Chapter 8
The abundant darkness consumed the strategist's soul within hatred, fear and the worst of all of those overriding emotions; vengeance. Shallow voices reflected within the unseen mirrors, howling words of disgust at the helpless Prime Minister of Shu. His mind was left vulnerable to those crude words of the chaotic world, absorbing those depraved words of the corrupted base of commoners. His eyes only twitched within a rare panic, reflecting his worries and unaware of his shifting reality within the vile surroundings.
Unswervingly, his spinning encompassing sights spun into the familiar seraphic forest that they had spent their night deviously within horrors and at the edge of their lives. Zhuge Liang's eyes slowly opened as the surrounding darkness only swarmed away from his groundings much like a flock of bats had released their prey and left him into an atrocious surrounding for one to exist within pain and bitterness. Confusion retook the strategist of his existence within the tarnished of dullness with on the forest.
His blood was splattered over the ground with familiarity of the sight, as the dazed embolic eyes only observed his pale surroundings. His panic smothered away within his terrified senses, losing whatever that had existed on the surface of the virtuous appearance of the Sleeping Dragon, just when those tenebrous eyes met a general smirking at him.
Unknowing to his will and dimmed sight, almost out of reaction lifted him from the soiled ground, the draconic strategist shot out for a falling object, unaware of the smirking features of the bald general. However, the last he saw was a surprised emerald pair of orbs. The reincarnating voice returned his mind, screaming vengeance within his hallow mind, almost being taken aback from the sealing voice of his senses, his mind swung a fist toward the specter of his dreams, listening to a screaming word that had engulfed his throat…
"NO!"
"Zhuge Liang!" A cry of surprise and shocked came within his name just as the ebony eyes soon revealed themselves to the reality. His eyes snapping open from the disastrous dream, which he had learned to loath during his search for the former missing general, and to the warm morning that had waited for his awakening.
The mild emerald orbs observed him with concern and surprised as an enhancing warmth took the alarmed former sleeping strategist onto alert as he gave a short bewildered look onto the bandaged, clenched fist that were being held by the Tiger General's fingers, halting a strike to the fragile jaw. A silent release from the tensed grip allowed the Prime Minister of Shu recollected himself at his unintentional attack as his arm pulled back to be examined by the still disorientated strategist, watched under the concern eyes of the Tiger General, clad with his regular blue armor, furnished with a strip of pale white dressing with a golden dragon dancing along with the band of clothe.
The scene where the Tiger General almost killed the strategist when they first met within the forest of death immediately replayed within both minds, wincing at the memory and the possible possibilities within it. However, that strike was out of alertness… this strike was out of anger and fear.
Subconsciously, the Sleeping Dragon allowed his back to give away from his weight and fell back on the bed while his trembling hand remained on his forehead, unaware of the sores that lingered with his back. His perspiration had become blaringly obvious as the strategist's fine toned muscles were glistening with hints of fear and horror. Zhao Yun watched his acquaintance with a vigilant agitation, wondering what could possibly brought the Sleeping Dragon into such an in depth horror.
"It is not over…" Zhuge Liang breathed unconsciously, as his pained onyx eyes finally came into the light again as the pale delicate fingers left the Sleeping Dragon's features. Those gleaming eyes of the Little Dragon only stared at him with distress and concern for his friend. However, those words that were barely audible for the general took Zhao Yun a blinking confusion.
One glance was enough to alert the Sleeping Dragon that he had somehow heard his words. Feeling a quick panic wash over him as guilt of sudden attack, Zhuge Liang quickly spoke hastily of covering his recent nightmare, "Do not mind me… I was just mumbling insolent phrases…"
Just as the strategist was about to run his trembling fingers over his saturated hair, the presence of the rough bandage was gone as he gave a questioning look toward his shoulder wound as his frail fingers came into contact his damp skin, coming to a realization that the general had unattired his top wounds. However, a frown still grew on his features as a questioning gaze was given to Zhao Yun, his voice almost matching the curiosity, "I thought it would be a doctor that would come and tend my wounds…?"
