Author's note: Sorry for the long wait! I promise that this chapter is a little better! Thanks again to jailbird1234 for the review, I was kinda referring to DW4 'cuz I thought it looked better, but hey, whatever you say! Enjoy!
Chapter 2: Jiang Wei of Tian Shui
The Shu army marched onto Tian Shui. When they arrived three days later, they set the main camp in an abandoned fortress near a river. It was at the crack of dawn, so Zhuge Liang let his tired troops rest untill mid-morning.
A few hours later, mid-morning came, and everyone got ready. Nu Wa met up with her fifteen-year old brother Liu Qian (who was only 2 years younger than her), after the blacksmith had sharpened her rapier. Liu Qian felt uneasy. It was his first battle, and having no experience, felt a little timid. "Sister, I'm scared." Liu Qian admitted. "Don't worry. Stay behind me. If you get in trouble, retreat and regain your health." said Nu Wa comfortingly. Liu Qian nodded, and they headed to their position in front of Tian Shui. The battle then started.
Thirty minutes later, a messanger gave Nu Wa the signal to go to Fan Shui. She headed to the gate, where a young man mounted on a brown horse was waiting.He looked like he was in his early 20's, with a lightly tanned muscular frame. His hair was tied up in a pony-tail, showing his brown almond eyes that was locked together with Nu Wa's sweet eyes.
"I am Jiang Wei of Tian Shui. If you wish to take this fortress, you'll have to go by me!" the young man cried, clutching his trident. But Nu Wa knew that he did not have the desire to fight her, for his hand was shaking. No one in the battlefield never could miss Nu Wa's beauty.
Realizing this, she laughed. "Why is there fear behind your eyes?" said Nu Wa. Jiang Wei answered by charging at her, holding his spear like a lance. But Nu Wa knocked him off his horse with her shield. She then dismounted her horse. "Well, are you going to fight, or are you just gonna sit there while I stick my rapier in your gut?" Nu Wa asked sarcastically. Jiang Wei stood up. "Yeah, I will, but first I gotta get rid of the road blocks!" he cried, and attacked Liu Qian. The young boy was no match for the warrior, and with one blow of Jiang Wei's trident, fell in defeat. Nu Wa screamed in terror and rushed to her brother's side. But it was too late...
Hot tears rolled down her cheeks as Nu Wa held her brother's dead body. Then, she let go and stood up. "Had your moment?" Jiang Wei mocked. Nu Wa stared at him angrily. "He-he was only fifteen. You ungrateful snake, HOW COULD YOU KILL AN INNOCENT BOY?" Nu Wa cried. She charged at Jiang Wei and started to give powerful blows. But Jiang Wei blocked them all and returned the favor. They continued to fight, until Jiang Wei stopped for a while, realising the cracks in his spear pole. He started to retreat. "Coward! You retreat to the first sign of 'trouble'? And I thought women are said to be weak!" Nu Wa taunted. Jiang Wei, humiliated, turned back and chased Nu Wa. Nu Wa, following Zhuge Liang's ploy, turned back to the main camp. Jiang Wei hastily chased her down, unaware that he was about to be captured. When he got to the main camp, he found himself isolated from his allies. He turned to a gate, but found it closed shut. Suddenly, Shu soldiers came and surrounded him. There was no way out.
Zhuge Liang cut through the crowd and bowed. "Jiang Wei, suppose I offer you all of the knowledge I have at my disposal. It would be wise, your lord Ma Zun thinks you are betraying him. He trusts you no longer." he replied. Jiang Wei thought for a while, and looked at Nu Wa, who was observing every move he made in hate.
He then turned to Zhuge Liang. "There is nowhere else to run or hide. I will do as you ask." answered Jiang Wei, bowing. Zhuge Liang smiled. "I knew you'd see things my way." he said. Then, two soldiers came and tied his hands behind his back. "Hey! What is the meaning of this!" Jiang Wei demande. "What if you escape? I can't let that happen." Zhuge Liang answered. The soldiers then took Jiang Wei away.
Zhuge Liang then turned to Nu Wa. "You may go and help the others get Tian Shui. I've sent scouts to go and find Liu Qian for burial." he reassured. "B-but how did you know?" wondered Nu Wa out-loud. But Zhuge Liang had dissapeared in his tent. Nu Wa shook the thought out and headed to Tian Shui.
After the battle, Nu Wa slumped down on her bed with exhaustion. Then a soldier came. "Lord Zhuge Liang wishes to see you." said the soldier. Nu Wa looked up tiredly. "Five more minutes." she moaned. "Now." replied the soldier sternly. Nu Wa groaned, then stooed up, following the soldier to Zhuge Liang's tent, which was huge compared to the other tents. She lifted up the tent flap and went inside.
Zhuge Liang stood there, waiving his fan in patience. "Well done. I am very impressed with you. On the other hand, we've found Liu Qian. We've sent a messanger to Lord Liu Bei of this tragedy. Will you be all right?" Zhuge Liang asked. Nu Wa bowed her head in sadness. "Yes." she answered softly. "Alright then. No matter what, you must be strong in spirit Nu Wa, even if something terrible happens. Now, I know this will be hard, but I have an important task for you. I need you to guard Jiang Wei. He will stay in your tent for the night." Zhuge Liang continued. "WHAT? He murdered my brother! The least thing I need now is him in MY tent!" cried Nu Wa in frustration. "Please Nu Wa. He will harm you no longer. He's already sworn an oath of loyalty to Shu. We've even confiscated his weapons for safety." the strategist reassured. Nu Wa folded her arms. "Fine... as you wish, my lord." she answered.
She then went to her tent, where to her displeasure, Jiang Wei was waiting...
Author's note: WOW... suspense there! What's gonna happen now? Find out NEXT chapter, my slaves! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!