Disclaimer: Dynasty Warriors belongs to Koei Tecmo. I own nothing.
RSS Ch. 2: Purity.
He sat on his bedside, motionless, trying to process the sight of his own blood seeping through the pierced skin of his arm. The sight wasn't unfamiliar. He suffered many wounds on the battlefield, and the pain was nothing his hardened body couldn't tolerate.
What baffled him was just how it happened. He would occasionally be scathed in battle when he couldn't quite catch an enemy's blade headed his way in time, but that only occurred when confronting a swarm of enemies. But this warrior, Zhao Yun, fighting him no assistance other than his own skill, managed to deal a blow on him, and during merely a sparring match, no less. He had not even seen his spear tear his skin. His attack was too swift that even the eyes of a seasoned warrior like himself could not have seen the attack coming until it was too late. He couldn't help but wonder, if he had confronted that warrior on the battlefield, and should he have intended his attack to be more fatal, would he still be alive right now?
First Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and now Zhao Yun, He thought, That Liu Bei...he commands very capable men.
Remembering that the general required his presence, he proceeded to patch up the wound. He unstrapped the armor on his left arm and laid it on the bed allowing the blood to flow freely down the now bare skin of his limb. He grabbed a damp cloth sitting in a bowl on the shelf next to his bed and used it to clean the crimson substance, not at all cringing at the sharp pain of the fabric against the fresh cut. He then grabbed the white bandages next to the bowl and wrapped them around his forearm, blocking any remaining blood flow.
He made sure to always have these materials at the ready if he ever needed them after a hard battle. He could have gotten a servant to apply the bandages, but he was experienced enough at injury treatment that doing it himself would be less time consuming. He only ever requested the help of a servant or fellow soldier if his injuries rendered him too weak to patch himself, which had happened once or twice in the past.
Satisfied with his work, he placed the cloth back in the bowl and re-strapped his armor, sans the glove on his right hand which also had been torn by Zhao Yun's spear. Realizing that he had taken up too much time, He exited his room and headed through the halls towards the meeting room, where the flying general was waiting for him. Most of the castle's occupants had retreated to their quarters for the night, though a few still lingered about. Lu Bu always chose to hold these meetings at night to decrease the likelihood of anyone eavesdropping on their plans, but not too late as to arouse any suspicions, as suggested by his strategist, Chen Gong.
He came to the open door of the hallway that led to the meeting room, which was guarded by two soldiers each on both sides. They allowed him to pass without much hassle. He approached the meeting area when he heard whispers coming from the room. However, he stopped himself from revealing his presence through the meeting room door when he heard his name being mentioned.
"What was Zhang Liao doing when you summoned him?" He heard a low voice growling, which he was certain came from the flying general.
"He was talking to one of Liu Bei's men, though I do not know his name," He could make out of a much softer, higher voice, which knew to be Diaochan's.
"What were they talking about?"
"I can't say. They were both holding their weapons when I approached them. I could only assume that they were sparring before I arrived."
He could only discern Lu Bu's lack of a response as his willingness to drop the subject. He decided to make his presence known. He came through the door from the wall that he stood behind. All of the occupants in the room had their eyes glued on the newest attendee. Lu Bu's glare in particular was one that could kill, but Zhang Liao didn't falter.
"You're late." Lu Bu growled with a cold anger etched in his voice.
"Yes, I know." He responded a little too fast. "My apologies, my lord. I have no excuses."
"That's what I thought."
Zhang Liao took his place at the meeting table across from the flying general's daughter, Lu Lingqi. Lu Bu's subordinate Gao Shun sat next to him. Lu Bu himself sat at the end of the table, Diaochan and Chen Gong on each side of him. He heard Lu Bu mutter something disparaging under his breath. He didn't hear what it was, but some eyes in the room had shifted back to the axe general after he said it. He tried not to show the shame he felt for upsetting his lord...again.
"So as you all know, we're here to discuss how to execute our plan to wipe out Liu Bei's army and take Xiapi as our own. Chen Gong."
The flying general motioned for his strategist to speak.
"Yes, my lord..." he cleared his throat before continuing. " It's quite simple, As you all know, Yuan Shu has called upon our assistance in defending himself from the Han Coalition, which as far as we know, Liu Bei is currently unaware of. We can use that to our advantage. When Liu Bei sets out for Wu territory two days from today, Yuan Shu's dispatch unit will already be enroute here. As soon as they arrive, we will begin to attack Liu Bei's forces still inside the castle."
Chen Gong pointed to a map of Xiapi spread out on the wooden table. "It's vital that we keep any and all of Liu Bei's soldiers from escaping. Hou Cheng, Song Xian, and Wei Xu will be stationed at the three gates to make sure no one passes through. During that time, Lu Bu, Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, and Lu Lingqi will lead four units to route Liu Bei's forces inside the castle. This will sever Liu Bei's supply line, and force him to retreat back here to Xiapi, making things easier for Yuan Shu in his bout against the Coalition. When Liu Bei returns to the castle, the gate unit will lie in wait until Liu Bei's forces are completely inside, and that's when we'll launch an ambush. If all goes well, Liu Bei's forces will be completely wiped out."
