In this Chapter I took parts from the novel of the Run of Chang Ban, I like this version than Koei's (No offence guys ; ) and added some of my own stuff and switched things around to fit and go along with the story. Enjoy!

Chapter 2

Yue awoke to the sound of followers of her new lord Liu Bei, as they readied themselves to meet Guan Yu and Sun Quan at the river just past Chang Ban. She yawned stretching her slender body looking over to see it was only she within her bed. She remembered Zhuge wanted to sleep separate for the night.

"Not like we ever sleep together anyway…" She mumbled to herself as she dressed, placing her light armour on and packing her things before he removed herself from the room. Walking down the hall she stopped before Liu Bei's room, moving to the doorway she heard frantic messenger bringing shocking news to his lord.

"Cao Cao! Lord Liu Bei! Cao Cao approaches, and fast! He is looking to stop you!"

"What?" Liu Bei stood from his seat, Zhuge sitting beside him with a cool and calm look. "Cao Cao approaches? We must make haste then! Tell everyone to quicken their pace!"

"Lord!" The messenger bowed then ran off quickly to spread the news.

"Lord Liu Bei, we mustn't waste time, you must get away from this area…" Zhuge requested.

"Never! I will not leave my people behind!" Liu Bei shouted, taking his sword in hand. "I will escape once I know the people are safe."

Zhuge smiled softly, "The what I was hoping to hear." He stood from his seat, "The we must go, get as far as we can before Cao Cao approaches."

"Good, see to it Zhuge Liang. Come, let us go!" Liu Bei moved from the room moving past Yue. Zhuge soon followed along with Zhao Yun. Zhuge stopped looking to her.

"Yue, help our Lord, we need to get to the river before Cao Cao arrives."

"As you wish, my husband…" She bowed her head, as he walked away. She lifted it back up only to see Zilong looking at her quietly.

She moved over to the stable to ready her horse looking into the other stable beside hers, seeing Zilong horse tied next to hers. His was a great white stallion, pure white hair and mane its big brown eyes watched her quietly giving a few shakes of his head. Yue smiled, reaching out to pet the kind creature. A handsome horse for a handsome man, she thought. She pulled away and brought her horse along the road walking it over to the group were Liu Bei was. As she walked she noticed Zilong watching her quickly as she approached the group.

"Is there anything wrong, Lord Zhao Zilong?" She asked tilting her head.

"Be safe…Please." Was all he said as he moved to the stables to get his horse. She shared blankly for a moment. She shook her head snapping out of it then mounted her steed and moved off to join her husband and her Lord.

Zilong galloped over to a Carriage where Liu Bei wives waited to pass through the city. A solider cry out that Cao Cao was only a few miles from them now. Tension grew with the people as move on and follow the others. Xing Cai and Yue Ying followed along side Liu Bei to make sure he was protected as they passed over the bridge passing the city. Yue wasn't far from the rear were Cao Cao was approaching fast. She looked back seeing Zhao Yun still remained, trying to catch up with his mounts with the crowd of people moving as fast they could to get through the city gates. She watched them, as she made sure the people made it pass the city.

"Lord where is the carriage?" the major asked riding next to him looking around. "I can find it!"

"What? Damnit! No this isn't good!" he cursed as he turned quickly heading back into the city in great haste, leaving the soldiers within his dust.

Mi Fang glanced up seeing Zhao Yun ride towards the enemy; he glared then moved as quick he could to catch up with Liu Bei and his group.

Yue galloped over to her husband's side, looking around. She didn't see Zhao Yun anywhere and made her worry. She looked over to Zhuge whom seem to have no look of worry at all, as if he knew things were going to be all right. Maybe she should trust him maybe things will be fine.

"Yue, do you trust me? Do you trust my plans will succeed?" He asked as he looked to her slowly.

"Why do you ask me? Of course I trust you, you're my husband." She answered in confusion.

"Good, then I know our lord will rise among the stars."

Yue blinked slowly at him. At times Zhuge would ask strange questions, like the time he asked if it was right of them to marry, things like this made her think if it was a right idea. For now, they were married and will be for a long time, she trust his plans to get them out of harms grip of Cao Cao, but is their plans for a bright future together certain? Only time will tell her, and hopefully soon.

Zhang Fei has finally caught up with Liu Bei riding beside him, "Brother, I think we go everyone from the city just a few more groups need to pass."

"Good, then let continue on!" Just then Liu Bei looked over seeing Mi Fang ride up in haste yelling out.

