Sun Ce - Bófú
Han Dang - Yìgōng
Xiahou Dun - Yuánràng
Guo Jia - Fèngxiào
Zhou Yu - Gōngjǐn
Lu Bu - Fèngxiān
Zhang Fei - Yìdé
Zhang Liao - Wényuǎn
Guan Yu - Yúncháng

"We should get in there."

Zhou Yu sighed. His sworn brother had been saying the same thing since the battle began. He was so hot-blooded, always ready for a fight, even if it had nothing to do with them.

"Remember, Bófú, we are only here to scout, not interfere," Yu scolded.

"Pfft, where's the fun in that? Besides, we are bound to butt heads with Cao Cao in the future anyway right? Might as well just take him out now so it's one less thing we can worry about. He's losing the battle. This is our best chance."

"Take another look. Cao Cao's troops managed to sniff out an ambush in those garrisons. I bet Zhang Xiu's plan was to sneak Liu Biao's forces into those garrisons and ambush Cao when he tried to run. How interesting. He even planned for the eventuality that Cao would escape the castle alive. Either Zhang Xiu is more clever than I gave him credit for or he has a very talented strategist on his side. Even more interesting is that Cao Cao had the forethought to check out the garrison before simply fleeing. Most people wouldn't think to do that. Very interesting. Very, very interesting."

Ce did not share his sworn brother's admiration for the strategies at play. He understood the need for strategy but he was more of a hands-on guy. Let Zhou Yu do all the thinking, he was a man of action.

"We can turn the tide of battle if we jump in now. Cao Cao wouldn't be expecting us. This is too good of an opportunity to pass up."

"While I have to admit that your idea is enticing, we probably shouldn't cross Yuan Shu. He was very adamant that we are only to scout out the situation in Jing to see if Yuan Shao is behind this at all. He was very clear on the not interfering part."

"Tsk, I'm tired of listening to him. He treats us like errand boys. We are warriors. The Sun family is better than this...Wu deserves better than this."

"So I take it you've made your decision then?"

"I have. This is probably not what father wanted, but I feel like it is the only way we can get from under Yuan Shu's claws. When we go back to report to him about the battle here, I'm going to give him the-hey, what's that?"

Before Yu could ask what he was talking about, Ce was off, dashing towards Wan castle.

"Bófú, wait!" Yu called out after his sworn brother. Ce did not heed his call. With a sigh, Yu dashed off after him.

Yu finally caught up to him on the side of Wan castle. He had every intention of giving Ce a piece of his mind for running off the way he did until he saw him pulling something out of the moat. Correction, pulling someone out of the moat. Yu helped him get the unconscious woman out of the water.

"We can't stay here," Yu said in a hushed tone as he looked around them to see if they had been spotted by either side.

"Let's take her back to our camp then."

Yu wanted to argue but he knew that look in Ce's eyes. He wasn't going to take no for an answer this time. He nodded in agreement and Ce picked her up, cradling her in his arms as they hurried back to their camp just on the outskirts of Wan castle.

Ce took her back to his personal tent and laid her down. Yu looked down to her unconscious figure disappointingly.

"She's soaking wet. We need to get her dry," said Ce, ignoring the glares Yu was shooting his way.

"I'll get some extra blankets for her."

Ce and Yu jumped at the sound of Han Dang's voice.

"Yìgōng? When did you get here?" Ce asked.

Dang gave Ce a wounded look. "I've been here the whole time! Did you forget all about me?"

Ce gave off a awkward chuckle. "Of course not. You are just so quiet that I didn't realize you were still around."

"Gōngjǐn, did you forget about me too?" Yu gave Dang a warm smile and gave his shoulder a light pat.

"Of course not. Would you please get the blankets? We do not want her to catch a cold."

Dang gave them both skeptical looks before nodding and heading off.

"Liar, you didn't remember he was there either," Ce teased.

"I think we should look into getting a bell for him..." Yu mused. "Anyway, what exactly do you plan on doing with her?"

"I don't know? Do you think I should take her clothes off? I mean to help her get dry? She won't get dry if she stays in her wet clothes right?"

"I meant overall, Bófú. Why did you bring her back here? Did you completely forget what I said about staying out of this fight?"

"I couldn't just let her drown," Ce replied as he tried to dry her face with one of the blankets he had. This really wasn't going to work. He was going to have to take her clothes off if he ever hoped to get her completely dry.

"Why not? She's the enemy. You were just saying a few minutes ago that you wanted to fight Cao Cao because it was a good advantage. Why save one of his people?"

"I know that's what I said but...this is different. I know her."

"Know her? From where?" Yu asked, placing a hand on his hip and shifting his stance as he waited for an explanation from Ce.

"During that alliance with Yuan Shao at Hulao Gate. She was under Cao's command. Father was adamant about me meeting her. We actually hit it off pretty well. I didn't get why he wanted me to meet her at the time, but he later told me that he felt she would make a good wife for me. He was serious about trying to get us together but...he died before he could petition Cao Cao."

"Ah...I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"That was awhile ago though. I remember father saying she was promised to one of Cao Cao's cousins so is probably married by now. Whatever would have been can no longer be. Still, she wasn't a bad person, you know?"

"But she is still the enemy. We saved her, fine, but we shouldn't interfere any further. Our mission here is done. Let's leave her here and go."

