sima Yi warned. "It's diseased to the point it could kill you with one touch!"
"Hold on a moment, there's something in her hand." Prying it loose. It came out with a sickening snap and Zhou Yu held it above his head. It was a necklace. A deep blue crystal hung on a black rope. Engraved on the stone was the same symbol, "night".
"Look, Zhou Yu, let's get out of here, let's all just forget this ever happened." Sima Yi advised.
"Good idea . . ." Zhou Yu said, pocketing the stone.
"You're taking that thing with you?" Zhang He said, appalled.
"I think it's rather beautiful, and besides, there's no harm in it. She's not going to miss it, she's dead." He pointed out.
"Come on, let's gooooo." Whined Xiao Qiao.
They all walked back to the camp in silence, the previous follies turned foul. However, once they arrived back at the camp, some of their spirits seemed to have returned. They moved into the men's building and lounged around there, speaking about how the corpse could have gotten there in the first place. The sun was well gone and night had taken into full affect.
"Would you look at that full moon?" Sima Yi said, pointing at the luminous orb that decorated the sky. Diao Chan yawned, as did Sun Shang Xiang and Da Qiao shortly after.
"Let's all get to bed." Zhou Yu commanded weakly, retreating to the sheet s along with Xiao Qiao. Zhang He collapsed onto the bed, feeling the stress within pour out. Diao Chan dropped onto the bed beside him and sighed comfortably. Zhang He dropped off dreamily, happy that they had spent the day relaxing and not working. He thought that this would be the finish for the day, but more was to come . . .
Zhang He was abruptly awoken by the sound of a sobbing child. He sat up bolt right and listened to it. He shook Diao Chan beside him and she rubbed her eyes and looked up.
"Can you hear that?" He whispered.
"Wha . . .?" She asked drowsily, but as the sound became clear to her she regain full consciousness. "What is that?" She asked, sounding alarmed.
"Hey, everyone, wake up!" Zhang He announced. They all slowly came to their senses, moaning and asking what was going on, but as they heard the sound they grew silent.
"We have to find out where it's coming from . . ." confirmed Sima Yi, getting out of his bed.
"I suggest we split up into four groups," Said Zhou Yu, "each one of us with a girl." Everyone nodded and stood up.
"We'll meet back here in about ten minutes, agreed?" Sun Ce planned. They all decided this was the best plan and set out.
Diao Chan clutched Zhang He's arm as they strode through the cold night. She whimpered and looked frantically from side to side.
"There's nothing to be afraid of, Diao Chan." Zhang He reassured her.
"I don't know why, but I've got a bad feeling about this . . ." She whined, increasing her grip.
"Well, I'll protect you. No matter what." He said strongly. She nodded and smiled a little and they continued on. The sound kept growing louder and louder, and then finally they saw the source. A small child was sitting on the floor, crying into her hands. Diao Chan bravely spoke to her.
"A-are you okay, little girl?" She said shakily.
"Someone's taken it . . ." She sobbed, "Some horrible person took it."
"W-we can help get it back." Offered Zhang He carefully. "What is it your looking for?" Suddenly the girl stopped sobbing.
"It was you. You stole it from me . . ."
"Now, now, kid, we didn't take anything!" Zhang He protested, throwing his hands into the air. The child screeched.
"THEIF! GIVE IT BACK TO ME OR I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT YOU HATE . . ." She shrieked.
"But we haven't . . ." Zhang He started, but the child flew upon him. Diao Chan screamed, and Zhang He noticed her face looked dead. He was knocked to the floor and lay unconscious for a few moments. "I'll find you all, I'll find on one of you!" He heard the girl's voice echo.
When Zhang He opened his eyes, the world around him was very different. A dismal gray fog hung in the air, which obscured his view.
"My love? Where are you my love?" called a voice out of the misty wisps. Diao Chan! He thought, she's here!
"I'm right over here, Diao Chan!" He answered back into the gloom. He saw her silhouette form through the murk and he advanced to find her. Something in the pit of his stomach just didn't feel right, though. "Diao Chan?" He asked uncertainly. No answer, the figure only advanced further. "D-Diao Chan?" He asked again. This time he knew something was wrong. The figure was too tall to be Diao Chan, the hair was mangled and ragged, the neck unnaturally long, the fingers. The fingers seemed to blur into the air. His stomach gave an enormous lurch. It couldn't be, it just couldn't be . . . It was as he feared, the Lady In Black loomed out of the darkness. Her arms were outstretched, Her mouth pulled into that twisted smile that wrought nothing but fear from Zhang He, he sat paralyzed, staring in the Her pit-like eyes. He whole body began to tremble violently, why the Lady? He throat was stuck, therefore he could not scream, but he instead stumbled onto his behind, still staring into those gaping pits . . . "I hate you . . ."
