Chapter 41: To Wash Away Your Tears

A small girl in a bloodstained peasant's blouse collapsed, weeping uncontrollably as the warhorses thundered mercilessly through her village. Flames and smog were carried on the breeze and drifted high into the heavens. Corpses littered the charred ground. Tears streamed down the lass's face as the stench of her burning hut permeated the air. "I don't understand. Why… why did they raze our homes?" she whimpered. "We never did anything wrong. We never wanted to fight… why did they come here just to kill us?"

Was it enough for the Wei soldiers to butcher the auburn-haired peoples because they did not wear the garments or adopt their customs of Han Chinese?

Her entire tribe, once a thriving tribe of an ancient nomadic ethnicity in the northwest of China, had been exterminated. Her people had been sacrificed to the war machine of Wei as the Cao Empire devoured the land, consuming any who stood against them, along with those who attempted to remain neutral. Even the small, marginal clans that fled the onslaught were not spared.

And now… it had been their turn.

"This… this is not fair," whispered the soot-covered child, clutching at the ground. "I… I can't…"

She raised her head and glared up hatefully at the man who stood behind a wall of flame – Zhu Ling, the second-in-command of the battalion that had raped her dead mother. His narrow, vicious eyes were unrelenting as he sliced another tribal elder in two with his broadsword. A jab from a spear prompted him to turn wildly and decapitate the attacker – a boy no older than eight. The headless corpse flopped onto the ground, alongside those of its parents. Reining in his horse, cavalry commander Xiahou Yuan growled, glaring at the Wei troops that remained. "Oi," he barked, his Northern armour glimmering amidst the flames. "That's enough. We're here to take down the anti-Cao conspirators, not cut down innocent bystanders. C'mon Zhu Ling, before I drag you out of here." The hairy man spurred on his steed, his large, burly body disappearing into the inferno.

The small, crimson-haired girl could not hear Xiahou Yuan. She could see nothing except red as she stared up into the Wei soldiers' smirks. They returned the gaze of the trembling lass with utter scorn before following Zhu Ling's lead. She would have killed for the opportunity to wipe those disgusting leers off their faces with her own bruised, bloody hands. But…

"Darl… darling."

"Daddy." She turned and crawled to her father's shaking body. The village senior lay by her side, pierced in the chest by a pitiless spear. Although she had wrenched it out of his breast, sooner than later, he would succumb, and she wanted to stay with him until the very end. "They will pay," she spat hatefully, cradling him and kissing him on his forehead. "They will pay for what they did to you."

The auburn-haired man closed his eyes. "That look on your face… it is frightening, love. Please… there are some people who will turn into monsters… not always in the name of power, but simply because we are not of their kind. History may even call you ugly, a lesser human being, merely because you looked different. But they are buffoons, my child… and mere hot air. Never let them crush your spirit. Remember that one day… you will find acceptance amongst those… who treasure and admire you."

"But… I… I want to avenge you!" wept the filial daughter, cuddling him to her small breast. "I demand justice!"

"Sweet baby, don't fight for vengeance. Don't fight to avenge me. If you must fight… fight to bring hope to the weak." His eyes suddenly blazed with a purifying fire that shone for one last time before blowing out into oblivion. "Fight to ensure that this… never happens to anyone else."

His hand fell limp, and her bloodshot eyes widened. "Daddy," cried the girl. "What… what am I supposed to do? What can I do?"

She would never forget his last words. "No matter what path you choose to take… you will always be my proud little moon. I know you will grow… into a magnificent champion, forever celebrated by future Chinese generations.

"My sweet Yue Ying."

*

"Father!"

Yue Ying's eyes snapped open as she shot up from her bed. Her hand was raised forward, reaching for nothing. Where – where am I?! Sweat pouring down her forehead, she gasped for sweet air, clutching at her left breast as her heart thundered in her ears. She looked around, staring wildly at the interior of her tent.

A nightmare?

