A/N: Sorry that this is late, work schedule has been crazy lately.
**Just a note, in Chapter 14, I listed Cao Ang as one of the children Cao Cao brought with him to the battle against Tao Qian. That was an error. I intended on having Ang to stay at home. The children Cao Cao brought with him to battle was Cao Chong, Cao Shuo and Cao Zhang.
Cao Cao - Mèngdé
Guo Jia - Fèngxiào
Chen Gong - Gōngtái
Zhang Liao towered over Zhuyue as he and his man blocked their path. Behind him, Zhuyue could make out the rice fields and beyond that the woods. So close to freedom yet so far. With a sigh, she turned her gaze up to the sky. The stars had retreated and sky will soon be moving into the morning twilight. When dawn arrives, their chances of escaping will be nearly impossible.
"I truly was born under a cursed moon," she muttered with a bitter laugh as she lamented her luck tonight.
"What do you mean?" Zhang Liao queried, catching her words. Her eyes shifted to him and as her lips curled into a bittersweet smile.
"That was not for your ears. Pay no heed to my musings. Tell me warrior, where do we go from here?"
Straight to the point, he could respect that. Fine, he won't dawdle any longer either.
"Very well, you and everyone hiding within that cave will come with me."
"That's not an ideal deal for my side, now is it?"
"Normally such is the case for those that are on the losing side of things."
Zhuyue smirked. "I haven't lost yet."
Zhang Liao unsheathed his twin axes and gripped them firmly in his hands. His mouth was set in a tight line.
"I am not making some sort of idle boast. I am merely making you aware of the reality of the situation you are in. While I do not know your combat style personally, I am confident in my own abilities enough to say that I would be able to defeat you in battle and since no one else has emerged from that cave to address me, it's fair to assume that you are the strongest person currently here. It would be a waste of time and effort to fight this inevitability and I would rather not hurt you if I do not have to. Please come quietly and I will ensure that you and whoever else is with you will not come to harm."
"You sure that's not boasting? It sounds suspiciously like it," Zhuyue replied as she readied her weapons.
"It is not a boast. I am merely being honest," He eyed her stance but did not move into one of his own. "If you attack me, I will be forced to respond. As I said before, I do not wish to fight in a pointless battle. I have no desire to hurt you or anyone else. Surrender and I will ensure your safety."
"You wouldn't be able to make good on that assurance. There are others within your army that mean the people in my charge harm, so let's get this over with."
Zhang Liao did not reply, instead he rotated each axe in his hand with practiced ease and got into his fighting stance.
"Hold it."
From out of the passageway emerged Cao Ang followed by Cao Pi.
"I couldn't face my father again if I let you fight on our behest," said Ang. Pi said nothing, choosing to let his brother do the grandstanding. Zhang Liao appraised the new arrivals. He was now outnumbered but the odds were still in his favor. The two new arrivals were fairly young and could not have been that experienced in the ways of battle. The woman, she was an unknown, but judging from her small frame, he should still be able to beat her out in raw power.
"You two shouldn't be here...," Zhuyue replied.
"Usually people say thank you when someone helps them," Ang replied with a smirk, feeling confident.
"Why would I thank some whelp who is intent on killing himself? What would I say to your father when you fall? Tsk, you probably haven't even had the comfort of a woman's touch yet. Why are you so eager to die?"
Pi let out a grunt of laughter. Ang looked at him in surprise.
"Don't be so high and mighty brother, that comment goes to you as well," said Ang.
"Heh, sorry to disappoint you, but it does not, dear brother. But she is right, you should go back. You aren't a strong enough fighter and it would be quite a depressing end to die as a virgin."
Before Ang could get clarity on Pi's statement, Liao cut in, no longer content to watching the trio squabble.
"The battlefield is no place for arguing. If you are going to fight then come at me as you will then," said Liao, his stance ready to receive any attack the three would throw at him.
"Tch, kids..."
Everyone turned to the new voice emerging passageway. Dun's father exited, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword in its sheath.
"Bravery will only get you so far. Look at him, he is confident that he can take the three of you on," he unsheathed his sword as he spoke.
"I assure you that I have known a woman's touch, so you won't begrudge my want to battle, will you?" Shan asked Zhuyue as he readied his sword, his sharp eyes focused on Liao, boring into him. Liao returned the gaze. In Shan's eyes, he saw experience and courage. He would probably still be able to take the four of them on, but it would be more trouble than it's worth. There was no reason for him to take any unnecessary risks. He let out a sharp whistle and on the signal, troops gathered around him.
