Chapter 17
Disclaimer: You get the idea
"It is a beautiful night, dearest Falling Star."
"Yeah…."
"Would you mind having a dance with me?"
Xiu Soi turned to the fruity general Zhang He and smiled. After getting lost in the forest for what seems like forever, the search party eventually arrived and Zhen Ji instantly flew into Cao Pi's waiting arms. Xiu Soi on the other hand, had a swollen ankle, due to the fact that she had overused it in the battle and limped around the forest for hours. After their conversation in the forest, Zhen Ji suddenly walked at a slower pace. Soi suspected it was because of her, yet the woman reasoned that she was tired. As soon they were found, they took her to their base to treat her wounds. And as payment for their services, told her to spend one season with them. She had made Cao Cao and his forces swear an oath that they will not tell a soul that she was residing in their castle, in fear that it might cause misunderstanding on her part and Wu's. And she has been stuck there ever since.
Everything would have been fine…if it weren't for that blasted strategist Sima Yi. He never went to visit, yet if he did, it would be to taunt her, yet she gave it back to him, twice more. After that little insult issued by Soi, questioning his relationship with Zhang He, she never saw his shadow again. Yet when Sima's visits ended, she felt incredibly lonely.
Yet thankfully, Zhang He visited her frequently, the both of them becoming fast friends. As soon as her leg healed, they spent most of their time on dancing sessions. They traded dance routines with one another, Zhang He finding the jive exhilarating and the tango very romantic.
"I would love to" Soi laughed as she took Zhang He's hand. With the general around, she was never bored. But she did miss a certain cotton candy boy…
"Is the music from your world always like this?"
"Nah…people have been VERY imaginative in terms of lyrics lately...but other than that, nothing but sentimental love songs…it's really kind of annoying sometimes…Especially if you're not in love…" her mind drifted off and saw Lu Xun's face. Yet she shook it off
"Imaginative? How imaginative?"
"Would you believe that somebody just composed a song dedicated to one's backside and people liked it?" Soi laughingly said, which sent Zhang He's eyebrow up.
"What?" He replied. "And people liked it? How very uncultured. I'm sorry for the term, but I didn't mean that you are uncultured…the world you came from seems vulgar"
"It's ok. They mostly appreciate the beat…they LOVE to dance" Soi said with a mischievous glint in her eyes. This should be fun.
"Oh really? Maybe it's not so bad anymore" Zhang He smiled. "Why, the dances you've been teaching me lately has been exquisite!"
"But He, that's not the popular dance in my world…"
"Oh?"
Soi put her MP3 player on her ear and Zhang He's, the latter still in awe of the contraption. Club music suddenly boomed in the earphones.
"My humps!" Soi naughtily sang and started dancing seductively, which sent Zhang He screaming. He held her by the shoulders. "Stop it!"
Soi laughed. "Relax…I was just playing with you. I'm always like this. Ask Shang—" she stopped herself before the girl's name got caught in her contracting throat.
"Really now, people are dancing like that in public? How lewd and inappropriate!"
"Hey! It's not so bad. In my world, freedom of expression exists…they're a little more liberated than this world."
"All the same I don't like it. You are not fit for such a barbarous culture" Zhang He haughtily replied.
Soi sighed and let the matter drop. No point in going into an argument with someone as persistent as him. She looked at the general and couldn't help but ask.
"Zhang He?"
"Hmm?"
"Why are you so nice to me?"
"I find you beautiful!"
"…Right". I'm sorry I asked.
"Not just your lovely features mind you" he continued, as a matter of factly. "Your aura and stature…you emit a sense of confidence and control. And I find it quite remarkable"
"Oh really? Thanks I guess…That was quite a compliment"
"I am happy and honored that I got to dance and fight along side the lovely Falling Star. I could wish for nothing more"
Soi laughed, amused. "Well…I guess I really misjudged you."
