Author's Note: Sorry, y'all! There was a BIIIIIIIIG delay. I have only
one excuse: HARVEST MOON: AWL! It's a good game!! Oh,well, I've just been
playing it nonstop! There's action! There's adventure! You'll like this
chapter, I promise ^-^! Have fun, kids!
Enjoy!
Part Three
Romance of the Four Leaders
Chapter 42
Fire and Night
The mountain of a man took to strong steps forward, peering around the camp while squinting fiercely. Zhang He calmed his worries thoughts and stepped towards the looming silhouette. When he got close enough to see Lu Bu's facial expression it was a ferocious scowl.
"G-greetings, respected general, Lu Bu," Zhang He said with a nervous bow. He didn't bow very low because he was afraid Lu Bu might strike while his guard was down. "We welcome you to the Shi camp!" Lu Bu snorted.
"Enough of the formalities. Where's my Diao Chan?" He asked gruffly, blasting into the camp and turning his thick neck each and every way, looking around for Diao Chan. Zhang He cleared his throat nervously as Sima Yi inched carefully away from the very tall man and somehow managed to hide behind Sun Ce.
"Well, we have some troubling news about that . . ." Zhang He stated as delicately as possible. Nonetheless, Lu Bu turned swiftly on his heel and stared Zhang He right in the eye. Zhang He cleared his throat again and looked at his shoes. "Yes, um, it is with great sadness that I inform you the Lady Diao Chan escaped from our forces many months ago. We in fact, did have her here at one period in time, but we are uncertain of her whereabouts at the moment." Zhang He finished, wiping the thin layer of perspiration of his forehead. Lu Bu squinted harshly, his lips curling up as he weighed the answer in his mind. He grunted once or twice, and then put his hand to his chin.
"Perhaps you'd like a bit of ocha tea, General? It's very good, and since you've come all this way, you shouldn't leave without some tea at least. . ." Zhou Yu invited cordially sensing Zhang He's apprehension. Lu Bu looked at him with scrunched eyebrows.
"I suppose. . . You can tell me what happened there. . ." He said. Sima Yi quietly asked one of the maids to bring some tea to the banquet room, where Zhang He was leading Lu Bu, Zhou Yu, Zhang Liao and Sun Ce. He knew Zhou Yu invited Lu Bu to stay to make it seem like they had nothing to hide, but he would have felt much better if this savage warrior was gone. As soon as everyone, including Sima Yi who had returned as fast as he could, was seating on cushions around a low table, Lu Bu spoke.
"So, she got away from you too?" Lu Bu asked in a friendlier manner. Zhang He nodded solemnly.
"I am quite disappointed, to tell the truth. She was such a lovely girl, and ever so kind as well. I'll admit I was quite taken with her." Zhang He laughed as calmly as he felt fit. "But I suppose she may have escaped to find you. She talked about you all the time. She used to say 'One day Lu Bu will come back for me . . . Then I shall be happy again.' She used to say that all the time. . ." Zhang He said in a tone of faux nostalgia. Lu Bu made a tiny breathing sound that Zhang He assumed was a laugh.
"That sounds like her . . ." The maid arrived and set down steaming cups of the pale green tea. Zhang He picked his up and sipped it warily. The sooner he's out, the better . . . He thought. "That girl can fight, believe it or not. I always say a woman ten times better if she can destroy your rivals." Sun Ce laughed.
"I agree!" He said in his usual tone. So what about that Dong Zhou guy? Wasn't Diao Chan his mistress?" Sun Ce asked. Lu Bu expression darkened.
"I've left his forces for good. I want Diao Chan for myself but that Pig is being stubborn again. I never liked him, anyway . . ." Lu Bu spat. Sun Ce was hesitant for a moment.
"Well, good for you! Here's to independence and taking what you want!" Sun Ce cheered, raising his glass. Lu Bu laughed heartily and they clinked glasses.
"I like you, what's your name?" Lu Bu asked Sun Ce.
"I am Sun Ce, son of Sun Jian, former second in command to the kingdom of Wu, presently the vise commander to the kingdom of Shi." Sun Ce announced, smiling broadly and puffing out his chest. "They also know me as the Little Conqueror . . ." Sun Ce added smugly, fingering his little beard, as he so liked to do when bragging. Lu Bu bowed his head a tiny bit.
"You have potential to become a very great warrior." Lu Bu complimented.
"I'd say them same for you, but your already a greater warrior than I'll ever be!" Sun Ce laughed. Lu Bu joined him for a few seconds then drained the tea out of the cup with one swig.
"Well, it's nice to have met someone such as yourself, Sun Ce. Thanks for the information, Zhang He, I suppose I'll have to begin my hunt again, eh?" He gave Zhang He and 'gentle' punch on the shoulder and stood.
