Yes, yes, it has been a few weeks now hasn't it. Look, deal with it okay SHEESH. I'm so sorry that I'm too lazy to go look up my reviews from last chapter so I'm just going to say thanks to all who reviewed, MSD, shadowwolf, and Sonic Wind I believe if I forgot anyone forgive me…I'm out of it….well on to business…this is a short chapter so yeah…
Death of a Hero
It was sort of awkward in the coming days. Zhao Yun and Ma Chao were still up to old business, peering from corners whenever the opportunity arose. They wouldn't dare confront me, but they always found Master Liang a worthy target. They seemed to forget though, the amount of power he possessed as their superior.
As of late, too small a number of officials had too much on their plate, especially the Prime Minister. Jing had been left in the hands of Guan Yu, and things went accordingly. Many nights I lay restlessly during the precious time allotted for sleep. One of these times, I ventured out to a balcony that served as a viewing point for a few apartments, including my own. I pulled on my night robe and slipped silently into the cool breeze. I found Master Liang already there, gazing into the glorious awe of the moon. He looked almost as if he were sleeping. His long black hair blew in the soft wind. He was so serene, but I could tell that something wasn't right.
"Come," his voice was barely a whisper. I was obedient and stood at his side, where I always felt right, "Do you see that star?" I nodded at a red body that seemed to struggle in holding its place. "It bodes ill for Lord Guan." I looked at him estranged and he met my gaze.
"What of Xuande?"
"I mean not to tell."
"You know that is unwise." His gaze shifted back to the now-fallen star.
"I fear it will be more so if he finds out." The light of the sun soon shone radiant colors over the horizon.
The next day was to be a simple assignment, Ma Chao, Zhao Yun, Zhuge Liang, and I were to settle a small business affair before it could escalate. Liu Bei figured that the sight of such high officials would frighten them into behavior. I knew the actual mission wouldn't be the hardest part of the assignment. It would either be how close we were going to Wei's borders or the long carriage ride with the two tiger generals.
Zhuge Liang helped me into into my seat and sat to my left, Zhao Yun and Ma Chao were to my right. I knew the trip would be the trouble as soon as it began. First, an awkward silence filled the ride. Ma Chao spoke up.
"So how is your "work" been going Master Liang?"
"Fine, Chao." He smirked a little, I knew the game the both of them were playing, and I would end up in the middle. The other two laughed until I raised a single eyebrow and stared them into silence.
Before I continue, one must realize that I was one of a small amount of women who were regularly in camp. The only other more prominent was Xing Cai, who was far too young to do much of anything at the moment.
Just to be ornery, Ma Chao slowly inched his arm around my shoulder and began to flirt. I tried to scoot toward Master Liang, but he only came closer.
"So, Aven Yu, how's it been lately?"
"Fine." I mumbled, trying to hide a desperate look I threw at Kongming. I could tell he seemed uncomfortable.
"When you have some time, would you like to walk out to the lake with me and see the statues?"
"I never have time." He inched closer, uncomfortably so.
"Stop."
"Oh, Aven Yu." I tried to move away from him, I tried to escape, but I couldn't…
"STOP IT." I said more firmly than before. Zhuge Liang watched as if contemplating what to do.
"Stop the carriage." He bellowed, uncharacteristically agitated. The driver halted immediately. "Ma Chao, outside, now." A slight look of fear crossed the other two men's faces. Deciding not to risk anything, he slid out of his seat. Zhuge Liang spoke loud enough for every one of us to hear.
"I should have you suspended."
"For what? Hitting on your girlfriend?"
"For harassing my assistant. She explicitly told you to stop."
"You can't suspend me for that."
"Oh can't I? I can do whatever the heck I want in the blink of an eye. I suggest that you don't try me."
"What would you suspend me from?"
"Anything I wish. Get back in the carriage."
"Yes, sir." He mumbled defeatedly. The rest of the trip was silent. We reached our destination without further incident.
We walked along the streets of the city; many town folk bowed their heads reverently. However, we would soon meet further trouble.
(To be continued…)
