Her Dearest Guardian

by Etro18

What if... she accepted my feelings? I wondered if we could live as a happy family, but turns out things were far more complicated in the end. A one-shot fanfiction revolving self-insert male OC and Xiaoqiao from Dynasty Warriors series, specifically Xiaoqiao from Dynasty Warriors 8. This version is a remaster of the fanfic I posted on another site, from 5k words into 15k.

"Xiaoqiao. In the nearest future, may I m-marry you?"

"... What?"

I said it. Finally said it.

For each petals fell from the blooming cherry blossom tree, her widened eyes met with mine. When someone confessed to you so early in your life, who would not be surprised? I might not have known her for so long, but this beating heart of mine could not lie any further feelings toward her.

I want to protect her by all my life, hold her hand toward a future much uncertain but full of love and care, possibly even after death itself.

I promised to become her guardian after what transpired five years ago of our first encounter, under this cherry blossom tree.

Our meeting back then, dare I say, was fated.

Back then I was but a young fool, living his life without much care. I sneaked away from the farm when father looked at another direction, as usual. This specific tree gave the best comfort imaginable for a nap. The view was marvelous, a straight grassy plains with nothing in sight, the forest behind gave the perfect shade to cool down. Lying flat on my back, my consciousness almost dozed off, the breeze was perfect before I heard a shriek. I glanced toward the direction to find a girl running to me along with a wild dog on her trail, drool dripping from its mouth.

My mouth went agape as I stood. A goddess-like milky skin belonged to heaven along with a delicate face, a pure look without sin albeit filled with terror. Her chestnut hair swayed along her shoulder, mimicking her rushed movement from side to side.

She put herself behind my body, gripping my shoulder hard. Panting heavily, she leaned her head on my back hiding from the dog, now head to head against me.

That day, this was her request to me.

"Please shoo it away! Please!"

My heart melted hearing such plea.

Without thinking twice, I closed the gap between the dog and myself. The dog pounced forward, throwing the first punch but I jumped to the side in the nick of time. Glancing behind at the girl, she wept as she covered her mouth, slowly backing from the fight, but her eyes reflected a single glint of hope.

A fool I was. A scratch smeared across my cheek, reminding myself the fight wasn't over before I turned back at the dog. The searing pain from the wound made me flinch, but I saw an opening as the dog landed on the ground. My right finger went for the dog's eye, dealing a fatal blow with a hard poke. Realizing the fight wasn't going good for its side, the dog howled in pain as it ran back to the forest.

It was the most painful five seconds of my life. Blood started to drip from the scratch wound. I fell to the ground, my ragged breathing trying to keep me awake and my head nearly went white. A little figure entered my vision, her eyes locked with mine, tears welled up on her eyes.

Such expression would never fit her innocence. Nobody should ever let that beautiful face sullied by grief.

I raised my thumb to the air, proving her that I was alive and kicking, but her tears never stopped. A gentleman must be able to comfort a lady, but how? My fading consciousness was busy searching for a solution before I heard footsteps. My head turned facing the noise to find a handful of soldiers running closer in hurry.

The girl finally showed her smile for the first time, a sight that rivaled even the most beautiful statue and the shiniest gem I could imagine. I finally could die happy, such a foolish life of mine was awarded unfairly with a sight.

"Little lady! Never wander alone at this forest! It's dangerous!" I heard the tallest guard from the group said while trying to catch his breath, possibly the leader of the group.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please, my guardian needs help! He will die soon!" The 'Little lady' replied as she pointed at my wounded cheek.

A guardian. Her guardian. A little fire flared in my soul hearing that statement.

"I-it's not that bad, just a scratch. A day sleep will heal me faster than any medicine!" I managed to utter such claim while my cheek refused to relieve the pain. Of course no wound could ever heal that fast, but I had to look tough! I should not show any weakness in front of her! A gentleman must act like a true warrior!

The little girl formed a pout as she kneeled down beside me. This is the first time for me to find out even a pout could be so cute.

One of the soldier walked to me with a pouch on his hand. Dipping his finger inside, it revealed a greenish-hue salve. He touched the scratch in my cheek and spread the ointment, resulting in me clenching my teeth to survive the sharp pain I felt across my face.

"Ackh! Why don't you warn me before covering my cheek with who knows what!?" I squealed in protest after he released his finger.

He smirked as he stood up. "Sorry kid, that's the least thing we could do for you. The salve should fix you up pretty quick. Not as fast as your magical sleep, though," he said.

The leader clapped to get all attention to him as he looked at the little girl. He looked irritated, but his eyes flashed sign of relief.

"Okay then, it's time to go back to Lord Qiao Gong. Little lady, you should be ashamed of yourself for running on your own, let alone letting someone to be injured of your own doing! Don't make another mistake like this again!" scolded the leader. The girl simply looked down on the ground, the tears that already welled up almost flooded again.

Finally, the perfect time for a gentleman to speak up!

"No, it's okay! I'm okay, really! I want to become a warrior in the future to save those who needed help, and this experience was very insightful! Now that I know that a dog could act ferociously, I will— ouch..." My cheek flared up once again.

"Hehe..." She chuckled a little, now with a happy face. "Anyway, thank you for your help. I will come again tomorrow! Is that okay?"

"Yup, no problem—what!? I... I mean, y-yeah, sure... s-see you tomorrow, then!"

Now already wrapping up the situation, the soldiers walked away with the girl in tow, this time a soldier assigned to keep a close eye on her. That girl surely was a daughter of an important person, judging by the amount of soldiers looking for her. Who was their employer they mentioned again? Qiao Gong?

Oh wait, I almost forgot!

They were already quite far from me when I shouted to the girl.

"Hey! What's your name?"

She waved back at me and shouted back.

"You can call me Xiaoqiao!"

Xiaoqiao. 'Little Qiao'.

When I was back home, mother was immediately furious at first but shrieked when she saw my wound. I told her that I was fine, and she questioned how did I get this—hopefully not from a quarrel against boys my age. I told her that I rescued a little girl chased by a wild dog. She let out a single sigh and scolded me to not put myself in such dangerous situation anymore.

My mouth complied and said yes, while my mind refuted and said no. If I turned the blind eye toward those who needed help, then how could I ever become a respectable warrior in the future?

Night fell and father went home. He scolded me for running away from work, but he was proud of me after I told him my story. He told me maybe she will become my princess in the future and I should dream big. Dream big indeed to the point I couldn't get a wink of sleep that night. My mind was filled with the thought of the girl. Xiaoqiao, she replied as her name. What a cutie.

I was definitely eager to know more about her... but would it be possible?

We were two insects, each on the far side of a stick. Me, a meager ant compared to her, an exquisite ladybug. She was an important royal figure. On the other hand, I was a mere peasant. Nobody important to her. Maybe she said such thing to not disappoint me and give me hope, but as fool as I was, even I realized.

We were not meant to know each other as a friend.

I crushed the hope of meeting her tomorrow. She would not come, and never will. While I'm busy toiling the field, I bet she would be enjoying a celebratory feast with her family rather than visiting a boy like me.

A tear slipped out from my eye, but I cannot allow more tears to come out. I simply have to face reality. We were not meant to know each other more than what happened today.

The following afternoon around the exact time of the event yesterday, I found myself sitting under the cherry blossom tree—once again skipping day work—accompanied with a branch of bamboo and a knife. I tried to carve a flute of my own. I toiled away at the stick, each shave hoping that I could make a good melody out of it. When the bamboo flute seemed ready, I inhaled deeply and blew it hard.

The harmonious melody I hoped for ended up as illegible noises instead.

"Ow, that sounds horrible!" someone said behind me.

I turned my head in surprise, seeing a girl with chestnut hair covering her ears with both hands. It's Xiaoqiao.

"You... really are here!"

"Of course! I promised, right? A good girl will never back down on her promise~" She lowered down her hands and smiled at me.

Maybe I was too pessimistic. The girl decided to visit me again, thank the heaven for this blessing.

We spent the day simply talking to one another with whatever topic small children like us could think of. I don't fully remember what we talked about exactly, but jokes, gossips, and secrets was frequent on that day. We laughed and we counseled with each other like a lost friend who recently got united once again. It was a happy day for me until the sun decided to close its curtain for today.

"Wow, it's evening already? Guess we really enjoyed ourselves, he he," she said with her infectious cheery laugh.

"Yeah..."

Sure, I could meet her today, and that was absolutely breathtaking. Could we meet again in the future, though? I shook my head in hopelessness, but Xiaoqiao noticed.

"What is it? Something bugs your mind?"