"So to summerize, once Yuan Shu's dispatch unit arrives, Lu Bu and the others will launch a surprise attack inside the castle while Hou Cheng, Song Xian, and Wei Xu defend the gates. When Liu Bei's main force arrives, we ambush and wipe them out."
"It's a sound plan." Lu Bu said in a bored manner. "Good work, Chen Gong. Is everyone clear on that?"
Lu Bu's wolfish gaze drifted to his subordinates dotting the table, who stayed silent. However, he couldn't help but notice Zhang Liao with his chin resting on his fist, obviously contemplating something
"Zhang Liao, is there something you would like to add?"
Again, all eyes shifted to him. He kept his eyes firmly locked on the flying general's challenging gaze, but still he didn't falter. "It is a viable strategy, Master Chen Gong, but there is one potentially fatal flaw."
The strategist raised an eye brow at the general's use of the word 'fatal' "And might you be willing state what that 'flaw' is?"
He took in a breath, knowing that by challenging Chen Gong, he was challenging his lord as well. "I can't be certain Liu Bei won't suspect the issues with his supplies stem from us. He may not return to Xiapi if he uncovers our plan, and if he does return, he may do so with help from the coalition. I'm particularly worried about one of allies by the name of Cao Cao."
Lu Bu scoffed immediately at this "No matter. Anyone who comes barging in here with Liu Bei will just be crushed right along with him!"
"My lord, with all due respect, how can you be so sure? We've suffered defeat at the hands of the imperial army before."
"Only because that swine Dong Zhuo was holding us back!"
"But must consider the circumstances. The coalition now is much more of a threat than before. Sun Ce's foothold in Wu grows every day, Liu Bei has many more followers now than he did at Hu Lao Gate. Cao Cao is now the most influential figure in the imperial court, and the most powerful warlord in the land."
"Most powerful in the land? Need I remind you of whom you're speaking to right now! Don't make me laugh!"
"Master Zhang Liao," Chen Gong tried to cut in. "I understand your concern, but Lu Bu has been trying to gain Liu Bei's trust for the past three months now. He won't suspect we're planning anything after everything we've done."
"I'm not just talking about military might." Zhang Liao protested, ignoring Chen Gong's input, "I'm talking about political power, influence, charisma. He practically has the emperor at his fingertips."
"Nothing but hot air."
"And what of Liu Bei? He has blood relations directly with the emperor. He draws more followers to him everyday. If we put ourselves in the situation where we must face the coalition, let alone Cao Cao and Liu Bei, going against such a large grain could spell our demise.
"Now you're being dramatic!"
"I'm only being realistic. You asked for my input and I'm giving it to you. I say it's too risky."
"Excuse me?"
"This is a war we fight today, one of both military might, and political power. You would be smart to keep that in mind."
At Zhang Liao's challenging sternness, Lu Bu startled everyone as he was suddenly standing up, his burning glare glued to his subordinate general. "You question my strategies, you belittle my military might, and then you dare insult my perceptions of the art of war!"
"I mean no disrespect, but I merely ask you to reconsider maintaining the alliance we have formed with Liu Bei, before it is too late." He felt his voice flailing as his Lord's anger brewed before him.
"Shut your mouth! I care not about Cao Cao, the emperor, or any of the other maggots in the imperial court! We're going through with my plan, and whether you're with us or not, it will succeed!"
"Do not antagonize me. When confronting the allies of the Han, treading on such thin ice could cost you your life and everyone life in this room..."
"You think of me as some weakling!? You think I would submit to mere political games."
"I do not think you are weak, but Lord Lu Bu, you granted me the duty of guarding your life. I only wish for you to consider the consequences before you take action against the coalition."
When Lu Bu didn't respond, Zhang Liao took that as a sign that he was finally getting to him.
"You came to me personally and entrusted your safety to me," he continued in a softer voice. "Do you not remember?"
Lu Bu's fiery gaze flashed with cold hatred. "I thought I explicitly warned you...never to speak of that day." The livid passion in Lu Bu's voice was replaced by a cold, dark hiss.
There was a long, chilling silence that followed, entangling everyone in the tension of two fierce warriors that clashed with their convictions in a battle of words.
"My lord..."
"That's enough." His voice came out just above a whisper.
"...no matter what you decide to do..."
"Quiet." He commanded slightly louder.
"...I won't let you throw your life away."
"I said quiet, vermin!"
His lords words, directed at him with such vitriol, anger, and rejection, shattered his resolve.
"Not another word! If you so much as think about questioning anymore orders you are given from here on out, it WILL be your death sentence! IS THAT CLEAR!?"
The venom that drenched his words with stinging hatred soaked to his very core with frustration, leaving him visibly shaking with anger and shame. But it quickly died when he realized that there was no making Lu Bu see reason.
"Very well, then." He stood up with his held high and his voice still firm, even after the verbal abuse. "I'll be taking my leave now."
