Zhang Liao – Wényuǎn
Jia Xu – Wénhé
Guo Jia – Fèngxiào
Yu Jin – Wenze
Cao Cao – Mèngdé
Guo Jia – Fèngxiào
Xiahou Yuan - Miàocái
Xiahou Dun – Yuánràng
Chen Gong – Gōngtái
Lu Bu - Fèngxiān
"Master Liao, report!"
Liao gave a slight nod of his head, giving the soldier permission to speak.
"Master Gao Shun has fallen. The enemy is approaching as we speak."
Lu Lingqi emitted a loud gasp at Liao's side. The soldier didn't seem to notice her distress and continued to give his report. His words, however, no longer registered with Lingqi. Gao Shun dead? She looked down to the ground and shifted the snow with the tip of her boot as the words rolled in her mind over and over. The more she thought about it, the more she could feel tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She knew Gao Shun well. He watched over her and her mother along with Liao. They made sure that they were never left behind to fend for themselves again. It was a pity that a good man like that fell so soon in battle.
At that moment she chanced a glance at Liao. His face was set in a frown as rigid as stone as he continued to receive the report from the messenger. He didn't look the least bit moved by the death of his comrades. He was just like her father, not showing care for his fellow man condemning their death as weakness. How heartless could they be? But there was something off about Liao; something fundamentally different than her father. She examined him and saw that her initial thoughts were wrong. He wasn't heartless at all. While his expression was rigid and devoid of emotion, Lingqi's caught sight of his hands which were balled at his sides in tight fists. He was just as angry as she was but knew that this was not the time to be sad. There was a battle on the way and they had to be prepared for it. Lingqi sucked in a deep breath and held her head high. There would be time to mourn the dead later. Now was the time to ensure they did not end up among them.
The messenger finished delivering his report and Liao nodded. He gave the messenger instructions and hesitantly, the messenger nodded and went off to prepare. He looked to Lingqi to see her head held high and her face set in determination. She was putting on a brave face and he was proud of her for it but he didn't think she could truly understand the gravity of this situation. There was a good chance they were going to die here and he regretted allowing her to stay.
He was livid when he found out that she snuck amongst his forces and followed him to the floodgates. He bid her farewell earlier that day after telling her of his plans. He knew there was a chance he would never see her again so he wanted to make sure he said his goodbyes. He didn't get to say all he wanted; he didn't get to wish her a long happy life or tell her that he hoped she would find a life away from the fighting and to find love because he knew it was pointless to do so. As the daughter of a warlord, if they loss this battle, her life would be forfeit. If she wasn't killed outright, she would be given to another warlord as a trophy.
It was perhaps because of this reason that he allowed her to stay with him when he found her. For a girl like Lingqi, death would be preferable than the life that awaited her in the wake of their defeat.
Liao didn't even know Lingqi was with him until they were at the floodgates and he did an inspection of his troops. He knew his men well and it was easy to find her hidden away amongst them. He was determined to send her back to the castle the moment he saw her, but she pleaded with him to let her stay. Liao thought back to when he went to bid her farewell and the final thoughts he had in mind which prevented him from saying all he wanted to say and decided that it might be better for her to fight and die at his side.
Now, with the enemy moments from their position, he regretted his decision. The candle of her life had barely burned and now the flame of her life threatened to be blown out. Always confined to the castle, she barely had a chance to live life. She didn't have friends, only trainers. She didn't have a chance to find true love, being the daughter of a warlord she was only a pawn used for political marriage. She didn't even have a chance to have children. All these opportunities were denied to her and his foolishness aided in that.
It didn't matter now. The choice he made could not be changed. It was too late to send her back to the castle as she would run right into the enemy. The only thing he could do now was do everything in his power to protect her.
"Open the gates," Liao called out to the gatekeepers. They looked at him curiously but obeyed his orders, pulling the wooden gates slowly open.
"What are you doing?" Lingqi asked as she watched the gatekeepers fulfill his wishes.
"Lingqi, as I told you when I let you stay, you are under my command. You will follow my orders no matter what they are. No matter what happens, you will not go against my commands. Do you understand?"
Lingqi was confused but she nodded her head. The gates fully open, they saw the enemy approaching. Blue banners waved as their flag carriers led the way. Liao stepped to the center of the camp and took his axes in hand. Lingqi moved to stand next to him but he raised one of his axes to block her and shook his head. She was angry about this decision but backed away to stand a few feet behind him. The entire base waited with bated breathe as the enemy approached.
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Jia Xu rose a brow upon seeing the open gate.
"What do you make of this?" Guo Jia asked as he looked to the gates of the base open wide to them.
"Could be a trap," Xu replied. He rose a hand to stop their forces. "We'll send a mess-" Xu cut himself upon seeing a messenger exit from the enemy base.
The messenger requested permission to approach and Xu granted it.
"Master Zhang Liao styled Wényuǎn has sent me to request a meeting."
"That so," Xu replied as he rubbed his chin. So his theory was right. Chen Gong did send one of their strongest generals to guard the floodgates just as he thought.
"What do you want to do, Wénhé?" Jia asked as he kept his eyes on the messenger.
"We will meet with your Master," Xu replied. The messenger nodded and ran off.
"Is that wise?" Yu Jin asked with un-tempered hostility. "This could very well be a trap."
"Apparently you do not know Zhang Liao's reputation. He is a man of honor. If he says he wants to meet, it is because he truly wants to meet. He wouldn't go through all this trouble if he just wanted to ambush us. Besides, I am injured. The fighting would be left up to you and Fèngxiào. If there is a chance to avoid an all out battle, we should look into it."
"Do you think he means to defect then?" Jin asked suddenly feeling annoyed that he might have been possibly denied a chance at a glorious battle.
"Ha, no. Like I said, he is a man of honor. He's the type that wouldn't betray his master in the middle of a battle even if they were losing. If I had to guess, he wants a duel. He knows he is outnumbered and this would be the best way to avoid the loss of his men."
"I came to the same conclusion. I do hope he would consider joining us though. Wényuǎn has quite the reputation. Lord Cao would be very interesting in gaining a warrior like that for his army. You hear that, Wenze? Do your best not to kill him."
"Hmph," was his replied as he urged his horse forward into the base.
Xu instructed the bulk of their forces to remain behind before he and Jia followed with a smaller force. Before long, they stood before Zhang Liao who stood ready for battle. Not far behind him was a young woman holding a cross-bladed voulge.
"Oh, well she is a cute one," Jia whispered to Xu.
"She is," Xu agreed. "Who is she?"
"Not sure," Jia replied. "When this is all over, I'll be sure to ask her…perhaps over drinks."
"Putting the cart before the horse aren't we? How about we get through this first before you start planning what you are going to do with the spoils of war, hmm?"
"Who leads this force?" Liao asked interrupting their conversation. He couldn't exactly hear what they were saying but the way they were looking at Lingqi annoyed him.
"That would be me. Jia Xu styled Wénhé. To what do I owe the honor of meeting with the fearsome Zhang Liao?"
"Your forces outnumber our own. I have no doubt that in a short amount of time you would be able to break in and take this base by force."
"You are correct in that assessment," Xu replied.
"Therefore I propose a duel," said Liao.
Lingqi's eyes widened in shock as her eyes snapped from their enemy to Liao. Was he serious? She didn't doubt his skill but why take on such a responsibility on his own? Lingqi wanted more than ever to speak up but out of respect for Liao, she remained silent.
"And why would I agree to such a thing? As you said, we can take this base by force," Xu replied smugly.
"Yes, but I will not make it easy on you. In the end, you will get this base but I will make sure to kill as many of you as I can before you do so. I am giving you a way to avoid unnecessary losses on both sides," Liao countered. There was no boasting in his voice he meant every single word he said. He would give all he had to do as much damage to the enemy as he could before he fell.
"I request that you accept his offer. I wish to test myself against him," said Jin, injecting himself in the conversation.
"Well who am I to deny you of your fun. Very well. We will accept your duel."
"I have one more request," said Liao.
"You are not exactly in the position to make any request. We are doing you a huge favor as it is," Xu retorted.
"Regardless, it is one I must ask."
Xu let out a sigh but relented. "Speak then."
