...
...
...
"... sick ..."
"... Zhao... he... rest..."
"... He... uncon ...ious... "
"... is he... ight...?"
"You're... be okay... Yun..."
Either everybody has gone drunk or maybe I'm the one who needs to sober up a bit. I'm feeling woozy and disoriented which makes me opt for the latter option to explain the lack of coherent sentences. Even though I'm still pretty much out of it, I became somewhat coherent enough to realise I'm lying on my back on a soft surface. My armor is off. I'm shaking, breathing heavily and sweating like a pig. I can hear people still speaking in sentences that went by my ears in filtered muffled jumpled up mess. I wanted to move; to let them know I'm still in there. But it's like my body had entirely shut down. And before I knew it, I fainted again.
I woke up some time later. But not awake enough to fully regain consciousness. However, I can still hear a familiar voice next to me but all it spoke is more gibberish. I wanted to open my eyes. Wanted to move my arm. To make any twitch that would indicate I'm trying to wake up. But not even my blasted eyelids are feeling cooperative!
I felt my body getting nudged a little, as if someone is wiping me with something; a cloth, perhaps? I don't know. I'm still feeling too numb and tingly. Then I felt something cold and wet against my eyes and forehead which helped snap me back to reality a bit. I can hear slightly better now. And in my helpless state, I'm slowly yet surely starting to get my senses back. And that's when I felt someone squeezing my hand.
"You're going to be okay, Zhao Yun. You're going to be fine." Master Liu Bei?
"Man, he's completely outcold." Master Zhang Fei. Oh, where is your yelling voice when I need it? Just one hollar and I'll jump straight through my tent's roof!
"Lack of sleep and food alongside strenuous effort for days can do that to you." Thank you, Captain Guan Obvious.
I heard my fellow higher ranking officials speaking quietly among themselves regarding the situation at hand. Every once in a while, someone would refresh the cloth then put it back on my face again. Then I felt the cloth getting moved across my chest and stomach. Oh, I'm topless then. That means my sexiness is exposed for the world to see. Took me a while to notice in my braindead state.
Little by little, more of my consciousness was being restored until I regained more control of my motor function. And finally, made my first move during the time I was out.
"Cough."
"Oh, you're awake!" for such a teeny tiny sound coming from me, it sure inspired a big reaction out of Lord Liu Bei. I slowly moved my head towards his voice. I tried opening my eyes but it's like some cruel prankster glued my eyelids shut. But at least I managed to get my arms to move a bit. "That's right, Zhao Yun. It's okay. Everything is going to be alright."
"..." I tried to speak but my throat, mouth and lips are as dry as Lord Zhang Fei's sense of humour.
"Sshhh. Easy. Don't talk." He said as he ran his hand through my hair which I'm sure is super messy right now. When I managed to open my now half lidded eyes, my vision is blurry and unfocused. But I could barely make out the shape of my beloved Lord Liu Bei. His presence brings me relief in my sorry state.
"Lord... Liu... " I croaked as I shakily raised my arm to him and he gently held my hand.
"I'm here. It's okay. It's alright."
"It... Hurts..." And by 'it', I mean everywhere.
"I know. I know. Fear not. You're just exhausted."
"Wa... Wat..." I strained to speak again. I wanted to say 'water'. I'm thirsty as hell.
"Don't push yourself, Zhao Yun. Please, don't talk."
At least get me some water! I mentally screamed hoping he'd magically read my mind and get me what I want. But communication via telepathy is impossible for some reason. I, um, I blame the exhaustion."Get back to sleep, Zhao Yun. You need to rest some more."
Please, say less.
Finally managed to move my entire body, albeit with difficulty. At least I could move around in my tent a bit, at the cost of slightly sweating and panting. I groaned as I rolled over to my opposite side for a more comfortable position. It's like the smallest blink drains me more of what squat energy I have left. Boy, am I starving. But I'm still too weak to eat anything.
