Beginning Of The End
Chapter 2
Tiānshî woke up to the sound of the cell door opening before being dragged out of her cell and taken to Cao Cao's torture chamber. Once she had been put in the usual restraints, The guards left and she was left restrained for a few minutes before Cao Cao entered the room.
" Did you enjoy your tour of my city yesterday? Were the people welcoming? Kind? " Cao Cao laughed as Tiānshî glared at him. " Nothing to say today? "
" Die in a fire you pig. " Tiānshî glared before grinning. " I take that back. Saying you're a pig is an insult to pigs. No... You're more like... A worm. A squishy disgusting little worm. " Tiānshî laughed as a look of rage appeared on Cao Cao's face as he stormed toward her and punched her in the stomach.
" You... Insolent... Little... " Cao Cao accentuated each word by punching Tiānshî in between saying them.
" Go on then. Beat me to death. I'll enjoy it more than having to see your filthy face again. " Tiānshî coughed lightly as blood dripped from her mouth before Cao Cao stepped away for a moment.
" No. Beating you to death would take time that I do not currently possess. I have far more important things to do than waste time on you now. Today, You will spend the day on the post in the courtyard. " Cao Cao left as guards walked in and removed the restraints before dragging Tiānshî to the courtyard again.
Nightfall
After Tiānshî had been dragged out of the cell, The guards brought the local stonemason into fix the hole in the wall. After spending all day locked in a different part of the dungeon, Lu Xun was dragged back to the cell. Before he could react, He was thrown into the cell and landed with a loud thud on top of Tiānshî who had been laying on the cold concrete. As she cried out in pain, Lu Xun quickly moved and slowly sat her up.
" I am so sorry Tiānshî. I didn't expect them to throw me so carelessly. " As Lu Xun moved away from her, He noticed the back of her rags were bloody. " What did he do to you... "
" Cao Cao did nothing today. He ordered the guards to tie me to the post in the courtyard. But... They had other ideas. People were given the opportunity to torture me for gold. Some of them just whipped me. Others used blades. Others had... More sadistic ideas. One old woman was looking at me like I was something to eat. Scum... All of them are scum... " Tiānshî motioned to move but gasped loudly as a bolt of pain went through her entire body. As Lu Xun motioned to help her, The guard that had apologised for tying her to the wooden triangle appeared at the cell door. After unlocking the door, He placed a tray that had a small bundle of cloth, A needle, Stitching, A small bottle of purple liquid and a bowl of warm water on it, On to the floor.
" Not all of us are scum. Just the ones that support Cao Cao. Know that there are plenty of us who would support you. I will be in touch. "
As the guard left, Lu Xun spoke, Causing the guard to stop and look back at the cell. " We need a way out. She can't stay here. She is strong but I worry that she cannot stand much more of this. "
" I am already working on that. Give me a day or two. Until then, Lord Cao Cao has ordered us to keep you both in here. More prisoners are expected tonight when he returns from battle. He even ordered us to put the two of you in the same cell. He is of the opinion that you will rape her and as he puts it... Save the soldiers the trouble. " The guard had a look of disdain on his face as Lu Xun shook his head.
" Of course he thinks that. Idiot. Thank you for your help. What do we call you? " Lu Xun smiled warmly but looked taken aback as the guard shook his head.
" No names. Not yet. It is safer that way. When you need to know, I will introduce myself properly. Now stay out of trouble. And don't let her anger Lord Cao Cao any further. "
" Because I can absolutely control her actions. " Lu Xun laughed softly as the guard smirked and walked away. After a moment, Lu Xun picked up the small bottle and pulled the cork out of it before smelling it. " Smells like the medicine my mother used when I had cuts as a child. It stings but it will help prevent infection. I have to clean your wounds first though. Please hold still. I will try to be gentle. "
" I have been hurt so much already... I just want the pain to go away... " Tiānshî sighed as tears fell down her cheeks slowly.
" I know this is going to be a bit... Uncomfortable... But I need you to pull your shirt up. It will make this easier. " Lu Xun sighed softly as Tiānshî glared at him.
" You are going to enjoy it too much. No. Do your best with my shirt on. " Tiānshî turned away with a disappointed look on her face as Lu Xun spoke.
" You know, I am far less perverted than you are assuming. I just want to help. So stop being stubborn and lift your damn shirt. " Lu Xun spoke sternly before Tiānshî turned to face him.
