Diao Chan left them at the next town they entered: the Ying Providence. A kind handsome noble lord resided within. Apparently wooed by him, the lovely woman decided to remain behind. A General of Yuan Shao, he provided to be rather informative as well.
War ravages the North East portion of the great kingdom. A Yellow Turban revolt is to be subdued. Great Generals and many others gather together to foresee the end of Zhang Jiao. Zhang Liao immediately knew they would be included when the General spoke it. Some way or another they would be fighting within the battle. The sparkle within Lu Bu's eyes and, of course, the direction in which they traveled foretold.
Leaving Diao Chan behind proved to be emotionless. Though a kind docile woman, neither General had taken up extreme interest within her. Still, Zhang Liao gave her a polite farewell. Lu Bu simply nodded. Diao Chan didn't seem to approve much, but Liao knew that was the extent of his farewell.
Refreshed and prepared to meet challenge with blade and might, Zhang Liao and Lu Bu travel the roads towards their newfound destination. Simply to slaughter Yellow Turban men is Lu Bu's wish. The further East they move, the more likely their chances. Zhang Liao, however, does not fight for the bloodlust, but his loyalty to Lu Bu is unwavering and he follows without complaint.
"I suppose you do not plan to fight for a lord in the revolt?" Zhang Liao questions as they pass another cross road. More often do they see commoners traveling the roads with their provisions in obvious hope to escape the fighting. "Not unless they are worthy," Lu Bu replies.
"The forces against Zhang Jiao will either see us as enemy or ally…" No reply. Lu Bu either does seem to be considering or unwilling too. "I heard Lord Cao Cao and Lord Yuan Shao were joining forces," Zhang Liao adds. Still no reply. "Perhaps we will decide when we see for ourselves?" Lu Bu glances at him eyebrow quirked, but otherwise does not reply.
The farther they travel this road, the more and faster moving villagers they see. However, none pursue to know who they are. They fear both Generals. Zhang Liao can see it within their hurried motions and darting eyes. The musky smell of burning fills the air. Lu Bu moves towards the scent at a steady pace with weapon in hand at once. Zhang Liao, of course, follows. Though, he must push his horse to a faster trot to keep close with Red Hare.
Smoke bellows into the air as flames consume a small commoner's village. Strewn across the grounds lie the residents unable to escape. Yellow Turbans still are seen within, looting for women and any treasures they may find. The wailing of a child's calls strings in the air.
Lu Bu spurs forward, weapon held forth for battle. He is eager to slaughter the yellow clad men that stand before him. Upon seeming the General some of the men stand to fight, but others flee. Those who have the courage to remain behind are maimed terribly to die latter, or killed instantly. Slashing to and fro, Lu Bu cuts down his foes.
Zhang Liao remains behind. The wailing of the child has captured his attention. Trotting threw the burning town he is approached by Yellow Turban men. From afar it appeared as though only few were within the village, now it appears there are many. Drawing his duel ax blades, Liao immediately begins battle. Parry, hit and repeat. The group that attacked him was made courageous by victory over the commoners, but fall quickly to his blades.
Dismounting, he leads his horse closer to the sound. The collapsing of burning house, following by anguishing cries of agony, causes the General to jump ever slightly. The heat from the cottages is intense. Upon passing a cottage to his left he spots the child. Young and ever distressed, she is dressed in a raged dress. An injured woman kneels next to her, weeping silently. To weak to show passion for her child, the woman merely clutches her wound in silent pain.
Shouts and the sound of approaching men, bring focus back to Zhang Liao's. Foolishly becoming distracted by the woman and girl, he did not notice the Yellow Turbans approaching. A cottage across from them collapses, whooshing smoke and flames high. Startled, Zhang Liao's horse bolts. Holding the reins loosely, he is unable to stop it. His weapons were harnessed to the horses. Horrified, Liao watches the Yellow Turbans advance on the two villagers. He, however, is unable to aid them. A larger armed group surrounds him.
A rebel cockier then the rest, rushes forward. He slices horizontally for Zhang Liao's midsection. Rolling out of the way, Liao is quickly on his feet once more. The man regards Liao's agility while flexing his shoulder muscles in an obvious attempt to appear formidable. Charging, the unarmed man once more, the rebel narrowly misses. As he stumbles forward, Liao kicks him in the back. The men surrounding them simply laugh at the man's failure. Clearly trying to kill Zhang Liao is seen as a sport.
Humiliation frustrates the man, but even as he barks curses at his counterparts, they still simply laugh. Another warrior steps forward to aid. Taking a step back, Zhang Liao glances around him… still no way out.
A shriek from the woman takes his attention. The Yellow Turban's clearly attempt to have their way. The woman fights back furiously, while the rebels merely laugh as they encourage her distress. The girl is so stupefied by the violence around her that she stands stationary weeping every loudly.
