Okay, I'd just like to thank everyone who reviewed before I make a few statements... So, first of all, thank you, everyone who reviewed! And thanks especially for answering all the weird questions I asked at the end of the last chapter, because some of your answers were very creative ^.^.
And before I forget, I'd like to reply to my anonymous reviewer Nikki by saying I'm really flattered she chose reading my story over doing her math homework! Trust me, I know the consequences of making a decision like that, so I'm very grateful to you. Feel free to blame it all on me if you don't think your grade's good enough:P. And I don't mind at all, you can leave extra-long reviews anytime, it only makes me happier:). Thanks for reviewing and commenting on how my writing's improved! I really love hearing that ALOT.
Next, I'd just like to stress that, as you'll see once you're done reading it, this chapter was extremely hard to write... I don't know if I've done justice to it, but I hope you could all be judge of that once you read it. It was challenging enough for me, anyway.
And lastly, remember the poll I said I was about to close about a year ago? lol, Well, IT'S STILL UP! IF ANYONE HASN'T CHECKED IT OUT YET, PLEASE GO AHEAD AND CAST IN YOUR VOTE! I would have removed it months ago, but I didn't feel as if everyone had been given a chance... Anyways, to all you readers, writers and voters alike, here's Chapter 28.
Enjoy!
Whispers rang throughout the entire Banquet Hall as Sun Ce silently led Da Qiao to the dancefloor. All the startled eyes were on the pair which was making its way so calmly and easily in the midst of those who watched it. The dancers gazed, transfixed. The young Crown Prince of Wu was not one whom they'd known to consciously entertain the ladies. Nor was the sweet, usually withdrawn Lady Qiao one to display especial warmth or preference to another lord. How then, had this transpired?
Even though Ce was now more uncomfortable than ever, he did all but show it. Not a single soul would have guessed what was on his mind, no matter how intently they stared at their prey. But the eyes of the other guests were piercing daggers into Ce's skin, and it was all he could do to keep from spinning around and staring them back down. He knew that they were recollecting the night two weeks earlier, when they all witnessed Ce stepping before Da and staring at her in wonder. Ce imagined that most of them were likening this incident to that one, forging links and making assumptions, and the thought didn't please him a bit. How had he arrived in this situation again?
Oh, yeah.
He remembered. Da had asked him if he'd like to dance with her- and he'd given her his answer.
"Yes, I would."
What on earth had possessed him to answer in that way? In the affirmative? Ce almost groaned with regret. He seemed to have no control over his tongue whenever Da was around.
The two of them had just reached the very heart of the dancefloor and assumed their positions facing each other when the musicians, after gawking at the stillness of the guests, finally struck up a new, much slower and mellower tune. After a moment, the rest of the couples resumed dancing one by one, soothed by the melodies of the lute and strings. They gradually dismissed the episode which had distracted them, enjoying each other, the night, and the atmosphere as much as before.
Only Ce could find something to complain about.
Great. A slow dance.
Ce did know how to dance, and quite well at that. Years of royal training in every art of lordship had not been wasted on him. But he wasn't very partial to this particular genre of dancing. As if to echo his thoughts, Da herself seemed to show misgivings about the suddenly romantic aura of the room. Nevertheless, she smiled slightly before bowing to him and commencing her step.
They moved in synchronized unison for a few minutes in further silence, Ce noting, with a little surprise, her delicate grace and style as she kept up with him neatly and proficiently. Then, Da broke the somewhat strained tension.
"How do you like the Ball, Lord Sun Ce?"
The question had come out strangely faint.
"Well enough."
Silence fell again.
"I leave tomorrow morning," Ce offered next. If he was going to dance with her, he might as well do it with a wholesome conversation, he thought guiltily.
"Yes," she replied, her voice the tiniest bit higher. "I had heard that most of the lords were returning to their kingdoms on the morrow."
"Well, you heard right."
"I hope your stay here was pleasant. We have done all we could to make sure none of our esteemed guests wanted for anything."
"It paid off. You haven't missed a thing."
