Beginning Of The End
Chapter 1
Sitting in a dungeon, Pondering her thoughts was all this young girl, Captured by Wei, Had to do. Her arms were chained to the ceiling, Her neck was chained to the wall behind her and both her thighs and calves were chained to the floor by heavy chains and thick metal restraints in the dungeon of Wei's capital city.
As she sat, Thinking of what to do, How to escape, An elderly looking man approached her cell, But as he walked, There was no sound of footsteps or even the slightest hint of breathing. It took the girl several moments to notice his presence.
" Who... Who are you? How did you get in here? " The girl looked startled but quickly calmed down as the man chuckled.
" I? I am Zuo Ci. I have little trouble going places I wish to visit. But that is not a story for today. You however, You are most curious. Tell me your name. " Zuo Ci spoke sternly yet had an air of calm and poise that the girl was not expecting.
" My name is Tiānshî. Cao Cao had his lapdog Cao Ren set a trap and captured me. Why do you ask? " Tiānshî spoke coolly but deep down, Worry and concern crept throughout her heart.
" I had thought you were special with Cao Cao's endless bragging of your capture. Yet all I see is a broken girl held in place by chains of her own making. " Zuo Ci spoke calmly, Despite the look of irritation on Tiānshî's face.
" I did not make these chains. Cao Cao... " Tiānshî paused as Zuo Ci chuckled.
" I do not speak of physical chains young one. I speak of the chains in your heart and mind. Can you truly not free yourself from that guilt? " Zuo Ci had a glint of knowledge in his eyes as Tiānshî sighed loudly.
" It was my fault. I could have done something to save them. " Tiānshî bit her lip as tears built up in her eyes.
" Could you now? And what might you have done that would not have resulted in your death as well? " Zuo Ci knelt in front of Tiānshî's cell as she cried softly.
" Dying with my family would have been better than this pain... " Tiānshî cried as Zuo Ci reached through the bars and wiped her tears away carefully.
" Without pain, A warrior cannot grow. Without heartache, A warrior cannot find a path to walk. Without fear, A warrior cannot have courage. Without darkness, A warrior can never truly see the light. Your pain, Your heartache, Your fear, Your darkness, You must not shy away from them. Embrace them and let them reforge you into who you were born to be. " Zuo Ci smiled in an almost creepy way before turning and vanishing in a small wisp of smoke.
" You speak as if it is a simple thing... " Tiānshî sighed softly before returning to her thoughts. After a few hours, Tiānshî let her head fall as she stared at the floor before slowly falling asleep.
The Next Morning
As Tiānshî awoke the next day, She found her collar and chains shattered and laying on the floor around her. " What... Who did this... " Although thoughts of gratitude towards whomever unchained her filled her mind, Tiānshî realised her cell was still locked. " I suppose it is better than nothing. At least I can be more comfortable. " As Tiānshî leant against the wall of her cell, She sighed and thought of how her chains and collar were so broken. Surely someone had to have made enough noise to wake her? Before she could think for too long, Tiānshî heard the guards approaching.
" I do not care what you have to say about this. Our orders say to leave this pathetic corpse in the dungeons with the would be assassin and leave him here until Lord Cao Cao has decided his fate. That is not for discussion. " The Guard Captain spoke sternly before Tiānshî saw them walk past her cell dragging what appeared to be a man. After a moment, The sound of a cell door opening echoed down the hallway before a loud thud and the slamming of the cell door. After a moment, The guards walked past Tiānshî's cell again but for a moment, The Guard Captain stopped and regarded her shattered restraints before sighing and continuing on his way.
Once the guards had left, Tiānshî picked up the largest chunk of metal left from her chains and struck the wall until several pieces of stone fell out of place, Revealing a hole that showed the inside of the cell next to Tiānshî's. Laying on the floor was a young man, Beaten and bruised. Given her current mood, Tiānshî spoke as caring and gentle as possible. " Are you alive in there? Or just a corpse as the guards say? "
" What does it matter? I cannot return to my home nor can I escape this cell. Why do you care anyway? Who are you? " The young man sat up slowly, His muscles lightly defined in the dim light of the high dungeon windows.
