Part 3
Romance of the Four Leaders
Chapter 40
Sailing in Stars
Zhang He stared up at the ceiling of the tent. He had been awake for a couple of hours, listening to Sun Shang Xiang and Zhou Yu's heavy and steady breathing. Zhou Tai had gone out a while ago and still hadn't returned, but Zhang He guessed he was just outside the tent's canvas wall, sitting still as can be, possibly waiting for another ambush. Then he heard the padding of feet near his left and he shut his eyes and made like he was sleeping. He never knew why he did this; he guessed it must have come from his father yanking only the awake sons out of bed early in the morning to help with work for he was too indolent to wake the rest. He felt the footsteps draw closer to his head then stop at the top of it.
"Are you asleep?" Sun Shang Xiang's slightly perturbed voice rang out above him. He tried as hard as he could not to smile. "Get up, you lazy faker!" The voice yelled and Zhang He felt her foot collide gently in his stomach. He sprang up, not want to be kicked harder and she laughed out loud.
"Very funny, Sun Shang Xiang." He said, straitening the wrinkles from his under robes and adjusting the belt. She was already full dressed and ready for trouble.
"Getting into mischief a little early, aren't you?" Zhang He said while yawning and gathering his clothes from the floor.
"Early?" She asked incredulously "It's nearly noon!"
"I must have slept longer than I thought." Zhang He said more soberly, fixing his hair in the usual style.
"You think I should get Zhou Yu up?" She asked, kneeling before the sleeping man. Zhang He shook his head.
"He's still a bit injured, let him sleep until he wants to wake up." Zhang He said, moving to the door of the tent.
Outside in the frigid air he dressed quickly, then rushed back inside, throwing his discarded robes on top of his pack. Sun Shang Xiang was still kneeling near Zhou Yu, looking intently into his sleeping face. Zhang He sat beside, also looking at Zhou Yu.
"Something wrong?" He asked, noticing at the almost melancholy expression Sun Shang Xiang wore. She shook her head.
"It's nothing . . . I was just thinking." She answered, not looking away.
"About what?" Inquired Zhang He a little stupidly. She hesitated a bit with her mouth open a bit.
"What it would be like if . . . if I had said 'yes' . . ." She ended quietly.
"What's that mean?" He asked, craning his neck to look at her face.
"Oh, a while ago Zhou Yu asked me . . . well, he proposed. . ." She said in a voice simply dripping with a nonchalant tone.
"What?" Zhang He said, his heart leaping a bit. "I thought . . . He wanted Xiao Qiao."
"Oh, no, it was before he even met Xiao Qiao. Infact it was a couple of years ago. When he and his father were living at my father's palace." She said, trying to shrug it off.
"What happened?" Zhang He asked, his curiosity taking control once again.
"I suppose he loved me . . . When we were little he would always stand up for me when stupid Sun Ce was being himself. And we'd always pretend that I was the empress, and he the emperor and Sun Ce would be the bad guys, whoever it was. It was stuff like that. . . And then one day, when I was about ten or eleven, he just asked if I wanted to get married. I was completely stunned; I had no idea what to do. I was much too young, and for another thing I really didn't love him that way. Nonetheless it really hurt me to say no. He looked so nervous and shy, just like Sima Yi does sometimes. I didn't want to break his heart, but then again, I didn't want to get married either. It was the toughest decision I ever had to make."
"Was he all right after you said no?" Zhang He asked, riveted.
"I think he lost a bit of himself actually. The way he walked away, it was truly painful. He looked like he'd been shot down. I feel so bad about it, I wish I would've said yes, just for him. He'd have healed from when –" She left off suddenly.
"What? From what? I must know!" Zhang He said desperately. She shook her head, looking a bit like child who's broken the rules.
"No, I'm not supposed to say. Sima Yi told me the other night no to tell you anything about Zhou Yu."
"Damn him, he thinks of everything, doesn't he?" Zhang He said, feeling put out.
"What are you talking about?" She asked, regaining a bit of her spunk.
"We had a little argument a few days ago about 'what makes a man' and according to him, prying into people's pasts devoids that . . ." She laughed.
"That's Sima Yi, all right!" She snickered.
"Come on, tell me. I won't tell Sima Yi you did. That way I get to know, and Sima Yi will still think you kept your promise." Zhang He said excitedly.
"You moron," She laughed. "That doesn't mean anything."
"Pleeease!" He begged Sun Shang Xiang, trying to look as tragic as possible.
"And what happens if he wakes up in the middle, hm? I don't think he'll be too happy!" She pointed out.
"Oh, come on! I'm his sworn brother I have a right to know." Zhang He replied indignantly.
"What is it you want to know anyway?" She asked, become perturbed.
"What happened to 'her'!" Zhang He nearly yelled, scolding himself for almost waking Zhou Yu.
"'Her'?" Sun Shang Xiang questioned. "You mean . . . Rai Lin?" She asked timidly.
"If she's the one Sun Ce supposedly killed, then yes!" Zhang He said, forgetting his manners.
"Sun Ce didn't kill her . . ." Sun Shang Xiang said, looking off to the side. "At least . . . I don't remember it that way . . ."
"What happened!?" Zhang He asked, desperate for information. "I must know!"
"Well . . . It was a really long time ago . . . I was very young, I can't remember it very clearly. Maybe I should start from the beginning . . . First of all, Rai Lin was Zhou Tai's wife, and obviously Zhou Yu's mother, but she was more like a mother to us all. She used to spoil us rotten! She would give us anything we wanted and never discipline anyone, but she loved Zhou Yu most of all. He was her entire life; I think she loved him more than she loved Zhou Tai even! And that was exactly what Zhou Tai couldn't stand. He wanted Zhou Yu to grow up like he did, the hard way, but Rai Lin simply wouldn't allow. Nonetheless they both got along very well with each other, in fact you never saw anyone happier than those two, they meant the world to one another, but the one thing it did was alienate Zhou Yu from his father, because he was always with Rai Lin all the time. What really happened is Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai never really spoke much. To tell the truth, I think Zhou Yu was a little afraid of him."