So this is what the villagers have been feeling, huh? I thought solemnly as I laid on my side cuddled in my blanket, my bangs covering half my face. This feeling of hunger and weakness. Did any of those people experience episodes of faintness too? Did they ever get sick from lack of nutrition? Did they lose their lives to the clutches of starvation? Honestly I wouldn't put it past them. If anything, it made me all the more proud of my decision to give those folk hope - a chance at survival, at living a better life. Even if it put my health at risk, I don't regret it a single bit.
"Cough... Cough..."
Okay, maybe a little...
"Here comes the horse carriage!" Said Lord Liu Bei in a sing-song voice as he moved a riceball close to my mouth.
"..." I looked at him feeling entirely unamused.
"Come on! Open up, Zhao Yun!" Making a face, I obeyed so he could feed me.
"That's a good boy!" Praised my lord like a parent celebrating their child's first time going potty by themself.
Getting treated like a toddler aside, I'm at least strong enough to sit up and move around more. But definitely haven't risked leaving my tent yet, except maybe to go take a leak which is my least favourite part of my sickness. Let me tell you, I'll never get over the awkwardness of doing my business while under supervision. Luckily, I rarely ever need to pee seeing as I'm practically dehydrated. Otherwise, I keep movement to a minimum. I still have dizzy spells and chest pain everytime I get up and walk. And by the time I go back to my tent, it feels like I have run a marathon while carrying Lord Guan Yu over my shoulders.
I'm still weak. So very weak.
"Did you swallow?" Asked Lord Liu Bei way too cheerfully. I nodded. "Then open up!" And I took my second bite of food.
"My lord, you don't have to do this." I said after swallowing. "I can eat by mysel - hmph!"
"Oh hush now!" Reprimanded my lord halfheartedly as he shoved another riceball in my mouth. "You gave us quite the scare, you know that?"
"Shorry, my lord." I said with the rice mouthful. I had to do it. I did it for the sake of the village was what I wanted to add. Even if I did tell him that, he won't have it. He'll probably tell me that it's good to help others but it shouldn't be at the expense of my health, which I agree with and all but... God knows I wanted to squeeze in some sleeping time.
But matter of fact? I really did push myself big time. Even my own body went 'fuck this shit' and quit its job. And Master Lui Bei, bless his heart, is caring for me despite his injury.
"How is your arm, my lord?" I asked. Pointing with my head towards the wounded appendage still hanging with a sling. "Did someone change your bandges while I was out?"
"Yes. I had Brother Guan Yu to help with that. He was a bit rough though, unlike your tender touch." He said gently patting his abused wound. "No one changes bandages like you do!"
"Sorry about that. Nurse Z is currently off duty. Heh." I chuckled weakly.
"Now it's doctor L's turn to care for you!" He said picking up another riceball. "Now open up! Here comes the shooting star~!"
Once Lord Liu Bei is done stuffing my face with riceballs and meat jerkies, I chugged an impressive amount of water that would put camels to shame, then went to lay down on my back with a huff. Even sitting up straight feels like a workout. Sighing, I wiped at the sweat on my forehead. This entire time I have been staying shirtless otherwise I would end up having to squeeze five gallons worth of my own body fluids from my clothes.
"Oh, dear. You're sweating again. Okay, hang on." Said my lord as he put a piece of cloth in the water bowl nearby before squeezing the excess water from it then applied it to me, all with his good hand. I don't mind doing it myself but... my eyes feel heavy. The drowsiness headache came back and my body went lax again. "Are you sleepy, Zhao Yun?"
"Mhmm..."
"I'll take that as a 'yes'." He chuckled. "Once I'm done, I'll leave you to rest."Moments later, he was out the tent to go receive some reports and start a routine meeting as a general survey around camp. Something I would have joined him with if it wasn't for the fact that I break out in cold sweat if I so much as sneeze.
Rest. That's all I need to do. Just rest."The Guardian Angel has been absent for the past couple days."
"Oh, really now? Nothing by the well this time?"
"It wasn't sudden. At first the Guardian has been leaving us with less food than usual. Just a bag of fruit and mushroom and the money. No deer or rabbits. After that, nothing is left for us at all."
"How curious..."
"Don't get me wrong. I'm grateful for everything the Angel has done for us all this time. I just question this sudden change of behaviour."
"You think something has happened to it? Perhaps it went off to lend its help somewhere else."