She smiled again, but only out of due courtesy. Ce couldn't help but remind himself that this wasn't her smile either. Dammit, where'd it go? She hadn't used it in front of him for a whole year. He could barely recall what it even looked like
"Thank you."
They were moving faster now, as the music showed signs of quickening. Although the musicians appeared settled on putting the dancers in the most romantic stupor they could muster, they were not about to do it without a bit of rhythm and excitement. And most of the partners could hardly complain at this; it was what the majority of them desired at such an hour as twilight.
Da lifted off the ground in a dainty sort of skip in perfect time to the music, with the support of Ce's shoulder, and, when he caught her waist as she landed neatly back onto her feet before him, he felt a strange sensation stir within him, as though something that had once been part of him was aroused after a long time. He did all he could to suppress it at once.
"May the gods go with you back to Wu, Lord Sun Ce," Da whispered suddenly, as though afraid of being heard. "I wish you... every happiness."
Ce blinked, taken aback. He was certain that her eyes had misted over for a few seconds while she spoke. But she lightly twirled away from him and back, and they were quite steady.
"So do I," Ce tried to say as sincerely as he could. "I hope you're happy, Lady Da Qiao. You and... Lord Cao Cao have... alot to look forward to."
He smiled at her, but she lowered her eyes, slowing her pace even more.
"Lord Sun Ce..."
Ce's eyes widened. It was that voice again. The one that suggested she'd never spoken before, and was letting out all of her pent-up emotions by just uttering his name...
"What is it?"
His voice contained more urgency than he'd planned for.
"I..."
She looked back up at him, her lovely face imploring.
"Are you sure that... that you could not stay any longer?"
Ce stopped his step abruptly.
"What?"
"I shall miss your company dreadfully," she managed to admit.
"But," Ce began slowly, confused, dazed even. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. "But, you've never sought my company," was all he could say.
It was true. The two of them may have had tea for several mornings together, may even have had a few conversations, but Da had never approached Ce of her own accord ever since he arrived in Wei- and certainly not after the time he'd grabbed her in the stables- until tonight.
"I know it." Her voice was growing more and more constricted. "And I shall never stop regretting it."
He stared at her, dumbfounded. She looked as though she were pleading with him, but for what?
"I don't understand," he said finally. He was aware of Lord Cao Cao's eyes on them from afar. He took half a step back from her at once, making it seem as though he'd merely paused for air.
Da had already stopped dancing herself, and was instead gazing up at Ce silently. They were indeed a picture- an exceedingly handsome youth and a most beautiful maiden standing together in the midst of a dozen gently rotating couples, she in a flowing gown-like qipao of cream and red, with adornments of deep pink. Ce couldn't for the life of him figure out why he stared back at her so fixedly. She was not the same! He struggled to remind himself. This could not be the girl he'd fallen in love with! She'd turned into a frigid, indifferent young woman, and yet here she stood, before him, as though nothing serious had occurred between them, as though they could carry on being courteous and friendly with each other. Why did Ce look at her as though she were still the Da Qiao he'd always known? As though she hadn't changed, as though she could have done no wrong?
Ce unconsciously took a step closer so that she was right under his nose.
"I don't understand," he repeated softly, his green eyes searching hers for any sign of familiarity, any sign of truth.
But Da shut them suddenly, and gave a deep, shuddering sigh.
"Why would you want me to stay longer?" Ce pressed.
When she opened her eyes again, they were pointed not at him but to her left, at Cao Cao. Ce detected the slightest trace of fear in her countenance as she watched him lead his wife, the Lady Wei back to her throne. His back was turned to them, but could turn away again at any moment.
He waited patiently for her answer. When it came, it stunned him enormously.
"Would you mind accompanying me to the terrace, please, Lord Sun Ce?"
"A letter's come for you, Master."
