The Romance of the Three Kingdoms

§ A Man's Romance §

Part 2

Shrill screams filled the private chambers of Tung Cho as the young Kou Sun Ji, stumbled to and fro across Tung Cho's bedchambers, avoiding him at any cost. Though even with her speed, she could not decide the make of her fine robes as she stumbled in them, falling heavy to the floor. Looking over her shoulder after she cleared herself of the daze, she saw Tung Cho's maniacal grin, full of lust and ferocity as he spoke.

"I said you would start acting as a wife, and now you begin," Yelled Tung as he leapt at Kou Sun Ji, ripping her robes from her frail body, exposing it to the world. And wrapped his large hands around her arms, he seemed almost ready to take her, but a call was heard from outside the chambers.

"Lord Tung Cho, you are needed in the Court, it is of urgent matter!"

"You are lucky today, girl!" Cursed Tung Cho as he threw her aside violently, taking his leave as he grabbed his blade, leaving her to herself. She was weeping openly, letting tears run down her cheeks as she covered herself from the cold, thinking of everything she had lost. Her family, her home, her master, and as she thought on, the face of the young rebel crossed by her, this making her only weep the more.

Having given up on life,

And forgetting everything she knew.

Locked in this torrential strife,

She felt there was nothing she could do.

Though giving up on herself in the end,

She did not give up on him.

"Yes, he's a fine fighter," P'an Tung spoke as he turned, beginning to walk slowly away to the South, saying nothing more as he began to play the clear tune on the pipe once again.

"But, where are you going?" K'iang Tsu Ko protested quickly, stopping P'an in his tracks.

"You have no more need for me."

K'iang spoke no more as he watched P'an Tung, the strange man who offered him the solution. Watching only for a moment longer, then the tune began again, and looking back to the direction of the warrior from the east, watched as he drew closer. The anticipation of meeting a man of such fine skill, one who has traveled both sea and land, only to fight the strongest. A man that no matter the circumstances, would always have the respect of the rebel.

The warriors face was scared badly, from the many duels he set in motion, as well as finished. The scabbard, though extravagant, was badly wounded as well, but even these flaws did not take away from the ferocity that burned deep within his brown eyes. The orbs taking in every aspect of the rebel, as he finally neared enough to hear the rebel speak his words, no matter what they may be.

Bowing low, Tsu-te spoke, "It's an honor to meet a warrior of your reputation and skill. I humbly request your assistance in a certain matter that has plagued this land and my soul for many weeks."

The warrior did little more than offer a grunt as he watched Tsu-te, watching so closely at this rebel. "What matter?"

"The matter of Tung Cho, and his son Lu Pu. They are destroying this very land, and I humbly pray that you will help me dispose of them."

"I have no quarrel with either, what do I have to gain from this?"

"Lu Pu, is a mighty warrior, the most powerful in all the land. It is said that no one can defeat him that even the gods tremble before his might. I have also heard of your quest to becoming the most powerful, but if you cannot defeat Lu Pu, then you can never become such." Spoke Tsu-te some more, almost mocking this warrior as he bowed again in respect.

Spoke the warrior angrily as he grasped hold of Tsu-te's neck, "No one will ever defeat me. I am Ketsuro Funikoshi, and I shall not allow any man to beat me in battle."

K'iang Tsu Ko's face turned pale as he was lifted from the ground, his halberd falling softly. The strength this warrior, Ketsuro Funikoshi, was unspeakable. The power that this single warrior bore, sent fear and sadness into K'iang Tsu Ko's heart, for the thought of his death meant never getting revenge. But his eyes almost seemed to spark something within the warrior, as he soon dropped him to the ground, saying, "and lead me to this Lu Pu of which you speak!"

Tsu-te, gasping for breath as he fell to his knees, only nodded as he grabbed hold of his halberd, using it to stand. Even though this man before him was mighty, and had his respect, he now had his fear. Though this did not waver his mind as he began to walk, offering no words, only a gesture to let the man know to follow.

It is said, that these two warriors spoke not even a sigh as they walked for ten days. Those days passing slowly and troublesome, the moon dancing mockingly over head each night, the sun pressing down hard every day. The elements faltered them not, as each had a force driving them harder and harder, until they were within sight of the city of Meiwu, no more than an hours walk to the main gates. It was here that K'iang Tsu Ko spoke the first words, "Lu Pu is a hard man to reach. I offer my service to find out his habit, and perhaps where he may appear within the next few days. Rest, for you will need it."