"If I fall, do not harm my people. They will surrender and will cause you no problems."
"I can promise to not harm them but I cannot speak for my Lord. He has his own whims and I have no say in what he does."
"Is Cao Cao such a heartless monster that he would kill men who have surrendered?" Liao asked, his voice quaking with anger.
"Careful friend. Speaking ill of our lord while asking a favor is not wise," Jia said. He wore a smile but his tone was bereft of all levity.
Xu looked at Jia in surprise. This man was usually always cool, calm and collected but at that moment, Xu thought the possibility of him attacking Liao was very real. Apparently he underestimated his relationship with Cao Cao.
"Lord Cao Cao is not a wasteful man," Xu stepped in, defusing the situation. "I mean look at me. I tried to kill him and he offered me a place in his army. If your men surrender, I am sure he will look favorably on them."
Liao nodded. He had no choice but to take Xu at his word.
"Let's go then," said Liao as he took a few steps back to allow Jin to dismount and prepare himself for the duel.
Lingqi took the opportunity to go to Liao's side. In a harsh whisper she spoke.
"What are you doing? How can you just give up like this?"
"I have no intention of giving up. I intend to fight with everything I have," Liao replied calmly.
"Then why not let them siege the base? Why not fight?"
"What would that accomplish besides the deaths of good men? As I said before I have no intention of just lying down and dying. I will fight with everything I have and if I can prevent unnecessary deaths, all the better. Remember your promise to me. You will follow my command. If I should lose, you will surrender without a fight."
"My father wouldn't surrender. He would-"
"Fight to the death. The strong survive and the weak are crushed. That is your father's way. Is that the way you think? Is that the way you want to be?"
She hesitated in her answer. Lingqi always tried to be a warrior her father would be proud of and as a result, she believed strength was everything. Liao however had shown her a different way. There was power in strength but also in honor. For a while now, these two ideals had been in conflict within her and she wasn't sure which was the best way.
"You train hard, harder than most men I know but you aren't making the progress you want. Do you know why? It is because you don't know what type of warrior you want to be. You follow in your father's footsteps and you follow in mine when you need to walk your own path," Liao sighed.
"This is something I should have taught you long ago…another in the list of regrets I have. You may not be able to find the answer but try to think about it. Think about the type of warrior you want to be. Only then will you improve. One more thing…"
The next words Liao spoke were in whisper. He leaned close to Lingqi to ensure that only she could hear.
"If I should die, do not tell them who you really are. Make up a name for yourself; tell them you are my student and nothing more."
Everything about this situation confused Lingqi. From the little her father taught her, surrender was not an option. You fight until the death and if your allies die while you are doing so it was because they were too weak. Liao was strong, perhaps almost as strong as her father yet they had such different ways in which they fought. Which was the correct way? What should she follow? It wasn't just Liao's decision to duel that confused Lingqi, Liao's last words confused her more than anything. She wanted to ask him why but they had run out of time.
"Dissension in the ranks?" Xu asked with a smirk. Both Lingqi and Liao looked over to him. He wore a strange smile on his face. It was hard to determine exactly what amused him so.
"It's none of your concern," Liao replied.
"Exactly who is that cute young lady?" Jia asked with a charming smile.
"My student. I would appreciate if you stop leering at her."
"A female student? How curious," Jia responded as he continued to let his gaze sweep over Lingqi's lithe frame.
"I care not if one is male or female as long as they show potential," Liao replied tersely. Jia's blatant ogling was getting on his nerves. He was a second away from stalking over to the man and ripping his eyes out of his skull.
"Enough of this, I am ready," Jin called with better timing than he would ever realize.
He stepped forward and deftly whipped his war trident around his body before bringing it to bear in front of him.
"I am Yu Jin styled Wenze. I will be your opponent."
Liao readied his weapons as he examined Jin closely. Upon seeing his weapon, he realized that he had seen this man previously. When Lingqi's carriage was attacked, it was this man who led the charge. He didn't get to see him fight that day, but he did see that he was a very militant man with a commanding presence. He couldn't let his guard down.
Jin began to walk a slow circle toward Liao. Liao responded by moving away from him, not allowing him to close the distance. Both men were feeling each other out. The atmosphere surrounding them was tense and besides the crunch of snow beneath their boots, neither man made a sound.
Both men stopped moving and with an unspoken agreement, they charged at each other. Weapon met weapon in a loud clash. Sparks flew as their weapons repeatedly struck against each other. Seeing that neither was gaining an advantage, the two men backed away from each other, neither winded from their short bout.
The short reprieve done, they charged at each other once more. Jin struck low this time, thrusting his war trident at Liao's feet. Liao leapt in the air easily avoiding the blow. While airborne, he twisted his body and brought his first axe down towards Jin's head. Jin blocked the first axe but Liao who predicted the block was already bringing down the second.
Jin slid backwards to avoid the blow. The moment Liao's boots hit the snow he dashed towards Jin bringing both axes down in an overhead strike. Jin blocked the axes with his trident. Their weapons grated against each other as metal scrapped against metal. Both men with gritted teeth tried to get the advantage over each other. Their muscles bulged and ached as they tested them against each other. It was quickly becoming a test of endurance rather than a test of skill. Both men seemed to notice this and again in silent agreement they broke apart and leapt away from each other.
Neither man was breathing hard but it was easy to see that the last clash took something out of both of them. They began to circle again, eyeing each other down with a newfound respect for each other's skills. Jin was the one that struck first, thrusting his trident in a predictable attack. Liao, seeing the attack coming a mile away dodged to the side and closed the distance for his own attack. To his surprise, Jin whipped his trident and body around in a half circle. Liao who came entirely too close to him saw the attack and tried to dodge but was just a hair too late as one of the blades of the trident caught his armor.
It was a glancing blow which didn't do much damage but it made him very aware of how dangerous of an enemy Jin was. Jin did not give him a chance to recover becoming the aggressor as he did a horizontal downward slash from left to right. When Liao blocked, he repeated the attack from right to left. Predictably, Liao blocked once more and with a roar he quickly brought his trident up to do a forward thrust. Liao dodged to the side but a second too slow. Two of the trident's blades pierced through his armor on his right side. He grunted in pain but he used his misfortune to his advantage.
He threw the axe in his right hand at Jin. Jin dodged to the side, the axe whipping through the air past him into the snow behind him. The attack was never meant to hit him. It was simply a means to distract him which it sufficiently did. Liao wrapped his now empty right hand around the shaft of the trident which was still embedded in him. He yanked towards him.
As he predicted Jin did not release his hold on his trident. He was pulled along with the weapon and right into Liao axe which he was already bringing down. Seeing the attack a hair too late, Jin was caught in the left shoulder despite his attempt to dodge the blow. He cried out in pain and jerked backwards back out of Liao's range.
It was a bad blow the dodge, as late as it was managed to mitigate some of the damage and it was the only thing that saved him from getting his arm completely severed. Red splotches from their respective wounds stained the white snow below.
Jin was favoring his left shoulder and Liao favored his right side and was down one axe. Their breathing was heavier now and it was clear this battle couldn't go on for much longer. Liao shifted his grip on his axe, choosing to wield it with two hands. The two men came together once more, their weapons clashed against each other. Jin, who had taken the worst of the damage, attacks were considerably weaker. Liao was successfully pushing him back and Jin knew that if he kept going this way, he would eventually be routed.
Jin decided to take a chance. On Liao's next strike, instead of blocking, he parried the blow, knocking the axe to the side. Not missing a beat, Jin rammed his injured shoulder straight into Liao's chest. He felt a blinding pain upon contact and grit his teeth hard to weather through the pain. Liao was knocked off balance and that was when Jin unleashed his next attack. Forcing his chi into his next strike, Jin brought his trident down to Liao in an overhead strike. Liao tried to block the blow but he was unprepared for the power behind the attack. Jin's trident cut through the shaft of Liao's weapon, snapping it in two as if it were wood and not steel that had guarded the attack. The momentum from the attack continued straight through the armor which covered Liao's chest, exposing his skin below.