"It's just..." I tried to scramble a proper invitation inside my mind. "Can we meet again and become friend?"

She narrowed her eyes and pouted, "You are my friend already, what do you mean?"

My eyes widened. Turns out there was hope after all. I replied her pout with a pat on her head, to which she answered with a big smile in her cute face. "Never mind."

We started to dig deeper into each other better. Days became weeks. Weeks became months, months became years. I believe it had been five years since I have lived my life with her as my best friend. We treated each other like a brother and sister, consoled each other when things went rough on one of us, and we congratulated each other when one of us achieved something. When someone cry, the other was ready with open shoulder. When joy moments came upon, we shared the joy to each other. It's a perfect relationship, if I have to sum my experience with Xiaoqiao.

My father and mother eventually knew about our friendship, yet they never once prohibited me to meet her, so long as I knew how to behave. My father was able to rope me into a discipline routine of his. He said women love a dependable men, someone who uphold a strict code of honor and able to dispense justice whenever necessary. Inspired by his words, I started to build myself, both body and mind, to become the best version of myself in the future.

At one time I was even allowed to enter her residence, a royal mansion in the edge of neighboring town. She was sick and I wanted to pay a visit—with the most beautiful flower fitting for her I could find in the forest— so I went to her house while mustering courage. My mind formed plans while talking with the guard to sneak inside if I was denied entry, but much to my surprise they agreed to let me in. I was nervous when she asked me about the flower, but in the end she laughed and put the flower in a vase beside her bed.

Visiting such a grandiose mansion was merely a dream for a peasant like me, but Qiaowy—I gave her that nickname—gladly explained everything to me as we toured around the mansion. Lord Qiao Gong, her father, was a fair man albeit strict at governing his ministers delegated to him from Lord Liu Xun, current administrator of Wan County, the land Qiaowy and I call home. Her older sister, Daqiao, was a beautiful girl as well, but her demure personality could never compare with the cheery ball of energy Xiaoqiao. Just by talking alone, Daqiao seemed to understand my situation with Xiaoqiao and wished me luck to won her over, which left my face red as beet until I went home. Hearing her encouragement, I realized something inside me that day.

Deep down, affection formed inside my heart, not just as a best friend. My mind was always happy whenever I was with Xiaoqiao, but the words of her older sister woke something inside me as the happiness simply was not out of joy alone. It was more than that.

The word happy was not enough to explain the feelings inside my heart.

Adoration. Care and comfort. To share pain and joy as one. There was only one way to describe this feeling.

I love her.

From that day forward, I started to train even harder so I could protect her whenever danger arose. Physical exertion was daily, literary study became a habit. I pushed my body to its limit, but whenever I thought about Xiaoqiao, a certain spirit invoked inside my body and I keep on going, as if hearing her voice alone could give me the strength to move a mountain and swam the deep sea. I must become stronger to protect her, to be worthy in front of her.

She always cheered at me while I was training without knowing that she was the source of my power. She became my single comfort often when I forced myself to the brink with my rigorous training. 'I will become a strong warrior in the future' was my usual excuse when she asked, and that statement itself was never a lie, but deeper down, it was never only about that.

Oh, my Xiaoqiao. I fell so hard for you. Why a girl as sweet as you decided to steal my heart so soon in my life? We were inseparable, I knew that deep down. I believe she knew that too. This feeling was too painful to hide for so long until one day I decided it's time to come clean.

Thanks to that feeling, I mustered my courage. I asked her to meet me under the cherry blossom tree where we met for the first time.

I arrived early to tidy things up since it had been a while for both of us to visit, but it seems the heaven itself set the stage for my grand confession. The tree was full in bloom, the pink color accentuate the lush surroundings of green, engulfing it in its beauty. Sign of carvings in the tree showed scribbles I and the girl in question did to pass time. A boy and a girl together, with this tree as a witness. I smiled at the tree as I sat down, reaching for a bamboo flute that I brought today.

Never I mentioned this to her, but the day after she heard me blasted that failure of a flute, I swore upon myself to made a proper flute someday. The one I carried was the latest one I made and the one I felt most satisfied with.

I inhaled deeply and learning from my mistake, this time I let a soft blow into the flute. Today marks the first time this tree heard a melodious flute made by myself. I remembered a song mother used to sing me to sleep when I was little and tried to mimic it. It truly brought back memories, the naive me who used to be carefree now turned into a proper man. Am I finally worthy enough for Xiaoqiao? The music ended right when I felt someone stood beside me.

"That was amazing, where did you get that bamboo flute?" said by the cutie.

I turned around to face Xiaoqiao directly. She looked pretty today... No, she was always pretty in front of me. The most beautiful thing I ever encountered in my whole existence.

She sat close beside me, causing her fragrance to enter my nose. My mind went wild, my breath became ragged. I tried to calm myself down to no avail, but she didn't seem bothered by it. Perhaps she intentionally did this to tease me instead?

"So, what is it? You wanna talk about something?" Xiaoqiao said in her cheery manner as usual.

I was at loss for words. What should I say?

"First off, I... t-this is for you, Qiaowy," I said, handing over the flute. "I finally did it. This f-flute is my best yet, so... I want y-you to have it."

Xiaoqiao accepted the flute, her mouth went agape as she inspected it all over. "Wow... You secretly made this just to make up for that time? That is... wonderful! Thank you for this, I really appreciate it!" she said as she jumped to hug me from the side.

Too much, the stimulation was too much! The speech I had prepared from home was now lost in memory as her hug intensified. Only after she let go I managed to calm down my nerves.

"Anything else to add? Surely you called me specifically not just to give me this present?"

"Uh... er... Let me prepare more about it first..." That sounded creepy! Why did I blurt that out loud!?

"What? Hehe, you asked me to come and now you're acting all serious and flustered?" she whispered as she chuckled and leaned her head to my shoulder. "Dummy, just tell me what is it, I promise to keep it secret~" she continued.

You would never believe how cute you were, little Qiao.

We sat there for quite a while with no one uttering a word, listening to the forest. The soft breeze plucked some of the petals from the tree to fall, forming a beautiful mess under it. The blue sky was kind enough to lend itself its magnificence today, and the birds were busy chirping around the tree.

Did the heaven witness my resolution and decided to bless me?

"You know," Xiaoqiao broke the silence while playing with her hair, "I kind of remembered that day. You saved me from that wild dog I teased in the forest. I really am grateful," she said with a smile in her face.

"If only you weren't here, I might have died. Thanks, my guardian!" Her genuine smile went even wider. Nobody would ever show this kind of expression unless they truly trust the other person. In other words...

"Guardian, huh..." I stood up, watching the plains getting swooped by the wind.

"You could depend more to me, you know?" I said in a hushed tone.

Xiaoqiao raised her eyebrows in response. "So you're telling me to guess what did you mean by that..." she replied, her finger placed between her eyes.

I think this is the moment.

I inhaled as much as possible, then I bowed to Xiaoqiao.

"If you agree with it..."

"Hm?"

"Xiaoqiao. In the nearest future, may I m-marry you?"

"... What?"

I said it. Finally said it.

For each petals fell from the blooming cherry blossom tree, her widened eyes met with mine. I finally lost control of my mouth, trusting the rest of this message from my heart alone.

"I... I fell for you, Qiaowy. The moment when we first met, I feel there will be something going on between us in the end, and today I can properly convey what I've felt all this time. I love you and I wish to hold your hand in marriage when you are of age!"

Her shoulders dropped upon hearing my confession. She only sat still in her spot, not moving an inch. Her mouth opened, nearly saying something, but she closed it slowly.

"I... Xiaoqiao, I—"

"It's not that I don't want it." She hugged her knees as she looked down upon the ground. "I understand the feeling, and the same fire raged inside me for so long, but..." Her voice trailed off from the sentence.

Was that a confirmation?

No, not yet. I believe that was not a rejection, at least.

So, she felt the same? Y-yes, she was!

Why then... I felt quite uneasy?

Did I mess up somehow? Was it my way of confessing? Should I prepare an apology gift inst—

"I can't answer you with ease before telling father about this. Give me a day and we'll sort it out, okay?" Xiaoqiao looked at me, her face was red and eyes full of tears.

I want to believe those were joyous tears.

Was it?

We sat beside each other for the rest of the evening, completely at loss for words. When night falls, she bid her goodbye hastily and left me alone.

I went back to home, humming softly while deciding what present should I prepare for tomorrow along the way when I heard the sound of metal clashing.

