A/N: This is the last chapter of the story. I hope you enjoy it.


In Your Dreams


Chapter 8

"Ah Lu Xun, you look good," Kanetsugu couldn't help but comment when he saw the young strategist walking down the corridor.

"Thank you," Lu Xun smiled. "It's Ling Tong's birthday party and I thought I should dress up for the evening.

"Ah you look especially good now, but I suppose you always look good."

Lu Xun felt slightly embarrassed, "Thank you."

Kanetsugu stared deeply into those adoringly brown eyes...

"Now kiss him," Gan Ning said.

"What?" Kanetsugu asked in surprise.

"I said thank you," Lu Xun answered.

"Oh it's not…" Kanetsugu started, but was interrupted by Gan Ning again.

"Kiss him now or I'll force you to do it."

"But I can't do this now…"

"Are you alright?" Lu Xun thought Kanetsugu was behaving in a strange way.

"Do you need me to explain it? You know how to do it!" Gan Ning said.

"I think it's too soon..."

"I think you're taking too long! If it was me I'd have brought him to bed already!"

"What?!"

"What's happening?" Lu Xun was getting worried; it seemed as if the man in front of him was talking to himself or worse, to some invisible presence…

Suddenly Kanetsugu found himself being tackled to the floor, he tried to lift himself up but was held down by a great supernatural force.

"Kanetsugu!" Lu Xun kneeled beside the man and leaned over him.

The Japanese warrior saw Lu Xun's face so close to him and couldn't resist anymore, so he put one hand on the back of his head and pulled him down, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss.

Lu Xun didn't respond at first, but didn't fight back either. He let himself be kissed as if he was analyzing the situation first. After getting used to the situation, Lu Xun put his hands on Kanetsugu's shoulder gently, to find better support for himself, and kissed him back.

Kanetsugu slid his free hand down Lu Xun's neck and then continued downwards, until it stopped on the small of his back.

"Not bad."

The kissing stopped suddenly when Kanetsugu heard the ghost's voice, and remembered he wasn't alone and that they were still on the corridor's floor. He lifted himself up and helped Lu Xun to his feet. When he looked around, there was no sign of Gan Ning anymore.

"I'm sorry," Kanetsugu apologized.

Lu Xun chuckled. "Don't feel sorry, you didn't do anything wrong."

"But I should have asked first."

"I would have said yes," Lu Xun said. "Will you come with me to Ling Tong's party?"

"I received the invite, but I don't even know him that well..."

"I heard him say he owned you for a favor you did, I really think he would like your presence. You know, he would have invited you personally, but he isn't the one organizing the party, it was Lianshi's idea. He didn't want the party to begin with, but we convinced him."

"How is he now?" the man asked in concern.

"Better, it seems. He's still a little distant, but seems to be in a better mood," Lu Xun stared at him deeply into his eyes. "Please, come with me."

"Okay," Kanetsugu agreed.

Lu Xun smiled and took his hand; guiding him to the area where the celebration would take place. It wasn't a big room as it was meant to be a party just for close friends. The place, however, was nicely decorated. Lianshi and Ding Feng were there adding the final touch, arranging flowers.

"Oh you're here!" Lianshi smiled. "Please, take your seats, they will arrive soon."

It didn't take long for more people to come, mostly officers who fought alongside Ling Tong. Sun Quan arrived after a while, escorted by Zhou Tai. The only one who was missing was the guest of honor.

The food was already there and everyone waited for Ling Tong to arrive.

"Will he come?" one of the guests asked, questioning the general's absence.

It was then Ling Tong appeared at the entrance of the room, to the guest's relief.

"Sorry," he said. "I know I'm late."

"It's okay, Ling Tong, now come here!" Sun Quan said, pointing to the special place reserved for the general.

Ling Tong did as he was told and was served food and drink. The party went on well; after a while, a group of exquisite dancers presented a loving performance for Ling Tong's eyes. The general talked to many of his dearest officers and friends and received many gifts. He saw Ding Feng proclaiming one of his newest poems to Lu Xun and Kanetsugu, receiving their praise afterwards. He also saw Lianshi, Sun Quan and Zhou Tai happily drinking wine together. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, chatting and laughing. Ling Tong was glad to see everyone having fun, but he felt somehow left out. It wasn't as if he wasn't receiving attention, but he felt kind of lonely there, even in the middle of so many people.

Gan Ning stared at Ling Tong's contemplative face, "What are you thinking?" he poked his cheek. "Don't overwork your thick head too much," he squeezed Ling Tong's hand.

Suddenly, the brunet stood up, getting everyone's attention. "Hey, it was a great party, guys, and it was good to see you all, but I'm kinda tired so I'm going back to my room."

"So soon?" Lianshi asked.