" Why do you care so much? Why are you doing this? " Tiānshî looked at Lu Xun with teary eyes that were filled with pain and despair. Her tone of voice sounded more than broken. She sounded diminished. As if part of her had been taken away.
" Just let me help. Please. " Lu Xun smiled warmly as Tiānshî sighed and turned away before lifting her shirt slowly. As Lu Xun examined the scars, A look of horror crept over his face as he realised the depth of what Tiānshî had suffered. " I am so sorry. I should have protected you. I should have stopped them from taking you. "
" Why Lu Xun? Why would you protect me? Why do you care so much? " Tiānshî turned her head slightly to glance at him as he shook his head and went about cleaning her wounds. Even though she winced, Tiānshî found Lu Xun's touch soothing. Even relaxing.
" We can talk about it later. " Lu Xun spoke firmly as he carefully cleaned Tiānshî's wounds.
" Lu Xun... " Tiānshî glanced at him again as he shook his head a second time. This time, Tiānshî turned around fully and slapped him. Forcing him to fall backwards.
" What... " Lu Xun had a look of bewilderment on his face but stayed silent as he looked at Tiānshî. She had a look of despair on her face and tears were freely streaming down her cheeks.
" You bastard. You make me feel like this, You make me feel wanted and cared for and you won't even tell my why. Answer me... Please... " Tiānshî cried softly as Lu Xun shook his head once more. " Don't do that Lu Xun... Give me an answer... "
" Not now. Your wounds are more important. " Lu Xun sat up and dunked the cloth he was using into the bowl of water to get the blood out of it before squeezing the water out and moving forward. As he reached out, Tiānshî slapped his hand away.
" You do not get to help until you answer me. " Tiānshî spoke sternly but looked hurt as Lu Xun shook his head a third time. This time, Tiānshî felt anger and pain fill her heart as she yelled. " JUST GIVE ME AN ANSWER! WHY DO YOU CARE?! "
" Because I can't help it! " Lu Xun spoke forcefully but sighed as Tiānshî looked shocked. " I can't help it. I am drawn to you. Seeing you in pain fills my heart with sadness. I can't help it... " Lu Xun put down the cloth and reached out quickly, Pulling Tiānshî into a careful hug before holding her lovingly. " You are a strong, Amazing, Beautiful woman and I find it so damn hard not to see you like this and not feel something. It is so damn hard not to give into all the emotions and feelings swirling around inside me. But I do not know what those feelings mean yet. I care about you more than you know and I cannot turn a blind eye to your suffering. If you truly do not want my help then I will stay as far away from you as this cell allows. But don't you dare ask me to stop caring. "
" Lu Xun... " Tiānshî started to speak but fell silent as Lu Xun moved away and picked up the cloth.
" No. Enough has been said for now. Turn around and let me at least tend to your wounds. Everything else can wait. " Lu Xun spoke with a tone that left no room for refusal as Tiānshî turned around and lifted the back of her shirt up to her neck before moving her hair out of the way. As Lu Xun went back to work, Tiānshî looked at the floor before a mixture of guilt and gratitude welled up inside her.
" I am sorry Lu Xun... " Tiānshî sobbed for a few moments before speaking. " I am so sorry... "
" You don't have to apologise. " Lu Xun put the cloth down and picked up the small bottle as Tiānshî turned her head and continued.
" Yes I do. All you have done is tried to help me and I have been nothing but insulting and rude to you. I am so sorry... " Tiānshî bit her lip as Lu Xun put the bottle down before wrapping his arms around her and holding her gently.
" You were not acting that way out of spite or hate. You just don't have the ability to trust anyone right now. An understandable fact given what you have endured for the last seven years. As long as you remember that I care, You can call me whatever you like and behave however you choose. " Lu Xun released Tiānshî carefully before picking up the small bottle and taking the cork out. " This will hurt. "
Tiānshî seemed to wilt slightly before nodding and pulling the back of her shirt over her head and biting down on the material. As Lu Xun poured the liquid on to her wounds, Tiānshî screamed into the material as an intense stinging surged through her back. After several minutes, Lu Xun picked up the cloth and wiped the excess liquid away carefully before stitching the wounds closed and wrapping Tiānshî's torso in bandages. As he tied the bandages in a knot at her side, He noticed that Tiānshî's expression had gone blank. As if she was in a trance. Before pulling her shirt down, Lu Xun leant down and kissed her cheek gently. " Even you have limits. Rest now. I will keep you safe. I promise. " After lifting Tiānshî on to his lap and leaning her head against his shoulder, Lu Xun ran his fingers through her hair slowly until Tiānshî fell asleep.