Funikoshi nodded to the plan, finding it best. Shaking off the weariness he had gained from the journey, he sat down upon a boulder. Removing a long pipe from his coat, he began to smoke and ponder. It is said, that Tsu-te was inspired by the man's concentration, and though it is not sure, it is thought he wrote this verse some days later:

A man of skill,

A warrior to the heavens.

Such concentration he seems to hold,

As he bows his head to the stars.

The blade upon his shoulder,

And the goal in mind.

That night, K'iang Tsu Ko set out silently into the night, his halberd held closely at his side, as did a coil of rope. His feet padded softly on the dirt as he neared the outer walls, taking care to remain hidden as he fastened the halberd as a grappling hook. Despite the weight, it did not falter him, as he was soon over the wall, running as quickly as he could to the palace.

The moon hit down gently, sending its curtain about, gracing everything that sat beneath the light. Even the slinking figure of K'iang Tsu Ko, who had reached the palace, found himself in the garden, crouching beneath the peach tree within the masking shadows. But before he moved a single step from behind the shadows, he heard the weeping of a gentle maiden. His eyes wandering to the noise, only to find the figure of Kou Sun Ji, walking near him, slowly and steadily as she wept openly, her voice still ringing as the bell it always did.

"O! Curse my existence, as I have not brought peace between our districts. Curse my womanhood, and how it is threatened by the frailest of blades. How I cannot hold sword against Tung Cho, the monster who so binds me here!" The spoke as she stopped to weep against the trunk of the peach tree.

"Do not curse a life you will soon be free of," Tsu-te spoke softly into her ear, causing her to whip around, only to meet the lips of the rebel. Her face softened, as did her soul, for she knew who it was. It was the one person she had left to care for, as such was she to Tsu-te. Who slowly drew back to speak again, "I have found means to free you, and I intend to grasp my revenge to do such."

"No, just take me now," Kou Sun Ji pleaded desperately, grabbing hold of Ts-te's hand tightly, "You have me now, just take me with you!" She continued to plead as tears streamed down her face, though not harming her beauty at all.

"I cannot! That man slaughtered all I had, I must take revenge!" But with this, sounds of shuffling feet and clanking armor were heard. Tsu-te, offering one last kiss, fled from the palace quickly, not wanting his revenge to be stopped by anyone, not even the woman whom he had fallen to love.

He continued as such, returning to the palace each night, learning what he could of Lu Pu every night. Learning where he was to be in two days, which was the optimal time to strike, but also, every night, he saw Kou Sun Ji. Each night, his lips touched hers, and each time, he only thought more of freeing her, the revenge slowly dwindling to hardly but a smoldering ash, leaving him with little purpose.

O! How his anger burned so deeply,

Left with nothing but a weapon.

The world revolving around his anger,

His hate fueling his mind and soul.

Failing at his chance,

To slay the monster Tung Cho.

He gave up on life,

But was soon given a second chance.

A warrior of the east,

Bearing ways unknown to the heavens.

Gives help,

To make his revenge true.

But now the revenge dwindles,

Leaving him with nothing.

The days passed hard in the minds of the two eager warriors. Tsu-te wishing for nothing more than the freedom of Kou Sun Ji, as he lay awake, each night wishing only to hold her in freedom. Ketsuro Funikoshi, the warrior of the Ryukyu Islands, wishing for nothing more than to face Lu Pu. The warrior who is said to be able to slay a thousand men, and still battle to the end of time, as well as smite the heavens themselves if so he wished. Each man with different reasons, but each with a burning desire to see those reasons accomplished, no matter the cost.

Tung Cho, though as powerful as he was, was not without worry. Word of a shadow being seen throughout the castle, often by his adopted son Lu Pu, had struck worry to his heart as he paced back and forth in his private chambers. No matter how many maidens he had, no matter the reassurance his advisors gave him, not even the strength Lu Pu, calmed his nerve about this shadow. A simple thief, his advisors told him, but it did not lessen his worry. For he wore armor beneath his robes wherever he might go, for many sought his life. This shadow must have been no different, he thought as he continued to pace.

Li Ju spoke as he entered Cho's quarters, "It is in your best interest not worry on such a trivial matter my lord. This shadow is but a simple nuisance who can be dealt with anytime. Do not worry, I'm sure it will vanish in due time."

"As will my life if we do not kill it!" Shouted Tung Cho to his advisor harshly, for not even his most trusted advisor could calm his nerve as he continued his never-ending pace to and fro.

"But my lord, it is but a simple matter," continued Li Ju as he bowed low.