"I can't do that! Cao Cao is retreating now right? If we just leave her here, it will be Zhang Xiu's men that find her."

" Bófú-," Yu began.

"We are taking her with us, Gōngjǐn. We can decide what to do with her once she's better, but I will not leave her here," said Ce. It was a tone Ce rarely used with Yu but he knew it all the same. This was not up for discussion.

"Very well. I'll tell the others to start packing up the camp."

Ce was happy that Zhou Yu didn't push the point. He knew that what he was requesting was foolish but he couldn't help himself. Seeing her reminded him of his father in a way. He could clearly remember the conversation he had with his father about a potential marriage to Zhuyue. Ce pretended to be nonchalant about it at the time but truth be told, after meeting her, he definitely was interested. His father was so sure that Ce having a woman like her by his side, would move on to do great things. Ce couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like to be married to her.

He studied her sleeping face. She was an attractive woman. She had a fierce spirit and a warrior's heart. She would have thrived in Wu. It was a shame that they never had their chance together. Oh well, no point thinking about things that cannot be changed. Ce pushed the thoughts from his mind and began to remove her wet clothing. The least he could do is make sure she didn't catch her death of cold.

=#=

The closer Liu Bei got to Diaochan's door, the more his anticipation grew. He had quite a trying day. First he had to speak with Lu Bu and inform him of his departure. Lu Bu seemed to assume that Bei was going to leave him in charge. Bei had an awkward time explaining to him that it would be his sworn brother Fei in charge. Bu said he understood, but Bei could tell that he was a bit upset over his decision.

He then had to inform his wife about his departure. Her behavior was puzzling. She seemed to not want to let him go. When he questioned her about it, she brought up the dog she heard howling outside of their window last night.

Bei remembered the incident. After having that conversation with Yu and Fei, Bei had been making a conscious effort to spend more time with his wife and child. It was because of this very reason that Bei was with her last night. He had just gotten to sleep after a long day when she woke him. She claimed to hear a dog howling. This was strange to Bei as they did not own a dog. When Bei got up to check, he didn't find anything out of order. It was most likely a stray, but his wife insisted it was a bad omen. She kept him up most of the night shaking with fear that someone close to them was going to die. So when Bei told her that he was leaving for battle tomorrow, she was certain that if he left, she would never see him again.

Bei still cared for his wife, but the relationship had been a bit strained as of late. He tried to assuage her worries but to no avail. He eventually gave up and sought to find peace in the arms of Diaochan. He hadn't spent much time with Diaochan lately in an effort to fix his marriage. When he told her of his intent, he could tell she heartbroken, but she understood. Unlike his wife, she didn't nag him about the smallest of details, she simply understood. It made Bei fall even more in love with her.

Bei knocked on Diaochan's door. After a few moments she opened the door. When she saw who was behind it, her eyes lit up in excitement. She jumped in his arms and let out a surprised squeal. Bei was glad to see that she missed him as much as he missed her. He hugged her tightly as he breathed in her scent, surprised by how much he missed it.

"I didn't expect you today, my lord," she said as she pulled away from him.

"I'm sorry I haven't been around as of late. I-,"

She kissed him, silencing his words.

"Don't explain it. It doesn't matter. You are here now and you are mine."

She pulled him further into the room. Bei stumbled clumsily after her, barely managing to get the door closed before she was on him once more. Bei had to peel her off of him. He needed to tell her his purpose for visiting.

"Diaochan, my love, wait," Bei said as he pushed her gently back. Diaochan gave him a pout but did not attempt to reach for him again.

"Tomorrow I leave for battle on behalf of Yuan Shao. I have asked my brother Yìdé to check in on you from time to t-,"

"No!" She cried out startling Bei.

Bei looked at her surprised. It was the first time she had heard her speak so forcefully about anything.

"Please, please, my lord. Do not leave me behind. Take me with you."

"Diaochan, what are you saying? I cannot take you into battle with me."

"But you can, my lord. I know how to fight! I am not as fragile as I seem. I have been on the battlefield before. I fought under Dong Zhou. I can handle myself. Please take me with you."

"Diaochan...I would feel better knowing that you were here safe, waiting for me. If anything ever happened to you-"

"I won't be safe if you left me here, my lord. You would leave me at the mercy of Lu Bu. The only reasons he has not come after me is because of your presence."

"Yìdé would watch after you. He will ensure that Lu Bu stays away from you," Bei said assuredly.

"Your brother is also one that I fear," said Diaochan as she turned away from him.

Bei put his arms onto her shoulders and turned her around to face him.

"What do you mean you fear him? Has he done something to you?"

Diaochan hid her face from Bei. He frowned a hooked a finger beneath her chin, forcing her to face him.

"Tell me. Has he done something to you?"

"The way he looks at me. It feels as if he is undressing me with his eyes and when he speaks to me, he says such lewd things. I didn't want to cause a rift between you two so I stayed silent but if your intention is to leave me here with him then I can no longer hold my tongue. Please my lord, I implore you, do not leave me with him."

Bei was shaking with anger. He knew that Fei found Diaochan attractive, many men did, but he expected his brother to have respect for their relationship. He had no idea that Fei had acted so deplorably. When he returned from battle, he planned on confronting him about it but for now, he had to deal with Diaochan.

"I will make sure that Fei answers for what he did to you when I return," Bei said as he stared into her eyes.

