Babysitter Zhao Yun

Author's Note: I will apologize now if this chapter isn't to your liking, I had much difficulty in making it. Zhao Yun's sons will be Zhao Tong and Guang (ages 9 and 7 respectfully when they come in) and I was asked to add a daughter. I have several ideas and names for her from my One Hundred WHAT story, but I decided to go with a new one exclusively for this story alone: Zhao Shufeng which means Pure or Virtuous Wind. She is about 5 years of age, or just turned 5.

As opposed to Zhao Yun's wife… this is centered on Zhao Yun and the kids, but if everyone wants I could bring in Ma Yunlu as his wife… But I really don't want to add a wife in this story if I can help it.

If I were to put a modern song to any of Zhao Yun's sons; it would be The Vengeful One by Disturbed for Zhao Tong and Bring It by Trapt for Zhao Guang. His daughter is a bit more difficult to decide on.

I truly wish to see the game introduce Zhao Yun's kids, like Tong and Guang and maybe a daughter. It'll only be right for them to do so because Guan Yu and Zhang Fei have their kids!

I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed. I hope this chapter is as good as or better than the others. This chapter may be shorter than others.

He didn't have a choice. Even Liu Bei asked him to do it. And he couldn't argue with everyone on the subject. It was for the good of everyone. Zhao Yun was going on vacation, and the kids are going to be split among the other warriors during the time.

It would be an understatement that the kids took it badly when they heard the news. "We don't want a new babysitter!" "I don't like anyone else!" They complained. They even threw a vase at a door. That poor, poor vase.

Either way, Zhao Yun didn't have much of a choice but to accept the three days off. He thought that no one was going to last more than a few hours. Then he'll be back watching his little dragons.

"Don't forget your scarf dad!" Zhao Yun looked down and smiled as his youngest son came up, holding out the colorful scarf that the kids would recognize him in. They never liked it when he took it off. Not even his own kids liked it when it wasn't around his neck. Zhao Yun lowered himself to the ground to caress the light brown hair of Zhao Guang. His youngest son's hair was a field of highlights, all ranging from dark and light.

"Thank you Guang." Zhao Yun smiled. "Do you have your medicine? And your blanket? Don't forget your books."

Zhao Guang looked up to his father in wide, innocent hazel eyes. "I have them, don't worry." He grinned, showing perfect teeth.

'I hope they stay like that.' Zhao Yun mentally sighed, smiling down at his son. Zhao Guang and his older brother often don't see eye to eye on things.

Zhao Guang was much more out-going but shy at the same time, but was often getting sick. Right now he had a cold and was wearing a white sweater and black pants.

Zhao Tong on the other hand was much more reserved, and very unsocial. Whereas Guang would ask many questions, Tong would keep to himself and try to answer whatever question he had on his own. Whenever Guang was being picked on, it was Tong who he would run to. It would've been fine if his oldest wasn't openly violent with others picking on his brother. Guan Ping, who was bigger than Tong, was playing with Zhao Guang one day and made him cry. Guan Ping lost a tooth almost instantly.

Zhao Yun sighed. Then there was his young daughter who was almost a combination of her brothers. Whereas his two sons were each two extremes his daughter was another extreme. She had the tendency to run behind himself or her brothers because of her shy and timid nature. Zhao Yun was used to his daughter's painfully shy nature, and her brothers were very protective over her. Zhao Yun smiled. Even Zhang Bao and Guan Xing were protective of her.

Zhao Tong had semi-long black hair and his eyes were a darker shade than his father's. Not to mention he was a very intelligent boy who silently observed the world around him. He only conversed with others when he absolutely had to. Zhao Guang was shy and meeting new people was like stage fright to the young boy. He was also more peaceful compared to his siblings. Zhao Shufeng always hid behind his legs. She wouldn't come out from behind him unless he was down at her level and even then she would be too afraid to meet other people. Her painfully shy nature was seen as cute to their comrades. She also had long black hair that reached her waist and her eyes were a bright hazel.