Zhou Yu raised his head wearily at the sound of his pupil's voice. Lu Xun gave a start, and drew in his breath. His master's face was a sure sight- for Yu's eyes were red-rimmed, and his color pallid. His high cheekbones had begun to jut out of his skin, owing to the fact that he ate little and slept for only a few hours between days at a time. It was not that caring for himself and attending to his basic needs were forbidden to Yu by his tasks- this was not the case in the least. But he had limited time to complete this major assignment which would determine the rest of his life, and his precious hours could not be wasted on such petty indulgences as food and rest. But it could not be denied that the final trial which stood between Yu and his being the Grand Strategist of Wu was taking much more out of him than was mild.
Nevertheless, he smiled at Xun broadly. However dull and drained he looked at the moment had had no effect on his progress whatsoever: indeed, it was his growing success at the most arduous task which kept him in good spirits. His work was nearly finished. He had only a few more nights to go, and then... he would finally reach the goal he'd been aiming for since he'd been no older than the boy who stood gaping at him in admiring wonder and sympathy.
"Thank you, A Xun." His voice was cracked from lack of use. He held out his arm to take the letter, noting the blood that rushed into his veins as he finally stretched his limbs.
But Xun remained where he was.
"I haven't got it with me, sir. The messenger absolutely refused to hand it to anyone who wasn't yourself."
Yu raised an eyebrow, perplexed. Whatever could be the issue? Messengers didn't usually behave so. No had they ever delivered letters to him at so late an hour. He sighed, giving in. It must be a very confidential message, he mused.
"Alright, send him up here."
Xun hurried out the North Tower's only door within the instant. Yu rose to his feet with a groan, condescending to throw a cloak over his shoulders. It was getting chillier up in the tower. He wondered absent-mindedly which season Wu was approaching.
A few minutes later, Xun returned, followed by a mail-clad young man.
Immediately, the youth stepped forward and sank into a low bow at Yu's feet.
"Lord Zhou Yu," he pronounced reverently, and, not taking his eyes off the ground, produced a tightly bound scroll from a pouch slung at his waist and held it out to Yu.
"Have you come from Wei?" Yu asked, examining the navy-blue ribbon which was wrapped around the scroll.
"Yes, my lord."
So this message was from Ce! Yu had guessed as much, anyway. He was glad at receiving a letter from his sworn-brother. It was a welcome relief from his studies, and Yu had to admit to himself that he was thankful to Ce for distracting him from them.
He nodded to the messenger in thanks, who got to his feet, inclined his head towards Yu, and quitted the circular room.
Lu Xun darted forward.
"What does it say, Master?" he demanded eagerly. "Is it from Lord Sun Ce? I think it must be. Will he be returning soon? Or does he like it there?"
Yu smiled, amused at his pupil's excitement at hearing from Sun Ce. Xun had always looked up to the heir to Wu's throne, and was as fond of him as anyone, albeit rather wary as well.
"I haven't even opened it yet. Patience, Lu Xun."
He spoke in a more refined form because felt he must measure up to Xun's ideals. The boy certainly made him feel more mature than he already was, and Yu knew it was his duty to make sure Xun minded his manners.
Xun fell silent at once, and waited behind him with bated breath.
Yu undid the ribbon, and unrolled the scroll, puzzled and a little annoyed at how short the letter was. Was this the big deal, then? He began to read Ce's familiar scrawl.
Within seconds, the scrap of parchment dropped from his hands and onto the floor. Xun dove for it and offered it back up to Yu, but his master remained strangely still. Xun frowned, confused.
"Master?" he inquired.
He stepped around to face him, and gasped in alarm.
His master was positively ashen-faced with horror. His eyes had grown to twice their size, and appeared steel-gray and glassy. His jaw had hardened, his chest expanded as the breaths it caught went unreleased. His hands stayed immobile for several seconds before suddenly forming the tightest fists Xun had ever known.
"Master-!" he choked out, reaching for one of them, but Yu was not listening.
He spun around towards his desk and lunged towards his sword. Grabbing its hilt firmly with both hands for support before his already weakened knees buckled beneath him, he stared blindly out of the window, comprehending for the first time, just how deep and significant what he'd read was to him... Completely ignoring the terrified boy who was now frantically scanning the contents of the message which had so disturbed his tutor, Yu raised his head towards the moon, and his beautiful brown eyes shone dangerously in his gaunt face like a pair of stars. Ce's urgent words swallowed up his mind in a fresh surge of agony...