"I can see why . . ." Zhang He said, thinking of Zhou Tai's unfriendly growl.
"Anyway . . ." Sun Shang Xiang continued. "It happened when Zhou Yu was about . . . seven? I think I was four . . . around that age, maybe a bit older. Well, we were all standing on the river bank, myself, Sun Ce, Zhou Tai, Rai Lin, and Zhou Yu, waiting for a boat to come with Sun Quan, who had reached an age where he was old enough to come live with us. And then . . . I think I remember Sun Ce grabbing his head, like it hurt or something and when Rai Lin turned back to see what was going on, he pushed her in the river. But it wasn't like he meant to do it, it was like when Sima Yi gets possessed by Zhuge Liang."
"I bet it was him! That dirty, rotten . . ." Zhang He said, feeling anger flare up inside his chest.
"Don't be stupid. Zhuge Liang was only about eleven years old when that happened! I know he's a genius, but no kid could perform a complex spell like that! And besides, he's never met Sun Ce in his life."
"Oh yeah . . ." Zhang He said, feeling dumb. "What happened after that?"
"Well, I think Zhou Yu jumped in after her, and Sun Ce grabbed my hand and tossed me in right by Zhou Yu, then he fell in himself. After that I only remember holding onto Zhou Yu for dear life. I had no idea what really went on, but I could hear Zhou Tai yelling and shouting at the top of his lungs. And then I heard Rain Lin ahead of us, she screamed my mother's name and then . . ."
"Then what?" Zhang He asked, his eyes wide.
"The boat . . . it broke her back." She said, looking a bit horrified. "She must've drowned, I'm sure . . . After that I think I fainted. Afterwards all I remember is waking up between Zhou Yu and Sun Ce on the floor and my father and Zhou Tai were yelling at each other. Wait, there was one other thing too. . . When Zhou Yu woke he was so very sick with grief. Naturally, he went to his father, but Zhou Tai does not take sadness well himself. He gets angry and tries to vent that anger on anything in the way, so when Zhou Yu grabbed onto his legs he kicked him back. That's the reason I think their always at each other." She ended softly.
"Oh . . ." Zhang He said a bit hopelessly. "She . . . Rai Lin . . . She knew your mother?" He asked suddenly for no reason.
"Of course! Zhou Tai and my father were best of friends so they wanted to marry women who were best friends as well. My mother and Zhou Yu's mother were born in the very same village, in fact. There were two other they had too, but I only know their names, I never actually saw them. Mai Xeng, Huang Chen Lai, Rain Lin, and Wu Sheng, my mother. Mother always told me stories about the adventures they had together. But one day, she wouldn't tell me about them anymore. She acted like if I spoke of their existence, some terrible plague would be visited upon me. Strange, huh?"
"Very . . ." Zhang He said thinking very deeply. The name 'Huang Chen Lai' struck him as very familiar, but he couldn't put his finger one it, just like the mysterious tune he, Zhou Yu, and Diao Chan, and Sima Yi knew. Perhaps they were all connected somehow. . . "Hey, Sun Shang Xiang, you know that song we were playing on the ocarina?"
"Yeah, that pretty one." She answered.
"Does it seem familiar to you? Like you know it, but you don't know where from?" Zhang He asked, cocking his head a little to the side involuntarily.
"Yeah . . ." She answered slowly, as if their perplexities were identical. "I think my mother knew that song . . . But maybe not . . ."
"That's it! Zhou Yu's mother did too, he told me so! And so did Sima Yi's! And you know it so Sun Ce knows it, and Diao Chan! This so weird!" Zhang He said in an outburst.
"Is that really what-" Sun Shang Xiang began, but Zhou Tai suddenly stepped inside.
"Is he up yet?" Zhou Tai asked. "We've got to get a move on. Xiao Qiao could be in big trouble. . ." Sun Shang Xiang nodded obediently and shook Zhou Yu gently a few times. After two or three tries he opened his eyes softly.
"Sun Shang Xiang . . ." He croaked a bit helplessly.
"Zhou Yu . . ." Zhang He said, "We've got to help Xiao Qiao. I know you're feeling a little – Oh, I guess not..." Zhou Yu had already got up decisively and began putting his armor on. In matter of moments he was all ready to go, and the tent was packed away. Zhou Yu hadn't said much and he looked pretty determined against something.
They set out on the trail, not speaking much or looking at one another. Zhou Yu seemed like he wanted get there in as little time as possible, and set a hard pace for Sun Shang Xiang to follow. Suddenly Zhou Tai stopped.
"Look up there." He said, pointing to the dark trees, looking dark in the strong afternoon light. A black building of some sort with a Traditional Chinese roofing loomed out, looking about two or three miles away. "I'll bet anything that's Yu Ji's castle."
Zhou Yu said nothing but hastily walked by, disappearing behind the corner.
"Hey, wait for us!" Sun Shang Xiang cried, trotting after him. They continued hurriedly down the frozen path, not ever stopping, even to catch their breath. The sparkling snow around them was soon churned up by Zhou Yu blasting by, kicking it to the sides of the bank. After another ten minutes they came upon a river, filled with tiny ice chunks, but running nonetheless.
"Oh, great." Sun Shang Xiang said disappointedly. "Now we'll have to go around . . ."
"No!" Zhou Yu exclaimed. "We'll have to swim. . ." He ended uncertainly.
"Don't be stupid, boy, you can't swim." Zhou Tai said. "And we'll all freeze to death after we get out.
"Just throw the supplies to the other side and pull me along while you swim. Then once we get out, we'll just wrap ourselves in blankets . . . easy solution." He says nodding.
"That's insane! I can't swim, either!" Sun Shang Xiang interjected.
