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Chapter 3:
The Invitation
Masamune was the only one left in a lone corridor after the meeting with Orochi. He stood at a window, watching the rain slow down to a light drizzle. His left hand cradled his cheek as he pondered over Orochi's little speech. There was something about the whole thing which made his hair stand on end. That and the fact he had gotten rather jealous over Sima Yi's sudden interest in Lu Xun. Why should I even care? That brat insulted me! Masamune cursed. Someway down the corridor, footsteps were heard. Masamune let out a long sigh, his mind still mauling over his own feelings.
The footsteps were still some way away but they seemed to be picking up speed. The dragon blocked out the sound, hoping whoever it was would leave him to his thoughts. Yeah, like that's ever going to happen. Masamune chuckled dryly in his head. His face slipped a fraction before Masamune caught himself. Masamune shook his head and went to re-position himself when he slipped. His face met the wooden window sill with a loud thunk. I hate my life sometimes. Masamune spat.
"Ow."
The footsteps had now come to a complete stop behind Masamune who had yet to get up. "Masamune? Are you alright?" the figure questioned. Masamune closed his good eye, a hint of a smile on his face.
"I'm fine...Ina." he mumbled. Inahime, daughter of Honda Tadakatsu, frowned over the small boy's form. However it was not Ina who spoke in reply.
"Why is your face resting against the window sill? Surely that must be uncomfortable." came a second voice. The smile on Masamune's face was gone and he frowned deeply. How could he have missed Sun Shang Xiang? The Wu princess had become Ina's best friend and the two were hardly apart. Shang Xiang tapped her foot, waiting for an answer. "Well?" The Wu warrior asked, her arms crossed over her chest. Masamune still did not get up.
"Because the wood grain makes an interesting pattern and I'm observing it." He shot back. He slowly lifted his head as the two females behind him, cast confused looks at each other. Just go away! I have enough to deal with, without you two giving me a hard time! Masamune ordered but the two were still behind him. Shang Xiang was about to open her mouth when more footsteps were heard. Masamune turned to look down the corridor as these footsteps were hurried.
Tiger barreled round the corridor, almost knocking into on of the Snake generals. "Sorry!" Tiger yelled over her shoulder before carrying on. She could see Masamune up ahead and she wasn't about to stop. "My Lord! Thank goodness I found you." Tiger smiled. She stopped and bowed quickly, not even out of breath from her long run. Masamune waved a hand, silently ordering her to speak. "Lord Orochi has requested that you join a small battle. Lord Oda Nobunaga's unit it heading towards Fan Castle. Lady Da Ji has suggested sending troops to cut them off." Tiger informed.
"Me? Why me?" Masamune wondered. Tiger shrugged a little. It was clearly lost on the bodyguard as well.
"I'm not too sure myself my lord, but Lady Da Ji has ordered that you join the battle." The ninja paused briefly, turned and bowed at Ina and Shang Xiang. " My ladies. Lady Da Ji has also requested that you join as well. She has spoken with Lord Sun Ce and Lord Sun Quan. Although they are not happy about you going, Lady Shang Xiang, they have agreed nonetheless." Tiger explained quickly. Ina looked at Shang Xiang who shrugged herself.
"We can't disobey our strategist." Shang Xiang mumbled a little.
--
Zhen Shao gripped her bow more tightly, her eyes fixed on the ground. She couldn't understand why she was so...worried. Both she and Lu Xun had traveled the very same path to Fan castle, in a bid to see how long it took to get to the castle. As Lu Xun explained to Nobunaga, it was by the far the quickest route, despite the huge change in geography. Glancing over her right shoulder slightly, Zhen smiled as she caught sight of her arrows. She had a feeling she would be needing them soon.
"Zhen? Is everything all right?"
The bodyguard jumped before glancing at her Lord. Lu Xun glanced down at her from his perch on a snowy white horse, a deep frown set on his features. Unable to voice her lie, Zhen settled for nodding her head. She gave a somewhat reassuring smile which seemed to do the trick. Lu Xun smiled back, his attention focused on the road in front. As Zhen Shao cast her eyes down once more, her ears perked to the sound of an arrow being loaded onto a bow. Zhen felt a wave of panic rise as she honed in on the sound. Rushing ahead, Zhen hoped she wasn't too late.