" My name is Tiānshî. What do I call you? " Tiānshî spoke softly as the young man turned to see her face through the wall.
" I am Lu Xun. I am a soldier in the Wu Army. My Lord Sun Jian is awaiting a message I carry. I... Have not been home to the Capital in some time. " Lu Xun sighed longingly before Tiānshî spoke.
" Count yourself lucky. At least you have a home left. Mine was destroyed by Cao Cao. I will kill him if it is the last action I take in this life. " Tiānshî spoke shakily but broke down in tears as she turned away from Lu Xun.
" What happened? " Lu Xun spoke calmly as Tiānshî cried softly for a few minutes before calming down and speaking.
" I went to our herb field at the nearby river. While I was picking herbs, I heard horses ride past. I was about to head home when I heard the screams. They burned my mother and father alive. My sister... All that was left of her was the scarf I made for her floating in a pool of her blood. They didn't even leave her body behind... " Tiānshî broke down into tears as Lu Xun spoke.
" How do you know it was her blood? " Lu Xun had a tone of car in his voice before Tiānshî answered.
" The scarf had a slash mark across the flowered stitching that she always kept visible on the side of her neck. It was cut clean through. " Tiānshî sobbed softly for a few moments before Lu Xun summoned the courage to speak.
" I can't imagine what you are going through but I need to get to the Capital. The message I carry could change the course of war. " Lu Xun spoke with a tone that would appeal to someone's better nature or sense of honour but not this time. This time, It rang empty through a prison hallway.
" Why should I help you? What purpose will it serve? " Tiānshî didn't so much as turn her head to glance at Lu Xun as he spoke.
" What purpose? Let's start with protecting our people. " Lu Xun looked taken aback as Tiānshî scoffed.
" YOUR people. I have no one Lu Xun. No one. Why should I care? " Tiānshî turned to face Lu Xun, As if she was expecting him to justify his reasoning.
" The Yellow Turbans are a scourge on the land. They kill without reason, Attack without provocation and take anything they desire no matter how they have to get it. " Lu Xun Sighed as Tiānshî once again scoffed.
" Yellow Turbans? What is that a disease? And you still are not even close to convincing me why I should care. " Tiānshî sighed softly as she turned away once again.
" Yellow Turbans are a group of rebels that are deluded into thinking they have divine power. As for caring, You may not care what happens to others, But you care about vengeance. Help me and I will help you. " Lu Xun smiled in a caring manner as Tiānshî turned her head.
" I want to kill Cao Cao for more than vengeance. Vengeance alone will be empty. I want him dead so no one else has to suffer as I ha... " Tiānshî paused as the guards approached and opened her cell door. " NO! STAY AWAY FROM M... " Tiānshî fell silent as one of the guards hit her before they lifted and dragged her out of the cell.
" Leave her alone bastards! " Lu Xun yelled down the hallway but the guards ignored him as the door to the dungeon slammed shut.
Torture Room
" Are you prepared to accept my offer little assassin? " Cao Cao spoke with malice before Tiānshî spat in his face.
" Make that whore in your bed your wife. I will never allow you to touch me. " Tiānshî had a look of rage and absolute hatred on her face as Cao Cao walked forward and slapped her.
" You will come to my side before your life ends girl. You will see. " Cao Cao chuckled lightly before Tiānshî spoke.
" Do your worst you puffed up windbag. The only reason you will ever see me at your side is if I have a blade in your gut. Pig. " Tiānshî struggled in an attempt to escape her restraints as Cao Cao picked up a braided whip before walking behind Tiānshî.
" Perhaps you need further lessons in manners. Shall we start with your back today? " Cao Cao smiled evilly as Tiānshî turned her head to glare at him.
" Torture me all you like. I will never break. Get on with it pig. " Tiānshî gritted her teeth and braced herself as Cao Cao swung the whip. Unlike previous times he had whipped her, This whip was different. As it struck her flesh, small metal barbs ripped her skin and left deep gashes.
As Tiānshî screamed in agony, Cao Cao laughed mercilessly. " YES! SCREAM BITCH! " Cao Cao swung the whip a second time.
