Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Dynasty Warriors except my fanfic! Well done KOEI! Great game! ^ _ ~
Author's note: This is my first Dynasty Warriors fanfic. Most of the focus will be on the interaction of certain characters rather than the battles…. Sorry. The focus is on Wu. Sun Quan is in charge. The pairing in my story is Sun Shang Xiang x Zhou Yu. Please don't flame me, especially if it is because you don't like the pairing. Any suggestions, friendly feedback welcome.
Hi! It's been a while, I guess. Here come my excuses: Homework and … more homework. Enjoy!
Chapter Five: Zhao Yun's Mission
Wu had accepted Shu's help this time, but this did not mean that there were no suspicions. What was Shu after? It was a plausible question, for they were enemies, after all. Yet, now was not the time to ponder over these problems. Today, Shu and Wu would set aside their differences, whatever their reasons.
"Zhou Yu, our spies have located Sun Shang Xiang. It seems she is not in the dungeons, but in the company of Diao Chan… and Lu Bu." Zhou Yu didn't respond. His expression was a dazed one. He was glad that he would see Shang Xiang again, but he was also reminded, though unintentionally, of his failure against Lu Bu. "Zhou Yu…?" Lu Xun said with a tone of concern.
"Sorry Lu Xun. Please continue," he replied.
"There is nothing further to report, but I suggest that we go over the plan, while we wait."
"Yes," Zhou Yu started. "We will meet with Zhao Yun at nightfall," he paused. "There should be fewer obstacles at this time."
"Agreed," said Lu Xun.
"Let's hope Zhao Yun knows where he's leading us," Gan Ning remarked.
"Gan Ning, you will create a diversion, if the enemy learns that we are among their ranks," Zhou Yu told him.
"Affirmative," Gan Ning replied.
"There are two routes into Dong Zhuo's territory. Sun Quan and his army will stay in wait at the pass before the Southern gate, and I am told that Liu Bei will wait in the Western pass, with his army."
"Will they launch an assault?" Gan Ning asked.
"No. Not until we have rescued Sun Shang Xiang and escaped to the outside. When this happens a signal will be lit to call in the reinforcements. If things do not go accordingly, however, a signal will be lit as soon as possible," replied Zhou Yu.
"Let me be in charge of the signal, Zhou Yu," said Lu Xun. "I will not let you down."
Zhou Yu nodded in agreement. "I have no doubt that you would, Lu Xun."
"Thank you," Lu Xun replied.
"Now, we must wait until nightfall. May the stars bring us good fortune; in the coming events."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~
"What's keeping that guy?" Gan Ning said folding his arms.
"Patience, Gan Ning," Zhou Yu replied. "I have no doubt in my mind… He will come. If Zhuge Liang was indeed the messenger, then they will go through with this. He is a strange one, yet I know he is honourable and for that… I admire him."
"Listen," Lu Xun spoke suddenly and drew his swords. "Someone approaches." A few metres away from Lu Xun an approaching figure hidden by the shadows could be seen. "Wait," called Lu Xun. "Identify yourself."
"It is I, Zhao Yun," the figure replied, stepping slowly forward into the light.
"So you decided to show up after all? We thought that you may have decided not to come," Gan Ning said to Zhao Yun.
"Then I have proved 'we' wrong," Zhao Yun said with a smile. Gan Ning muttered something under his breath.
"Are you sure about him?" Gan Ning whispered to Zhou Yu.
"You know the plan, Gan Ning," Zhou Yu answered him. Then Zhou Yu addressed everyone "Let's go."
Leading them, Zhao Yun looked confident in his sense of direction. Gan Ning, however, was not so sure. "Is it just me, or do you guys also see a solid brick wall here?" He said, stating his doubt in Zhao Yun, openly.
"There is a passage here," Zhao Yun answered, placing his fingers on the grooves on the wall as if he was looking for something. Next Zhao Yun pressed his right ear against the wall and knocked on the wall with his right hand.
Gan Ning looked puzzled, whilst Lu Xun and Zhou Yu watched intently.