Crouching slowly to the noise, I hid in the nearest bush. Peeking through the greenery, I witnessed a large amount of locals fighting against a lot of mean-looking people.

The opposing force doesn't seem like fugitives from recent bandit raids. Ever since Lord Yuan Shu, the current ruler of the land, declared himself as the emperor—an action deemed insolent by every other current rulers—amidst the struggle between warlords, those who expressed their dissatisfaction formed an underground group to spread chaos around this land. Was this one of the said groups, though?

Their movements was well-coordinated, their weapons lacked the impurities often seen on the usual quality you see on the market. The physique of the enemy soldiers looked robust, the type which witnessed battle nearly everyday. The blood spilled on the ground was similar to the color of uniform they wore, red.

The locals struggled to fend them off. Just by a glance alone, it was clear this army will obliterate anyone who stood in their way. I scrambled back to my house and warned father and mother about what I saw earlier. I ran to my room to retrieve a wooden staff, my choice of weapon, and patrolled around the house, praying the skirmish to not reach here.

When day came, I went to the village to gather information about yesterday. The fighting was getting intense based on the info spread around, but according to one of the villager who braved into the enemy camp undetected and managed to overhear some soldiers, the army will not raid this village. I nearly breathed sigh of relief before he mentioned a mansion on the edge of a town nearby was rumored to be one of the army target because of a certain two beautiful women resided within.

I sprinted as fast as I could when a group of local patrols near the outskirt of the village happened upon me. When I questioned why they were here, one of them clicked his tongue and answered I should help bolster the defense around the village as deserters from the army could come any time soon. I tried to run past them, but one of the patrol tackled me and before I managed to break free, they tied me up and put me in jail.

I promised to protect Xiaoqiao when danger lurks around, then the world was against me. Thanks to the tense situation, I did not hear any news back from her. What an ironic twist of fate.

The moment they released me after that day, the chief of the village proposed me a list of things I could do to help, which I simply nodded my head and get to work. Weaponry maintenance, grunt works, things the youth were expected to understand. Still, the moment I was done and they left me alone for something else, I got up and went to the town. I had to make sure if my girl was safe.

The street was understandably busier than usual now that rumor that a skirmish happened had reached the area, most civilians going places with their belongings into somewhere safer and the marketplace running out of stocks of everything due to surge of orders. The guards patrolling the street seemed preoccupied with all the chaos going around.

Lord Qiao Gong's mansion was within view, but the usual front guards were nowhere to be seen. I opened the one and only front gate, holding my steps from alerting anyone nearby of my trespass, but it was for naught. It was already abandoned, quite a rushed one, in fact. Sandals and footwears strewn everywhere near the living quarters, livestock were left altogether in the husbandry next door, and the room which Xiaoqiao slept in had its door opened. No human presence was left. I entered the room—with all due respect to the former resident—to find no trace of her left.

She... left me without leaving any heads up?

I knew it should be Lord Qiao Gong who forced this, but... a slight pain tinges inside my heart. It's not her fault, but the way she left me in the dust...

Enough. I should not wallow too much in this misery. I have to believe Xiaoqiao left without any bad intention.

I promise to find you, girl. Even if you traveled all the way into heaven or hell, I will come knock in front of your door in the morning.

Am I ready, though? Trudging through the lifeless courtyard, I thought to myself. I need to make my name known on this land. A simple peasant will be deemed unworthy of a fair maiden such as her. If I trained harder and proved myself capable, the day will come when I could hold her hand in marriage for real. The problem was how.

My head was kept in thought for so long before I realized I'm back in the town plaza. A crowd started to form in front of the civil servants office. Something was up, surely. I walked closer to hear the thing talked by the town crier.

"...and thus, the military will draft as many men as possible to help protect this land from the filthy hand of the invaders! Lord Liu Xun promised a hefty sum of gold to those who proved capable and loyal! Hear this, people of the land! Might and mind need to unite as one for us to repel this trial upon us! The test will..."

My mind was set. It's time to prove my worth.

"Me!" I raised my hand from the crowd, all heads suddenly turned toward me. "I am willing to serve!"

Slowly but surely, more hands were raised from the crowds. Cheers were shared to those who raised their fists up, me included.

"Fine individuals! We gathered here to protect our land, the ground which we lived and laughed together! Forget men and women, all of us are needed to attain this future, our future! Who's with me!?" Before I realized, I said all of those things.

"Yeah!"

---

"Circle formation!" I shouted. The men behind me followed suit and spread around, all forming an orderly circle with our back to each other, not letting the enemy to gain an upper hand as they approached us.

"Sir, we're surrounded! What do we do?" Despite the grim situation, none of the soldiers looked shaken. A firm resolution could be seen through the glint of their eyes, each with unwavering belief considering I was the one commanding them.

"Spears, at the enemies! Swords, two groups of five, one take the back, one follow me! Let's clear these rabbles!" I barked the orders and in a matter of seconds, the fight was on.

A bandit group razed a village nearby. Almost every civilians got evacuated when a group of thugs ambushed my group. Shameful of them to face me head on.

A knock to the head and one of them fell. A swoop of my wooden staff and their legs broke. One thug thought he could strike me from behind before he became lifeless, one of my soldier took care of him from behind. Three minutes in and their ranks were getting thinner. Some escaped to the alley, which I told my men to give chase. They all were breathing hard and sweats dripping from their forehead, but none of them was injured. The victor of this skirmish was clear.

"Stand down and you will receive lighter sentence! Persist and you will personally taste my staff!" I twirled my weapon in an attempt to intimidate the remaining thugs, causing some of them to threw their weapons to the side and kneeled. The fattest one of them charged at me, his iron mace swung around as he ran closer.

"I told you."

He swung his mace at the last position I was in. As he realized his hit didn't connect, the fight was over as a smack to his head rendered him out cold.

Nobody cheered on our victory, but the village was half intact. The farm and market hit the most damage, but overall could be repaired. All in all...

"Fine work, people! We did it!"

"Hurrah!" My men all raised their fists to the air. A swift victory always gave the best feeling, after all.

We went to check the remainder of the civilians on the edge of the town. The eldest among them came forth. "Are we safe now?"

I coughed as I came closer. "Yes. My men have checked the perimeter and found their camping site, some of them apparently resting when we caught them without much of an issue. I will notify to the higher up for the resources and manpower needed to restore this village."

The elder bowed to the ground followed by every single civilians behind him. "Thank you! Thank you very much!" he said repeatedly. I had a hard time begging him to stand up after that.

The year was 199. Two years had passed since I enlisted. Many things had taken place, especially me becoming one of a handful squad captains of the militia army in Wan County renowned for its prowess over military stratagem and staff combat. Never I expected in my life that my fate led me toward this way of living. The amount of soldiers I commandeered surely was nothing compared to many other more promising talents out there and I kept working toward that goal.

For whom all this effort was, someone asked while I was out drinking with the group, celebrating a victory against invaders in a drinking house. I simply answered to them, "The beautiful maiden heaven had blessed me with." They kept pestering me about who this supposed lady was, but I only laughed. "If I tell you people about her, I will only have more suitors to fight against!"

I never forgot about our promise, Xiaoqiao. Your whereabouts was still a mystery to me, but I will always stride forward to make you proud until we meet again!

"Are you sure you're not... seeking another mistress, sir?" One of the girl nearby asked me about it, a daughter of the local wealthy businessman.

"She never once checked about you after all this years, are you sure she still loves you?" Another girl followed asking, this one the daughter of fellow militia captain.

"Yes." The same answer always came out from my mouth, never even once I wavered from that question.

The celebration was filled with cacophony of laughter and joy until late night. People were either asleep—possibly due to hangover—or talking loudly, but I stood up amidst the party to bid my early departure. Looking back at the crowd from the entrance, I sighed. It was clear the daily morning practice for tomorrow will have its fair share of punishments for late arrivals given by none other than me.

I walked out into the night straight to the place I reside, a small hut inside the military ground constructed for captains to rest. From the distance, I saw someone standing near my assigned hut, a soldier wearing red uniform.

The very same uniform I saw at that day. The toughest invaders of this land led by a warlord named Sun Ce, eldest son of the famous Sun Jian, the tiger of Jiangdong.

His troops was able to occupy the city I was in almost immediately several months ago, which prompted Lord Liu Xun's swift escape from this county. I disliked the situation, but one cannot deny this was the least bloody way things could have gone. This so called warlord immediately posted his men to the bureaucracy and reined things under control, which I had to applaud.