Though the general's was starting to blush in a fabulous crimson, the unbarring inquisitiveness only vanquished his embarrassment as his anxiety for the strategist doubled at his question.
"The doctor did come… didn't you heard or felt anything when he was tending your wounds?" Zhao Yun questioned, the mild jade-like eyes were only painted with worries as he observed the slightly pale strategist. Those onyx eyes wandered a bit; almost as if it had confused the strategist within his current status until his ebony eyes met the emerald gleam within the general's eyes. A slight feeling of rejection almost spread within the core his mind when the strategist cannot help but force his eyes away.
"No…" The same word that had awaken the Prime Minister of Shu was now being spoken in an eerie calmness as the strategist clicked his raven eyes, just when his eyes narrowed at the faithless attempt of remembering. Finally, giving up on recollecting his lost memory, the reluctant strategist slowly allowed his eyes meet those flaringly familiar eyes that had appeared as one of the deads in his nightmare, "What did he said?"
"He said someone was to apply some herbs onto your shoulder and head wounds, which I have taken responsibility of as you can see. You had been out for almost a day, though I had to wake you up because these herbs can hurt quite a bit when applying it…" A small hesitation stopped Zhao Yun from continuing his tale as his emerald eyes convulsed slightly, as the dark brooding impression recovered on the strategist's features. The Tiger General continued, wishing to lighten up the strategist from whatever had haunted and knowing fully well that this was not the time to question about it, "I can see I didn't need to though, you are quite a prowler. Having a habit of doing that during your journey or something?"
Hearing a jesting attempt by the general, Zhuge Liang cannot help but to smile slightly and raised an eyebrow in question, "Surely you are not observing me in my sleep very often."
Zhao Yun cannot help but to frown at the truth that he does, at times, spy at the Sleeping Dragon while he is truly asleep. However, knowing that the sinister atmosphere was diminishing away from the delightful morning, it was best to go along with his plan rather than blushing in front of the person he had misguidedly fell in love with. Acting upon his instinct, the Tiger General jokingly teased at the advisor's statement, "Now, why would I watch you sleep?"
Before having the time and chance to reply to the Little Dragon's question, a burning pain exasperated his wound as the general lightly applied some mixed herbs onto his temple wound. His face grimaced in pain of these acidic herbs, but he could hear a slight mocking tone came across Zhao Yun's tongue, "Knowing you, you would come up with some intelligent comment that renders me speechless… so, while I have a chance, this will silence you for a moment."
"Very wise of you." The Sleeping Dragon's simply stated through the grinding pain on his forehead that was soon spread to his shoulders. A genuine smile became visible on the strategist's weary and pained features from the bitter herbs, knowing fully well that no one except for the Tiger General can force him to smile at chaotic times of war, his heart was grateful for the patience and competence of the general within his years in Shu. His tongue hissing at the pain, the strategist's his eyes gleamed with a slight vexation.
"It is almost done; just let me finish wrapping your wounds…" Zhao Yun's soothing voice did not help the burning pain and the aching that had come along with his lack of movements during his unconsciousness. The silence wrapped around the silent pairs of officers much like as a blanket and had trapped upon the occulting atmosphere and had taken the darkening thoughts of the strategist, brooding upon his dreams and his fears... especially the words that had hallowed in his head.
The Third Tiger General eyes glimmered with an aestival shine, as he observed the strategist once again being absorbed into his dream, the dream that had almost forced the tactician into striking the very jaws of his. Unconsciously as both of them were enticed into their thoughts as Zhao Yun could feel his fingers fumbling with the bandage, wrapping the advisor's shoulders, however his mind was still reflecting on the strike that Zhuge Liang had unanticipatedly made.
That strike that was made the nights ago was feared for its possible outcome, just as the Little Dragon mused over the possible possibilities if he had struck the Sleeping Dragon's vital organs. However, this strike was feared for its reason. The reason of what caused the strategist to react so violently and aberrantly giving a blow to an mystified demon that had only existed within the advisor's internal realm, away from the reality of unknown.