"Then hold onto Zhang He." Zhou Yu said a bit cruelly, grabbing the packs and tossing them to the other side.
"Zhou Yu!" Zhang He said, feeling angry. "You're freaking out! I'm sure Xiao Qiao is fine."
"No, she isn't! What you feel like if Diao Chan was in there? Who knows what could have happened to her by now? Yu Ji is a bastard; I know what he wants from Xiao Qiao. . . and I won't let it happen!" Zhou Yu snapped.
"Let's go first, Zhang He." Sun Shang Xiang said finally. They crept down to the water's edge and sat on the bank.
"Hold on, Sun Shang Xiang. Don't let go, or you'll probably die." Zhang He warned. Sun Shang Xiang swallowed, eyeing the freezing water with fear as she clamped her arms around Zhang He's waist. "Get ready . . ." Zhang He said as he dove in the water.
The water bit at him like a thousands knives and he thanked the heavens that the water didn't have a very strong current. He swam a few feet, reaching for the other bank with numbing hands. It was true that the current wasn't strong, but having Sun Shang Xiang on his side added extra weight.
"Don't let you head go under!" He yelled over the roar of the current. He groped fro the side of the bank and managed to grab on and pull them both up with his muscular arms. As soon as they were both on their feet, Zhang He fished out some blankets and handed two to Sun Shang Xiang.
"You should get those wet clothes off, I'll get some dry ones for you." Zhang He said as he pulled out a dry outfit for himself and Sun Shang Xiang. After they were both dressed anew and carefully held by blankets, Zhou Yu and his father got down to the bank. Zhou Yu looked at the dark water and grew a bit paler.
"What's wrong? You were keen on the idea just a moment ago. . ." Zhou Tai said, noticing his worry.
"I'm not afraid!" Zhou Yu said, looking a bit embarrassed. He grudgingly gripped his father and Zhou Tai dove in without warning. He swam with amazing speed through the water not showing any signs of weakness. Zhou Yu seemed terrified through the process and kept his eyes closed. Zhou Tai hoisted himself and Zhou Yu up in one graceful move and laid Zhou Yu a bit carelessly on the ground. When Zhang he offered him a blanket he simply shook his head no. After Zhou Yu had been redressed they all set off towards the dark castle once again. The sun was now beginning to set, turning the sky a brilliant red and silhouetting the trees and castle.
"We're almost there!" Zhou Yu called to everyone, picking up the pace. Soon, everyone was running at full speed and running out of breath fast. Then, they turned a corner and the castle was in front of them, looking ominous and foreboding.
Zhou Yu hesitated a moment, then raced up to the black, double doors. He stepped cautiously up to them and pushed slightly. They creaked open quietly letting some light into the dark atmosphere within.
"It's a trap, he wouldn't leave them open. . ." Zhou Yu said softly as he unsheathed the Ancient's sword. Zhang He reached for his Metal Talons and snapped them on as Sun Shang Xiang gathered up her Chakrams and Zhou Tai whipped out his Katana, Dusk. They all stepped through the doors, every nerve on end waiting for Yu Ji to pop out or some evil event to occur. They all got in a circle their backs facing, looking around in all directions for a hint of danger. All at once, the doors snapped shut behind them, encasing them in unending darkness.
"Ni Kan Yun!" Zhou Yu chanted and a light illuminated his weapon. The room revealed a curtained door to the left and a wide Chinese style entrance way with a door in front, leading into the house. Zhou Yu rushed towards the curtained doorway and slashed it of with a swift swipe of the Ancient's Sword. Beyond this doorway was another long, dark hall, but Zhou Yu raced down it blindly, follow closely by his companions. Suddenly a dull light came into view and they all saw Xiao Qiao lying on a bed, unconscious.
"Xiao Qiao!" Zhou Yu cried and as he ran towards her he collided with something hard and was thrown to the ground, his nose bleeding profusely. A smear of blood in the air told them that a sheet of glass had been put up to make to chamber look enterable.
"Ooh, that was close . . ." Said an amused and sharp voice in the other room. Yu Ji stepped into view, smiling cruelly at them as Zhou Yu got shakily back to his feet. Yu Ji shook his head and laughed. "How did I know you fools would have returned? Morons are all the same . . ." He paced back and forth languidly, showing his unconcern. "You'll be happy to know, I haven't done anything to the woman . . . yet. I thought it would be some much more enjoyable to watch you witness her punishment." Yu Ji looked at the sleeping girl and smiled wickedly. He waved a hand in her direction and she woke, looking around drowsily. She squinted in Zhou Yu's direction.
"Zhou Yu is that you?" She asked dreamily.
"On your feet, woman!" Yu Ji ordered. "Time for your punishment . . ." Xiao Qiao gave a short little scream and bolted fro the nearest door but Yu Ji caught her. He fiercely kneed her in the back and she fell to the ground with a squeak.
"Xiao Qiao!" Cried Zhou Yu, beating his fists on the glass. Yu Ji began to mercilessly beat Xiao Qiao, kicking her squarely in the ribs and performing heel drops dangerously close to her spine. She whimpered and cried through the entire thing, begging Zhou Yu for help. Zhou Yu, crazy with fear and anger struck the glass time and again with his sword. After a while Sun Shang Xiang, Zhou Tai and Zhang he joined in, chipping and scratching the almost invisible material. After awhile Yu Ji left off and Xiao Qiao made tiny moments and whined in pain. Zhou Yu shook his head violently and ran off down the hall. Zhang He decided he'd better not follow him incase something happened here, but Sun Shang Xiang shot after him.
"They've given up already, have they?" Yu Ji said, noticing their movements. "Oh, well. Time for the main event!" Yu Ji laughed and walked into the back room and the only sounds were Xiao Qiao's soft whimpering. Suddenly, with a crash, the other door was blasted apart by a sword and Zhou Yu and Sun Shang Xiang tumbled in.
