Author's Note: Sorry, it's a short one. I guess you can figure out I
don't like Liu Bei much lol. More to come soon, friends. He's in the next
one, Petta
Enjoy
Part 4
Fall of the Flaming God
Chapter 47
Carried Away by Shadows
"I don't see why we can't kill him!" Sima Yi raged after Zhuge Liang had been successfully patched up and sent to bed. "He's evil! PURE EVIL!"
"Young people . . ." Scoffed Sima Hua viciously. "They think they know everything. . ."
"I DON'T think I know everything, I KNOW I know a lot of things, and one of those things is that Zhuge Liang is out FOR MY BLOOD!"
"Quiet down. . ." Sima Hua hissed, sounding perturbed.
"It's a trap, I'm telling you!" Sima Yi yelled looking from one face to another. "Why don't you believe me?"
"Because, Sima Yi, what kind of leader would injure their own officer to set up a trap?" Zhang He asked. Sima Yi's brain worked for a few seconds.
"He isn't really injured! I bet he's using another one of his illusions!" Sima Yi stamped. Zhang He could see tree forming in his eyes and frailness on his voice. "You've got to believe me!"
"Yi, he's just lying there sleeping. We have guards all over the place, they'll tell us if something's up." Sun Shang Xiang soothed, stroking Sima Yi's hand gently.
"He's a master of illusions . . . We're all killing ourselves . . . Don't blame me when your all dead!" Sima Yi raged, flustering out the entrance into the growing darkness outside. Sun Shang Xiang looked worried, but Zhang He grabbed her shoulder.
"Don't worry. He's just nervous; he'll be back before you know it . . ." He let her know. She nodded solemnly and went up to the room her and her husband shared. The other looked at one another.
"I'll go watch him just incase he tries something . . ." Zhang He said, shrugging then walking down the hall with Diao Chan. He went into the infirmary, holding Diao Chan's hand in his and sighing. Looks like it's going to be another long night, he thought.
And it was. Zhuge Liang, doing nothing but lightly snore for some time, looked and acted as peaceful as a lamb. Zhang He spent long hours with Diao Chan asleep on his should, staring at Zhuge Liang, waiting for some movement. He heard Sima Yi clamor in through the door some time after midnight then watched his silhouette through the open door. He decided not to talk to him, lest he might get upset again. Eventually, he fell asleep, but there were no consequences (unless you count a stiff neck and sore back).
Later they all went to the funeral, all returning with heavy hearts. A man working for them informed them Zhuge Liang had awoken and been cleaned up and requested their presence at once, and that the matter was utmost importance. All of them, including Sima Hua (mainly to restrain Sima Yi) filed in a sat by Zhuge Liang.
"Thank you very much for your kindness . . ." He said in a soft voice that sounded tired and placid. "But I must ask you listen to me for a while. I need to explain why I have come to you, and why you have to wrong idea about me. . ." He asked while looking at the white sheets, a worry line in his brow and sadness in his eyes.
"Give me one good reason to, you contemptuous miniscule rodent!" Sima Yi snarled. "It was because of YOU my life was Hell!"
"Please, just listen to me. I know how you must feel, Sima Yi, and I'm dreadfully sorry for what I did, but I had no choice. The lives of the people I love the most were at stake. The person truly at fault is Zhang Fei." Zhuge Liang explained.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! My father? You're not making any sense!" Zhang He said, confused and just a touch angry.
"Will you please let me explain?" They all nodded. "Right then. This whole ordeal started quite some time ago. It was a year or two after I'd been married and Liu Bei and his sworn brothers kept coming to my house, asking for me to be their strategist. On their third visit, I agreed. It sounded harmless enough and pay was good. . . Oh, heavens, was I wrong. . .
At first nothing incriminating showed itself, but Zhang Fei became gradually more controlling and rude to me. Then, about a year and a half ago, Zhang Fei had news from a reliable mystic that you four would alliance and eventually take down the three kingdoms if nothing was done. So he confronted me asking which was the best way to destroy an army before it's struck. I told him take out the brains behind the brawn and you've basically won. Knowing Sima Yi was the smartest of all you, he wanted him dead. But then that's where my spells came in. . . He asked me if I would use a Chi Ku Ta spell and force you to kill yourself, but I refused. I'm a strategist, and I usually like to play fair. . . But he threatened me, and I no choice. This went on for the first few times and after a while I refused. He hurt me so badly, but I dealt with it. Finally, He told me he'd kill my son and wife if I didn't agree, and I had to. I couldn't endanger Yue Ying, she was innocent. So let me apologize for that again, Sima Yi, but I really didn't want my family to be murdered.
"Why didn't you just get help? I'm sure someone would have helped you out . . ." Zhang HE said, feeling a bit confused.
"Zhang Fei had me under watch. He had me constantly followed. Every time I would try, he'd interfere in one way or another." He answered.
"You seemed so malicious when you were possessing me, I simply can't believe this story . . ." Sima Yi retorted, sounding stuck up.