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Well…I kinda developed a stigma for Wei. I thought all of you are just after me for the sake of using me…but after I spent some time with you guys, it's not so bad"
A smile touched her lips as she remembered the times when she couldn't sleep. She went down the kitchen to have a midnight snack and found a cheerful Xu Zhu, heartily munching on sweets. She had spent the night in the kitchen with him, eating and listening to the warm hearted big guy. After that, the midnight meetings were an unspoken agreement between them. The warm up sparring sessions with Dian Wei, the unexpectedly exciting game of Go with Guo Jia, even the playful banter of words with Zhang Liao, Wei's newly recruited general.
"And you…despite your…eccentricities, you've been very hospitable and kind. You keep me company even. Just like the time when…" she trailed off and she suddenly found herself remembering the one person who was always there for her.
Xunnie…you don't know how much your friendship means to me…
"Lady Xiu Soi? Is something the matter?"
Soi snapped out of her reverie and looked at the general's concerned eyes. "Oh nothing…I just remembered someone…"
"Someone very dear to you perhaps?"
She smiled sadly and nodded. "We…had a big fight. That was the last thing we did together before I left. I never…sorted things out with him and I don't know when we'll see each other again…"
Zhang He fell silent and looked up the balcony. "Why did you leave?"
At that instant, Soi's chest began to pound. She had wanted so badly, desperately needed to share her troubles with someone else. About Zhou Yu, Xiao Qiao and Sun Ce…about Lu Xun. As she opened her mouth, Zhang He sharply turned towards the shadows below the balcony and called out.
"Who's there?"
As he prepared his battle stance, Soi's eyes went wide at the figure observing them. As Zhang He was about to attack, Soi held his arm tight and let the figure escape.
"Lady Xiu Soi?"
Soi looked at the shadows wordlessly, feeling dread. I know that person…He's one of my most trusted spies when I was in Wu
News of the Falling Star's alliance with Cao Cao spread like wild fire
"It was ingenious I tell you!" Cao Cao said happily. "Following Guo Jia's suggestion, we just loosened the security of the castle a bit and let spies infiltrate. They'll do the job of us, and once the idiots of Wu hears about it, the Falling Star is as good as mine! And the best part of it all was we didn't break our oath to the Falling Star. Well done Guo Jia"
The tactician bowed and smiled. "Thank you my lord"
Sima Yi, hiding his displeasure, merely waved his fan. The Falling Star, joining forces with Wei, was an undeniably unforeseen unfortunate circumstance. Yet her living in the castle and the whole staff doting upon her was a total nightmare.
Hmm…maybe I can use this unfortunate event in my favor…he thought with a sly smile as he ignored the lap dog Guo Jia and Cao Cao to their ramblings.
Soi knew with a heavy heart that she had a lot of explaining to do.
Provided that they would let me explain, she thought grimly. Crashing at Cao Cao's was a bad idea…Of all people it had to be him to pick me up!
Her mind replayed the scene that night over and over until she could no longer bear it. Problems were piling up ever since the trial ended. She was forced to leave Wu, scorned by her loved ones, used and set up by the ones who held her in custody and now this…it seems like she and Ce are becoming more and more distant each passing day.
"So Lord Cao Cao does not want you to leave the grounds?"
"Yeah, he's acting like a possessive lover. He posted body guards all over to keep an eye on me" she motioned to an infantry unit with a stocky build and muscle ridden bodies, standing right behind them. "Just the other day, he invited me into his harem! I don't care if he's the ruler; I practically beat him up with the book I'm reading!" Soi recalled the incident and thanked the heavens that the kind librarian gave her Sun Tzu.
Zhang He laughed heartily at the mental images. "You have courage, Falling Star, I give you that. I doubt anyone here has the gall to look Cao Cao in the eye, save his son Cao Pi."
"Zhang He, I think he doesn't want me to communicate with Ce and the others. I know that he told you all to keep an eye on me even if you don't tell me."
Zhang He smiled as he recalled the meeting they had the other day. The Falling Star was right in her assumptions that dear Cao Cao definitely did not want to give her the chance to talk with Sun Ce. Ever since she came to the castle, morale has been high and the people were more cooperative and the chances of rebelling significantly fell. Certain generals and rulers are trying hard to curry in their favor. The situation was turning in their advantage and the last thing they needed was Sun Ce and Xiu Soi to sort things out. He found her brutally honest attitude wonderful and gutsy.