No doubt about it, Zhao Tong was the strongest of the three siblings, Zhao Guang acted like a scholar and warrior mix, and Zhao Shufeng was a timid little dragon. The traits all of them had in common though was that they were loyal to their father, to each other, and to their friends, and will result to physical contact when it came down to it. They were calm in situations, and never back out of something once they set their minds to it. They also walked in stride everywhere they went, never once having their head down, no matter how shy Zhao Guang was or Zhao Shufeng is. Shufeng will keep her head up, but avoid the eyes of another person or in a panic close her eyes to avoid everyone's.

And all three were coming with him. Zhao Tong wouldn't socialize, and Guang and Shufeng were much too shy to other people.

"Are you three ready to go?" He called out, putting the scarf around his neck. They called back asking for five more minutes. Zhao Yun just closed his suitcase and walked out of his room.

Jiang Wei was with Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu, Fa Zheng, and Pang Tong. The four strategists were around a table, debating about the map in front of them. Jiang Wei sighed as he flipped through the book of traps he brought with him. The four before him were veteran strategists. Would he be able to trick them? He was bored enough to try!

Bao Sanniang, Xingcai, and Guan Yinping were with Yueying going shopping for ingredients for the feast that was planned in three days. Yueying would be teaching them how to cook as well as teaching them a few defense moves so they could continue their training while their mentor was gone for the next three days. All three of them seemed to enjoy the concept of being near culinary tools.

Liu Shan was with his own father, working with other tutors. But for some reason, it just wasn't the same for Liu Shan to be taught by another person. So he was hardly paying attention. He wanted to see the girl he met the other day too!

Guan Xing and Zhang Bao were with their fathers fishing. Zhao Yun had told Guan Yu and Zhang Fei that they would need to bond frequently in a peaceful environment. What's more peaceful than fishing with their fathers?

"Gods dang it! It got away again!" Zhang Fei roared, throwing his pole to the ground. "That's it! I'm going in there to kick that fish's fin!"

Guan Yu held him back. "It's just a fish Zhang Fei. Let it go. There are plenty in the pond to catch."

"But that fish stole my bait!"

"Be peaceful around the kids, otherwise they're going to learn to be violent." Guan Yu drew back his line and inspected his hook. There was a tiny fish caught on it, flailing as it came out of the water. "At least the one that got away from you put up a fight! This isn't even a fish!"

Guan Xing poked the tiny fish.

Guan Ping was with Ma Chao. They were taking care of horses and Guan Ping was seeing the steeds of the Five Tiger Generals.

"Okay Guan Ping, that one's Red Hare, your father's war horse." Ma Chao had Guan Ping on his shoulders. He currently wasn't wearing his helmet so the dark brown hair he had flowed freely in the wind.

Guan Ping was in awe of the striking large, red horse. It had a flowing mane that appeared to be like the flames of a fire.

"And that one's Zhang Fei's. His name's Shark Lance."

"Shark Lance? What kind of name it that?"

"Your uncle named it, not me. You might want to ask him about it." Ma Chao pointed to the next one down the line. "This beauty's name is White Dragon. It's Zhao Yun's stallion."

"Are you sure it's a stallion?" Guan Ping stared wide eyed at the beautiful white horse. Red Hare was a chaotic awe, but White Dragon was a calm, graceful sight. The horse was completely white with a long mane and tail that looked like falling silver. Red Hare had black armor in the back of his stable. White Dragon had silver bluish armor. The horse looked smaller than the others though.

"It looks like a mare doesn't it. We keep telling Zhao Yun that his horse can't be a stallion, but I guess the horse matches the looks of its rider at some point. They say white horses have more stamina, and I can guarantee that White Dragon is fast on a whole new level. Red Hare and White Dragon are on a different plane of existence. But isn't he beautiful?

"He looks like Lord Zhao Yun."

"He's just as gentle too!" Ma Chao pointed to the one next to the white horse. "And that one would be mine!"

Guan Suo was with Ma Dai… who was doing something shady.

"Master Ma Dai, is there something wrong?" Suo looked as the veteran duck his head and turn around. A smile on his face.

"Nope, nothing's wrong!" He set a book down on the table next to him. "Just looking for that."

"What is it?"

"A book! Just a book."

Guan Suo raised an eyebrow. He hoped his siblings were having more fun than he was.