"Let us see you to the gate." Zhou Yu politely offered.
It was now shortly after dark and the stars were just starting to show themselves in the dark lavender sky. Lu Bu, the four brothers, and Zhang Liao walked to the massive wooden gate. Zhang He started feeling relieved; it was almost over! Lu Bu looked up into the sky for a moment and smiled.
"It's too bad Diao Chan is so disobedient, I was looking forward to seeing her tonight. . ." Lu Bu said, taking a few steps forward as the gate rose.
"I know what you mean," Sun Ce said, sounding at ease around this vicious killer. "She fought almost as hard as my sister when we put her in the store room to hide fro-" Sun Ce stopped suddenly and clapped both hands over his mouth as Zhou Yu fist collided with the back of his head but a moment too late. Everyone stopped and looked at Lu Bu who had frozen in place. He turned around suddenly, his face livid. Sima Yi made a small whimpering sound as the giant man pounded over and grabbed Sun Ce by the scruff of his neck.
"What was that?" He asked, his voice husky and dangerous.
"Y-you mean the part about my s-sister . . .?" Sun Ce asked, smiling hopelessly. Lu Bu suddenly roared and threw Sun Ce to the ground. He whipped the magnificent pike from his back and twirled it around menacingly. Zhang He put his guard up suddenly and Zhang Liao brought out his spear beside him.
"WHERE IS SHE!?" Lu Bu snarled, pointing the sharp end of his weapon at Sun Ce's throat. Sun Ce laughed maniacally and screeched as Lu Bu reared back and thrust, but Sima Yi smack the back of Lu Bu's head just in time, leaving only a tiny laceration on Sun Ce's neck. Lu Bu wheeled around and glared the diminutive Sima Yi straight in the eye. He gazed back for a moment, hypnotized with fear, then took off running at once, yelling pathetically as he tried to escape. Lu Bu followed, then Sun Ce, Zhang He, Zhang Liao and Zhou Yu bringing up the rear. Lu Bu caught up with Sima Yi and grabbed him round the neck and hoisted him up in the air so they were eye-level. Sima Yi choked and gagged, his eyes closing as he gasped for breath. He struggled violently, his exquisite hat falling off revealing his curtain of black hair. Zhang He stopped feeling the sweat bead on his forehead.
Lu Bu turned, Holding Sima Yi's neck between his massive fists, looking like a mischievous child who caught an injured bird and was deciding whether to murder it or not. Zhang He's chest heaved as he watched Sima Yi fight for his life at the mercy of a heartless lout such as Lu Bu.
"Stop! Please stop!" Zhang He pleaded, disregarding his pride in panic. Lu Bu only smiled. The muscles in Lu Bu's hands contracted and Sima Yi's mouth opened very wide as he gasped for only a tiny amount of air to keep him alive. His arms feel limp at his sides as Sun Ce rushed forward, swinging his Tonfas madly and yelling.
"Don't move!" Lu Bu commanded harshly, "I'll break his neck!" Sun Ce stepped back, his teeth bared. "Where is she? Which building?" Lu Bu raged, shaking Sima Yi a bit.
"Over there!!" Zhang He said desperately, pointing at the locked storeroom. "Now, PLEASE! LET HIM GO!" Zhang He begged frantically. Lu Bu's mouth formed a thin smile and violently threw Sima Yi to the hard ground below. He gasped horribly and brought his knees to his chest quivering all over. Zhou Yu ran to his side and put a hand on his back and helped him into a kneeling position. Sima Yi coughed raggedly, grasping his throat and resting on Zhou Yu's shoulder as Lu Bu marched triumphantly over to the storeroom. He looked at the iron lock for few moments and with one cleaned swipe and a clanging sound it was lying on the floor and the hinge was broken. Lu Bu fiercely ripped the door open and a few high-pitched screams were heard. Without thinking, Zhang He charged forward and slashed at Lu Bu's back and few scratches appeared on his golden armor. Lu Bu, however, took no notice of Zhang He's attempt and bee lined straight into the dark storeroom.
"NOOO!!" Shrieked Diao Chan's frightened voice and some scuffling was heard. Suddenly Zhou Yu launched forward along with Zhang Liao and Sun Ce, then jumped on Lu Bu and began attacking nonstop. Zhang He knew he had to act fast.
He raced inside and in a spilt second located Diao Chan and picked her up.
"Come on!" He yelled to the others and the all got up, avoiding as best they could Lu Bu's raging attempts to get the three warriors off him. Zhang He blasted out of the room, his legs carrying him faster than they had ever done before. He knew the others were far behind, but Diao Chan was the one in the most danger right now. She held the fabric on Zhang He's shirt tightly within her hand and hid her face in his chest. He could feel her trembling all over. "Don't worry, Diao Chan, it'll be all right, I promise." He said while panting.