"I didn't have time to declaim a special poem I made for this occasion," Ding Feng said.

Ling Tong flinched, "Really guys, it was great, but I gotta go now."

He was about to leave, but was prevented by a strong embrace. One by one, his friends hugged him, telling him their best wishes. Ling Tong felt touched by the demonstration of affection. "Really, guys, you're the best," he said and hurried out of the room, before he cried in front of them. He found himself in the middle of a dark corridor when the first tears ran down his cheek.

"You're too emotive, you know," Gan Ning said and held him, pressing his temple to the general's face. "Come on," he held Ling Tong's hand. "Let's go back to your room, I'll tell a story and put you to sleep."

He took a step forward and waited for Ling Tong to wipe out the tears from his face and followed his silent call.

xxx

After Ling Tong went back to his room, things succeeded in the familiar way it happened in the last days: he went to bed and Gan Ning followed him in his dreams.

The blond soon found himself on a beach, walking slowly over the golden sand. The waves were near him, softly murmuring a secret as they splashed their waters and came back to the sea.

Not far ahead he saw a man pushing a boat through the beach; once more it was someone Gan Ning recognized, but before he could call Sun Ce's attention, a desperate voice cried out for help in the distance and the man ran to that direction. The blond ran after him and stopped at a distance, seeing Sun Ce reaching a group of men.

"What are you doing?!"

The men were cruelly kicking a small turtle—that tried to hide inside its shell to avoid being injured. Sun Ce realized the men wore armor, like the ones of soldiers and felt even more angered. "Don't you feel ashamed to do that to a small creature?!"

"It's just a stupid animal," one of the cruel men turned his head and grinned.

"Why don't you fight someone who can defend himself?" Sun Ce asked.

"I don't know, I see no one who can defend himself here," the soldier mocked.

"Yeah, there's just a stupid fisherman in front of us," another soldier stared at Sun Ce.

"Hey, I can be a fisherman, but you're no better than me just 'cause you're wearing some armor."

"Looks like someone wants to get hurt…" the solders circled Sun Ce and stared at him menacingly.

"Alright," Sun Ce prepared himself, "If you're so willing get beaten by me."

One of the men tried to punch him, but he avoided the attack and landed a punch of his own, knocking the man to the ground.

"Your luck ends here!" One more soldier tried to punch Sun Ce and reached only air, feeling an elbow collide painfully to his side.

Sun Ce was able to hit another soldier, but then he was suddenly grabbed from behind; his arms were locked in the tight hold and he couldn't get free when he tried to struggle. Then the biggest of the men came in his direction, fist raised high in the air.

Gan Ning was almost reaching them to intervene in the fight, when someone beat him to it. Taishi Ci, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, hit the big soldier so hard he fell unconscious to the ground. Without losing time, he punched one more soldier and then helped Sun Ce to get rid of the man holding him, so they could hit him and send him falling backwards.

"Thanks," Sun Ce managed to say, still regaining his breath.

"You're welcome."

"Hey you're pretty strong, I'm really impressed," Sun Ce said.

"Well, I trained a lot in the mountains, preparing myself for the day when I would become a great warrior, serving a rightful leader," Taishi Ci explained.

"Oh I see. I'm sure you're going to get noticed by a great leader one day."

"I believe I already found him, he's standing right in front of me."

"Oh… me?" Sun Ce pointed to himself. "I'm just a fisherman."

"But you have the greatness of a true hero. I saw you trying to protect that innocent turtle from those soldiers. It was only you against all of them, but you still fought for what you thought was right. I will follow you wherever you go."

Sun Ce laughed. "Great, I have one soldier already, I just need the rest of my army!" When his laughter stopped, he said more seriously. "You know, I always thought I should gather some men, and start fighting for the ones in need. There's so much injustice in the world."

"Let's start it now then!" Taishi Ci said excitedly.

"Alright!"

It was then the ground started to shake and a shadow was formed in the horizon. A whole troop came marching in their direction, seemingly ready to attack them.

"I guess we have to start sooner than I thought…" Sun Ce said.

"Need company for the party?"

Both men turned to stare at the newcomer.

"Who are you?" Taishi Ci asked.

"I'm Gan Ning."

"Who?" Sun Ce asked.

"Don't tell me you don't know me?! I'm Gan Ning, the great god of the pirates!"

"You don't seem like a god…" Taishi Ci said.

"Not really," Sun Ce agreed.

"Look, will you keep doubting my greatness or let me help you in your fight?"

"Alright, 'great Gan Ning', you can join us," Sun Ce said.

"Thanks."

"You better be good, 'god of the pirates'," Taishi Ci said as he saw the soldiers approaching.

"You'll see," Gan Ning grinned. "Hey, what about a challenge then, let's see who take more soldiers down, the winner receives free drinks from the losers."