"Wouldn't you have thought it strange if I had seemed apologetic and nice when I was supposed to be the bad guy? Zhang Fei had that taken care of. He knew you could all defeat him easily, so he wanted to identify me as a more immediate danger than himself." Zhuge Liang said with utmost sincerity. He decided that Zhuge Liang was telling the truth. There was no way he could be lying and tell this story with such truthfulness.
"Anyway, Yue Ying, Jiang Wei and I were miserable with this. We hated being continually threatened and bossed around by that evil man. So we planned an escape. I knew that Zhang Fei loved to get drunk, so one night when he was full up on Saké, we three snuck out. As we got half way there, Yue Ying and Jiang Wei got caught, but I only got shot in the arm, I could still keep going. But they have my Yue Ying and my son! Their going to kill them, I know it! I'm here to propose an offer. I'll join your forces as a strategist and give you everything my talents can offer if you save Yue Ying and Jiang Wei and grant us asylum. Don't forget I know all the plans and weaknesses of Shu." Zhuge Liang nearly begged. Everything was silent for a moment. "Please, I beg you. My wife means more to me than anything else in the world. I don't know what I'd do if she died. I'll do anything . . ."
"All right, I accept your offer." Zhang He said critically. "But if this is a trap, you will not be given mercy. And trust me, Sima Yi can think up things worse than death concerning your torture." A thin and frail smile appeared on Zhuge Liang's pale lips.
"Thank you Zhang He, I won't let you down. Let me say I have nothing but the utmost respect for you and your sworn brothers, I always wanted to join Shi." Zhang He nodded and smiled a bit. He was beginning to like Zhuge Liang.
"Zhang He, you're actually going to accept?" Sima Yi breathed in disbelief.
"We could use all the help we can get, and Zhuge Liang is no one to be trifled with. I think he'll prove to be a valuable asset. What did you have in mid for their rescue?"
"Well, I know that Shu is weakening. Their shortest of officers is making them soft, and they want someone to alliance with. I propose you offer false alliance and while you're making plans, we can send someone in to get Yue Ying and Jiang Wei and hide them in our carriages. The you can refuse and slip out, and they won't know that anything happened." Zhuge Liang said surely.
"Alright, seems good enough. We'll start on it tonight and head out the day after tomorrow. Do you think you'll be healed by then?" Zhang He asked.
"I think I'll be well enough to walk and show you where everything is, but they must not see me, if they do, I'll be killed on the spot."
"Right, I'll get someone to the Shi camp to relay the message." Zhang He said standing. Sima Yi was fuming but he said nothing.
Zhang He went to his chief messenger, a skinny man who was a master rider. He told him of the plans and asked him to set out immediately. He gladly agreed and set out. He'd first go to the main Shu camp and request a meeting.
He returned that night, saying that Shu was glad to meet with Shi and the date was planned for the day after tomorrow. Next, he went onto Shi and received two carriages and Mitsuko, incase things got rough.
They departed in the afternoon of the next day. The trip took nearly 10 hours so it was quite late when they reached the destination. Everyone slept inside the carriages, packed together like bushels of hay.
When morning finally came, every tumbled out of the close sleeping quarters and stretched.
"Let's all get ready. Put weapons on under your clothes, just incase . . ." Zhang He warned, concealing a throwing dagger in his robes. When noon rolled around everyone go0t into a formal line and marched down to the Shi fortress. Zhang He waved up to the Gate captain and the entranceway was cleared. Waiting for them here was Liu Bei, Zhang Fei and Guan Yu. Zhang He had some history with all these men. Guan Yu and Liu Bei were the sworn brothers of his father so, naturally, they were like uncles to him.
"Zhang He!" Liu Bei called, arms crossed nicely on his chest. "It's been a long time." Guan Yu gave a smile from behind his enormous beard.
"Guan Yu, Liu Bei." Zhang He greeted bowing a little to both of them as he said their names. Liu Bei had a very gentle face. His eyes were a misty brown and always seemed to remain calm whenever he was talking to someone. Two thin strips of hair fell loose from his hat, which showed the bun in his hair at the top. A well kempt moustache grew from either side of his upper lip. Zhang He thought him funny when he was stressed, as he would breathe "Aiiya . . ." under his breath repeatedly in such a way it sounded like "hhhhhyaaa".
Guan Yu on the other had looked like a barbarian. He was six feet seven inches tall and his eyes blazed. He hair grew long and wild in the back, and so did his beard. His nickname, Beautiful Beard, came from his magnificent facial hair, which reached all the way down to his stomach. He was dressed in a flamboyant array of green and red-orange silks that completely covered his body. His weapon, named Blue Dragon, was a foot taller than he was and weighed nearly a ton. It was a pike with a dragon Etched into the hilt and Guan Yu was famous for it. He was truly one of the greatest warriors ever to live and probably could have crossed blades with Lu Bu.
Zhang He felt bad about tricking them and getting their hopes up, but this was war, and friendships were broken.