Subconsciously, the Little Dragon made a final touching on the dressed wounds; he leaned back to the bamboo chair, musing silently. However, the lost of pain and contact brought the tactician into his own conscious as he sat up with little trouble due to his uninjured arm, watching those emerald orbs twirled within tranquility and intrusiveness upon the slight stroking of his own chin. However, the smile that was tugging on the corner of the strategist's lips heaved the general away from his thoughts.
Though Zhao Yun could feel his mind being pulled away from his own thoughts, the lashing memories of the nightmare long ago still haunted his thoughts. The mysterious dream that seemed to be proven wrong, yet it seemed to linger upon the edge of reality. Before the warrior can question the inquisitive look, a shallow voice could be heard not too far from them as pricks of the sunrays embraced the space within the shelter.
"Pardon me… Lord Zhuge Liang and Lord Zhao Yun..."
The voice only drifted into a soft timid voice that was barely audible to all ears just as he saw what was within the tent.
An imperious glance was followed by the chocolate orbs of the elder strategist, frowning slightly at the sight of his rival while the strategist of Shu only straighten his sore back, stretching his unmotivated muscles mildly. Those ebony eyes merely questioned the appearance of his former rival in Wu. However, unlike the glaring gentleman of Wu, Lu Xun's face was slightly discomfited at his ludicrous timing, his feral eyes barely did any easing upon the raising blush as his ears were soon ringing the bell of redness; or rather as red as his accustomed garments.
Ignoring the escalating surroundings around him, the Sleeping Dragon mildly shifted in his rather warm and crumpled bed. Looking past the knavish timing of the two strategists in red, his calm anima was written in his features, "What is it, Lord Lu Xun and Lord Zhou Yu?"
At the sound of authorization from the slightly elder Prime Minister, the feral-eyed boy immediately wore a serious demeanor at the discussion of their case in hand, "A coalition meeting is about to take place, due to your absence during the last few hours… Lord Sima Yi and I had taken necessary action. I hope you do not mind…"
The ring name of the Prime Minister of Wei made the Shu tactician frown at the singular thought, however his interior remained calm at the rapid news, "Who was being sent as reinforcements?"
Taking the opportunity to be involved within the conversation, the Tiger General of Shu answered his love interest's question, knowing fully well that it was bound to upset the strategist at rest, "Lord Liu Bei sent Jiang Wei as reinforcement, as you can see, Lord Sun Ce sent Lu Xun and Zhou Yu… well, Lord Cao Cao decided to send Zhang He and Sima Yi."
His frown only widen at the answer, just when Zhou Yu cannot help but to speak out the Sleeping Dragon's thoughts as the Little Dragon smirked slightly, "It does makes you wonder what was our lords thinking without us advising them."
Seeing that his rival had struck his thoughts at heart, Zhuge Liang nodded at Gongjin's words in agreement. As he watching the three generals with a slight perplexed eye, his voice droned with a dry humor, "All three prime ministers are out here. I wonder if we could make it through alive before we start poisoning each other's goblets."
"I am sure it wouldn't happen… though being in a more serious matter, when could we expect you in the meeting, Lord Zhuge Liang?" Lu Xun questioned and excused the elder Prime Minister's dryness of the situation. His golden eyes only watched the already-brooding strategist at the sight of his question.
"I will be there immediately… of course once I am dressed. Now, if you three will excuse me…" A cough escaped the elder strategist of Wu as he immediately turned away, leaving the soft material of the tent blistering over the wind, grinding at the wooden structure of the shelter. The Prime Minister of Wu bowed at the request, acknowledging the reply as he turned to join his mentor to witness the seraphic moments within the surroundings of the peaceful nature. Zhuge Liang's onyx eyes almost raised an eyebrow within the swirling beauty in it as the Tiger General stood up at his command.
However, before his departure, the Tiger General could not help but to blurt out his demands, "I will be waiting for you outside."