In the end, the militia was allowed to act on their own volition. We cheered for this turn of events. Ever since Yuan Shu, the filthy pig he was, declared himself as the emperor, the more I grew disillusioned by his regime. Lord Liu Xun's demand kept getting worse from us to the point we almost had a revolt of our own, so this invasion was actually more than welcome. Still, I was never fond of their people, so I glared at the soldier who now stood in front of me.

"What do you seek from me?" I said.

"I b-bring news, my lord." The way he stuttered admittedly struck my nerve a little, but this was new. People of Wu—the land which Sun Ce apparently came from—sending me news?

I took a deep breath as I prepared to listen. "Which is?"

"Lord Zhou Yu send an invitation to people of this town as requested by Lady Xiaoqiao to his wedding ceremony."

I could feel my heart stop for a second.

"Excuse me?"

"Lady Xiaoqiao had requested your humble audience as a citizen to her wedding by—"

What? What was happening? Invitation of something? Invitation to a marriage? The marriage of Xiaoqiao with someone?

Someone other than me?

He was seeking my audience? What about my confession? Is this all an elaborate joke? Maybe this is merely a dream as I passed out drunk in the drinking house along with my mates? Is this a work of devilry or some sort?

Is this real?

"S-s-sir, I b-beg your p-p-pardon, sir—"

Who is this Zhou Yu? No, I know perfectly well who owned this name, albeit in name only.

Is he ally of Sun Ce? Yes, one can say he's a sworn brother of his.

What kind of person was he again? Smart, handsome, calculating, calm and composed, all the good things a man can inherit.

Is he a monster? Yes.

Is he going to steal my beloved? Yes.

Is my girl betraying my love?

Is she?

Will she?

Did she?

"Argh!"

I nearly gasped before I realize my hands were already choking the messenger, his pale face looked at me in terror while he flailed around. I let go of my hands as I regained some composure, letting the messenger fell to the ground, trying to move away in a panicked state.

I noticed a slip of crumpled paper fell from his pocket. The decree of this invitation, I guessed, as I unfurled it. Zhou Yu and Xiaoqiao, married on year 199, event will take place on a big city several days away travel from here.

Was this a massive joke, a taunt initiated by Zhou Yu? Was this truly a normal invitation without any sort of—

No. I get it now.

This is a cry for help from Xiaoqiao, I am sure of it.

I went inside my hut and retrieved my fighting staff, still tied up inside its wrapping. A scent of blood reeked through the cloth wrapping, the result of me forgetting to properly clean it after the fight against yesterday's band of thugs.

I crouched closer to the guard still on the ground, extending my hand to help him stand, all while earning a confused yet terrified look from him.

"Forgive me for letting you see an uglier part of me. I hope I could make up for it someday, but I have to go for now. Thank you for the information, soldier. Oh, and don't forget to announce this to other people too."

"W-wha—" Said soldier only looked with his jaw wide open as I walked into the stable not too far from here, straight to my assigned horse.

No stablehand was in sight, presumably asleep as this was still nighttime. Horse riding was never my strong suit, but I knew how to groom a horse and put up a saddle and rein, at the very least. I had to look presentable while rescuing her from the captive of this enemy.

"Hiyah!" The horse neighed as I pulled its rein, reading my cue for full speed ahead. Cutting through the dark of night, my mind could not help but to think deeper into this matter.

After all this time, she got stranded somewhere with her family and this happened outside of my watch.

Truly, the heaven could thrust me tests upon tests, but I will prevail. Never once I backed down, not this one either.

By the two years I have grown upon, this is the most outlandish, unimaginable, yet interesting test for me.

That made me realize Xiaoqiao should be sixteen by now. The age of marriage.

I could imagine her terror when this vile man proposed to her. The loser obeying the victor, such was the law of this era.

They invaded this land, people of Wu. They exerted their presence above this land. They tried to sully the hidden treasure of this land, my beautiful girl.

Knowing her days would be cut short should she refuse, her choice was to pretend she agreed. I could understand that very clearly, Qiaowy. You had to do things you didn't want to.

It's okay. I am not so naive to think you would abandon me after the years we were separated, girl.

You did not know where I would be, so you invited everyone in hope I would come as well. That's smart.

We promised with each other back then that I would be the one to hold that slender hand of yours in marriage should you come of age.

How brave of you, girl! To sacrifice yourself for the safety of your family! I'm honored to love and be loved by someone like you!

Oh, my dear girl. I even had the gall of thinking you betrayed me somehow! Such shameful thought from my part. I will atone for this by saving you.

You called for help to the right person. I will release you from his clutch once and for all.

My little partner would not actually betray her feelings to me...

...right?

---

A sweat fell from my face as I scanned the colorfully-dressed crowds in front of the castle where Xiaoqiao's marriage will take place. Taking refuge against the burning sun, I dived into a tea house overlooking the castle gate to form a plan. I sipped the bitter tea served to me, a much needed energy boost after circling through whole outer side of the castle for any possible entry.

As expected, security looked tight. I didn't find any other way to go inside except that big gate. On normal circumstances that would be a perfectly fine entrance if not for the staff beside my table. Nobody knows what might happen inside that thick wall, so the only safety precaution I could count on was this thing. If they saw me carrying a weapon inside the castle, I would just paint a target on my back.

I had to think about my appearance as well. My clothing was nothing short of exemplary. I regret going immediately here without any sort of preparation, but there's no more time to worry about such thing. Considering I went with my usual military garb, I'm not sure even the guards would allow me to enter even if they knew Xiaoqiao technically invited me. I was lucky I had my purse with me the night I left, filled to the brim with coins, so money was not an issue. This thing could possibly be the only thing saving me from this predicament.

To sum things up: my mission is to infiltrate this castle, locate my dearest, then get out alive. Any sane person would say this is madness, but what else could I possibly do other than this? Right now, I located the girl I long to wed after several years of separation. Should I back down today, I will lose the only chance to meet her, thus losing her for eternity.

I loathe a future without her.

I got up from my seat and headed to my horse parked nearby. It was time to pull this, once and for all. Should trickery went wrong, violence would be my last resort.

After gearing myself up for the plan, I led my horse from the crowd directly toward the guards, which they promptly blocked my path with their spears. Several bystanders murmured as they pointed at my direction, specifically pointing at the bloodied chain mail I wore and the filled rucksack I carried.

"Halt! By the name of Lord Sun Ce, nobody without permission may pass as a wedding is underway! Commoner, state your reason of arrival or we will conduct arrest by suspicion of trespassing!" said one of the guard. He glared at the staff I tied to my horse.

"A-ah, pardon me," I answered as I scratched my nape, "I was invited to the party by Lady Xiaoqiao herself. May I come in?"

"Nonsense! Lady Xiaoqiao would never invite someone dressed poorly as you! Raise the alarm, we have—"

I waved my hands to them as I moved forward. "No, you are mistaken! I was sent by my town to hunt down some criminal who fled nearby! I reckon my schedule would have to skip this marriage as duty called, but I managed to finish the job just in time!"

The guards sneered at my story. "Heh, surely someone as poor as you would never be in this wedding—"

"Nonsense!" This time it was my turn to shut them up. "Here, have a look at my militia captain certification and I dare you say once again I'm a liar!" I said as I fished a piece of paper from the rucksack.

The guards looked surprised as they were given a paper with writings on it. They whispered with each other while I glared at them before handing me back the paper.

"F-forgive our insolence, sir. We didn't know you spoke nothing but truth," the first guard looked around as to avoid my gaze, "but surely you won't visit the wedding ceremony with such i-improper attire?" he continued.

"Do not worry about that. I brought a proper change, I just need a room to prepare myself." I showed the guard a fancy-looking clothing from inside the rucksack, keeping a modest distance from them.

"W-we are glad to hear it. We will arrange for someone to lead you somewhere for you to prepare. Thank you and have a pleasant day, s-sir." They bowed down.

Reaching the expected outcome, I simply smiled as I led my horse inside the castle ground with a maid in tow, showing me the way to an detached guestroom prepared by them. A successful entry, at last!

Closing the door after sending away the maid, I laughed as I poured out every single rocks I gathered inside the rucksack, a nifty filler for my pretend travel pack. I ripped my militia captain certification as I actually just wrote illegible stuff on it, being literate at my status was a blessing, really. I wore the fancy clothing—being merely the top part only, my remaining gold was spent on that—to replace the bloodied chain mail, this extravagant attire was a bit too small for my size. I unwrapped the cloth covering my staff, the smell of blood had somewhat gone after days of travel. Finally, I was set.

It was time for a hostage rescue situation.