"Lord Liu Bei! It's Lord Zhao Zilong! He has defected to Cao Cao!"

Liu Bei face had a look of horror, Yue as well. It seemed disbelief has taken her; she refused to believe he would leave and join that dog Cao Cao.

Zhang Fei growled, "He must think us weak!"

"No, he has stayed with out even in the toughest times." Liu Bei stated towards Zhang Fei.

"I saw him head Northwest!" Mi Fang exclaimed.

"I will find him," Zhang Fei barked, "And when I do he'll meet the end of my spear!"

Yue eyes widen at Zhang Bei remark, last thing she wanted to see was Zhang Fei spear shun through Zilong like nothing. She shook her head, why was she so upset over this? Xing Cai looked over noticing Yue reaction to her father's words.

"No!" Liu Bei yelled out, everyone looked to him, brows raised. Liu Bei fist gripping the reins of his mount. "Mistrust him not! Remember Guan Yu and how he defected to Cao Cao; I know Zhao Yun's intentions are good. I believe he won't abandon us!"

Zhang Fei scoffed; even his brother's faith could not bring him to submission. He took 20 men with him, and started off to Steepstone Bridge. The other watched as he rode of with the group.

Zilong rode through the city street in search for the wives of Liu Bei. Cao Cao armies begun to take the inner city as he road towards Steepslope Bridge when a soldier stopped him.

"Halt Lord Zhao Zilong, where are you going?"

"What are you doing here? Who are you soldier?" Zilong asked as he brought his horse to a stop before him.

"I was driving the carriage our lords wives where in" the soldier replied holding his wounded arm, "until an arrow knocked me off and tipped over the whole carriage. I just gained conscious not long ago."

"Where are Lady Gan and Lady Mi?"

"Just now, I saw Lady Gan heading south with a group of peasant woman."

Quickly Zhao Yun turned and raced south, passing hundreds of commoners trying to escape the city. He looked about then called out to the rear of the group.

"Is Lady Gan with you?" he cried out.

"Lord Zhao Zilong!" Lady Gan waved, and pushed through to meet with him.

Zilong slipped from his horse bowing to the woman before him, "Forgive me, my eyes lost site of the carriage, tis an awful crime," he said, tears started to form in his eyes. "Where is the Lady Mi and young master?"

"I lost site of them after we were chased down by Cao Cao's men." She answered, but then turned quickly hearing an outcry of a Wei warrior.

Zilong mounted to get a better look to see Mi Zhu in chains, held by one of Cao Ren's officer Chunyu Dao, whom waved his sword about ready to claim his prize for the captured officer. Zilong let a sharp short cry pass as he launched his spear into the chest of Chunyu Dao, dropping him off his horse, and freeing Mi Zhu of his grip. He moved over to free Mi Zhu of the bonds and taking the two horses, placing Lady Gan on one, and rode off to Steepstone Bridge.

Zhang Fei stood upon the bridge waiting watching as Zilong approached he glared the barked out with a great cry.

"Zhao Zilong! Why did you betray Liu Bei you dog!"

Zhao Yun looked to him with a confused look but answered him, "I went to find our Mistress's and young master, and so I went back. What do you mean by "betrayed"?"

Zhang Fei saw Mi Zhu and Lady Gan, and nodded slowly, now understanding. "Liu Bei was right…"

"Where is our Lord?" Zilong asked.

"Not far ahead, he is waiting for all the people to pass."

Zilong looked to Mi Zhu, "Take Lady Gan, and return to Liu Bei. I must go find Lady Mi and our young master." With that Zilong turned and headed back into the city.

On his way he ran into Xiahou En and a few riders, he challenged En and slain him with ease, the horsemen accompanied with him fled in fear that they would be next. He moved towards the body hunched over the mount and looked to the sword strapped to his back. Zilong took the sword looking it over and saw it was one of Cao Cao's, the "Black Pommel", its name engraved in gold on the handle of it. Knowing well of the value of this sword Zilong placed it upon his side, and resumed to storm through the enemy ranks.

Zhao Yun continued to search for Lady Mi, asking any he passed, until one pointed out saying she wasn't far, and was wounded carrying a child close to her. Zilong moved into the direction until he reached the woman sitting near a dry well weeping holding the child close. Zilong dismounted then bowed deeply his head and palms pushed into the ground.

Lady Mi looked up a weak smile appeared seeing the warrior before her, "Lord Zhao Zilong…" she said weakly, "with you here I know Liu Chan will be fine. I just wanted to make sure he see his father again before I die…"

"My lady it's my fault you suffered so much, please take my horse, I will fight our way through on foot."