As Tiānshî screamed again, Tears built up in her eyes as she forced herself to speak. " Do... Do your worst... Screams are all... All you will ever get from me... "
" Entertain any delusion you want girl. Before your life ends your lovely body will grace my bed willingly. Or the beds of my men should you anger me. " Cao Cao grinned maliciously before swinging the whip a third time, This time making the whip run downwards along Tiānshî's spine. As she screamed as the flesh of her back was ripped and sliced, Cao Cao dropped the whip and picked up a rope. " I would like to do something new today. You will not enjoy this. " Cao Cao grinned before rolling the ends of the rope around his hands before lifting it over Tiānshî's head and pulling it tight against her throat, Causing her to gasp for air and thrash against her restraints in attempt to escape.
" Ge... Get... O... Off... " Tiānshî gasped heavily as Cao Cao continued to tighten the rope around her throat. As she began choking, Cao Cao let the rope fall loose for a moment. As Tiānshî coughed heavily, Cao Cao pulled the rope tight again before she had a chance to breathe, Causing her to choke again. After several repeats of the process, Cao Cao dropped the rope and waited for Tiānshî to awaken from her unconscious state that the repeated choking had forced upon her. As he waited, Cao Cao walked around the room, Examining all the different options of torture that adorned the various shelves and cupboards.
After a moment, Tiānshî gasped loudly and woke up before coughing heavily as Cao Cao spoke. " That was rather fun. But what to use next... I think I will leave you tied to a post in the main courtyard for two days. Perhaps after no food and water you will change your attitude. "
" Don't count on it pig. I will not break. " Tiānshî had a look of ferocity on her face as Cao Cao smirked.
" Before I send you back to your cell in two days, I might put you on display for the townspeople to torment. I suppose your fate depends on my mood. " Cao Cao grinned before calling for the guards. Once they had entered, Cao Cao spoke again. " Take her to the courtyard and tie her to a post. Make it tall. I want to watch her suffering from my throne. "
As Cao Cao left the room, Laughing maliciously, The guards did as they were instructed and dragged Tiānshî to the courtyard.
Nightfall
" She looks so lovely all tied up. Don't you agree Cao Ren? " Cao Cao smirked as he looked out to the courtyard where Tiānshî was tied to a tall post with guards standing around the base.
" If it so pleases you my lord. " Cao Ren spoke sternly but as he glanced toward Tiānshî, A glint of pity flashed in his eyes before Cao Cao spoke.
" Oh it does. It makes me very happy to see this would be assassin dangle there like a corpse. Torturing her has been such a pleasure. " Cao Cao chuckled as Cao Ren bowed.
" My lord if we could discuss the Wu soldier. We know he carries a message but he will not speak to us. " Cao Ren had a tone of importance and urgency in his voice as he spoke but Cao Cao merely waved him off as he spoke.
" It matters not. He is of little importance and no threat while locked in the dungeon. The fool will rot in there while I have my fun with the girl. Has she begged for food and water yet? " Cao Cao grinned as Cao Ren coughed uncomfortably. " Out with it! What has she got to say?! "
" She says... And these are her words my lord... She says that she would rather burn than accept anything from you and that you can go forth and... " Cao Ren coughed uncomfortably before continuing. " Fornicate with a donkey. "
" That insolent little worm! Give her nothing then! Let her starve! Let her beg for mercy as thirst takes her! And when she comes off that post, Strip her and parade her through town. Let us see how her spirit fares after that! " Cao Cao looked outraged as he glared toward Tiānshî.
" As you command my lord. " Cao Ren left the throne room and walked toward the courtyard. When he was out of earshot of Cao Cao, Cao Ren muttered something only he heard. " Do not break little one. I would see what strength yet remains in you. "
The Next Day
As Tiānshî awoke, She realised that the guards were tying her to what appeared to be a wooden triangle. Her legs were tied so that her ankles were touching her thighs, Her arms were bound behind her head and her wrists tied tightly to the rope around her legs to keep her body upright and she had been gagged with a tightly tied strip of material. As she struggled, Tiānshî noticed that she had been stripped naked. As she blushed brightly and struggled harder to try and escape, One of the guards that was tying the last knots in the rope looked at her with regret in his eyes.