"Zhang He!" Called Sun Shang Xiang some fifteen feet behind him. "Help!" Zhang He looked back for a moment and saw Lu Bu coming up at full speed behind Sun Shang Xiang. He had his pike outstretched horizontally and was looking directly at the tiny woman in front of him. Zhang He knew what was coming and he had to stop in his sickness. Lu Bu was no right beside Sun Shang Xiang and bringing back his pike to strike.
"NO!" Zhang He bellowed, but instead of slashing, Lu Bu bashed the blunt end directing on her forehead. She immediately stopped running and crumpled to the ground. "Sun Shang Xiang!" He looked back and noticed the fallen forms of Zhen Ji and the Qiao sisters, all lying by each other. Zhang He was frozen for a moment and completely forgot about Lu Bu . . . That is until he spoke.
"Zhang He!" He roared, planting his pike by his foot. Zhang He looked directly into his fiery eyes, his confidence draining away. "I'll give you one chance to keep you and your friends lives. You give me these fives girls, and I'll leave for good and never return. I can guarantee they will not die in my possession.
"Never!" Zhang He snarled back, running off again. Suddenly, Mitsuko, Zhou Tai and a number of other officers came racing around the bend and charged Lu Bu. Zhou Yu, leading the others, including Sima Yi who was still holding his neck, but holding his Dark Feather nonetheless. Good thought Zhang He Backup . . . He ran quickly by the approaching team, not looking back even for a second. For a moment he thought he might just escape, but this was a moment he would regret for his entire life. He was leaning for ward just a bit too much and his foot slipped on the wet grass, sending him tumbling forward. He knew he had to throw Diao Chan as far away as he could because he knew she get stabbed by the Talons if he didn't. He succeeded in keeping her safe, save a few minor bruises, but in result the Talon collided with the right side of his face. It made one giant mark on his face, creating a horrible gash coming down from a few inches below and ending right in the middle of his cheek. When he fell onto his chest the metal protruded forward into his skin, the metal point of the Talon pierced right through his cheek and into his mouth. He howled in pain and didn't dare move for fear of more injury. He felt his hot tears drip down and put salt into the already excruciating gash. A great dealing of blood and saliva dripped from his mouth and onto the grass in front of him. He yelled and screamed which was the only way of expressing the searing pain.
"Zhang He! Oh no . . . Oh no . . ." He heard Diao Chan yell and felt her hands on his chest.
Suddenly he felt fingers on the tender side of his mauled face. He whimpered in pain as they slowly extracted the cruel metal. He opened his eyes and saw Sima Yi carefully removing his over shirt and placing it over Zhang He's wound. Only a few feet away Zhou Yu and the rest of the able officers were battling against Lu Bu, and so far, nobody was winning. Whenever someone would get hurt a bit they'd retreat and sit by Zhang He, nursing their injuries.
Soon, the battle was reduced to Zhou Yu, Sun Ce, and Zhou Tai versus Lu Bu, who was not weakening in the slightest. Zhang He could only watch, stunned that his perfect face had been marred in such an awful way. Suddenly Zhou Yu was knocked viciously backwards and Lu Bu made a charge for Diao, roaring ferociously. Zhang He snapped back to reality at once and leaped onto his feet, brandishing the angry Talons. Zhang He managed to connect a hit and ripped off the armor on Lu Bu's chest, making him vulnerable. Lu Bu was wrenched to the floor and Zhang He craned over his back, dripping blood on Lu Bu. Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were back and Zhou Tai was making his way over. Lu Bu heaved his mighty body up and was instantly back on his feet.
"Diao Chan is mine . . ." Zhang He warned, splaying his Talons forward.
"You're a fool. The only one that can give her to anyone is her father, and I've already got his consent. She lawfully belongs to me." Lu Bu growled dangerously.
"Not if you're dead!" Zhang He bellowed, jumping up and performed a downward slash. Lu Bu blocked it with his pike and countered Zhou Tai's slash with the blunt end of his pike, Denting Zhou Tai's helmet and knocking him out cold. Zhou Yu bared his teeth and used all the strength he had in him to escape with his father's body.
Now it was Sun Ce and Zhang He against Lu Bu. Things weren't looking good. All the rumors Zhang He had heard about Lu Bu were true. Sun Ce jumped onto Lu Bu back and beat him over the head with one Tonfa and bashed his stomach with the other. Lu Bu was unfazed by the assault. He just threw Sun Ce off and flipped around, pointing the tip of his razor-sharp pike right at Sun Ce's throat. This seemed to be his signature move, as Zhang He learned later on, he loved killing his enemies and respected rivals this way.