"Not far-fetched. But I still wonder what happened."
The conversation between my lord and the chief reached my ears as I laid on my cot with the blanket up to my shoulders and my back facing the tent exit by which they're talking. So they noticed my abscence after all. Yeah, I suspected as much. I wonder how they reacted to the sight of an empty spot next to the well. I feel bad for leaving them hanging like that but I can't help anyone while I'm still helpless myself. Not while I still have the stamina of a heavy smoker.
"Come join us for tea, chief. As a fellow leader, I understand the need to take a break from your duties."
"Very kind of you, my lord. By the way, where's the fine general who fed my children before?" I almost perked up at the mention of my normal self, not my Guardian Angel identity. "I haven't seen him since I arrived. Isn't he going to join us for tea or has he gone on an errand?"
"I'm afraid he's not available. He's suffering of severe exhaustion and collapsed a couple days ago."
"Goodness! I'm sorry to hear that! Is he alright?"
"He's sleeping in his tent right now. Was just about to check on him." I heard the tent fold move and the darkness behind my closed eyelids got brighter as more sunlight streamed through.
"Goodness gracious... Poor man..." I heard the chief whisper as he took in my sorry sight.
"Mhmm." Hummed my lord before shutting the tent door leaving me back in the darkness slightly interrupted by the arrow holes on the tent. At least my eyes aren't in danger of getting cooked by the light intruding through the holes like what happened with Lord Liu Bei. At this, I mentally grinned.
The expedition is taking longer than planned. Partly because of my condition. Partly because we've been behind on schedule. Repairing camp and waiting for reinforcements have consumed a lot of time we could have spent on doing more field work. Such is life, I guess. Things can't go smoothly forever.
I'm alone in my tent simply looking around in an attempt to distract myself - my phone is an option but honestly I'm in no mood to be staring at a screen - my ponytail fell upon my bare shoulders as I moved my head around taking in the comfortable insides of my cozy tent until my eyes fell upon the corner where I keep my Guardian Angel disguise. Thankfully, I had the sense to keep everything covered with a blanket everytime I put them away in case someone visited my tent. Next to the secret pile is the spear and my armor pieces. Man, do I long for the day when I'm able to use them again. I don't doubt that will happen soon. I am feeling a lot better than I used to. No longer does the tiniest effort put me at risk of a cardiac arrest, but I still feel very tired every time I'm forced to go out to do my business.
Speaking of which...
I need to pee...
I shifted in my position so I could peek outside the tent to see if anyone is available to watch over my ass (figuratively speaking of course!) I wanted to go alone but I'm under strict instructions to bring someone with me.
Alright, let's see. Soldiers are going here and there seemingly too busy. Lord Guan Yu is nowhere to be seen. Lord Liu Bei is at the conference tent. That leaves me with no one except...
Sigh.
I picked up my phone and dialed Lord Zhang Fei. Nothing wrong with the man. I suppose you can say our relationship is the playful bickering type. And I guess I don't want to give him the satisfaction of gloating at me as I struggle to take a piss. But all joking aside, the man does care.
"Hey, boy! Everything well?" He responded, his loud as hell voice almost shattering my device.
"Hi, Master Zhang Fei." I greeted weakly. Tiredness still evident in my voice. "Hope you're not busy because... I need to go!"
"Hehehe! Alright, I'm coming! Try not to wet your pants until then!" Told you that man likes to gloat...
Seconds later, his head poked through the tent opening.
"Peed yourself yet?" He grinned.
"Too bad for you, no." I groaned as I got up. My fellow Tiger General supporting me from my elbows as he escorted me to the usual spot. On the way there, I was anxious at the possibility of feeling faint again especially before I'm done taking care of my business. Last thing I need is to lose consciousness and end up peeing myself!
"Hey." Started my companion, his massive arms holding gently to me.
"Mm?" I responded.
"How are you feeling right now?" He sounded a lot calmer and more serious compared to earlier.
"A lot better actually. I don't feel like a zombie, as you'd elaborately put it."