With his last words, he turned on his heels and strode out of the room in a soldierly fashion. He quickly made his way past any lingering eyes to his quarters, where no one could see him in his obviously distressed state. His door opened and closed with more force than he realized as he entered, and leaned his back against it. He held is head in his palm, clenching his teeth as his anger tipped over.
There was no way to make his lord see error of his ways. He could be walking right into an enemy trap, but Lu Bu refused to even consider it, least of all from him. He could not understand that his enemies were allies of the Imperial Han, and just one wrong move could cost him his life and lives of all of his followers.
Ever since Dong Zhuo's death, Zhang Liao had dedicated himself solely to his training, now that Lu Bu was quite a notorious target for various warlords across the land. But it seemed like the more he tried to protect Lu Bu, the more the general would knowingly thrust himself into danger just to prove his might to the world. He always knew that his lord would never pass up the chance to fight, but now almost all of China was at odds with Lu Bu. It terrified him that his lord continued to flaunt his pride as the ice disappeared right below his feet, and it angered him that he would so aggressively reject his warning.
In his grief, he realized that walking out during the meeting may not have been the best course of action. However, he was too flustered to care. He needed to relieve some of his pent up anger.
I'm too tired to train. Perhaps a drink will do, he decided.
His blood still in a frenzy, he exited back into the hall and headed to the banquet area, hoping that the feeling of alcohol streaming down his throat would release some of the pressure.
He was surprised when he came to the hall where the evening festivities had been taking place to see the room empty of anyone at this late hour, save for one man that sat at a table near a corner of the room, slumped in his chair. Approaching the man, he recognized him as the warrior he sparred with earlier that evening, Zhao Yun. He was quietly sleeping.
"Hey. Zhao Yun?" He whispered as he tried to nudge him awake. "Wake up." When the warrior did not stir, he concluded that he must have passed out due to overindulgence.
Guess I'm not the only one having a stressful night, he noted to himself with a chuckle.
"Alright." He sighed before wrapping the warrior in his arms and lifting him, one behind his back and one behind his knees, bridal style. "Let's find you a bed."
He passed a lingering soldier as he trudged through the darkened halls carrying Zhao Yun. The man paused to send him a curious gaze when he noticed the rather vulnerable looking warrior in his arms.
"He passed out."
The soldier kept his gaze on the general, but eventually shrugged and continued on his way. Walking further into the castle, he suddenly realized that he had no idea where the quarters belonging to the man in his arms were located. So he settled on letting him rest in his own room.
He paused to glance down at the man in his arms when he began to stir. He felt a strange warmness overtake him when he saw the warrior smiling as a dreamy sigh escaped him in his sleep. He looked so peaceful and comfortable as he nudged up against his chest. He felt the warmth in his body reach his face at the rather endearing sight. Somewhat unconsciously, he pulled the man closer and held him tighter.
He came back to his room with the sleeping Zhao Yun, and rather hesitantly, allowed him to sink onto his bed. After making sure that his guest was comfortable, he sat on the edge of the bed, where he had earlier been thinking about the man currently in his presence. The moon pierced through the window and lightly caressed the warriors face with its milky translucence. The peace in his figure as his mind wandered into faraway lands was breathtaking. In an age where the warriors across the land took center stage in the country's perpetual turmoil, the sight of a warrior buried deep in the nurturing arms of nocturnal tranquility captivated him, calming his raging nerves spawned from the stressful evening.
Zhao Yun, this young warrior, his conscious was pure and focused, not clouded by the blot of chaos that his lord Lu Bu slowly descended into. The flying general's fall into madness was something he attested to himself. From afar, he watched his lord's growing overindulgence, his feasting until he became sick, and his training that was beginning to strain him. As the opposition to his glory across the land rapidly grew in number, so did the fear that rattled his mind, feeding his heart with darkness and fear.
For a long time, he wished not to see it, but Lu Bu was a hollow shell of his former self, pushed to the brink of insanity by his infamy brought forth by the turbulent age. There was a time he aspired to be like Lu Bu; fearless, and unmatched in strength. But he remembered, a time that he hoped to be so glorious, ending in sadness, that night of tragic emotion, and every night since that he became more disillusioned to his lord's selfishness and distrust.
Lu Bu was past the point of no return, he feared. There was to be a moment of truth in the near future, where he would be forced to let go of the past and look to the future.
He leaned over the bedside shelf and blew out the lit candle, allowing himself to be enshrouded in the castle's darkness. The light of the nocturnal luminous white orb intensified through the deepened darkness and wrapped delicately around his sleeping guest. In the silence at the twilight of autumn, the blessing of a ray of light in these ever darkening walls calmed the raging storm inside of him. A silent oath was made, conjured through the purity of the sleeping warrior, into an ultimatum of desperate faith and fleeting desire.
Zhao Yun's heart and mind are as one, pure as the blanket of snow reaching for the starlit horizon, allowing him to overcome any demon that stood in his way. He would be damned to allow him, too, to fall corrupted to the land's turmoil.