Her disorientation did not last for long. Her mind quickly took into account her location, her bodily position, even the clothes she wore. She had not changed out of her chemise, although her long, shapely legs were bare underneath the bedsheets. Seeing no necessity to draw her weapon, she inhaled deeply and exhaled generously, closing her eyes to regain some focus. Her battle instincts allowed her to instantly calm her drained nerves at will, but when emotions of the past were involved, such meditational techniques were only useful in easing the physical toll. The inner turmoil remained, and stewed inside until it threatened to overwhelm even her indomitable will to life.

I am a wreck, she thought hopelessly. She rubbed the ridge of her elegant nose. I stain the rank of Grand General with this fear, with this vendetta of mine.

But, still, I cannot forget. I will not forget them. I am all that survives them.

I will not let history forget my people…

Daddy…

"I really miss you." A warm tear rolled down her cheek as her hands gripped the end of her blanket. Despite her heartache, she had suppressed the loneliness for twenty-three years even as it slowly gnawed away at her. Even Zhuge Liang's love had not proven completely sufficient to satiate her appetite for justice – if anything, her husband's integrity and support inflamed it. Which was perhaps one significant reason why she adored Kongming so.

She shook her head. Now was not the time to be brooding about the past, no matter how unjust it may have been. There were more important matters.

It's been two days. We must make our move towards Jieting soon. Casualties, no matter how devastating, cannot drag down the remainder of the expedition. Even if… even if…

She sighed. "Flora… Zilong…"

Sometimes, she despised her motherly disposition. Sometimes, she wished she did not waste night after night fretting for the wellbeing of her subordinates, of her comrades. She kneaded her face a second time. Oh, my noble sister from the Continent. I am worried sick for your safety.

Suddenly, the voices of astonished men could be heard. They were cries of astonishment… and of joy. She raised her head wearily. Footsteps could be heard, and a corporal rushed into her tent without even announcing himself. "Grand General!" he cried, kneeling. "They are at the gates! Lance Marshal Flora and Tiger General Zhao have come back!"

Her eyes widened. "What?" She leaped from her divan and hurried past her subordinate, brushing aside the flap of her tent. She ran through the encampment to the ramparts where the stunned soldiers stood guard. "Where are they?" she demanded, looking around impatiently.

"We are here, Grand General," came Flora's light voice, a relieved and grateful sigh.

Yue Ying gasped as her eyes fell on a blonde belle making her way past the sentries, and holding the hand of… Zhao Yun? "Flora! Zilong!" cried the Chinese woman, all decorum forgotten. There was no mistaking her. "It really is you!"

"I am profoundly sorry for troubling you – Cao Pi was more than a handful. Either way, we have distressed you more than enough." The silver-eyed woman moved to drop one knee to the ground, but Yue Ying swept her into an impatient embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around the Continental woman.

"You are safe. How you managed to survive Cao Pi, I do not know, but I am thankful to the gods for your wellbeing." Yue Ying paused. "Something's… changed in your eyes," she observed astutely, her intuitive heart skipping a beat. She glanced at Zhao Yun, smiling knowingly. Could it be true? "Have you two…"

The two warriors looked at each other, smiling shyly. "I may have not reached the level of the relationship between the Grand General and the Sleeping Dragon, but I'm getting there," replied Zhao Yun somewhat irreverently, bowing and kneeling. "Where are my manners?" he reprimanded himself. "The General of Tiger's Might has returned for duty, supreme commander!"

Yue Ying laughed, releasing Flora and clapping her hands. "I see. Then our forces can only be strengthened by this bond that you two have nurtured."

A helmeted giant quickly approached them, cutting short their reunion. "Fifth Chariot Commander, Wang Ping, reporting in, Grand General," saluted the large man. "We've received good news from Jieting."

"Go on."

"Lord Zhuge has pushed further into the mountains, destroying Xiahou Mao's Third and Fourth Divisions. We've laid siege to Hanzhong and it's only a matter of time before the Wei forces are forced to engage us, or retreat. King Liu Bei himself is preparing to march on Hanzhong once we move against Jieting. Sima Yi's forces have pulled back to reinforce the strongholds protecting the Wei River, but at the same time, a massive force of Imperial Lancers has been sighted moving towards Jieting. We think they might be trying to intercept us directly."