"Hey, I learned the term from you! You're the horror expert after all!" He chuckled. "But real talk, you scared the living shit out of us. I know you're a hotshot and all but you have to take better care of yourself than that."
"Yes, mom."
"Smartass!" Finally reached the usual tree under which were a nice collection of bushes. They are thick and waist high which offered extra privacy. "Okay, boy. You're here. Now do your thing." He let go of me then turned around and took a few steps away.
I leaned with my hand against the tree, using the other to slide my pants a little lower. But not before taking a quick look around to make sure I'm alone. I looked behind me and spotted Lord Zhang Fei patiently waiting at a respectful distance, his back turned to me. Not wanting to waste anymore time, I slid my pants and underwear further down to summon my Little Dragon, then proceeded to empty my barrel.
Ahhhh!
After I was done relieving myself, I pulled my pants up and announced I'm ready to go. My fellow general nodded with a knowing grunt before walking besides me. But a few steps later, something went wrong.
"Ugh..." I moaned as I fell to my knees, feeling awfully lightheaded.
"Oh, crud. You got dizzy again. Here, I'll take you there myself." I felt myself getting picked up in bridal style. My head resting against my massive comrade's shoulder, shaking and panting. "Hang in there, boy. We're almost back to camp."
Moments later, I could hear the voices back at camp getting clearer the closer we got. Among which the alarmed exclamations of Lord Liu Bei and Guan Yu when they saw my limp form getting carried by Lord Zhang Fei, who took me back to my tent. As I was laying on the cot, sweating and out of breath, I could hear Zhang Fei offering a brief explanation of what happened to the other two officials.
Goodness, even going to the toilet became an adventure in and off itself.
Master Liu Bei walked in to wipe my sweat off before patting my shoulder, telling me to rest and to call if I need anything. All I could respond with is a nod.
This is going to be a rough ride...
I woke up again around evening, or regained consciousness, I don't know. I'm not exactly sure whether I slept or fainted. But I know I'm in need of fresh air. It's feeling borderline stuffy in here and I am starting to get sick of being bedridden. Of course, I wasn't going to get out of the tent. Just... sit outside for a little breather. And if need be, I'll crawl back in. No harm in that, right?
I took a relieved deep breath as I sat up straight right at the tent entrance. The night breeze felt refreshing against my drained and still pretty much topless body. I was spotted by Lord Guan Yu who walked over to me.
"Master Zhao Yun. Do you need the toilet?" He said slightly bending over me.
"No, thanks. Master Guan Yu. Just wanted everyone to get a view of my glorious muscles!"
"At least you still have your sense of humour." He smirked. "We're having tea right now. Would you like me to bring you a cup?"
GOODNESS, YES! is what I internally screamed. But on the outside, I gave a less desperate response. "That would be great, thanks." It wasn't long before I'm currently relaxing at the door to my tent with a much, much, much, much needed cup of tea between my hands. Lord Liu Bei sitting by my side nursing his own cup. The other two generals chatting it up by the campfire.
"I'm glad you're feeling better, Zhao Yun." Stated my lord.
"Me too, my lord. Looking forward to joining the battlefield again."
"Well, that's the problem..."
"Mm?"
"You've overworked the hell out of yourself. What were you thinking?""You know you haven't been feeling well yet you kept pushing yourself anyway! Why didn't you tell me? I could have relieved you of your duties so you could go get some rest!" He wasn't angry or yelling, per se, his voice is actually calm yet strained with concern.
"I couldn't... You had a lot on your shoulders and I didn't want you to worry about me." I responded looking away, painfully aware of how wonderfully that worked out.
"I'm sorry, my lord. I know I should have been more honest. I just didn't want to stress you out even further."
"Well, congratulations. You already did! Besides the shit I have to deal with, I have to babysit you too!""..."
Well, that stung.
I couldn't even look at him. I kept my eyes trained on my miserable reflection on the tea surface. My attempts at keeping my lord's worries to a minimum had backfired big time, but... to have him point it out like that; to let me know that I'm the cause behind adding more stress on him, it hurts. It's one thing to be aware of your mistake. To have someone rubbing it on your face like that is just emotionally fatal."Zhao Yun.""Zha-"
"What would you have me do?" I snapped. Not exactly yelling - no matter how upset I'm, this is my lord we're talking about - but it's evident that I'm fuming. "We had so much to do. The camp almost got destroyed. Half our troops got killed. We lost a war against Wu. The damn bandits keep coming. Hundreds of reports were streaming in. In the midst of all this shit storm, you expect me to just excuse myself and go to sleep?!"