I looked around through the slip of the door, making sure the coast was clear. Based on the noise, the ceremony seemed to be held on the other side of the castle. Walking without causing footsteps, I moved from room to room, dodging many maids around the area.

The vast interior of the castle was nothing short of extraordinary either. I could not help but to compare the castle I used to work at with this, the latter proved way more majestic and opulent than your usual castle. The furniture inside was nothing short of luxurious, windowsills plated with gold, statues made of the best porcelain and metal, all kind of items wealthy people splurge their vast riches into.

I traversed from one hallway to another, slowly moving forward to avoid detection. The layout of this castle was confusing enough, added with the amount of patrols inside and their complex patterns, this thing proved to be harder than I initially thought.

In front of a single room, I stopped as I heard noises through the door. The people inside seemed about to go out, so I leaned myself to a wall nearby, hiding from sight.

Unexpectedly, from the room emerged many men. They wore luxurious garments with matching accessories. One could mistake them for a group of civil servants. However, an untrained eyes might not be able to see it, but those bulges under their fancy robes... Weren't those...

Silhouette of daggers and short swords?

"To recap our plan, people," one of the men said in a hushed voice, I could barely hear him, "we're here to capture the bride of this wedding as per our assignment given by Lord Cao Cao. Failure means death, so we do everything we could to capture her, understood?" he continued.

What madness was happening right under my nose? I was not the only one sneaking inside here!?

"So we spread around the crowd as the procession went and when our signal came by, we strike the event and snatch the maiden, that's it?"

And they were planning to hurt the bride!?

"Well said, brother. This should be an easy task. Their security was so tight outside but very, very lax inside. It's only right to punish their misconduct with this!"

My future bride, Xiaoqiao!?

"You know, they never said we couldn't have some fun with the bride first before handing her to Lord Cao Cao, huh?"

"Yeah, he simply sent us here based on the rumor of two beautiful ladies of Wan County, if we didn't tell on him maybe we could—"

The intruder never managed to finish his sentence as his head struck open by my staff, blood spurted out fast from the wound of the now deceased man.

"What are—" The second head broke, fell to the ground. His eyes squished out from the head.

"It's their guard!" The third one managed to pull the dagger underneath his robe, but a quick jab to the head and he fell head first.

The preemptive strike was over. Now looking against a bunch of agitated men with their weapons drawn, I had no choice to but to snuff them all out from their lives. Nobody mess with my love, ever.

Five more intruders to fight.

"Hyah!" One of them jumped from the side, dagger aimed at my torso. A mistake. I sidestepped and smashed my staff downward to his vulnerable head. One intruder down.

Two of them lunged at me immediately, both front and back. Smarter decision but sloppy execution. I tilted my body slightly, blocking the upward slash from the front attacker, exposing him to the back attacker. The man failed to stop in time, causing his dagger to stab the abdomen of his friend. Screaming from the pain, I jabbed both of their faces, leaving the last two intruders whose faces were aghast in fear.

"Repent, you vermins!" Not leaving the chance to end them in one blow, I swooped low at their feet. The force from the staff overwhelmed them as they fell to the ground.

Just as I was about to strike the last blow, I heard a whistle blew behind me.

"Intruder!" A Wu guard shouted. Before I was able to assess the situation, some of the castle guards already circled my position.

I raised one hand to the air, the other one kept holding the staff against the two intruders underneath me.

"These people are the intruders! I'm your ally, so detain—"

A sword narrowly missed my back as I dodged forward.

"I'm not your enemy!" I said as I broke through the encirclement, now running from them.

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me followed by the guards behind. None of them showed signs of truce. "Desist this at once!" I shouted to them, which they ignored.

Realizing I was running away from the wedding location, I circled back to my guest room through the yard, reaching for the horse I parked. Jumping straight to the saddle, the horse neighed loud before I clasped the rein.

"Go!"

The horse charged straight at my chasers, nearly trampling them as it ran faster than usual. I was able to make a considerable distance before the horse tripped.

Hurled to the ground, I glanced at an arrow struck to the horse. Why did I not realize I was being shot as well!?

Leaving the dying horse behind, I managed to reach the wedding ground which caused a commotion as people saw me holding my staff. Their smiles turned into frowns after my sudden arrival.

The wedding procession had reached the banquet event for the guests as proved by the decadent foods served around. Abalone soup, shark fin stew, braised pork and meat, all kind of treats that one could only dream eating in their life unless you were wealthy. All those foods were served in fine plates accompanied with music and entertainments.

Problem being, I failed to locate Xiaoqiao and this Zhou Yu person from the prepared bride seats.

That could only mean one last thing for their wedding procession.

Consummation of the couple's love.

"Move!" I shoved each guests blocking my path to the side as I made my way toward a room on the edge of this banquet, supposedly the bridal chamber.

Once the door struck open, I saw two bodies lying on the bed, their lips met with each other. One of them was on top of the other, hungrily ravaging the body of his partner in lust. The man looked at me in surprise and pulled the blanket to hide the petite little woman underneath him.

"... Qiaowy?"

"... You... Y-you're alive?"

The air suddenly felt thick. I tried to breathe, but the more I did the heavier my head became.

"Dearest, do you know this man?" Trying to grasp the situation, the man stood up from the bed and asked Xiaoqiao, still hiding under the blanket.

She met his eyes with tears flowing from her face. "M-my dearest... Lord Zhou Yu, this is—"

"Xiaoqiao? Is that really you?" I said.

A beautiful face worth more than a mountain of gold. A cheery voice who shook every men to his core. A petite stature like a delicate porcelain doll. Who am I kidding, I knew it was her.

This was the girl who I swore my life to.

But why, right at this moment...

I wish I never knew this girl from life?

"Guards! Anyone! Where are you people!?"

All the tribulations I experienced through my life, all the hardship I have endured right to this very moment paled in comparison.

I have fought various monsters dressed from bandits to civil servants.

I have braced myself against death one too many times I lost count already.

I have lost my friends, left my family, and let go of my dreams.

All dreams but one. A single wish I dreamed of, to reunite with her.

"Stand back! I order you to stand back!"

I made a promise under that cherry blossom tree to her.

I want to hold that hand dearly.

I want to create that perfect family.

I want to die that peaceful death.

With you as my partner in life.

"D-don't you know who I am!? I'm Zhou Yu, sworn brother of Sun Ce, the mighty warlord who ruled this land! Don't move any closer!"

If you truly loved me, at the very least you would struggle against this horrific scenario, waiting for my rescue.

You would push him back, cry and scream in terror as your fake husband unable to quell your purity.

That should be mine to take.

But I noticed that act you did. That was neither fear nor disgust you showed to him.

It was love, pure and clear. The warmth of care and comfort you once promised me of.

That bed should have been reserved for us, not you and him.

"P-p-put that s-staff down! D-do not hurt us please, I beg you!"

That's why, right at this very moment...

Why that one last dream was robbed from me...

By none other than Xiaoqiao herself?

I really was a fool.

"S-sto—"

The staff hit the edge of the bed so hard it broke down into two the moment I let go of the grip.

I took one last glance toward that pretty face in the bed, hugging the man beside her in fear.

She looked happy, scared, upset, angry, yet sad at the same time. Never in my life I saw such an indescribable expression.

"Xiao—No. You." I pointed to the creature on the bed.

"I regret ever meeting you."

I walked away from the blasphemous room, leaving the residents inside alone as the male comforted the female.

Tears welled up in my eyes for each steps I took, this feet had to be dragged outside else they would crumble under the heavy pressure.

I nearly closed the door, but a petite figure hugged me from behind before I did, sobbing.

Her tears sullied my luxurious clothing, did she not realize that?

"I'm sorry... I thought I already lost you back then... I'm sor—"

A roundhouse kick landed on her stomach, separating me from the vixen as I sealed the hell gate. I could hear his husband shouted in anger inside, music for my ears.

"Hold it!"

I just realized a bunch of guards now blocked my path. I was a tad too slow from getting out of this predicament.

"For the sake of our land, you are hereby under arrest for assault, trespass, and attempted murder of Lord Zhou Yu and Lady Xiaoqiao!"

Assault, trespass, and attempted murder, they said.

The man behind that door had committed much greater crimes more than they could ever imagine. Robbery, greed, lust, assault, trickery, every single sin known to man, he did it all in one go.

These men pointed their weapons toward the wrong person, the real victim of this joyous day.

"If you surrender right now and drop your weapon, the judgement will be lighter!"

None of it mattered anymore.

If they saw me as a crook, then I shall act my part on this forsaken world as the most heinous crook ever lived.

Witness my glory as I destroy this land and play the sinner.