"This is exactly why I did not want to say anything. I did not want to cause a rift between the two of you."

"I would be more upset if you did not say anything. My brother has been out of control lately. It is past time I had talk with him about his conduct. Worry not, this is not on you. It has been a long time coming."

Diaochan nodded. "If you insist, my lord. Still, you have not answered the question that plagues me most. Will you take me with you when you leave tomorrow."

Bei sighed. Diaochan could tell that he was going to say no so she decided to be impulsive. She kicked at him, it was hard to do so in her dress robe so the kick was slow and a bit clumsy. Still the attempt caught Bei off guard. He took the kick to the stomach but it lacked any real power. He put a hand over the area she hit and looked up to her in confusion.

"Diaochan what are yo-"

She threw a punch at him. This time he was prepared for it. He caught her wrist, completely avoiding the blow. This did not deter her. She kicked at him once more landing a blow to his side. Fed up with actions, he tossed her onto the bed and laid down on top of her to stop her from being able to attack him any further.

"Diaochan, what are you doing? Why are you attacking me?"

"Forgive me, my lord but I must show you. I must show you that I can fight. I must show you that I can be by your side."

Bei looked into her eyes. He could see her determination and he felt his anger dissipate in the face of it. He sighed and released his hold on her.

"I never knew you were so stubborn," he said warily before placing a kiss to her brow. "I will not deny you your request."

"Thank you, my lord. Truly. I am not worthy of the favor you show me."

"There is a condition. You must remain in the main camp."

"But my lord-"

"This is something I will not budge on, Diaochan. If anything were to happen to you...I couldn't live with myself knowing that it was I that put you in danger."

Diaochan nodded and placed a hand upon his cheek.

"Mere words are not enough to express the gratitude I feel. Allow me to show you."

She removed her hand from his cheek and ran it down the front of her robe before pulling it open to reveal herself to him. Bei took time to admire her form before partaking in her supple flesh.

=#=

Jia Xu found himself sitting before Cao Cao in defeat. How could this have happened? He had Cao Cao in the palm of his hand. It was that freak of a bodyguard that helped him traverse his traps. He had no idea he would be so formidable. Who knew Cao Cao had such a monster on his side.

Even though they managed to make Cao retreat, Jia Xu still managed to get captured. His own trap was reversed on him and he was lured in like a fool. He planned everything so meticulously, yet he was outplayed. How could Guo Jia have figured out that he had troops waiting in hiding within those garrisons? Any other person would have just fled when they had the chance but Jia was smart enough to check the surrounding area before they made their retreat. So confidant of his victory, Xu bumbled into the trap Jia had planted within the garrisons.

Xu gave a self depreciating laugh. At least he would die to someone smarter than him. Still, what a pathetic way to go. He had so much to live for. He looked up to Cao and saw that his freak of a bodyguard was still alive. How was that even possible? If the amount of bandages he had wrapped around his hulking chest was any indication, he should be dead by now or at least off his feet. Yet here he was, cracking his knuckles menacingly, ready to rip him limb from limb. Xu wondered who would get to him first, the monster bodyguard or the menacing man with the large sword that was pacing back and forth behind Cao. If memory served him correctly, that was Xiahou Dun. He seemed awfully pissed at him but he wasn't sure why. The man had a lot of blood splattered on his armor. It was almost like he tried to bathe in it. Guess all the killing he did up to his point was apparently a warm up for him.

Cao stared at Xu. Xu returned the stare. If he was going to die, he would look the orchestrator of his demise in the eye like a man. Wei took a step closer, no longer able to contain himself. He was ready to take Xu apart. Xu did not flinch. He would meet his death with pride. In a strange twist of fate, his death was delayed by Cao who raised a hand to stop Wei's advance. Wei and Dun looked just as confused as Xu did by this action.

"Allow me to ask you one question. Do you die now for your master? Or has your loyalty always been to yourself, to your talent for strategy?"

Xu burst into laughter. Was he serious? Why did he care about such a thing at a time like this?

"That's quite the loaded question," Xu replied. He remained silent for a few moments as he gave the question some thought. He decided to answer it honestly. His death was impending anyway, who cares about keeping up pretenses now?

"The latter. I have lived my life for my talent, for my genius. I could have done more, but I have no regrets. Come, I am ready. Do it," said Xu as he shifted himself into a more comfortable position. If he was going to die, he might as well be mildly comfortable.

Xiahou Dun took a step forward. With his teeth bared and his brows furrowed he resembled an animal. Xu had the sickening feeling that his death was going to be an extremely painful one. Before Dun could get close to him, Cao surprised them all once more by stepping in front of him and blocking his path. Dun's wild eyes shifted to Cao holding a mixture of confusion and anger.

"Very well then," Cao began. "Jia Xu, I ask that you use your talents in my service."

"Are you serious!?" Dun barked out as he grabbed onto Cao's shoulder with a free hand.

There were very few people that could have gotten away with touching Cao the way Dun just did. Though they were only cousins, their relationship was closer than that. Cao saw him as a brother and the feeling was mutual on Dun's end. Cao understood that Dun was going through a pain that was still fresh and he knew that recruiting the very person that was the source of that pain would cause some friction. Cao could only hope that the loyalty that Dun swore to him so long ago would still stand. He would hate to lose someone he saw as a brother, but his ambition could not be stopped...not for anyone. Jia Xu was an intelligent man. Cao would be a fool to kill off such a talent for something as petty as revenge, especially when that intelligence could prove useful in the future. He hoped that one day, Dun would understand that, even if he hated him for it.