"Xiao Qiao!" Zhou Yu screamed and kneeled by her side. He carefully picked her up and cradled her with his arms. Yu Ji suddenly exploded out of the door and raced toward them.
"Little beast!" He growled Kicking Zhou Yu in the back of the head. He dropped Xiao Qiao and the Ancient's Sword from the blow and lay motionless for a moment. Yu Ji pulled Xiao Qiao up with one arm, and being hurt, made no resistance.
"No way!" Sun Shang Xiang yelled, swinging her Chakram. It looked as if it would connect, but Yu Ji silently halted her arm in midair.
"I've a present for you, little girl. You'll love me for this. . ." He added on sneakily. Zhou Yu began to rise, looking back. "You'll want to see this, lover boy." Yu Ji opened his other hand a shining brilliance was released into the room.
"I discovered this in my garden not too long ago!" Yu Ji cried. Within his hand was a glowing and sparkling flower with petals so white they blurred everything else from view. Tiny specs of light fell from it and it seemed even the stem was of a precious silver material. It's delicateness broke the gloom a drove all fear from everyone's heart, and all they could do was stare. "This is for you . . ." He said a bit more gently as he offered up the flower to Xiao Qiao. Mesmerized, she reached for it, not knowing what an awful decision she was about to make. Zhou Yu suddenly stood drastically, groping for the fragile flower cradled by Yu Ji's hand.
"Give it here!" He said, pushing himself into Yu Ji. Yu Ji went toppling to the floor, whacking at Zhou Yu with his fist as Zhou Yu clambered over him to reach the precious Snow Flower.
"Dirty bastard!" Yu Ji conjured some fire magic with his hands, but it flew off course and narrowly missed hitting the frozen Sun Shang Xiang. Xiao Qiao stepped back and fell onto her rear, looking up, feeling stunned. Zhou Yu manages to crawl up, neck to neck with Yu Ji and he clasped the Snow Flower's stem with two fingers. He stood hurriedly and extended his arm to Xiao Qiao.
"Take it!" He commanded, but before she could do anything, Yu Ji leapt on Zhou Yu and clamped his hands around his neck. Zhou Yu choked and dropped the flower, then purposely leaned back to topple Yu Ji. He slammed his elbows into Yu Ji's gut and he hastily let go. Zhou Yu rolled forward and his fingers stretched for the precious plant, but Yu Ji climbed on top of him and grabbed it first. He got to his feet and stepped over to Xiao Qiao. Zhou Yu rose hastily and grabbed the stem of the flower, but Yu Ji refused to let go. He shook Zhou Yu's hand and dropped to his knees in front of Xiao Qiao. Yu Ji pulled up Xiao Qiao's hands and put it nearly inside his.
"I give this to you." He said, panting. Everyone held their breath as they watched Xiao Qiao's fingers slowly wrap around the silver stem.
"NOO!" Screamed Zhou Yu in a raspy voice. Xiao Qiao, with her eyes transfixed on the snowy petals, brought the Snow Flower in and placed it upon her breast, then covered it with her other hand.
"HAHA!" Yu Ji yelled. "Victory is mine!! You see? YOU SEE? I win!" Laughing maniacally, he crawled over to Xiao Qiao and took her in his arms.
"Xiao Qiao . . ." Zhou Yu breathed. "H-how could you. . ."
"Xiao Qiao?" Yu Ji said, asking her attention as they both go to their feet. Xiao Qiao's hand grasped something as she stood, but Zhang He disregarded the thought. She looked up at him with large eyes. "Who do you love?" Xiao Qiao looked at him for a long moment and everyone's heart beat furiously.
"Y-you, My lord." She said, a hint of fear in her voice.
"Do you see? Haha! Doesn't it feel wonderful?" His eyes were maddening and his grip looked as though it was hurting Xiao Qiao. 'She's mine! She HATES you! Tell him that you hate, Xiao Qiao, tell him!"
"I . . . HATE YOU, Zhou Yu!" She said with rage, holding onto Yu Ji with one arm. Zhou Yu buried his face in his hands. Yu Ji laughed in deranged manner holding back his head.
"She's mine! All mine! She's – AHHHHHH!" Suddenly Xiao Qiao brought up her left hand, which had grasped the Ancient's Sword, and thrust it into Yu Ji's stomach. Yu Ji collapsed on the floor, as did Sun Shang Xiang. Xiao Qiao wrenched the metal out of his flesh with all her might and stabbed him once again in the chest. Then she fell back again and sobbed a bit.
"Xiao Qiao . . ." Zhou Yu exhaled. "You . . ."
"I'm sorry, Zhou Yu!" She whined, nearly crying as she rushed over to him and put her arms around his neck. "It was the only way I could think of to trick him. He forced me to grab it with his mind, I swear!" Zhou Yu put an arm around her back and stood up, his breath audible. He limped over to the snow flower, which was slowly losing its glow.
"Xiao Qiao . . ." He said, his voice gruff. "I know this seems odd . . ." He walked over to the girl whose eyes were wide and a bit surprised. "B-but will you accept this f-from me?" Xiao Qiao stood looking at him, a bit stunned and she was blushing. Xiao Qiao moved her hand up, this time looking at Zhou Yu not the flower, her fingers touched the brilliant silver stem and she took it into her hand. As soon as it was fully in her grasp, the flower ignited with a cool blue flame, leaving a pile of white ashes on the floor. They stared at each other for a moment until Xiao Qiao broke the silence.
"Zhou Yu!" She cried leaping onto him, sounding a bit helpless. Zhou Yu put his arms around Xiao Qiao and they both sunk to the ground, holding each other dearly. Zhang He sighed in relief and fell to his own knees. Zhou Tai turned around and walked silently down the hall and Zhang He smiled. He cheered for Xiao Qiao in his mind, and even more for Zhou Yu.