"As you can see, I am also not alone. I preferred to settle this without such fanfare, but if this is how you prefer to settle things, so be it. I cannot allow you to go any further."
"You three handle the troops, I will take him on," commanded Shan.
"I cannot do that," Zhuyue replied.
"I wasn't asking for your permission, Girl," Shan replied in a biting tone. For a brief moment, Zhuyue was reminded of her own father. He brokered no argument, he gave a command and wanted it followed. A familiar dislike crept into her consciousness but she paid it no heed. Shan was not her father. He had been nothing but kind to her since she first arrived. She repeated the words again in her mind, he was not her father, he will listen to you if you speak.
"I understand, f-forgive me for speaking out of place," Zhuyue said slowly. It was hard to get those words out. They felt so foreign against her tongue. She hated apologizing when she didn't feel as if she did anything wrong. "But I still cannot let you do that," she continued. Shan opened his mouth to speak but Zhuyue continued, stopping him before he could get a word out.
"I have seen this man fight before, he stood toe to toe against Lord Dun. I am sure that you of all people are aware of Lord Dun's prowess...," Shan narrowed his eyes at Zhuyue. Of course he was aware of his son's abilities. He was his first teacher after all. He built the foundation upon which Dun improved on. It has been many years since they fought together, but Shan would often watch Dun practice. He felt confident that when he ascended to the heavens to be by the side of his ancestors, the Xiahou name would be in good hands with Dun.
So this man could match Dun in battle? That meant he was strong indeed. He understood what she was saying. He would be able to easily overtake him if they went one on one. Shan was aware that Dun and Zhuyue often trained, he has watched it on many occasions. He could understand why she might feel confident in thinking she could take him in battle, but what she was not aware of is that Dun never went all out on her. He never attacked her with a killer instinct which is why she was still standing before them today.
"If what you say is true, Child, then you are no match for this man on your own either,"
Zhuyue nodded in agreement. "I agree with that assessment. I only propose that we face him together."
At least this way, she could keep an eye on him and protect him as best as she could. She wouldn't be able to forgive herself if she allowed Dun's father to fall in battle so needlessly.
"If you are agreed," Liao said cutting in. "Then let us begin."
Liao looked at the men under his command. "Do no interfere in this battle. Handle the other two as you see fit. If they surrender, accept it. Once that is done, go into the tunnel and retrieve anyone else who might be hiding in there. Do not kill anyone unless they resist, understand?" The men voiced their acceptance of his order. He focused his attention back onto Zhuyue and Shan.
"As I said before, I have no desire to hurt anyone here. I will speak on your behalf to make sure that you are treated well under Lord Lu Bu. This is your last chance, surrender. Once we engage in battle, I will consider you a threat and I will treat you as such. I will not stay my hand...I will kill you."
"You seem to be a man of honor, pity you are on the wrong side," Shan replied as he started a slow strafe, moving so he could get on his side. Zhuyue followed suit, going in the opposite direction. Liao readied himself for their attack.
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Pi and Ang were quickly surrounded by Liao's troops. Pi heard Liao's little speech to his troops. He was so confident that he and Ang were not a threat. That was fine by him. It was better for him to be underestimated. They would go into the battle with undeserved confidence and he could take advantage of that. A dark smile spread across his face. They will pay the ultimate price for underestimating him.
The air was thick with tension as the combatants watched each other warily, everyone hesitant to make the first move. Xiaolian managed to sneak out of the cave away from the others. From her vantage point, she could see Zhuyue and Shan perfectly. Pi and Ang were obscured by the other forces that had encircled them. No one dared to make the first move. The seconds that ticked by felt like hours to the warriors as they waited for the moment that they would be embroiled into battle.
Their time came when an impatient soldier could no longer handle the wait, feeling completely stifled by the pressure. It was his blood that was dashed upon the ground first. He let out a cry and charged forward towards Ang. Before Ang even had a chance to move his sword to block, Pi was on him, he dashed forward, his sword biting through the man's armor and impaling his stomach and it was ripped out just as quickly. The tension was finally broken, the wait was finally over. The area around them erupted into chaos and the battle had finally began.