Zhao Yun was at his vacation spot. It was a simple house with beautiful scenery all around it. Liu Bei often came here to get away from his paperwork and the other generals did as well. Zhao Yun sighed as he grabbed the keys from his pocket to open the door. Something was telling him to go back to work. That something wasn't right and he should return. He didn't like this feeling of dread.

He opened the door and looked around the house before letting his kids in. It wasn't even a minute in when Zhao Yun had a thought that stopped him in his tracks. What if the kids get kidnapped when I'm away!? What if that was what they were waiting for!? He was very tempted to call up his comrades… just to see how the kids were faring. Then he thought that he must be overworked and should probably get some rest.

He had a sleepless night the other night, and the night before that. His feeling of dread might be from lack of sleep. Only one way to find out…

Bao Sanniang was falling behind the others. She was carrying a bag of peaches and her arms were about to give out. Yueying would occasionally stop for her to catch up, even offered to take the bag from her, but Sanniang was rather stubborn and said she had it.

A cloaked figure followed them from behind. Grey eyes traveled toward the group and laid upon the three girls. He noticed the adult woman they were walking with, so he didn't move. He needed the right moment.

Zhao Yun woke up in a sweat, panting deeply. The nightmare he had sent a cold shiver down his spine. He had nightmares before, but he never woke from them until they were over! And each nightmare he had always left bad images. This one just showed the three girls being kidnapped by an unseen shadow.

Zhao Yun racked his head for anything that could be connected to the kidnappings. Did he have a long term enemy? No. Other than Zhang He, he didn't have any notable military enemies. Besides, Zhang He wouldn't be kidnapping children. Even he thought that was inhumane and unbeautiful for an enemy to do. Plus Zhang He and he actually got along despite being enemies of different kingdoms. It was more of a friendly rivalry, although serious.

Zhao Yun shook his head and thought. The first kidnapper tried kidnapping Guan Suo, but Zhao Yun was convinced he wanted to catch another before deciding on Suo. Suo must have been targeted because compared to Jiang Wei he was the faster of the two, plus both of them are skinnier and tinier than their other male comrades. That kidnapper must have followed them to take the kids that night, while they were all asleep.

The second went to Liu Shan when the young boy was further away from the entire group. He was tiny and weak as a four year old, but more so than average. Both kids that the kidnappers seemed to target was if they were small enough to carry off and not have much difficulty in doing so.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. The door opened slightly to show his daughter's pale, flawless face. "Daddy it's time to get up. It's lunch time."

Jiang Wei walked down the hallway, feeling bored. He left the book of traps back in the room the four strategists were in. He left because their argument brawl was getting too loud for his ears. He sighed deeply. In fact the argument was so loud that he snuck his way out without a sweat.

The cloaked figure leaned against the back of the wall, watching the younger boy come closer to him. The bored expression came from behind the corner, not once seeing the older man that leaned against the wall. He watched with grey eyes as the boy continued down the hallway. When he was slightly out of sight the man pushed off the wall to follow quietly behind him.

Zhao Yun tapped the table without letting up. Worry settled in him and it coiled inside. Were all his kids okay? Do they need him? He wasn't even asleep for an hour when he woke up from a nightmare, but now images that didn't appear in the nightmare came to him and it clenched at his heart. Jiang Wei was being followed… and whoever was following Jiang Wei was the same shadow that was trailing the three girls with Yueying.

A headache suddenly found itself. Zhao Yun put his hand to it. Did he have a fever? He felt sort of warm. He hoped it was in his head.

Shufeng passed her dad a cup of water and looked worriedly at him. It goes without saying that she and her brother Guang were smaller than average for their ages, and it didn't help that they both hid behind their older brother when they were frightened. Or their dad when they can.

She tugged at her father's scarf, which was responded by Zhao Yun turning his head to look at her. He smiled gently, but tiredly. "Do you want to go back to bed daddy?"

Guan Ping was dragging a bag of oats to Ma Chao, who was petting the nuzzle of one.

"Do all horses eat oats?"

"It's a supplementary for their diet. They can eat wild grass and other treats like nuts, apples, and even honey."

Guan Ping raised an eyebrow. "Honey?"