She's still in love with you, I swear she is... Has no idea of all this yet... I can't let Xiao suffer something she's dreading... We're the only ones who can help her... Please, brother, help... Please, brother, HELP!
Ce's plea rang in Yu's head like thunder, and, as the full realization of his sweet, innocent Xiao Qiao's plight washed over him, he was possessed with a maddening frustration, an urge to shout out in the harshest of voices, solely to express his rage at his helplessness and inadequacy. But he contented himself by drawing out his sword from its sheath in a flash, and plunging it into the hard floor with all his might, causing it to crack, and Xun to yelp. His anger about spent, he heaved himself into his seat and, being the naturally calm, sensible soul that he was, attempted first of all to contain his reactions to the harrowing news he had just received. Seething over this piece of knowledge would help no one and change nothing. Then, when he was sure the danger of him waking every soul in the palace at passed, he went on to fervently plan out his next move, to construct a solution to the situation, his eyes never leaving his hands.
There could be no doubt in Yu's mind what his emotions were and where his loyalties lay, even at this dark, awful hour. He knew perfectly well what he wanted to do most of all, what would make him the happiest and most at peace. He knew without question that he would do anything- anything- for Xiao. Risking- even losing- all that he'd worked for for half a decade would be worth it if he could only get to Xiao, rescue her from her fate, be with her forever. He would abandon even the most vital of his trials- of course he would! It was something he'd always been aware of. For, unlike most other unfortunates, Yu was one who knew his own mind. Just imagining dear little Xiao handed over to anyone she didn't want- let alone someone like Lord Cao Cao- was enough to make his blood boil, enough to cause him to shake with fury. He had to help her, had to see his Xiao, Xiao, whom he loved, Xiao, whom he missed with every bit of him there was to miss, Xiao, who'd given up her happiness with him so that she could share her older sister's pain...
And what about Da Qiao?
Da's engaged to Cao Cao...
Even though Ce had tried to state this bit of information matter-of-factly, Yu had sensed at once what had been going on through his sworn brother's mind while he'd written it down. His heart ached when he thought of the girl he'd grown to love as his trusted friend and sister. How on earth was she dealing with all this? Being so close to the young man she'd shared such a strong bond with, but unable to reach out to him, as she'd been promised to somebody else instead. Poor Da... and poor Ce! Yu was certain that Ce hardly knew what Da still meant to him. Yu couldn't be sure that Da was still the same girl Ce had fallen in love with, that was something he could decide only once he'd met her. But he felt that he was right in thinking Ce still must have misunderstood her. What Ce blamed her for, he did not know. All he could wonder was what Da could have said to him the day she'd left Jian Ye Palace.
What could Yu do? He would never leave Xiao to such a horrid fate! But how was he to help her? Help them? He could hardly take off to Wei in the middle of the night! He needed an excuse, a pretext to do so. He knew his father- Lord Sun Jian- would refuse to allow him to put his studies on hold if he told him the truth behind his decision. So what should he say? He couldn't lie, either- nothing but the truth would fit. The way Yu saw it, there was nothing, nothing he could do.
He banged his fist onto the table, and grunted, not in pain, but in anguish. He had no choice but to complete his now-repulsive assignment twice as quickly as he otherwise would have done.
He sighed, a long, deep, sorrowful sound. He shut his eyes firmly for a moment. With all his strength, he summoned the image of Xiao before his eyes. The thought of her brought him courage, and fortified his will. He would continue his task, but for a different cause. In the beginning, he was doing this for himself. Now, he would do it for her. He opened his eyes, took a deep breath, and picked up his quill.
He had just brought it down to where he left off, when a voice behind him spoke, making him start considerably.
For of course he had forgotten than Xun was in the room!
"Master, you've got to help him!" the boy had cried out in a sudden fit of urgency.