Watch me, Xiaoqiao.

"AaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA—"

That day, I killed my first innocent lives, the souls laid waste as I savored their blood bare handed.

The remaining guests which stayed to watch the whole debacle stood back as I walked down the red carpet, frightened their life would be cut short if they blocked my way.

I didn't head toward the exit, not yet. Now I had one more matter to attend.

Leaving the crowd befuddled, I went back to the room where the intruders reside. The only proof of the scuffle that happened recently here was two man tied up with some Wu guards watching the perimeter, waiting for someone to pick the trash up.

Seeing me walking at them in tranquil with bloody hands made one of them yelp and ran in terror. Smart decision, as those who stayed behind ended up as another carcasses waiting to be thrown away by the maids.

The two intruders—supposedly coming from the land of the ruthless ruler Cao Cao—looked afraid at first, but their eyes betrayed their expectation as I untied their hands.

"Lead me the way to your master," I said.

"I pledge my cause to your lord, Cao Cao."

---

First, it was Cai Mao, our naval battle trainer who died in the hand of Lord Cao Cao himself before realizing that rumor was nothing but a ruse. Our only hope to retain some form of semblance above the ships in this battle had now gone six feet under. Some of my men looked pale, presumably holding their best from vomiting. I shared the sentiment, being slightly nauseous as I stood at the helm of the ship.

Second, the infamous blunder of straw people arrow storm happened. Maybe our lord proved to be slightly moronic than I initially assessed by ordering his men to shoot at those straw people dolls bait, all without confirming the situation properly. We lost too many arrows from our provisions that day, a month's worth of preparation for the naval battle gone in a single foggy day. That sly dragon trapped inside a brilliant mind surely planned all that meticulous spectacle, Zhuge Liang the bastard.

Last, the mysterious arrival of the south-eastern winds. It was simply impossible, winter was here and the wind should have come from the north, but it happened anyway. Not a massive situation changer save for some ranger ships repositioning against the enemy ships, but I got a bad feeling about this, a bad omen if you will.

Overall, that three were the weirdest thing happened before this battle on Yangtze river.

Right on this year, 208, the battle of Chi Bi will become a prime example of why one should never cross their path against Lord Cao Cao. As an acting supervisor of his army, I would guarantee that.

Our massive fleet overwhelmed their puny ships, the combined might between Liu Bei and Sun Quan unable to withstand the strength of our people. Forget strategy, sheer strength will always give you result. I learned that since the first day I arrived at the doorstep of Lord Cao Cao's castle.

I still remembered that day, after a long trek from Jiangdong to Xu Chang, the remaining two intruders who sneaked into Zhou Yu's wedding introduced me straight to the big man himself. Telling an exaggerated version of what happened on that day, Lord Cao Cao looked amused and invited me into his rank. Before he did, he gave me a sword, telling me to murder this two failures of an intruder group.

The two begged for mercy, both having a family and a son to raise, they said. Nonsense, if they did then they would never engage on many sexual encounters we had en route, all the time forcing me to look away in disgust. For each ten seconds of their failure in giving proper justification, I cut one of their fingers although in the end I refuted all of their lies on the spot each time they said anything. I was so disappointed that I recounted the exact words spoken by their deceased leader.

"We're here to capture the bride of this wedding as per our assignment given by Lord Cao Cao. Failure means death, so we do everything we could to capture her. Wasn't that what he said?" I smirked as their faces screamed terror. Two slashes and their intestines fell out from their stomach, leaving them in agony as their lives withered away.

Lord Cao Cao wasn't merely happy at how I dealt things, he was absolutely ecstatic. From that day, he ordered me to help whatever issues I deem about to fail, so I did and I delivered perfection every single time. I rose through the ranks without many opposition, seeing as the man in position personally supported me. So here I was today, leading a massive platoon for this battle. How time flies.

Actually, credits were due after more consideration about strategy. These linked ships formation proved to be more worth than the hassle it took. A defecting strategist from the coalition of our enemy, Master Pang Tong, suggested this idea to avoid seasickness and it worked wonders. He said that Huang Gai, another defector from the enemy side, will soon come with his men to support us. I did not know who managed to convert them to our cause, but more hands on the deck for us means less retaliation from our adversary.

I found things odd, though. I could not help against this fleeting suspicion since the ship with Pang Tong in it was not linked to the main boat like the rest of us. What was he doing there?

"Men, release our ship from the formation, I need to consult an urgent matter with Master Pang Tong!" I barked my command to the men under. Not for long, I received report from them.

"This ship has been permanently linked! The rust from our anchor chains had formed as one with the next ship, causing detachment to be impossible, sir!"

Great, maintenance failure! A mistake from my due diligence, I suppose. No other way than to get a sloop and head there directly. I gathered my trusted men with me and set off, this small boat looked minuscule compared to other warships around us.

"Master Pang Tong!" I shouted beside their ship. The fledgling phoenix himself appeared at the starboard to heed my call. "Your ship veered off from the main fleet! Quickly move back befo—"

Before I finished my sentence, they raised their sails and moved away from my sloop. Judging from the direction, they headed toward the shore. I noticed that last minute smirk from him before he disappeared from my sight.

Did he intentionally run from me? Was this a test of some sort? I could gain a wisdom or two from that fine mind of his, but this was getting out of hand.

"Men, chase him!" I raised my hands to relay my message, eyes glued to Master Pang Tong's ship, but our sloop did not move an inch soon as I said that.

Losing sight of my target, I turned back to the helmsman. "Hey, stop dallying and mov—" His finger pointed to the front, which I followed.

Right at that moment, I saw fire. A burning ship headed straight to the main fleet. A certain old man stood at the bowsprit, laughing as Lord Cao Cao troops ran in panic.

The old man was nothing short but muscular, his grey beard covered many wounds on his face.

"Huang Gai has arrived! Long live Lord Sun Quan and Wu clan! Taste the wrath of our ancestor, you weaklings!" he shouted before jumping away to the river along with his men on board.

Things immediately clicked inside my head, one after another. The naval trainer's death before teaching us sudden evasive maneuver, the blowing wind from the southeast, the linked ships formation.

This was a trap. A massive trap.

Collision was unavoidable. It rammed against our fleet, the fire jumped from one ship to another without mercy. A sight to behold for those who craved destruction.

The soldiers on the sloop started panicking as well. "Sir, what do we do now!?" Their eyes doubting the situation, their unity crumbled as each men clashed ideals with one another.

"Go straight back to the main fleet, we have to rescue them!"

"The ship won't be able to hold much more passengers, it's too dangerous! Go to Lord Cao Cao's ship and save him!"

"Too far, too far! We should strike at the enemy, our small ship would be undetected!"

"Stupid, we should—"

The man died with a straight blow to his jaw. I thumped my staff, gathering these men attention to me.

"Forget our fleet, they can make it out alive. Chase that Pang Tong, we will make him pay."

Amidst the tense situation, I felt solemn, somehow. The blazing hatred toward myself and that sly phoenix burned brighter than the fear inside me, now unchained and running amok. The sudden lust of murder, urge to strangle that man to death, it all felt familiar but not painful like years ago. Maybe I had grown to embrace the rage throughout the years, but none ever matched that day.

"B-but sir, we—"

Pointing to the dead man under me, I stared back at them. "Follow this trash next or follow my word. Decide."

Without any more words exchanged, the soldiers went back to their post. The helmsman looked pale as if he had seen a grim reaper while moving to the land.

Reaching the shore, I jumped down before the ship was properly docked. No more time to waste, I need Pang Tong's head to atone for my mistake. I heard shouts behind me as I left my men behind. I gave them a single glance which surprised me with the sudden amount of enemy soldiers surrounding the docked sloop.

They would die. The choice was clear for me.

Leaving them to their demise, I keep running along the shore until I found the wanted ship, now empty as ever.

They were escaping, I see. If they indeed ran, that fort over there should serve as the perfect hideout to catch me off guard. Not a big problem.

Slowly I stepped into the crudely-made fort, only to find the man standing in the middle of it, that accursed Pang Tong.

"Coming straight for me, what an honor! How should I grace thy appearance, your highness?" The man raised his hat while gesturing his greeting.

Distraction, never fall for it. I ran at lightning speed, closing the gap between me and him.

"Silent treatment, very ni—ce!" He managed to block my hit! "Son, although I agree with your approach, you weren't thinking this through," he said as he jumped back.

"Your army is in shambles, ships burned to crisp, and your ambitious lord will die. They will look around for headcount and find none of yours. Your negligence in maintaining that fleet combined with my idea and Gai's little fire, you know what that means?" He kept moving, dodging every single blow from my staff. "Three traitors on the loose! Gai, me, and you!"