Unable to see the nodding of the Prime Minister, Zhao Yun walked out of tent allowing the soft flaps caress his forehead. Feeling the urge to finish the train of thoughts that was disturbed by the Prime Minister of Wu, Zilong took a deep breath of the refreshing air that was sustained within cerulean sights. His emerald orbs narrowed at the mild breeze that had brushed pass these lands of serenity and rest. Being relaxed by the peaceful atmosphere that was rare to be felt around him, his eyes closed upon his sight, allowing the scent of the fresh emerald fields embrace his senses.
"It does make you wish that everyday is like that, doesn't it?" Zhuge Liang's voice called behind the eased general, observing the perfect day of the chaotic year. The celestial plateau only brought a similar hypnotization as it enticed the strategist in its beauty, as the Prime Minister of Shu only glanced down at the rolling grasslands that leads him into a belief that they were up on a hill, waving his Peacock Feather as he spoke, "It does makes me wonder if Lord Zhang He had picked this camp spot."
An elegant laughter followed that comment shortly as both generals immediately pivoted toward the general that was renowned as the Deadly Butterfly. His amethyst eyes only glimmered with amusement, smiling at the two generals in greetings, "Of course not… Sima Yi would have scolded my taste because it doesn't any apply to his strategic means. Greetings, Lord Zhuge Liang, it is good to see that you have finally awoken from your little beauty sleep."
"Good day to you, Lord Zhang He… I thought Sima Yi would be with you." Zhuge Liang bowed and smiled slightly to the Fourth Tiger General of Wei, as the strategist was still fully aware that the general clad in his blue armor was shifting upon his feet slightly.
"Oh, no. He went ahead toward the meeting, because I tend to spend my time observing the nature a little too much." Zhang He only commented, his eyes still smiling at the two generals, "Lord Jiang Wei should be already there. I think he would be delighted to see some of his comrades, he was slightly uncomfortable around all his 'temporary allies' soon."
Nodding slightly, the strategist returned the elegant general's thoughtfulness with a mere smile, "If that's so, I believe it is best we head there as quickly as we could. Do you mind…?"
"Please head on, I am sure poor little Jiang Wei will be as quiet as a mouse if you do not head there soon." The general nodded toward the shelter where the meeting will be held, watching the generals under his watchful eyes, "As of I… I suppose I will allow the beauty around here entice me a little longer."
"Well then, we shall be going then… Don't allow your sight for beauty to harass you for your tardiness." Zhuge Liang jested slightly, before him and Zhao Yun headed toward the indicated meeting place. However, once the vivid general had become a mere prick of dot within a distance, the strategist of Shu raised an eyebrow toward the Tiger General of Shu, "I thought Jiang Wei would have spoken to you by now."
Zhao Yun only sighed at that question, "Well, I was resting too. You cannot expect me to be around for the entire day."
The strategist mused slightly on the Tiger General's statements, stroking his goatee slightly, his eyes flashing with amusement, "How am I to expect that? It almost seemed like you were hovering over me for the entire day."
Hearing those words, the Tiger General mentally slapped his forehead for the preciseness of his love interest's speculation. The truth that he did hover around the Prime Minister's tent for most of the day vexed the general slight as his emerald eyes flashed with a slight disconcert. Fortunately, the strategist didn't meet the Third Tiger General's eyes and was unable to sense that his little jest had hit the fact. Zhao Yun's eye only quivered slightly before he falsely frowned at the tactician, "We really should head on, otherwise poor Jiang Wei would really be a mouse when we arrive there."
Indeed he was as quiet as a mouse. Sima Yi mused slightly as he observed the tense apprentice of his rival, smirking slightly as he waited for his general to arrive from his 'beauty patrol'.
Mildly distracted by the ideal chattering around the tent, Jiang Wei only nervously glanced around his surroundings and the entire group of the alliance. The two strategists of Wu had just arrived shortly from their visit to the unknown as they are always whispering among one and another. The younger strategist only sighed, wondering how long will it be for him to see his comrades as his watchful chocolate eyes observed the pained pirate that had obviously was forced out of bed whined about the bleeding abrasion on his back.