"My Lords, I've come to talk about a bargain . . .," Zhang He said, not letting himself change his mind.
"Certainly, certainly, but let us relax a bit first. I'm sure your trip must have been difficult. You can stay here for tonight, you're quite welcome." Liu Bei said cordially.
"Thanks much." Zhang he said automatically, trying to think of an excuse to leave by tonight, but his brain couldn't work one out just then. He was led into a splendid meeting room along with the rest of his officers. They all talked with Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei for a long time, mostly about irreverent things. Zhang He still had a hard time trying to believe that his stupid, drunkard father was what Zhuge Liang described him as. It seemed so unlike him to work out a complex plan such as this, but then again, People surprised you. There was also the possibility Zhuge Liang was leading them into a trap, so Zhang He never let his guard down. The strategist was quite crafty and everything was possible.
After a few hours of mindless conversation, Liu Bei finally decided to get down to business.
"Now, what's this deal you were talking about?" He asked dreamily from behind his tea.
"Well, I think we should have an alliance to wipe out Wei. They are a very powerful force, one not to be reckoned with and I think we, as the underdogs, should band together. We could share everything, spoils and troops losses, fifty-fifty. What do you think? Could you match 30,000 men?" Zhang He said. He'd practiced this particular phrase over and over in his head and finally hearing it made him feel pleased. Liu Bei put his finger to his lips in obvious mock pondering. Everyone knew he wanted this deal more than anything else in the world, but to look too eager would make him look quite undignified. There was also one other problem with this that Zhang He had cleverly thought out. Liu Bei didn't have 30,00 men to begin with. All Zhang He would have to do was refuse when he couldn't match the number and they'd be out of there faster than a wolf after a jack rabbit.
"Well, I'd like to alliance, but I don't think I could put all those men to sacrifice." Bingo, thought Zhang He, exactly how I thought he would answer. It's working out smooth as silk. Just a fancy way of saying we don't have that many.
"Hmmmm. . ." Zhang He acted. "I don't know. I'd have to think about it if you can't match the number of troops . . ." Zhang He snuck a look and saw a sense of desperation behind Liu Bei's expression.
"Well, think about it as long as you want, by all means . . ." Liu Bei said, nonchalantly wiping the sweat from his brow. Zhang He waited for a couple of seconds.
"Will you please excuse me for a moment, my Lord?" He asked.
"Yes, my Lord." Liu Bei said bowing his head. Zhang He bowed back and walked outside.
"Sometimes I even amaze myself . . ." He said to himself with a cocky laugh and headed to the carriage. Inside was Zhuge Liang. He looked alert a ready. Zhang he knew he was covering up for his still-present injuries.
"Are you all right?" Zhang He asked at first. Zhuge Liang nodded readily. "Okay, if you think you can do it. Now, there have been some changes. You get Yue Ying and Jiang Wei into this carriage and then leave. We'll meet you back at this Shi camp. Understand?"
"Yes, my Lord." Zhuge Liang said, a fire burning in his gaze.
"All right, do your best." Zhang He smiled, clenching his fist. Zhuge Liang stepped out and went down to the darker side of the building located at the far east corner. Zhang He casually made his way back to the conference room.
After he was back he sat down at his same spot.
"Liu Bei, I'm going to have to think about think a little more." Zhang He said, watching through the window out of the corner of his eye. "I think me and my officers will take you up on your offer to spend the night," Liu Bei smiled.
"Of course, of course." He said kindly with a gentle grin, "You're welcome as long as you like.
"Thank you very much." Zhang He bowed. The rest of the officers chorused these words as well.
"I'll get a servant to show you some rooms." Liu Bei hummed, calling into the hall. A short man of about twenty-nine took everyone to their rooms without speaking. When Zhang He and Diao Chan were alone, Zhang He finally relaxed.
"I just hope Zhuge Liang got out all right." Zhang He said, noticing one carriage was missing from the rest as he looked out the window.
"Let's rest, Zhang He . . ." Diao Chan sighed a bit peevishly. "You worry way too much . . ."
"I suppose your right . . ." Breathed Zhang He rubbing his temple. "This damn war has turned me into a nervous-" Zhang He stopped again. He suddenly felt a pain in his stomach. It was actually a feeling of extreme hollowness, but it was extremely uncomfortable, making it a sort of ache. Then, with his mind's eye, he saw the silhouette of the Lady in Black floating outside the window. He nearly fell over. "God damn it." He hissed. "Why does this always happen?" Diao Chan stood up.
"Is it the Lady again?" She asked, sounding nervous. Zhang He nodded, his face bloodless.
"Someone's about to die, let's hurry." Zhang He commanded while getting up. Diao Chan nodded and pulled her maces out. Zhang He raced down the hall, clumsily attaching the Talons as he ran.
"What are we supposed to be looking for?" Diao Chan asked breathlessly as she tried to keep up. Then there was a sound of a tiny explosion and some screams. Zhang He looked at her. "Never mind." She smiled and then followed the sounds.