" I am sorry... We are just following orders. Don't fight this. " The guard sighed softly before the two guards that had been tying the ropes lifted the wooden triangle on to a small cart that was led by a horse. After being lifted on to the cart, Tiānshî realised what was about to happen. As tears built up in her eyes, The guard steering the horse whipped the reins, Making the horse slowly trudge through the palace gate leading to the rest of the town. As she left the gate, Tiānshî heard the guards call out from the ramparts above.
" Look upon this would be assassin. Look upon her tortured and stripped body and know that punishment such as this is fitting for any who would dare stand against Lord Cao Cao. Let her body be a lesson of the torments anyone will suffer should they follow her path. Lord Cao Cao brought peace and prosperity to our city and all he asks in return is loyalty. Show him loyalty and never will you suffer a fate such as this insolent girl. "
As the cart rolled through the city, Tiānshî struggled against her restraints and each time a guard saw her try to struggle, She was beaten with a wooden rod. As they went past market stalls, The cart was stopped so people could properly look at her and the guards could spread the message that was shouted from the battlements in case it went unheard.
After a few hours of being led through the city in humiliation and agony, Tiānshî was released and taken to Cao Cao's torture chamber for another round of whipping and strangling.
Late That Night
As Lu Xun slept, He was awoken by the sound of a cell door opening and a loud thud before the door was closed. As he realised where the sound came from, Lu Xun moved to the hole in the wall and looked through it to see Tiānshî lying on the floor with large scars on her back, Bruises on her face and a red, Lightly bruised line around her throat that looked as if they had been haphazardly treated.
" What did they do to you... " Lu Xun looked horrified as Tiānshî forced her self to sit up slowly.
" What they have been doing to me since I was captured. Every few days, Cao Cao sends for me and tortures me for his amusement. He makes threats that he might make me a toy to be used by his generals but so far they seem uninterested in that. " Tiānshî smirked slightly. " Some of them seem to at least have some shred of honour. But not him. He is adamant that once my torture reaches a certain point, I will beg to be in his bed. "
" This is barbaric... " Lu Xun looked outraged as Tiānshî turned to face him. " My Lord would never let this stand. You should come with me to Wu. "
" Why? What does your Lord have to offer me that could possibly make a difference? " Tiānshî turned away as tears built up in her eyes.
" Life. He can offer you a life. You are worth so much more than an existence of torture and imprisonment. " Lu Xun smiled warmly as Tiānshî turned to face him with a look of irritation.
" What the hell do you know... What do you know of my worth... " Tiānshî turned away as Lu Xun sighed softly.
" Would anyone not worth more be able to survive as you have? " Lu Xun looked calm and smiled once more as Tiānshî looked at him with eyes full of sorrow and despair.
" Don't do that. " Tiānshî turned away again as Lu Xun looked confused.
" Don't do what? " Lu Xun was clearly confused but his confusion vanished as Tiānshî spoke with a tone of voice that spoke volumes of how broken she was.
" Don't offer me hope. Don't put ideas in my head of freedom and life. Don't give me more despair Lu Xun. " Tiānshî cried softly for a moment before a banging sound filled the cell. " What are yo... "
Tiānshî fell silent as she turned to see Lu Xun banging his restraints against the wall, Slowly making the hole bigger. After several minutes of Tiānshî watching in shock, The hole was big enough for Lu Xun to fit through after the remaining shrapnel of his restraints fell to the floor. After moving through the hole, Lu Xun wrapped Tiānshî in a tight hug. After a few moments of struggling, Tiānshî calmed down and sighed softly.
" Bastard. Making me feel like this... " Tiānshî sighed softly again before gently pulling away from Lu Xun.
" Bastard I may be but you needed that. Deny it all you like. " Lu Xun smirked as Tiānshî shot him a look that told him to shut up. " Look, I still don't fully understand what you have been through. But what I can promise is that if you help me get back to Wu, I will personally speak to Lord Sun Jian about you. I can't guarantee that he will see what I see but I will talk to him anyway. I cannot escape this place without your help. "
" And exactly how am I supposed to help? " Tiānshî looked away as Lu Xun spoke.
" How long have you been here? " Lu Xun's smile faded as Tiānshî answered.