Romance of the Four Leaders
Chapter 40
Sailing in Stars
Zhang He stared up at the ceiling of the tent. He had been awake for a couple of hours, listening to Sun Shang Xiang and Zhou Yu's heavy and steady breathing. Zhou Tai had gone out a while ago and still hadn't returned, but Zhang He guessed he was just outside the tent's canvas wall, sitting still as can be, possibly waiting for another ambush. Then he heard the padding of feet near his left and he shut his eyes and made like he was sleeping. He never knew why he did this; he guessed it must have come from his father yanking only the awake sons out of bed early in the morning to help with work for he was too indolent to wake the rest. He felt the footsteps draw closer to his head then stop at the top of it.
"Are you asleep?" Sun Shang Xiang's slightly perturbed voice rang out above him. He tried as hard as he could not to smile. "Get up, you lazy faker!" The voice yelled and Zhang He felt her foot collide gently in his stomach. He sprang up, not want to be kicked harder and she laughed out loud.
"Very funny, Sun Shang Xiang." He said, straitening the wrinkles from his under robes and adjusting the belt. She was already full dressed and ready for trouble.
"Getting into mischief a little early, aren't you?" Zhang He said while yawning and gathering his clothes from the floor.
"Early?" She asked incredulously "It's nearly noon!"
"I must have slept longer than I thought." Zhang He said more soberly, fixing his hair in the usual style.
"You think I should get Zhou Yu up?" She asked, kneeling before the sleeping man. Zhang He shook his head.
"He's still a bit injured, let him sleep until he wants to wake up." Zhang He said, moving to the door of the tent.
Outside in the frigid air he dressed quickly, then rushed back inside, throwing his discarded robes on top of his pack. Sun Shang Xiang was still kneeling near Zhou Yu, looking intently into his sleeping face. Zhang He sat beside, also looking at Zhou Yu.
"Something wrong?" He asked, noticing at the almost melancholy expression Sun Shang Xiang wore. She shook her head.
"It's nothing . . . I was just thinking." She answered, not looking away.
"About what?" Inquired Zhang He a little stupidly. She hesitated a bit with her mouth open a bit.
"What it would be like if . . . if I had said 'yes' . . ." She ended quietly.
"What's that mean?" He asked, craning his neck to look at her face.
"Oh, a while ago Zhou Yu asked me . . . well, he proposed. . ." She said in a voice simply dripping with a nonchalant tone.
"What?" Zhang He said, his heart leaping a bit. "I thought . . . He wanted Xiao Qiao."
"Oh, no, it was before he even met Xiao Qiao. Infact it was a couple of years ago. When he and his father were living at my father's palace." She said, trying to shrug it off.
"What happened?" Zhang He asked, his curiosity taking control once again.
"I suppose he loved me . . . When we were little he would always stand up for me when stupid Sun Ce was being himself. And we'd always pretend that I was the empress, and he the emperor and Sun Ce would be the bad guys, whoever it was. It was stuff like that. . . And then one day, when I was about ten or eleven, he just asked if I wanted to get married. I was completely stunned; I had no idea what to do. I was much too young, and for another thing I really didn't love him that way. Nonetheless it really hurt me to say no. He looked so nervous and shy, just like Sima Yi does sometimes. I didn't want to break his heart, but then again, I didn't want to get married either. It was the toughest decision I ever had to make."
"Was he all right after you said no?" Zhang He asked, riveted.
"I think he lost a bit of himself actually. The way he walked away, it was truly painful. He looked like he'd been shot down. I feel so bad about it, I wish I would've said yes, just for him. He'd have healed from when –" She left off suddenly.
"What? From what? I must know!" Zhang He said desperately. She shook her head, looking a bit like child who's broken the rules.
"No, I'm not supposed to say. Sima Yi told me the other night no to tell you anything about Zhou Yu."
"Damn him, he thinks of everything, doesn't he?" Zhang He said, feeling put out.
"What are you talking about?" She asked, regaining a bit of her spunk.
"We had a little argument a few days ago about 'what makes a man' and according to him, prying into people's pasts devoids that . . ." She laughed.
"That's Sima Yi, all right!" She snickered.
"Come on, tell me. I won't tell Sima Yi you did. That way I get to know, and Sima Yi will still think you kept your promise." Zhang He said excitedly.
"You moron," She laughed. "That doesn't mean anything."
"Pleeease!" He begged Sun Shang Xiang, trying to look as tragic as possible.
"And what happens if he wakes up in the middle, hm? I don't think he'll be too happy!" She pointed out.
"Oh, come on! I'm his sworn brother I have a right to know." Zhang He replied indignantly.
"What is it you want to know anyway?" She asked, become perturbed.
"What happened to 'her'!" Zhang He nearly yelled, scolding himself for almost waking Zhou Yu.
"'Her'?" Sun Shang Xiang questioned. "You mean . . . Rai Lin?" She asked timidly.
"If she's the one Sun Ce supposedly killed, then yes!" Zhang He said, forgetting his manners.
"Sun Ce didn't kill her . . ." Sun Shang Xiang said, looking off to the side. "At least . . . I don't remember it that way . . ."
"What happened!?" Zhang He asked, desperate for information. "I must know!"
"Well . . . It was a really long time ago . . . I was very young, I can't remember it very clearly. Maybe I should start from the beginning . . . First of all, Rai Lin was Zhou Tai's wife, and obviously Zhou Yu's mother, but she was more like a mother to us all. She used to spoil us rotten! She would give us anything we wanted and never discipline anyone, but she loved Zhou Yu most of all. He was her entire life; I think she loved him more than she loved Zhou Tai even! And that was exactly what Zhou Tai couldn't stand. He wanted Zhou Yu to grow up like he did, the hard way, but Rai Lin simply wouldn't allow. Nonetheless they both got along very well with each other, in fact you never saw anyone happier than those two, they meant the world to one another, but the one thing it did was alienate Zhou Yu from his father, because he was always with Rai Lin all the time. What really happened is Zhou Yu and Zhou Tai never really spoke much. To tell the truth, I think Zhou Yu was a little afraid of him."