Liao was thrown back from the blow. He landed on his back, the snow doing nothing to cushion his fall. Lingqi was immediately at his side, as she cried out his name. She felt anger, sadness and dismay as she stared at the battered body of her mentor. The gash on his chest looked bad. Blood freely bubbled up and spilled from the wound. At a loss for what to do, she used the blade of her voulge to sheer off a piece of cloth from her battle armor. She then pressed the cloth against his wound, begging him to not leave her alone. Never in her wildest dreams would she have ever thought to see her mentor lose.
"He still lives girl. I held back. I was told to take him alive so I shall."
Jin spoke with confidence but it was a half truth. The wound on his arm ached and he couldn't grip his weapon as tightly as he wanted nor could he muster up the chi necessary to finish Liao off even if he wanted to. Still he had his pride and he wouldn't admit his fault. As if confirming his statement, Liao let out a groan and placed a weak hand over hers which was pressed to his chest.
Relief washed over her upon feeling his hand on hers. Liao opened his eyes and let out a pained groan. He was hurt but he was still alive. That is all she cared about. She took her hand in hers letting her touch linger on his before moving his hand to the cloth she held against his chest just moments ago. Once satisfied that he held the cloth in place, she stood, picking her cross-bladed voulge up from the snow where she tossed it as she did so. Her eyes blazed with determination as she faced Jin. She took her stance. She would avenge her mentor…the man she loved and she would protect her people just as he would.
"That was not the bargain girl," said Jin, stopping the examination of his shoulder to face her. "You are to surrender upon your general's defeat."
"You will kill us anyway. I rather die like warrior than be slaughtered like animal."
"Tch, he hasn't trained you well enough," Jin spat.
"I will show you just how well he trained me!" Lingqi declared as she charged at him. Before she could make a move, she heard Liao call out.
"Enough!"
Despite his wound, his voice still had power in it making her freeze in her tracks just mere feet away from Jin. She spun around to see that Liao was getting to his feet and her fury temporarily forgotten, she immediately ran to his side.
"Stop! You shouldn't be getting up."
"This isn't enough to kill me," Liao replied. He looked down to his broken weapon with a frown. It wasn't enough to kill him but it was damn close. He returned his gaze to her.
"Didn't you promise to follow my orders?"
Lingqi looked down in shame. Her emotions had gotten the better of her and she completely forgot what she promised. She just wanted to avenge the man she loved by any means necessary.
Liao didn't wait for her reply. He pushed past her towards Jin. Jin eyed him wearily, hoping he wouldn't still be up for a fight. Shakily, Liao clutched his fist in his palm and bowed. The action made him wince but he grit his teeth and bared it. He had to show his opponent the proper respect.
"You fought well. It is not often that I meet my match in battle. I am ready for death. Do with me as you please."
Liao dropped to his knees as if he was too tired to continue standing. He let out a deep pained breath and waited for the final blow.
"I only ask that you honor our agreement and let my people go. As promised they will surrender."
As if responding to Liao's words the dull thuds of weapons hitting the snow could be heard within the base as his soldiers threw down their arms. Lingqi hesitated in following suit. She watched Liao with a mixture of anger and surprise. She didn't understand why he was giving up. She didn't understand why he did not fight to the death. Her father would never willingly submit, right? He wouldn't give his life to ensure the safety of his people. You protected yourself with your own strength. Why would Liao? They were two powerful men but they were so different. Which path was right for her? What type of warrior should she be? Liao looked over his shoulder to Lingqi expectantly. Lingqi threw her weapon down. She already knew the type of warrior she wanted to be. Her father wouldn't shed a tear for the loss of an ally like Gao Shun but she would. She wanted to use her strength to serve more than her alone. She wanted to protect those she loved; those too weak to do so on their own. She would fight with not just strength alone but with honor. Her father's path was not one that she wanted to follow.
"You warrior types are always such gracious losers," said Xu as he walked past Liao and Lingqi. "First things first, I need to finish what I came here for."
Without wasting anymore time Xu headed over to the controls of the floodgate. With a bit of effort, he pulled the gate open, sending the water that was being held back spilling forward in a roaring wave straight towards the castle.
"Ahaha! Look at all that water! Even Xiapi castle won't be able to withstand that, surely!"
'By the way, thanks for the help with the floodgates controls," Xu remarked sarcastically as he looked back to Jia who was sitting comfortably on his horse.
"You looked like you were fine," he replied with a smile.
"I am injured you know," Xu shot back.
"Dodge better," Jia replied in a teasing tone.
"Ha. At least I made off a bit better than Wenze here," Xu remarked as he made his way to the side of the man in question. "That looks nasty. You going to be okay?" he continued as he examined the wound.
"I'll be fine," he replied in a clipped tone.
"Well let's get you patched up anyway," he replied as he clapped a hand on his good shoulder.
He waved a hand to summon one of his men to look after Jin's wound.
"When you are done, take a look at our fearless general over there," Xu said as he pointed toward Liao.
The soldier was a bit surprised by the order but nodded none the less. It seemed that Jin also shared the curiosity the soldier exhibited if the expression on his face was anything to judge by.
"We cannot have him dying before we present him to Lord Cao, can we?" Xu offered.
"No, we cannot," Jin replied. He was happy with Xu's decision to take care of Liao. He considered the man to be an honorable fighter and thought he would be a worthy addition to Cao's army, should his lord chose to recruit him.
"The rest of you, bind our prisoners. Make it quick, we need to get back to the main base."
"You won't leave a group to defend this area?" Jin asked.
"There is no point," Jia replied, answering for Xu. "The damage is already done. Even if they closed the floodgates, they can't very well suck the water back in. It would be a waste of resources to guard this area."
Jin nodded in understanding. He looked at the rushed patch done on his arm once it was completed. It was hardly adequate but it would have to do for now. They didn't have the luxury of having their wounds properly taken care of until they reached the main camp.
Their men worked fast. All enemy forces were bound and ready for the trek back to the Cao-Bei allied camp.
"Wanna ride with me beautiful?" Jia asked Lingqi in a teasing voice. Lingqi turned her face from him, indignant.
"Leave the girl be," said Xu. "You are making her teacher angry."
Sure enough, the frown Liao wore clearly displayed his displeasure. Despite his wounds, placed himself in front of Lingqi to shield her from Jia's constant leering.
"Enough fun," said Xu as he mounted his horse.
"It's time to put an end to this. The water should be breaking down the gates. We need to join up with our main force so we can put an end to Lu Bu."
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"The castle is flooded! We are going to drown. We need to evacuate!"
Chen Gong rubbed his temples with his forefingers though the gesture did nothing to ease his growing headache. Since Cao Cao and Liu Bei had begun their attack, he has been receiving nothing but bad news, each report worse than the last. They lost their Armory and Supply depot almost simultaneously and the city was taken a hell of a lot faster than he originally anticipated. The castle was surrounded and the enemy was already preparing siege weapons. When he thought things couldn't get any worse, the report that the floodgates had been open and the castle was now being submerged in water was relayed to him.
Gong gave a deep sigh. This battle was already lost. The most they could do is take as many of the enemy with them as they could. To do that, they needed their fearless leader. Where was Lu Bu anyway? He hadn't seen him in quite some time. Gong pushed past the messenger and began his search. The first place he would look is the most likely location, his room, wrapped in the arms of his beloved wife who didn't have the decency to die yet. The thought made Gong roll his eyes in disgust. The servant ensured him that she gave her all the dosages but as far as they all knew, she was still amongst the living…though Yan hadn't been seen by anyone for a few days now.
Arriving at his destination, Gong rapped his knuckles against the wooden door frame and waited. There wasn't a sound coming from the other side of the door. He knew it probably wasn't the best idea but he chose to enter the room. He slid the door open and nearly gagged at the smell that hit him. The room smelled strongly of excrement and something else equally foul that he couldn't place. Gong brought his sleeve to his nose to block the foul smell and walked further into the room. There, kneeling beneath the bed in the flickering light of the candle that rested on the table above him was Lu Bu. Gong's eyes moved from his master to the bed. There lay the body of the recently deceased Lady Yan.
"So she did have the decency to die after all," Gong muttered.
Bu's head snapped in his direction. His eyes were ablaze with rage. Gong felt himself freeze, terrified that Bu had heard him.
"Who did this? This couldn't have been from the baby. WHO DID THIS?!" Bu roared. Anguish and anger were twisted together in his voice.