"Let's just say that he thinks of you highly"
A snort came from Soi. "Thinks of me highly? If you think highly of a woman, you don't invite her over to your harem for some sick 'fun'!"
"I mean you are like a lucky charm to him. Everything has been going his way ever since you came to Wei. Why, we could crush those ugly fools with you on our side!"
"Zhang He…what's your definition of beautiful? I'm just curious…you keep calling everyone ugly and ungraceful…you seem…obsessed. Don't take it the wrong way though. I just want to know" Soi added an after thought in her head. And I notice you seem to call all who opposes every word that meant 'not beautiful'
"Dearest Xiu Soi, I personally believe that this land is over run by unsightly things, that's why there is no peace. I see not only the physical features of a person, but what's inside as well. Confidence, power, control, decisiveness…a strong will towards an ambition…all these things are beautiful. You cannot serve someone who is indecisive and controllable. All those who have the right to rule the land must have those beautiful qualities"
"But…if everyone has the same qualities, wouldn't that mean that it would cause more war?"
"Whatever do you mean?"
"If there's no factor to balance those qualities, it can't work. Let's say everyone was decisive and in control…They pursue their own ambitions and desires. But what if they had the same ambition? Let's say everyone wants to be the ruler of the entire land and none of them could be stopped…what would happen?"
"Then everyone would have to fight for the land"
"Exactly. And there would be no peace and war will never end…that's the reason why we're in the middle of a civil war in the first place. Zhang He, you can't go around thinking that you're better than most people and calling them ugly…a lot of people will hate you for that"
"My dear, I do not care what people might think of me"
"What if someone told you that you were ugly?"
"That is not true!"
"See? You were offended. It's the same as other people" Soi looked down. "You see, that's the reason why most people are unwilling to support your cause…you tend to look down on them…"
"But it's the truth!"
"They're ugly because you perceive them as ugly…you don't care about what they feel…You know, I tried being ugly once"
"That's impossible! You cannot look as such!"
"But I did!" Soi answered, amused. "I cut my hair to look like a boy, wore loose clothes, didn't wash my face that well…"
Zhang He's eyes told Soi that he did not believe a word she was saying. She continued "Every one in Wu thought I was a boy"
"A very attractive boy I assume" Zhang He confidently said which sent chills down Soi's spine. She continued none the less. "But you know…I found out that sometimes I wish I wasn't beautiful…people don't notice you that way. No one envies you or tries to sabotage you…or try to…do horrible things to you…" she blocked out the unwanted images of her step father and continued "You just get sick of people loving you for your looks…not for who you really are and what you can do"
The general wordlessly put a hand gently on her hair. "I am sorry, my lady. I notice that your pain is great, yet I still do not understand…I see that the advantages of being beautiful outweigh the disadvantages. I remain unconvinced…perhaps I never will be. "
Soi looked out the window and sighed. She then smiled. "Well…everyone is entitled to their own opinion…there is no clear right or wrong in this world. People who believe otherwise tend to despise other people…At least, in my opinion".
Her eyes then traveled to the grazing fields, where the horses do their daily run and eat the grass. She saw a tall figure in the distance, tending to them.
"Zhang He…I haven't seen that man before…is that an officer?"
"Ah yes" the general replied as he casually looked at the figure. "His name is Guan Yu. He seldom sets foot in the castle these days…maybe that's why you haven't seen him"
Eyeing the grassy fields, Soi smiled at the thought of being out of the castle. "Let's go talk to him!"
"Whatever for?" a dumbfounded Zhang He replied.
"He seems like a nice guy"
With Zhang He in her heels, in no time at all, the Falling Star was walking towards the God of War. Since it was autumn, she was wearing a long sleeved, brown knitted sweater that reached beyond her hands; her white denim shorts, canvas shoes and a red muffler.
"Hey! Can I hitch a ride with the horses?"