"Better than having you need someone to hold your hand while you take a piss!"
"I don't like this anymore than you do! I never asked to collapse! I never asked for any of this to happen!"
"Yet it happened. And it wouldn't have, have you not tried so hard to play hero!"
"I don't give a crap about herosim! I couldn't just sit back and let everyone carry the burden!"
"How do you carry a burden when you've become one yourself!"
That's it!
"Have a goodnight, my lord." After a moment of stunned silence, I growl out the sentence. Roughly putting my half finished tea cup on the floor. I don't have an appetite for it anymore. I'm done.
"Zhao Yun! I- I'm sorry! I- !"
"Good night, my lord!" I repeated louder this time, effectively cutting him off as I retreated back to the warm confines of my tent. I can't stay outside any longer otherwise I might lose my temper and say something regretful. If he wasn't my superior, the argument would have escalated into a full blown fight. Normally, I'm calm, patient and forgiving. A squabble like this would leave me slightly annoyed more than anything. Even of my feelings were hurt, It would take more than that to actually get me to be really angry. But as you can see, the recent turn in events, or as I fluently put it: a shit storm, and my drained physical state, has left me somewhat volatile.
Still seething, I laid on my side taking in shaky breaths, my nose flaring like an ox, feeling a little droplet of sweet over my temple. The situation has taken a lot out of me. Might as well sleep this whole crap off. I expected Master Liu Bei to follow me but I guess he realised I needed the space. Good because I'm beyond any attempt at communication right now.
Once my breathing became more steady, my anger melted to sadness.
A burden? me? That's how he feels? I know he tried to apologise but I was too mad to hear it. It's just so unfair. To stand by his side all the time, showing unparalleled loyalty and complying to his wishes, always protecting him and keeping him safe that even the most crowded warzone feels like a park full of sunshine and rainbows, only to treat me like a burden the moment I feel unwell. No, that's not like him. I know he didn't mean it. He's too kind and understanding to blame someone for their ailment.
I suppose, in his eyes, I brought this on myself. My condition isn't something that is entirely out of my control. The reason I am the way I am now is because I tried to 'play hero'. But still not an excuse for all this blaming and make it seem like I asked for it. I don't enjoy being sick! I don't enjoy staying holed up in my tent while everyone else does the work! I don't enjoy needing someone to accompany me everytime I take a damn leak! However, I know that was not my lord's intentions. Right now, he does not have a sense of perspective and isn't thinking straight. it's a heat of the moment thing due to stress. And with how I freaked out the entire camp with the fainting episode, and the little spat I just had with Master Liu Bei, his stress must be skyhigh.
How ironic...
My attempts at avoiding being a liability to my lord are exactly the reason why I am one right now. All I wanted is to make things easier for him only to achieve the opposite results.
Just close your eyes. I thought to myself as I slowly drifted to sleep. Just... close my eyes and leave this shit behind me for the meantime.
the warm sunlight and the cool breeze contrasted nicely against my bare torso as I stood outside the tent. I yawned and stretched my cracking muscles feeling refreshed for the first time in a good while, not ever since...
How are the villagers faring right now? I thought solemnly. I hope at least that they became strong enough to obtain their own meals while I was out of commission. Because the moment I'm able to stand and fight again, I won't be wasting another night in making it up for them. On one condition: change the timing.
Instead of waking up at 3, I'll go earlier than that. Giving me more time to finish the job and get more sleep. Even if some of the village folk are awake at the time, I'll come and go without giving them a chance to approach me. The exhaustion, sleep deprivation and physical collapse scenario isn't something I'm willing to repeat.
"Good morning, my lord!"