"I knew using the front door was always the…" Gan Ning stopped suddenly. "What the…? I don't believe it. He did it." Zhao Yun had revealed a hidden passage in the solid structure. Gan Ning had an expression of shock on his face, but it wasn't for long.
"Hmm… I knew that going the back way was the best way. It'll be a surprise and they won't even know what hit them," he paused. "This is going to be easy," Gan Ning was smiling again.
Zhao Yun entered the passageway first. Then Zhou Yu, Lu Xun and Gan Ning followed.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~
"Zhao Yun, what are you looking for?"
Zhao Yun ignored them and continued searching the crates.
"We have to save Sun Shang Xiang!?" Zhou Yu looked angry.
Zhao Yun stopped looking and faced Zhou Yu. "Look," he began, "My Lord said that we would aid Wu. By my Lord's honour and my own, I will help you. You have my word." With that, Zhao Yun continued looking around.
"Zhao Yun, listen." Zhou Yu had moved so that he was in Zhao Yun's way. "If you want me to trust you, you will have to put your trust in me,"
"So be it."
"Then tell me, what are you searching for?" Zhou Yu asked, raising an eyebrow.
"We mustn't speak of it here, lest it falls into the hands of the enemy, but I will let you know. You are a learned man, are you not?"
"That it may fall into the hands of the enemy, when you are looking for it behind enemy lines? That is an odd thing to say." Zhou Yu paused. "Wait. Then they must be oblivious to its importance."
"Indeed."
"What is this object of importance?"
"That, which would indeed, decide the fate of all the people."
"The fate of all…? Then it has been found! It also explains why your Lord was willing to aid Wu."
"Would Wu help Shu, if it wasn't in their interests?"
"What makes you think Wu would allow it to fall so easily into the hands of Shu?" Zhou Yu responded with a question.
"I do only what was commanded of me, but I also know what I see."
"What do you mean?"
"You, Zhou Yu, will not stop me. Search your own feelings and you'll understand why."
There was a silence, as Zhou Yu looked away from Zhao Yun and thought about this. Wu was everything thing to him. His aim to bring glory to the beloved empire was beyond measure, but… what was Wu without Sun Shang Xiang? Wasn't she his beloved also…? In his heart, Zhou Yu knew that Zhao Yun was right about his feelings.
"That may be so," Zhou Yu paused, now looking up, "but neither will I aid you."
"I understand. Wu did not promise to aid Shu, but it was Shu that promised to aid Wu. I do not know what this entails for the rest of Shu but I know my mission. I am just one piece on the chess board, whatever those of Shu have decided is not in my hands," he paused "but my word still stands. So, for truth and honour, I will aid you in finding your princess, and then our paths will part."
"I expect nothing more." With that Zhou Yu and Zhao Yun bowed their heads in understanding of their agreement.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~
"Sun Shang Xiang," called Zhou Yu.
"Zhou Yu? ..." said Sun Shang Xiang, getting onto her feet. "Zhou Yu! It really is you." Unexpectedly, Sun Shang Xiang threw her arms around Zhou Yu, with a smile, but just as quickly she stepped away with an embarrassed look on her face.
"My brother?" she asked. "Has he come too?"
"Yes. He is just waiting in the Southern pass."
"Hey, wait a minute," she paused. "What took you guys so long?"
"Well –"
"Let's save the reunions for later," interrupted Zhao Yun.
"Shu, came as well?" Sun Shang Xiang looked surprised.
"You're welcome," Zhao Yun replied.
"We'd better get out of here," Zhou Yu told her. "Your brother and Liu Bei are waiting for the attack on Dong Zhuo." Sun Shang Xiang shook her head in response.
"What do you think you're doing?" said another female voice.
Zhao Yun turned round. "Diao Chan!"
"I don't think my Lord will approve of this," Diao Chan raised her maces, preparing herself to attack. Then Zhao Yun raised his spear in response.
Sun Shang Xiang stood beside Zhao Yun, so that she faced Diao Chan.
"Come on, Diao Chan. Is this all necessary?" she asked her.
"I cannot let my Lord down," replied Diao Chan. "And I am ready to fight."
"Zhou Yu I have done what I promised, now you must take Sun Shang Xiang to safety," said Zhao Yun.