Zhang He heard a distinct and perpetual roar in the distance and smelled smoke. People began rushing towards all the nearest exits and many of the narrow hallways became clogged. Zhang He made sure he saw Sima Yi, Sun Shang Xiang, Zhou Yu, Sun Ce, the Qiaos, Zhang Liao, and Mitsuko leave, then went in search of whatever was making the fuss.
"You sure you want to stay?" He asked Diao Chan over the commotion.
"I'll feel better if I know where you are." She said, trotting closely behind him. He shrugged. "Suit yourself." He walked over to a door and was about to open it when it collapsed before him, spewing a wave of flames. He cried out and leapt back, nearly escaped being burnt to a crisp.
"Someone's started a fire." Diao Chan moaned lightly, the heat and smoke surrounding them. "Let's get out of here, Zhang He, this entire place will collapse!" He nodded and ran along the hall, trying not to breath in the smoke. They ran down the hall until a small exit was in view. They went into a burst of speed but as they got very close Zhang He took notice of a cracking and splintering noise. He braked on his heels and held Diao Chan back just in time to see the roof collapse right down in front of them. It totally block the exit way.
"Hurry, let's find the main entrance." Zhang He directed, feeling adrenaline pulse through him. The twisted through the labyrinth-like corridors wildly, following the way Zhang he seemed to remember. They would have continued on ceaselessly, but Zhang He saw something to make him stop. Guan Yu was dueling with his father and Liu Bei lay, badly burned on the floor beside him.
"You bastard!" Shouted Guan Yu, bringing down Blue Dragon. "You betrayed us! You betrayed your own brothers!" Zhang Fei blocked with some trouble.
"It was all to easy to trick you and roast this place, Guan Yu! I can't believe you didn't see it before!" Zhang Fei spoke with a sober malevolence Zhang He had never heard him use. It was as if his entire life before was an illusion and now he truly had emerged from his disguise.
"Guan Yu!" Zhang He yelled, putting up his Talons. Guan Yu looked back quickly.
"What are you doing, Zhang He? Why don't you get out of here?" He asked, still glaring at Zhang Fei.
"Forget this loser!" Zhang He spat, gesturing towards his father. "Let's get out of here! It's about to collapse!" Guan Yu considered for a moment.
"This isn't over!" He growled at Zhang Fei. He picked up Liu Bei and slung him over his shoulder in one graceful motion, then sped out behind Zhang He and Diao Chan.
"Zhang Fei did all this?" Diao Chan questioned forcefully over the din. Guan Yu nodded grimly and ran onward. Zhang He spotted the main entrance and busted out of it. Once he was safe, he turned back, looking for Diao Chan, She ran out, gasping as the cracking noise sounded once more.
"Hurry, Guan Yu!" Screamed Diao Chan. Guan Yu got halfway out before the ceiling came crashing down on him. He bellowed in pain and squirmed under the smoldering pile of wood. Zhang He ran over and grabbed his hand, tugging his large body forward. Diao Chan joined in. Liu Bei suddenly opened his eyes and cried out at the situation.
"Help us! Help us!" He cried desperately, wiggling his weak body around to no avail. Guan Yu, with a mighty and powerful motion managed to free himself, But Liu Bei was still caught. "Don't leave me, brother!" Liu Bei whined, holding out his charred hand.
"Of course not!" Guan Yu yelled back in urgency. He grasped Liu Bei's hands and yanked on his, but he was stuck fast. Then, a flaming ball came down and ignited the area above Liu Bei.
"No! No!" Liu Bei cried, trying mindlessly to be emancipated from the heavy force that had him pinned. Abruptly, Liu Bei caught on fire himself and began to shriek in pain.
"LIU BEI! BROTHER, NO!" Guan Yu boomed, his voice wavering. Tried as he may to release him, Liu Bei was unable to be extracted. Slowly, and painfully he died, while Guan Yu never gave up trying to save him.
After a minute or two, Guan Yu took in the reality of the situation and sunk to his knees. He wept silently, covering his face. Zhang He felt unreal until something puled him straight back to the present. A resonating laugh emanated from atop the roof. Four silhouettes stood being blacked by the full moon.
"This is only a taste of my power, Guan Yu! Get ready for more! For now, I'll leave you to your misery . . ." Zhang Fei cried. The second to shortest person on to roof cringed a bit, and then waved his or her hand and the party simply melted into the air. Everyone stood in stunned silence. After Guan Yu finished mourning over his dead brother for the time being, he stood and drew a shaky breath.
"I will avenge you, Liu Bei. I will kill Zhang Fei . . ." He turned to look at Zhang He, his eyes blazing. "Allow me to come along with you. I will not rest until I have slain that fiend, and you seem to know about him or at least be connected with him. I . . . I think that means Shu is pretty much washed up then. . . So . . . our only reaming officer, Zhao Yun, and myself would like to alliance with you." Zhang He nodded, clapping a hand on the enormous man's shoulder.
"I'll help you kill him . . ." Zhang He said darkly. Guan Yu nodded solemnly.