He brought the bag over and watched Ma Chao feed the five horses. They all had different amounts depending on the horse. "I'll be right back, I'm going to get some apples okay. You can feed them." Ma Chao walked away with the empty bag in hand. "Don't go running off okay."

"You got it." Guan Ping stood at the stable, watching the great animals nibble at the oats they were given. Guan Ping managed to reach his head to touch White Dragon, who let the young child pet him.

The cloaked figure from before was hidden in the shadows, watching the young boy pet the great white horse. This was going to be a lot harder unless the kid walks away from the horses of the Five Tiger Generals. The trained animals were not to be underestimated. Three of them were huge in comparison to other horses, one was older than most, and the last one, the white one, was gentle but no doubt trained to respond to distress. They were veteran horses, the steeds of the five veteran warriors he may have to face. So far he's seen Ma Chao. He'll have to be very careful.

The young boy he set his sights on moved away from the horses. Perfect. It'll have to be done fast. Before the horses react.

Zhao Yun was now pacing the room. Worry flooded his very being and it made him restless. Was there any reason to be this high strung? Was he overthinking the kids being kidnapped? Was his own kids in danger just as much as the others were?

Zhao Tong watched silently as his father paced the room, going back in forth in long strides, his scarf waving with his movements. His father had a frown on his face and looked to be deep in thought, so Zhao Tong didn't move to ask what was wrong. His father looked tense, like a loaded spring ready to jump. Or a cat. Or a loaded cat ready to spring.

His sister asked if he wanted to go back to bed, but their father declined, saying he was too tense to lay back down. 'It must be a veteran warrior thing', Zhao Tong thought. 'To be alert even in times of peace or relaxation.'

Liu Shan was beyond bored and grew tired of the tutors. He fell asleep. Liu Bei sighed as he picked his son up and dismissed the tutors for the day. He walked across the many halls to his son's room and tucked him into bed. Giving a good-night kiss to the forehead Liu Bei walked out of the room, wishing sweet dreams to his sleeping child.

Liu Bei wondered if having a daughter would be less haste. Probably not, he would spoil a daughter. He would spoil his brothers' daughters Xingcai and Guan Yinping, and he even tried spoiling Zhao Yun's daughter Shufeng, but the shy child would hide behind her father before he could.

The cloaked figure rubbed his cheek as a purple bruise formed on his face. Not only did the last kid actually manage to put up a struggle, the red horse that was in the stable managed to break out of its housing and ram him. The call for help the child let loose would've brought him much dread if he didn't clamp his hand down in time. But while he did so the horse that was out kicked his face in such force that he went flying with the kid in his arms. He could've sworn Ma Chao was alerted by now so he would have to make a run for it. He was lucky to get away that time.

But now the castle Liu Bei resided in was filled with guards and men of renown. He was knowledgeable of the fact that each of the Five Tiger Generals had 14 handpicked sub-generals under their command alone. And it just so happened that all 70 of them were walking within the castle. There were many subordinates and veteran guards that stood motionless on the grounds that it was near impossible to get in, or as close, as he was right now.

He took a deep breath, flinching at the pain in his cheek. If he was going to capture Liu Shan, he would have to be very, very careful. There was no room for mistake. The child was asleep, and guards all around. There can be no mistake this time!

Zhao Yun had his arms crossed and was leaning against a tree. He figured he had to get out of the house to calm his nerves. It helped mildly, but now, with his head cleared, they dreaded questions returned involving his health. Was he too high strung? Was his anxious for nothing? Is his paranoia getting the best of him? Were his sleepless nights finally taking its toll? He wouldn't be surprised if it had. He still felt exhaustion's grip on his eyes but the weapon of worry was still present in his chest.

He took a deep but shaky breath. He showed no signs of overworking, so he should be fine for a bit longer. May be he'll take a nap outside. The weather's beautiful. What are the chances of his own kids tackling him in his sleep?

The cloaked figure breathed in deep breaths as he held the sleeping child to his chest. He was very shocked to find that the young Liu Shan was such a heavy sleeper. He was also shocked to run into Shu's Veterans Huang Zhong and Yan Yan, the two oldest generals within Shu. It was a very frightening encounter that he was lucky to escape from with only a few well-placed injuries. But now the entire kingdom was alert. If he was going to capture the last of them, he would have to be even more careful.