It was clear that he was in pain but his pain was not Gong's concern. He needed a weapon and he had a big dumb one right in front of him.
"Oh no. It seems I was too late," Gong replied, feigning sadness as he stepped forward to get a better look at Yan. She was a shell of her former self. Her eyes were sullen and currently rolled to the back of her head. Her mouth gaped open revealing a blackened tongue and her skin was deathly pale.
"I just received a report that the enemy would try to poison our lady," he lied. "I thought there was still time to prevent it but he must have done it before he left."
Bu stood and stalked over to Gong. He was towering over him; the aura rolling off of him was positively frightening. Gong almost felt bad for their enemies…almost.
"Who?" That simple word was punctuated with pure hate. Lu Bu was probably barely holding himself back from rampaging. Once he got a name, Gong had no doubt that restraint would snap in an instant.
"Who killed my wife? Who killed my unborn son?"
"Chen Gui and Chen Deng on orders from Cao Cao and Liu Bei. I tried to wa-" Gong was cut off by Bu walking away from him. He headed towards the exit, only stopping momentarily to grab his halberd which rested against the wall next to the door. He got his target, nothing else mattered anymore. Bu promised to repay the death of his unborn child, the heir to his legacy, in blood.
Gong cast a final glance to Lady Yan and smiled. He knew that once that bitch was dead Lu Bu would regain his wits. Finally after weeks of pleading and begging Bu was taking the offensive against their enemy. Of course it was entirely too late but Gong would go out with a bang.
He made his way to the courtyard which was already flooded. The troops that remained in the castle were engaged in the futile task of getting rid of the water.
"Morons," Gong muttered to himself.
"Listen up," He declared loudly. The soldiers looked to him with hopeful eyes for a way out of this dire situation.
"We are abandoning the castle. We march on the main base. Ready the catapults!"
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"Is there a reason why you two are on opposite sides of the tent? That isn't how a married couple should act," Cao said in amused tone as he eyed his Dun and Zhuyue.
"You would have to ask your dear cousin why he has been avoiding me," Zhuyue replied bitterly.
A rift had developed in Zhuyue and Dun's relationship. That rift was created when Zhuyue first found out that she was with child. It started as a small fissure, barely noticeable by either of them but as time passed it grew wider and wider till they were on opposite side of each other, unable to give voice to the problems they had.
That rift prevented Zhuyue and Dun from having a proper conversation for weeks. They no longer shared kisses or soft touches. Dun even began to take the night watch around the camp just to avoid her and she was content with that because it gave her a chance to avoid telling him the truth and facing a reality she feared.
"Dear cousin," Cao began obligingly. "Why are you and Zhuyue standing on opposite sides of the tent?"
"We are in the middle of a war, Mèngdé. What do you want me to do, fuck her in the middle of the tent?" Dun spat, clearly not in the mood to play this game.
"I'm certain Fèngxiào would find that prospect most interesting," Cao replied with a grin.
"Mèng-" The glare Cao leveled at Liu Bei stopped him cold. There was a very short list of people that were allowed to call him by his style name and Liu Bei was not one of the people on that list.
"Master Cao," Bei correct.
Cao gave an exaggerated sigh and lifted his head from the fist he had it propped up on. He was happier when he forgot that Liu Bei was here but every now and then the man would speak and remind him that he still existed.
"What is it?" Cao replied. He wanted to pat himself on the back for not sounded as annoyed as he was.
"You have my deepest gratitude for fighting alongside us."
"My goal was simply to defeat Lu Bu. You were merely my best chance at accomplishing that."
"Regardless, I thank you for your assistance and while I do not mean to sound ungrateful or tell you how to proceed with this battle-"
"Spit it out," Cao said getting annoyed with the pandering.
"As you wish. Why are we sitting at base? Our forces have taken the city, the armory and the supply depot and as we speak, they are attacking the floodgates. Shouldn't we reinforce our troops and surround the castle? Why are we sitting in camp discussing your cousin's love life?" Bei replied.
He was having trouble controlling his emotion as he spoke. He wanted to be on the frontlines with his sworn brothers, but Cao had ordered him to remain in the main camp. He didn't understand the decision and as time ticked by, he began to feel contempt for the command. His family was so damn close. He wanted nothing more than to siege the castle and find them. He felt a dainty hand on his arm. He didn't need to look to know that it was Diaochan. It seems he got a bit too excited. Even Cao looked surprised by his comment as he stared at Bei with one raised brow and his lip turned down into a frown. Bei rubbed Diaochan's hand to assuage her concern.
"You trust your men so little?" Cao asked in a calm tone.
"No! Of course not. I trust my men with my life!"
"Then why are you so eager to rush to battle by their side? You cannot possibly trust your people if you wish to reinforce them when they did not even request help. They fight to protect you and you would foolishly throw yourself in the middle of battle? What happens if a stray arrow strikes you down? What happens if an ambush force sees you riding off alone and you are caught out? What happens to your men then? Did your rushing to aide them help them when you lie dead? Tell me, what happened when you last rushed into battle to be by your brother's side?"
Bei shifted his glance from Cao. He remembered well what happened. He was still recovering from the wounds he got. If it wasn't for Xun Yu, he surely would have died that day.
"You cannot overcome the chaos of this world by acting simply on emotion or faith. You would do well to remember that," Cao concluded.
If Bei wanted to retort, he wouldn't have the time as one of Cao's soldiers rushed into the tent.
"We're under attack!" He shouted in alarm. Immediately everyone was on edge. They didn't expect the enemy to ever make it to the main camp.
"By who? Speak!" Dun commanded.
"Catapults. Catapults are attacking the camp and we heard that Lu Bu is on the way!"
"Shit," Dun replied. While he would normally relish the chance to fight the legendary Lu Bu, the loss of his eye put him at a disadvantage. Lu Bu was a legendary warrior and he would easily spot the weakness in Dun's blind spot. Dun turned to Cao Cao.
"Your orders?"
"We have to split up. A group to take on the catapults and another to intercept Lu Bu. We lose this base we lose the battle.
"I'm going after Lu Bu," Dun announced.
"Yuánràng," Cao said, the concern was evident in his voice.
"I'm going, Mèngdé."
Cao Cao studied his cousin for a few moments before nodding in agreement.
"Zhòngkāng."
"Yes Lord Cao Cao?" The large man asked as he saluted his master.
"You will go with him."
"Okay!" He said cheerfully.
"As will you," Cao said as he looked at Liu Bei. "Looks like you get to have your battle after all.
"If that is what you think is best," Bei replied as he saluted.
"If it is alright with you, I wish to go with them father," said Pi as he stepped forward and saluted his father.
"Very well. I will take a few others with me and take the catapults out," Cao announced.
"I will go with you," Zhuyue said speaking up.
"No," said Dun. Zhuyue gave him a look of disbelief.
"We have no time to argue about th-"
"You are not putting yourself in danger like that. You will be useless in a fight as you are," Dun interjected.
"What is that suppose to mean. I may not have my weapons or armor but I can still-"
"I am talking about that baby, Zhuyue," Dun said cutting her off once more.
Zhuyue's mouth dropped open in surprise. There was a silence in the tent that was as oppressive as it was uncomfortable.
"Even if it isn't mine…" Dun sighed before forcing himself to continue. "Even if that child isn't mine, I have no desire to lose you or it so please, stay in the fucking base. Listen to me for once."
"Not yours?" Zhuyue replied dumbly.
Dun walked over to her and kissed her forehead.
"We'll talk when I get back," he said in the low tone.
"Let's go," he called out to the others. They nodded and followed him out of the tent.
Zhuyue still dumbfounded watched him go.
"Zhang, Zhi. You are with me," said Cao to his sons. They saluted their father and prepared themselves quickly for battle.
"Ang, I am giving you a chance to redeem yourself. See that no harm comes to this base."
"Y-yes father," he replied as he saluted. Cao and his sons walked out of the tent to accomplish the task before them.
A cocktail of apprehension and confusion brewed within Zhuyue. She couldn't understand how he found out. It had to be the doctor, but if it was, why doesn't he think it is his? There was no chance in avoiding this conversation now. She couldn't help but blame herself for hiding it for so long. Her avoidance of the issue allowed confusion to be born from it. She just hoped that Dun would live long enough to find out the truth.