However, the former pirate's bleeding back did not stop him from raising his muscular arms and waving at whoever created the sounding footsteps, the apprentice of the Sleeping Dragon immediately tensed slightly as the wondering words of the former nine bells of the sea. It was slightly obvious that his shoulder blade was still seriously wounded, as his voice rang out pain and joy at the same, forcing a slight glance from the feral-eyed strategist, "Hey, Lord Strategist and Zhao Yun!"
Turning around to meet his Prime Minister as the serene voice voiced to greet the enthusiastic pirate and his apprentice that was apparently anxiously waiting for the two major generals of Shu to arrive, "Greetings Lord Gan Ning and Jiang Wei."
Jiang Wei immediately bowed at his superiors, finally relieved to see his two comrades are fine and well. However, it stood as a question that the Tiger General would flinch as his brunette orbs meet those mere shimmering orbs of emerald, nonetheless the apprentice that was armed in his own unique greeted both of them equal, "It is good to see that both of you are well, Prime Minister and Lord Zhao Yun."
The Sleeping Dragon fanned himself with his almost-harmless feather fan, nodding toward his apprentice as he squeezed the robed shoulders. His eyes only jeered at his most recent rival as his ebony eyes met ones as similar as his, though it belonged to Prime Minister of the arch kingdom of Shu. Zhuge Liang only merely ran his fingers over the white delicate feathers of the fan, still wondering silently at how much does their lord actually mused about this reinforcement.
Feeling the moderating surroundings, the Tiger General of Shu only nodded his greetings toward the two warriors that had greeted him as he eyed the strategist with a slight suspicion that he was not satisfy with the groupings of the reinforcements, not even one bit. However, that malicious look on the Prime Minister of Wei does create a doubt for Zhao Yun to ponder about Lord Cao Cao's true intentions within the alliance.
"Why, hello, Zhuge Liang…" Sima Yi sneered slightly at the strategist of Shu, as those calm gazes only watched the advisor of Wei without a wavering emotion. The daoist strategist only bowed to him before speaking his own words.
"Greets, Lord Sima Yi."
The Prime Minister of Wei only watched his rival with amusement, his own ebony eyes was glimmering that slightest fact that the strategist of Shu would only speak so little toward his rivals as much that the tactician usually had plans that involves mere taunts, trap or any sort of ambush. However, his curiosity served almost nothing as the Sleeping Dragon's eyes only withered his interest away as those onyx orbs observed his currently surroundings.
Looking toward the strangling rivalry between the two Prime Ministers forced the Tiger General's eyebrows to furrow in question. There were a lot of questions left unanswered of how the alliance managed to stand between the bitter glares of all three lords and the Prime Ministers of all three kingdoms did not help much either. Zhao Yun only gazed silently as he silently stroke his chin merely to keep him attached to reality, his thoughts were broken when a quick, yet gentle tap was given to his armed shoulders.
"Are they always like that…?" Lu Xun asked, surprising the fierce general slightly as the Prime Minister of Wu had unsuspectingly sneaked behind the Tiger General as those wandering emerald eyes met those eagle-like orbs. Zhao Yun only smirked at the youngest Prime Minister's question; it was definitely not out of innocence, but more likely for the well-being of the coalition.
"Do you expect them to get along?" The Tiger General asked in return, his words was loud enough for the Prime Minister of Wei to mentally flinch at the mystical meaning behind his words. Zhuge Liang only smirked slightly at his companion's words as he engaged into a silent conversation with Jiang Wei.
The younger strategist of Wu only hesitated slightly at those words, his brilliant mind failing to deny the Tiger General's question as his luminous golden eyes only frowned slightly, "No… I suppose not."
However, disturbing the regular talks between their own comrades, the vivid general arrived last as his amethyst only glimmered in apologizes. Despite the murmurs of forgiveness, the Lord Strategist of the elegant general still scolded for his lateness.
As an obedient silence wrapped the entire remnant force on the serene wild lands, Lu Xun rose from his seat, knowing this was his position to speak as the leader of the reinforcement, "Seeing that now everyone had arrived within this room… I would like Lord Zhuge Liang to take over this force's control." Raising murmurs broke out of the men that found them disagreeing with the Prime Minister of Wu's thoughts, however the delicate hand of the their leader halted the mutters, "It is not because I do not see myself fitting as the head of this, but rather it is because Lord Zhuge Liang has a more solid background with what's in front of us."