Zhao Yun was enjoying the small dance his daughter was displaying him with to entertain him. She twirled and leaped, being as graceful and as careful as a gazelle in motion. Her shy nature didn't stop her from taking an interest in dancing. It gave Zhao Yun much pleasure to see his daughter with a smile on her face and looking confident. But his thoughts would repeatedly go from watching her to how his other kids were faring. He was still restless so the nap outside didn't happen, and it was around that time his daughter offered to dance for him anyway. He couldn't say no to her wide eyes. Besides, he wasn't doing anything of importance.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were shocked by the news they were given. They were just coming back from fishing when it was given to them.

"Who would be the idiot to kidnap our nephew while our sub-generals were in the castle?" Zhang Fei seethed.

"The same idiot who could successfully outmaneuver Huang Zhong and Yan Yan. He wasn't an idiot if he could avoid all the fights he would've had if he didn't do what he did." Guan Yu stroked his beard. "But that leaves the question if all of the other kids are all right. We have to search out to find this man."

Guan Xing and Zhang Bao were confused to the sudden attitude changes of their fathers. They raised an eyebrow to the messenger who reported whatever news that caused their fathers to act like they did.

As their fathers were discussing over the matter, Guan Xing and Zhang Bao stood some distance away from them. Which was enough for cloaked man to be in range to take the two of them. He had just captured Guan Suo, who was very fast and even managed to alert his guardian, Ma Dai, to his situation. He was almost overcome if it wasn't for his superior speed against Ma Dai and for his elusive fighting style. He came out of that covered in minor scraps.

But it wasn't going to be just physical strength to capture these two. He was going to have to use his superior speed to get away from the two warriors. He thanked the gods for his speed and stamina before acting.

It was dinner time and the kids were all around the table, ready to eat. Zhao Yun set the dishes down in front of them. "Don't eat too fast, but enjoy kids."

"Thank you for the meal father/dad/daddy." They said in union. Zhao Yun smiled as they dug into their meal.

Zhao Yun was about to take a bite himself until there was a hurried knock outside of the door.

"Lord Zhao Yun are you in there? There's been trouble and Liu Bei asked you for your return to the castle," Was the voice that came from the other side. It was rushed and more knocking followed.

"I'm coming, I'm coming." Zhao Yun called out, getting up from his spot from the table and making his way to the door and opening it. A soldier was who greeted him outside the door. "What's the problem? Tell me quickly."

"The young lord Liu Shan has been kidnapped by a cloaked man earlier today! The other children, under Lady Yueying, Lords Ma Dai, Ma Chao, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are also missing. No one knows where they went!"

"Give me a few minutes to get situated and to get my kids. Tell Lord Liu Bei I'll be there as fast as my god's speed can take me."

The kingdom was in an uproar. It turns out that this third kidnapper knew what he was doing to take all of the kids usually under his protection in a day.

Zhao Yun stood at attention with the other generals and ministers of the kingdom, fighting the urge to pace or to go out on his own to look for them. His worries proved true! He did have a reason to be so tense today. If he wasn't gone today his kids wouldn't have been kidnapped. But, if he didn't take his kids with him today, would they still be with him?

Zhao Yun looked down to see his own three kids huddled at his legs. His daughter looked worriedly all around her and flinched at the loud noises. She had a death grip on his leg. Zhao Guang was faring a bit better than his younger sister, but was still close to his father that he could grab his leg if he was frightened. Zhao Tong was the only one who quietly observed everyone, calmly looking at the expressions on everyone's faces. His arms were crossed.

Soon Zhao Yun noticed Ma Chao, Ma Dai, Yueying, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei all huddled together with expressions of anger, sadness, and distraught. A flash of anger sparked in Zhao Yun but died almost immediately. He should've been here to protect all of the kids!

Zhao Yun walked toward them, and the people who saw him coming hurriedly got out of his way. His kids followed just as quickly. He overheard bits and pieces from their conversation.

"Zhao Yun is going to have our heads when he finds out!" Ma Chao hissed. "And it won't be a beheading!"

"I saw the guy," Ma Dai sighed. "But how was I supposed to strike when Guan Suo was in his arms? Or catch up to him as he escaped. His speed was almost an equal to Zhao Yun's."