"I can see why . . ." Zhang He said, thinking of Zhou Tai's unfriendly growl.
"Anyway . . ." Sun Shang Xiang continued. "It happened when Zhou Yu was about . . . seven? I think I was four . . . around that age, maybe a bit older. Well, we were all standing on the river bank, myself, Sun Ce, Zhou Tai, Rai Lin, and Zhou Yu, waiting for a boat to come with Sun Quan, who had reached an age where he was old enough to come live with us. And then . . . I think I remember Sun Ce grabbing his head, like it hurt or something and when Rai Lin turned back to see what was going on, he pushed her in the river. But it wasn't like he meant to do it, it was like when Sima Yi gets possessed by Zhuge Liang."
"I bet it was him! That dirty, rotten . . ." Zhang He said, feeling anger flare up inside his chest.
"Don't be stupid. Zhuge Liang was only about eleven years old when that happened! I know he's a genius, but no kid could perform a complex spell like that! And besides, he's never met Sun Ce in his life."
"Oh yeah . . ." Zhang He said, feeling dumb. "What happened after that?"
"Well, I think Zhou Yu jumped in after her, and Sun Ce grabbed my hand and tossed me in right by Zhou Yu, then he fell in himself. After that I only remember holding onto Zhou Yu for dear life. I had no idea what really went on, but I could hear Zhou Tai yelling and shouting at the top of his lungs. And then I heard Rain Lin ahead of us, she screamed my mother's name and then . . ."
"Then what?" Zhang He asked, his eyes wide.
"The boat . . . it broke her back." She said, looking a bit horrified. "She must've drowned, I'm sure . . . After that I think I fainted. Afterwards all I remember is waking up between Zhou Yu and Sun Ce on the floor and my father and Zhou Tai were yelling at each other. Wait, there was one other thing too. . . When Zhou Yu woke he was so very sick with grief. Naturally, he went to his father, but Zhou Tai does not take sadness well himself. He gets angry and tries to vent that anger on anything in the way, so when Zhou Yu grabbed onto his legs he kicked him back. That's the reason I think their always at each other." She ended softly.
"Oh . . ." Zhang He said a bit hopelessly. "She . . . Rai Lin . . . She knew your mother?" He asked suddenly for no reason.
"Of course! Zhou Tai and my father were best of friends so they wanted to marry women who were best friends as well. My mother and Zhou Yu's mother were born in the very same village, in fact. There were two other they had too, but I only know their names, I never actually saw them. Mai Xeng, Huang Chen Lai, Rain Lin, and Wu Sheng, my mother. Mother always told me stories about the adventures they had together. But one day, she wouldn't tell me about them anymore. She acted like if I spoke of their existence, some terrible plague would be visited upon me. Strange, huh?"
"Very . . ." Zhang He said thinking very deeply. The name 'Huang Chen Lai' struck him as very familiar, but he couldn't put his finger one it, just like the mysterious tune he, Zhou Yu, and Diao Chan, and Sima Yi knew. Perhaps they were all connected somehow. . . "Hey, Sun Shang Xiang, you know that song we were playing on the ocarina?"
"Yeah, that pretty one." She answered.
"Does it seem familiar to you? Like you know it, but you don't know where from?" Zhang He asked, cocking his head a little to the side involuntarily.
"Yeah . . ." She answered slowly, as if their perplexities were identical. "I think my mother knew that song . . . But maybe not . . ."
"That's it! Zhou Yu's mother did too, he told me so! And so did Sima Yi's! And you know it so Sun Ce knows it, and Diao Chan! This so weird!" Zhang He said in an outburst.
"Is that really what-" Sun Shang Xiang began, but Zhou Tai suddenly stepped inside.
"Is he up yet?" Zhou Tai asked. "We've got to get a move on. Xiao Qiao could be in big trouble. . ." Sun Shang Xiang nodded obediently and shook Zhou Yu gently a few times. After two or three tries he opened his eyes softly.
"Sun Shang Xiang . . ." He croaked a bit helplessly.
"Zhou Yu . . ." Zhang He said, "We've got to help Xiao Qiao. I know you're feeling a little – Oh, I guess not..." Zhou Yu had already got up decisively and began putting his armor on. In matter of moments he was all ready to go, and the tent was packed away. Zhou Yu hadn't said much and he looked pretty determined against something.
They set out on the trail, not speaking much or looking at one another. Zhou Yu seemed like he wanted get there in as little time as possible, and set a hard pace for Sun Shang Xiang to follow. Suddenly Zhou Tai stopped.
"Look up there." He said, pointing to the dark trees, looking dark in the strong afternoon light. A black building of some sort with a Traditional Chinese roofing loomed out, looking about two or three miles away. "I'll bet anything that's Yu Ji's castle."
Zhou Yu said nothing but hastily walked by, disappearing behind the corner.
"Hey, wait for us!" Sun Shang Xiang cried, trotting after him. They continued hurriedly down the frozen path, not ever stopping, even to catch their breath. The sparkling snow around them was soon churned up by Zhou Yu blasting by, kicking it to the sides of the bank. After another ten minutes they came upon a river, filled with tiny ice chunks, but running nonetheless.
"Oh, great." Sun Shang Xiang said disappointedly. "Now we'll have to go around . . ."
"No!" Zhou Yu exclaimed. "We'll have to swim. . ." He ended uncertainly.
"Don't be stupid, boy, you can't swim." Zhou Tai said. "And we'll all freeze to death after we get out.
"Just throw the supplies to the other side and pull me along while you swim. Then once we get out, we'll just wrap ourselves in blankets . . . easy solution." He says nodding.
"That's insane! I can't swim, either!" Sun Shang Xiang interjected.