The Next Day
Tiānshî woke up slowly with a strong ache and moderate stinging weaving through her back before realising that she was wrapped in Lu Xun's arms and sitting on his lap. After blushing brightly, Tiānshî smiled slightly and nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck before going back to sleep.
As Tiānshî slept through the day, Lu Xun awoke but dared not move her. Instead, He continued to hold her gently and run his fingers through her hair while keeping an eye on passing guards.
As night crept upon them, Lu Xun woke Tiānshî as the guard that gave them medical supplies knelt in front of the cell and spoke quietly.
" Everything is ready. We have found a secret passageway in the dungeons deepest cells. The guards who support my decision to help you have made sure they are on shift for the escape. Here is some bread and drinking water. I will be back tomorrow night to tell you the plan. "
" Thank you for helping us. It must come at great danger to all of you. " Tiānshî smiled gratefully as the guard nodded.
" It does. But far less danger than letting someone willing to stand against men like Lord Cao Cao to die thinking no one cares for her suffering. I only hope that the danger my comrades and I face is worth it in the end. "
" I promise. I won't waste the opportunity you are all giving me. I will see Cao Cao dead and his legacy burned to ash if it is the last thing I do in this life. " Tiānshî smiled once again as the guard chuckled through the face covering he was wearing.
" I will hold you to that. I may even have a chance to help you in that one day. For now, Eat and rest. You will need your strength. "
As the guard left, Tiānshî picked up the loaf of bread and tore it in half before holding half out for Lu Xun, Who pushed it back toward her.
" You eat it. I'll be fi.. " Lu Xun fell silent as Tiānshî pushed the bread into his hands as she spoke.
" Shut up and take it you damn fool. " Tiānshî softly before muttering incoherently as Lu Xun looked toward her.
" Did you say something? " Lu Xun looked confused for a moment as Tiānshî shook her head and took a bite out of the bread she was holding. After eating and each having a share of the clean drinking water, Lu Xun and Tiānshî laid down and talked for a while before Lu Xun fell asleep. After being restless for hours, Tiānshî sat up and blushed lightly before moving over and putting Lu Xun's arms around herself and nuzzling against his chest before falling asleep.
Early The Next Morning
Tiānshî and Lu Xun were awoken by voices and the sounds of armour clanking before the guard opened their cell and spoke quickly.
" It is time to leave. Lord Cao Cao has ordered her execution. "
" She is too wounded to walk! " Lu Xun watched as Tiānshî tried to stand but quickly fell to her knees.
" Then carry her! You leave now or your heads leave in a basket! "
" Do you trust me? " Lu Xun looked toward Tiānshî with fire in his eyes as he spoke.
" With my life Lu Xun. Get me out of here. " Tiānshî smiled warmly and blushed lightly as Lu Xun put her arm around his neck before placing one arm under her legs and his other arm around her back and lifting her as the guard glanced down the hallway while Tiānshî groaned painfully.
" We have only moments. Keep pace with me and do not look back. My friends have started a fire in the watch house. Lord Cao Cao is already aware that it is a distraction but we lit it near the food storage so he has little choice but to contain the fire first. It will not take long. Now hurry. "
Lu Xun nodded as the guard took off down the hallway leading away from the barracks. As they ran, Lu Xun and Tiānshî heard the sounds of soldiers running around in the city. As they went down several flights of stairs, A loud bell echoed through the city.
" The warning bell. They know you have escaped. We have two minutes to get out of the city or we will never leave alive. Follow me. "
The guard led them down another set of stairs to what appeared to be a dead end that was blocked by an ancient looking bookshelf adorned with burnt, rotted and cob web covered books and broken crockery. As Lu Xun was about to speak, The guard walked forward and pushed the side of the bookcase lightly, Sliding it out of the way before walking down the tunnel that it was concealing. As they followed, Tiānshî and Lu Xun saw daylight ahead and smiled. As they stepped out into the morning air, The guard spoke quickly. " Head south. When you reach the river, Follow it south-west. It will lead you home. If you value your lives, Do not look back. Assume that Lord Cao Cao is following you. Do not stop for anything until you reach your home. Good luck. "
As the guard turned around and disappeared into the darkness of the tunnel, Lu Xun did as instructed and ran south without looking back. After hours of running, They arrived at the river. It was beautiful to witness. The water was a deep blue colour and the vegetation along the rivers edge was vibrantly coloured and growing unchecked in all directions. After taking in the beauty for but a moment, Lu Xun turned south-west and ran as fast as his legs would move.