"Lord Nobunaga! Watch out!"
Nobunaga pulled hard on the reins of his horse as Zhen stopped in front of him. She quickly loaded her own arrow and let it fly. There came a second whistling sound as another arrow charged straight at Zhen's. The two arrows hit each other, ricocheting to the left and the right. Nobunaga smiled. "It appears we have an ambush. Soldiers, take your positions." The demon King ordered, pulling his sword into view.
--
Tiger shook her head in amazement. It had surprised the ninja how Zhen had heard Ina, when Ina was so far away. However, despite the warning shot failing, Tiger knew the battle would carry on as planed. Tiger glanced towards Masamune who watched from his hiding spot. "My lord, if it's not too bold to ask...who are you looking for?" Tiger questioned lowly. The battle was about to begin and her lord had not made any movement. The ninja was starting to worry about him now.
Masamune seemed to be looking for someone. Suddenly a face-splitting grin appeared on his face. Many warriors became worried whenever that grin was on his face. "I found him." Masamune whispered pointing to a red claded warrior. Tiger groaned a little as she eyed Lu Xun. The young officer continued to slay any solider close to him while Zhen Shao was doing a damn good job of protecting him. "Tiger, lure him away from the battle I wanna have a one-on-one re-match with him." Masamune ordered.
--
Lu Xun's saber sliced through another officer, blood pooling at his feet. When the Wu officer looked around, he could faintly make out Huang Zhong and Ma Chao. Nodding to his bodyguard, Lu Xun began his way back when a green blur landed in front of him. Lu Xun slammed to a stop, eyeing the figure. The Kitsune mask was pulled to one side and a dark brown eye glinted dangerously. Zhen Shao felt a fresh wave of panic and fear hit her. "You!" she choked.
Tiger said nothing as she launched into an attack. Lu Xun stood ready but her target was Zhen Shao. Slamming her palm into the younger girl's stomach, Tiger sent Zhen tumbling backwards. "Zhen!" Lu Xun yelled as Zhen disappeared from view. The wu officer turned his sights to Tiger, attacking her. Tiger grabbed one saber and tutted.
"An invitation from my Lord. If you wish to see your bodyguard ever again, you will follow me." Tiger began. Lu Xun pulled his blade away, putting some distance between him and the ninja. Tiger let a mocking smirk cross her lips. She knew that Lu Xun would not risk the life of his bodyguard. The first time she had seen them fight, the pair seemed awfully close. "Well? Do you wish to see her or not?" Tiger snapped.
Lu Xun gritted his teeth. The battle behind him was still raging on. He couldn't afford for Nobunaga to get hurt but he knew he couldn't just leave Zhen Shao. After all the time she risked her life for me. I have yet to repay her. Lu Xun muttered. "What does your lord wish to do to her?" Lu Xun questioned. Tiger smirked again. Lu Xun was trying hard not to let his emotion show but his voice was cracking a little.
"It's not my lord you should worry about. He does not concern himself with prisoners. But if Lord Orochi should get his hands on her..." Tiger trailed off shrugging her shoulder slightly. Lu Xun let a small gasp escape from his lips. He bit his lip hard as he searched the ground. Tiger waited.
"All right. Take me to him."
--
Zhen Shao rubbed her forehead, wondering where she was. As the young female took in her surroundings, a figure stood in front of her. "Well, what do we have here?" The male chuckled. Zhen Shao gasped and made a mad grab for her bow. Loading an arrow quickly, she pointed it at the male.
"You! Where is my lord? What do you plan to do with me?" She asked. The male laughed again causing Zhen to grit her teeth in anger. "Answer me now or I'll shoot you in the leg!" she warned. The male let out a last chuckle before advancing towards Zhen. He pushed the bow to one side as he crouched down in front of her.
"I'm not planning to do anything with you. You're just the bait." his grin widened as a look of horror past over Zhen's face. "As for your lord, I do believe my bodyguard is bringing him right too me." The male added before straightening up. Oh yeah. He thought cockily. This is gonna be one heck of a re-match!