Eyeing her clothes with curiosity, Guan Yu wordlessly nodded and took her to one of the tamer horses.
"Lady Xiu Soi, wait!" Zhang He called out, the infantry men running right behind him. "You can't go out riding!"
"And why not?" she said playfully as Guan Yu helped her out. "Cao Cao can't keep me inside the castle forever. What's wrong with enjoying a bit of freedom? I'm not going beyond the territory of the castle; I'm just going to go around the castle. And what's more, I'm not the type who would break a promise!" she galloped away with a silent Guan Yu riding after her and a desperate group of infantrymen running after them.
"THAT'S NOT THE ISSUE HEAR LADY XIU SOI!" Zhang He shouted after her after she had covered quite a distance.
"HUH? IF THIS IS NOT THE ISSUE, THEN WHAT IS?" Soi shouted over the wind as she rode away.
Zhang He held out some robes and ornaments.
"YOU CANT GO OUT DRESSED LIKE THAT! YOU'RE A FASHION DISASTER!"
Soi felt her brain slowly melt at the general's comment.
After she had ordered the infantrymen to take their break, assuring them that she would not be able to escape with Guan Yu and Zhang He at her side and that she had no intention to, the lady sighed as her horse leisurely walked.
"Man…semi-privacy at last…" She looked at the silent yet towering figure beside her. "Nice to meet you Lord Guan Yu."
Guan Yu stopped his steed and turned to Soi. He clasped his hand to his fist and bowed. "An honor, Falling Star..."
"Oh no, you can just call me Soi...or Lady Soi if you want. Whichever is fine with me, just not Lady Xiu Soi"
"Then Lady Soi it is"
Soi helplessly smiled at the man. "If that's what you want then." She regarded the peaceful scene as she gently leaned on her horse. She closed her eyes and let the wind gently brush her face.
Zhang He and Guan Yu remained mercifully silent, knowing very well that these are one of the rare times that the Falling actually relaxed.
She looked up the clouds and smiled. "Look! That cloud looks like Cao Cao being mangled!"
At that, Zhang He laughed while Guan Yu mercifully restrained himself.
"You really don't like Lord Cao Cao, don't you?"
"It's not that I don't like him altogether...he has his good points but he just irritates me! Unlike Liu Bei...I feel a strong connection with him for some apparent reason..."
Zhang He fell silent while Guan Yu spoke. "It is understandable...One would usually feel that way around brother."
"Yeah...I wonder how he is? I heard he's over at Liu Biao's, in one of his provinces...but if he is, what are you doing here?"
"What?!" Guan Yu sat up and looked at Xiu Soi in the eye. "Is that so...? I'm afraid I did not know..."
"Now you do" She gave him a conspiring smile. He stood up and bowed. "If you will excuse me..."
When Guan Yu was out of earshot, Zhang He protested. "Lady Soi!"
"What? He deserves to know Zhang He."
"I know that, but he's a valuable ally! We cannot lose him!"
"I will not stand idly by and let Cao Cao imprison him like what he's doing to me" Soi replied. "And besides, he will know sooner or later. He will leave whether you like it or not. He will leave for you took his loyalty for granted and lied to him. That is not the proper way to keep your men. You don't imprison them and give them a lie; you set them free and give them the truth. You do not rule them in fear, but rather in sincere, unconditional love. Once your vassals find that you are true and sincere, you would not need force nor fear to make them loyal and follow you. And that is why when it comes to loyal vassals, Liu Bei outdo Cao Cao greatly."
A messenger then came to them and genuflected. "Lady Xiu Soi, Lord Cao Cao summons you"
Soi sighed inwardly as she looked about the place. The generals were gathered and the soldiers from the barracks came in droves. She looked at Cao Cao with poison and thought: This was not part of our deal!
Earlier that week, Cao Cao had asked her to perform at his son Cao Pi's birthday celebration. She had noticed that Sima Yi was trying hard to hide his smug smile.