"As I said before, Sun Ce, you are a good warrior, it would be a waste to destroy you in such a pathetic way. Perhaps you'll listen to reason . . . Join me and I'll spare your life." Lu Bu said arrogantly. "And don't think about taking even one step, Zhang He. That will just get him killed faster."
Zhang He bared his teeth, wishing this whole ordeal never had come about. Sun Ce looked frozen and Zhang He could see that behind his eyes furious decision weighing was occurring. Death or betrayal? What would he do? Fortunately, he would never have to make this decision because a voice rang out for behind Zhang He.
"Lu Bu!" It said. Zhang He turned to see Diao Chan standing, holding her maces in each hand, the light of the newly risen moon shining behind her. "I am your true opponent. Face me!" Lu Bu stared at her, looking dumbstruck.
"But Diao Chan . . ." He said, sounding hurt.
"Obviously you don't want to make the first move." Diao Chan said strongly. Zhang He could tell she was frightened, but she did her best to appear confident. "Allow me!" She moved with the speed of a fleeing dragonfly right up to Lu Bu and slammed her first mace into Lu Bu's gut. This probably had caught him off-guard and he reeled back precariously.
"Diao Chan? What are you doing?" He asked, still sounding hurt.
"Dueling! I don't like you, Lu Bu, and I never did. My whole purpose with Dong Zhou was to kill you and the pig-dog tyrant. I hoped you would do it for me, but no such luck. Now fight me!" She spat, showing a side of herself Zhang He had rarely seen. He supposed the seething hatred that had bubbled up inside of her thought her awful trials with Lu Bu finally boiled over.
"Diao Chan! No!" Lu Bu begged. "This isn't you! Diao Chan ignored his last comment and went for a blow to the head which didn't affect him more than Sun Ce's attempt. She kicked him viciously in the shins and beat him up and down his body, but he didn't seem to care. Lu Bu just stood, looking broken hearted.
Zhang He saw his chance. Though he was feeling quite dizzy from blood loss he pulled himself forward and slashed across Lu Bu's chest. It made tear marks similar to that of a cat's claws on Lu Bu's chest and he bellowed in pain. Suddenly, the old Lu Bu Zhang He knew and feared had returned.
"I don't care if you hate me! I'll take you anyway! After I'm done slaughtering every last one of these bastards. He took up his pike and slashed across Zhang He stomach, sending him to the ground. Zhang He clutched his injury, scared to look down incase his entrails were exposed through the laceration. He soon fainted from the mixture of shock, fear, and bleeding. The last this he remembered hearing was Diao Chan's shriek for help.
He awoke some hours later with his brother's voice ringing in his ears. He wasn't exactly listening to Zhang Liao, but he could hear the gentle hum of his voice somewhere above him. He opened his tired eyes, feeling heavy and unpleasant.
"Oh, he's awake, Zhou Yu!" He heard Zhang Liao say.
"W-what's going on?" Zhang He asked. He still tasted blood in his mouth and felt his face with his hands. It had been bandaged and cleaned so that there was no longer streak of blood dripping down his face. Infact it didn't feel like it had bled at all.
"You've been asleep for a while, little brother. This whole place has been in chaos. Zhou Yu and I are among the only ones who haven't gotten injured.
"Is Lu Bu dead? Did someone get him?" Zhang He feeling drowsy and drunk. Zhang Liao looked over at Zhou Yu solemnly.
"No he escaped after setting our camp on fire. Taishi Ci and Huang Gai were killed and everyone else received injuries that are no better than yours. We're still wondering if Mitsuko will live through the night." Zhou Yu said.
"No!" Zhang he yelled, sitting up violently. As soon as he did, he wished he hadn't for he felt a rush of blinding pain hit his stomach.
"Idiot!" Zhang Liao said, helping him back down gently. "You're going to kill yourself! You're supposed to be resting." He scolded fiercely.
"Fine, I'm resting." Zhang He said bitterly. "How's everyone else? Sun Ce? Sima Yi?"
"Sun Ce got a pretty bad slash on his arm and Sima Yi had a head injury. Mitsuko was stabbed right through her shoulder. Their taking monitoring her constantly, so there's still a good chance she'll live. Gan Ning lost the tip of his index finger and has bruised stomach, Huang Zhong escaped unscathed, Sun Quan broke his arm, Lu Meng had some minor wounds, and Lu Xun basically got beaten to a bloody pulp. . ." Zhang Liao said unhappily.
"No! This isn't possible! B-but none of the girls were injured? Diao Chan's alright, isn't she? What about Sun Shang Xiang?" He asked, feeling miserable.