"Thank you," Zhou Yu responded.
Hence, after Zhou Yu drew his sword, he and Sun Shang Xiang made their way to escape. They hadn't stepped very far into the next corridor, when an obstacle appeared.
"No! Lu Bu!" Sun Shang Xiang looked shocked.
Zhou Yu charged forwards at Lu Bu, with his sword drawn.
"So you made it," Lu Bu looked amused.
There was the clash of steel upon steel, but neither one advanced. Sun Shang Xiang could do nothing but look upon them, helplessly, for she did not have a weapon.
Suddenly, there was a scream "A-a-ah!"
"Diao Chan!" Lu Bu shouted. Without another thought, Lu Bu stopped his duel with Zhou Yu and went to find Diao Chan."
"Zhao Yun?" Zhou Yu thought out loud.
"He'll be all right," Sun Shang Xiang reassured him. "Besides, you heard what he said."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~
"Diao Chan, are you all right?" Lu Bu asked her. She was sitting on the floor, with her back against the couch. Lu Bu crouched beside her.
"I'm… all right," she paused, "but he… he took it."
"Who took what?" Lu Bu asked her gently.
"My father's pendant… Zhao Yun… he took it."
"Don't worry, Diao Chan. I will get it back for you." With that Lu Bu slowly lifted Diao Chan and placed her upon the couch. "I will be back soon. Then I'll take care of you," he told her softly.
"Thank you, my Lord," she gave a little smile. Lu Bu smiled back at her, with gentleness in his eyes.
Then Lu Bu left the room. Outside he clenched his fists in rage.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~
"Lu Xun!" Zhou Yu called running down the steps, with Sun Shang Xiang not far behind him. "Light the signal!"
"As you wish," replied Lu Xun, bowing. With a longbow in one arm, Lu Xun pulled out an arrow from the quiver. Next he wrapped the arrowhead round with some cloth, which had been dipped in oil. Then by lowering the arrow front into a small fire, he raised the bow quickly and launched the arrow high into the air. The flaming arrow hit the banners atop the castle wall.
"Good shot, Lu Xun," said Gan Ning with a big grin on his face and his sword drawn.
"Thanks," Lu Xun replied.
"You do realise that this is where it goes all crazy?"
Lu Xun nodded his head, dropped the longbow and drew his twin blades.
Everything went quiet with Lu Xun and Gan Ning now standing back to back. Suddenly large numbers of enemy soldiers seemed to flood in through the gates. Gan Ning and Lu Xun raised their weapons.
"Are you ready?" asked Lu Xun.
"I'm always ready," Gan Ning laughed.
Meanwhile, outside the castle walls, the Wu soldier reported to Sun Quan.
"My Lord, the signal has been lit," the soldier told him.
"Then she is safe," Sun Quan paused. "Everyone, move into position."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~
In the other pass, Liu Bei was still waiting with Zhuge Liang at his side.
"The signal has been lit, Lord Liu Bei. What course of action have you decided upon?" Zhuge Liang asked.
"Do you think Zhao Yun has been successful?" Liu Bei replied.
"Zhao Yun is a valiant warrior, but even I, my Lord, cannot predict such things. Like everything, it is a matter of time."
"I see," he paused. "Then I will leave you Zhuge Liang, here, in charge. We will divide the troops. Then Zhang Fei and I will go to the stronghold."
"As you wish, my Lord," said Zhuge Liang with a bow.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~
"Zhao Yun!" Lu Bu screamed. "You pathetic fool! Fight me!"
"As you wish," Zhao Yun replied. He was never one to turn down a challenge.
"So you do have a backbone, after all," he paused, "I thought your style was to fight women… and steal from them."
"And I thought you wanted a duel that was fit for warriors. Instead, it seems you wish to fight me with mere words."
"I'll show you not to mock me!" In anger Lu Bu lunged at Zhao Yun at full force, but just in time, Zhao Yun raised his spear to defend himself.
"Give me back Diao Chan's pendant!" Lu Bu demanded of Zhao Yun, with their weapons in deadlock.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~
Liu Bei and Zhang Fei arrived at the front of the castle, with their troops. The main gate was open, thanks to Gan Ning and Lu Xun.