At this pause, no noise broke the silence as the Prime Minister of Shu stroke his goatee slightly, musing about the youngest Prime Minister's words. His eyes remained closed at his thoughts as Lu Xun watched him in a silent hope. It was the best choice; disregard the well-known rivalry of the famed Sleeping Dragon. Those feral eyes once again observed the men around the table, his voice spoke with confidence, hope and certainty, knowing that this was the finest option that was ahead of them.
"I hope all of you will respect my choice as a Prime Minister, in Wu or not." Lu Xun then faced the still deliberating strategist, stroking his facial hair with thoughts and concern, "Lord Zhuge Liang… If you will…"
His eyes still closed almost as if his mind was still debating about the choice; however he rose from his seat and those onyx eyes flickered upon the light that still lingered upon the tent, "I will accept the position… however…" His voice droned as he started walking around the table, eyeing each general with immense interest as the Prime Minister of Wu went back to his seat, his heart lifted of the burden due to the unknown of the situation. The older strategist only continued walking around the table; his eyes gleamed with determination as his voice spoke equal to it, "I have one favor to ask of all of you."
The attention of all went onto the strategist almost immediately, even the ones that were reluctant to accept him as their new guide through this troublesome mess. Zhuge Liang's steps stopped howling near Zhou Yu's seat, as the older strategist of Wu immediately tensed of anger as he could feel the presence of his rival hovered near him, "I ask for collaboration of the team."
Everything fell into silence as the impossible request was spoken from the dry lips of the Sleeping Dragon.
"I know how hard this request could be," Zhuge Liang continued as he soon walked away from the elder tactician, "However, please do look around your… no, our surroundings right now. I can see why each one of you can hold a reason to despise me to my deepest bone or wish something dreadful upon me. This is not the time, unfortunately for those who loathe me with your fullest heart."
Pausing slightly as the Prime Minister of Shu stopped near an empty spot on the table, allowing his finger to run through the poor quality of the made-shift table. Just as he fanned himself with the delicate fan within his hand at the same moment, thinking of his next words, "Our last battle with the rebellion did not quell it at all. This is not because we did not manage to eliminate Zhang Jiao, but it is rather…"
Those last words haunted the strategist as his eyes flashed with discomfit as he watched all the generals listened to him intensively… almost too obediently, even for Sima Yi and Zhou Yu.
"Zhang Bao was alive before we found him, this speaks that the last pawns of Zhang Jiao still has not fall…"
Though his back was facing the meeting as he observed the piercing light of the soft fabric, however he still could recognize the Prime Minister of Wei broke his concentration on his words, "Wait… That's impossible that, Zhang He stabbed him through his heart the last time…"
An unbearable silence blanketed the group of generals as the unpredictable and the impossible happened almost within their sights. Though his back was still facing, as it remained motionless, however the Tiger General could almost feel that the strategist almost felt a stake stab his mentality at threat. Almost unexpected by such news, the Sleeping Dragon slowly turned toward the Prime Minister of Wei, his eyes almost confused and shattered by what he had just heard.
"Oh shit." Gan Ning breathed as his senses hit the realization hard.
"Gan Ning…" Lu Xun reacted at the foul word that escaped the former pirate's lips; however he could feel the anxiety within the air and cannot help but to feel perversity of the calmness that he had held within his heart as the page unfolded again at the mystery.
Finally regaining a little bit of his calmness, the Sleeping Dragon observed the still slightly surprised Prime Minister from Wei, "Repeat what you just said."
"I killed Zhang Bao slightly before Lord Zhao Yun became missing." Zhang He offered, knowing that his superior was still surprised at what had unconsciously escaped his lips as the Prime Minister of Shu's eyebrows immediately frowned at those poetic words from the vivid general himself. His fingers immediately trailed around his injured temple, almost as if he was resisting the stress of puncturing another wound with on his head.