"Zhang He . . . Before Lu Bu left he took them all with him. Zhen Ji, Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao, Sun Shang Xiang . . . and Diao Chan."
chapter, I promise ^-^! Have fun, kids!
Enjoy!
Part Three
Romance of the Four Leaders
Chapter 42
Fire and Night
The mountain of a man took to strong steps forward, peering around the camp while squinting fiercely. Zhang He calmed his worries thoughts and stepped towards the looming silhouette. When he got close enough to see Lu Bu's facial expression it was a ferocious scowl.
"G-greetings, respected general, Lu Bu," Zhang He said with a nervous bow. He didn't bow very low because he was afraid Lu Bu might strike while his guard was down. "We welcome you to the Shi camp!" Lu Bu snorted.
"Enough of the formalities. Where's my Diao Chan?" He asked gruffly, blasting into the camp and turning his thick neck each and every way, looking around for Diao Chan. Zhang He cleared his throat nervously as Sima Yi inched carefully away from the very tall man and somehow managed to hide behind Sun Ce.
"Well, we have some troubling news about that . . ." Zhang He stated as delicately as possible. Nonetheless, Lu Bu turned swiftly on his heel and stared Zhang He right in the eye. Zhang He cleared his throat again and looked at his shoes. "Yes, um, it is with great sadness that I inform you the Lady Diao Chan escaped from our forces many months ago. We in fact, did have her here at one period in time, but we are uncertain of her whereabouts at the moment." Zhang He finished, wiping the thin layer of perspiration of his forehead. Lu Bu squinted harshly, his lips curling up as he weighed the answer in his mind. He grunted once or twice, and then put his hand to his chin.
"Perhaps you'd like a bit of ocha tea, General? It's very good, and since you've come all this way, you shouldn't leave without some tea at least. . ." Zhou Yu invited cordially sensing Zhang He's apprehension. Lu Bu looked at him with scrunched eyebrows.
"I suppose. . . You can tell me what happened there. . ." He said. Sima Yi quietly asked one of the maids to bring some tea to the banquet room, where Zhang He was leading Lu Bu, Zhou Yu, Zhang Liao and Sun Ce. He knew Zhou Yu invited Lu Bu to stay to make it seem like they had nothing to hide, but he would have felt much better if this savage warrior was gone. As soon as everyone, including Sima Yi who had returned as fast as he could, was seating on cushions around a low table, Lu Bu spoke.
"So, she got away from you too?" Lu Bu asked in a friendlier manner. Zhang He nodded solemnly.
"I am quite disappointed, to tell the truth. She was such a lovely girl, and ever so kind as well. I'll admit I was quite taken with her." Zhang He laughed as calmly as he felt fit. "But I suppose she may have escaped to find you. She talked about you all the time. She used to say 'One day Lu Bu will come back for me . . . Then I shall be happy again.' She used to say that all the time. . ." Zhang He said in a tone of faux nostalgia. Lu Bu made a tiny breathing sound that Zhang He assumed was a laugh.
"That sounds like her . . ." The maid arrived and set down steaming cups of the pale green tea. Zhang He picked his up and sipped it warily. The sooner he's out, the better . . . He thought. "That girl can fight, believe it or not. I always say a woman ten times better if she can destroy your rivals." Sun Ce laughed.
"I agree!" He said in his usual tone. So what about that Dong Zhou guy? Wasn't Diao Chan his mistress?" Sun Ce asked. Lu Bu expression darkened.
"I've left his forces for good. I want Diao Chan for myself but that Pig is being stubborn again. I never liked him, anyway . . ." Lu Bu spat. Sun Ce was hesitant for a moment.
"Well, good for you! Here's to independence and taking what you want!" Sun Ce cheered, raising his glass. Lu Bu laughed heartily and they clinked glasses.
"I like you, what's your name?" Lu Bu asked Sun Ce.
"I am Sun Ce, son of Sun Jian, former second in command to the kingdom of Wu, presently the vise commander to the kingdom of Shi." Sun Ce announced, smiling broadly and puffing out his chest. "They also know me as the Little Conqueror . . ." Sun Ce added smugly, fingering his little beard, as he so liked to do when bragging. Lu Bu bowed his head a tiny bit.
"You have potential to become a very great warrior." Lu Bu complimented.
"I'd say them same for you, but your already a greater warrior than I'll ever be!" Sun Ce laughed. Lu Bu joined him for a few seconds then drained the tea out of the cup with one swig.
"Well, it's nice to have met someone such as yourself, Sun Ce. Thanks for the information, Zhang He, I suppose I'll have to begin my hunt again, eh?" He gave Zhang He and 'gentle' punch on the shoulder and stood.
"Let us see you to the gate." Zhou Yu politely offered.
