The Wolf
Zhao Yun watched on as the forces of Wu pulled back. He gripped his spear tightly, teeth gritted hard against each other. Twice. He's been made a fool of twice by the same woman. He calmed himself down, before turning to Xing Li, who seemed to be mesmerized by Xu Yen.
Well, Xu Yen is beautiful, that is for sure, and her skills were top notch. Which made Zhao Yun consider what she said. He had seen a little of what Xing Li was capable of, but to earn a praise from Xu Yen, now that was definitely worth looking into.
"Xing Li."
He gently called her name, but she reacted greatly, jumping slightly.
"I-i'm sorry!"
She bowed down before him, which he raised an eyebrow to.
"Why are you apologizing?"
"I... i'm useless. I relied on your aid to help me."
"... You're not useless. If Xu Yen says that you are strong, that means you are."
"Erm... if you don't mind me asking, but do you know her?"
Zhao Yun scratched his head, not really wanting to remember, but he sighed. What was there to hide, anyway?
"That is Li Xu Yen, one of Wu's most powerful female generals. She is also the adopted daughter of Wu's late Lord Sun Jian. She is still young, maybe about your age, but she has attained the status of general by proving herself in battle."
"How is it that you came to meet her?"
"... It was a long time ago. Before she became a general and daughter of Sun Jian."
Five years ago
Seeking shelter from the rain, Zhao Yun Zi Long headed for the nearest inn. Pulling his cloak over his shoulders, he hurried inside. The inn was warm compared to the chills of the wind outside. He was suppose to travel towards Wu to deliver a message to Sun Jian, the lord of Wu. He paused to look around the inn. It was packed with the rough sort of crowd. Well, he did take the shortest route, so this is what he should expect. Taking a seat by himself near the corner, he waited till someone came up to him.
"Stormy season."
Was all the man said, placing a pot of tea, with a tea cup down for him.
"Right... I'll have whatever you recommend, and a room for the night."
Zhao Yun placed down a string of coins. The server's eyes lit up, reaching out for the coins, but Zhao Yun drew the coin back, looking straight at the server, who nodded, rushing off in a hurry. It was a clear message. Zhao Yun did not like this place very much, and he was in a hurry. It didn't take long for the server to come back with some dishes that met some standard. Rice, chicken, pork, fish, vegetables and some steam buns. It was a lot to digest, but Zhao Yun figured he was hungry, so might as well indulge himself. Seeing as how the server was still standing by his table, Zhao Yun dropped the entire string of coins on the table.
The server took it, and bowed, leaving Zhao Yun to his meal. He had also managed to turn some heads with his large meal. Keeping one hand on his sword by his side, he used his free hand to grab a mantou, taking a bite out of it while eyeing everyone who took notice of him. He left his spear with his horse, who was in the stables next to the inn. He figured that carrying his spear around would only make him a very large target. But he treasured his spear, so was rather reluctant on parting with it.
As Zhao Yun went through his meal, a single figure stepped into the inn. With a straw hat over the head, and dirtied cloak, the newcomer was small in size. Walking over to the other side of the inn, the newcomer sat down and waited, before the same server who served Zhao Yun walked up. Zhao Yun emptied his bowl of rice, and picked up another mantou, his eyes still looking around. He had noticed the newcomer, but did not seem too alarmed. His attention was more on the group of large thugs who sat in the middle of the inn.
Those thugs were not afraid to show their weapons, and their bad habits. Those were usually the ones who would create the most problems for people. However, those thugs do not seem so interested in Zhao Yun at the moment. One of them got up, and walked over to the newcomer. Curious as to why the newcomer would garner so much attention, Zhao yun decided to focus his attention and hearing.
The thug seemed to be talking with the newcomer, who had not revealed his face. But then, the thug seemed to take the offensive, even shouting some curse words. Zhao Yun is a man of honour and pride, and that thug is looking like he was going to attack the cloaked newcomer. Also, Zhao Yun has a tendency to hate thugs. Getting up, Zhao Yun walked over to the table of the newcomer, but not before grabbing another mantou. Now all eyes were on him, as he now stepped in-between the thug, and the newcomer, who still stayed seated.
"What do you want?"
The thug's breath was rancid, and his glare was quite menacing. But Zhao Yun had fought in wars, so this single thug was nothing to him. Though this thug is also two full heads taller than Zhao Yun.
"You're disturbing the peace of this inn, and this customer."