"His elusive tricks were like Zhao Yun's as well." Guan Yu stroked his beard. "But if not for his speed Zhang Fei and I would've caught up to him."

Zhao Yun had enough. "That shouldn't have been an excuse lord Guan Yu." Although his voice was calm, it sent shivers down the spines of everyone present. The group turned to look at Zhao Yun. "Now give me a good reason why I shouldn't rip someone's head off."

The entire room was quiet. Zhao Yun growled lightly. "I'm never taking a vacation. Ever. Again." Zhao Yun's hand unconsciously tightened, a force of habit he had when he was about to, literally, rip someone's head off. "Do me one favor, and tell me how the hell he got past all of you, how he managed to kidnap the kids and get away from you, and how no one has found him yet."

It took longer than Zhao Yun would've liked for everyone to explain. His patience awarded him the cooperation of everyone present, but his hidden anger was nearly flashing in his eyes, turning them a cyan color that swirled within the orbs. All the while Zhao Yun tried to put the pieces together. He was right on one thing. The kidnappers, all three of them, very much picked his group of kids to kidnap. The other reports were all fitting into place. All the kids kidnapped were of good structure to work, they were well-educated, and they all belonged to either the royal house or the families who bend the knee to any of Liu Bei's generals as their patron.

Zhao Yun looked down at his own kids. They were of the exact same age as every child kidnapped, the exact build the kidnappers targeted on, and Zhao Yun had many families who turned to him as their patron. This third kidnapper made a couple of great risks to capture the kids, like doing it right in front of his comrades.

Zhao Yun thought deeply. He was going to have to catch this guy. He was going to have to see where all these kids are being taken to. He was going to have to take a risk. He was known for being the fastest within the army. He was given the most quick raids out of everyone in the army. His speed was second to none, and this kidnapper was said to have his speed, as well as his elusive techniques. The skills of an assassin.

Ma Dai described him as wearing a heavy black cloak that hid his body, but he had grey eyes, pale skin, a bruise at the side of his face, and sporting minor cuts and well placed injuries. The signs of him doing his deed all day. The man was about 5'11'' in height and lean in appearance, and skilled with hidden blades. He managed to take care of the veteran guards that were placed within the castle with a single stroke of a blade, but only killed as many as he had to.

"He wasn't aiming for a fight or bloodbath, he wanted to get away as fast as he could without leaving a trace." Zhao Yun was now clenching and unclenching his hand in front of his face, imagining the man who kidnapped his kids being in front of him. Would the blades be coated in poison? If the man was trained to be an assassin then no doubt they would be. None of the dead veteran guards had any reason to die if they weren't. The strokes from the man's blade were sloppy and inaccurate. He wasn't used to fighting anyone, but relied on the poison coated on the blade to deal a swift death. "That's why he avoided a fight whenever he could. He was being careful knowing his own limitations."

Zhao Yun decided he had to follow this guy while he worked. He was going to have to use his own children as bait.

"This third kidnapper was obviously a master to his work. The other two thought nothing of their surroundings, or gauged the threat of the adults around the kids they kidnapped. This one knew who was watching the kids, knew I was gone for the day, and knew how to get in and get out rather successfully." Zhao Yun sighed and put his hand to his head. Another headache found him. "I swear I can't trust anyone with my kids." He said under his breath.

He turned toward his comrades. "I'm going to go after him, and none of you are going to stop me. I'll bring the kids back, but I'm doing it alone."

Zhao Yun was going to exit the room until Guan Yu stopped him. "It was our mistake that the kids were kidnapped. Why not let us redeem ourselves?"

Zhao Yun kept his back turned to him. "You told me the other day you could watch the kids. You asked me if they were as bad as I said they were. I meant it as a joke, they're really angels. It just takes a lot of patience to handle them, you have to attentive to their needs, too be gentle when they're scared but firm when they become aggressive. I can tell you now that the kids would like to see a face they know they can trust right about now. This is no longer your battle Guan Yu, but my war!" Zhao Yun turned toward his comrades, his eyes a swirling cyan, almost purple. "He took my kids," he said calmly. "Now I'm going to repay him by taking them back!"