Yes, yes. I know such a major flirt session last chapter. Next chapter there be even more Yes, we learned that Master Liang really CAN flirt. It's amazing! Sorry but there may not be one quite THAT big for a little while. But there's another surprise waiting sweet little Aven Yu when she gets in the tent. So yah. I think I might kill MSD again… teehee… It may have been a good thing no one else knew about it… I just found out the other day that I'm a musketeer if you are reading this sideways you know what I'm talking about, but no one else does…oh well xx-xx sigh xx-xx… Long story if you are on the WOM board read my sig and you'll get it… Just so you all know I came out of my shell and wrote a one-shot xx-xx gasp xx-xx that's amazing…
Shadowwolf5889:Why thank you!…teehee man I'm feeling hyper teehee can't you tell? Well I'll talk to you later on dah Message Board…
MSD: Well, well, well, I thought you may like that chapter. I must admit I killed myself with that one… I tried to throw all the fluff possible into it, without anything actually happening… I dedicate the last chappy to you Msd:D
Sideways: Ahh you again! No I'm just joking really. You know I never told you that I just love your Xiana character, really I just lover her. Especially in TSb2 teehee and in what is it that one in the rr… I dunno I'm rambling again… But um thanks…
Sonicwind: Yah, well y'know I dunno I'm hyper teehee thanks for reviewing…
Chapter 16- Close Calls
"That was too easy." I said to Master Liang as I rode up. The men behind me carried a bound Li Yan. He looked at me sternly.
"Don't be overconfident, Aven Yu."
"Yes, Master Liang." I half brushed him off as I rode toward Liu Xun's camp. I passed many in the Misty Forest on the way to my destination and I was the first one there. I easily dispatched of Liu Xun and remained raiding his camp with about 20 men. I waited, beginning to grow bored, until I heard a devilish voice.
"Villains! Invading Scum! I, Pang De, shall smite you all!" Without heeding Zhuge Liang's warning, I charged into battle. Looks easy enough. I suddenly found myself in a whirlwind of trouble. Pang De was slaughtering men left and right, and then he came for me. I tried to remain calm but panic overtook me. The man was the most demonic looking guy I'd ever seen, well second to Xing Daorong. The one difference between them was the fact that this man could fight, and the other could not.
"Zhuge Liang," I whispered desperately, "I'm sorry. I should have listened." I tried to parry Pang De's attacks, but my sword only grew heavy in my hands. I quickly found a blade at my neck, threatening my life.
"One more round." At this I was surprised, and my body screamed 'no,' but I had to redeem myself.
"Very well." I continued to fight him as long as I could. Soon, I discovered a blade hovering over my head. The next thing I saw was blood and shouts as I passed out.
Apparently, I awoke the next morning, angered that I had missed the battle and afraid to face Master Liang. I felt horrible. Liu Bei entered a little later.
"Good, you're feeling better."
"I…guess. Where's…" He stared through me and looked away gravely. I began to panic.
"M-my Lord?"
"I haven't checked in a bit but, he's not as well as you I'm afraid. Well, come, see for yourself." I was so scared of what I might see, but slowly stood and followed Xuande out, steadying myself on his shoulder. We headed toward the medical facility on the other side of the Cheng Du fortress. Things were more serious if you were there instead of your quarters. Most on the way were celebrating, others looked depressed.
"He tried to get up and see you, and to work, but I wouldn't let him. I had to order him back in his bed. I hope you don't mind…"
"Huh? Oh no…" My mind had wandered; I was so anxious. I entered to see his arm bandaged and red, and his leg bound similarly. He was fighting the nurse to get up and leave but she wouldn't allow it. His voice was weaker than usual.
"But I have work to do!"
"I'm under orders." He sighed and snuggled back under the covers to think of something else to say. I ran to him as well as I could and kneeled beside his bed. Liu Bei motioned everyone else out of the room. I found tears cascading down my cheeks.
"I see you are doing better."
"Master Liang! I—I—you're hurt. And it's all my fault."
"Nonsense, I was the silly one who tried to rescue you."
"I, no. I disobeyed your warning. You should be quite angered at me right now. This is my punishment. Please, tell me what happened."
"Come here." He pulled me close to him and I laid my head on his chest and he placed his arm around my shoulders. I could hear his heart beat slowly and steadily. I always felt safer when I was close to him. "Well, I had a feeling you wouldn't listen, so I tried my best to follow you after you left, without you noticing, but my horse was far too slow. I'd reached there just in time to shove you out of the way of the blade. But I was clipped on the arm and leg, and was nicked in the side as well. He was wearing a medical robe and pulled it open to reveal his wound, but I was too drawn to the fact that he wasn't wearing a shirt at the moment. I had often imagined but never… I digress. It was short-lived, however, and soon my head was resting on his chest, again. He stroked my hair softly. "Luckily, I held him off until Zhang Fei came around. You lay unconscious on the ground. I tried to pick you up, but I was growing dizzy. The medical staff arrived and tried to take me, but I insisted that they move you first. However, I can't say much more, I blacked out soon after. All I know is that we ended up winning; Liu Zhang surrendered."
"I shall NEVER disregard one of your warnings again. This has caused me too much grief." Liu Bei walked in.
"Um, sorry to interrupt, but the doctors believe you can return to your tent, but no combat for 3 months, and no strenuous work."
"Okay, okay." I knew Master Liang didn't plan on heeding that, put it would be fun to taunt him with it, and he would need someone to help him with everything.
"Would you please escort the Prime Minister to his tent?"
"Of course."
"I'll need your help." He said to me.
"Alright." He placed his arm around my shoulder, and I, my arm around him. We slowly made our way back to his quarters. Even when he was injured, he seemed powerful.