"Oh yeah? Well, this person doesn't even common courtesy. Doesn't reply when i try talking."
"Maybe he is a mute."
Zhao Yun offered an explanation. Though he hates thugs, he hates fighting as well.
"Oh yeah? Well, you better move out of the way. This guy is really getting on my nerves. If you don't want to get hurt, then get lost."
Zhao Yun felt rather irritated himself, and was tempted to draw his sword, when a loud sound caught the two's attention. The newcomer, slammed a sword onto the table. This action caught Zhao Yun and the thug by surprise, and most of the inn. The thug's friends all rushed over, surrounding Zhou Yu and the newcomer. Thugs are easily intimated, and an action like bringing out your sword is like a challenge. Zhao Yun reached for his sword, and drew it just in time to parry one of the thug's weapon. Another thug went after the newcomer, but Zhao Yun was hard pressed to deal with that one. However, the newcomer was no pushover.
Using two fingers from the hand that still rested on the sword, the newcomer pushed the sword out of the sheath at high velocity, like an arrow from a bow, and the hilt of the sword slammed hard into the chin of the charging thug, all done while the newcomer was still seated. The sword spun in the air, and the newcomer stood up, the sword landing nicely in his hand. Pulling off the straw hat, the newcomer revealed himself, or herself, much to the surprise of everyone in the inn. A young girl, no older than fourteen years of age, with her long raven hair tied into a tail, and her dark eyes glaring hard and sharp like a tiger.
"A girl?"
The thugs were caught unprepared, and were in a state of shock. The girl seemed to take offence, her eyes narrowing at that word. She threw her sword, hilt first, to the thug who had Zhao Yun hard pressed against. Running up, she grabbed her sword before it dropped to the ground, before using Zhao Yun's shoulder as a support and propelling herself forward, feet first into the face of another thug.
She moved swiftly, darting between attacks, using her small size to her advantage. Zhao Yun simply stood there, shocked as this small young girl made every single thug fall to the floor, and not a single scratch on her. Zhao Yun was stunned, speechless, staring at the young girl as she got back up, sheathing her sword and sitting back down on her chair, pulling her straw hat over her head once more.
"Hey! You girl! You damaged my inn!"
Zhao Yun turned to see a large man coming out from the back. Judging from what he said, this man must be the owner of the inn. Thinking quickly, though not clearly, Zhao Yun stepped before the large man. If those thugs were tall, this owner is huge. Zhao yun felt like an ant compared to this man.
"Sir, allow me to pay for the damages."
"What?! Do you know how much damage all of this cost-"
The man was shut quickly when Zhao Yun pulled out a small bundle, and revealing the contents to be gold ingots. The owner's mouth slacked open at the sight of the gold.
"I'm sure this would suffice for now."
Zhao Yun took one ingot and placed it in the giant hand of the owner, who starred in utter disbelief at the gold.
"Now then, i believe i haven't been shown to my room yet."
"Ah-... yes. Shen! Go get him 'the' room."
The owner shouted at a servant boy, who rushed forward, bowing before Zhao Yun, and gesturing for him to follow, but Zhao Yun was facing the young girl by herself at the table.
"Young lady, may i ask that you join me in my room? I wish to thank you for your timely rescue."
The girl raised an eyebrow at Zhao Yun.
Setting his things on the table, he picked up his spear, which he retrieved from the stables. Since there was now no need to hide his identity as a fighter, he could keep his spear close to him. The girl who started and ended the trouble before, now sat on the bed in his room, eyeing him suspiciously. Well, he would do the same in her position. But at least she took off her straw hat and cloak. Dressed in simple clothes, while still clutching on tightly to her sword.
"... Where are you headed?"
Zhao Yun tried to start a conversation. The girl kept silent for awhile, then looked at her sword.
"To find the owner of this sword."
"Oh? And how is it that you came to learn such skills?"
Zhao Yun noted that her fighting skills were high. Very high for a girl of her age. She may even force Guan Yu into using his full strength if they ever fought. Shu could use a warrior like her, though Zhao Yun knew that he would have a hard time to convince her to join, and also, to convince Guan Yu that a girl is strong, and skilled enough to fight on the battlefield.
"..."
The girl kept silent, possibly not wanting to reveal who taught her who to use the sword to such an extent. It wasn't the mere swinging of a weapon, like how soldiers are taught. No, it was actual martial arts. The difference in foundation lay in what mind set the user is in. For a mere soldier, their objective with the weapon is to cut and kill the enemy. For a martial artist, fighting is like a dance.