Ang, not wanting to be left behind charged to the closest soldier. Their swords clashed as they struggled against each other. A spear swiped past his face. He managed to dodge backwards just in time for it to only graze the bridge of his nose. He could feel a burning sensation from the fresh cut but he had no time to check it as seven other men bore down on him. Ang was forced backwards as he tried to keep all of his assailants in front of him. Normally confident in his fighting abilities, Ang panicked. He wasn't use to fighting so many at one time. He was constantly on the back foot, defending attack after attack. He wouldn't be able to keep this up for long. Is this what his father meant when he said that he wasn't ready? He always thought he was being overly hard on him but being in this situation, he could see that he was truly outclassed.
Ang nearly dropped his sword when he felt a sword slice into his arm. He resisted the urge to staunch the bleeding, struggling to keep his focus as his hands gripped his sword hilt tightly. He didn't want to die here. Zhuyue was right, he hadn't known a woman's touch yet. Pi's words...did that mean he had? That thought made a pang of jealously surge through him. He blocked two more strikes and dodged a third. He shouldn't be thinking about this right now. He had to figure out a way out of this situation.
Another strike came at him, an overhead strike. He blocked it but doing so left his chest wide open for an attack. Another soldier saw this and took the advantage. He thrust his spear forward, intent on piercing Ang's heart. Ang saw the incoming attack but he knew he wouldn't move fast enough to block it. This was the end, what a pitiful way to die. His father was right, he wasn't ready yet. He always thought he was just being hard on him because he favored Chong and Pi but no, his father saw in him what he refused to acknowledge. His overconfidence put him in a situation that will now cost him his life and he wouldn't have a chance to regret and learn from his action. Life was so harsh. He closed his eyes, expecting the end to come. After a few moments though, he didn't feel any new pain. He could hear grunts and cries around him so he peeked an eye open. The men surrounding him were dropping around him, bleeding from various wounds. He was saved! But how?
"This is no time for a nap, brother."
Ang looked up to see Pi standing amidst the fallen bodies of the enemies that surrounded him just moments ago. Blood dripped from Pi's blade to the grass below, staining it. Ang's eyes widened as he took in his brother's full appearance. He was covered in blood from head to toe, but he didn't seem to have any injuries so it was safe to say the blood was not his. There was a cold look in his eye, and in that instant, Ang hated and feared his brother.
"You are injured, go back to the tunnel, protect the women and children," Pi commanded. This made Ang bristle. He was the oldest, he was the one to command his little brother, not the other way around.
"I can still fight!" He protested.
More troops were bearing down on them. There was no time for this argument that Ang was so insistent on having.
"So you seek father's praise by getting yourself killed so foolishly here? This is why he always said you weren't ready. You never use your brain, only your bravado. Do what you will. I won't save you again."
With those parting words, Pi ran forward to meet the oncoming enemy leaving a stunned Ang in his wake. He knew Pi's words were true, but to hear it said so bluntly pierced his pride. It was at this moment he realized how weary he truly was. If Pi hadn't saved him when he did, he would have been dead for sure. Reluctantly, he made his way back to the safety of the passageway. Defeated, he sat just within the entrance, waiting with the women and children for the outcome of the battle.
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The battle erupted around them. Zhuyue wasted no time advancing on Liao from the right. He easily blocked her blades with one of his axes, but he didn't account for the hidden dagger she threw right after her attack. He managed to narrowly block the attack with his second axe. Shan followed up the attack immediately, attacking his left. Liao did not have a chance to dodge, he needed to block the attack. He quickly shifted the axe he used to block the dagger to block Shan's oncoming attack. Their blades connected with a loud clang as metal scraped against metal. Liao's arm vibrated slightly from the hit. Despite his age, Shan was still in good shape and had a fair bit of power still left in his decaying body. He must have been quite the warrior in his prime.
Liao was not the only person reacting to Shan's attack. Zhuyue followed it up with her own. She pulled back her blades and ducked under the axe, her blades aiming for the gap within his armor. Liao saw the attack and dodged backwards, Shan followed, attacking again. Liao was being pushed on the back foot. Zhuyue rebounded quickly and dashed after him again. He blocked Shan's attack then Zhuyue's but he didn't account for the dagger. He hadn't even seen her throw it. He managed move his head to the side just enough for the dagger to slice his cheek causing superficial damage but nothing more.