It was now shortly after dark and the stars were just starting to show themselves in the dark lavender sky. Lu Bu, the four brothers, and Zhang Liao walked to the massive wooden gate. Zhang He started feeling relieved; it was almost over! Lu Bu looked up into the sky for a moment and smiled.
"It's too bad Diao Chan is so disobedient, I was looking forward to seeing her tonight. . ." Lu Bu said, taking a few steps forward as the gate rose.
"I know what you mean," Sun Ce said, sounding at ease around this vicious killer. "She fought almost as hard as my sister when we put her in the store room to hide fro-" Sun Ce stopped suddenly and clapped both hands over his mouth as Zhou Yu fist collided with the back of his head but a moment too late. Everyone stopped and looked at Lu Bu who had frozen in place. He turned around suddenly, his face livid. Sima Yi made a small whimpering sound as the giant man pounded over and grabbed Sun Ce by the scruff of his neck.
"What was that?" He asked, his voice husky and dangerous.
"Y-you mean the part about my s-sister . . .?" Sun Ce asked, smiling hopelessly. Lu Bu suddenly roared and threw Sun Ce to the ground. He whipped the magnificent pike from his back and twirled it around menacingly. Zhang He put his guard up suddenly and Zhang Liao brought out his spear beside him.
"WHERE IS SHE!?" Lu Bu snarled, pointing the sharp end of his weapon at Sun Ce's throat. Sun Ce laughed maniacally and screeched as Lu Bu reared back and thrust, but Sima Yi smack the back of Lu Bu's head just in time, leaving only a tiny laceration on Sun Ce's neck. Lu Bu wheeled around and glared the diminutive Sima Yi straight in the eye. He gazed back for a moment, hypnotized with fear, then took off running at once, yelling pathetically as he tried to escape. Lu Bu followed, then Sun Ce, Zhang He, Zhang Liao and Zhou Yu bringing up the rear. Lu Bu caught up with Sima Yi and grabbed him round the neck and hoisted him up in the air so they were eye-level. Sima Yi choked and gagged, his eyes closing as he gasped for breath. He struggled violently, his exquisite hat falling off revealing his curtain of black hair. Zhang He stopped feeling the sweat bead on his forehead.
Lu Bu turned, Holding Sima Yi's neck between his massive fists, looking like a mischievous child who caught an injured bird and was deciding whether to murder it or not. Zhang He's chest heaved as he watched Sima Yi fight for his life at the mercy of a heartless lout such as Lu Bu.
"Stop! Please stop!" Zhang He pleaded, disregarding his pride in panic. Lu Bu only smiled. The muscles in Lu Bu's hands contracted and Sima Yi's mouth opened very wide as he gasped for only a tiny amount of air to keep him alive. His arms feel limp at his sides as Sun Ce rushed forward, swinging his Tonfas madly and yelling.
"Don't move!" Lu Bu commanded harshly, "I'll break his neck!" Sun Ce stepped back, his teeth bared. "Where is she? Which building?" Lu Bu raged, shaking Sima Yi a bit.
"Over there!!" Zhang He said desperately, pointing at the locked storeroom. "Now, PLEASE! LET HIM GO!" Zhang He begged frantically. Lu Bu's mouth formed a thin smile and violently threw Sima Yi to the hard ground below. He gasped horribly and brought his knees to his chest quivering all over. Zhou Yu ran to his side and put a hand on his back and helped him into a kneeling position. Sima Yi coughed raggedly, grasping his throat and resting on Zhou Yu's shoulder as Lu Bu marched triumphantly over to the storeroom. He looked at the iron lock for few moments and with one cleaned swipe and a clanging sound it was lying on the floor and the hinge was broken. Lu Bu fiercely ripped the door open and a few high-pitched screams were heard. Without thinking, Zhang He charged forward and slashed at Lu Bu's back and few scratches appeared on his golden armor. Lu Bu, however, took no notice of Zhang He's attempt and bee lined straight into the dark storeroom.
"NOOO!!" Shrieked Diao Chan's frightened voice and some scuffling was heard. Suddenly Zhou Yu launched forward along with Zhang Liao and Sun Ce, then jumped on Lu Bu and began attacking nonstop. Zhang He knew he had to act fast.
He raced inside and in a spilt second located Diao Chan and picked her up.
"Come on!" He yelled to the others and the all got up, avoiding as best they could Lu Bu's raging attempts to get the three warriors off him. Zhang He blasted out of the room, his legs carrying him faster than they had ever done before. He knew the others were far behind, but Diao Chan was the one in the most danger right now. She held the fabric on Zhang He's shirt tightly within her hand and hid her face in his chest. He could feel her trembling all over. "Don't worry, Diao Chan, it'll be all right, I promise." He said while panting.