Cao took on a calm yet authoritative tone. He wanted Dun to understand his position, but he also wanted it understood that he would not tolerate any argument regarding his decision.

"Without Dian Wei, I would have certainly been dead."

At hearing his name, Wei gave off an awkward chuckle as he rubbed the back of his head, happy to be praised by his master.

"It would be a shame to waste such intellect," Cao finished.

"But it's because of him that-,"

"I know," Cao interrupted. "Killing him won't bring her back, but alive, he can at least atone for his role in it."

Dun wanted to say more. He wanted to argue the point. He wanted to walk over there and chop that bastard into pieces, but he knew that he could not. In this land of chaos, long life was promised to no one. Every time a warrior steps onto the battlefield, they know that there is a chance they will not step off of it. His rational mind knew this but his heart didn't care for anything rational at the moment. It wanted to rage. It wanted to lash out on everything and everyone.

He slaughtered so many people today when he went to scout out the garrisons. Normally, he would grant his enemies a quick death, but not this time. He drew every death out. He made it as painful as he possibly could but still the rage in his heart would not be sated. Something within him broke when she died and he wasn't sure he would be able to control that rage again. He needed to get away. He needed to get away from Cao Cao because a part of him felt like murdering him. He wanted to kill him for disregarding her death the way he did. He wanted to kill Jia Xu for causing her death. He wanted to kill Cao Ang for being so fucking useless that Zhuyue had to sacrifice herself to save him. These feelings were beginning to overwhelm him and he feared that if he stayed, he would act out on these impulses.

Dun removed his hand from Cao's shoulder. He turned away from both of them and headed back in the direction of their camp. Guo Jia fell into step with Dun, clearly worried about his well-being.

" Yuánràng?" Jia said softly.

"I need...time. Keep him safe," was Dun's reply.

Jia nodded as he slowed his steps to a full stop allowing Dun to leave him behind. This was a risky move by Cao Cao, recruiting Jia Xu. He understood the benefit of doing so, but he risked losing much in the process. Had Dun decided rebel, Jia has no doubt that Yuan would not be far behind. This Jia Xu had better prove that he was worth such a risk.

Jia Xu looked to Cao Cao and saw no deception in his eyes. So he lived to see another day huh? Very well. He would fight for Cao Cao. He can't be a much worse employer than Zhang Xiu. Xu got to his feet and dusted off the backside of his battle armor.

"He didn't look to pleased with the fact that you aren't killing me."

"I imagine he is not," said Jia. "Your actions killed his wife."

"Ah, I see...," Xu replied. That explains the menacing looks Dun was throwing his way. If he was in his position, he would feel the same way.

"It would be in your best interest to prove your worth as soon as possible. Zhuyue was dear to all of us and her loss will not be easily forgotten."

"Ahahaha, no pressure there," Xu replied. Cao studied Xu for a few moments in silence. The scrutiny made him want to squirm but he remained still.

"You fought most impressively, Dian Wei!" Cao said, finally taking his gaze off of Xu and turning around to face the man in question. Xu let out a breath of relief to finally be out of that intimidating glare. Cao Cao could be quite intimidating when he wanted to be.

"You remind me of the legendary warriors of yore that I have read about," he continued.

Wei gave off that awkward chuckle once more. It was clear that he wasn't use to such praise. He rubbed the back of his bald head bashfully.

"Yes, but his heroics have come at a price. He shouldn't even be up right now. He will need many weeks of bed rest to recover. It is honestly a miracle he is still alive."

"Bah, you worry like an old hen, Fèngxiào," Wei retorted.

"No, he is right. If bed rest is what's recommended, then so be it. I need you. I need your strength. I will not have you fall here."

Dian Wei smiled, happy to hear that his lord needed him.

"As you wish, my lord," Wei relented. If he was being honest with himself, he felt tired. Perhaps bed rest wouldn't be so bad after all. The faster he healed, the faster he could get back on the battle field and help his lord.

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Zhuyue awoke to the sound of muffled voices. Her head felt clouded and her body ached. She took a few deep breathes to try and focus on the area around her. The voices didn't seem to be too close to her. She decided to risk it and open her eyes. Her vision was blurred and she had to blink several times to force her eyes to regain its focus. It seems her ears did not deceive her, she was alone, but exactly where was she?

The muffled voices continued to ramble on. Zhuyue decided listening to whatever they were saying may help her determine exactly where she was. She strained her ears and tried to focus on the noise. Slowly it became more than just garbled nonsense. She could make out actual words.

"-thought you would be happy about this development. With this, you won't have to give up the Imperial Seal."

"I know, but it feels wrong to give her to that scum."

" Bófú, you need to think of the Sun family name. You need to think of the people of Wu. In the face of all that, what is one mere woman who you only have a passing acquaintance with?"

Wu? So she was with people from Wu? Sun Jian's people? But who was Bofu? She wasn't familiar with the style name. She could guess that she was the woman in question.

"It just doesn't feel right, Gōngjǐn. I mean father thought she would be a good match for me. He saw something in her. Maybe-"

"I don't think so, Bófú. I looked into it and as you thought, she is married...to Xiahou Dun. Cao Cao's cousin."

