First and foremost let me apologize. I sincerely apologize for the slowness and lack of updates on my part. This is why I was hoping beyond hope that I could finish this before the semester started. But alas, that did not happen, now did it? Anyways… Back to the story at hand… The opening song to the chapter is something that seems to fit the story (at least in my mind it does).
As always, I own nothing. This means I make nothing off of this and so many of the things I do…
Always and forever, steadfast and true,
I'll stay beside you and you alone,
ever since the time I held you in my arms,
ever since the moment I felt this foresight...
You, who gave me that angelic smile--
I can't ask you the reason for these tears.
You shook off my grasping hand...
and softly, over your shoulder, I started to speak.
"It's all right now,"
I repeat, over and over,
to your still slightly trembling figure;
there's nothing else I can say, and yet
Always and forever, no matter when,
I'll stay here with you -- only you.
Ever since the time I held you in my arms,
ever since the moment I felt this omen...
Amid a careless conversation,
the smile you showed me was so full of joy;
I laughed in a bit of embarrassment, and,
standing there holding you without letting go, I murmured,
"It's all right now..."
There's nothing else I can say, but
if those tears will vanish again,
then I'll become your clown.
Always and forever, no matter when --
I'll be right there for you and you alone.
Ever since the time I held you in my arms,
ever since the moment I recognized this feeling...
I don't know whether our tears
have added up to more than our smiles, but
-I'm nearby-
That's the one thing
that I can do for you...
Always and forever, constant and steadfast,
I'll stand with you and you alone.
Ever since the time I held you in my arms,
ever since the moment I noticed this feeling...
Always and forever, I alone
will never, ever let you go
Because I'll show you that I'll protect you...
since I noticed this feeling...
Gackt
What I Can Do For You
Chapter Seven
Red Red Butterfly
The army of Taishi Ci continued on its march toward Xianyang. At the quick pace that was commanded of them, they would arrive at the city before midday. Taishi Ci was wasting no time in retaking the city.
Flying toward the Wu army, Fujimiya Ran issued a large shout. The shout instantly halted the front line. The red head steadied his filly and again shouted out to the troops.
"Where is your commander! Is he not man enough to meet me!"
A lieutenant of Taishi Ci, enraged by the defamation of his commander, sprang forward to receive the red head. "I will not tolerate your mouth, peasant!" Sword drawn, he advanced toward his victim.
Sneering, Ran let out a haughty laugh. Brandishing the spear, he urged the filly to gallop toward the lieutenant.
As the two circled and clashed, Taishi Ci had emerged from the back of the battalion. He took in the scene as one of his army was battling someone who seemed to be a trained horseman.
As the horse sidestepped, the lieutenant tried to take advantage of the horse's nervousness but Ran was well prepared. Parrying the blow, he knocked the sword from its owner's hand.
Looking down at the man with contempt he said, "You are no antagonist for me." Again he turned toward the battalion, "Tell your master to come out! The Flying General has come!"
Taishi Ci, atop his dark black colt, appeared impressive as he held his halberd at ready. "That would have been quite impressive had you been a simple peasant. But since you are the Flying General, I am highly disappointed."
Ran narrowed his eyes and said nothing as he sized the man up. Gripping the Hidaka spear tightly, he urged his horse to trot toward the newcomer.
Both men approached on another from atop their mighty steeds. Weapons gleamed in the mid morning sun.
It was Ran who spoke first, "You know of me, but I do not know you."
Taishi Ci issued his colt closer, spooking the filly. Ran briefly struggled to get her under control. "I am Taishi Ci, Imperial General of Wu. I do hope that the Flying General knows how to ride a horse, otherwise this might prove to be a bore."
Both charged at one another, weapons clashing. Chants and shouts arose from the surrounding army as they two men attacked each other. As they circled and attacked again, the black colt kicked out at Ran's horse. Twisting, the filly took both horses and riders down.
The two men slowly stood after the tumble, still clenching their weapons. Sweating and breathing heavy, they glared at each other.
Atop Red Hare, Ken saw the fight between the two generals. His eyes widened as both horses went down with the men. Turning the stallion, he urged him to gallop full speed to where the army gathered around the two men.
As Ran lunged, Taishi Ci did as well. Ran thrust the spear, but Taishi Ci used his free hand and grabbed hold of it. Turning himself, Ran grabbed at the man's halberd. As the two pulled at the weapons, Taishi Ci pulled the spear from Ran as the red head pulled the halberd free from the Wu general.
Both unarmed, they approached one another again. The chants from the Wu army rose to louder volumes than before.
"I'll have your head before I'm done," Taishi Ci taunted. "To have Xianyang taken by someone like you is an insult."
"I am not at fault for your incompetence," Ran retorted as they clashed again.
The two men fell to the ground wrestling and grappling with one another. There was no clear stronger man, but the chants continued anyway.