"Then hold onto Zhang He." Zhou Yu said a bit cruelly, grabbing the packs and tossing them to the other side.
"Zhou Yu!" Zhang He said, feeling angry. "You're freaking out! I'm sure Xiao Qiao is fine."
"No, she isn't! What you feel like if Diao Chan was in there? Who knows what could have happened to her by now? Yu Ji is a bastard; I know what he wants from Xiao Qiao. . . and I won't let it happen!" Zhou Yu snapped.
"Let's go first, Zhang He." Sun Shang Xiang said finally. They crept down to the water's edge and sat on the bank.
"Hold on, Sun Shang Xiang. Don't let go, or you'll probably die." Zhang He warned. Sun Shang Xiang swallowed, eyeing the freezing water with fear as she clamped her arms around Zhang He's waist. "Get ready . . ." Zhang He said as he dove in the water.
The water bit at him like a thousands knives and he thanked the heavens that the water didn't have a very strong current. He swam a few feet, reaching for the other bank with numbing hands. It was true that the current wasn't strong, but having Sun Shang Xiang on his side added extra weight.
"Don't let you head go under!" He yelled over the roar of the current. He groped fro the side of the bank and managed to grab on and pull them both up with his muscular arms. As soon as they were both on their feet, Zhang He fished out some blankets and handed two to Sun Shang Xiang.
"You should get those wet clothes off, I'll get some dry ones for you." Zhang He said as he pulled out a dry outfit for himself and Sun Shang Xiang. After they were both dressed anew and carefully held by blankets, Zhou Yu and his father got down to the bank. Zhou Yu looked at the dark water and grew a bit paler.
"What's wrong? You were keen on the idea just a moment ago. . ." Zhou Tai said, noticing his worry.
"I'm not afraid!" Zhou Yu said, looking a bit embarrassed. He grudgingly gripped his father and Zhou Tai dove in without warning. He swam with amazing speed through the water not showing any signs of weakness. Zhou Yu seemed terrified through the process and kept his eyes closed. Zhou Tai hoisted himself and Zhou Yu up in one graceful move and laid Zhou Yu a bit carelessly on the ground. When Zhang he offered him a blanket he simply shook his head no. After Zhou Yu had been redressed they all set off towards the dark castle once again. The sun was now beginning to set, turning the sky a brilliant red and silhouetting the trees and castle.
"We're almost there!" Zhou Yu called to everyone, picking up the pace. Soon, everyone was running at full speed and running out of breath fast. Then, they turned a corner and the castle was in front of them, looking ominous and foreboding.
Zhou Yu hesitated a moment, then raced up to the black, double doors. He stepped cautiously up to them and pushed slightly. They creaked open quietly letting some light into the dark atmosphere within.
"It's a trap, he wouldn't leave them open. . ." Zhou Yu said softly as he unsheathed the Ancient's sword. Zhang He reached for his Metal Talons and snapped them on as Sun Shang Xiang gathered up her Chakrams and Zhou Tai whipped out his Katana, Dusk. They all stepped through the doors, every nerve on end waiting for Yu Ji to pop out or some evil event to occur. They all got in a circle their backs facing, looking around in all directions for a hint of danger. All at once, the doors snapped shut behind them, encasing them in unending darkness.
"Ni Kan Yun!" Zhou Yu chanted and a light illuminated his weapon. The room revealed a curtained door to the left and a wide Chinese style entrance way with a door in front, leading into the house. Zhou Yu rushed towards the curtained doorway and slashed it of with a swift swipe of the Ancient's Sword. Beyond this doorway was another long, dark hall, but Zhou Yu raced down it blindly, follow closely by his companions. Suddenly a dull light came into view and they all saw Xiao Qiao lying on a bed, unconscious.
"Xiao Qiao!" Zhou Yu cried and as he ran towards her he collided with something hard and was thrown to the ground, his nose bleeding profusely. A smear of blood in the air told them that a sheet of glass had been put up to make to chamber look enterable.
"Ooh, that was close . . ." Said an amused and sharp voice in the other room. Yu Ji stepped into view, smiling cruelly at them as Zhou Yu got shakily back to his feet. Yu Ji shook his head and laughed. "How did I know you fools would have returned? Morons are all the same . . ." He paced back and forth languidly, showing his unconcern. "You'll be happy to know, I haven't done anything to the woman . . . yet. I thought it would be some much more enjoyable to watch you witness her punishment." Yu Ji looked at the sleeping girl and smiled wickedly. He waved a hand in her direction and she woke, looking around drowsily. She squinted in Zhou Yu's direction.
"Zhou Yu is that you?" She asked dreamily.
"On your feet, woman!" Yu Ji ordered. "Time for your punishment . . ." Xiao Qiao gave a short little scream and bolted fro the nearest door but Yu Ji caught her. He fiercely kneed her in the back and she fell to the ground with a squeak.
"Xiao Qiao!" Cried Zhou Yu, beating his fists on the glass. Yu Ji began to mercilessly beat Xiao Qiao, kicking her squarely in the ribs and performing heel drops dangerously close to her spine. She whimpered and cried through the entire thing, begging Zhou Yu for help. Zhou Yu, crazy with fear and anger struck the glass time and again with his sword. After a while Sun Shang Xiang, Zhou Tai and Zhang he joined in, chipping and scratching the almost invisible material. After awhile Yu Ji left off and Xiao Qiao made tiny moments and whined in pain. Zhou Yu shook his head violently and ran off down the hall. Zhang He decided he'd better not follow him incase something happened here, but Sun Shang Xiang shot after him.
"They've given up already, have they?" Yu Ji said, noticing their movements. "Oh, well. Time for the main event!" Yu Ji laughed and walked into the back room and the only sounds were Xiao Qiao's soft whimpering. Suddenly, with a crash, the other door was blasted apart by a sword and Zhou Yu and Sun Shang Xiang tumbled in.