"Morning!" I cheerfully greeted the few soldiers who came to check in on me. I asked them how things were going while I wasn't around; just a general report on the current status. They said that besides the few battles here and there, may they be raids or bandit fights, not much has been happening besides the routine work around camp from sparring, to exchanging reports, hunting and strategy meetings. No sign of Wu activity so far. Which is a relief that things have been relatively uneventful. God knows I'd loathe for something serious to happen while I lay helpless in the tent.
But I got distracted halfway through their speech. From behind my fellow officers, I spotted the approaching form of none other than my lord Liu Bei.
"Alright, everyone. Please back to your stations." He gently announced. "I would like a moment with General Zhao Yun." And like the obedient soldiers they are, they had gone poof in a second. Leaving me alone with my lord. Despite what happened between us yesterday, I'm still happy to see him. We stood there smiling at each other. There's no tense atmosphere. No nervousness. No awkwardness.
"Here comes the train! Choo choo!" He cooed as he held a nice, thick, steamy meat pun to my mouth (I'm a pervert, I know) which I gladly took a bite out of before attempting to take it from him. "Ah ah! I'll be the one to feed you!"
You know what? Scratch that. Awkwardness coming full steam ahead!
But I decided to humour the man and let him feed me amongst the amused sniggers from the passer-by soldiers.
"Hope my reputation remains intact after this." I joked. Fully aware of the amused looks we're receiving.
"Oh, worry not, Zhao Yun." Assured my lord. "No matter how much of a laughing stock you become, our comrades will always respect you." So much for reassurance...
"What a relief." I replied, my sarcasm muffled by the dumpling mouthful. Chicken filling! Score!
"You swallowed? Good! Here comes the missile~!" A few bites and weird feeding metaphors later, I was finally allowed to carry the half eaten dumpling and feed myself. "Zhao Yun..."
"Mm?" I responded with a mouth full of chicken filling.
"I owe you a huge apology." He started.
About time, I thought. Though I feel bad for thinking that!
"I said things I shouldn't have said. Instead of supporting you and help cheer you up, I ended up starting a fight."
"My lord, I - "
"Let me finish." He raised a hand. "I should have seen things from your perspective. All you wanted was to help. And even when you tried to take a break, You noticed how I was under a lot of pressure and you couldn't bring it upon yourself to come talk to me about what's been ailing you. You didn't want to worry me. And even though your health comes first and foremost, I shouldn't fault you for feeling that way. Though I still wish you would have approached me all the same. I would have let you off! There is no shame in that!"
"What happened has happened." I said. "I'm feeling alright now so you don't have to worry about me anymore."
"I'm sorry, Zhao Yun. Please don't be mad."
"I'm not mad, my lord. It's like nothing has ever happened." I gently asserted with a smile.
"Come here." He said as he gave me a hug which I gladly returned, hearing the the soldiers uttering a unified 'awww' from a distance. As I had my arms around him, I became face-to-face with the meatbun from around my lord's neck so, taking the chance, I took a bite. "You're ruining the moment!" Chided my lord playfully.
"I'm hungry."
"It's okay." He said patting my back. "Eat. Eat to your heart's content. You deserve it."
It was around dusk when I got out the tent again. Even though I have been feeling perfectly well throughout the day, I was still prohibited from any strenuous activity just in case. But since I can't stay pickled up in my tent forever, I opted to talk a walk around. Thankfully, no dizziness, no panting, no sweating. Even so, I would occasionally retreat to my tent for a quick break just to be safe. I'll need to conserve all the energy I can because tonight is the night.
Yes, I'm going to the village again bringing fresh meals for the first time in days. Those poor folk have waited long enough and now that my health has officially improved, I have no reason to delay.
Thing is, while I feel like I'm back to my normal self, there's still a risk of feeling fatigued again. And I sure as hell wouldn't want that to happen while alone in the middle of a dark forest for hundreds of obvious reasons.
One way to make sure.
Wielding my spear, I approached a group of sparring soldiers much to their bewilderment, my lord included.
"My lord." I quickly started before he had a chance to object. "I shall join you all in the battlefield soon. That is why I want to make sure I do not relapse by then. So please, give me a chance to prove to myself and to you all that I'm capable of fighting again. I want to make sure my exhaustion doesn't return while I'm out on the field."