"Sounds fair," Sun Ce said.

"I agree," Taishi Ci said, just before the first line of soldiers attacked them.

xxx

They had fought fiercely, defeating enemy after enemy until all of them were down on the sand.

"How many?!" Gan Ning asked.

"50," Sun Ce said proudly.

"Me too…" Taishi Ci confessed.

"Hmm… Are you sure?" Gan Ning asked.

"Why? How many did you beat?"

"Fifty and… and…"

Before Gan Ning could finish his sentence, they heard a small clapping sound and turned to the direction. It was the little turtle Sun Ce had saved earlier.

"Well done! I've never found so brave men! I thought men were all cruel until I saw your bravery. You have my most sincere gratitude. Please, I ask you to accompany me to my home in the sea."

"Thank you, little one, but we can't go with you," Sun Ce said. "We are human, you see, we can't breathe under water."

"Don't worry, big fellow," the turtle said, "I have powers to make you all breathe under water and survive in the deep sea."

"Okay then," Sun Ce said and Taishi Ci was ready to follow him.

"Can we really believe a turtle?" Gan Ning asked.

"Hey, if you don't want to believe me you can stay here and no party for you!" the turtle stuck his tongue out at Gan Ning."

"Alright… I'm in a dream anyway, let's go to the sea." He entered the waters and followed the turtle.

They swam over the waves for a while until they submerged. Realizing they could breathe under water, they continued on their journey to the deepest part of the ocean. The place was brighter than they imagined it would be, more colorful too, full of algae and shells for decoration. There were fishes of all kinds, all swimming happily, singing a melodious tune in unison. Among all the beauty of the seas, there was something that stood out: a shining palace made of pearls.

"This is my home," the turtle said when they reached the palace.

"Wow you must have royal blood then," Sun Ce said.

"Not really," the turtle said, it was about to tell them his story when hurried footsteps echoed over the palace halls.

"Where have you been?!" A black-haired girl in a red dress appeared at the palace's entrance and took the small turtle in her arms.

"I traveled to the shore…"

"You know that it's dangerous and full of mean people."

"I know… but these brave men saved me," the turtle said and pointed to the trio with its paw.

"Oh they seem strong!" the girl said and bowed in greeting. "I'm the princess of the sea; you're welcome in my palace."

"A princess!" Sun Ce was surprised. "I never expected I'd meet a princess." He kneeled in front of her.

"Please, you don't need to," the girl said. "You're my guests of honor. Please, stand up and tell me what I can do to show my gratitude."

"You can throw us a party, Da Qiao," Gan Ning said.

The girl blinked at the name, "I'm Otohime, but that name sounds familiar…"

"It's from your other incarnation," Gan Ning invented.

"Oh I see… and you are…"

"I'm Gan Ning, master of the seas."

"Hm… never heard of you…"

"…Just go there see things for a party, will you?"

"Alright," Da Qiao said cheerfully. "You wait here, I'll tell the sharks to prepare the feast."

"Alright… Wait… Sharks?" Gan Ning asked.

"It's the whales' day off," Da Qiao explained.

"Isn't there someone else working…?"

"Don't you like sharks?"

"Not really…"

As soon as they expected they were led to the palace hall and found it fully decorated for a big celebration. The fishes were all waiting in black tie as octopus swam from side to side carrying several trays of food on their tentacles.

They spent several hours at the party, finding it greatly enjoyable. They watched many presentations of the dolphins, including a great magic show with special effects. They could taste a banquet with food they only found at that deep part of the sea and nowhere else in the world, they even had several kinds of drinks.

Even though they were having a great time, Sun Ce felt there was something missing, something he should do. He walked to the direction of the princess and held her hand affectionately. "I really enjoyed the party, but I must go now."

"Why don't you stay here at the sea?" Da Qiao asked. "There's plenty of space, you and your friends could live in the palace with me."

"I wish I could, but I have something to do back home. I need to gather an army to fight for the people in need."

"I see…" Da Qiao said sadly. "Here," she handed him an ornate box. "Take it with you, but never open it."

"What's inside?" Gan Ning asked in curiosity.

"It's a secret," Da Qiao said.

"Alright," Sun Ce took the box. "We must go now, goodbye, princess." He waved and they left to head back to the shore.

Once all three of them where at the beach—which didn't take long due to how fast they swam—they all stared at each other, curiosity getting the best of them.

"Let's open the box," Gan Ning said.