"Xiao Qiao!" Zhou Yu screamed and kneeled by her side. He carefully picked her up and cradled her with his arms. Yu Ji suddenly exploded out of the door and raced toward them.
"Little beast!" He growled Kicking Zhou Yu in the back of the head. He dropped Xiao Qiao and the Ancient's Sword from the blow and lay motionless for a moment. Yu Ji pulled Xiao Qiao up with one arm, and being hurt, made no resistance.
"No way!" Sun Shang Xiang yelled, swinging her Chakram. It looked as if it would connect, but Yu Ji silently halted her arm in midair.
"I've a present for you, little girl. You'll love me for this. . ." He added on sneakily. Zhou Yu began to rise, looking back. "You'll want to see this, lover boy." Yu Ji opened his other hand a shining brilliance was released into the room.
"I discovered this in my garden not too long ago!" Yu Ji cried. Within his hand was a glowing and sparkling flower with petals so white they blurred everything else from view. Tiny specs of light fell from it and it seemed even the stem was of a precious silver material. It's delicateness broke the gloom a drove all fear from everyone's heart, and all they could do was stare. "This is for you . . ." He said a bit more gently as he offered up the flower to Xiao Qiao. Mesmerized, she reached for it, not knowing what an awful decision she was about to make. Zhou Yu suddenly stood drastically, groping for the fragile flower cradled by Yu Ji's hand.
"Give it here!" He said, pushing himself into Yu Ji. Yu Ji went toppling to the floor, whacking at Zhou Yu with his fist as Zhou Yu clambered over him to reach the precious Snow Flower.
"Dirty bastard!" Yu Ji conjured some fire magic with his hands, but it flew off course and narrowly missed hitting the frozen Sun Shang Xiang. Xiao Qiao stepped back and fell onto her rear, looking up, feeling stunned. Zhou Yu manages to crawl up, neck to neck with Yu Ji and he clasped the Snow Flower's stem with two fingers. He stood hurriedly and extended his arm to Xiao Qiao.
"Take it!" He commanded, but before she could do anything, Yu Ji leapt on Zhou Yu and clamped his hands around his neck. Zhou Yu choked and dropped the flower, then purposely leaned back to topple Yu Ji. He slammed his elbows into Yu Ji's gut and he hastily let go. Zhou Yu rolled forward and his fingers stretched for the precious plant, but Yu Ji climbed on top of him and grabbed it first. He got to his feet and stepped over to Xiao Qiao. Zhou Yu rose hastily and grabbed the stem of the flower, but Yu Ji refused to let go. He shook Zhou Yu's hand and dropped to his knees in front of Xiao Qiao. Yu Ji pulled up Xiao Qiao's hands and put it nearly inside his.
"I give this to you." He said, panting. Everyone held their breath as they watched Xiao Qiao's fingers slowly wrap around the silver stem.
"NOO!" Screamed Zhou Yu in a raspy voice. Xiao Qiao, with her eyes transfixed on the snowy petals, brought the Snow Flower in and placed it upon her breast, then covered it with her other hand.
"HAHA!" Yu Ji yelled. "Victory is mine!! You see? YOU SEE? I win!" Laughing maniacally, he crawled over to Xiao Qiao and took her in his arms.
"Xiao Qiao . . ." Zhou Yu breathed. "H-how could you. . ."
"Xiao Qiao?" Yu Ji said, asking her attention as they both go to their feet. Xiao Qiao's hand grasped something as she stood, but Zhang He disregarded the thought. She looked up at him with large eyes. "Who do you love?" Xiao Qiao looked at him for a long moment and everyone's heart beat furiously.
"Y-you, My lord." She said, a hint of fear in her voice.
"Do you see? Haha! Doesn't it feel wonderful?" His eyes were maddening and his grip looked as though it was hurting Xiao Qiao. 'She's mine! She HATES you! Tell him that you hate, Xiao Qiao, tell him!"
"I . . . HATE YOU, Zhou Yu!" She said with rage, holding onto Yu Ji with one arm. Zhou Yu buried his face in his hands. Yu Ji laughed in deranged manner holding back his head.
"She's mine! All mine! She's – AHHHHHH!" Suddenly Xiao Qiao brought up her left hand, which had grasped the Ancient's Sword, and thrust it into Yu Ji's stomach. Yu Ji collapsed on the floor, as did Sun Shang Xiang. Xiao Qiao wrenched the metal out of his flesh with all her might and stabbed him once again in the chest. Then she fell back again and sobbed a bit.
"Xiao Qiao . . ." Zhou Yu exhaled. "You . . ."
"I'm sorry, Zhou Yu!" She whined, nearly crying as she rushed over to him and put her arms around his neck. "It was the only way I could think of to trick him. He forced me to grab it with his mind, I swear!" Zhou Yu put an arm around her back and stood up, his breath audible. He limped over to the snow flower, which was slowly losing its glow.
"Xiao Qiao . . ." He said, his voice gruff. "I know this seems odd . . ." He walked over to the girl whose eyes were wide and a bit surprised. "B-but will you accept this f-from me?" Xiao Qiao stood looking at him, a bit stunned and she was blushing. Xiao Qiao moved her hand up, this time looking at Zhou Yu not the flower, her fingers touched the brilliant silver stem and she took it into her hand. As soon as it was fully in her grasp, the flower ignited with a cool blue flame, leaving a pile of white ashes on the floor. They stared at each other for a moment until Xiao Qiao broke the silence.
"Zhou Yu!" She cried leaping onto him, sounding a bit helpless. Zhou Yu put his arms around Xiao Qiao and they both sunk to the ground, holding each other dearly. Zhang He sighed in relief and fell to his own knees. Zhou Tai turned around and walked silently down the hall and Zhang He smiled. He cheered for Xiao Qiao in his mind, and even more for Zhou Yu.