"Be quiet!"

"No, no, you're the one who should be quiet and listen! Join our coalition instead of Cao Cao's! Your talent will go to waste, serving a selfish man like him and a coward like Sun Quan! I already saw many of your deeds in the short time I was there, and magnificent it was! We could use more head to think—"

I pulled a fast smack at his mouth, missing the target as he suddenly appeared behind me.

"That a no? Shame," he grumbled as he threw a little pouch. The moment it reached the ground, sudden gust of smoke engulfed me.

Coughing from the attack, I heard gate doors being closed. I fell for this trap too!

I spun my staff to clear out the smoke to witness many soldiers pouring in through the fort's roof.

The embarrassment for not realizing such a child play sooner filled my mind as the enemy quickly assumed their formation. Known for my deceptive stratagem, I fell for theirs instead. What a joke.

"You all never quit, eh?" I prepared my stance before I roared as loud as I could.

Ten, twenty, fifty, the numbers never stopped pouring inside as I claimed more and more victims in front of me. I could feel the exertion from my legs after all that running, but rage sparked me back as I dodged many spears and swords left and right. I stopped counting when I reached around a hundred victims, maybe more.

Finishing up the last crowds, I looked around the swarm of dead bodies. How many have I killed? How long have I been here?

Then, the night sky shined its light toward a single glint on the air, followed by more.

Fire arrows.

Running for cover, I saw the arrows hit bodies and wooden parts of the building around me. They were planning to burn me alive as well.

Thumping the gate as hard as I could, it never budged as I mustered every fibers of my being. I looked around the fort, failed to find any way to climb out of here. They locked me in, sent hundreds against me, then burned me when the assault failed. I felt honored yet empty at the same time.

The battle of Chi Bi was a lost cause because of me.

This fort will become my personal graveyard, that is, if they ever found my ashes.

Odd. I wanted to laugh at the sheer absurdity of this day, but nothing came out from my mouth, neither joy nor desperation. Maybe fate has decided my time playing in this world was finished.

I saw smiles from people around me, but never I knew whether it's purely out of happiness or malice. I heard cries from lives around me, but never I was sure whether it's of joy or sadness. The moment I let go of my last dream, everything became blur, sensations started to leave me as I trudged through the day, years after years.

The only smile I believed ever came purely from joy was from hers. But now, she's gone.

Funny, my plot to someday exact revenge on her now will never came to fruition. I thought for days and nights on how should I torture the both of them without letting them to die for as long as possible. Waterboarding, asphyxiation, lashes, starvation, I imagined every single scenarios in me laughing over their pain. But now, that's a dream not coming true.

I should have just never invited her back to that cherry blossom tree, maybe I would then live a better life. My next obsession would be someone less beautiful as her, maybe even none. I would grow as an unassuming father in a normal family, each day toiling the field as my kids ran around, secretly sneaking away from work just like me. Just a normal day in a normal life with a normal death at the end of it.

Huh, my cheek started to feel wet. I could cry again, now? After all that previous attempts outside that castle, and just now the heaven decided I could cry for the last time?

Maybe this would be my last emotion I let go before I pass on to the next world.

"After her... st... La... what are... sto... lady, sto... someo... she jum... open ga..."

Oh, turns out they were all outside, waiting for the fire to die down, eh? At least I have witnesses for my departure.

I even heard music above me to accompany my death, how poetic. What a beautiful melody, that flute encompasses the tragedy of this life that I have lived. What kind of angel played such an enchanting funeral song?

"Hey!"

A shout woke me up. I looked over to a part of the straw roof which has not burned yet. I saw a petite woman stood above it, the moon glowed over that body which played the tune. She blew a familiar looking flute tied to a folded iron fan, now decorated with ornaments and beautiful carvings.

Finally able to attract the attention of the only thing she cared inside the fort, she jumped down and dashed to where I stood still. Her orange cape were burnt a bit in the edge, showing her inner green clothes.

"... What are you doing here?" I said.

"I'm saving you," replied Xiaoqiao.

I spat at the ground. "Absurd. What benefit would that bring?"

"You... I... I just wanted to save you, is that a wrong thing to do!?" she raised her voices in protest.

"Lies." I walked to her, seeing through that tears of her. "I did not grow up with a liar."

She tried to wipe her tears, but it always poured out every time she did. "S-sorry... I'm sorry, honest."

"So, why?"

Xiaoqiao paused, her eyes darted around, her mouth repeatedly being opened and closed as if she wanted to say something but restrained it at the last minute.

"I overheard the talk between those strategists at the last moment, Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong... They said," she stopped to take a breath, "you are a threat to them and need to be 'weeded out'. It's either you joining them or you die."

I chuckled, hearing quite an unexpected response. "Well, it's an honor to be deemed dangerous by the dragon and the phoenix themselves. But you haven't answered the question."

The burning smoke around us smeared her pretty face, failing to keep her tears in check. "I'm sorry... I don't want to regret anything before you forgive me, so—"

"So you want to save me and make me feel grateful, is that it? To forgive you for your betrayal to me?"

"..."

"I worked myself to the bone the moment our separation happened, pushing myself to be a better person so I could finally be worthy in front of you the moment we could meet again, and you—"

"Stop!" She blocked her ears. "Stop with that! It's not just you who never stopped improving! I learned many stuff like a proper lady should, even tried to learn how to fight and play a flute, all for you if we meet someday!"

"Then what's your point!?"

"I suffered many losses in my life!"

"You think I don't!? I lost friends, family, and you! But you—"

"I know and I'm sorry! If I don't care about you then I wouldn't be here!"

"Zhou Yu cared about you, so why do you still care about me!?"

"Because I still love you!"

"..."

"..."

She finally gave her answer to the question I asked years ago.

Charcoal started to form from the burned fort around us. The heat made both of us sweat like never before, but nobody looked away from each other.

"I want to become your perfect wife. I want to live that perfect life with you. But... you never showed up. I started to think something befell of you when I'm away..."

"... and you wavered in front of that man, Zhou Yu?"

Biting her lips, she stared at me, the fire in her eyes was ablaze.

"I was depressed for days, thinking you were dead when he came. I confess," she reached for my hand before continuing, "I saw the same fire in his eyes like the fire in you. A resilient soul, never giving up amidst the pressure and facing it head on like the first time I met you. He reminded me of you so much it hurts to think you and him are a different person entirely." Her tears started to pour in my hand, a small reprieve inside this burning coffin.

"Even I realize I have to move on and I know he was there to lift me up, so I accepted his proposal. I actually told him about you so much, you know? But then..."

Blood started to drip as she bit her lips.

"I found out the hard way that you're still alive the moment I truly became his, it's very unfair for—"

It took a massive effort from me to forcibly pull my hand from her delicate grasp. "Don't. I don't want that hope anymore from you. I lost my last dream with you, don't you dare try to revive it. Nobody would be happy by that."

"You and your stupid pride! Please accept my r-real feelings for once, I beg you!"

"It's too late. Even you know that very well," I said before distancing myself with her, staff raised ready to fight.

"N-no..." Xiaoqiao backed off slowly. "W-why? Why!? I... I don't want this at all! I don't want to fight you!"

"It's the battlefield. We have our own goals now."

"Screw goals and battlefield! It's painful enough to force myself to come, yet you brushed me off just like this!"

"Don't say that, Qiaowy. It's been a while. Now I serve Lord Cao Cao. I'm your enemy, as well as your husband's nemesis."

"Why..." She cried as she opened her iron fan, readying her weapon. "Why!?"

"Time to show me the proof of your growth, little girl. Prove me that you are strong enough to stand on your own."

The fire burned the base hotter than ever before. As the stars in the sky serve as the witness, today they will see who gets to leave this encounter alive.

Even this meeting right now, dare I say, was fated.

"Xiaoqiao!"

"S-stop this!"

I leaped first, faster than her running from me. Left jab, right swing, feet sweeps, she managed to dodge all of my hit by inches. Her nimbleness was proven to be bothersome as she kept avoiding me, that petite stature of hers for once giving her the advantage.

In the end, I managed to corner her into a side. Bracing against my staff, she held her fan and watched me with tears as the staff started to hit her.

Usually all of my enemies already succumbed to their wound for holding out so long against me, but why not her?

No, I realized I was lying to myself all this time. All of my hits were not aimed at lethal spots. I attacked her frail body without much power. I could not bring myself to put an end to her life.

