Chapter 2: farewell youth
WOE- thanks for the review, that is one of main reason that Liu Bei is one my favs is because in the book he comes from nothing where as Cao Cao is a son of a epochs (10 real rules of China at end of Han) and Sun Jian is the son of a high level member in the government as well.
Forewarning- not now, and not for a good while, but at some point this story will have a LB/SSX aspect, as well as ZL/YY, and GP/XC aspects. Just so all you SSX wu couplers know, also I decided I am going to follow the LB story from DW5 that game is just sweet, and GP just rocks in the game.
Liu Bei was breathing hard, and was more then a little tired as he watched as Gongsun Zan moved in for a frontal attack; Liu Bei blocked the attack of Bogui, Xuande then countered with a hard right punch that missed his foe. When he missed with his attack he left just enough room for the well trained Bogui. Bogui went to knock Xuande out with a kick, but Xuande was able to grab his kick and throw him to the ground.
"That is enough, you two have really have performed well," Lu Zhi said walking into the room.
Xuande went over to his best friend and offered him his hand, "You did really good, that time, I was just lucky to beat you."
"Well thanks, but next, you going down," Bogui said smiling at Xuande.
"Yes, your right, you two have learned everything, I can possible teach you, now it is your time to go out and mark you place in the world. Remember my fine students, the world is a chaotic place filled with dangers that are both seen, and unseen," Lu Zhi said before stopping, "I also want you to remember that I will always be proud of both of you."
Xuande walked up to his teacher, "It has been the honor of my life to learn from someone like you."
"As it has been for me," Bogui said from behind Xuande, "Hey Xuande when you are packed up I need too ask you a question."
"Ok, I will be back in a few," Xuande said walking off.
On the way to his room, he thought back to all the time he had spent at that place under Lu Zhi's care, he had enjoyed every moment, he believe that he had learned a lot from both the books of the great teacher, as well as from the man himself. He also had come to understand the power of virtue while he was at the place, and was honored for that. He also was glad to have a friend like Bogui, he knew that if it was not for his friend's help, and pushing that he would not of achieved half of what he did while he was there. He was going to miss this place a lot, but he also knew that he had to move on and face the world. He knew he this was his chance to make his mark on the world. He had already packed up his stuff which only amounted to one bag, and carried it down the stairs, on his way Lu Zhi stepped in front of him.
"Xuande, I wanted to tell you before leaving, that I have a feeling you will achieve great things, but remember now, don't give up, even if you can find employment anywhere," Lu Zhi said before walking off.
Xuande just stood in place thinking about the words of the older man, he just did understand what he was trying to tell him, and so he walked down to where Bogui was waiting for him in front of the entrance to the building. He smiled at Xuande as he came closer.
"So Xuande, what are you going to do know, I heard that there is a rebellion that may break out soon. You can come work for my family if you want, it would be a great help to have you, pal," Bogui said, "You know the Gongsun clan is pretty powerful, and it would be easy to make ones name in such a group."
Xuande smiled back at his friends for a second, "Well, I must say that I will have to turn you down on that one, Bogui. I want to see what I can to on my own, I plan on going back home first, then if I can find anything, you will see me again, and even if I do, I promise my old friend, we will meet again in the future."
"Ok, then, I know better then changing your mind, I will see you when I see you, be safe now," Bogui said before walking off to his horse and riding away.
"It looks like it is time for me to go as well," Xuande said before leaving as well.
On his return to Zhou County he went in search of his old home to see his mother, but was surprised when he found nothing in the place where it was.
"Hey you what are you doing around here," a voice said from behind him.
He turned to see the same old man that he used to sell sandals to a few years before. The man looked a bit surprised when he looked at him.
"I see, wow you have sure grown Xuande. So you have returned, " he said before pausing for a second, "I am sorry, but you mother died last winter, there was nothing to be done, and no one was sure where you were. Your uncle had her buried on the north side of town, I can show you the way if you want."
Xuande almost fell over from the news, he was looking forward to telling his mother all about his adventure and how he had improved himself, but that was not to be, his mother, the only parent he had as an youth was dead, and he was parentless. The thought almost most make his face grow completely white, he almost couldn't believe it. Until he was at the grave, he just sat in front of the grave prying for forgiveness for not being around, for not being able to help. He felt so ashamed in himself, that he was always to busy to return home, and see her, the one person who mattered most in his life. He knew now that he would have to do something to make her proud, he would have to make himself into a great person in order to do this.
He wondered if he could find any help, and left to a local bar, that was just a bit away. He was unsure of who he would find, and couldn't of had a clue to the two people he would meet in there.
Names Liu Bei- Xuande Gongsun Zan- Bogui