" Seven years. " Tiānshî wrapped her arms around herself, Causing the torn shirt she was wearing to slide upwards slightly, Revealing numerous scars on her lower and middle back that covered almost her entire lower and middle back underneath the fresh scars she now had.
" You have survived torture for seven years?! " Lu Xun looked amazed as he gently placed a hand on Tiānshî's shoulder. " And still you would question your own worth? "
" Don't. " Tiānshî shrugged off Lu Xun's hand before he continued.
" Tiānshî, Don't close yourself to others. Open up. " Lu Xun placed his hands on her shoulders again for a moment before Tiānshî shrugged him off again.
" Stop. " Tiānshî bit her lip as tears built up in her eyes again. " Just... Just stop... "
" You know I can't do that. " Lu Xun smiled as he pulled Tiānshî into another tight hug, This time she only struggled slightly before calming down.
" Bastard. " Tiānshî sniffled lightly as she sighed and allowed Lu Xun to hold her gently.
" Call me whatever you want. It hurts far less than seeing you suffer. As much as I am enjoying holding you like this, We really do need to escape. " Lu Xun ran his fingers through Tiānshî's long crimson hair soothingly for a few moments before moving back and wiping her tears away as she spoke.
" Our rooms have windows that we cannot reach and are protected by metal bars so that isn't a way out. The only other way out is through the throne room. They dragged me through there when I first arrived. The door at the end of the hall runs through the guard barracks and joins on to the throne room. We have two main problems to get out that way. Guards do rotations every hour and there are always at least eight guards in the barracks at any given time. They talk about shift changes and guard numbers when they walk through the cells to make sure prisoners don't try and leave. The second problem is Cao Cao himself. There are only a few things that he vacates the throne for. Eat, Sleep, Torturing me and what seems to be his idea of courting single... In some cases married... Women. " Tiānshî smiled and blushed lightly as she realised she had smiled before turning away as Lu Xun laughed heartily.
" His idea must be rather amusing. You should smile more often. It is beautiful to see you smile. " Lu Xun smirked as Tiānshî went bright red and shoved him roughly.
" Shut up! Don't say things like that out of nowhere! " Tiānshî blushed furiously as Lu Xun chuckled playfully.
" Fun and banter aside, It may take us some time to escape. We should spend a few days discussing our options and what we know before trying anything. If only to avoid further torture. " Lu Xun smiled warmly as Tiānshî continued blushing lightly. After a few moments, Tiānshî managed to stop blushing and they talked until night had crept upon them and they had fallen asleep. As Tiānshî slept, She dreamt of what seemed to be a vision of what may come.
Tiānshî was walking through the main entrance of a palace adorned in red decorations with Lu Xun at her side. Ahead of them were people in red armour but heir faces were blurred and faded. As Lu Xun pulled away from Tiānshî and walked a little further forward, One of the people spoke.
" We have been expecting you for days Lu Xun. What happened? What news do you bring? And also just as importantly, Who is that with you? "
" My Lord, I bring news from the front. We have been requested to aid in the battle against the Yellow Turbans. As for what happened, I was ambushed at the border and have been a prisoner in Wei, Which brings me to my companion. " Lu Xun smiled as he motioned for Tiānshî to walk forward. " This is Tiānshî. She aided in my escape from Wei. She was captured in a trap while attempting to assassinate Cao Cao. She has spent years in Wei being tortured for his amusement. "
" Tortured?! " The voice was feminine and sounded alarmed. " Father surely we cannot let this stand! Torture?! Cao Cao must be held accountable for this! "
" I agree. But first we have other matters to attend to. Tiānshî is it? "
" Y... Yes... " Tiānshî stepped forward nervously.
" You could have gone anywhere or even tried to kill Cao Cao again after your escape. Why come here? What is it you are searching for? "
" I... I don't know... But I have nowhere else to go. Cao Cao murdered my family. I was the only survivor because I had gone to the nearby river to collect herbs. I didn't try again because I... I honestly don't know if I can survive another life of torture and torment in a dungeon. I... I can't... " Tiānshî turned away as tears built up in her eyes. " Don't misunderstand... I don't want your sympathy. "
" Nor will you get it. Sympathy is for those who have no strength to walk the path before them. I see no such weakness in you. "
" Father surely we cannot turn her away. Look how broken she is... " The woman fell silent for a moment as Tiānshî glared at her. " Sorry... I didn't mean it like that... "
" It's fine. I know better than anyone how broken I am. " Tiānshî bit her lip as tears fell down her cheeks freely.