Movements must be smooth and fluid. The objective is the same as a soldier, though martial artists are suppose to have a stronger level of concentration and control. Zhao Yun knows that in war, soldiers tend to enter a mad frenzy, and their movements become erratic, uncontrollable and unstable. Soldiers enter such a phase so as to shut their minds away from the chaos that is around them, but it leaves them vulnerable to attacks. Normally, humans are not used to confrontation, and war throws everyone into the fire of chaos, some even going mad. Martial artists strive to control themselves when fighting. They think while fighting, plan and carefully execute.
Although they specialize in fighting one on one, a martial artist can be useful in war, since they would be in better control of themselves and would not leave too many openings for the enemy to find. They would also make excellent commanders and officers. When men go into a frenzy, they need directions to tell them where to go. It was like the frenzied men were hunting dogs, and the officers were their handlers, releasing the dogs when they've spotted their prey.
"Well, can you at least tell me your name?"
"What is it to you?"
"Nothing, i'm just interested to know how a young pretty girl like you can be so good at fighting."
The girl still didn't seem to trust him, as evident by her gesture of gripping the sword by its hilt with one hand. Zhao Yun knew how to defend himself, even against this girl. Then-
"Xu Yen."
She said her own name. Zhao Yun smiled, feeling like he was finally getting somewhere with the conversation.
"Xu Yen, huh? That's a nice name."
Though it sounds like a boy's name. Well, there was another way to write it, but it still sounded like a boy's name.
"My name is... Zi Long."
He gave his zi name, instead, since he should not be giving out his real name too freely. Being a famous general meant that your name would have spread further than your face, and that there were a lot of people who would not take too kindly if they heard your name. But he felt kind of odd, since his zi name was only used by people he was familiar with. This girl isn't one of them.
"... Are we done?"
"Huh?"
Zhao Yun looked at her with a puzzled look. Xu Yen seemed to be irritated by the fact that Zhao Yun did not completely understand the question.
"I said... 'are we done'? It's late."
"Oh... yes, sure. You can use the bed."
"... Alright."
Xu Yen still sounded insecure, as she lay on the bed to rest, her hands still clutching onto the sword. Zhao Yun rested his head on his hand, watching with great interest at the girl, till his exhaustion caught up with him, and he soon fell asleep.
With the sun's rays hitting against his face, Zhao Yun stifled a yawn as he awoke. Stretching out, he got up, and was in for a surprise. Xu Yen was gone. Worried, he rushed out, and saw a servant close by.
"Oh, the girl? She left in the morning. She told us not to wake you."
The servant smiled warmly.
"Huh..."
"Oh yes, we'll be serving your meal in your room later. Please rest easy."
"Meal? But i didn't-"
"The girl has paid for it, so please do not worry."
".... Right."
Zhao Yun had to curse himself. The girl had enough money to make the owner pleased? He didn't need to pay for her, and rescue her. He made a complete fool out of himself by trying to save her.
He had been riding for the entire day, and only reaching the high walls of the capital of Wu of Jian Ye at sun set. He slowed his horse as he neared the gate, where the guards were checking every entry. When Zhao Yun reached the gate, he passed a parchment to the guards, who unrolled it. The moment they read it, they looked up to him, with widened eyes.
"Give way!"
The guards who escorted him pushed aside the people in the town, letting Zhao Yun walk rather freely in the town. Personally, he did not need such attention to himself, feeling the weight of the people staring at him. The castle of the great Sun Jian loomed ahead, large and domineering. Zhao Yun had to wonder why did his lord choose him for such an assignment in the first place.
Surely there were more suitable people for this task. But it was also thanks to this assignment, that he managed to see something interesting. Sadly, he had let that girl slip through his fingers. Upon entering the castle walls, Zhao Yun was formally greeted by two full lines of troops, standing by the path towards the throne room. It was surely done to make sure he would 'stray' too far in the castle.
Wu are certainly cautious people. Zhao Yun made his way to the throne room, where his eyes fell upon the leader of Wu, the tiger general, Sun Jian. Around him were prominent officers, Ling Cao, Chen Pu, Sun Jian's own son Sun Ce, the young bright officer Zhou Yu, and many others. Standing at the foot of the steps leading to the chair where Sun Jian sat, Zhao Yun knelt before the Lord of Wu.
"I have come from Shu, with some offerings from my lord."