"Ah...I thought so...still, what you suggest isn't going to work. If Cao Cao finds out that we gave her up to Yuan Shu, we'll become their number one enemy. I don't think we can take on a force like that right now."

"They won't know it was us unless Yuan Shu expressly tells them which I doubt he will. They think she is dead."

Dead? Dun thought she was dead? No...

"You seriously think that Yuan Shu will give us our freedom just for her?"

"A mere woman she may be, but she is one with close familial ties to Cao Cao. My guess is he will use her to strike a deal with Cao Cao. But I will be honest with you. After hearing the entirety of what happened at Hulao gate, I doubt that Shu won't take the opportunity to mete out some revenge on her. I doubt she will be the same when they get her back. He can just blame any injuries on the battle of Wan castle, keeping himself clear of all fault."

"So Yuan Shu gets to do whatever he wants with her and no one's the wiser."

"I know it seems deplorable, but we have to think of the greater good."

"I know...I KNOW! You're right...It just feels pretty shitty."

"To make such ugly decisions are necessary in the world we live in today."

"I suppose it is...," Ce sighed. "When we go to make our report to Shu, we'll hand her over, but only if Shu promises to grant the Wu autonomy."

Yu nodded in agreement. "Of course."

Her fate was to given to Yuan Shu? She had to get out of here. Her body groaned in protest as she tried to move it. No, this was nothing. She would not let this stop her. She forced herself up and realized that she was wearing robes other than her own. She looked at the garment in confusion. It looked like something made for a man. It was far too big for her. She tightened it around her body as best she could and headed to the far side of the tent.

Just as she reached the other end of the tent, she heard a third voice. It seemed to be a messenger. He called the name Sun Ce. So that was who her captive was? She couldn't bring herself to hate him. He wanted to trade her for the future of his people. That didn't mean she was going to let him actually do it. While she didn't begrudge his decision, she damn sure didn't agree with it.

Zhuyue reached her hand under the tent lining and tried to wrench it up. To her dismay, it was anchored tightly to the ground. If she were to pull any harder, she would risk tearing the tent down and causing too much of a scene. She had to find something to cut through.

Zhuyue searched frantically around the tent while trying to be as quite as she could. She paused occasionally to ensure that they were still talking outside. It wouldn't bode well for her if she was caught now. She was doubtful that she could put up a good fight at the moment. Her body felt heavy and sluggish, part of the effect of hitting the moat the way she did.

To her luck, she found her armor bunched in the corner of the tent. It was still cold and damp to the touch. She felt her way inside of it and found one of her hidden daggers. They hadn't found them! Quickly, she bundled her battle robe around her armor making it a makeshift sack and made her way back to the tent wall. She stabbed her dagger through it and pulled down. She had to stop when the rip made a louder sound than she intended. She waited and listened. They were still talking. Good. She continued to drag the dagger down the cloth, slowly, trying to dull the ripping sound. Finally, she created an opening big enough to slip through.

First she peaked her head out, ensuring that she wouldn't be blundering directly into the enemies hands. Fortunately for her, there were no enemies in her immediate vicinity. Unfortunately for her, the tent she was in was located in the center of their camp. Once she exited, she would eventually run into someone.

Zhuyue took a deep breath, steeling herself. She tightened her grip on her dripping sack of armor and stepped through the hole. She held her head high and hoped she didn't look as terrible as she felt. With as confident a stride as she could muster, she began to walk straight ahead through the camp. She garnered glances from a few of the troops she passed but no one stopped her. Perhaps she could get away with this.

The heavens were smiling on her today. The path she was walking led her to a group of horses. She could steal one and flee from here. Just a little further.

"Who are you?"

Zhuyue froze at the sound of the voice behind her. She was so close. She turned slowly to face the speaker. It was a large breasted scantily clad woman. To Zhuyue, she looked as if she worked in a brothel. Was she some general's concubines? Lianshi tilted her head as she examined Zhuyue. She took in the disheveled appearance, the ill fitting robe and the dripping blue bundle she carried.

"I-I um, y-your humble handmaiden bids you greetings?" That was how you said it wasn't it? It had been a while since she had to put on such a show. She was not good at being put on the spot like this.

"Who are you?" Lianshi asked again.

"Oh, yes um, Lord Sun Ce...I am with him..."

"Oh, are you Lady ShangXiang's new handmaiden?" she asked.

ShangXiang? She knew that name. That was the name of Ce's sister.

"Yes, yes! That is it exactly. Lord Sun Ce has brought me to serve Lady ShangXiang."

"Understood. As you were then," Lianshi said. She turned from Zhuyue without another word.

Zhuyue breathed a sigh of relief. Somehow, she managed to get away with it. She waited for a few moments for Lianshi to walk further away before she resumed her trek to the horses. She paused once she made it beside the horse to look in Lianshi's direction. It seemed as if she was still walking away. This was her chance to get away. Zhuyue worked quickly untying the horse. To her great fortune, it was already saddled.

Once the horse was free, she quickly tied her makeshift armor pouch to it and jumped on. She spurred horse on. Zhuyue knew she would cause a scene in doing so, but she hoped she could put some distance between her and them before they noticed. She could hear the sounds of shouting behind her. She was noticed alright but she didn't look back. She didn't want anything to slow her down. She can make it. She was going to make it!