Nightfall
" We have received no word. It is like he disappeared. "
" No man can simply disappear. "
" And yet there is no trace of Lu Xun to b... "
" My Lords! Lu Xun has returned and he has a woman with him that is heavily injured! "
" Bring them to the palace at once! Summon the physicians! NOW! "
" At once my Lord! "
" At last. Now we can learn what happened. And who this woman is. "
City Gate
Lu Xun staggered through the gate despite his exhaustion and aching muscles and was met by Sun Shang Xiang rushing toward him with Zhou Yu in tow.
" Where the hell have you... " Shang Xiang spoke angrily before Lu Xun fell to his knees and placed Tiānshî, Who had passed out from the pain of her wounds reopening, Onto the ground carefully.
" Help her. Please. " Lu Xun looked like he was about to drop dead as Shang Xiang motioned to speak. " No! Everything else can wait. Help her! NOW! "
" Zhou Yu, Carry the girl to the palace. The physicians are waiting. I will help Lu Xun before the damn fool drops dead. " Shang Xiang smirked as Zhou Yu chuckled and picked up Tiānshî gently. After a moment, Zhou Yu spoke with concern, Surprising Shang Xiang.
" She is quickly losing blood. We should hurry. " Zhou Yu walked toward the palace quickly as blood dripped down the front of his armour. As they arrived at the palace, Zhou Yu took Tiānshî to the Medical Room while Lu Xun and Shang Xiang walked toward the throne. As they approached the throne, Sun Jian stood and spoke.
" Lu Xun, We expected word from you days ago. What happened? " Sun Jian had a mixture of displeasure and curiosity in his voice as Lu Xun sighed and knelt down.
" I was ambushed along the path through the Shu border by a Wei patrol. " Lu Xun leaned forward before bowing politely with his head against the back of his hands. " I apologise for the delay my Lord. "
" A simple patrol bested you? I find that hard to believe. " Sun Jian spoke with a disbelieving tone as Shang Xiang shot him a look of disapproval.
" You are correct my Lord. I could have managed a simple patrol. However, This patrol was led by Xiahou Dun. " Lu Xun spoke hoarsely and groaned as a slow ache weaved it's way through his muscles. " Forgive me my Lord, But I require rest. Before I leave, I would deliver my message. "
" Very well. What message does Yuan Shao send us? " Sun Jian spoke calmly as Shang Xiang helped Lu Xun to his feet.
" Yuan Shao formally requests our aid in defeating the army of the Yellow Turbans. His army may already be mobilised. When I was captured he was planning to mobilise ten days from when I left his camp. " Lu Xun spoke calmly before a loud scream echoed out of the medical room, Snapping Lu Xun out of his calm demeanour before he took off down the hallway, Causing a look of shock to appear on Shang Xiang's face.
" I have never seen him so concerned after hearing someone scream. That companion of his must mean a great deal to him. " Shang Xiang spoke calmly as Sun Jian stood.
" Indeed. It surprises me as well daughter. See to her needs. When she is able, Bring her to me. " Sun Jian smiled as Shang Xiang nodded and walked toward the Medical Room.
As Shang Xiang entered the Medical Room, She heard Lu Xun yelling. " WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING TO H... "
" Honestly. " Shang Xiang sighed as Lu Xun fell to the floor unconscious. " Can't even behave yourself for five minutes. Damned fool. "
" Thank you Lady Xiang. Lu Xun was making our task quite difficult. "
" You are welcome. Put him in one of the spare guest rooms for now. Tell me what you know about this woman. " Shang Xiang looked toward Tiānshî as the Physicians rolled her on to her side and continued tending to her wounds. As Shang Xiang saw the numerous marks adorning Tiānshî's back, A look of horror slowly appeared on her face. " What happened to her... "
" From what we have seen so far, It appears that she was tortured. Quite severely and over the course of at least several months. "
" Cao Cao did this? " Shang Xiang stepped forward and carefully ran her fingers over some of the older wounds.