Finally, Taishi Ci had twisted the Flying General in a way which left the younger in a headlock. Ran pulled and pushed at the Wu general in an effort to get the other to release him, but the arms remained firmly locked around his neck.
In one desperate push, Fujimiya freed himself from the arms of Taishi Ci. But the helmet of the Flying General fell to the ground with a dull thud.
Reaching down, Taishi Ci picked up the helmet and held it high, "I have the Flying General's head!"
The Wu army shouted as their commander waved his trophy for all to see.
On the ground, Ran struggled to stand. That last push had sapped what remaining strength he had.
Taishi Ci turned toward the younger general, "What say you, Flying General? Do you yield?"
Fujimiya Ran ignored the taunts and jeers from the Wu army. He even ignored the questions being thrown at him by Taishi Ci. Blinking the blood from his eyes, he searched for his horse. The damn horse was scared away from the main army. She probably ran back home, he thought. I would…
As he slowly pushed to his feet, Ran found himself looking at the halberd of Taishi Ci. There was no surrender for the Flying General. He sternly looked at the Wu general.
"Do you yield?" Taishi Ci repeated much softer than before. "You know what will happen if you don't."
Ran gave a bitter laugh, "If you think you can scare me, then save your breath."
A shrug. "Fine, have it your way." He raised his halberd high but stopped. His eyes widened, "What in the hell is that?"
Ran turned but didn't need to see what it was when he heard the shrill neigh. What he saw would have frightened anyone. The Red Hare was galloping full speed and let forth another mighty shriek. The blood red stallion, with impressive long strides covering the distance in short time, looked the very picture of the harbinger of fiery bloody death.
The Wu's horses were becoming jumpy and difficult to handle as Red Hare approached, issuing battle cries as he approached. Ran could have laughed if he weren't in such a dire predicament.
Taishi Ci turned to face this new intruder but hesitated. He didn't know whether or not the rider was going to stop his horse. He should have been wondering whether or not the horse felt like running down humans at the moment.
The Red Hare forced the battalion to part lest the men wished to be trampled. Ken held on, urging the mighty stallion into a faster pace.
When closing in on the two generals, Ken shouted, "Ran! Grab my hand!" Extending his hand out toward the injured Wei general.
Ran acted instantly. Pushing Taishi Ci out of the way, he sprang forward and grabbed Ken's hand.
Grasping the hand, Ken pulled the man atop the horse in front of him. Grabbing the reigns once more, he straightened the stallion to make their escape.
Taishi Ci would have none of that. Grasping the Hidaka spear and his own halberd, he remained firm in the path of the stallion. Confident in assuming that the youth would halt the horse.
Ken urged the Red Hare into full flight again. The blood red stallion raced forward, coming closer and closer to the Wu general. Showing no signs of stopping or even slowing.
Taishi Ci dove out of the way as the devil reached full speed. Turning his head back, he watched as the Flying General and the boy flew toward Xianyang. He narrowed his eyes. With speed like that, they'll warn the Wei troops. He turned back toward his own, "Halt the march! We aren't prepared to deal with an organized assault from Xianyang. We'll withdraw back to Jianling with Kudou's troops."
He still glared at where the Red Hare had galloped to. Grabbing the helmet of the Flying General, he let out a laugh. At least I got his head.
Ken didn't bother to stop the Red Hare until the city gates were in sight. It was only until he felt some sense of safety did he allow the stallion to slow his pace. Looking down in front of him, he took in the general's appearance.
The man was exhausted after his bout with the enemy commander. The once pristine red hair was dirtied with blood, sweat, and dirt. The pale skin was beginning to bruise from the abuse taken earlier.
Gently with one hand, he brushed the matt of hair away from the man's face. Ken was so content with his study of the red head's face that he didn't notice the violet eyes flicker awake.
Ran watched with hooded eyes as Ken traced a bruise along his jaw. He briefly closed his eyes as the pain seemed to vanish under the youth's touch. "Ken?" His voice was nothing but a hoarse whisper as he again looked up at the brown haired man.
Ken's ministrations stopped when he heard the whisper. His own eyes looked back at the violet ones. Brown locked with violet. He vaguely registered that Red Hare had begun to slowly walk through the city, "Are you alright?"
Ran slowly sat up straighter. He was sore but nothing that a night's rest wouldn't cure. "Perfectly fine, Ken. But I thought I asked you to go to Xianyang," he asked with a hoarse voice.
Ken nodded as he took up the reigns once again. "You did. But I thought you needed some help." His brown eyes widened as he took in his surroundings. "Look! Look where we're at!"
Ran failed to see what was so spectacular about this specific location, other than the fact that he was near the encampment. "We're in Xianyang. What of it?"
Ken's eyes and voice still contained his excitement. "I know! Red Hare is walking through town - and not lashing out!"
The general allowed a small laugh to escape. He closed his eyes and fell back to lean upon the young man once again.
"Are you okay?" The concerned youth asked.
Ran just closed his eyes and said, "Wake me when we're at the camp."