Yu twisted around in his seat to glare at Xun, his face all at once dark and livid.
"How dared you read Lord Sun Ce's letter?!" he thundered.
Xun swallowed hard, but, to Yu's surprise, did not falter.
"I had to Master, it was all I knew to do! But you can't stay here, you must go to Wei!"
Yu leapt swiftly to his feet, looking, in his newly-restored fury, positively alarming. Xun almost shrunk away from him, truly frightened of his master.
"And what gives you the right to affirm that?" he demanded.
"Nothing- nothing but the fact that I know it's right!" Xun entreated to his master, stepping forward in earnest. "I have no right to meddle in your personal affairs, Master, and I apologize for my interference, but I can't see Ladies Da and Xiao Qiao harmed any more than you can! Lord Sun Ce said it himself, he'd never ask for help unless he needed it. And you yourself told me how you would do anything for Lady Xiao Qiao, that you truly loved her. Please, Master, I beg of you!"
And, for the first time, the lad flung himself at the astounded Yu's feet and shook with suppressed sobs. Never had his young, kind-hearted master ever spoken to him in such violent tones, and he was crushed. Both his tutor's treatment of him and the thought of those lovely young ladies in peril had robbed him of all the composure he possessed.
Yu felt a wave of shame wash over him as he looked down at Xun. He deeply regretted how roughly he'd spoken to him. Not only had he hurt Xun's feelings, he'd also ruined the ideal image of himself that Xun had always seen in his mind's eye.
Maybe the best he could do to repair his damage was explain to Xun why it would be quite impossible for him to do as they both wished.
"Lu Xun," he began as patiently as he could, his head spinning with the pressure of Xun's honest, sensible words and the image of Xiao's innocent face. "I can't help them. Not now. I have no reason to give to Lord Sun Jian to go to Wei, and even if I did, he'd never let me abandon my studies half-way. Of course, none of that matters to me much now. But there's nothing else I can do. Wu needs me as its strategist, and who would finish my work without me?"
Yu had barely finished his sentence when Xun lifted his dampened face, his eyes suddenly sparkling with an almost desperate desire and his face radiant with hope. In a strangled yell, he exclaimed,
"I'll finish your work for you, Master! I swear, I will! I'll do it as well as I can, and I'll never fail you!"
Yu blinked incredulously. This was not at all what he had expected.
"Xun," he began firmly, but his student cut him across.
"You said you'd taught me well, sir! And that the worst of your trial was over! I'm sure I'm good enough to complete your work, at the very least! I'll never be as good as you, Master, but here's my chance to try. I'll do anything to help you, Master, anything."
Xun was almost crying with eagerness.
Yu was silent. Try as he might, he could find no more reasons to convince the boy, who was now half-raised off the floor, propped up by his arms, and staring into his face imploringly. All he could do was stare at this miraculous young man and wonder, for the life of him, how he was the teacher, and Lu Xun the student.
Ce and Da stood alone on one of the dozen terraces of Xu Chang Palace. Not too far off, they could hear the merry sounds of the Ball continuing without them. For though its duration was more than half-elapsed, it was far from over.
Now, as Ce stared before him, he could see that the moon was hidden behind a cloud, and the wide expanse of land, which belonged to the Wei Imperial Gardens, appeared a dark and almost dreary green. The wind howled mildly about both of them, and the sky was starless. Rarely had Ce witnessed such a gloomy, depressing night. He still had his ill-boding feelings about tonight, and they had only strengthened as the hours had passed.
Ce shuddered slightly, then turned to Da.
"Was there something you had to tell me?" he asked lightly.
Da, who had been staring at the landscape along with him, gave a slight start, took a deep breath, then turned to face him.
"Yes," she said softly.
She looked embarrassed, uncertain. Ce glanced down at her fingers, and saw what he'd expected to see: her fingers were twisting together again. Why did such a jolt of excitement run through his body on seeing them behave so?
"I- I wanted to tell you," she began, "I beg your pardon, I mean to say, ask you. I meant to ask you if you could... if you could possible stay for a while longer?"