She pushed the horse even further, wanting to get as far away as possible when she felt an explosion of pain in her side. Zhuyue wrapped one hand on the reigns to keep her balance. With her free hand, she reached to the spot where she felt the pain. Her hand landed on the shaft of a crossbow bolt. Zhuyue groaned in pain at the prodding. It seems she hadn't made it away quite as cleanly as she thought. She looked behind her to see the woman with the large breast she had spoke with moments before holding a large crossbow. So she was not a concubine. Apparently, her acting was worse than she originally thought and appearances were quite deceiving in Wu.

Zhuyue faced forward and regained hold of the reigns with both hands. The only choice she had at this moment was to try and outrun the next shot. Her foot kicked the horse's side in an effort to speed it up. The horse neighed in protest before it marginally increased its speed. Lianshi readied her crossbow and took aim. This shot would hit her square in the back and should take her down. Her finger on the trigger, she steadied her hand squeezed. To Lianshi's surprise, just before she could pull the trigger down fully, her crossbow was smacked aside, sending her bolt off target. It embedded itself into Zhuyue's armor sack instead.

Angered at the interruption, Lianshi faced the person that dared to disrupt her. She lowered her head humbled when she saw that it was none other than Sun Ce.

"My lord?" She asked in question.

"We need her alive," he explained. Lianshi lowered her head again, contrite.

Ce mounted his horse. "Have some of the other's follow after me. I'm going to chase her down."

Lianshi saluted him and ran off to do exactly that.

Ce urged his horse into movement after Zhuyue. He didn't want to do this, but for the future of Wu, he had to. She had a head start, but she was wounded. That would slow her down. Ce followed the path her horse had taken to a stream. Ce crossed it quickly and continued down the path. Bewildered, he had to stop his pursuit. There was no longer any signs of her tracks. Ce dismounted and examined the ground. Before he had seen blood along with hoof prints but now there was nothing. He climbed onto his horse once more and decided to double back to the last area he saw them. He found himself back at the stream. The tracks seemed to stop just before it.

"My lord!"

Ce looked up to see Huang Gai, Han Dang, Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu riding towards him.

" Bófú, where is she?" Yu asked.

"Not sure, the tracks end here," Ce replied pointing to the stream.

Zhou Yu dismounted and looked around. "Hmm, if the tracks end here, that I can only surmise that she remained in the stream instead of crossing it. The men looked in both directions. It was hard to discern which direction she went in."

"We split up then," said Ce. "Just remember, we need her alive if she's to be any use to us."

The men nodded and they split up. It was Sun Ce's group comprised of himself and Yu, that came upon the horse Zhuyue had stolen downstream, drinking its fill of water. Zhou Yu examined the horse. It's side was slick with blood but there was no sign of its rider.

"Why'd she abandon the horse?" Ce asked as he looked around for signs of Zhuyue.

"Listen, do you hear that? The increase in the flow of water. There is a waterfall nearby."

Yu and Ce followed the sound to the waterfall. There was still no sign of Zhuyue around. Ce peered over the edge of the waterfall.

"Think she went over?" he asked over the rush of water from the fall.

"If she did, she's dead," Yu replied once he was at Ce's side.

"Guess we gotta give up on chasing her huh?" said Ce.

"You seem happy about this development."

"Eh, I wouldn't say happy. I just feel like she earned her freedom so let her have it. We still have the Imperial seal. Yuan Shu can choke on it for all I care. We don't need it."

Yu sighed then gave off a soft chuckle.

"As you say, Bófú."

The two men climbed back atop their horses and went to meet back up stream to meet the others.

Zhuyue watched them leave from her perch in a nearby tree. How fortunate for her that they didn't look up. She waited for awhile longer to ensure they were gone before she climbed down. Once on the ground, she checked her wound. It was still bleeding but it hadn't yet soaked through the strip of fabric she hastily tied around it. Zhuyue had no idea where she was or which direction home was. At least she knew which direction not to go. With a heavy sigh, her hand clutching her side while the other held onto her sack, she resumed her trek to get as far away from Wu's camp as possible.

=#=

Something was wrong. Xiaolian just knew it. Lord Cao had returned but her mother and father were not among them. She has seen her uncle Yuan speaking with her grandparents in hushed tones and they would stop whenever she entered the room. Something terrible happened. It made her feel sick to her stomach just to think about it. This was a familiar feeling. She had this feeling the last time she watched her family get slaughtered in front of her. An indescribable sense of loss and loneliness. Her heart ached and there was no cure. She could no longer focus on her training or her studies. She barely ate and her sleep were always restless ones.

Xiaolian took it upon herself to wait by the main gate for her parents return. She just couldn't believe that they were dead. She didn't want to accept that reality. From sun up to sun down she waited near the main gain for them, her heart aching just a little more whenever the sun dipped below the horizon with no sign of either of them.

Yuan and her grandparents tried to get her to stop, but she wouldn't respond to them. When they forcefully dragged her away, she would just escape and make her way back there. Xiahoushi would often visit her and sit by her side while she waited. She tried to give her friend food to eat but was only sometimes successful.