"Zhang He!" Called Sun Shang Xiang some fifteen feet behind him. "Help!" Zhang He looked back for a moment and saw Lu Bu coming up at full speed behind Sun Shang Xiang. He had his pike outstretched horizontally and was looking directly at the tiny woman in front of him. Zhang He knew what was coming and he had to stop in his sickness. Lu Bu was no right beside Sun Shang Xiang and bringing back his pike to strike.
"NO!" Zhang He bellowed, but instead of slashing, Lu Bu bashed the blunt end directing on her forehead. She immediately stopped running and crumpled to the ground. "Sun Shang Xiang!" He looked back and noticed the fallen forms of Zhen Ji and the Qiao sisters, all lying by each other. Zhang He was frozen for a moment and completely forgot about Lu Bu . . . That is until he spoke.
"Zhang He!" He roared, planting his pike by his foot. Zhang He looked directly into his fiery eyes, his confidence draining away. "I'll give you one chance to keep you and your friends lives. You give me these fives girls, and I'll leave for good and never return. I can guarantee they will not die in my possession.
"Never!" Zhang He snarled back, running off again. Suddenly, Mitsuko, Zhou Tai and a number of other officers came racing around the bend and charged Lu Bu. Zhou Yu, leading the others, including Sima Yi who was still holding his neck, but holding his Dark Feather nonetheless. Good thought Zhang He Backup . . . He ran quickly by the approaching team, not looking back even for a second. For a moment he thought he might just escape, but this was a moment he would regret for his entire life. He was leaning for ward just a bit too much and his foot slipped on the wet grass, sending him tumbling forward. He knew he had to throw Diao Chan as far away as he could because he knew she get stabbed by the Talons if he didn't. He succeeded in keeping her safe, save a few minor bruises, but in result the Talon collided with the right side of his face. It made one giant mark on his face, creating a horrible gash coming down from a few inches below and ending right in the middle of his cheek. When he fell onto his chest the metal protruded forward into his skin, the metal point of the Talon pierced right through his cheek and into his mouth. He howled in pain and didn't dare move for fear of more injury. He felt his hot tears drip down and put salt into the already excruciating gash. A great dealing of blood and saliva dripped from his mouth and onto the grass in front of him. He yelled and screamed which was the only way of expressing the searing pain.
"Zhang He! Oh no . . . Oh no . . ." He heard Diao Chan yell and felt her hands on his chest.
Suddenly he felt fingers on the tender side of his mauled face. He whimpered in pain as they slowly extracted the cruel metal. He opened his eyes and saw Sima Yi carefully removing his over shirt and placing it over Zhang He's wound. Only a few feet away Zhou Yu and the rest of the able officers were battling against Lu Bu, and so far, nobody was winning. Whenever someone would get hurt a bit they'd retreat and sit by Zhang He, nursing their injuries.
Soon, the battle was reduced to Zhou Yu, Sun Ce, and Zhou Tai versus Lu Bu, who was not weakening in the slightest. Zhang He could only watch, stunned that his perfect face had been marred in such an awful way. Suddenly Zhou Yu was knocked viciously backwards and Lu Bu made a charge for Diao, roaring ferociously. Zhang He snapped back to reality at once and leaped onto his feet, brandishing the angry Talons. Zhang He managed to connect a hit and ripped off the armor on Lu Bu's chest, making him vulnerable. Lu Bu was wrenched to the floor and Zhang He craned over his back, dripping blood on Lu Bu. Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were back and Zhou Tai was making his way over. Lu Bu heaved his mighty body up and was instantly back on his feet.
"Diao Chan is mine . . ." Zhang He warned, splaying his Talons forward.
"You're a fool. The only one that can give her to anyone is her father, and I've already got his consent. She lawfully belongs to me." Lu Bu growled dangerously.
"Not if you're dead!" Zhang He bellowed, jumping up and performed a downward slash. Lu Bu blocked it with his pike and countered Zhou Tai's slash with the blunt end of his pike, Denting Zhou Tai's helmet and knocking him out cold. Zhou Yu bared his teeth and used all the strength he had in him to escape with his father's body.
Now it was Sun Ce and Zhang He against Lu Bu. Things weren't looking good. All the rumors Zhang He had heard about Lu Bu were true. Sun Ce jumped onto Lu Bu back and beat him over the head with one Tonfa and bashed his stomach with the other. Lu Bu was unfazed by the assault. He just threw Sun Ce off and flipped around, pointing the tip of his razor-sharp pike right at Sun Ce's throat. This seemed to be his signature move, as Zhang He learned later on, he loved killing his enemies and respected rivals this way.