"I suppose you're making a good point." He agreed, albeit a bit worried. "But the moment you feel tired, call it off immediately." He said in a tone that easily translates to 'I won't take no for an answer, you little shit'.
"I promise."
"You may commence but... aren't you going to put your armor on?" I suppose I have failed to mention I'm still shirtless. In fact, ever since the day I collapsed and I have been flashing everyone my boobs. The only thing I'm wearing are my pants, alongside the footwear for when I exit the tent.
"Nah. I'd better not. Just in case I sweat again." He nodded in understanding until I added: "Plus it feels good to be naked!" At that he shot me a look that suggested he wants to yeet me into outer space.
The spar started with me against two soldiers. I would switch between dodging and deflecting before counter attacking with a well aimed spear hit at the two opponents. Soon to be joined by four, then five, then a hundred! I jest, It was me against only seven.
Among their yells and grunts, I would calmly fight back while smoothly evading their assaults, my ponytail flowing fabulously behind my head! I stepped forward performing consecutive spear stabs at a soldier who barely managed to block them before ducking my head to avoid a hit from another. A soldier directly attacked me and I kicked him away then hit another one behind me with the blunt end of the spear. Two tried to attack me at once and I tripped them both with a sweeping kick.
The fight went on for a little while with Master Liu Bei, my fellow generals and the other soldiers forming a circle around us. The soldiers cheered on as I made a show of whooping their comrades' asses. Despite my lack of armor, I was in no danger of getting hurt. I'm on a roll! I was glad to be able to move freely again; glad to be able to stand on my two feet without fear of fainting, to be able to pick up a weapon and fight, and more importantly, I can finally go pee by myself!
Moments later and I stood victorious with my spear by my side while surrounded by a group of spent soldiers. I praised them for their effort, told them what a good job they did. They thanked me and went their way. The crowd dispersed and among it, approached Master Liu Bei who offered me a bottle of water which I happily chugged.
"How are you feeling, Zhao Yun?"
"Feeling great actually." I said wiping a stray drop of water from my mouth. "I'm not even feeling one bit out of breath. The regular eating and sleeping were all the cure I needed. I guess this means I'm on the job again, hm?"
"Yes, you are." He said looking uncertain and averting his eyes. I think I know what his problem is.
"My lord. Look at me." When we maintained eye contact, I carried on. "I'm sorry for causing you a lot of pain. I realise you had so much going on and me getting exhausted and collapsing probably felt like the last straw to you. I should have been more mindful of my physical state before adding more to your worries."
"Zhao Yun. Don't ever apologise over something like that." He asserted putting his hand on my shoulder. "If it's about the nonsense I spouted last night then you can forget it. It's not like you have done it on purpose. You were right. We had a lot of work in the past week and you could barely catch your breath. I'm the one who should be sorry for victim blaming you."
"Even so, I'll try to be more careful from now." I assured squeezing his hand that's over my shoulder.
"You're not a burden." He said pulling me in a sideways hug with his one good arm. "You never were. You never will be. You're a human. Humans get sick all the time. You know you're so dear to me; how much I cherish and respect you."
"Same here, my lord. You know I'm always glad to give my all for you." I said patting his back. A few moments passed as we stood enjoying each other's company under the gentle light of one the torch poles littered throughout the camp.
Eventually, he bid me good night then walked over to his tent. But not before turning his head to me and say one last thing. "And for the love of God, Put a shirt on!"
"Never!" I playfully retorted after his retreating form, chuckling as he went. I stood looking proudly at my spear, feeling glad to be able to hold my weapon again.
Watch out, world! Zhao Yun is back into action!
I stood with satisfaction eyeing the excessive amount of spoils I left by the well this time. Let's see: a deer, three rabbits, two full bags of apples, berries and mushrooms, and a larger sac of gold. Even a few riceballs, dumplings, noodles and meet jerkies from my own share of the loot kindly brought to me by soldiers who saved it for me while I was off duty.
Yup, I'm back and better than ever. This time I brought twice the amount of food and money to make up for my absence. Wish I could see the look on the villager's faces when they find all these treasures after a long wait. But I guess they will save their shock for when they're done stuffing their bellies.