=#=
Lu Bu carved a bloody path through the battlefield. Any unfortunate soul that had the misfortune to cross his path was slaughtered. The only consolation left to his victims was that they died fairly quickly.
He didn't know where Chen Gui and Chen Deng were but he had an idea where Cao Cao was. He spurred Red Mare on harder. He wanted to get to the main camp as quickly as possible to rip his head from his shoulders.
Unfortunately it seems his vengeance against Cao would be delayed just a bit longer. Riding towards him was three men two of which he recognized. Liu Bei and Xiahou Dun. It didn't matter who his opponent was. He would kill them all.
The minute they were within range, Lu Bu attacked. His halberd cut through the air and was met by Dun's podao. Bu roared as he pushed forward, attempting to overwhelm Dun with sheer strength. Dun put up a valiant fight but it was one he was slowly losing. Before he could be knocked off his horse, Lu Bu caught in the corner of his eye the flash two blades. He kicked the side of Red Mare and immediately it reared back and kicked its front legs at Dun. Not expecting the attack, Dun was knocked off his horse. Lu Bu's weapon now free, blocked the incoming blades of Liu Bei.
Bei pushed his blades off of Bu's halberd and attempted another strike but Bu was faster. He did a side slash towards Bei and he was forced into an awkward blocking stance. Seeing that he was already off balance, Bu pulled his weapon back and flipped it around, jabbing the base into Bei's abdomen. Bei winced in pain as the attack knocked the wind out of him and his butt out of his saddle. He landed on a ground with a thud and groaned in pain.
Bu fully intended to finish Bei off right there but his attack was blocked by yet another blade.
"Meddlesome insects!" Bu roared as his blade collided with Cao Pi's. Dun, now back on his feet charged at him once more. He kicked at Pi, knocking him away and blocked Dun's overhead strike. Pi came at him once more and he could see Bei getting to his feet. This was getting annoying. He had to kill one of them quickly.
As he thought that, he felt something hard smack into his side. He was sent flying off of his horse into the snowy ground below, leaving a trail where his body slid. He growled as he got to his knees to see a fourth man. The massive man slung a giant mace over his shoulder with little effort. So that was what hit him. That guy would be a problem it was easy to see he was packing pure power.
"It worked Lord Pi!" Xu Chu exclaimed happily.
"So it did, but we aren't done yet. Everyone attack!"
Lu Bu was on his feet now. Two on the ground and two on horseback. This would be a problem. It didn't matter. He would slaughter them all! Pi reached him first. He attacked him with quick slices which Bu easily blocked. He interrupted Pi's volley with a parry and a counter attack. Pi blocked the attack but the power behind it was more than he could handle. It was his turn to be sent flying off of his horse.
Chu was already on him the minute he finished with Pi. He was the aggressor as he swung his mace around as if it weighed no more than a feather. Bu was forced to block but there was power behind those attacks. While he managed to still hold his ground, he was being pushed back inch by inch.
Dun and Bei had rejoined the fight now. Bu was blocking attacks from three men. He knew it wouldn't be long before the fourth one rejoined in as well. He needed to turn this fight back in his favor.
Bu chose to not block Chu's next attack. Instead he dodged while simultaneously parrying Liu Bei's attack, knocking him off balance. Quickly he wrapped his large hand around Bei's throat. He would have loved to crush it right then and there but he had other pressing matters on hand. He threw Bei into Chu. The man ceased his attack and completely dropped his mace in order to catch Bei.
Not wasting any time, he attacked at Dun. Bu noticed that he had a cloth covering his eye. He had heard that he was injured in their last battle. There was no way he would have been able to completely train around the weakness on his blindside. Bu attacked right in that very spot. Dun could see where he was going but the minute he went into his blind spot, he lost sight of him. He had to turn to face him and by the time he managed to do that, it was too late. Bu was already attacking, his halberd in a crescent strike aimed straight for Dun's mid section.
Had that attack hit, Dun would have been cut in half. He knew it and Lu Bu knew it. Luckily for Dun, someone else knew it as well. Bu roared and recoiled back, completely abandoning his attack. Dun was spared for now. He didn't understand at first what caused Bu to fall back but then he caught sight of the arrow jutting from his hand.
"Haha! Got your back Brother!"
Dun looked back to see Yuan already notching another arrow in his bow. Dun nodded his head in thanks and renewed his attack on Bu.
Bu was angry. This was taking too long. These maggots were in his way and was denying him his revenge. Bu let his anger manifest within his chi. With a mighty roar it lashed out at his foes causing them to back off. A reddish black aura surrounded him, giving him the look of a pure demon rather than a man.
He would kill them. He would kill them and avenge the death of his family. Bu roared once more and his chi seemed to roar with him. He leapt into the air and held his halberd over head. He brought his weapon down in a mighty strike. The men managed to dodge but still they were blown away from the sheer force surrounding the attack. His attack caused the ground to quake and split from its power. Bu rushed forward the minute he landed. He was on Chu first. He attacked him with a newfound ferocity. Chu was barely able to keep up with his blocks. Bu was effortlessly driving him back.
Chu finally got relief from his allies as Dun and a new face attacked him. While Dun assisted in blocking for his ally, Guan Yu went on the offensive, forcing Bu to back away from him. Bu growled in frustration. This new contender was strong.
Dun switched from defense to attack and together with Yu, they were successfully driving Bu back. To make matters worse for him, arrows were being shot from a distance, many nearly hit their mark.
Pi, Chu and Bei rejoined the battle. Bu found himself faced against overwhelming odds. He couldn't muster up enough chi to unleash another attack like the one he previously did. He was at their mercy. He needed to retreat. His vengeance would have to come at another time.
Bu did a wide sweep with his halberd to force his foes back but Yu and Dun did not back away like the others. Instead, both men dodged under the attack and simultaneously struck him on both sides. Bu roared in pain. While his armor mitigated some of the damage, he was wounded from the attack. He swung his halberd wildly forcing the two men back but they wouldn't let him rest for long. They jumped back on him, attacking him in quick succession giving no opportunity to do anything other than block.
"Miàocái!" Dun suddenly called.
"On it!" His brother replied.
Dun suddenly crouched down. Bu was confused by this sudden moved but couldn't ponder it for long as Yu was still attacking him. In his peripheral, he saw exactly why Dun crouched. Two arrows flew straight towards Bu right in the direction where Dun once stood. He dodged one arrow but the other hit him in the shoulder. Bu didn't have a chance to pull the arrow out as Dun was swinging his large podao in an upward arc. Bu couldn't block it. His weapon was currently locked with Yu's. He had no choice but to dodge backwards.
Even though he managed to do so, Dun's blade managed to cut through his armor and scrape against his chest. It was a glancing blow but these attacks were getting too close. The flurry of attacks from Dun and Yu continued and now Bei, Pi and Chu had joined in. He was getting attacked from all sides and more and more hits began to find their mark. He was getting winded and the loss of blood was weakening him. It was when Guan Yu knocked his weapon out of his hand and Dun had his blade to his throat that Bu was finally forced to conceded defeat.
Forced to his knees as soldiers bound his arms behind his back Bu sneered up at his captures.
"Tch, tough bastard. He got a few good hits on me," Dun remarked as he checked himself over. Indeed Bu had gotten a few good hits on all of them. With the exception of Yuan, everyone in that battle was walking away with scars.
"I agree. I am not sure I could have taken him alone. You are a worthy fighter. I shudder to think how you would fight without your handicap," said Yu.
"Hmph," was Dun's only reply.
"That means you weren't so bad yourself and I may have a handicap now but not for long." Yuan said as he rested an arm on Dun's shoulder.
"Shut up. Don't interpret for me," Dun said as he shoved his arm off of him.
"He is emotionally stunted. You have to forgive my brother. He is getting better but he still has a long way to go."
Yu merely nodded in understanding which made Dun tsk in anger.
"We finally took Lu Bu down, but why bind him? Why not kill him?" Bei asked as he stepped forward towards the others.
"Because my father requested it," said Pi. "He has many crimes to answer for and a quick death will not suffice."
"Speaking of Lord Cao, how do you think he is doing with the catapults?" Chu asked as he scratched his stomach.