" We can assume nothing until she awakens my Lady. "
" What can I do to help? " Shang Xiang looked as if the wounds were causing her pain as well before the Head Physician spoke.
" Actually my Lady, We could use help with her sutures. Stitching her wounds with this many wounds, Especially more recent ones, Requires a much more delicate hand than we possess. "
" I would be happy to help. As far as my stitching clothes experience can help. " Shang Xiang smiled slightly as one of the Physicians handed her a needle and medical thread before continuing to clean Tiānshî's wounds.
Nightfall
Lu Xun awoke slowly and stretched before standing quickly and rushing to the door. As he opened the door and motioned to run out of the room, He bumped into Zhou Yu.
" Going somewhere? " Zhou Yu had not so much as twitched as Lu Xun attempted to move past him.
" I must see Tiānshî. Please move Zhou Yu. " Lu Xun attempted to push past but Zhou Yu simply nudged him back into the room and closed the door.
" I will not. You are getting in the way. When she has been tended to by Lady Xiang, Then and only then will I permit you to see her. With Lady Xiang's permission of course. Until then, You will remain here and behave yourself. Do not bother trying to leave via the window. You will find the guard on that side far less calm than I. " Zhou Yu simply sighed as Lu Xun yelled and cursed. " Impetuous brat. "
Early Morning
" I can't believe she had so many wounds... " Shang Xiang spoke with a tone of concern and exhaustion before sitting in a rocking chair with a large pillow that the Physicians had brought in for her.
" It would seem that the torture she endured lasted far longer than we originally thought. There are scars on her body that are a year old at minimum. "
" We will learn what we can once she awakens. Until then, I will keep watch over her. Thank you for everything you have done. All of you. Now return home and rest. You have all earned it. " Shang Xiang smiled sweetly as the Physicians bowed politely before leaving. After the door had closed and the sound of footsteps fell silent, Shang Xiang sighed exhaustively before looking over to where Tiānshî was sleeping soundly. " You were a lot of work girl. I hope you are worth it. " Shang Xiang leant back against the large pillow and fell asleep as she rocked the chair gently.
Several Hours Later
Shang Xiang awoke slowly as rays of sunlight hit her face. After rubbing her eyes and yawning, Shang Xiang looked over to the bed to see it empty and the blanket missing. As she looked around, Shang Xiang saw Tiānshî bundled in the blanket, Sitting in the corner with a terrified look on her face. As Shang Xiang approached, Tiānshî looked up at her with a mix of ferocity and fear. After sighing softly, Shang Xiang giggled softly before sitting down and smiling.
" You have no reason to be scared. I spent too long fixing you to so much as think of hurting you. " Shang Xiang smiled sweetly as the ferocity and fear in Tiānshî's eyes faded away slowly.
" You stitched my wounds? " Tiānshî spoke softly as Shang Xiang giggled.
" Not just I. Our Court Physician and his attendants were most helpful. I just did stitching. They did the hard work. " Shang Xiang smiled but looked taken aback as Tiānshî slowly edged toward her for a few minutes before hugging her gently, Causing Shang Xiang to blush lightly.
" Thank you. But who are you and where am I? " Tiānshî moved away from Shang Xiang as she spoke.
" My name is Sun Shang Xiang but everyone calls me either Shang or Lady Xiang. You can call me either. You are in the capital city of the kingdom called Wu. My Father, Sun Jian, Is the leading figure here. " Shang Xiang spoke soothingly as Tiānshî stood and walked to the window beside her bed to see a city outside as the sun shone across the buildings. As Tiānshî sighed in wonder, Shang Xiang stood and walked to the door. As she heard the door open, Tiānshî turned to see Shang Xiang smiling and waving for her to follow. As Tiānshî followed Shang Xiang down the hallway, She saw a massive room ahead that had a red coloured carpet running down the centre of the room. As they got closer, Tiānshî heard voices that she didn't recognise.
" You mean to trust her so openly? Would it not be wiser to learn who she is first? "
" What would you suggest instead? Throwing her out? "
" That's not... "
Before they could continue, Tiānshî spoke from where she was standing with Shang Xiang. " If you are going to talk about me you could at the least, Wait until I am present. "
The room fell silent as they all looked toward Tiānshî before she walked forward and continued. " If you have questions I would welcome you to ask them while I am here to answer them. Or at least before I lose my patience and leave. "
" They didn't mean to be disrespectful and they certainly didn't mean to sound like they were being rude. " Shang Xiang shot them a look of disapproval before the man sitting on the throne stood and motioned her forward. " My father wants to speak with you. You can be nice right? "
" Depends on the person. " Tiānshî walked forward as Shang Xiang groaned nervously before walking to the throne and standing beside it.
" Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sun Jian. These are my two sons, Sun Ce and Sun Quan. You have already met my daughter. But also, Allow me to apologise. We did not mean to insult or disrespect you. My son was simply giving voice to his concerns. " Sun Jian smiled warmly before Tiānshî sighed and spoke calmly.
" I should apologise too. It has been a long time since I last had to be polite and I find myself lacking in decorum. " Tiānshî looked away slightly as Sun Jian spoke.
" My Physicians describe quite the array of wounds. Would you explain what you have been through? " Sun Jian leaned forward slightly as Shang Xiang sat down beside his legs as Tiānshî spoke shakily.
" I... I don't know if I can get through this without getting emotional... But I will tell you. It started when Cao Cao came to my village with an escort squad. I was at the nearby river picking herbs when I heard the horses ride past. They didn't notice me. It was a few minutes before I heard the screams. I ran back to my village to find... Carnage. Cao Cao slaughtered every man, Woman and child. All that was left of my sister was her scarf in a pool of her own blood. Cao Cao even took that from me when I was captured. " Tiānshî bit her lip for a moment in a failed attempt to hold back her tears as Shang Xiang burst into tears before Tiānshî continued. " I buried what was left of my parents before following Cao Cao. Somehow he knew. He set a trap. Cao Ren captured me. I spent seven years... Seven long years being tortured by Cao Cao. They paraded me naked through their city. Whipped me with barbed whips. Beat me, Choked me, Cut me... I thought I would die before they ran out of things to do to me... "
" F... Father... " Shang Xiang could barely voice words as she turned to look at Sun Jian but she fell silent at the look of pure, Unrestrained rage on his face.
" That barbaric, Cruel, Sadistic sack of useless flesh! " Sun Jian stood rapidly before looking toward Sun Quan. " Prepare the army. We will answer Yuan Shao's request. Once that is done we will discuss what punishment wou... " Sun Jian paused as he heard a growl escape Tiānshî's lips. As he looked toward her, His jaw dropped at the unrelenting, Blazing rage and hatred in her eyes.
" There is only one punishment that will ever be good enough. I will strip the flesh from his bones with my bare hands and carve my name into his very soul before he dies, Slowly roasting over hot coals like the insufferable pig that he is. " Tiānshî's eyes were filled with hatred and bloodlust as Sun Jian spoke calmly.
" I will see your revenge to fruition dear one. But first, I would ask you something far more personal. " Sun Jian as Tiānshî's rage and hate disappeared from her face as she looked toward Sun Jian.
" What could be more personal than describing seven years of torture? " Tiānshî looked confused as Sun Jian chuckled.
" What does your heart desire? I know you are intent on vengeance but surely your heart is not full of only that. What are you searching for? What is it you want to find? What do you want for yourself? " Sun Jian sat back on his throne as Tiānshî thought for a moment before biting her lip.
" I... " Tiānshî turned away for a moment before Shang Xiang rushed forward and hugged her tightly.
" Don't you dare hesitate now. Let your heart speak. " Shang Xiang held Tiānshî lovingly as tears built up in her eyes and she spoke before she could stop herself.
" I want my family back. I want my sister to hold me like this and tell me that everything is okay. I want... " Tiānshî broke down in Shang Xiang's arms as the last part of her sentence left her lips amidst sobs and cries. " I... I just... I want... I want to be loved... "
" Does her pain and heartache truly not reach you father? " Shang Xiang looked up at Sun Jian with a tear stained face that held a look of devastation and heartbreak as Sun Jian spoke.
" You know me far better than that daughter. Yes. Her pain and suffering reaches into my very soul. I cannot bring your family back my dear. But there is something I can offer you. However, I would like to see for myself what kind of person you are. Pain and heartache is just the smoke covering who you truly are. Come with us to the battlefield as a member of the Wu army. Bathe the field in your rage and let the smoke part so we can truly see you. " Sun Jian smiled as Tiānshî nodded silently before nuzzling against Shang Xiang's chest as she continued to hug her tightly.
Chapter 2
End