Despite his strong urge to help them, he can only defend himself. Oblivious to the suffering, both men charge simultaneously, one with sword the other with spear. The spear aims high while the sword aims low. Concentration and focus is the key to victory of the unarmed man. The spear shoots past Zhang Liao's head, while the sword he dodges by leaping backwards. Whoops of encouragement and taunts voice from the watchers. Another man steps forth.
Refusing to show fear or intimidation, Liao keeps a stern unwavering gaze about him. The spear attacks first, then the sword. However, the man who most recently steps forth does not attack, till Zhang Liao does not anticipate him. However, Liao is quite diligent. He manages to dodge the strike backing away with only a scratch.
A profound agonizing scream voices into the air. Then silence, such deep horrific silence. Zhang Liao stands froze. The cottage behind the girl and woman collapses. Burning wood and flames engulf both forms and any rebels not diligent enough to retreat quick enough.
War consists of pain, lose, and sorrow. Where there is gain there is lose.
Zhang Liao turns his attention his foes. They step back, seeing the menacing look within his eyes. Rushing forward he disarms the man with the spear. Killing the man with his weapon, he then easily dispatches the sword wielder and the other. The rest of the group is executed efficiently.
Turning his attention back to the burning cottage, he begins to smell the horrific scent of burning flesh. Liao turns and briskly walks in the direction his horse fled, unable to remain in the position any longer. Anger and grief company him.
-0—
The cool spring washes away the blood and dirt, but not memory. Death of the enemy is one thing, but death of innocence is another. The soothing surrounds that enclose Liao do not falter the smell of burning. Perhaps to remain at Lu Bu's side would be the best course of action. Standing, he approaches his horse. The white steed only fled the burning village. It stopped next to the spring, too loyal to desert its master. "Li," he murmurs stroking the horse's neck.
Lu Bu watches Zhang Liao mount his horse. Something happened. He can feel it, and sees it in Liao's face, even as the General gives him a slight smile. Looking over Zhang Liao to analysis for wounds, he immediately notes ripped sleeve. Nudging Red Hare next to Liao's horse he takes up the wounded arm lightly. Zhang Liao nearly jumps in surprise. He doesn't know if Lu Bu's gentleness or concern shocks him more.
Lu Bu's thumb softly stroking the side of the wound sends a shiver down Liao's back. Either ignorant or unnoticed to this, Lu Bu says, "It's only a scratch, but keep it clean."
"Y-yes," Zhang Liao stutters involuntarily, "Where do we go next?" He quickly adds when Lu Bu glances at him. Releasing Liao's arm at his side, Lu Bu replies, "Down the road till nightfall, the maggots that pillaged this village will not be far."
"Of course, maybe we will find survi-…" Liao falters to silence. The last survivors he came upon he could not save. Lu Bu regards him; the General's obviously troubled about something. To pry upon other's problems is not something Lu Bu does, but the question lingers at the tip of his tongue. Ignoring the feeling he nudges his horse forward instead. Yet… slight guilt pokes him. Why?
Zhang Liao tenses as the pass threw the village. His wound, however, will have none of it. He must stifle a pained yelp, as he relaxing his shoulders.
His mouth feels sealed, so he doesn't attempt conversation. Lu Bu doesn't seem to notice even after they've well passed the village. Red Hare easily stays ahead of Li on the road. Zhang Liao does not care, however, as long as he is with Lu Bu.
The farther they travel the more Zhang Liao's shoulder begins to pain him. Having flexed it much while fighting, it obviously has become sore. Any movement causes great pain. But despite this Liao remains firm in his resolve of not hindering their journey.
Even the greatest of warriors have skills yet to learn. As Li jumps over a tree fallen onto the road, Liao topples to the ground. His horse whinnies, but does not leave his side. Lu Bu stops his horse upon hearing Liao's. Turning he almost seems surprised and perhaps concerned. Zhang Liao groans as he watches the Flying General dismount his horse. Liao makes to stand as Lu Bu kneels next to him, but a strong hand pushing in gently down prevents him. "I-" he begins.
"Enough excuses," Lu Bu interrupts, seeming annoyed, "we'll make camp here."
He closes his eyes. To hinder Lu Bu's journey; the exact objective he tries to avoid. Misjudging this action for exhaustion, Lu Bu slides his arms under Liao's knees and back. Yelping in surprise and pain as he feels himself being lifted, Liao's eyes snap open. He glances up to see Lu Bu looking around. The General glances down, and upon seeing Liao's profound expression simply shrugs. Rising to his feet, Lu Bu walks into the forest in search for suitable camping grounds. Zhang Liao screws his eyes shut. Every jolt from his carrier shoots pain threw his shoulder. And the humiliation!
Unsuccessfully pushing aside his persistent emotions, Liao feels greatly relieved when he finally feels himself being placed onto the forest floor. Lu Bu is surprisingly gentle. At times Zhang Liao is surprised the fearsome man is gentle at all. This, however, puts a new shine on his theory. Too humiliated to open his eyes, Liao waits till he knows Lu Bu has gone to fetch the horses. Strange… truly strange.