That again. Ce exhaled, slightly incensed.
"Why, though?" he demanded. "You know I've got to leave. I've already paid my respects to Lords Cao Cao and Cao Pi. I can't just extend my visit like that."
"I know that, Lord Sun Ce," said Da earnestly, "but there is so much I wish to tell you- and I fear I have no time to do so."
"What? What do you have to tell me?" Ce asked at last. "You keep saying that. What could be so important? Why can't you just tell me now? Lady Da Qiao?"
At once, Da's eyes flitted to her right. She seemed unusually cautious and nervy tonight. Why was she behaving so?
Apparently assured that there was no danger of eavesdroppers, Da said,
"Lord Sun Ce, I would, but I have far too much to say; I feel as though I could never convince you in mere minutes!"
Ce stared, confused.
"What do you mean, convince me?"
Da gazed up at Ce beseechingly, her beautiful face pinched with sorrow, fear, and- and- oh, why was it so hard to fathom her expressions? Ce cursed inwardly at his ignorance.
"Please, Lord Sun Ce," she said. "There is nothing else I know to do. All I ask is that you remain our guest for a little while longer. There is much you need to know about these past two weeks, and- and the past year."
Her lips quivered as she ceased to speak, looking surprised herself at the words she had uttered.
Ce's eyes had widened. It had been the first time she'd voluntarily acknowledged that they had had a past. For a few moments, Ce considered her words, very much tempted by her request, though he would not admit it to her. Maybe he should accept. Maybe it would enlighten him. Maybe she had a vital reason for asking him to stay.
But he knew what he must do, where his duties lay. He could not afford to be sidetracked even for a moment.
With great difficulty, he tore his eyes away from her hopeful gaze.
"I definitely can't stay," he said at last, so firmly decidedly, that she would never have guessed at his reluctance. "I've got to go back to Wu."
He had a very good reason to return home. For, although he couldn't wait to see his family and go back to his old life, where everything was familiar and dear to him, that was not all that was crucial to him at the moment. Yu would have received his message by now, and the two of them might meet up mid-way, and figure out a plan to help Xiao, and- possibly- Da. He would never dream of doing so while still residing in the Kingdom of Wei. Not that he was afraid to do so- far from it. The truth was, Ce knew it was an abominable crime, not to mention sin to plot against someone while trespassing upon their hospitality, be it friend or foe, and Ce was never willing to commit such dishonor. Therefore, the sooner he was gone from Wei, the better.
He turned back to the still, silent Da, wishing, in spite of himself, that he could have given a different answer.
"Goodbye, Lady Da Qiao."
He bowed to her in due respect, then turned his back on her to leave the terrace, not trusting himself to stay alone with her any longer, lest he should change his mind.
But what she did next fairly astonished the sense out of him.
Da's small, slight fingers wrapped themselves around his arm and held him back. Ce's heart stopped, and he turned his head to look at her in amazement, with bewildered eyes.
Her eyes were bright green orbs as they fixed themselves on his, her face a mask of misery.
"Please," was all she would whisper. "Please."
Ce turned towards her completely. He took a step towards her, not removing her hand from his arm. He gazed at her in wonder. Could this truly be happening to him? Was Da actually begging him to stay? Ce was almost certain that he recognized her face now. It was not the one he'd been seeing for the past two weeks- it was the face he'd seen a year ago! Nothing was now held back from him, her face was an open book which he could read to his heart's content. His heartbeat returned, thudding more forcefully, more vigorously than ever before. He was filled with a wild, vaguely familiar emotion as he kept his eyes fixed on her face. He opened his mouth to answer her.
But what his reply was, nobody ever had the chance to hear.
For right at that moment, something occurred that would change both of their lives forever.
Da heard the sharp, fleeting whistle through the air before she saw what had caused it. She whipped her heard around in alarm, but before any of them knew it, the aim had met its mark.