Soi knew that this was a plot to show to the world that she was definitely theirs. At first, she had refused, but after securing a promise from a reluctant Cao Cao that she would be free to go and he wouldn't pursue her further, she agreed. She also had to scare Cao Cao and threaten to show to everyone that he has been mistreating her and was very disrespectful towards her womanhood, he had no choice but to agree.
He invited half of the land just to show them his newest weapon Soi thought. But I will indulge you. This will be my last night, Cao Cao.
As she surveyed the visitors, she realized with a heavy heart that not one Wu representative came.
I should've known…The relationship of our forces is hostile…
"Your attention everyone" Cao Pi cleared his throat and the hall fell silent. "I am honored that you have graced the halls of our castle with your presence—"
Yeah right. Soi thought. You just want to showcase your power…
"—And we will be blessed with a song by none other than one who came down from the heavens, the Falling Star herself."
Clapping ensued and Soi stood up to take her place.
She had on her usual read choker, red earrings, her hair down and held it with a red butterfly and lily clip. She put on traditional red and white robes and strings befitting of a princess, much to Cao Cao's dismay.
She smirked as she saw his face. I will never give the satisfaction of showing you my skin, you old pervert!
The rest of the Wei faction found this refreshing. They had never seen the Falling Star don clothes from their world. Zhang He found it thrilling and Cao Pi thought it was pleasing to the eye.
Sima Yi remained as blank faced as ever.
"Well" Soi started with the introduction. "Now that our dear prince is celebrating his birthday, I wanted to offer more than just a song. I wanted to offer meaning with the song…a thought…a lesson if you will. You see, some people has been sharing their thoughts to me lately…whether it's their ideal scenario, person and what have you. Sadly, in this world, most people tend to disagree with others just for the fact that they are different or they don't conform with certain ideals…And that disagreement could turn into a bloody, brutal battle….a family feud, or a lifetime of hate. I do not want dear Cao Pi to live that sad fate. I would want him to learn to appreciate things that are different…appreciate the fact that there is balance in this world. This is a song from my world, and it is my gift to Cao Pi."
As the band started, Soi opened her lips and sang.
nanbaa wan ni naranakute mo ii
moto moto tokubetsu na Only one
(It's alright if you can't be No. 1
From the start you were a special Only one)
Soi grinned at Zhang He and trotted over to Xu Zhu
hanaya no mise saki ni naranda
iron na hana wo mite ita
(Lined up in front of a flower shop
I was looking at all kinds of flowers)
She draped over the giant's shoulders and patted his belly.
hito sore zore konomi wa aru kedo
dore mo minna minna kirei da ne
kono uchi de dare ga ichiban da nante
arasou koto mo shinai de
baketsu no naka hokorashige ni
shanto mune wo hatte iru
(Everyone has their own taste
But all of them are pretty
Without competing over
Which of them is the best
They are drawn up proudly and straight
In a bucket)
She walked over to Dian Wei and rubbed his shaved head; the latter's face breaking into a reluctant smile. She then turned to Zhang Liao and gave a mock salute while grinning. The general laughed at her antic and returned the salute.
sore na no ni bokura ningen wa
dou shite kou mo kurabetagaru?
hitori hitori chigau no ni sono naka de
ichiban ni naritagaru?
(Why do we humans compare ourselves
In spite of this
Even though each person is different
Why do we want to be number one?)
Soi turned to Cao Pi and Zhen Ji, giving them a nonchalant shrug and a knowing grin. She raised a finger, indicating a number one.
sou sa bokura wa
sekai ni hitotsu dake no hana
hitori hitori chigau tane wo motsu
sono hana wo sakaseru koto dake ni
issho kenmei ni nareba ii
(Yes, we are flowers unlike any others
In the world
Each person has a different seed
We should focus our lives
On making that flower bloom)
She took a couple of random flowers from the vases and handed it to Zhang He
komatta you ni warai nagara
zutto mayotteru hito ga iru
(There are people who are always lost
As though they're troubled while they're laughing)
She gave him a pat on the back and straightened.
ganbatte saita hana dore mo
kirei da kara shikata nai ne
(It's inevitable, those flowers that tried their best to bloom
Are the prettiest
She took two baskets of petals and dumped them on the Xiahou brothers' heads, earning a laugh from the other generals. She gave them a conspiratorial wink.