"I wonder where Zhao Yun has got to," he stopped and looked around at the mayhem. "Hmmm… maybe the seal isn't there," he said to himself quietly.
"Look!" Zhang Fei said to Liu Bei, pointing to the top of the castle. Zhao Yun and Lu Bu were atop the castle wall.
"What…!? He's fighting Lu Bu…" Liu Bei looked bewildered.
"Let me go and help him brother," said Zhang Fei. "Today shall surely be a day of victory for Shu. I can feel it."
Liu Bei considered Zhang Fei's request.
"You may go Zhang Fei, but on one condition."
"What's that?" Zhang Fei asked Liu Bei.
"It is that you and Zhao Yun shall return in one piece."
"Why… brother, you doubt our strength?"
"No. I know you are strong, but at times it takes strength to retreat," replied Liu Bei.
"Lu Bu's no match for me, I'll –"
"That's an order, Zhang Fei," Liu Bei said more firmly.
"As you wish, brother," Zhang Fei said passively. With that he rode towards the main gate, sweeping away those in his way.
Liu Bei remained in wait with his troops. Before long, Zhou Yu and Sun Shang Xiang came into view, just inside the gateway. Liu Bei rode towards them.
"Liu Bei?" Sun Shang Xiang said as she looked up at the rider before her. Zhou Yu, meanwhile, was busy fighting off the soldiers to clear a way through the disorder. A soldier came at Sun Shang Xiang from behind, but Liu Bei managed to strike him before he did her any harm.
"Thank you," she said to Liu Bei.
"You're most welcome," he replied.
"Zhou Yu," Liu Bei called to him, still on horseback. "Would you allow the Princess Sun Shang Xiang to accompany me, if she so wishes it? I see she is unarmed. Therefore, it would be best for her to move further away from this place as soon as possible."
"Sun Quan will not be pleased," Zhou Yu called back, still fighting.
"Then I will take her to him." Liu Bei now looked down at Sun Shang Xiang. "What would you wish, my Lady?" Sun Shang Xiang smiled at his words.
"You would take me to my brother Sun Quan...?" She asked him.
"Yes, indeed. If that is what you wish," he told her.
Sun Shang Xiang looked over at Zhou Yu. His hands were already full and she was no use to him. Without her weapons she was defenceless. There wouldn't be any harm in it. Shu was working with Wu against Dong Zhuo, and she would be reunited with her brother. He was bound to be worried sick about her. Then Zhou Yu could focus more on the battle than on worrying about her. "Zhou Yu, he wishes for my safety, so I will go with Liu Bei. I am nothing more than a burden here." Zhou Yu said nothing. "I'll see you back at camp," she continued. With that, she turned towards Liu Bei who held out his hand to her. "Liu Bei, I wish for you to take me to Sun Quan." Liu Bei smiled in response and helped her up onto the horse, at the front. Zhou Yu watched as they rode off.
What Sun Shang Xiang didn't see was that as Zhou Yu was fighting, anger was emanating from his movements.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~
"Watch out! Here I come!" Zhang Fei shouted, now on top of the castle wall where Zhao Yun and Lu Bu were still fighting.
"Zhang Fei…?" Zhao Yun said out loud, looking surprised. Then without thinking, Zhao Yun took his focus off his battle with Lu Bu and looked in Zhang Fei's direction.
"Don't forget to leave some for me," Zhang Fei laughed as he fought of five soldiers simultaneously.
"You weakling," Lu Bu said as he forced Zhao Yun against the wall. "Did you really think you could beat me?" Within that moment when Zhao Yun had looked away, Lu Bu had managed to disarm him.
"I have my honour," Zhao Yun paused, putting on a brave face. "Justice will always prevail."
"Hand over the pendant," Lu Bu ordered him.
"Where is Dong Zhuo?" Zhao Yun tried to change the subject.
"What…?"
"Where is your Lord Dong Zhuo?"
"I have no lord." Anger filled Lu Bu's eyes. "Don't change the subject."
"Why do you serve him then?"