"As I said before, Sun Ce, you are a good warrior, it would be a waste to destroy you in such a pathetic way. Perhaps you'll listen to reason . . . Join me and I'll spare your life." Lu Bu said arrogantly. "And don't think about taking even one step, Zhang He. That will just get him killed faster."
Zhang He bared his teeth, wishing this whole ordeal never had come about. Sun Ce looked frozen and Zhang He could see that behind his eyes furious decision weighing was occurring. Death or betrayal? What would he do? Fortunately, he would never have to make this decision because a voice rang out for behind Zhang He.
"Lu Bu!" It said. Zhang He turned to see Diao Chan standing, holding her maces in each hand, the light of the newly risen moon shining behind her. "I am your true opponent. Face me!" Lu Bu stared at her, looking dumbstruck.
"But Diao Chan . . ." He said, sounding hurt.
"Obviously you don't want to make the first move." Diao Chan said strongly. Zhang He could tell she was frightened, but she did her best to appear confident. "Allow me!" She moved with the speed of a fleeing dragonfly right up to Lu Bu and slammed her first mace into Lu Bu's gut. This probably had caught him off-guard and he reeled back precariously.
"Diao Chan? What are you doing?" He asked, still sounding hurt.
"Dueling! I don't like you, Lu Bu, and I never did. My whole purpose with Dong Zhou was to kill you and the pig-dog tyrant. I hoped you would do it for me, but no such luck. Now fight me!" She spat, showing a side of herself Zhang He had rarely seen. He supposed the seething hatred that had bubbled up inside of her thought her awful trials with Lu Bu finally boiled over.
"Diao Chan! No!" Lu Bu begged. "This isn't you! Diao Chan ignored his last comment and went for a blow to the head which didn't affect him more than Sun Ce's attempt. She kicked him viciously in the shins and beat him up and down his body, but he didn't seem to care. Lu Bu just stood, looking broken hearted.
Zhang He saw his chance. Though he was feeling quite dizzy from blood loss he pulled himself forward and slashed across Lu Bu's chest. It made tear marks similar to that of a cat's claws on Lu Bu's chest and he bellowed in pain. Suddenly, the old Lu Bu Zhang He knew and feared had returned.
"I don't care if you hate me! I'll take you anyway! After I'm done slaughtering every last one of these bastards. He took up his pike and slashed across Zhang He stomach, sending him to the ground. Zhang He clutched his injury, scared to look down incase his entrails were exposed through the laceration. He soon fainted from the mixture of shock, fear, and bleeding. The last this he remembered hearing was Diao Chan's shriek for help.
He awoke some hours later with his brother's voice ringing in his ears. He wasn't exactly listening to Zhang Liao, but he could hear the gentle hum of his voice somewhere above him. He opened his tired eyes, feeling heavy and unpleasant.
"Oh, he's awake, Zhou Yu!" He heard Zhang Liao say.
"W-what's going on?" Zhang He asked. He still tasted blood in his mouth and felt his face with his hands. It had been bandaged and cleaned so that there was no longer streak of blood dripping down his face. Infact it didn't feel like it had bled at all.
"You've been asleep for a while, little brother. This whole place has been in chaos. Zhou Yu and I are among the only ones who haven't gotten injured.
"Is Lu Bu dead? Did someone get him?" Zhang He feeling drowsy and drunk. Zhang Liao looked over at Zhou Yu solemnly.
"No he escaped after setting our camp on fire. Taishi Ci and Huang Gai were killed and everyone else received injuries that are no better than yours. We're still wondering if Mitsuko will live through the night." Zhou Yu said.
"No!" Zhang he yelled, sitting up violently. As soon as he did, he wished he hadn't for he felt a rush of blinding pain hit his stomach.
"Idiot!" Zhang Liao said, helping him back down gently. "You're going to kill yourself! You're supposed to be resting." He scolded fiercely.
"Fine, I'm resting." Zhang He said bitterly. "How's everyone else? Sun Ce? Sima Yi?"
"Sun Ce got a pretty bad slash on his arm and Sima Yi had a head injury. Mitsuko was stabbed right through her shoulder. Their taking monitoring her constantly, so there's still a good chance she'll live. Gan Ning lost the tip of his index finger and has bruised stomach, Huang Zhong escaped unscathed, Sun Quan broke his arm, Lu Meng had some minor wounds, and Lu Xun basically got beaten to a bloody pulp. . ." Zhang Liao said unhappily.
"No! This isn't possible! B-but none of the girls were injured? Diao Chan's alright, isn't she? What about Sun Shang Xiang?" He asked, feeling miserable.
"Zhang He . . . Before Lu Bu left he took them all with him. Zhen Ji, Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao, Sun Shang Xiang . . . and Diao Chan."