"The catapults have ceased so I would say they succeeded," Pi replied.
"Then let's head back to the main camp. It is about time we bring this battle to a close," said Dun.
The other men nodded and they began their short trek back to the camp dragging Lu Bu along with them.
=#=
Zhuyue paced the entrance of the main gate. She was restless. She worried about Dun in his battle against a warrior of Lu Bu's caliber. She placed a hand on her growing stomach.
"Don't worry, Your father will come back. He's too stubborn to die" she muttered with a soft smile. Those words were to reassure herself more so than her unborn child. The blind spot Dun had was something that could not be ignored. He had a real disadvantage in battle and that worried Zhuyue. She left her hand resting on her stomach while she watched for their return. She was still afraid of how Dun would react to the child but she was slowly becoming use to the actual idea of having it.
"Who are you talking to?"
Zhuyue spun around to find Cao Cao standing behind her. He had returned a few moments earlier from battle and was very amused with how it turned out. He and his sons rode out to stop the catapults as planned but when they arrived, they found that another battle had taken place. Wei Xu, Hou Cheng and Song Xian had betrayed Chen Gong. They have slaughtered his men and captured him as an offering to join Cao Cao and his army.
Cao's eyes moved toward her hand which still rested on her stomach. She didn't bother to move it since the cat was already out of the bag.
"Mostly myself," she replied with a shrug.
"And I guess this little one here," she said as she pat her stomach.
"Hmm," Cao replied as he stroked his chin. "Must be something going around…"
"What are you talking about?" Zhuyue asked with a quirked brow.
"Liu is with child as well as Jiao. Bianshi is rather cross with me for not giving her a child as well. She wanted the three of them to carry together and raise their children to be the best of friends. When she find out that you are carrying I'll get an earful all over again."
Zhuyue laughed. "I see I missed a lot. I guess it will be nice to not have to go through this alone."
"Mmm, true."
"And you still have time to give Bianshi a child. I am actually surprised you haven't done it yet. You certainly normally have no problems with that."
"I feel like there is an insult somewhere in there but I choose to take it as a compliment," Cao said with a smirk before nodding his chin in the direction behind Zhuyue.
"It looks like they are back and they were successful in their task."
Zhuyue turned around to see Dun and the others heading towards them. A wave of relief washed over her upon seeing his face. He looked tired but otherwise okay. Beside them, bound and being led by a contingent of soldiers was Lu Bu. Zhuyue could hardly believe that the mighty Lu Bu had been defeated but she was grateful that he was.
They passed the gate. Dun dismounted and saluted Cao. Cao nodded in return.
"Yuánràng…good work."
Dun nodded. "And on your end?"
"Trivial," Cao replied with a dismissive wave.
"Wénhé, Fèngxiào and the group that attacked the armory apparently returned while we were away. You are the last group to return but with the biggest prize."
"Lord Cao," Bei said as he approached the group. "I must ask…why did you want Lu Bu taken alive?"
"You do not agree with my decision?"
"He will be killed regardless, won't he? I understand that a man like that cannot be allowed to live but he is still a warrior. Perhaps the greatest warrior to ever live. Despite his crimes, he should have been given a warrior's death."
"You think so? Hmm…I wonder how long you will maintain that stance."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Lu Bu has much to answer for," Cao replied cryptically.
"Your son said much the same. I still don't know what either of you mean."
"Well then…I will be more than happy to enlighten you…but first I think our men should have their wounds seen to."
"Ah yes, I suppose so," Bei replied feeling the ache of his own wounds.
"Then we shall meet in an hour."
With those words spoken, Cao walked away. The others followed suit to get their wounds tended to.
"Shall I look at your wounds?" Zhuyue asked.
Dun gave a grunt in reply and headed towards their tent. Zhuyue followed, a fluttering blossoming within her stomach that grew with each step. It was hard to tell if it was from her nerves or from the baby. She knew that they were going to have the talk and she was terrified of the outcome.
Once inside, Dun sat and began to remove his armor. Zhuyue searched the inside of the tent for what she would need to clean and dress his wounds. Dun sat, bare-chested waiting for her to tend to him. She ambled over to him, her hands shaking slightly in fear as she looked him over.
"Why are you shaking?" Dun asked as he took hold of her quivering hands.
"I've been dreading this conversation," Zhuyue admitted.
"I wasn't too thrilled to have it either…but it has to happen. Should have happened long ago."
Zhuyue nodded in agreement to his words, she felt a bit bad for keeping it from him for this long.
"So who was it?"
"Who was what?"
Dun sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "You are truly going to make me say it?" he asked frustrated.
"I'm afraid I'm going to have to…I have no idea of what you are talking about."
"Who raped you Zhuyue? Whose child are you carrying?"
Zhuyue blinked. He mentioned that the child wasn't his before. At first she thought he considered her to be unfaithful but it seems that wasn't the case at all though that bit of information didn't make what he did think any better. Zhuyue began to clean the cuts that made it through his armor. Most of them were shallow and would heal quickly.
"It was a man by the name of Xiahou Dun, styled Yuánràng," she said as she worked.
"He is a disagreeable man most days but still manages to be oddly endearing."
"Zhuyue, this isn't the time for jokes," Dun said as he grabbed her hands to still them.
"I am not joking dear husband. This child is yours…a gift from you on our wedding night I gather."
Dun remained silent as if trying to determine whether she was telling him the truth or not. Zhuyue pulled her hands away from his and began working on his wounds once more. After a long period of silence he finally spoke.
"Then why didn't you tell me you were with child? Why did you hide it from me?"
Zhuyue sighed and lowered her eyes. "Because I was afraid of what having a child would mean. Would you wish for me to cease being a warrior? Shall I become a mother that stays at home and dotes on her children while you go off to war? I never wanted that life and I am afraid you will wish that of me."
"Are you fucking stupid?"
Zhuyue's eyes snapped up and she looked at Dun with a mixture of surprise and hostility.
"Excuse me?"
"Did I marry a typical wife? Why would I suddenly expect you to become one? Fuck I cannot believe you had me thinking you were raped over something as stupid as that."
Zhuyue threw the cloth she was using to clean his wounds in his face.
"Fuck you! It isn't stupid. It was a real fear I had. Do you know how much I agonized over the very idea? How was I supposed to know you wouldn't care? Most men would want that!"
"You could try using your brain!" Dun shouted back.
"Why don't you try using your brain? Why would I let someone rape me? Why would that be the first thing you think of?"
"We are in a war! That happens all too often. My reasoning was much sounder than yours!"
At this point, the two of them were in each others faces, yelling at the top of their lungs. It didn't matter to them if the people outside of their tent could hear them. Breathing heavily, eyes boring into each other, their combined anger melted and transformed into something more. Raw hot passion. They both felt it, sparking between them. Weeks of denying each other of touches and soft kisses had come to a boiling point. When the tension between them was at a boiling point they denied themselves no longer. They slammed together, a flurry of touches and kisses. Dun tore at Zhuyue's oversized robe, wanting to get to her supple flesh beneath. Zhuyue in turn dug her nails into her back urging him to move faster.
Their time together was cut short by the flap of their tent opening.
"Oh shit sorry," Yuan said as he averted his eyes from the two.
Zhuyue hurriedly shoved Dun off of her and covered her chest which he had exposed.
"What the fuck, Miàocái?" Dun growled out, clearly upset at being interrupted.
"Sorry, sorry. It got all quiet in here, I thought you guys killed each other."
"Get out!" They simultaneously cried out.
"Yup, will do," he replied as he raised his hands in surrender.
"But I'm afraid you guys can't finish. Mèngdé is ready. Sent me to get you."
Dun let out a frustrated growl. "Fine, get out. We'll be out in a minute."
"I'll be waiting. Hurry it up," Yuan said before stepping back out of the tent.
Dun let out a sigh as he looked down to Zhuyue. His brother had assuredly killed the mood but just gazing at her stirred the fire within him again.
"We will be finishing this later," he growled in her ear. It was as much a promise as it was a threat. The idea made Zhuyue tingle in anticipation.
