Okay, so that was sad. Last chapter, I know. From now on no more Disclaimers so for every chapter just no I don't own Koei, quotes, etc.

Sorry, to the Ying fans, she had to go for this to work PLEASE don't kill me.

It might be awhile 'till the next chapter. It's closing in on the end of winter break.

TO GUAN: THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS AND THE COMLIMENT ON THE POEM!

ALSO, THANKS TO SHADOWWOLD5889 FOR THE REVIEW, I KNOW I'M SORRY FOR YUE YING I SWEAR IT! ALSO, THANKS ABOUT THE POEM IT TOOK A WHILE TO WRITE!

Chapter 4- The Escape from Chang Ban

Liu Bei shook his head.

"Know that survival means victory in this battle!" I knew we needed Zhuge Liang now if we were to escape successfully with minimal damage. Zhang Fei and I were sent after Xiahou Dun to clear the path for Liu Bei and the others to come down upon. It was not too hard with the both of us to defeat Dun especially when Zhang Fei was drunk…again.

Liu Bei thanked the both of us for our work and bade us continue on quickly. Just when our next victim was in sight and we were near the bridge, Cao Cao and his disgruntled band of greedy heretics arrived.

"Cao Cao's main force!" Well, that's a nicer way of saying filthy rats. "We must quicken our pace!"

"My lord, I am here, there are no worries. We will escape!" I smiled. Zhuge Liang was always there just as you needed him at the absolute perfect time. No one even questioned how he seemed to appear from nowhere. I suppose they were too relieved. My smile was short-lived, however. It was Zhang He. I never understood why Cao Cao didn't kill the guy—uh…it—thing… whatever, every time I saw him my head hurt. Liu Bei continued to ride on as Zhuge Liang and I fought a short battle with He. We caught up with Bei right as he crossed the bridge. I was just in front of Kongming and enemy soldiers were right behind him. Once I had crossed the bridge I turned to see my lord still at the mouth of the bridge surrounded by enemy soldiers. He had already dismounted Shadow Runner and I was off of Mei and right behind him within a blink.

"No soul may pass here. Strategy is but half of me!" His voice was powerful and commanding. It caused the soldiers courage to waver, right before his war fan killed them all. "Come we must go." I paused.

"Liu Chan!!!" I screamed. Zhao Yun rode just up before us in the distance from the enemy stronghold. I breathed a sigh of relief; I knew he had saved the child.

"No fears, Lady Yu, I have saved him. Come Lord Strategist, Lady Yu, let us go." We mounted quickly speeding toward where Liu Bei and Zhang Fei fought Cao Ren and his sub-generals. Zhuge Liang looked gravely at the child. I could sense something wrong, but I had little of an idea as to the content of his thought, I rarely did. Xu Huang had also come to join the fight. He was an amazing warrior, probably still is. However, the three of us caused him to retreat and soon helped the others defeat Ren. We all looked toward the shore. A naval fleet with a flag bearing Shu insignia, and a dragon atop the words: Long live the Han! appeared. I was happy and I'm sure all the rest of us were. We arrived home soon our casualties no where near what they should have been for men in our predicament.

When we arrived, I stood just behind Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang. I didn't mean to eavesdrop. Okay, well, I did, but that's beside the point. Both of their expressions were serious, worried even.

"Do we know how many were lost?"

"2,000."

"A smaller number than it should have been thanks to you."

"I do my duty as your strategist nothing more."

"I couldn't ask for anyone better." Liu Bei had just noticed I was behind him, and smiled warmly. "Lady Yu, a pleasure, please join us."

"Hehe thanks."

"No, really. Why would it be, then, that I would toil to visit you three times?"

"Yes. Well, I need to speak with you and my assistant a moment." His brown eyes sparkled at the words, and at me. I knew I was smiling, and I knew Liu Bei was too. Was I that obvious? I was elated. Everyone seemed to fail to tell me, that I was the warlord's assistant. And not just any warlord—Zhuge Liang, he was far better than any that had crossed my knowledge. In my joy, I had forgotten the look of concern that passed the 2 men's faces.

We changed our course, to go to Zhuge Liang's tent. It was orderly, except for the desk. At least 6 books adorned its tabletop, as well as a folded up piece of parchment. There was something written on it but I couldn't tell what it was. He made sure no soldier was around and dismissed his guards.

"Cao Cao's threat has grown large."

"And what is to be done?"

"Simple." A long pause followed, as his smile grew devious, "I have formulated a plan."

"Why must you such wile against us?" Come, on with the plan!"

"I shall go to Wu, and secure our victory."

"Wu? You mean to ally with Sun Quan?"

"Precisely. And I have just the plan to do that. Zhou Yu will not resist an alliance with us. I shall leave by daybreak with the Lady."

He showed us out and Liu Bei stopped me a moment.

"May I speak with you?"

"You may, for what purpose?"

"Come. To my tent." We entered. "I need to speak with you on a certain, well, matter."

"Which is?"

"Master Liang…"

"2,000 pleas Lord Zhou Yu, What I've said is unpardonable. Please forgive me."