Not being completely incompetent, Zhang Liao makes himself as comfortable as possible, pushing broken twigs and lumps from under him. Movement causes pain, however. He tries to keep himself limited. When Lu Bu returns his barely able to met the General's eyes. "Thank you… I was just exhausted," Zhang Liao blurts out. Before he can say more he quiets suddenly realizing he's babbling. Lu Bu chuckles silently. Zhang Liao truly is a profound sight to see when flustered. "Not hinder, never hinder," Lu Bu replies silently as he removes the saddles from the horses.
Zhang Liao fiddles nervously with his fingers as Lu Bu leaves to gather firewood. Why does he feel so nervous? It's just Lord Lu Bu and himself. No… something else lingers. A feeling.
Once the fire is built and a meal eaten, Lu Bu explores Zhang Liao's wound. "Let me see," he says kneeling next to the subordinate General. Unbuckling his armor clumsily, Liao's hand is finally lead away by Lu Bu's. Taking off Liao's helmet, the great General lifts the armor off as gently as possible. Lu Bu pushes Liao's shirt over his shoulder, to reveal the deep red linen. "We should have stopped," Lu Bu, comments as he removes the bandages.
Liao's hand quivers so badly, he clenches it to stop. He feels so many emotions he's not sure which dominates him. Dabbing a wet cloth against the wound, Lu Bu pretends not to notice Zhang Liao's flustered actions. Instead he notes how well Liao takes pain, that is unless of course unless you know where to hit him. Threw sparing, Lu Bu learned where all of the General's sensitive weak spots were. The thought brings the softest smile to his face.
Noting the change in facial expression, Liao watches him curiously. Their eyes meet. Never has Lu Bu seen such honey brown eyes as Zhang Liao's. Despite himself, Liao can't help the light blush that colors itself into his upper cheeks. Lu Bu's eyes intensify immediately. He unintentionally presses against the wound when he finds himself leaning inward. Liao lets out a short yelp, giving Lu Bu a light scowl.
After the incident Lu Bu hastily finishes bandaging the wound. When accomplished, he murmurs about fetching more firewood. Suspicion arises within Liao. A suitable stack of firewood is readily laid away from the fire to be burned. Who is he do judge though? Never has he shared such awkward moment with someone else. Staggering to his feet, he paces beside the fire. His shoulder is not the only thing that gnaws at him.
"You should be resting," says a voice Liao knows only too well. He pauses his pacing.
"I'm restless," he replies.
"Did you even try?" Zhang Liao refuses to reply as Lu Bu throws down the firewood. "You didn't speak of your wound. Why?"
"I do not wish to hinder your journey, Lu Bu." Lu Bu sighs. Sometimes Zhang Liao got himself caught in being the perfect loyal General he forgets his own health. "You would be no use if injured," Lu Bu retorts. Zhang Liao's face sours slightly as he realizes Lu Bu has reason with him.
"My wound was not very troubling."
"You fell off your horse." Lu Bu's voice begins to rise. He moves in front of Zhang Liao.
"I was remounting." Obviously not persuaded, Lu Bu snorts. Stubbornness from his counterpart is rare, but well met. This is simply making unreasonable excuses. "The wound weakened you." Stepping forward cockily Zhang Liao retorts,
"I can still stand."
Truly, Zhang Liao knows Lu Bu well to be able to stand forth as he does now. His actions are reassured by the feeling within himself that Lu Bu would never hurt him.
Lu Bu's eyebrows furrow into a frown, as he moves forward. Their faces are mere moments apart, though Lu Bu towers over his counterpart. Liao has a light frown upon his face; his expression shows he is upset no more no less. He manages to keeps a straight face even at this length from Lu Bu, though in truth his heart races.
Lu Bu lifts his hand to rest it lightly against Liao's cheek. A fury of blushing instantly alight his face. Lu Bu's other hand rests on Liao's shoulder. Without thinking much of it, Liao lightly grabs Lu Bu under his arm, which holds his shoulder. Lu Bu takes no notice, nor should he. Zhang Liao is not trying to push him away.
Hesitation seems to linger with the Flying General as he moves his face till his nose lightly touches Liao's. He still frowns, though. Zhang Liao's frown, however, slowly begins to disappear. "You never hinder me, Zhang Liao," Lu Bu says softly. Never has Liao heard such a voice, deep yet soothing with a hoarse manly edge to it.
Suddenly many things seem to change between them. Zhang Liao begins to feel something within himself that has not stirred for many years. He is not even sure if such an emotion existed any more, or if it would ever be revealed. For now, though, it is simply a quiet thought.
The faraway thought in my eyes must be quite obvious to Lu Bu, Liao notes. We know one another so well…
Lu Bu presses his lips ever so lightly against Liao's lips. Lips so full, soft, and sweet despite all the hardships they've faced. Barely a kiss, barely a touch, then gone.
Profound apologizes for delaying the next chapter. Hope you enjoy. Thank you for reading and please review!
Suggestions or comments welcome.