" Father please... Does her pain truly not reach you? "
" Is that what you think of me daughter? That I am heartless and cold to the suffering of another? "
" I... I didn't... "
" Nevermind daughter. I know you think better of me than that. You are correct however, We cannot simply turn her away after she has endured so much. Lu Xun, You spent time with her. What would you say is the best course of action in her regard? "
Tiānshî looked at Lu Xun with a hopeful look on her face as he smiled and spoke.
" My Lord I have never encountered someone with the strength that Tiānshî possesses. I recommend that we train her as a warrior and guide her on the path she walks. Her heart is broken and filled with anger and hate. We can change that and show her a better way. " Lu Xun smiled as Tiānshî subconsciously walked over and leant against him with her face against his chest as an astonished look appeared on his face before he put his arms around her.
" Indeed. Then I leave her in your care. See to it that she sees there is more to life than hate and pain. "
As the Lord finished speaking, Tiānshî woke up, Breathing heavily before turning and trying to wake up Lu Xun.
" Lu Xun... Lu Xun wake up... " Tiānshî nudged Lu Xun gently for a few minutes before an irritated look appeared on her face and she smacked Lu Xun over the head roughly. " Wake up you perverted bastard! "
" Tiānshî... What time is it... I had a dream that I was being nudged and called perverted... " Lu Xun yawned slightly before Tiānshî spoke.
" Yeah... A Dream... Wait! Shut up for a minute will you? I have to tell you something. " Tiānshî fell quiet for a second as Lu Xun sighed and rubbed his eyes before telling him about her dream. Once she was done, Lu Xun spoke with a puzzled look on his face.
" Sure sounds like the Lords of Wu but... " Lu Xun hummed softly for a moment as Tiānshî looked confused.
" You wanna share or? " Tiānshî had an impatient look on her face as Lu Xun realised he wasn't talking.
" Oh... Sorry. I was just thinking that it sounds like them but when I talk to them they are always so... Stoic. Hardy. Tough. Even Shang Xiang. She is the toughest by far. Even her brothers never pick on her. " Lu Xun chuckled softly as a look of wonder appeared on Tiānshî's face.
" She sounds wonderful. " Tiānshî smiled slightly as Lu Xun continued.
" Don't misunderstand. On the battlefield, Shang Xiang is the toughest woman you will ever see wield a weapon. But in court, She conducts herself with grace and poise that none of us can ever achieve. " Lu Xun smiled as Tiānshî sighed softly.
" Not everyone can be like her. There is no grace in me Lu Xun. But I don't need grace to get revenge. If I do come with you, D... Do you think they will treat me nicely? I... I have been through a lot these last few years... " Tiānshî sighed softly before Lu Xun moved over to her and held her gently as she rested her head against his chest. After several minutes of just holding Tiānshî, Lu Xun spoke softly in a tender tone of voice.
" They are going to adore you. Especially Shang Xiang. She has been dying to have someone she can consider a sister. They are tough and can come across a bit harsh but they will adore you. And you are going to adore all of them. " Lu Xun smiled as Tiānshî sighed softly and nuzzled against his chest slightly.
" Bastard... " Tiānshî smiled slightly as Lu Xun hugged her a little tighter.
" You will love the capital. The palace has massive gardens where Shang Xiang often has picnics. There is also a large training arena. I would be more than happy to show you around once we get there. " Lu Xun grinned playfully as Tiānshî shoved him.
" You just want more chances to hold me. Pervert. " Tiānshî turned away as Lu Xun looked taken aback.
" Though I would not complain for such chances, That was not my intent. " Lu Xun smiled warmly before Tiānshî moved to other side of the cell to have some space before curling up and going back to sleep as Lu Xun looked up at the high window and the small rays of moonlight that shone through it. After a few minutes, Lu Xun laid down and fell asleep.
Chapter 1
End