I would feel massively guilty if I really hit her seriously even once.

As I keep on with my attack, I imagined her sitting beside me under that cherry blossom tree, laughing together at our young stupidity. We could be humming together while looking at the forest creatures, maybe share an orange or two while at it. Whenever she felt tired, she would rest her head to my shoulder as I caressed her head gently.

I should stop dreaming, that wish was long gone.

She eventually tried to slap me back with her fan, but my staff felt a connection with something much harder than that. The flute that I gave her as my confession gift was now shattered into two, the splinters spread everywhere, fed to the fire around us.

She looked taken aback, witnessing the only proof given by her real love now gone forever. Lucky for me, that meant an opening for a strike.

I swung my staff hard at her knees. Staggered and unable to hold on, she fell. Before she realize it, my staff had pinned her on the ground, both of us breathing hard. I could feel the tremor coming from her body. Her eyes met with mine. A reflection of sadness and fear could be seen, the fire inside her eyes was now snuffed out.

Such expression truly never fit her innocence, even after all this years. Nobody should ever let that beautiful face sullied by grief, yet I did.

We just stopped right there, no one moved except the fire dancing around us, the fort now fully ablaze. My pride prohibited me to spill even a tear, but the urge to throw my staff and hug her became harder to contain.

"... End my suffering, please," she said as she stared to the side, giving up. "Make it swift and painless."

My brain responded to such command in victory, but my heart failed to process the weak plea. My hand wanted to strike her dead once and for all, but my muscle tightened every time I told it to raise my staff.

"I... I can't..."

A loud creak broke me from the reverie. A burnt wooden debris fell from the watchtower of the fort, falling down fast.

Toward her.

I reached to her arm and pulled her from the ground, but now I fell down instead of her. The debris landed on top of me, the spot where Xiaoqiao was a second ago.

"Aaaaaaaarghhhhhh!"

The debris pinned me down to the ground. Blood spurted out from the lower part of my body, losing it fast. Never in my life I felt such sharp pain. I tried to move my legs to no avail.

Xiaoqiao crouched close, trying to lift the debris without saying anything, but her bruised and battered body was unable to make it budge.

My consciousness was fading as she held my hand and cried. "S-stay strong, please! D-d-don't give up!"

"I failed... Sorry, Xiaoqiao." I forced my hand to move, stroking her partially burned chestnut hair. "I... have failed as... your guardian... I attacked you instead..." My lungs started to gasp for air, my vision became blurrier every seconds I forced it open.

"No! Y-you completely did it! You saved me even now! N-no, don't close your eyes, hey!" She held my face tight, continued with a slap to the cheek.

"Please... please don't die... please, I don't want to lose you again... please..."

I saw white all around me, except for her. The sole reason I survived this long, the only reason I stayed strong and keep moving forward.

Thank you, my dearest girl. For accompanying me toward the bitter end.

Maybe one day, in another universe, I will meet you once again.

Maybe you ended up as the ugliest human ever looked there, but you will never, ever once looked ugly to me. Your face, your heart, your conviction, your whole self is simply too pure for them to understand your beauty.

With it, I closed my eyes with a happy smile.

"It fina... ope... hel... my gu... sav... ple..."

---

The sound of birds chirping together. The smell of tea leaves. The tingling sensation of warmth. I opened my eyes, slowly regaining consciousness. Above me was a ceiling with intricate details I have never seen before. A ray of sunlight refracted into it from a small window nearby. The sun was so bright I had to block its ray with my hand.

So... I truly died? Is this hell? Is this place actually comfortable or is the devil simply trying to trick me into false sense of security?

Actually, my stomach had been feeling pretty heavy since I woke up, I wonder why.

I glanced over it to see a sleeping small girl on my left, her snore sounded sweet even if she never realized it. I tried to lift my left leg, hoping to move without waking her up, but it failed to comply. I tried to move my right leg, failing as well.

Were my feet... crippled?

I gently slapped my leg with my right hand. Indeed, I could not feel anything from there, no sensation, no warmth, nothing.

"Zzz... Ah."

It seems my slap was a bit too hard I unintentionally woke the sleeping princess as well. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and gave me a smile.

"Good morning," Xiaoqiao said.

"... Where am I? How long have I been... like this?"

"Don't think too much about that," she murmured, continued with a moan as she stretched her body. "I swear you're perfectly safe here."

She partially closed the curtain to block the direct sunlight inside. "You must be parched, drink up," she said while pouring over the tea that had gone cold to a cup. "Here."

"So..." My voice trailed as I looked into my reflection in the tea, noticing cuts and bruises around my face. "What happened after... that, you know..."

She went back to the chair beside me. "Okay, promise me you won't freak out by hearing this. I was actually being chased by our soldiers when I jumped inside that burning fort to meet you so they tried everything to break the gate to get in, which they eventually did. With their help, we managed to pull you out of that debris and bring you back."

"Wait, that means—"

"Yes, Zhou Yu eventually found out and confronted me about it." Xiaoqiao sighed. "After some back and forth, he relented and let me treat you until you woke up, at least. He's a kind man, trust me when I say that."

"And the battle? Wait, actually you don't need to answer, it's clear who won," I chuckled as I hid my eyes. "My negligence there costed my defeat. What happened to Liu Bei or such?"

Xiaoqiao frowned at the mention of Liu Bei. "Now that's the tricky part. Those two smart people insisted on me handing you over to them. I was so bad at negotiation my husband had to butt in and help me, hehe~"

"That's not exactly relieving..."

"Anyway, now you have to choose. All of us don't think you're exactly welcomed in front of Cao Cao anymore and you're admittedly good at stratagem and stuff. Both Liu Bei and Sun Quan wants you..." The girl stared down as she said that, her smile slowly disappeared.

"So, I can freely choose? No hard feelings from either side I turned down?"

"... No, no, no. I can't be selfish, Xiao. Be strong!" she clapped her cheeks before looking back at me. "Yes, that was the deal. Y-you're free to not immediately answer, but I won't—"

I laughed so hard to the point my torso felt hurt. Clutching my chest as I held the pain, I looked at her beside me who already stood at attention, ready to pass anything I needed.

"Do I really need to respond to that? Even you could answer that for me, Qiaowy," I said.

Xiaoqiao jumped hearing my response. She leaned closer, her eyes practically beaming with joy. "Really!? Y-you're staying!?"

Watching such hopeful eyes, I simply smiled. "Of course. My friend still need some more practice before going into the wilderness."

She gave me a hug I was not prepared for.

"So happy... I'm sorry this was all I could do... I'm n-not ready to part with you just like that, you're as precious to me as my husband." I could not see her face, but her voice trembled as she confessed. I could feel tears on my shoulders as I caressed her hair.

"Xiaoqiao, no more tears. You did well, thank you," I said.

She loosened her grip, now meeting me face to face with her. Her disheveled hair and pouty mouth accentuated her natural beauty, a sight I had long forgotten. I wanted to meet that tender lips of hers, but I fear I would overstep my boundary if I did that. The promise of care and comfort was within reach, but it felt so far at the same time. We smiled at each other, now that she calmed down.

She leaned closer to my forehead, giving it a kiss out of the blue.

"W-wha—"

"Ssshh." She sealed my lips with her finger. Then, she whispered to my ear.

"Thank you, my dearest guardian."

And thus, I concluded my tale of love.

In the end, I failed to wed her. The younger me would surely flip out in anger if he knew, but now that I know better, this was not too bad.

Living on this side was pretty comfortable. My time here was spent on literatures, both important ones and artistic ones like poetry or such. They actually sent me reports to do as well after hearing my exploits in my time serving Cao Cao, that ambitious old man.

Xiaoqiao would visit every evening when she had the time, sometimes accompanied by Lord Zhou Yu. Now that things were clearer, we all started to know each other better. I probably would never not feel jealous of this man, but in the end he got her first, so I conceded. We talked a lot like a pair of lovebirds, although that lovebird was nothing but a lost dream now.

Slowly but surely, I was getting used to this endless feeling of void from my feet. I probably never will be able to move it anymore, but the tradeoff with Xiaoqiao's safety was a small price to pay for it. Now that she had the chance, she should spread her wings and soar through the sky with me as one of her supporter. I am glad I saved Xiaoqiao back then.

I was able to save my precious little Qiao.

I have proven my worth to her.

Though it is impossible for me to claim her as my bride now...

Well, this is my life now. With her at my side, although not tied in a marriage. The life of two childhood best friends.

I am her dearest guardian, and I am proud of it.

Just like what she said.

"Thank you, my dearest guardian."