"No, Zhao Yun. I will have it. You are my son only protection now, my wounds are deep and I can feel death upon me."

"I hear them coming Lady Mi, please get on my horse!"

"No! Zhao Yun please don't loose two lives…" She slowly handed the child out to him, "Protect him…please…"

Zilong did what he could to have her come along, but she wouldn't. She placed Liu Chan upon the ground and threw herself into the well next to her. Zilong watched in horror for her sacrifice, the quickly moved to collapse the well so Cao Cao would not get hold of her body. He then loosened his straps of his armor and placed the young child within. He mounted taking his spear in hand. Yan Ming came up to stop him with a body of solider ready to take down the single man. Zilong charged through, killing many making a path for himself, but before h e could get through another unit appeared, the banner hand flowers and butterflies upon him, clearly it yelled Zhang He all over it. He looked over seeing the slender man equipped with claws.

"It not pretty or wise to charge alone behind enemy lines." Zhang He noted as he approached Zilong upon his horse.

"Out of my Zhang He!"

"You will not pass, I'll make swift certainty of it!"

The two engaged in combat upon their mounts and lasted ten minutes or more it seemed, until Zhang He swung his might claws towards Zilong side, he turned enough for it to slash across his shoulders so he could miss the child within his armor. Grunting from the pain Zilong pulled back but fell into a ditch not far before them. Zhang He chuckled as he approached him ready to end it all. Suddenly an arch of reddish light appeared, Zilong horse leaped out from the hole, as if it was in flight. Zhang He stood back from the miraculous sight.

"Such…Beauty!" it breathed as he watched the warrior ride off.

In his great haste more men came before him trying to prevent his get away with the young master in his stead. He fought them off hard, drawing Black Pommel from his side using it against the soldiers around him, drawing blood as he sliced through the armor with ease, causing them to back off, getting through the encirclement. During this moment Cao Cao watched from the hilltop, seeing none of his men could bring him down.

"Cao Hong, I wish to know that warriors name." He demanded.

Cao Hong bowed then moved calling off the soldiers, "Wait let the fighter speak his name!"

Zilong looked up seeing he had Cao Cao as an audience, "Zhao "Zilong" Yun of Chan Shan!"

Cao Hong give the answer to Cao Cao whom waited for the answer, then replied, "Take him alive!"

Word went around to every solider not to harm or kill Zilong if he approached. Because of this, Zilong was able to get away easier. By now Zilong was drenched in blood, his wound upon his should sore and bleeding, but he ignored it. He had a goal and he must get to it, but before he could get closer two commanders under Xiahou Dun called him out. He dealt with them easily, but managed to leave with a few nicks and bumps. He continued on to Steepstone Bridge were Zhang Fei waited.

"Zhang Fei I have the young master." He called out towards him, "I need help they are perusing me."

"Go! Get him to Liu Bei! I'll take care of them!" Zhang Fei called back letting Zilong pass through.

Yue sat quietly near Liu Bei, whom sat under a tree. The weather was hot and unbearable, but that didn't seem to bother him, he was more worried about what was happening with Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun. She stood slowly taking her Scythe in hand, she was ready to run out, but she caught the look of Zhuge whom stood not far from Liu Bei. She sighed and sat back down.

"My lord!" a cry was rung out. Liu Bei looked up quickly seeing Zhao Yun approach in the blood mess he was in.

"Zhao Yun!" he cried back.

Yue looked up quickly, looking upon the warrior that dismounted from his steed. A smile formed upon her lips standing quickly, everyone around had a look of disbelief and awe of Zilong's appearance. He slowly moved towards Liu Bei shifting his armor slightly grunting from the pain upon his shoulder, but knelt down bowing deeply to him, both weeping in joy.

"Lord I fought long a hard to get here, sadly I could not save Lady Mi, for she was wounded badly and tossed herself into a well. I fought through the lines with your son upon my chest." He opened his armor to revile the sleeping child.

The officers around smiled in joy to see their young lord safe, Zhuge smiled proudly knowing well all will be all right now. Yue clasped her hand against her bosoms, holding back the tears of joy, she had no doubt of his fine warrior knelt before her lord, but now she has grown a great deal of respect for him.

Liu Bei looked to the child then to Zhao Yun whom offered the child to him, seeing his wounds and bruises upon his body he then quickly he took his son and tossed him to the side. Zhao Yun eyes widen looking to the tossed child upon the ground then to Liu Bei confused.