"Was the corpse of Zhang Bao found?" As the Sleeping Dragon started from one of the many possibility from the resurrection of Zhang Bao, hoping that the 'Wills of the Heavens' cannot raise anyone from dead as they wish… otherwise, that could be very much like killing numberless of living deads.
"No… I don't think I ever found his corpse…" Sima Yi simply answered as his mind slowly drifted back to the edge of the reality, just as the eyes within the Prime Minister of Shu lightened up slightly. Reading his eyes almost instantly, the older tactician of Wei rose from his seat, "Then you don't mean…"
"Yes, this means he needs the corpse… then this also means…" Zhuge Liang started as his eyes immediately met with those eyes of his rival's, his mind racing for the answer as his eyes narrowing slightly.
"… Zhang Jiao couldn't raise his men back to life without it…" The Prime Minister of Wei continued, letting his thoughts take his mind away, smirking at the solution at hand.
"… So, as long as he does not find it…"
"… He won't be able to raise his entire army back from the dead!" Sima Yi concluded, but a strange feeling of discomfit ate away his heart as his eyes almost skipped away from the Sleeping Dragon's eyes painted a confused look at how his mind managed to work on parallel with one of his rival's, who will act almost differently than how the strategist of Shu will do from any situation he will meet.
Amusement almost spread across the entire force of generals at the conjunction of the two opposing strategists, as Lu Xun watched a slight amazement in his glittering golden orbs of how the two bitter Prime Ministers managed work with each other, almost when two different minds merged into one. The Tiger General of Shu didn't spend much of his time be in amused or amazed however, as he immediately questioned at the newly found information, "Then wouldn't this mean Zhang Liang could very well still be alive…?"
The Sleeping Dragon immediately took focus on the question at hand, "That could be very much possible… as I do not remember seeing his corpse in my second run within the battlefield… As for the others loyalties of the Yellow Rebellion Turban, Zhang Jiao couldn't possibly resurrect his entire army and gather all the corpse of all his fallen generals, since he is also on pursue of our forces and the others."
His eyes closed at the growing stress as his mind only gathered what had been spoken. Feeling that his mind was empty for the first time within the journey, despite the pain his ebony orbs scanned the coalition once more, "That is all for today's meeting; I heavily recommend that all of you have enough rest within tonight." A shallow cough broke into the Prime Minister of Shu's final closing, almost hinting a silent message as Jiang Wei gave a small concern look to the Prime Minister. He did not stop at the notice of the cough however, "That will be all, and you are all dismissed."
At the final announcement, the bristling conversations between the main officers of the three kingdoms surfaced upon the now finished meeting. Almost as if he was acting within exceptionality, he didn't turn to join his companions at war about the possible uprising, however he only turned toward the delicate and rough clothe of the tent that they had once subsided in. The various officers that had formed this force were now mostly moving out of the tent, conversing quietly.
Feeling a nod passed behind his sight, Zhuge Liang silently felt that his apprentice gave a concern glance toward him as he became the first to leave between the generals of Shu. A vexed sigh escaped his lips as the Tiger General approached him along with the sounds of his boots stepping lightly on the ground before the warmth of his hand came upon the Sleeping Dragon's uninjured shoulder.
"It wasn't needed to cough against my statement, Zilong." The Sleeping Dragon inquired calmly, as he turned to meet the general, allowing the hand that was formerly placed upon his shoulder slip away from its previous position. Zhao Yun's mild jadeite eyes only watched the strategist with unexpected amusement. However, behind those emerald eyes, the strategist could feel the curiosity for his dream bustled with intrusiveness. Doubtful that he was ready to speak to the general about his dream yet, Zhuge Liang only continued, "I am very certain that the others found my words quite amusing to follow as well…"
A sheepish smile crossed the general, however guilt was missing from the smile as Zhao Yun was fully aware that his smile was barely a reputation for his supposed guilt, "I am glad you noticed it yourself… perhaps you should spare Jiang Wei however, he is always worried."