A new day had come. As always, Xiaolian woke up and prepared to go to main gate to wait for them. Xiahoushi had woken up early and decided to accompany her friend. She had the foresight to have the servants prepare them a meal as no one knew the last time Xiaolian had eaten. They sat in silence in front of the gate. The usual flurry of travelers and merchants had passed by, not paying any heed to the two girls sitting nearby. Xiahoushi offered Xiaolian some of the packed food she had. Xiaolian initially refused but after prodding, she finally accepted it. They ate in silence. Xiaolian remained focused on the passerby's, not wanting to miss a glimpse of Zhuyue or Dun.

Xiahoushi's heart ached for her friend. She knew the pain she was going through. It was a familiar one but unlike her, Xiaolian was being forced to go through it for a second time. Xiahoushi looked down to her food, her eyes watering. Guilt suddenly gripped her. She was jealous of Xiaolian. It wasn't fair that she had gotten a family while she was still without one. On more than one occasion she had asked the heavens to give her a real family and when her prayers weren't answered, she asked the heavens to take Xiaolian's family away from her. It was a horrible thing to do, she knew it but the envy dug its way into her heart and bore an evil fruit.

Why did that prayer have to be granted?! She regretted making it, solely believing it was because of her that Zhuyue had died. She knew the truth. The adults weren't quite so careful when speaking around her. Xiahoushi remembered how it felt when she was in Xiaolian's shoes. Everyone around her knew what happened to her parents but they didn't tell her. They didn't realize that it caused more pain to not know the truth. She didn't want Xiaolian to feel the same. She deserved to know the truth.

"Xiaolian," she called out softly. She wasn't expecting a response so she wasn't surprised when she didn't get one. "Xiaolian, I heard the others speaking. I know what happened."

This got Xiaolian's attention. She turned to face Xiahoushi but they were interrupted. A group of four boys, a little older than they were had picked this moment to show up. Xiaolian had seen them before. They would often tease her for waiting by the gate but she usually ignored them. Today, it seemed they decided to have their fun with her again.

"Hey look, ugly has a friend. Who's your friend ugly?"

Xiaolian ignored them. It was an easy task for her but not something Xiahoushi was quite as practiced in. She reacted to them, trying to hide herself behind Xiaolian. She showed herself to be an easy target. Immediately, they shifted focus from Xiaolian to Xiahoushi. They began to pull at her clothes and her hair. Teasing her for being a cry baby. One boy felt emboldened enough to take his bullying to another level. He plucked Xiahoushi's beloved stuffed bunny right out of her hands. Xiahoushi let out a wail as she reached for it, her fingers only swiping at air as the boy danced away, laughing.

"Give it back! Please!"

"What this stupid thing? The boy tossed it to the ground and stepped on it, digging his heel into it stuffed head.

"No! Please! Stop!" Xiahoushi screamed. Xiaolian stood. The boys were momentarily surprised to see her react.

"What? You gonna do something ugly? Want a scar over your other eye to match?" Asked the boy who had his foot on the rabbit's head. Xiaolian eyed him. He was always the one who initiated the bullying when they came to her. The others always just followed along. To Xiaolian, it seemed as if they didn't have brains of their own. At that moment, Xiaolian recalled a lesson Dun had taught her regarding fighting groups of enemies.

'Watch your enemy. Identify early who is the leader of the group. Once you have done that, look at his followers. Do they move independently or do they hang on the every word and action of their leader? If they do, then the fight is easy. Take out the leader and the others will flee, no longer having direction. If they move independently and show the ability to adapt and think for themselves, well you got a fight on your hands...'

This situation was the former. Xiaolian could spot it right away. That means she only had to take him out. With that in mind, Xiaolian leveled a front kick to the lead boy. Surprised, he stumbled back and fell on his backside. Xiaolian picked up the stuffed bunny and handed it back to Xiahoushi which she accepted tearfully. She tried to vainly to wipe off the dirt that now stained her bunny. Xiaolian turned to face the bully once more. He had just gotten back to his feet. He was enraged at being humiliated in front of his friends.

"Watch out!" Xiahoushi cried out.

There was no need for her to do so. Xiaolian was fully focused on the danger ahead. He threw a punch at Xiaolian. This boy was not like her father whom she trained with often. He was slow and weak. She caught his arm and stepped under it, wrenching it behind him as she did so. She kicked the back of his knees forcing him to the ground. Once there, wrapped her legs around his upper arm locking it in place. The boy tried to move but Xiaolian had too good a grip on his arm. The boy cried in pain and she wrenched his forearm down further and further until it was near it's breaking point. Her eyes showed no emotion. The sounds of his cries did nothing to dissuade her. She continued to twist until she heard a snap.

Xiaolian finally released her hold on him. Standing as the boy lay crying in pain on the ground below her. The other boys as predicted moved away from her, mouths agape in shock. Xiaolian took her former seat and continued to watch the gate, certain that the boys would not trouble them any longer. The three other boys picked up their fallen friend who was still sobbing as they dragged him away.

Xiahoushi looked up from her dirtied bunny to Xiaolian. Her eyes seemed so distant. It reminded her of when they first met. It was a look that scared her and made her want to keep her distance. Xiahoushi hadn't noticed it until now but Xiaolian hadn't had that look in a long time but today, today it was back but she wasn't afraid of her this time.

"Xiaolian...thank you," she said softly. Xiaolian did not reply and Xiahoushi wasn't expecting her to. They sat in a comfortable silence as they continued to keep vigil over the gate.