"If that's your choice . . ."
one, Petta
Enjoy
Part 4
Fall of the Flaming God
Chapter 47
Carried Away by Shadows
"I don't see why we can't kill him!" Sima Yi raged after Zhuge Liang had been successfully patched up and sent to bed. "He's evil! PURE EVIL!"
"Young people . . ." Scoffed Sima Hua viciously. "They think they know everything. . ."
"I DON'T think I know everything, I KNOW I know a lot of things, and one of those things is that Zhuge Liang is out FOR MY BLOOD!"
"Quiet down. . ." Sima Hua hissed, sounding perturbed.
"It's a trap, I'm telling you!" Sima Yi yelled looking from one face to another. "Why don't you believe me?"
"Because, Sima Yi, what kind of leader would injure their own officer to set up a trap?" Zhang He asked. Sima Yi's brain worked for a few seconds.
"He isn't really injured! I bet he's using another one of his illusions!" Sima Yi stamped. Zhang He could see tree forming in his eyes and frailness on his voice. "You've got to believe me!"
"Yi, he's just lying there sleeping. We have guards all over the place, they'll tell us if something's up." Sun Shang Xiang soothed, stroking Sima Yi's hand gently.
"He's a master of illusions . . . We're all killing ourselves . . . Don't blame me when your all dead!" Sima Yi raged, flustering out the entrance into the growing darkness outside. Sun Shang Xiang looked worried, but Zhang He grabbed her shoulder.
"Don't worry. He's just nervous; he'll be back before you know it . . ." He let her know. She nodded solemnly and went up to the room her and her husband shared. The other looked at one another.
"I'll go watch him just incase he tries something . . ." Zhang He said, shrugging then walking down the hall with Diao Chan. He went into the infirmary, holding Diao Chan's hand in his and sighing. Looks like it's going to be another long night, he thought.
And it was. Zhuge Liang, doing nothing but lightly snore for some time, looked and acted as peaceful as a lamb. Zhang He spent long hours with Diao Chan asleep on his should, staring at Zhuge Liang, waiting for some movement. He heard Sima Yi clamor in through the door some time after midnight then watched his silhouette through the open door. He decided not to talk to him, lest he might get upset again. Eventually, he fell asleep, but there were no consequences (unless you count a stiff neck and sore back).
Later they all went to the funeral, all returning with heavy hearts. A man working for them informed them Zhuge Liang had awoken and been cleaned up and requested their presence at once, and that the matter was utmost importance. All of them, including Sima Hua (mainly to restrain Sima Yi) filed in a sat by Zhuge Liang.
"Thank you very much for your kindness . . ." He said in a soft voice that sounded tired and placid. "But I must ask you listen to me for a while. I need to explain why I have come to you, and why you have to wrong idea about me. . ." He asked while looking at the white sheets, a worry line in his brow and sadness in his eyes.
"Give me one good reason to, you contemptuous miniscule rodent!" Sima Yi snarled. "It was because of YOU my life was Hell!"
"Please, just listen to me. I know how you must feel, Sima Yi, and I'm dreadfully sorry for what I did, but I had no choice. The lives of the people I love the most were at stake. The person truly at fault is Zhang Fei." Zhuge Liang explained.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! My father? You're not making any sense!" Zhang He said, confused and just a touch angry.
"Will you please let me explain?" They all nodded. "Right then. This whole ordeal started quite some time ago. It was a year or two after I'd been married and Liu Bei and his sworn brothers kept coming to my house, asking for me to be their strategist. On their third visit, I agreed. It sounded harmless enough and pay was good. . . Oh, heavens, was I wrong. . .
At first nothing incriminating showed itself, but Zhang Fei became gradually more controlling and rude to me. Then, about a year and a half ago, Zhang Fei had news from a reliable mystic that you four would alliance and eventually take down the three kingdoms if nothing was done. So he confronted me asking which was the best way to destroy an army before it's struck. I told him take out the brains behind the brawn and you've basically won. Knowing Sima Yi was the smartest of all you, he wanted him dead. But then that's where my spells came in. . . He asked me if I would use a Chi Ku Ta spell and force you to kill yourself, but I refused. I'm a strategist, and I usually like to play fair. . . But he threatened me, and I no choice. This went on for the first few times and after a while I refused. He hurt me so badly, but I dealt with it. Finally, He told me he'd kill my son and wife if I didn't agree, and I had to. I couldn't endanger Yue Ying, she was innocent. So let me apologize for that again, Sima Yi, but I really didn't want my family to be murdered.
"Why didn't you just get help? I'm sure someone would have helped you out . . ." Zhang HE said, feeling a bit confused.
"Zhang Fei had me under watch. He had me constantly followed. Every time I would try, he'd interfere in one way or another." He answered.
"You seemed so malicious when you were possessing me, I simply can't believe this story . . ." Sima Yi retorted, sounding stuck up.