"I serve only myself!" He shouted.
"Your Lord has fled. He has left you alone against Shu and Wu. He –"
"Enough!" The point of Lu Bu's halberd was now at Zhao Yun's neck. "I don't care about him! The pendant, now," he demanded, "or you will die."
"I am ready to die," Zhao Yun looked directly into Lu Bu's eyes.
"So be it." With these words, Lu Bu lifted his weapon to strike Zhao Yun, but it was no use. Zhao Yun was not fated to die this day. Zhang Fei had managed to get close enough to Zhao Yun and Lu Bu just in time to block Lu Bu's attack, allowing Zhao Yun to escape.
Zhang Fei and Lu Bu were now at a standstill.
"You would strike someone who was unarmed?" Zhang Fei began. "Where is your honour?"
"Do not question my honour," Lu Bu replied. "Ask your comrade. He thinks it is honourable to steal from a woman." Lu Bu cried out loud in anger remembering Diao Chan's wish. He charged with all his might and pushed Zhang Fei away. Zhang Fei had not been ready for this counter, so he fell to the floor. Lu Bu pointed his weapon at Zhang Fei.
"Zhao Yun!" Lu Bu called. "I have a friend of yours here." Zhao Yun approached.
"An exchange," Lu Bu smiled. "He will live, in return… the pendant."
Zhao Yun had no choice. His mission had been to retrieve the seal but… at the risk of Zhang Fei's life? He knew what he had to do.
"Agreed," Zhao Yun responded.
"No more games," Lu Bu told Zhao Yun.
"I never play games," Zhao Yun said this defiantly.
Zhao Yun took out the pendant from a pouch he had concealed in his robes. "First, let him go," Zhao Yun demanded.
"Do not mock me," started Lu Bu. "You will give it to me first. Or are you willing to take a risk?"
Zhao Yun was standing against the castle wall. "Then I will drop it," Zhao Yun said, holding the pendant over the wall.
"Don't be a fool!" Lu Bu shouted.
"You may take it from me here," Zhao Yun continued, "Zhang Fei is no state to be a threat to you."
Lu Bu looked down at his hostage. Zhang Fei looked disorientated and was unarmed. He had taken a heavy blow from Lu Bu.
"I see. I have no choice," Lu Bu replied walking over to Zhao Yun. Lu Bu was less than a metre away from Zhao Yun, when suddenly Zhang Fei emerged attempting to strike Lu Bu from behind.
"You fool!" Lu Bu swung round, to counter Zhang Fei. Zhao Yun looked puzzled. Zhang Fei dodged Lu Bu's attack, moving to the side. Zhang Fei, now standing beside Zhao Yun, blocked Lu Bu's attack. However, at the same time, Zhang Fei knocked Zhao Yun's arm. The pendant fell from his hands over the castle wall.
"No!" Zhao Yun shouted. He had an expression of horror on his face. Lu Bu realising what had happened, pushed Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun aside and looked down over the wall. There was a moat below, which joined the river. There was no doubt about it. The pendant had fallen into the moat.
"Clumsy fools!" Lu Bu slammed his fists on the wall. Then in his mind's eye he saw Diao Chan and immediately he felt much calmer. "Diao Chan… How can I face you, now," he sighed, speaking more quietly. "You had one request… I failed you." Anger stirred up inside him once more as he realised who was to blame. "They will pay for this!" Lu Bu turned round, but Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun had already made their escape.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~
Hope you liked it. Please review.
Thanks for reading,
Bye for now,
~ Lady Leonhart ~
P.S. The day I posted this I was meant to be studying. Oops!!! (Sorry for any errors, anyway) Well… everyone needs a break sometimes. ^_~
Oh, before I forget. There were some queries about my story i.e. why aren't Zhou Yu and Sun Shang Xiang together yet? Sorry to disappoint anyone but it just doesn't happen over night. Besides, since Sun Shang Xiang was kidnapped and was miles away from Zhou Yu, they could hardly kiss from that distance. Anyway, don't despair. It will happen in time… when I get to writing it.
~ *Thanks again for reading and let me know what you think. Should I continue?*~