Starting his way to the outside of the tent, the strategist of Shu only allowed his eyebrows furrowed slightly at the Tiger General's statement as the a frown soon spread within his features, "Too worried." Fully aware that the general was silently tugging behind his footsteps, Zhuge Liang only watched the seraphic skies with a slight awe. He was still disturbed by his thoughts however, "It does sometimes wonders me about him…"
The Tiger General almost stopped breathing at the Sleeping Dragon's statement; his heart was racing, wondering if the Prime Minister can easily sense someone's concern and the source so quickly. His eyes flickered with a worried gleam; however the strategist only ignored that glimmer as he turned to meet the Little Dragon. His eyes remained puzzled at those flashing eyes of concern as his mind wondered about his apprentice not for the first time, as a smooth breeze only crimpled the grass beneath them.
Finally at the allowance of his voice, Zhao Yun found his words croaking against his throat at the strategist's possible speculation, "What do you mean…?"
"I don't mean anything… I am just somewhat concern for his own health." The strategist only implied toward the general's question, disregarding the discomfiture of his voice. Much like the breeze that had passed them in the recent time, the relief covered Zhao Yun's worries of Zhuge Liang's thoughts, wondering silently at how could the strategist possibly think of such 'disgraceful' thoughts and at his quiet stupidity.
"Kongming, he can take care of himself." Zhao Zilong replied easily, as his fears diminished into the inexistent world, only nagging the Tiger General's mind silently within the back. However, disregarding it, the general only resumed with his assumption, "You do know that is how most of us feel about you, especially when you put your work upon your health. I am sure Jiang Wei can easily agree with what I just said."
Another sigh escaped those delicate lips of the strategist, "Is this turning into another lecture about the lack of grains and sleep I am having?"
"No…" Zhao Yun only mildly replied as another issued nudged his mind into spilling what the true purpose was between this talk. However, those studded orbs of the strategists only told that the Sleeping Dragon knew what was within his mind within their entire conversation and meeting, "You know why I waited, Zhuge Liang…" The usage of the strategist's standard name only forced a slight shiver from both of them, as the morning flashed between their eyes within a measly second.
"I thought, or rather hoped, you would never ask." The Prime Minister muttered, however the Tiger General's ears rang with guilt as the mild grimness of the Sleeping Dragon's reply echoed as loudly as a bell, yet it was merely spoke with a voice within reality. Forcing his eyes to meet those honest emerald eyes, his voice only sound ruthless and it surprised the general how it harsh did it feel even with the words was bare, "I do not want to talk about it."
Feeling the word 'vengeance' rang within his head; the strategist found himself walking away from the astonished Little Dragon. A momentary guilt only screamed within his mind, almost unlike for him to act so harshly to any of his companion. The blinking of the general only recovered Zhao Yun from his fleeting revelation.
It was going to be harder than he thought to gather what had caused the sudden attack from his love interest. Much harder.
End of Chapter
Author's Note:
Maybe a slight OOC here between several of character, though my imagination is getting twisty. O.o;
Besides, I know how weird it is for one fiction that went from the Search for Zhao Yun plot went into a sort of undead story plot, or what it seems right now… though trust me, we are still in the plot!
This chapter is dedicated to AmaDono and DarkMoonFlute288 for their encouragements while I am writing this fic… Not to mention, it was their birthday a few days ago, so happy (late unfortunately) birthday to you two. Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter that was speed-written (and hopefully still being kept in its best quality).
By the way, Gongjin is Zhou Yu's style name, for those that didn't know when they were reading this fanfiction.
In addition, I decided to answer Saturngold's question here… Being frank, I don't know when I will release Droplets of Rubies. I hate to do it after I finished the WoD series (which could possibly take VERY LONG for me to finish it), though the best possibility is after I finished writing another one-shot and finished writing Words of Despair, which will be where I will release the second addition to the WoD series and work on Droplets of Rubies as well.
Credits: The Sima Yi-Zhuge Liang scene where their mind worked in conjunction (This also relates to the plot for special reasons) was inspired by Moonlight Madness by Gingivere the Shadowreave. Awesome story, be sure to read the entire thing when you have time. ;