Zhao Yun took from his pouch two bundles, and revealing them to be gold. Some of the officers in the hall started to talk amongst themselves in low murmurs.
"I have more with me, but i was forced to leave them outside the castle."
"Haha! This is rich!"
Sun Jian laughed, making Zhao yun slightly puzzled.
"I have heard of you, lord Zhao Yun. A formidable fighter and general. Yes, lord Liu Bei has found a rare gem indeed."
"Your words are too generous."
"Not at all!.. Well, down to business. We will accept this offering. You can tell your lord that if he ever needs aid, Wu will lend it to him."
"I thank you."
Zhao Yun bowed, which made Sun Jian laugh once more.
"You are very formal, for one who is still so young. Tell you what, why not stay in my castle for awhile. You can rest before heading back."
"But surely i cannot-"
"My Lord!"
A familiar voice shouted from behind Zhao Yun, making him turn. Standing there, to Zhao Yun's surprise, was Xu Yen. Dressed in a beautiful red silk dress, the young girl was cleaned and properly groomed, making her very pretty. So much so that Zhao Yun almost did not recognize her.
"Xu Yen! How many times must i tell you to call me 'ti-eh'?"
Sun Jian sighed. Then he noticed that Zhao Yun and Xu Yen were both staring at each other for quite an extended time.
"... General Zhao Yun, let me introduce you to my newest adopted daughter, Li Xu Yen."
Xing Li was quite surprised, since she had not heard of her general being sent out as an envoy before. But then, what happened to the offerings that were suppose to bind Shu and Wu together?
Present
"Happened after that?"
"Huh? Oh... I stayed in Wu for two months, before coming back."
"No, i'm asking what happened between you and that Wu general."
Zhao Yun scratched his head, feeling his face turning quite red.
"... It's time we head back as well."
"Ah!... he ran away."
Xing Li sighed, watching her commander suddenly running away. That made her think that something did happen, and he was too ashamed to talk about it. Taking a moment to let the information sink in, Xing Li looked around her. It wasn't much of a victory for Shu, as Xing Li could see more bodies of Shu soldiers than that of Wu. Some of those faces, with their eyes still wide open in fear or in pain, she knew. Though Wu retreated, they had won this battle.
"I heard they only retreat because Wei had attacked one of their towns."
Xing Li turned, and saw the friendly face of one of her comrades. A few cuts and bruises, while clutching onto his left hand, Zhang Ming Yun looked like he had just gone through hell and back.
"Wei...."
She dreaded that name. The Kingdom with the largest military power with its ruler ruthless and relentless in his pursuit for total domination.
"I heard that you faced Wu's infamous 'wolf' general."
"Huh?"
"Li Xu Yen."
"Oh... yeah."
Xing Li sat down on the floor, taking her helmet off to wipe her sweat. Ming Yun joined her, and a couple more survivors from her unit gathered around as well.
"I'm surprised that you're still alive, frankly speaking."
"Why?"
"Li Xu Yen is a fearsome general to face on the battlefield, and once she has her eyes on someone, she would chase them extremely far."
"Hence her name 'wolf'?"
Xing Li thought it was weird to give such a general the name of an animal, especially if the general is from Wu, where wolves never appear. Wolves are only known to appear in the far Northern regions, and only in the forest.
"Well, her unit is mainly horseback, so they move swift, and under her command, they would encircle their enemy within seconds. Her adopted father is known as the 'tiger', so it seems fitting that she should get a name related to an animal."
Ming Yun laughed heartily, despite his injuries, and some of the other men joined in.
"If that's the case, shouldn't she be 'tigress'?"
"Ah-... true."
Zhao Yun pulled his stead towards where the towering figure of Guan Yu sat ontop of his horse.
"Yun Chang."
"Zi Long, you faced the wolf?"
Guan Yu did not even turn to face Zhao Yun as the latter rode up beside him.
"Yeah... She says she found someone with great potential within our own ranks."
"Oh? For one of our soldiers to be praised by the wolf, who is he?"
"... Tai Xing Li."
"....... Oh."
Guan Yu's face turned slightly red, adding to his already red complexion. After all, Guan Yu was the one who was very adamant about how only men should be strong and fight.
"Is it true about Wu?"
Zhao Yun asked, having overheard the soldiers.
"Yes... Wei attacked one of their farming towns while they were engaging us. I hate to be taken advantage of by Wei."
"... What should we do?"
"We'll retreat. This is Wu's victory."
A/N: Very OOC in this, i know... and the lame excuse, whatever.