Liao could feel the blood trickle down his cheek. It seems that he underestimated her speed and his strength. It was not a mistake he would repeat. They were worthy adversaries and he will treat them with the respect that is due. He shifted his stance and waited for Shan and Zhuyue to get back into theirs. They were once again at a crosswords, eyeing each other. This reprieve did not last long, Liao was the one to initiate battle this time. He rushed forward to Shan, brining down one of his axes with a downward strike. Shan blocked but was unprepared for the sheer force of the strike. His blade was knocked out of his hand and Liao quickly followed up his first strike with another. To his surprise, his blade was blocked by Zhuyue's own. She was no better equipped to withstand the force of Liao's attack than Shan and was thrown back into Shan from the sheer force of it. Liao backed away, allowing the two of them to regroup.
Shan and Zhuyue both got back to their feet. Shan picked up his sword, his hand unable to grip the blade as tightly as he was mere moments ago. Liao watched both of them carefully noting that Shan's grip was just a bit looser than before. He would continue to focus his attacks on the man. The two of them were watching Liao warily. They were fully aware that their earlier success was due to him holding back. Liao charged them again, aiming straight for Shan. Shan knew better than to block Liao's attack and dodged back. Liao was relentless, making attack after attack, intent on wearing Shan down. Zhuyue rushed forward attacking at Liao's side. Liao was forced to fend her off but thanks to his assault on Shan, Shan was not quick enough to retaliate. Liao was able to block Zhuyue's incoming attacks and follow up with his own. Zhuyue dodge but left herself open to a front kick from Liao. Zhuyue managed to move with the hit, decreasing the damage but making her stumble backwards. Liao instantly shifted his attacks back to Shan, who was barely recovered from the last assault.
Liao knocked his weapon away once more and slammed the butt of one of his axes into Shan's face. Shan's head snapped back from the blow and he was flung onto his back.
"NO!" Zhuyue cried. She could see blood seeping out of a fresh wound on his forehead.
She grit her teeth and readjusted her pose, her eyes flickering between Liao and Shan. He was still breathing. That was good, but it didn't look like he would be helping her in the battle any longer. Liao took advantage of her momentary distraction and charged at her again. Zhuyue nimbly dodged his strikes, moving backwards to stay out of his range. Liao paused in his attacks. She was quick and he knew that the longer they kept this up, he would eventually get tired. She on the other hand didn't look winded at all.
If he could just land one hit on her, he could overpower her. Actually landing the hit was the difficult part of this plan. He shook off the creeping fatigue. He could go longer. This was nothing to him. Liao charged again, his axes raised above his head. He jumped into the air and as gravity handled the descent, began to bring his axes down. He didn't expect to hit her, in fact he expected her to dodge backwards. Knowing this, he would follow up his attack and she wouldn't be able to dodge again. She would be forced to block or if he was lucky, she would take a direct hit.
Zhuyue watched Liao as he studied her. Currently, she had purposely only been dodging backwards. One of Dun's lessons came to mind. A warrior who had even a modicum of skill would be able to spot patterns in fighting. Always change up how you fight so they cannot figure you out. Zhuyue knew that Liao was a warrior of skill. He should have picked up on her pattern by now. Zhuyue held her stance but shifted on her back foot to make it seem like she was going to dodge backwards again. Liao leapt into the air, his axes raised above him menacingly.
Zhuyue waited till Liao was almost upon her before dashing forward. Liao landed behind her, his axes catching nothing but air. He twisted his body, brining his axes to attack behind him. He felt an explosion of pain from his side as Zhuyue's blade dug into his skin. He ignored the pain and followed through with his attack, slamming his axe into Zhuyue. Zhuyue couldn't dodge the attack and was forced to block with her remaining blade. The force of the blow flung her backwards, knocking her straight into the rock Xiaolian was hiding behind. Zhuyue felt the air get forcefully knocked out of her body as it collided with the rock. Her body was racked with pain and she couldn't find the strength to move.
Liao grit his teeth and pulled Zhuyue's duck blade from his side, tossing it on the ground next to its partner which fell out of her hand when he hit her. He walked menacingly towards Zhuyue. Zhuyue wanted to move but her body wouldn't respond. It looks like she lost this battle. She looked at the wound she inflicted on him. While it was a good blow, it wasn't deep enough to kill him. The look on Liao's face told her that he wasn't in the mood to offer amnesty any longer. Getting stabbed would understandably change someone's perspective on mercy. She laughed to herself at the thought. She didn't want to die, but she certainly wasn't going to beg for mercy.