yatto mise kara dete kita
sono hito ga kakaete ita
iro tori dori no hanataba to
ureshi sou na egao
(When at last that person
Comes out of the store
They're carrying a colorful bouquet
And they look happy )
"Dun and Yuan sure don't look happy!" Xu Zhu's body jiggled as he laughed, watching the brothers brush the petals off them.
namae mo shiranakatta keredo
ano hi boku ni egao wo kureta
dare mo kizukanai you na basho de
saiteta hana no you ni
(I didn't know their name
But on that day they made me smile
We're like flowers that bloomed
In a place where everyone is oblivious)
Soi took another flower and held it close to her face. She strode to Zhen Ji and handed it to her. Zhen was taken aback by the gesture.
sou sa bokura mo
sekai ni hitotsu dake no hana
hitori hitori chigau tane wo motsu
sono hana wo sakaseru koto dake ni
issho kenmei ni nareba ii
(Yes, we are flowers unlike any other
In the world
Each person has a different seed
We should focus our lives
On making that flower bloom)
Zhen took the flower and Soi turned to Guan Yu, her eyes in gentle understanding. She then turned to the audience and held her arms out, as if conveyinng a message.
chiisai hana ya ooki na hana
hitotsu to shite onaji mono wa nai kara
nanbaa wan ni naranakute mo ii
motomoto tokubetsu na Only one
(Small flowers and big flowers
None are the same
It's alright if you can't be No. 1
From the start you were a special Only one)
At the end of the song, Zhang He stood up and clapped enthusiastically. "Beautiful!"
Soi smirked and turned to Sima Yi. Now...I will show you my revenge.
"The next song I'm going to perform--" the Wei generals turned to her in surprise. "--is dedicated to someone. You know who you are. And the game is not over yet. This song is from my world and is called 'Sweet Sacrifice'". Her eyes never left Sima Yi as she started singing, the tone of her voice sending chills down the audience' spines.
It's true, we're all a little insane.
But it's so clear,
Now that I'm unchained.
They all looked at her in disbelief, some in fear, as she used her opera singing voice mixed with something else. Soi spread out her hands, an unfamiliar smile on her face.
Fear is only in our minds,
Taking over all the time.
Fear is only in our minds but it's taking over all the time.
She sharply turned her head to Sima, the latter perfectly masking the discomfort he felt.
You poor sweet innocent thing.
Dry your eyes and testify.
She walked threateningly over to him.
You know you live to break me. Don't deny.
Sweet sacrifice.
She gave him a dark smile and turned to everyone. She closed her eyes as if contemplating.
One day I'm gonna forget your name,
And one sweet day, you're gonna drown in my lost pain.
She tilted her head, her eyes darting to Sima. She turned to the generals once again. She lifted her arms and looked up at the heavens. She twirled slowly.
Fear is only in our minds,
Taking over all the time.
"Lady Soi...Scary..." Xu Zhu gulped. Zhang Liao held his drink tightly.
Fear is only in our minds but it's taking over all the time.
She quickly withdrew her hands and snapped her head back to Sima.
You poor sweet innocent thing.
Dry your eyes and testify.
And oh you love to hate me don't you, honey?
She put her hand to her heart while giving him the same, dark smile.
I'm your sacrifice.
"This is disturbing..." Zhen shook her head. Cao Pi found it hauntingly beautiful.
A courtesan started singing in whisper, providing a back up for Soi.
I dream in darkness
I sleep to die,
Erase the silence,
Erase my life--
Soi sang in response. Do you wonder why you hate?
The courtesan continued.
Our burning ashes
Blacken the day,
A world of nothingness,
Blow me away.
Soi narrowed her eyes. Are you still too weak to survive your mistakes?
"Lady Soi...is so different." Xiahou Dun shifted in his seat uneasily.
"Yes...she is singing of something dark...such bravery..." Cao Cao balled his hand into a fist. The rest of the visiting generals either sweat too much or looked down. The music and Soi's voice haunted them. Even the musicians themselves tried hard to mask their uneasiness by Soi's sudden change.