"Wouldn't you have thought it strange if I had seemed apologetic and nice when I was supposed to be the bad guy? Zhang Fei had that taken care of. He knew you could all defeat him easily, so he wanted to identify me as a more immediate danger than himself." Zhuge Liang said with utmost sincerity. He decided that Zhuge Liang was telling the truth. There was no way he could be lying and tell this story with such truthfulness.
"Anyway, Yue Ying, Jiang Wei and I were miserable with this. We hated being continually threatened and bossed around by that evil man. So we planned an escape. I knew that Zhang Fei loved to get drunk, so one night when he was full up on Saké, we three snuck out. As we got half way there, Yue Ying and Jiang Wei got caught, but I only got shot in the arm, I could still keep going. But they have my Yue Ying and my son! Their going to kill them, I know it! I'm here to propose an offer. I'll join your forces as a strategist and give you everything my talents can offer if you save Yue Ying and Jiang Wei and grant us asylum. Don't forget I know all the plans and weaknesses of Shu." Zhuge Liang nearly begged. Everything was silent for a moment. "Please, I beg you. My wife means more to me than anything else in the world. I don't know what I'd do if she died. I'll do anything . . ."
"All right, I accept your offer." Zhang He said critically. "But if this is a trap, you will not be given mercy. And trust me, Sima Yi can think up things worse than death concerning your torture." A thin and frail smile appeared on Zhuge Liang's pale lips.
"Thank you Zhang He, I won't let you down. Let me say I have nothing but the utmost respect for you and your sworn brothers, I always wanted to join Shi." Zhang He nodded and smiled a bit. He was beginning to like Zhuge Liang.
"Zhang He, you're actually going to accept?" Sima Yi breathed in disbelief.
"We could use all the help we can get, and Zhuge Liang is no one to be trifled with. I think he'll prove to be a valuable asset. What did you have in mid for their rescue?"
"Well, I know that Shu is weakening. Their shortest of officers is making them soft, and they want someone to alliance with. I propose you offer false alliance and while you're making plans, we can send someone in to get Yue Ying and Jiang Wei and hide them in our carriages. The you can refuse and slip out, and they won't know that anything happened." Zhuge Liang said surely.
"Alright, seems good enough. We'll start on it tonight and head out the day after tomorrow. Do you think you'll be healed by then?" Zhang He asked.
"I think I'll be well enough to walk and show you where everything is, but they must not see me, if they do, I'll be killed on the spot."
"Right, I'll get someone to the Shi camp to relay the message." Zhang He said standing. Sima Yi was fuming but he said nothing.
Zhang He went to his chief messenger, a skinny man who was a master rider. He told him of the plans and asked him to set out immediately. He gladly agreed and set out. He'd first go to the main Shu camp and request a meeting.
He returned that night, saying that Shu was glad to meet with Shi and the date was planned for the day after tomorrow. Next, he went onto Shi and received two carriages and Mitsuko, incase things got rough.
They departed in the afternoon of the next day. The trip took nearly 10 hours so it was quite late when they reached the destination. Everyone slept inside the carriages, packed together like bushels of hay.
When morning finally came, every tumbled out of the close sleeping quarters and stretched.
"Let's all get ready. Put weapons on under your clothes, just incase . . ." Zhang He warned, concealing a throwing dagger in his robes. When noon rolled around everyone go0t into a formal line and marched down to the Shi fortress. Zhang He waved up to the Gate captain and the entranceway was cleared. Waiting for them here was Liu Bei, Zhang Fei and Guan Yu. Zhang He had some history with all these men. Guan Yu and Liu Bei were the sworn brothers of his father so, naturally, they were like uncles to him.
"Zhang He!" Liu Bei called, arms crossed nicely on his chest. "It's been a long time." Guan Yu gave a smile from behind his enormous beard.
"Guan Yu, Liu Bei." Zhang He greeted bowing a little to both of them as he said their names. Liu Bei had a very gentle face. His eyes were a misty brown and always seemed to remain calm whenever he was talking to someone. Two thin strips of hair fell loose from his hat, which showed the bun in his hair at the top. A well kempt moustache grew from either side of his upper lip. Zhang He thought him funny when he was stressed, as he would breathe "Aiiya . . ." under his breath repeatedly in such a way it sounded like "hhhhhyaaa".
Guan Yu on the other had looked like a barbarian. He was six feet seven inches tall and his eyes blazed. He hair grew long and wild in the back, and so did his beard. His nickname, Beautiful Beard, came from his magnificent facial hair, which reached all the way down to his stomach. He was dressed in a flamboyant array of green and red-orange silks that completely covered his body. His weapon, named Blue Dragon, was a foot taller than he was and weighed nearly a ton. It was a pike with a dragon Etched into the hilt and Guan Yu was famous for it. He was truly one of the greatest warriors ever to live and probably could have crossed blades with Lu Bu.
Zhang He felt bad about tricking them and getting their hopes up, but this was war, and friendships were broken.
"My Lords, I've come to talk about a bargain . . .," Zhang He said, not letting himself change his mind.