Hours passed without either of them speaking a word to each other. This was something both of them had grown use to. That peaceful silence was interrupted by the sound of yelling. It seemed to be moving in their direction. Xiahoushi looked up to see a crowd of people heading towards them. In that crowd she could see a few of the boys that had come to bully them before.

Xiahoushi tapped Xiaolian's shoulder frantically to get her attention. Xiaolian shifted her glance from the gate to the crowd that grew closer to them. She stood and Xiahoushi followed suit.

"Leave," Xiaolian said to Xiahoushi. Xiahoushi wanted nothing more to run at the moment. Her heart beat wildly and her knees quaked in fear.

"C-come with me!" she pleaded.

"No, they want me. Go," Xiaolian replied. Xiahoushi looked between Xiaolian and the crowd. If she didn't leave now, she wouldn't be able to get away.

"I-I'll get help! I promise!" Xiahoushi said before fleeing.

Xiaolian stood her ground as a large man approached her.

"Is this the one?" he asked loudly. The leader who's arm she had broken peaked from behind the large man. He looked so pitiful now. No longer quite so smug. He took a look at Xiaolian and nodded.

"That's her father! She attacked me for no reason!"

"Tch, you got beaten by a scrawny girl. How dishonorable, but I cannot let our family lose face to a whelp like this. You are going to pay for what you did to my son," said the man.

He struck Xiaolian with the back of his hand. The hit stung and caused her to wobble slightly, but she remained on her feet. Infuriated that she didn't fall from the first hit he struck her again and again. Xiaolian was forced to her knees as man struck her over and over.

It hurt. This man wasn't weak like his son. She couldn't beat him. He was too big, too strong. She could feel tears rolling down her cheeks and there was a metallic taste in her mouth. There was nothing that she could do. No, there was still something. The man struck at her but he didn't defend himself. He didn't expect Xiaolian to fight back. He definitely wasn't expecting her to spring forward from her kneeling position and ram her head into his crotch.

The man let out a yelp and dropped to his knees, his hands grabbing hold of the injured area. Xiaolian got unsteadily to her feet. She spat out blood and began to walk slowly away. She knew it would be in her best interest to get as far away from the man as possible. She didn't get very far at all. The man rebounded faster than she expected. He grabbed hold of her hair and yanked her back, ripping out a chunk as he did so. Xiaolian screamed in pain as she fell backwards to the ground. The man, blinded by rage no longer hit her with open hand strikes. Xiaolian was forced into a fetal position to protect herself. Once he realized his punches weren't working, he switched to his feet, kicking and stomping her with all his might.

There were mummers among the crowd that followed that this was going a bit too far, but no one moved to stop him. Xiaolian was helpless against him. She could only remain curled up in her tight little ball bracing herself for the hits as best she could while hoping that he would get tired soon.

Over her own sobbing, Xiaolian heard a cry. It sounded like a man crying. The assault had abruptly stopped. Xiaolian risked peeking her head out to see what was going on. The man who had been hitting her was on the floor beside her. A boot was planted firmly on his throat.

"Such a big man, beating up a kid but you go down in one fucking hit."

It was him. Her father! She reached up to him weakly. "F-father."

Dun looked down to her but he did not reach for her. There was a dark look in his eye that unnerved her.

"Can you walk, Xiaolian?"

"Yes," she replied as she got to her feet. Her body ached but she could still move it.

"Then go home," Dun said.

Xiaolian knew better than to argue with him. Not this time. She weakly dragged herself away from the gate not daring to look back.

Dun waited until she was out of sight.

"He removed his foot from the man's throat who rolled to his side coughing roughly."

Dun grabbed him by his hair and pulled him to his feet. He spoke in a low and menacing tone. "That girl you were beating is my daughter. Don't think for a second that after doing something like that, you are going to draw breath much longer."

The crowd parted way for Dun as he dragged him out of the main gates.

=#=

"Now, Master Fèngxiān, should you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to Yìdé. I have instructed him to treat you as I would treat you. You have no need to worry in his care."

Lu Bu gave a grunt of acknowledgement as he nodded. His eyes were on Diaochan the entire time as she tried to hide herself from his gaze behind Liu Bei.

" Wényuǎn, when I return, let us share a drink together," said Guan Yu as he stroked his beard, a friendly smile on his face as he spoke.

Zhang Liao couldn't bear to look him in the eye. Guan Yu was a good and honorable man. A man of strength that he respected. What they were about to do...no, he couldn't look him in the eye. He didn't deserve to. Liao chose to look ahead to the rising sun instead as he spoke, hoping his face did not display his true emotions.

"Good luck, Master Yúncháng."

The men nodded. Liu Bei helped Diaochan to her horse before mounting his own. Guan Yu followed suit. Without another word spoken, they departed on their way. Chen Gong waited until the three were further out of earshot before slipping behind Lu Bu.

"They're gone. Are you ready?"

Lu Bu looked over his shoulder to Gong and nodded. He turned away from the departing riders and headed back through the portcullis. He took long power strides and Gong had to do a light job just to keep up with him.

"This land is yours! Yours for the taking, my lord! We shall fight, all the way, to the end!" He said gleefully as he waved his hands about in his usual flourish.

"Where do we begin?" Asked Zhang Liao. He wasn't having the same trouble keeping pace with Lu Bu that Chen Gong seemed to have.

"First, we have to get the drunkard to slay Cao Bao," said Gong as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "And I know just how to do it."