"Then why does it still haunt me," shrieked Tung Cho again as he jumped back, almost as though afraid of Li Ju. Though it was due to a sudden motion behind Lu Ji that startled him, and backing into the wall, he pointed, almost crying as he watched the door.

"My lord, it is…" Li Ju began as he slid open the door, but he had no time to finish as he yelled in terror. For as soon as the door-slid open, a spear point struck deep into his shoulder. The pain caused him to faint, as the being on the other end of the point leapt into the room, brandishing the weapon with intent to kill Tung Cho.

The being, was none other than the one eyed rebel, who glared at Tung Cho. A fire burning so deeply of hatred in his single orb, that it alone almost set ablaze the whole palace. The fiery spirit burning within him set him to charge Tung Cho, stabbing for his heart, but his halberd met metal as surprise took hold of K'iang Tsu Ko. The mail that always accompanied Tung Cho, was not absent this day, as he let a maniacal laugh leave his lips.

"You full, Lu Pu will be here any moment to deal with you," Laughed Tung Cho as he pushed Tsu-te off of him, brandishing a finely decorated dagger of his own.

"I think not," Tsu-te spoke in a low voice, stepping back and preparing, "Lu Pu has fled…" Even as his voice slowly faded into the gentle breeze, Tung Cho did not believe his words.

Only but an hour earlier, Ketsuro Funikoshi met Lu Pu at the gate of Meiwu, offering him battle. Even though Lu Pu was set to attack a rebellion that was slowly rising to the East, he accepted, and riding out on a simple horse, made ready to strike down this wanderer. But it did not happen as he had hoped, for as he swung his mighty halberd at the cloaked being, he found it caught within the warrior's hand, and soon found himself lying down upon the ground, the warrior standing over him.

"You…. are the mightiest of this land, pfft," grunted Funikoshi softly as he let go of Lu Pu's halberd, stepping back, even showing the disrespect to turn and slowly walk away.

"Why you." yelled Lu Pu in a voice that stopped the heavens, as he jumped up, bringing the halberd about again at the wanderer. But even though his blade hit the chest of warrior, who turned to face him once again, it stopped dead, moving no more. The cloak fell, sliced into two, being carried away in the wind, to reveal what lay beneath. It was odd armor, plated, made of many metals it seemed, stronger than anything Lu Pu had ever gazed upon, and as he pulled his weapon away, ready to defend, Funikoshi lowered to a stance, his eastern blade at his side.

"You, are hardly worthy," mumbled Ketsuro Funikoshi softly as he let his hand slowly drag through the air. Grasping hold of the hilt to his blade, though only for a moment that was all it took. For a cut faster than any could have imagine followed soon after, splitting Lu Pu's halberd in two, as well as slicing his famous lion head clasp, and fine robes and mail. This alone giving Lu Pu enough reason to flee, as he quickly mounted up again, running for dear life. The soldiers who were accompanying Lu Pu, after only a short time fled as well.

The warrior from the east,

A one Ketsuro Funikoshi.

Striking down Lu Pu,

In but a single cut.

Frightening the very souls,

Of all who may think of fight.

But his intent now done,

He wanders on, to find stronger warriors.

Tung Cho still sat in shock, hearing what K'iang Tsu Ko said, first dismissing it as something intended to frighten him. But as time passed, and Lu Pu did not come to save him, his eyes became circles as they widened as large as they could. True terror struck Tung Cho as he backed away from the rebel, falling to his knees to plead.

"Please, spare my life," he spoke, tears decorating his horrid face, "I will give you anything. Rank, money, maidens, anything, just please, spare my life!"

"It's too late for that…" spoke K'iang Tsu Ko in a gentle voice, almost as though pity may have overtaken him. But as his halberd fell upon the neck of Tung Cho, slaying him instantly, it knocked down one of the open lanterns, setting the room ablaze. And leaving Tung Cho's body to the flames, the rebel left his revenge behind as well, to burn in the inferno.

The young maiden, Kou Sun Ji, wept greatly within her chambers, wishing she could only just die. Her words speaking so grimly of fate and life, but also of her love, the young rebel whom she had not seen for two days. This caused her the most despair, but even as smoke drifted into her room, and the force of the heat burned through the walls, she did not move, praying for this death, for she deserved no better.

"Oh, happy flames, take hold of me in the embrace of love!" She yelled as she continued to open, the sound of her door sliding open, being nothing more than whisper to her as she turned away, not wishing to see whom it may be.

"These flames cannot embrace in love…as I can," spoke a voice, the carrier only known to her. For it rang true to her ears, sparking the will to live again, and as she turned, she shed tears of joy.

The End of Part 2