Zhang He looked at her disbelievingly. Lady Soi...what happened? This is not like you...This music...this tone...the words...are frightening.
"Brother...fear is apparent in this room...do you think she is indeed from the heavens?" Yuan whispered hurriedly.
Dun stayed silent.
You poor sweet innocent thing.
Dry your eyes and testify.
"She's not acting like herself..."
"I agree...I liked her better when she was not like this...you think someone made her angry?"
You know you live to break me.
Don't deny.
Sweet sacrifice.
The song ended as abruptly as it started. Her eyes then dropped their dark shadow and she smiled.
The people hesitantly clapped, now fearing the wrath of the Falling Star.
"We'd better not cross her again..."
"I agree...She is powerful...A room full of generals...but still, one song and she subdued almost everyone!"
Sima Yi heard this and after countless gulps of wine, he finally shook his apprehension. His plan backfired...But it won't be long...
Soi looked around smiling, "Now please...Enjoy the feast."
She gracefully walked, the eyes of the generals and sovereigns never leaving her.
She passed by Cao Cao, hair, train and shoal in the wind, and gave him a dazzling smile.
"Your promise...don't forget alright?"
In the dead of the night, Soi silently packed her things for the third time. She sighed in relief yet at the same time felt a little sad.
I was beginning to like it here...She sighed unhappily. Why is it whenever she finally found some warmth, she keeps on finding herself stuffing her bag and leaving with no one to say goodbye? She slung her bag on her shoulder and felt the lonely echo of her feet on the marble floor. It's becoming a routine and she's becoming sick of it. As she made her way to the entrance, a question struck her: How would she travel to the next city? Even if she was the Falling Star, it would be dangerous without any companions; especially without a horse or a mode of transportation. Only one thing left to do…
As she made her way to the stables, she tried to shake the guilty feeling in her gut. She had no choice; either steal a horse or walk all the way to the next town. And walking in the dead of the night, in the freezing cold did not appeal the slightest. As she reached the entrance, she was surprised to see that the sentry guarding the entrance was asleep…or knocked unconscious in her opinion. The men were sprawled on the ground; either they were knocked out or there was an intruder in the premises. Eerily, the dogs weren't going crazy. Taking a cautious step inside, she found the place was undisturbed…except for a few stalls that were empty.
Horse thieves? But why didn't the dogs raise alarm? She ran to the back and out in the open and stopped dead in her tracks.
Standing outside in the dead of night, loading a horse drawn carriage was none other than Guan Yu. He slowly turned around and raised his gaze to hers, his eyes determined. "Lady Xiu Soi. Good evening."
"Evening Guan Yu" Soi nodded. "I assume you're not going on a nightly stroll are you? It's cold…very."
Guan Yu stayed silent, yet her instincts told her that he was getting ready for battle. She raised her hands, sending the message that she meant no harm. "Hey, I'm not about to ruin your little plan…don't worry, I'm not telling anyone. I'm not a snitch."
"I have to get to my brother. My loyalty will always be with him. Although I owe Cao Cao for his kindness, I cannot turn my back on my brotherhood with Liu Bei." He started to reach for his weapon
"It's cool! I understand," Soi immediately answered. "I won't stop you…far from it. I uh—" she then chuckled sheepishly, "—I was wondering if I can hitch a ride…that is, if you don't mind"
Guan Yu couldn't have been more surprised if she suddenly proclaimed herself the Empress of China. He stayed his weapon and gave a bow. "It will be an honor to escort you, my lady."
The palace came alive as a series of shout and alarms rang out. Cao Pi stalked the halls, cursing under his breath. That ingrate Guan Yu was attempting to break through the city gates—he'll show the general that he'll have hell to pay for! No one turns their back on the oath they made to the Wei; it's a disgrace. He must not go unpunished!
"Order ALL the officers to give chase and stop that carriage from all costs! Guan Yu's family is inside. He won't leave without them."