Diao Chan didn't have time to react; the child swooped down on her. She screamed and tried to bat her away, but ended up falling down instead. She hit her head hard on the ground and shut her eyes tight, wanting nothing more than to feel Zhang He's protective grip on her shoulder. When she finally opened up her eyes she was sitting there in the dark, Zhang He standing in front of her with . . . with . . . Zhen Ji!!
"Z-zhang He, I was so scared, why is she here?" She asked frantically.
"Oh, you know her?" Zhen Ji said with a cruel smile.
"I think we've met once . . ." Zhang He said, in something that was most definitely not his usual voice.
"B-but Zhang He . . ." She started.
"Let's go, darling, I think she's touched in the head." Zhen Ji whispered to him.
"Hey! what the Hell are you talking about? He's in love with me!" Diao Chan said defensively.
"You're right, she is crazy. . ." Zhang He said, looking confused and disgruntled. Diao Chan's chest felt empty. She was almost on the verge of tears. Why was he acting this way?
"How can you say that?" Diao Chan said, hurt, as she stood up. She marched over, her eyes brimming. She violently pushed Zhen Ji back. She screamed and yelled for Zhang He's help.
"You get away from her!" Zhang He roared, striking Diao Chan painfully across the face.
"Zhang He . . ." Diao Chan wept . . .
Sima Yi was not going to let Sun Shang Xiang see that he was scared at all. This was one of his only chances to prove himself to her, and he was not going to screw it up.
"Think you can still go on?" He asked her as muscularly as possible. She nodded bravely and Sima Yi grabbed her hand. All at once a horrible shriek rang through the air and Sun Shang Xiang yelled and leapt onto him. He blushed, but tried not to show it.
"L-let's go back, I'm scared . . ." She shivered, not letting him go.
"Alright." He said, sighing with relief silently. They started to go back, when something white pierced through the air and came to rest in the air in front of Sima Yi. He pushed Sun Shang Xiang behind, protecting her from whatever it was.
"You have it, don't you!?" It bellowed, and then flew bluntly into Sima Yi's head. He stumbled back ward, oddly not feeling Sun Shang Xiang behind him. He rubbed his forehead and opened his eyes. He heart gave a jolt as he discovered Zhou Yu, Sun Ce, Zhang He, the Qiaos, Diao Chan and Sun Shang Xiang standing around him in a ring, all looking grim.
"Oh, guys, what was that thing?" They didn't answer. "Zhang He? Zhou Yu? What's the matter with everyone?" He asked. Xiao Qiao Turned away from him and walked of, her brow furrowed into the darkness. She was shortly followed by Da Qiao, then Sun Ce. "Where's everyone going!? Why won't you talk to me!?" He said, growing frustrated and a little scared. Diao Chan disappeared off, the Zhou Yu, leaving only Zhang He and Sun Shang Xiang. Sima Yi ran desperately over to Zhang He and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "What's going on, brother?" He asked, sweat dripping off his face. Zhang He wrenched his shoulder away from Sima Yi and looked disgusted. He also followed in the other's footsteps, melting into the gloom. Sima Yi stood in front of Sun Shang Xiang, his heart pounding. Where was everyone going? Why were they treating him like this? Had he been possessed again and accidentally killed someone? But he usually heard Zhuge Liang's voice in his head before that happened. . . "Sun Shang Xiang." He said, his voice quivering. He threw his arms around her, refusing to let her leave him. Instead of walking away, she just disappeared before his eyes.
"NO!" Sima Yi yelled to no one. "Don't leave me alone!!" He looked around for some sort of sign of reassurance. His insides turned to ice as the dismal setting grew in around him. He finally sat down all by himself and hugged his knees pathetically. How foolish of him to think he actually had friends . . . How dare he even dream of love, even? He was going to go back, go back to that torturous room, to be all alone again. Would people mock him some more? Did everyone hate him once again? "Don't leave me . . ." He whined. "I don't want to be alone . . ."