Liao loomed over Zhuyue. Their eyes met. Her eyes didn't show fear. Liao raised his axe. With one stroke, he would end her life. He brought his axe down to deal the final blow.
"No!"
To both Liao and Zhuyue's surprise a small figure jumped in between Liao and Zhuyue. The small figure stood protectively in front of Zhuyue holding up a dagger. She moved so fast that Liao couldn't stop the descent of his axe as it fell upon its new target, the little girl.
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Cao Cao sat by the bedside of his favored son in the makeshift medical tent. The bombardment from Tao Qian's men caused significant damage to his main camp. They lost troops and supplies. They were forced to relocate their camp to a location out of range.
When Chong's crippled body was brought before him, Cao fell to his knees in despair. Why did the heavens seek to torment him so? Was he not doing a righteous thing by avenging the dishonorable death of his father? Why punish him by nearly killing his adored son? Cao supposed he should consider himself lucky that Chong still drew breath. Unfortunately, with so much of their supplies gone, they did not have the means to properly treat him. Even if he did manage to survive this campaign, he will never walk again. This injury would prevent Chong from succeeding him. He sighed heavily. He had such hopes for Chong. He was studious, insightful and best of all, the chaos of the world hadn't corrupted his heart. He was still hopeful for the future. After such a brutal and bloody period of war, the people needed someone who carried hope in their hearts to lead them. That dream was dashed now. Chong won't be the one to succeed him.
He thought to himself of the sons he had left. The first to come to mind was Ang, the oldest of his children. Unnecessarily boastful but without the skill to back it up. He was absolutely mediocre at everything he attempted, excelling at absolutely nothing. Zhang was only slightly better than Ang. He wasn't boastful and he tried earnestly in all things but he could never measure up. He was always average. Shou, this son took after him in the worst way possible. He had the potential to do great things if he put his mind to it. Unfortunately, the only thing he seemed to want to put his mind to was the many different ways he could get into a woman's robes. Cao couldn't begrudge his taste. He has courted quite a few beauties. Still, he didn't have the ability to separate pleasure and duty. It was easy to see that if he succeed him, it would be the many women behind him that would bend him to their will for promises of pleasure. Zhi was an excellent fight and excelled at it but he didn't have a mind for politics.
That only left Pi. Pi was a boy of amazing potential. He was strong, level headed and had everything Cao would want in a successor. So why was he so hesitant to choose him as one? Pi's demeanor left much to be desired. He wasn't a people person. He didn't care if someone liked him or not. One slip and he could easily become a tyrant. He wanted Pi to temper his attitude more and see that his allies are to be treasured and appreciated, not ignored and discarded. If Pi could learn that lesson, he would be the ideal successor. As it stands now, he wasn't ready. Cao may not have a choice however. His other children were worthless which is why he never bothered to move them to the main house with the others. Unless Ang, Shuo, Zhang and Zhi miraculously changed, Pi would be chosen as his successor. He could only hope that the boy would grow into someone worthy of leaving his legacy to.
The flap to the tent opened and Guo Jia walked in. He bowed to Cao as the tent flap fell closed behind him. Cao bowed his head in return. Truly he was thankful for Jia's presence. If not for his quick thinking, they would have lost so much more than what they had. It probably wouldn't be a stretch to say that they would have lost the battle as soon as the catapult assault on the main camp began. Jia looked at Chong's sleeping form. His normally smiling lips were currently fixed into a frown.
"How is he?" Jia asked softly.
"Alive...," Cao replied cryptically. Jia only nodded. It was clear that Cao was taking his son's injury hard. He regretted that he had to bring bad tidings to his Lord during this time, but such was the nature of war. It didn't consider the victims or have pity for grievers.
"I hate to burden you at such a time but we have a problem," Cao nodded and motioned for Jia to continue. They were still at war and for now his son still drew breath. Now was not the time to get lax. He still needed vengeance for his father and brother.
"The attack on our main camp was worse than we originally estimated. Our normal consumption rate coupled with the injuries we sustained, we will be out of provisions before the end of the week."
"What are our options?" Cao questioned.
"We have two. The first, we retreat. The second, we find another way to secure provisions."
"We aren't retreating. How can we obtain more provisions?"
"We could make a desperation attack and try to take one of their supply depots. The chances for success are uncertain and we will most likely take more injuries making the entire venture more trouble than it is worth."