Ken smiled and gave a slight nod. "Have a good nap, Fujimiya Ran."
Lady Hidaka watched as her son atop Red Hare rode like the wind to Xianyang. Sighing, she shook her head. Slowly she withdrew back into her home. She wasn't afraid for her son. Red Hare would ensure his safety better than anyone. Instead she simply went to the small family shrine.
Lighting incense, she sat before one of the many statues there. I wish you were here, she thought sadly as thoughts of her husband had arisen, you would know what to do.
Tears slid down her face silently. Her small frame shaking with sadness, I just want Ken to be safe and happy.
Omi stood outside the door as he heard the widow cry. He slowly turned back and walked outside. As the troops were withdrawing, he gave a bitter smile. The battle should have been an easy one for Wu, but both he and Taishi Ci had underestimated numerous things.
The first would be the Flying General himself. Both Omi and Taishi Ci had assumed the man would just run to inform his troops once the Wu forces were discovered. But he hadn't done that. He decided to stall for time rather than let the march continue. He had taken it upon himself to fight for his troops. He did not allow unnecessary deaths to occur, despite the situation. Omi was genuinely surprised when the red headed general openly challenged Taishi Ci in front of a Wu battalion. That alone proved the man would not fall prey to scare tactics, he would work with the situation until it favored him.
The second would be the Red Hare. The pure speed of that horse had allowed the general to escape. Not only was it the escape, but the stallion had left the cavalry horses shaken and uneasy. The Red Hare openly challenged and would have won any battle thrown in its way. Taishi Ci would not have stood a chance in hell if he were to face a charge from atop that beast.
The third and most crucial underestimation was that of the widow's son, Hidaka Ken. The young man had a reputation of allowing the Wei generals who approached him to be attacked by Red Hare without any mercy. But the youth had done the opposite. He had taken control of Red Hare and rode straight into a battalion where he could have been killed. He had ridden Red Hare to save a Wei general. A Wei general who had captured the youth's hometown.
Omi frowned. This didn't make any sense. He had heard all the gossip from the locals. He had heard that Ken was not fond of outsiders nor was he fond of the military. From what he had gathered, Ken should have allowed Red Hare to drag Fujimiya through the marshes and plains of Xianyang. He wasn't supposed to allow a Wei general to pick a horse from his family's prize colts nor was he supposed to allow said Wei general to spend the night in his family's house. But he did those things without Fujimiya asking him.
Leaning his head against the garden fence, Omi let out a massive sigh of frustration. He had heard all of the reputations and gossip of those around the area and yet… And yet, Ran and Ken were not doing what was expected of them.
The Red Hare slowly continued his pace to the military encampment. The red stallion did not lash out, did not neigh harshly. In fact, he just kept walking his slow pace. Careful of the two exhausted young men atop his back.
Anyone who saw the Red Hare that day would remember that sight for quite a while. The mighty stallion Red Hare, prized horse of the Hidaka family, was caked with mud and sweat and carrying two sleeping young men gingerly.
The red haired man had fallen asleep against Red Hare's rider and owner. The brown haired youth had simply closed his eyes as Red Hare's soft gait lulled him to sleep and wrapped a protective arm around the injured man.
Finishing with a letter to his wife and family, Yue Jin emerged from his tent and stretched. Despite the lack of action, he had started to like this quiet town. The soldiers were sparring and the cavalry horses were fully rested, ready for another battle should the need arise.
Walking to the entrance of Xianyang, the lieutenant's mouth nearly fell open. He blinked his eyes rapidly as if trying to clear them.
Right in front of him was the Flying General Fujimiya Ran asleep in the arms of a brown haired young man. But the biggest shock to Yue Jin, was the fact that the Red Hare had willingly carried Ran back to the military encampment safe and unharmed.
Author's Notes:
Happy Birthday Ken Ken and Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays!
Hopefully the action wasn't too bad on this chapter. I cringe when anything like that is required of me to write. I usually write humor and satire. Speaking of which, I have this Weiss university style fic in the works. It has the Crashers, Schwartz, and Weiss. So many fun characters to play with. I have three chapters written so far. So uploading might come soon.
As far as the story development, I have some ideas I want to work into this. Some I might be able to do - others not. But I will try nonetheless. I also have two or three endings that I have in mind right now. Each of which would require me to take the story in a different path. I guess I'll have to see what Kudou's chapters and involvement will be…. Yes, that will be the key in a little bit.
Well, I am back… Sort of… I think I that the next chapter might take a while. But will probably bring me back to Yohji. It's the only thing that makes sense after this kind of chapter. Again I am sorry for lack of updates. The semester just killed my creativity as well as my sanity. I nearly had a breakdown. sigh So sad.
Normally I would thank the reviewers but the mods won't allow anyone to do so. Its sad really, isn't it? But I still thank you for all of your reviews and support thus far. Continue it! It really does help me write. Drop a line, comment, or even give me some new ideas. It always helps.
Til next time.