Sun Shang Xiang watched Sima Yi hit the floor. She screamed and jumped back promptly. The screeching thing landed on the ground and stared at her. She gasped as she saw the decaying features. She summoned up her courage and moved over to Sima Yi, but he brought no comfort. His body was in something close to fetal position his eyes were wide-open and blank. Sun Shang Xiang could hear him whimpering about something.
"Sima Yi?" She ventured, but she felt something hard thump against the side of her and she was immediately brought to the floor. When she lifted her head, a recognizable smell was all around. She looked back down a received a surprise. Where was Sima Yi? She sniffed once more, and finally identified the odor. It was smoke.
"Smoke?" She said to herself, an got up and started to walk left, but terrifyingly a wall of inferno burst in existence right in front of her. A bit of her hair came in contact with the flames and suddenly her entire head was on fire. The pain was agonizing, she rolled around on the floor viciously to put it out. The awful fire lick painfully at her cheek and tears automatically flowed from her eyes. When it was finally extinguished, she moved a cautious hand up to her face. Almost all her hair was gone, and she could feel horrible nasty burn marks all over her skin. She began to cry, now for sorrow instead. Her face was ruined. Her beautiful hair was gone. She looked like a freak, and Sima Yi would never want to marry her. When she opened her eyes she discovered that not only she was horribly marred and scarred, she was also blind.
"Noooooo . . ." She wailed. "Why did this happen to me. . .?"
Sun Ce strutted bravely on next to Da Qiao. He grazed his fingers over his tiny little beard, thinking this made him look manly.
"Don't worry Da Qiao, I'll protect you from whatever comes our way!" He announced, beating his chest once with his fist. She nodded, looking a little unsure and they continued on. Suddenly, she stopped abruptly. "What is it?"
"Did you hear that? Someone just screamed." She said, looking terrified. Sun Ce moved back next to her. He peered back into the darkness. Everything seemed silent enough. He waited for a few more minutes, then turned, ready to go on. Hi large, thick, gloved hand clamped over Da Qiao's tiny white one as he led the on. Then suddenly, another filled the air, and this time he heard it.
"That was sis!" He yelled, panic filling his chest. "Come on!" He charged in blindly through the darkness, determined to find his sister. If Sima Yi so much as touched her, I'm going to have two brothers instead of three. Ohh, I just know it, sis, why did you want to get involved with guys to early? As he was thumping forward, his face collided with something hard and he got knocked to the floor. He felt Da Qiao remain underneath him as he fell. He felt her thin and frail body crunch under his thick sinewy one. He immediately rolled off of her and looked, with eyes wide and bulging. She was lying on the ground, her eyes still open, staring blank and expressionless. He shook her once and saw her fall back limp and still. He quickly dropped her when he noticed a bone sticking out at an odd angle in her neck.
"Da Qiao?" He said cautiously. He shook her again, this time more violently. "Da Qiao!" The second time her shook her he heard another sickening snap. He put his head to her chest and listened for a heartbeat. Nothing. Not the most accurate way, he decided. He grabbed her wrist and checked for a pulse. Nothing. She's not dead, she couldn't be . . . He clutched her close. What had he done? He robbed an innocent girl of her life? He looked back at her face. She was so beautiful, even in death. Sun Ce's heart sickened. "How could I have done this?"
Da Qiao felt Sun Ce fall back onto her. She fell onto the ground and looked up. The white thing soared across the sky and started falling towards her face. She yelled as it hit her head on. When she opened her eyes a horrible scene met her.
"Xiao Qiao!" She cried. Her younger sister was being held captive by two tall, burly bandits! "Release her at once!" Da Qiao cried running up to save her.
"Help me sis, they're hurting me!" Xiao Qiao whined.
"Hehe, let's get the other one and have some fun . . ." One of the surly bandits cackled.
"Leave us alone, you fiends!" She said, her body shaking as she tried to help Xiao Qiao from their iron grip. One of the men clamped a paw on her wrist and pulled her along with him. "Stop it! Help, someone!" Da Qiao screamed. The men just continued to laugh and drag them along. "Help me!! SUN CE! HELP!" She cried, tears coming for her eyes. "Help me! Why won't anyone help me?"
Zhou Yu strode around, Xiao Qiao bouncing at his side. He looked down at her. She didn't seem at all scared by these happens. Zhou Yu chuckled at her. He knew he had only known her for a while, but he was really falling for her. His thoughts turned to what they had seen this afternoon. Had he been wrong in removing the necklace? All at once a scream rang out. Xiao Qiao stopped beside him.