"Any other options?"
"Yes...but it may be a bit...unethical," Jia said carefully.
"Speak of it," Cao commanded.
"We could get some supplies from a source less guarded. Tao Qian has made sure to secure his main base, but has left his a large portion of his people woefully undefended, especially with the foothold we managed to get within his territory. It would be relatively easy to garner supplies from the people."
"Do it," Cao replied.
Jia bowed his head and turned to leave when Cao called out to him, stopping him in his tracks.
"Fèngxiào, the civilians you intend to get the supplies from, do you intend to kill them for it?"
"That is not my intention. If they do not fight us for it, no harm will come to them," Jia replied with a smile.
"No...that is not acceptable," Cao replied, his tone grim.
"My Lord?" Jia asked, his brow crinkled in confusion.
"Those people...a lot of them knew the fate that was to befall my father and brother. There is no way those soldiers were able to march through town completely unseen. No one said anything. Not one tried to help. They sat by and let such a heinous act take place. Even if most of them weren't aware of the attack initially, when they heard of what Tao Qian had done, they didn't rebel against him for such a cruel act. They were complicit. They are just as guilty as their lord and deserve death just as much as he. Deliver it unto them and supply our army so that we can continue our honorable campaign," said Cao.
The vicious command combined with the cold look in Cao's eyes might have made many others balk. They would have walked out of the tent and decry Cao as a vicious madman, no better than Dong Zhou. Jia however only bowed to Cao and told him that his will would be done.
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Xiahou Dun spurred his horse on. They were so close now. Surprisingly, Yuan didn't give any argument to Dun's request to spend the majority of their time traveling. Each day, they only rested for two hours before setting off again. There was no news coming out of Puyang, but that didn't do anything to put him at ease. He wouldn't feel better until he stood within the safety of its walls amongst his family. He hoped that Cao's fears were unfounded and that all would be well.
"Not long now." Yuan called out to Dun from his side.
Dun only grunted in agreement. Yuan hadn't been his normal cheerful self since they started this trip. He was unusually serious and that only served to make Dun all the more nervous. Yuan was just as worried about the family as he was.
"Big brother, I know that Mèngdé said that we should only kill Gōngtái if he truly did plan on betraying us but...," Yuan paused for a few seconds before continuing. "Do you think that maybe we should just kill him anyway?"
"I was already planning to," Dun replied. He turned his head to look at Yuan. "Though I have to say, I am surprised to hear you say that. You usually don't kill anyone you haven't been ordered to."
"I have no qualms about killing people I can't stand though...and I really can't stand that guy."
"Oh? Why is that?"
"You've spoken to him before right? You've actually held a conversation with him and you are seriously asking me why I don't like him?"
Dun smirked. "Fair enough. I guess I didn't think he was annoying enough for you to want to kill him."
"He just rubs me the wrong way. Like a snake waiting to bite. I have no idea why, Mèngdé kept him around."
"He likes people with talent. Despite being a sneaky, annoying little shit, he is a competent strategist."
"Yet we are currently riding to see if he betrayed us. Not worth it, if you ask me."
"I tend to agree, but it is not our place to question."
"Tsk, yeah, yeah I know...wait a minute, you were going to kill him anyway? Even though, Mèngdé said not to?"
"Yes, I am happy that you are actually with me on this. Would have been annoying to hear your bitching after I killed him if you weren't."
"So what are you planning on telling, Mèngdé when he asks for proof of betrayal?"
"Eh, I would have figured out something."
Yuan looked at his brother in astonishment before breaking out into a hearty laugh. It was the first time he had laughed since this trip started. Dun cracked a small smile, the laughter becoming infectious. It felt good to laugh, even if it would be a short lived one. The chaos seemed content with drowning the people sucked within it in pain and suffering, the burden weighing heavily on the heart. The laughter, however brief seemed to lighten the load, just a little. Both men urged their horses forward as the laughter drifted off. They held on to the brief happiness they felt for a little longer, having a creeping feeling that despite their hopes, it would be soon buried under misery and despair once they reached Puyang.