"A damn child as you almost cost me a great commander and friend!" Liu Bei cried

Slowly Zhuge leaned picking up the child looking him over dusting him off of the dirt. Yue watched in shock that Liu Bei would toss his only child to the side. She looked over to Zilong noticing the large gash upon his shoulder, she moved over to him.

"Zilong, you are wounded!"

Zilong looked from Liu Bei to Yue, it was a warming to see her again. "Yes, I ran into Zhang He, let say he was the only one I couldn't cut down."

Liu Bei stood quickly, "Yue Ying, please take Zhao Yun and lead him to the river, Guan Yu should be there soon, attend his wounds and help the rest."

She bowed her head, "As you wish my lord." With that she and Zilong moved from the small settlement heading down to the river to wait for Guan Yu and Wu to arrive with boats.

Zilong staggered for a bit, he was tired and loosing a bit of blood from the wound upon his shoulder, but he moved fast he could to keep pace with Yue. She held him up feeling he was getting tired, but she had to get him to the river, it was safer and their was water for him to drink from. It wasn't long until they reach the rivers edge, commoners sat around comforting one another. Yue sat Zilong against a rock next to the river; taking a cup from a local man hading him 20 delaines for it then placed it into the river taking the water to Zhao Yun from him to drink.

"Here, you must be thirsty after all that."

He took the cup from her, "Thank you, Lady Huang." He took a long drink; until the cup was empty he placed it to the side closing his eyes.

Yue pulled slowly at the cloth to expose his wound, tearing a bit of the skin around it from the dry blood, she could hear him groan, gritting her teeth making sure to be more careful. Taking some water she clean what she could and used bit of cloth to cover it up for now.

"You are really brave, Little Dragon." She smiled cleaning the blood from his face. "I don't think I would have come out alive if I did that."

A smile formed on his lips his eyes opened to look into her hazel ones, "You can find out doing crazy stunts like I did for people you care most about, and usually thoughts comfort you during such times…"

"Oh? What were your thoughts during your ordeal?" She asked tilting her head slowly.

"That I would return, and see you." He quietly answered to her. "And return Liu Chan to Liu Bei."

He stared at him, he thought of her that whole time? A blush slowly formed upon her cheeks, she lowered her head so it wasn't visible. "You flatter me Zhao Yun."

He smiled seeing that blush upon her cheeks then reached out lifting her head, "Bravery comes in many forms, and can be triggered in the strangest ways."

"Why me though?" She asked as she looked to him, "Zilong I told you, I am Zhuge's I can have you think about me…"

"I can't think about you? Even if I consider you a good friend?"

"Well I guess you can…"

"Lady Huang, I know your married, but you're the only person hear that bring some kind of comfort to me. If Zhang Fei was in your place he would lash me with his words and leave me to suffer my wounds."

"Zilong…"

"I know we just met, Lady Huang, but I felt a strange comfort that night we talked, a comfort I lost years ago."

Yue eyes became tearful, his sweet words caused it. Maybe she was jumping to conclusions to quickly. She didn't really mind him thinking of her, in fact she rather think about him. She was worried when he ran out, but now he's here and she is over joy.

A soft sigh passed her lips, "I'm sorry, Zilong. I didn't mean to come out so harsh. I'm not use to attention from men so much, only Zhuge."

He nodded slowly then grunted, "It's alright, Lady Huang, I understand. This is strange for me as well, I was always shy around girls when I was young." He chuckled softly.

Yue giggled lightly, she really couldn't see it, but she could imagine him stubbing like an ox trying to talk to one. A sudden comfort filled her being with him even though she was ordered to. He sat beside him holding her leg within her arms watching the sun set upon the rivers plain.

"Zilong…"

"Yes, Lady Huang?"

"First off, call me Yue please? I don't like formalities."

He smiled softly, "Ok, Yue."

She smiled, "Thank you." She looked to him, "Do you trust what will happen in the future?" Yue asked.

He slowly opened his eyes, seeing the night was coming and the moon was visible to the eye. "Only the stars can tell what will happen, but do I trust it? I never doubt what the stars have to say to me."

Yue nodded then looked up to the forming night. It wasn't long until the boats arrived and Liu Bei and Zhang Fei arrived. Everyone boarded the boats, Zilong was taken to a private room for him to rest and have his wounds attended to. Yue stood upon the deck watching the failed army of Cao Cao upon the shore. She sighed in relief that was over thankfully. She gazed up at the stars above smiling.

"I trust them too…"