"Certainly, certainly, but let us relax a bit first. I'm sure your trip must have been difficult. You can stay here for tonight, you're quite welcome." Liu Bei said cordially.
"Thanks much." Zhang he said automatically, trying to think of an excuse to leave by tonight, but his brain couldn't work one out just then. He was led into a splendid meeting room along with the rest of his officers. They all talked with Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei for a long time, mostly about irreverent things. Zhang He still had a hard time trying to believe that his stupid, drunkard father was what Zhuge Liang described him as. It seemed so unlike him to work out a complex plan such as this, but then again, People surprised you. There was also the possibility Zhuge Liang was leading them into a trap, so Zhang He never let his guard down. The strategist was quite crafty and everything was possible.
After a few hours of mindless conversation, Liu Bei finally decided to get down to business.
"Now, what's this deal you were talking about?" He asked dreamily from behind his tea.
"Well, I think we should have an alliance to wipe out Wei. They are a very powerful force, one not to be reckoned with and I think we, as the underdogs, should band together. We could share everything, spoils and troops losses, fifty-fifty. What do you think? Could you match 30,000 men?" Zhang He said. He'd practiced this particular phrase over and over in his head and finally hearing it made him feel pleased. Liu Bei put his finger to his lips in obvious mock pondering. Everyone knew he wanted this deal more than anything else in the world, but to look too eager would make him look quite undignified. There was also one other problem with this that Zhang He had cleverly thought out. Liu Bei didn't have 30,00 men to begin with. All Zhang He would have to do was refuse when he couldn't match the number and they'd be out of there faster than a wolf after a jack rabbit.
"Well, I'd like to alliance, but I don't think I could put all those men to sacrifice." Bingo, thought Zhang He, exactly how I thought he would answer. It's working out smooth as silk. Just a fancy way of saying we don't have that many.
"Hmmmm. . ." Zhang He acted. "I don't know. I'd have to think about it if you can't match the number of troops . . ." Zhang He snuck a look and saw a sense of desperation behind Liu Bei's expression.
"Well, think about it as long as you want, by all means . . ." Liu Bei said, nonchalantly wiping the sweat from his brow. Zhang He waited for a couple of seconds.
"Will you please excuse me for a moment, my Lord?" He asked.
"Yes, my Lord." Liu Bei said bowing his head. Zhang He bowed back and walked outside.
"Sometimes I even amaze myself . . ." He said to himself with a cocky laugh and headed to the carriage. Inside was Zhuge Liang. He looked alert a ready. Zhang he knew he was covering up for his still-present injuries.
"Are you all right?" Zhang He asked at first. Zhuge Liang nodded readily. "Okay, if you think you can do it. Now, there have been some changes. You get Yue Ying and Jiang Wei into this carriage and then leave. We'll meet you back at this Shi camp. Understand?"
"Yes, my Lord." Zhuge Liang said, a fire burning in his gaze.
"All right, do your best." Zhang He smiled, clenching his fist. Zhuge Liang stepped out and went down to the darker side of the building located at the far east corner. Zhang He casually made his way back to the conference room.
After he was back he sat down at his same spot.
"Liu Bei, I'm going to have to think about think a little more." Zhang He said, watching through the window out of the corner of his eye. "I think me and my officers will take you up on your offer to spend the night," Liu Bei smiled.
"Of course, of course." He said kindly with a gentle grin, "You're welcome as long as you like.
"Thank you very much." Zhang He bowed. The rest of the officers chorused these words as well.
"I'll get a servant to show you some rooms." Liu Bei hummed, calling into the hall. A short man of about twenty-nine took everyone to their rooms without speaking. When Zhang He and Diao Chan were alone, Zhang He finally relaxed.
"I just hope Zhuge Liang got out all right." Zhang He said, noticing one carriage was missing from the rest as he looked out the window.
"Let's rest, Zhang He . . ." Diao Chan sighed a bit peevishly. "You worry way too much . . ."
"I suppose your right . . ." Breathed Zhang He rubbing his temple. "This damn war has turned me into a nervous-" Zhang He stopped again. He suddenly felt a pain in his stomach. It was actually a feeling of extreme hollowness, but it was extremely uncomfortable, making it a sort of ache. Then, with his mind's eye, he saw the silhouette of the Lady in Black floating outside the window. He nearly fell over. "God damn it." He hissed. "Why does this always happen?" Diao Chan stood up.
"Is it the Lady again?" She asked, sounding nervous. Zhang He nodded, his face bloodless.
"Someone's about to die, let's hurry." Zhang He commanded while getting up. Diao Chan nodded and pulled her maces out. Zhang He raced down the hall, clumsily attaching the Talons as he ran.
"What are we supposed to be looking for?" Diao Chan asked breathlessly as she tried to keep up. Then there was a sound of a tiny explosion and some screams. Zhang He looked at her. "Never mind." She smiled and then followed the sounds.