He mounted his stallion and rode as swift as the wind.
Guan Yu flicked the reins, urging the horses to run faster as he saw the soldiers gaining on them. Inside, Soi braced her arms on the walls of the carriage to keep from being thrown on the floor. She saw Guan Yu's wife hold onto little Guan Ping in fear. And as she saw the soldiers gain on them, she reached for her weapon.
Guan Yu grimaced as a whole cavalry unit blocked his carriage. He tied the reigns to the carriage and pulled his weapon out, jumping on the ground and knocking the soldiers around. At the same time, he urged the horses to move forward bit by bit. Yet the soldiers came in droves, and not long afterwards, Dian Wei himself attacked the general.
"You won't be able to leave that easily" the bodyguard declared fiercely as he locked weapons with Guan Yu. And at the corner of his eye, he saw Xiahou Yuan and Dun finally catching up to him. Both of them raised their weapons to disable the carriage
This might be more than he could handle…
As both of them reached the carriage, soldiers suddenly started flying around, knocking the siblings back from the carriage. The momentary distraction caused Dian Wei to lower his guard and Guan Yu was able to throw him back. The general looked and smiled. Lady Soi was standing in front of the open door, twirling her weapon in her arms. "Don't touch the carriage if you don't want to get hurt. If you want to dance, then let's tango!"
She jumped through the air; her staff held in both of her hands, and pushed it against a group of soldiers, who fell to the ground. She then twisted around, her staff turning into a 6 piece whip and scaring the horses of the cavalry, opening a gap for them. "Guan Yu! Take the reins!" she then jumped on the roof of the carriage and used the whip to drive the soldiers away from the carriage.
Guan Yu sprang into action after making sure that Dian Wei was not getting up anytime soon. He landed on the front seat and took the reins while Soi landed a major hurt on the soldiers who tried to break the carriage. As Guan put the horses in full speed, Soi swung the whip around, creating a barrier around it. The carriage jerked, and she fell on her knees, her hand holding on the roof for dear life while the other hand held her weapon.
"LADY SOI? ARE YOU ALRIGHT?" Guan Yu shouted over the winds.
"I'M FINE! FULL SPEED AHEAD! DON'T STOP!"
Guan Yu worked at the reins furiously until they broke through the barricade. Soi, all the while, hung desperately on the roof.
"Sir! They're crossing the bridge! They broke through our defenses!"
Cao Pi gritted his teeth at the news the courier brought. Well he wasn't about to let Guan Yu slip through the barricades in his watch! He turned to the soldiers at attention.
"Send the armored cavalry!"
"Hold that order."
Cao Pi froze at the sound of his father's voice. He slowly turned and straightened, looking at his father in the eye. "If we do not act now, they will escape us. Surely you cannot let Guan Yu make a mockery of Wei by lightly discarding his allegiance to our force and running to Liu Bei? And he has the Falling Star with him, which I believe, is the key to wining this war."
Cao Cao looked at the carriage thoughtfully, making its way towards the horizon, scattering dust in the wind.
"It is my way of commending Guan Yu for his loyalty to his brother…Although I'm sorry to see him go, I just don't have the heart to force him to stay by my side. Only a few people in every lifetime has had the privilege to meet someone whose loyalty is as true. For that, I am willing to let him go."
"Father…"
"As for the Falling Star" he continued "While it is unfortunate that we could not convince her to stay, I feel the same way about her. Her loyalty to Wu and that idiot Sun Ce runs deeper than sworn blood. He doesn't know how lucky he is…And I did promise her that I'd let her go" he smiled inspite of himself as he regarded the Falling Star with respect. "To openly defy me in my own grounds, in front of other nations, my generals and my family…for a woman, no, even if she were a man, it would take great courage and loyalty."
…And love, Zhen Ji silently amended as she watched the carriage disappear into the night.
Author's notes: Sorry it took such a long time!! bows. Aside from writer's block, a lot of things happened this past year so…I'm really sorry! Don't worry, I'll be more vigilant! I'll try to finish the story for your pleasure! Thank you for staying with me and for reviewing!