Dun moved away from her and began to don his armor once more. Zhuyue busied herself with fixing her borrowed robes, sorely missing the feel of her normal armor. Both finally presentable, they moved to the exit of the tent. Dun grabbed hold of her arm before she could leave and pulled her close to him.
"Zhuyue, never hide anything from me. I don't care how bad it is. Never again. Understand?"
She nodded and Dun released his hold on her, exiting the tent ahead of her. He held the flap open for her to pass through. Yuan was waiting for them just as he promised. The trio began their walk to the center of the camp where the judgments would be held.
"So, that's how you guys normally have sex? Scream at each other then just go at it?"
"None of your business," Dun said.
"Aww, elder brother is grumpy because he didn't get any."
Dun punched Yuan in the shoulder in response.
"Ow, this is how you treat the man that saved your life?"
"Saved his life?" Zhuyue asked.
"Yup, Lu Bu was ready to cut brother in two. I saved him with a well placed arrow."
"How many times have I saved your life?" Dun asked.
"Details, details," Yuan replied with a dismissive wave.
Zhuyue laughed at the antics of the two. She couldn't believe how much lighter she felt after her shouting match with Dun. After speaking to him she did feel rather foolish for not telling him but she still thought her reasoning was a justified one. Regardless, she was happy that he didn't expect her to change. Whether she would be a good mother was an entirely different worry but it wasn't one she would think about right now.
They reached the center of the camp. Cao was already sitting in a wooden seat in the center of it. Beside him was Liu Bei. Zhuyue and Yuan stood off to the side with the other generals while Dun stood slightly in front of them to act as an enforcer.
The first set of prisoners was brought in; soldiers that had surrendered in hopes of having their lives spared. Cao gave them a chance to swear their loyalty to him. The ones that did were spared and recruited into his army. The ones that did not were cut down quickly.
Diaochan shielded her face, not wanting to see such horrible bloodshed. Bei put a comforting arm around her but it did nothing to assuage her disgust. He had told her it would be best for her to not come but she insisted, wanting to see the face of Lu Bu one final time.
The next group brought before Cao were the defectors. Hao Meng, Zang Ba, Wei Xu, Hou Cheng and Song Xian knelt before him and swore their loyalty. Cao accepted them into his army with open arms and commended them for their role in bringing down Lu Bu and Chen Gong.
It was now time for the fate of Lu Bu and those closest to him to be judged. One by one they were brought in and made to kneel before Cao. Zhang Liao, Lu Lingqi and Chen Gong were lined up next to each other. Diaochan couldn't deny the pleasure she felt at seeing Lu Lingqi kneeling there before them. She hoped the brat would be given to a general and made to be his woman just as she was. It would knock the little warrior princess off of her high horse.
The commotion behind them drew the attention of everyone. Lu Bu was being brought in and he was not making it easy.
"Cao Cao, I am bound too tightly. Loosen these bonds!" Bu demanded.
"A tiger must be tightly restrained," Cao replied as Dun moved forward and took over for the soldiers that had been struggling. Dun shoved Lu Bu forward forcing him to move closer. Once they were in place with the other prisoners, he kicked the back of his knees to force him to kneel.
Lu Bu growled and struggled against the bindings that held him. Cao Cao stood, his gaze staring down at the generals assembled before him. Lu Bu moved to lunge at him but found Dun's blade already at his throat halting his advance. Begrudgingly, he stayed down.
"Lord Lu Bu…my strategies, if only you had followed my strategies…," Gong lamented. He couldn't even bring himself to stare at the man he once called master any longer so disgusted with him.
"Strategies?" Bu said as he turned his head to face him. His next words were spoken in roar, uncaring of the situation they currently found themselves in.
"YOUR STRATEGIES ONLY GETS IN THE WAY OF MY MIGHT!"
"Get in your way? How could you say this? Do you understand nothing?" He sighed. He felt as if he was speaking to a child rather than his former lord.
"If only you would have lent an ear to my strategies…we wouldn't have lost the battle…we would never, never lose a single battle."
"Enough, you two," Liao interrupted; quite frankly tired of hearing the quarreling of the two. If he was to die, he would prefer to do it without his last memory being that of them squabbling.
"You are hurting your dignity. Remember your honor as men."
Both men fell silent as if being scolded by a parent. Cao watched the men with an icy glare; his features giving away nothing to what he was thinking.
"Hmm…Are you finished yet? All done having fun?" Cao asked. It was Lu Bu that spoke once more.
"My lord, you dread only me, but now, since I've already submitted to you, you shouldn't have any more worries. My lord, I know you to make use of talented men"
At that moment, Jia Xu felt as if all eyes had suddenly been drawn to him. He gave a shrug in response to their gazes. It was a fact he couldn't deny.
"Why don't you spare me and let me help you lead your troops? In this way, you won't need to worry about not being able to pacify the Empire," Bu continued.
Cao rubbed his chin in silent thought. Bei suddenly feeling fear that Cao was seriously considering this proposition spoke up.
"My Lor-" he was cut off by Lu Bu.
"Use me and the world will be yours!" Bu declared.
Lingqi could hardly believe her ears. What was her father saying? He was practically begging this man for his life. Where was his honor?"
"My lord," Bei interrupted once more, this time a bit more forceful. "Haven't you seen what Lu Bu did to Ding Jianyang and Grand Preceptor Dong?"
Lu Bu moved to lunge at Bei but was blocked by Dun once more. He instead resorted to shouting his frustration at Liu Bei,
"You're the most untrustworthy person! You only wish to prevent Lord Cao from having the power to take this land!"
"What of you Gōngtái? Would you also serve me once more? Will you help me realize my ambition?" Cao asked.
"Hmm," Gong replied with a bemused smile pretending to give the question serious thought.
"You couldn't even slay a helpless swine…why? Why would I agree to serve you?"
Gong grinned and continued. He knew very well that his next words would lead to his death but he didn't care. He would let Cao Cao know exactly what he thought about him and his ambition.
"Instead, Cao Cao, how would you like to support me? I could use a hand. Support to me on my own path; then I might be willing to join you."
Cao did not reply to Gong's taunt. His face showed however, that he was not amused as his glare became a degree icier than before. Cao nodded to someone behind Gong and he knew he was moments away from death.
Dun moved to stand on Cao Cao's opposite side. His role in this was over for now. It was time for the punishment to be administered. Even though Gong knew death was coming, he felt oddly calm about it. He wished he could say it was a good life but it wasn't. He had many regrets but one stood out amongst them all.
"To go down in history as a strategist for a tyrant is the mistake of Chen Gongtai's life, the mistake of a lifetime! It is a disgrace that will stain my name forever. At least I die knowing that said tyranny will end today…"
Gong's expression was pained as he spoke but he pushed through, he would get his last words out. He would let the world know before he is silenced forever how he feels.
"Our association ends here today…And in the afterlife, my name, my wisdom SHALL ROAR UNDER THE HEAVENS!"
Gong's last words were spoken with conviction as if he truly believed that it would come to pass. The minute the word heavens tumbled from his lips, his head rolled from atop his shoulders as it was severed. A fountain of blood sprouted his neck, showering Lingqi and Lu Bu in blood. Lingqi let out a surprised gasp, not expecting such a gruesome death. She quickly snapped her mouth closed and pressed her lips tightly together to prevent blood from seeping into it. She turned her head away from the blood shower, leaning towards Liao. He wanted to reach out to her but could do nothing with his hands bound.
Diaochan let out a surprised squeak. She buried her face in Bei's chest disgusted by the brutality. Bei rubbed her back with his hand to comfort her as he looked on with a frown. It was an ugly business but it had to be done.
Bu didn't bat an eye as Gong's blood covered him not even the least bit moved by the death of his strategist. His hate filled eyes choosing instead to bore into the sight of Diaochan and Bei huddled close together, wishing he were free to kill the both of them with his bare hands.
Gong's body pitched forward and hit the ground with a thud. The sound caught Lu Bu's attention. He turned to look at the fallen body as it continued to pump out blood in large squirts into the snow. He turned away from the sight and returned his gaze to Cao Cao and the others.
Cao eyed the three that remained his eyes falling on Lingqi.
"Who is she?"
Lu Bu's turned his head in the direction in which Cao was staring. His eyes widened upon seeing his daughter bound like the rest of them between Liao and Gong's now dead body. He moved to get to his feet, suddenly desperate to get to her side. Once again Dun's blade was at his throat, halting his progress.