Ce's sharp intake of breath distracted her. She looked up inquiringly into his face, confused and surprised. The instant she did, she was dumbstruck by its intensity, by the whites of his large eyes, and their expression of utter astonishment. What on earth had happened? Ce didn't look as though he understood any better than she did. But the arm underneath her hand had gone rigid. His body took in no breaths.
Together, unconsciously, both of them looked down at the arrow protruding from Ce's chest, directly over his heart.
Da was abruptly submerged by a dark and malignant horror. Her skin prickled in every direction as the most sinister, unforgettable goosebumps popped all over her entire body. There was a sudden, burning, fiery freeze which was consuming her mind and body.
She watched, dazed and horrified, as Ce, as though in a dream reached for the arrow's shaft, and pulled the head out of his flesh. For a split second, the two of them did nothing but look at it. Ce's face was blank as stone, and expressionless as they stared the pointed tip, which was moist with a scarlet, runny substance.
Then it happened.
The arrow fell from Sun Ce's grip. His eyes rolled shut, his head dropped back, and his powerful, muscular legs gave way beneath him as he fell to his knees and straight into Da Qiao's arms.
A terrible, piercing scream shattered the air and cut into Da's heart. She fastened her arms around Ce without thought, and the awful sound tormented her mind before she realized it had escaped from her own lips. She screamed once more, long, loud, drawn-out and harrowing, as the great gout of warm, dark blood poured over her hands, neck and breast from the deep wound in Ce's chest.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" she shrieked.
"No! Ce! No, no, NO!"
She buckled under his great weight, onto her own knees, clasping him to her as though her life depended on it.
She wailed, she cried out with all her being, uttering things she could not comprehend.
"Ce, no! Anything- anything! Anything- but...!"
Hysterical sobs overtook her here- all she could do was raise her head and voice and screech,
"Help! Somebody- anybody- help me!"
And all at once, she was surrounded by numerous forms and shadows; by scores of people, guests, guards and lords alike, each one of them shouting, crying or gaping in horror, outrage, grief and stupefaction. The terrace was crowded, full to bursting, in danger of crashing as every person swarmed around the young lord of whom they had grown so fond, to whom they had become so attached, and the weeping, terrified girl who crushed herself to him, leaving no gap between their forms.
"Please... please!" was all she would cry out.
Uniformed men were now attempting to separate them, but all was in vain, as none could force Da's fingers from Ce, none could part her clamped arms from around his shoulders, nothing anybody did could drag her away from him...
There she had been, and there it seemed she would remain. They were pleading with her to let him go, but she did not hear them, she could not comprehend them. Tears, such as she'd never shed before, were splashing down her face, obscuring her vision. Her head was filled with the sound of her weeping, of her cries, and she was aware of nothing but of how limp Ce's body had become, nothing made sense to her but for the fact that Sun Ce had fallen... Sun Ce had fallen... Ce had fallen!!
It took the strength of half a dozen men to finally sever Da from Ce's neck, to which she had clung with an unfelt determination.
Having had the grievously injured Wu lord on his own at last, the multitude of personnel rushed him back into the palace as quickly as was possible, while only Da remained behind.
Flinging herself back roughly onto the ground, she burst once more into renewed tears and sobbed convulsively, as her world collapsed to an end around her.
Oh, God, I hope you guys don't hate me for this. Really, I do. I would hate myself if I were you.
Well, I just wanted to ask you if you think I wrote it well enough.... and if it's still worth reading, because I know that this was by far the most gruesome, horrifying chapter I've ever done. But it's also the most essential. I would even go as far as to call it a 'key chapter' of sorts. Just so you know, I'd been planning to do it ever since I first thought the plot out. That does NOT mean I particularly enjoyed writing it though, guys. Please forgive me! I got the idea from the fact how Ce keeps getting shot with arrows all through the game's series... and how Da's almost always the one who catches him when he falls. So I hope you understand.
I guess you'll know why Ce was getting that weird feeling about the Ball after reading this. Just wanted to clarify that... lol.
Wow, I feel REALLY weird after completing this chapter... Please review, even if you'd love to flame.
Thanks.