Imperial Lancers? Someone in the Wei Kingdom has decided to treat us rather seriously. Yue Ying put a hand to her chin thoughtfully. "They seem determined to corner us, but their movements are in reality quite predictable. Their commanders will be no match for my husband's strategies. They will fail, just like they failed at Tianshui. Please have ready the Juggernauts, Wang Ping. I will lead the army myself and meet with King Liu Bei and my husband."

"My Lady," complied Wang Ping, saluting and promptly taking his leave.

Yue Ying turned to the lovers that stood before her. The shine in her eyes had somehow changed… her tears had been cleansed. Suddenly, everything seemed more focused and tinged with light. It was as if her dream and Flora's arrival had resurrected something once dead within her.

"Lady Flora and Master Zilong, bathe yourselves and enjoy a hearty meal. I must apologize; there is not much time to rest. We will move out on my notice."

The two champions bowed. "As you wish," they affirmed together.

Yue Ying nodded in approval. "All that remains is to assemble the rest of the allies. I need you, Flora, to get in contact with Lord Zhou Tai and the rest of the Wu faction. Once that is achieved, we shall push onto Jieting together once our preparations here are complete." Her eyes shone. "If we can break through there and Wu Zhang, we will finally have opened the route for expeditions to the Wei heartland itself."

*

Two days later

Zhou Tai had not slept on his own divan for many days now – such was the tender care he offered his beloved until she was strong enough to walk again. He watched over Cynthia fondly as she continued to recuperate from the wound Luciela inflicted, minute-by-minute, and day-by-day. But her progress was encouraging. The hole in her abdomen had largely closed up and sealed itself away, thanks to many weeks of rest and the couple's shared Yoki healing abilities. The prolonged respite from battle also played an immensely beneficial role in her gradual recovery.

He held her hand for another hour, watching her slowly drift into slumber. On occasion she would stir, open her eyes blearily, and smile at him before promptly falling asleep again. But after her latest cycle of convalescence, she was fully awake. "My nightingale," he murmured, kissing her fingers as she moved to rise into a sitting position. "You feel stronger now, do you not? And you look less pale, too. I am glad."

"We have travelled for many weeks now," said the young woman, gazing at him devotedly. "I didn't know the expeditionary camps for Jieting were so far away from Shi Ting. Well, that doesn't matter. As long as my baby continues to stay with me, I don't mind lying here all day."

They had exchanged many more words of comfort and affection before a hand brushed aside the flaps of his tent. Zhou Tai blinked slowly as he turned, his eyes falling upon the beautiful form of Flora. "Lance Marshal," he acknowledged quietly. "Please come in. You came all the way from the Shu camps near Jieting?"

"Thank you, Lord Zhou. Coming to the Wan region was a swifter journey than I expected, despite having fought a most exhausting battle at Tianshui. After all, your contingents have been travelling north, too, so the distance has been offset somewhat. Miss Cynthia, how are you?" asked Flora sympathetically, moving to stand beside Zhou Tai.

"I'm in top form, Miss Flora," smiled Cynthia. "I think I may be able to return to battle in a week or so. I am so sorry for having burdened everyone."

"You need not apologize for anything. But where are the others? Where have Miss Miria and her entourage departed to?"

"They have already departed for Jieting," said Cynthia in surprise. "You didn't know?"

Flora blinked. "The Grand General never told me." She looked at Zhou Tai. "More importantly, Lady Huang was worried that you may not be in the… correct state of mind… to fight our enemies." She glanced to her side, slightly embarrassed. "I was sent to ensure whether your reinforcements are still to be expected. Is it safe to assume that you will join us in our expedition to Jieting?""

Zhou Tai looked at the smiling woman on his bed. "Yes," he whispered. "I will come to your aid. I have already dispatched Lady Jean, Lady Yuma, and Lady Tabitha to Jieting as well, to make a push towards the Central Plains alongside Lady Miria's party."