Zhang He heard a distinct and perpetual roar in the distance and smelled smoke. People began rushing towards all the nearest exits and many of the narrow hallways became clogged. Zhang He made sure he saw Sima Yi, Sun Shang Xiang, Zhou Yu, Sun Ce, the Qiaos, Zhang Liao, and Mitsuko leave, then went in search of whatever was making the fuss.
"You sure you want to stay?" He asked Diao Chan over the commotion.
"I'll feel better if I know where you are." She said, trotting closely behind him. He shrugged. "Suit yourself." He walked over to a door and was about to open it when it collapsed before him, spewing a wave of flames. He cried out and leapt back, nearly escaped being burnt to a crisp.
"Someone's started a fire." Diao Chan moaned lightly, the heat and smoke surrounding them. "Let's get out of here, Zhang He, this entire place will collapse!" He nodded and ran along the hall, trying not to breath in the smoke. They ran down the hall until a small exit was in view. They went into a burst of speed but as they got very close Zhang He took notice of a cracking and splintering noise. He braked on his heels and held Diao Chan back just in time to see the roof collapse right down in front of them. It totally block the exit way.
"Hurry, let's find the main entrance." Zhang He directed, feeling adrenaline pulse through him. The twisted through the labyrinth-like corridors wildly, following the way Zhang he seemed to remember. They would have continued on ceaselessly, but Zhang He saw something to make him stop. Guan Yu was dueling with his father and Liu Bei lay, badly burned on the floor beside him.
"You bastard!" Shouted Guan Yu, bringing down Blue Dragon. "You betrayed us! You betrayed your own brothers!" Zhang Fei blocked with some trouble.
"It was all to easy to trick you and roast this place, Guan Yu! I can't believe you didn't see it before!" Zhang Fei spoke with a sober malevolence Zhang He had never heard him use. It was as if his entire life before was an illusion and now he truly had emerged from his disguise.
"Guan Yu!" Zhang He yelled, putting up his Talons. Guan Yu looked back quickly.
"What are you doing, Zhang He? Why don't you get out of here?" He asked, still glaring at Zhang Fei.
"Forget this loser!" Zhang He spat, gesturing towards his father. "Let's get out of here! It's about to collapse!" Guan Yu considered for a moment.
"This isn't over!" He growled at Zhang Fei. He picked up Liu Bei and slung him over his shoulder in one graceful motion, then sped out behind Zhang He and Diao Chan.
"Zhang Fei did all this?" Diao Chan questioned forcefully over the din. Guan Yu nodded grimly and ran onward. Zhang He spotted the main entrance and busted out of it. Once he was safe, he turned back, looking for Diao Chan, She ran out, gasping as the cracking noise sounded once more.
"Hurry, Guan Yu!" Screamed Diao Chan. Guan Yu got halfway out before the ceiling came crashing down on him. He bellowed in pain and squirmed under the smoldering pile of wood. Zhang He ran over and grabbed his hand, tugging his large body forward. Diao Chan joined in. Liu Bei suddenly opened his eyes and cried out at the situation.
"Help us! Help us!" He cried desperately, wiggling his weak body around to no avail. Guan Yu, with a mighty and powerful motion managed to free himself, But Liu Bei was still caught. "Don't leave me, brother!" Liu Bei whined, holding out his charred hand.
"Of course not!" Guan Yu yelled back in urgency. He grasped Liu Bei's hands and yanked on his, but he was stuck fast. Then, a flaming ball came down and ignited the area above Liu Bei.
"No! No!" Liu Bei cried, trying mindlessly to be emancipated from the heavy force that had him pinned. Abruptly, Liu Bei caught on fire himself and began to shriek in pain.
"LIU BEI! BROTHER, NO!" Guan Yu boomed, his voice wavering. Tried as he may to release him, Liu Bei was unable to be extracted. Slowly, and painfully he died, while Guan Yu never gave up trying to save him.
After a minute or two, Guan Yu took in the reality of the situation and sunk to his knees. He wept silently, covering his face. Zhang He felt unreal until something puled him straight back to the present. A resonating laugh emanated from atop the roof. Four silhouettes stood being blacked by the full moon.
"This is only a taste of my power, Guan Yu! Get ready for more! For now, I'll leave you to your misery . . ." Zhang Fei cried. The second to shortest person on to roof cringed a bit, and then waved his or her hand and the party simply melted into the air. Everyone stood in stunned silence. After Guan Yu finished mourning over his dead brother for the time being, he stood and drew a shaky breath.
"I will avenge you, Liu Bei. I will kill Zhang Fei . . ." He turned to look at Zhang He, his eyes blazing. "Allow me to come along with you. I will not rest until I have slain that fiend, and you seem to know about him or at least be connected with him. I . . . I think that means Shu is pretty much washed up then. . . So . . . our only reaming officer, Zhao Yun, and myself would like to alliance with you." Zhang He nodded, clapping a hand on the enormous man's shoulder.
"I'll help you kill him . . ." Zhang He said darkly. Guan Yu nodded solemnly.
"If that's your choice . . ."