Please, eat well, guys. My silent request rang in my head as I took my leave. At first I started trotting before slowing down to speedwalking halfway through the route back. I'm not even feeling as sleepy as I used to. This time I woke up at 1 am, now it's almost 2. Normally, at that time, I'd still be sleeping back at camp with one more hour to spare before getting up to do my nightly quests. Now I'm done and heading back!
I start early. Finish early. Then sleep early. It was a much needed change in schedule because I'm seriously not excited about literally keeling over from exhaustion. Speaking of which, I'm feeling perfectly good. I was kinda anxious about a dizzy spell coming back, or suddenly feeling out of breath, but it's safe to say that I'm way past that stage. Now that I'm up and running, I can work alongside my comrades and the villagers get their usual share. As long as I don't put too much strain on my soul, I'll be okay.
I could see the camp in the distance. Among the collection of tents, I saw mine displaying the Shu symbol on its green cloth. Like all the previous times, I attempted to sneak inside my tent from the back. But I stopped in my tracks when I saw someone standing at the far side of the camp near the entrance.
Lord Liu Bei?
He's awake? At this hour? Has he done this before and I didn't notice, or is this his first time leaving his tent at such a late hour?
Feeling curious, I took cover among the trees bordering the camp and began making my way towards where my lord is while maintaining a low profile. Once I reached a hidden spot overlooking his location, I remained there waiting for him to do something. Anything to indicate his intentions. But he stood there with a faraway look on his eyes. As if pondering and thinking. Perhaps all he wanted was some fresh air? Maybe he didn't sleep well and he just wanted a quick change of scenery before going back to bed. I don't know how long he'll be staying there for, but I will wait with him until -
"Grr."
Eh?
I could see my lord going on full alarm as he saw the wolf stalking in his direction. But he stood his ground and prepared to face the predator. He unsheathed the claws on the hand of his intact arm and kept his eyes trained on the threat, ready to fight back. Despite his injury, he is willing to protect himself - no, he is willing to protect the camp. Even if he doesn't have as big of a chance at winning the fight, he is still willing to risk it.
Well, not on my watch.
The wolf growled one last time before it leaped. My lord had his claws raised to intercept the assault. Just as the wolf was about to make contact, it fell to the ground, an arrow jutting out of its neck. However, the animal hasn't died. The poor thing was kicking, whimpering and writhing which made me feel bad for missing the insta-death shot. I was aiming for the head but a moving target sure can affect accuracy. But my lord, being the merciful and benevolent individual he is, would not wish suffering upon anyone, not even on an aggressive animal that attempted to eat him. So he carefully removed the arrow, drawing more blood from the squealing wolf, and stabbed it in the throat, promptly halting the animal's movement.
Naturally, my lord is shocked to be saved out of nowhere. He looked in the direction the arrow had come from until our eyes met.
He saw me.
From his point of view, I'm a green eyed shadow figure watching him from among the darkness of the forest. We both stood there with a considerable distance separating us as we stared each other down. Both of us waiting for the other to make a move. I wonder how much of me he can see under the moonlight or what he's thinking right now but judging from his expression, he went from being slightly spooked, to a confused, then a calmer more knowing look. There's no mistaking it: He recognised me as the Guardian Angel.
I froze there not sure what to do. I wanted so bad to walk over. To reveal my identity to him. To share my secret. I could just explain everything and we could come to an agreement. Better than leaving him in the dark. He wanted to solve the mystery? Well, the answer is coming to him on a silver plate.
With that on mind, I almost made my first step before I hesitated. The man has a lot on his shoulders right now. I'm not sure if spilling the beans sounds like a good idea. Even though I'm curious to see his reaction, I still feel wary at the idea of involving him. It's safer to leave him under the impression that the Guardian Angel is a mysterious outsider and not one of his own.
With my mind made up, I retreated to the darkness of the forest. The form of my lord who's not letting his eyes off of me vanishing little by little as more branches and leaves obscured my view of him.
I'm sorry, my lord. But the responsibility of saving the village is a burden only I shall bear.