"That is the daughter of Lu Bu," Jia answered helpfully with a smile.
Liao frowned. So they knew? Were they only pretending to not know? He lowered his head ashamed that failed at protecting her.
"Hmph, Liu Bei, earlier you said that Lu Bu should be granted a warrior's death…do you still feel that way?" Cao asked as he turned to face the man he was addressing.
"I do," Bei replied.
"Do not listen to that weakling! Bu roared. "He knows not what he speaks. You know my worth as a general, as a warrior. I treated my subordinates generously, but they betrayed me when I was in trouble. My misfortune lies with them and through no fault of my own!"
"You abandoned your wife and child, and you've designs on your men's wives. You call this 'treating them generously'?" Lu Bu fell silent. Lingqi lowered her head in remorse at the memory of being abandoned by her father.
"Speaking of designs on men's wives…there was one in particular that you couldn't help but have your way with….wasn't there?"
Bu remained silent so Cao continued.
"So disgusted by you violating her over and over she took the life of herself and her child."
Bei sudden began to feel dread creep up within him. He pushed Diaochan away and moved closer to Cao Cao.
"Who is this woman, my lord?" he asked. His mouth suddenly felt very dry as the dread continued to build up within him. He already knew but he needed to hear it from Cao's mouth to be sure.
"Lady Gan, your wife," Cao replied simply.
Bei fell to his knees at hearing her name and let out an anguished cry. His heart ached with an immeasurable pain. Diaochan gasped at hearing the news. There was a part of her that wished his wife would die but seeing the pain it caused Bei made her feel terrible about such wicked thoughts. She moved to go by his side but Yu held her back. She looked at him and he shook his head no.
Lingqi was similarly horrified. She looked at her father with new eyes. She didn't know he was capable of doing such a wretched thing. This was the man she looked up to? The man she admired and wanted to prove herself to?
Bei spoke in a low tone, filled with hate and anguish. "Lord Cao Cao…tell me…is this true please tell me if this is true."
Cao waved his hand and Chen Gui stepped forward. Supported by his cane he looked down to Bei with remorseful eyes.
"I am afraid it is, Master Bei. I saw both bodies myself. She threw herself from the castle walls with your child in hand."
"So I ask you again, Liu Bei. Do you still believe Lu Bu deserves a warrior's death?" Cao asked.
"No," was Bei's simple reply. Though it was only one word, he managed to convey the pure hate he felt for Lu Bu with it.
"I thought so," Cao said in a pleased tone.
Bu growled. He would not go out like this. He would not be tortured and slaughtered as if he was no better than cattle.
With a mighty roar Bu pushed himself to his feet. "You bastards! You are all pathetic. You dare judge me? So what if I fucked your wife? You fucked my woman as well!" he spat out as he eyed Diaochan who shrank back under his burning gaze.
"It was my right to take her. I am the strongest warrior in the land! I am Lu Fèngxiān!" he roared as he broke the bonds that held him.
Surprised, the two guards that were keeping watch over him stumbled back. Bu moved to rush at Cao and Bei but found that one of his arms was suddenly restrained by a chain. He looked back to see the large man who once wielded a mace now wielding a ball and chain. Bu pulled at the chain in an attempt to pull free but Chu held fast. Bu felt a stabbing pain in his kidney. His knees buckled as the wind was knocked out of him. He looked up to see a growling Dun was the person that had struck him with the solid blow.
Chu had joined his comrade, wrapping the remains of his chain around Bu's muscular frame.
"This should keep him still," he said in a jolly tone.
Dun nodded and he looked to the two soldiers that looked as bewildered as they did frightened.
"And you two morons have a weeks worth of training coming for you in the art of tying a fucking knot," Dun growled. They both saluted him and nodded quickly accepting their punishment without complaint.
Bu struggled against the chains but there was no breaking them. He was resigned to his fate.
Cao now turned his attention to Zhang Liao. Liao, feeling Cao's eyes on him did not meet his gaze.
"A defeated general has nothing to say,"
"A defeated general, I have to laugh at that…You are but a man who chases after the might of Lu Bu, you are still nothing yet. You have yet to find your own path."
Liao let out a grunt. Cao's words stung but they held truth to them. He hadn't become the man he wanted to be while languishing under Lu Bu and he would die with that regret in his heart. In a way, he and Lingqi were the same. They followed the path of others rather than decided what type of warrior they wanted to be.
"Tell me Zhang Liao…what does strength mean to you?"
"Strength is the ability to make that which you believe in a reality," Liao replied. He didn't even have to think about the answer. This was something he truly believed in.
"I thought so," Cao replied. "Zhang Wényuǎn, fight in my battles and hone your might. Use that strength of yours to make my ambition a reality and to find the truth that you have been clearly searching for."
Liao was surprised by Cao Cao's words. How could he have possibly known that he has been looking for a truth, for a reason? He looked up to Cao and saw him no longer as an enemy commander but as a man he wanted to serve.
"And if you still desire death, have it your way. Die on the battlefield like a warrior should."
Cao stepped forward and personally cut the bonds that bound Liao. Liao stood, rubbing his wrist to get circulation back in them. He then turned to Cao Cao and saluted him.
"Yes, my lord."
This was a man worth serving and he would do so until the day he died.
Cao Cao nodded, pleased. He looked down to Lu Lingqi.
"Now what to do with you? If you have anything of your father in you, it would be best to be rid of you now," Cao mused while he looked at her blood drenched face.
"My Lord, I have no right to ask a favor when you just spared my life-"
Cao shifted his glance to Liao who was already saluting him; his head lower than normal to show his sincerity.
"But I ask that you spare her life."
"You ask me to let her go free? I am afraid I cannot do that. I do not like loose ends."
"Then allow me to have her."
"Oh?" Cao asked. For the first time since the judgments had started his face broke into a smile.
"You mean as your lover?"
"I mean as my wife."
"Wényuǎn, you dare?!" Bu asked as he struggled against the chains. Dun, entirely fed up with Bu punched him in the face to silence his objections.
Lingqi looked up to Liao, the surprise evident on her face. She could barely believe what she was hearing.
"No!"
All eyes turned to Diaochan, the one who shouted out the objection. Diaochan knew Liao to be a reasonably good man. If he married her, she would have a good life. That didn't sit well with her. She wanted that little brat to suffer the same way she did. She wanted her to be knocked off her pedestal just as she had been repeatedly in her life.
"Please! She is like her father. She cannot be trusted. Please, my lord."
She dropped to her knees behind Liu Bei who was still coming to terms with the news he had just received.
"My lord, please stop this," she pleaded as she shook his shoulders in an attempt to snap her out of her reprieve.
At that moment, Guan Yu lost his normally cool demeanor. He grabbed a handful of Diaochan's hair and yanked her back, away from his brother.
"You dare?! He just found out his wife and child are dead and you bother him with your petty problems? Feel fortunate that you do not face the same judgment as your man Lu Bu and be silent!"
Diaochan cried and begged for Bei to help her but her pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears. He didn't even look her way. Yu released his hold on her and she ran from the camp sobbing.
"Please, my lord," Liao asked again.
Cao rubbed his chin. He knew that giving Lingqi to Liao would ensure his loyalty and based on her demeanor thus far, she seemed a lot calmer than her father. It was a small risk to take with the benefit of gaining two formidable warriors.
"Very well," Cao replied. "She is your to have.
"Thank you, my lord." Said Liao.
He knelt to Lingqi's side and released her bonds he helped her to her feet.
"Go get her cleaned up. A pretty young lady like that shouldn't be covered in blood," said Cao.
Liao saluted Cao once more and allowed a soldier to lead them away. Lingqi cast a final glance at her father. Knowing that this would be the last time she would see him alive. With great sorrow she saw that he didn't even bother to look her way.
"And now only you remain," Cao said as he circled Lu Bu.
"Lu Bu, you are destined to die here today. Normally you would only get a simple beheading for being the loser in this war but for the disgusting acts that you have committed, you will be made to suffer before you are granted the relief of death."
Bu felt a sharp pain in the back of his head before his vision went completely black and his consciousness slipped away.