Sun Ce opened it slowly and they all stared attentively, waiting to see what was inside. Several lights appeared from the box, so bright they were blinded for a while, until they could finally set eyes on what appeared in front of them. An image of pure horror was showed through a hologram and they all wanted to avert their gazes, but couldn't due to an evil force. They watched as Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi engaged in the most animalistic sexual act they had ever seen, it was showed in so graphic details that everything they had ever imagined, everything they had envisioned in their wildest dreams, paled in comparison. When it finally ended, they were all so ashamed it felt as if they were the most innocent beings, having their innocence being raped right in front of their eyes.

Suddenly they heard a voice echo through the air.

"I told you not to open the box!" Da Qiao said from the deepest of the oceans.

"I'm sorry…" Sun Ce shouted. "Please, do you know of a way to make me forget it?"

"You have to come back to deep sea and I'll give you and your friends a potion. It'll make you forget all your memories though."

"Alright!" Sun Ce jumped into the sea.

"Everything to make us forget what we just saw!" Taishi Ci followed behind.

Gan Ning was almost jumping into the water too, but then decided to remain on shore. Maybe he could try some of those advanced techniques with Ling Tong when he found him.

"Hey, Gan Ning!"

The blond was surprised someone actually remembered his name in one the dreams and then realized he knew the owner of that voice well.

"Ling Tong," he turned and saw the brunet running towards him.

"I've been looking for you all this time," the tall man said slightly breathless. "You don't know what I've been through…"

"Oh I imagine," Gan Ning smirked. "You'll tell me that later," he took a step forward and was surprised Ling Tong beat him to his intent and hugged him.

"I'm so glad I could find you."

Gan Ning felt Ling Tong burying his face on the crook of his neck. "Hey… are you crying?"

"You were there, weren't you? Around me, all the time."

"Yeah… I've been there… but it was so hard to make you notice me."

"What was that thing about killing me?" Ling Tong lifted his head and stared at Gan Ning in the eye.

"And what about that thing about exorcising me?"

"I was so scared, I thought you had gone crazy when you started to do all those things."

"You know why I did all those things…"

"Yeah… you wanted my attention."

"You know it's not only that…" Gan Ning held Ling Tong's left hand. "You know what I really meant."

"I can't… Not now…" Ling Tong said sadly. "I have to… I…"

"It's alright," he brushed the brunet's tears off his face. "You know, I couldn't tell you before, but I was happy to see you one last time before I died. I was happy you came looking for me." He cupped Ling Tong's face with both hands and made him stare at him. "Just promise me you'll remember something." He pressed his lips to the brunet ear. "I'll be here," he whispered.

Ling Tong nodded.

"Now come," Gan Ning glanced at the empty box lying on the sand and held the brunet's hand again, guiding him to a deep hidden place in Ling Tong's dream. "I need to teach you something I just learned…"


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The End

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A/N: Well, it was fun to write this story. I hope you enjoyed it. It was good to give my interpretation of the tales I heard when I was a child. One of my favorite tales was the one I tell in this last chapter, "Urashima Taro", it was one of my favorites when I was a young. I know there's a lot of ways to tell the same story, but the way I see it, it's somewhat tragic, maybe bittersweet.

Thank you Animelover6000, Nightlore, Scytherageroses, Ischemia, Ablueberrynight, CherryNinja and Nan Ma for the reviews, you all know the reviews are very important for the authors; it's a way to give them feedback and motivation.

Also thank you Brianne M.Y, Claris44, Ischemia, The-Printer-Without-Ink, autoboticon and cccccCc (?) for the favorites, I'm glad that you enjoyed the story at some point.

More thanks to Claris44, DacilJuju, FamkeForEver, Ischemia, Nan Ma, Scytherageroses, SoundofImagination, The-Printer-Without-Ink, The Yaoi Goddess and autoboticon for following this story. I hope you liked the experience of reading it.

Special thanks to my beta-reader Nightlore, who has helped through all this time. He's a great author and a great person, and I recommend you all to read his stories. He writes for Resident Evil, Ginger Snaps, Devil May Cry, Heavy Rain and Merlin. You can check his profile at my favorite author's list in my profile.

For all the authors out there, keep writing. I'm sorry I wasn't around much for the past months, but I'm not having much time. I really appreciate the effort you take to write and post your stories without any profit, just by fans for fans, sharing your love for something with others. I think the author's work must be supported.

I posted the last chapter of my Sima Shi/Zhou Yu, if anyone is interested. The story is called "Beyond The Night" and can be found in my profile.

I used to finish the final notes of my stories with a quote. It was actually one of Gan Ning's quotes, I don't know if anyone noticed it, I've never told anyone. The quote was, "It was a lot of fun. See ya." I think it's kind of a cheerful thing to say, but the things is that I heard this quote while I was playing the battle of Yiling (which I call "The Maze from Hell" xD) in one of the previous Dynasty Warrior's games and then… it gets another meaning.

Well, what else to say…

It was a lot of fun. See ya.