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Liao's axe fell towards the little girl that stood protectively in front of Zhuyue. It was too late to stop the momentum, she was going to get hit. With a grunt, Liao twisted the axes in his hands mere moments before they collided with her. Instead of being split in twain by the blow, she was instead struck by the flat side of the blade. This however did not spare her from damage. The dagger the little girl was holding collided with the flat of the axe. She was holding onto it so tightly that instead of it being knocked from her hand, it was pushed into her face. She let out a scream as the blade ripped into her face, conjoined with the force from Liao's axes, she was knocked off of her feet and back into Zhuyue. Zhuyue let out a scream as she caught the girl in her arms.
Liao jerked his axes back and gasped at the sight before him. The little's girl's face was a bloody mess as the red liquid gushed from the fresh wound. He could see that the dagger sliced into the left side of her face, from the eyebrow through the eye and ending in the middle of her cheek. Zhuyue was calling for help as Liao stood there dumbly. He had no qualms about killing other men or even women but he never could stomach killing a child. He felt guilt for his actions even though they were not entirely his fault. Despite this, he could not let them go free. His previous anger towards Zhuyue had dissipated. He no longer had the want to kill her. He would offer her a chance of surrender once more. After all, the situation has changed. If the tears streaming down her face was any indication, she cared greatly for this little girl. She should want to get her help as soon as possible. He would offer the option to help her in exchange for her surrender.
Liao opened his mouth to speak but snapped it shut once he felt a wave of murderous intent coming from the woman in front of him. The air around him changed. It felt stifling. A lesser warrior would probably be sent to their knees from the sheer pressure of it. Zhuyue carefully moved the girl from her lap. The girl was still sobbing as her hands weakly tried to stem the flow of blood. Zhuyue undid the belt that held her outer robe closed and let it slide off of her shoulders. She knelt next to the girl and nudged her hands out of the way. She pressed a corner of the robe to the wound and placed the girl's hands back over it. She whispered something to her before standing once more. The look in her eyes was one of pure hate. Liao stood his ground, it look like surrender would not be an option.
Despite this development, she was still weaponless. She had to get through him to get to her weapons and he did not intend on letting her pass. Zhuyue glared at him, he could practically feel her anger washing over him in waves, like an ocean lapping at its shore. To him, it felt as if the pressure of her aura intensified. He was amazed that she was able to do this. Only true warriors were able to channel their chi to such an extent that they could make it lash out against others. It seems that he underestimated her more than he originally thought. Liao moved to get into his stance when Zhuyue shot forward. Liao swung his axes toward her in a forward arc. He would be ready for her to dodge to either the left or the right, ready to counter the move with a kick to the mid section.
Zhuyue was upon him but to his surprise, she didn't dodge left or right, she jumped forward and his axes skimmed passed her. She landed nimbly on one of his axes to his surprise and swiftly ran up the weapon and the length of his arm before delivering a knee to his face. As he stumbled back, she grabbed a hold of his head and used it as a catalyst to launch herself behind his back. Liao spun around, blood gushing from his nose which he was sure was broken from the hit. He retaliated, swinging his axes toward her back in a side swipe. Zhuyue didn't turn around to face the blow but she did respond to it. As if anticipating the attack, she dropped to her knees and bent backwards, her momentum keeping her sliding forward. The axes passed over her and she slid to a stop next to her weapons. She grabbed hold of her duck blades and swiveled around, to face him.
Liao spat out blood that had gotten into his mouth from his nose. Zhuyue was on her feet now and Liao got back into his stance. He wanted to kill her. Not because he had any animosity toward her for the damage she done but because he respected her. She deserved a warrior's death and he would grant it to her.
Zhuyue dashed forward again. Liao would wait for her attack this time and counter accordingly. She was faster than him and if he attacked first, she would always come out on top if she managed to dodge the hit. To his surprise, she came at him head on, setting off a volley quick strikes with her duck blades. The attacks were in such rapid succession that Liao could do nothing but block. There was a sudden pause in her attacks and Liao wasted no time in countering.
"Time to finish this," Zhuyue said. Her voice was cold, calculating. It wasn't a hollow taunt. She lured him into a trap like a black widow luring a fly into her web. Zhuyue ducked under his attack and moved to his undefended side which she managed to damage earlier in the fight. Zhuyue sliced at his side in quick succession pouring her chi into each strike. Liao was powerless to stop the assault. The agonizing pain went on for seemingly forever to Liao. Zhuyue finished her assault by spinning and landing a hard kick into his side. Liao was knocked into the air and onto his back. Zhuyue stood there, breathing hard as the energy dissipated from her body. Liao groaned in pain, his body aching still from the brutal assault. It took all his will power to sit up and even more to stand.