"What was that?" She said, her face innocent and a bit frightened.
"I'm not sure . . ." He said, taking her shoulder, "let's go back." As they were walking back a series of yells and screams precede the first and by the time they had ended Zhou Yu was in a full out run. Xiao Qiao was gasping behind him, holding his hand to keep up.
"Zhou Yu, I can't run anymore . . ." She gasped, clutching her side. Zhou Yu stopped abruptly and hoisted her onto his back, then ran at full speed forward again. As he was running something white and speed tore through the air and collided with his face. He was instantly knocked to the ground and lay unconscious. He heard an odd rushing noise in his ear before he opened his eyes. When he finally did, he saw the reflection of water on the sides of a room he had never been in before. He got to his feet and looked around. Suddenly, he noticed water on the floor. He watched it, and discovered it was rising at an alarming rate. Zhou Yu looked at the ceiling. It was sealed. There was no way out of this room. The water was now waist high and it didn't look as if it was going to stop. An old sort of panic filled Zhou Yu's chest. He remembered when he had almost drowned all those years ago. The old trauma was reassembled and he began to hyperventilate. The water had now risen to his shoulders, and then to his neck, then his body started to float. The ceiling was not that high, and he was nearing ever closer by the second. He gasped for air, then sank under for a second, only to burst through the surface another moment later.
"No!" He said, refusing to give in. But it was too late, the water had reached the ceiling. Zhou Yu screwed up his face as he savored his last bit of air. The swirling, the rushing of the water, the pressure, it was more than he could stand. He hated water. He hated being in it, he hated being near it and now he was going to die because of it. His lungs feeling ready to burst inside of him, he finally just gave up the will to live. He let his body sink to the bottom and he stared up at the ceiling, his head aching beyond imagine. "It's all going to end like this?"
Xiao Qiao was knocked onto the floor when Zhou Yu fell. Something impacted her head and she yelled with surprise. She was suddenly on long wooden board with a pole. On the pole hung a rope with a knotted hole at the end. She was being sneered at by hundreds of people. All of them looked terribly different form the ones in China. Their eyes were round and fiery, they all looked very dirty and unkempt. The clothes were filthy and very odd. Everyone was speaking in a strange language, yelling and cursing her. She noticed she was bound at her wrists and many people in black cloaks were around her. One of them men pulled out a scroll and read off it grimly in his crude language. All at once the rope was fitted around her neck. The man yelled once. Xiao Qiao grew frightened. Whatever this was, it couldn't be good. He yelled again. She suddenly knew they were going to hurt her in some way. "What's going on?"
Something was wrong. Usually Zhang He felt cold and hopeless, but this time it was just fear. He reached over and touched her face. He didn't feel cold at all.
"You're not real!" He said, the fear draining away. He kicked her to the ground, and she screeched. With a pop the dream was over. He was standing right where he had been before it had started. Then, he noticed Diao Chan. She was on the ground, quivering and shaking with fear, repeating his name over and over. He shook her.
"Diao Chan! Wake up! It's a dream! It's not real!" He yelled at her. She didn't wake. Zhang He figured that you had to realize that is was fake while you were having the dream, so it was pointless to try. But why was this child attacking them and why did she look the way she did? Then, it clicked in Zhang He's head. He remembered, her face, it was the girl in the grave! Zhou Yu took her necklace, and it angered her spirit. Furious, she must have come out and haunted the camp, putting them all into a dream- like state, which displayed their greatest fears. Zhang He knew what he had to do. He pounded back to the building and ripped through Zhou Yu's things until he discovered the jewelry. He seized it, and raced toward the forest. Just as he exited through the gate, he heard the angry wraith behind him. He urged his legs to move quicker, and he took in as much breath as he could. He burst into the trees, gasping for air, but not daring to stop. Which way, WHICH WAY? He thought as he weaving through the wood. He felt rain pound down on his head and the path grew slippery and muddy. When he finally found the odor of decay, he launched himself into the clearing. And stepped painfully next to the grave. Just then the angry spirit blasted to vision in front of him, shrieking and advancing. Zhang He lifted his hand and thrust the stone back into the grave. The ghost disappeared right before it made contact with him. He sighed, feeling the icy rain all around him.
It had been on hell of a Halloween.