Flora's eyes widened briefly. "Everyone… together?"

Zhou Tai nodded. "Everyone. The Wu forces in their entirety will join you as soon as Cynthia has recovered completely. But…" he smiled slightly at her. "There is something we would like to do immediately afterwards."

Flora looked at Cynthia curiously.

In response, the Rising Dragon General blushed and beamed at her. "Miss Flora… Tai has asked for my hand in marriage. And I… I have accepted. If it's possible, I would like to travel to Jiangdong for my wedding with my new Lord."

Flora suppressed a gasp at the bombshell. "Miss Cynthia – "

"Please notify the Grand General that this is the last battle we will undertake before we unite as husband and wife," murmured Zhou Tai. "That is all I ask."

Flora was still amazed. Miss Cynthia and Master Zhou… are to be married?

After several moments, she nodded, giving a surprised and shy smile. "My goodness. Surely I am overstaying my welcome this very moment. I shall return to Lady Huang's side immediately." She looked away in guilt as Zhao Yun's gentle smile flashed through her mind. "This should be a time of joy and celebration. Yet you still agree to fight by our side, in such circumstances…"

"As long as we're together, we're not scared of anything," declared Cynthia. "That goes for all of us, Miss Flora – you, me, Tai, and everyone whom we call our friend. So please don't feel guilty. We are honoured to be able to continue fighting with you."

"… I congratulate you once more," whispered Flora, bowing deeply. "It is my honour to be witness to your decision." She paused in realization. "This is like… that night. That very first night when I arrived at Chi Bi… and I had come to you and Cynthia, to fight against the Yoma. It was that night when tragedy struck, yet new bonds and ties were established for a lifetime."

She almost sighed pensively. It's been almost three years… "Has so much time passed since that fateful meeting?"

"Indeed." Zhou Tai drew closer to a glowing Cynthia and hugged her. It was as if she had already completely recovered. "Then it's settled. We will travel with you to Jieting, noble Flora. We will triumph. And then…

"We will return to Jiangdong for our marriage."

*

Where she could see only her weakness, he saw her strength. She cursed herself for her bedridden condition, but he felt that her will to live seemed more courageous than anything he had ever witnessed.

He wished for her to understand that. Her bravery was sturdier than even Tian Shan.

The Chinese Claymore discarded his gauntlet and allowed their human skin to touch. Her voice was distressed and upset despite the warm, soothing contact. "Tai… I… don't want to be helpless…"

He lifted himself from the stool and kneeled by her bedside.

"You will never be helpless. I swear it."

"What… what do you mean, baby?" she asked curiously, regaining herself slightly. "How can I realize my dreams if I'm… like this?"

He took her clammy palm. "There is one dream we can fulfil together, here."

She shook her head guiltily. "I'm not sure… I understand."

His subsequent words struck her with the force of a cosmic meteor. "Marry me. Let me your husband and champion." He quickly kissed the back of her hand, as if to silence any protest that she could muster. "Your happiness is my life. I will serve you with every fibre of my being." He looked at her, his silver eyes glimmering. "I am asking you to marry me, Cynthia of Pieta."

She stared at him for several full minutes, completely and utterly silent.

"Say you will," he urged, his voice an imploring whisper. "Realize this dream. Realize our dream. Please say yes."

"Tai," she finally whimpered, tears trickling down her face. "Then… you…" she began to laugh almost hysterically. Her frenzied fit of frantic giggles filled the tent.

"You really will let me cook for you?"

Zhou Tai bowed his head. "Forevermore."

Her shoulders heaved, overcome with emotion. She spoke, her hushed voice a whimper. "Yes. Yes. Yes… yes." His face relaxed, and his smile was radiant. She could only repeat her affirmation over and over as he drew himself up to sit on her bed. "Yes. Yes."

Just as she had cried her blessing when they first knew one another by the riverbank.

The two half-Yoma embraced, and he kissed her trembling lips. "Let our marriage wash away all our tears. "Let our matrimony sanctify the life we have chosen to share together.

"Let our destiny be intertwined amongst the stars in Heaven."