Zhuyue's eyes widened when she saw Liao get to his feet. How? She put everything she had into that attack and he still survived? How! She felt like screaming in frustration but she kept it bottled up inside. The fact was that even though he was still standing he took a lot of damage. He was hunched over, blood dribbling from his nose and gushing from the wound at his side. He spat on the ground, staining the grass with his blood. She could hear him breathing heavily. He gave off a laugh. It was a rough sort of laugh that devolved into a cough resulting in him spitting out blood once more.
"You did well girl, you've won your freedom," Liao said. Zhuyue couldn't believe her ears and the disbelief showed on her face. Liao gave off another harsh laugh.
"Look around you. It seems you were not the only person I underestimated. That boy decimated my troops. There are only a few left now and he looks to be taking care of them rather easily. I could probably kill you before he gets here, but that would have me investing enough time for him to get here and counter attack. That is not a risk I really want to take...I didn't mean to attack that girl...get her some help. I don't want her death on my hands."
Zhuyue was frozen on the spot, unsure if this was some sort of trick. Liao called for his surviving troops to pull back. He began to withdraw but paused to get one last look at her. "I would love to face you again someday. Survive until then."
With that, he and his troops hobbled off, the injured leaning on each other as they made their way to the main gate. Zhuyue shook off her stupor and took unsteady steps over to Xiaolian. She dropped to her knees beside her. Xiaolian's small body curled up as she still held the robe to her face.
"Don't worry, Xiaolian...I'm going to get you help."
Xiaolian looked up to Zhuyue with her good eye which was red from the constant tears. Zhuyue put her arms around her back and beneath her legs and lifted her off the ground. She got to her feet unsteadily and tried to walk back to the cave. She felt so tired but she had to keep going on for Xiaolian's sake. Xiaolian's weight suddenly seemed to lessen. Her eyes widened in alarm when she realized someone was taking her away from her. She tried to snatch her back frantically but was chastised by a familiar voice.
"Stop it. You can barely keep yourself on your feet, let alone hold her. Let me take her," said Pi. Reluctantly, Zhuyue let Xiaolian be taken by Pi. Ang came out of the cave and looked around to the dead bodies left in the wake of Pi's onslaught.
"Check on Uncle Shan," Pi commanded. Ang made a face, unhappy to be receiving orders from his younger brother but he was quite frankly too intimidated by him to say anything about it. He swallowed his pride and did as he was told, kneeling down to check on the old man.
"Do you think you can get the others from the cave?" Pi asked Zhuyue. His voice wasn't as hard as it normally was. In all the time she known him, this was perhaps the softest he had ever spoken to her. She didn't understand why but she was thankful for it. She didn't feel like dealing with his attitude at the moment. She nodded in affirmation to his question.
"Then do so. We need to leave, now."
Zhuyue nodded again and summoned her strength, making her way back to the hidden entrance. She understood why he was in a rush. The sun was beginning to break through the dark blanket that covered the land. Soon they would not have the cover of darkness to mask their escape and if the town fell like she assumed it would, they would be hunted down by Lu Bu's forces. Zhuyue corralled the others waiting in the tunnel, shrugging off the concerns of Lady Ai and the others and insisting that they move as quickly as they could.
Ang and Pi led the way into the forest beyond the rice fields. They managed to make it deep enough into the woods that they wouldn't be easily spotted in the light. They decided to take a temporary rest which Zhuyue was thankful for. It couldn't be a long reprieve as she was sure Ling would have Lu Bu send forces to look for them once they realized they weren't among the other citizens.
Zhuyue rested her head against a tree with Xiaolian laying her head on her lap. The girl was silent now as she bared the pain. Zhuyue felt horrible that she had to endure such pain. If only she was stronger, she could have prevented this. Despite how far she had come, she still had so much farther to go. She caught glimpses of Xiulan eyeing the two. Zhuyue knew that Xiulan had something to say but she wisely kept her mouth shut.
They would have to move soon. Zhuyue's body wanted to protest but she would force it to comply when it was time. For now, until they were ready, she would close her eyes. Just for a little bit. Her eyes weren't closed for more than a minute when they flew open again. The distinct sound of horses charging toward them grabbing her attention. She could see that Pi and Ang had heard the sound as well. They listened in silence to determine the direction. To their dismay, it was coming from Puyang.
