Here ya go... this should partly explain the dreaming.
Disclaimer: This may come as a surprise to you, but...I don't own Dynasty Warriors. Some very lucky people in Japan, however, do. I also don't own RotK. That was written a long time ago. I'm not even eighteen yet.
Chapter Five: Alliance
Spring had come and passed, as had summer, leaving the land darker and less vibrant as the winter approached slowly but surely. Each day grew colder, but that had not stopped Sun Ce and Zhou Yu from drilling their new student every day at the crack of dawn. Her mentors rarely gave her encouragement anymore—their efforts were focused now on giving her practical advice to keep her alive in the face of battle.
Something had changed in the girl known as Ling Mei. She had lost her shy, humble attitude, this being replaced with a burgeoning curiousity and a rebellious streak. She had slipped back into a faintly familiar lifestyle. The days of training, learning and reinforcement had brought back the person those of Wu had known before their princess was kidnapped.
It was at the beginning of the fall that Lord Sun Jian decided that she should know the truth. And this was how a girl who had led two very different lives would finally resume her place.
"You have come to us seemingly without a past, from a very different world, and yet you catch on impossibly quick to the customs of this land. Does that unsettle you at all?" Sun Jian was alone in a small side room with Ling Mei. The two had seated themselves after all due formalities and were now talking, cups of tea in between them.
Ling paused and sipped her tea before answering. "I was a little shocked at how easily I accepted acting as an equal of the likes of Lords Zhou Yu and Sun Ce, but they were insistent. After a while it just became routine, I guess."
"I didn't want to make you aware of this until I was sure that you could accept it." The lord Sun Jian inhaled deeply. "Ling Mei, I knew as soon as I saw you who you were. I could never forget the face of my only daughter."
Ling's breath caught in her throat, allowing a slight choke to emerge. Sure, she had recognized faces...places, the weapons Sun Ce and Zhou Yu had taught her to wield as best they could. For a few weeks during the summer, she even felt as if she really belonged here. But to be told she was the daughter of the lord of Wu...
"I thought it may have been too soon." Sun Jian said quietly, almost to himself. "But there is no changing the facts, Shang Xiang." Standing, he looked at his daughter. "If you want to know more, you might try speaking with your brothers or Lord Zhou Tai. Talk to them when you feel you are ready." The lord of Wu then took his leave, giving his daughter more than enough to think about.
Well, I'm not getting any younger. She thought. So Sun Shang Xiang is my name, huh? Not bad.
Though Sun Shang Xiang had a place and a name, she couldn't help but think something was still missing. She began to stand and leave the room to find one of her brothers, but was halted by the entrance of the man who had shown her around her first day. "So the old fogey told you, huh?" he smiled at his own nonchalance.
"Hey, that's my father you're talking about..." Oh shit, I forgot his name... Shang Xiang frantically searched her mind for a name to put with his face. "Gan Ning?"
He feigned shock. "You've forgotten me already? It's only been three months." He laughed, and Shang Xiang cracked a small smile herself.
"Speaking of which, where on this green earth were you?"
"Eh, we owed Wei a couple of ship sinkings. The lord of Wu doesn't like to leave such debts unpaid." Gan Ning paused. "What about you? You knew people in Wei, didn't you?"
"Yes, but I never had much love for them." Shang Xiang remembered to the almost daily beatings she received at the hands of the field warden and shuddered involuntarily. Gan Ning nodded approvingly. "Um, if you'll excuse me...I need to speak with my brothers. See you around." Shang Xiang didn't know why she felt the sudden urge to leave the pirate's company. Something unseen had compelled her to leave, and to make up a bad excuse at that.
"Oh, alright. Don't stay up too late, girl." Gan Ning said mockingly, leaving the small room as well.
Shang Xiang headed directly to her chamber, lighting only the lantern in front of the lone window. She sat on the floor beneath it, closed her eyes, and breathed deeply. If this is really the life I led before, why does it still feel like something's missing? Most of that emptiness went away as I remembered things, but there is still a void... She thought. Shaking her head and opening her eyes, she found she was no longer alone in her room.
A very noble looking figure was in front of her. The translucent being was clothed in dark armor, her black hair almost reaching the floor. Her skin was strikingly white against her attire. Shang Xiang stood with a start and grabbed the practice chakrams from beside her bed. "Who are you? How'd you get in here?" Her adversary looked amused.
"I go where I please, mortal. Though I may not exercise my influence here, I still walk this land." She paused, lifting a hand to toss back her hair. "As for my identity, all you need to know is that I am a powerful ally, but an even greater enemy."
"Your voice...you're from my dream. What do you want with me? Were you the one who made me forget?"
"Me?" The woman asked incredulously. "Hells no. That was my foolish brother." She waved a hand in dismissal. "Not only did he steal your memory, he banished me from this land. It would seem we have a common enemy."
"I just want my memories back." Shang Xiang answered, shaking her head.
"And I just want my realms of influence under my watchful eye again. Perhaps we can help each other. I can return your lost memories, and you can bring back my lost power." The woman paused, seeming in deep thought. "You are a powerful, albeit unconventional, warrior. Without a physical form, I cannot confront my brother. But you...you can confront his champion. In return, I will restore your memory as quickly as I am able. Are my terms agreeable, mortal?"
It's either that or I can forget about getting my memories back. Shang Xiang thought dryly.
The woman clapped her hands. "I knew you'd see it my way. Well, I suggest you rest while you can. Great and momentous things are about to throw this place into chaos." Leaving no time for questions, the woman disappeared. Though she wanted to tell someone about what had just transpired, the lady Sun Shang Xiang was again compelled to act against her will, this time falling into the dark of dreamless sleep.
Ooh, that's deep...speaking of deep...here's your Deep Thought.
Reality is for people who lack imagination.
Well, please review. I even asked nicely. Besides, there's loads of computer chocolate and other goodies if you do review. And a mental hug, if you'd like.