A/N: Hello everyone, I have decided to continue this story that I wrote about 15 years ago. I have lost the email associated with my original account on so I created a new account. I will upload a rewrite for BHC I shortly, there are some significant changes to the original. A big thank you to everyone that reviewed BHC 1 and requested a sequel, I hope that some of you can still see this and would love to hear from you!

"The Graverobber's Work is Never Done"

And to you and yours

Nothing but curses

You'll slave your life away

And for what?

You're just as dead as these old f*s!

The Black Dahlia Murder- The Graverobber's Work

*Xu Province Sometime before the battle of Chi Bi

The air was crisp and chill, similar to that fateful day at Xia Pi. Only now bathed in moonlight and the gentle howl of the southwest wind instead of the blinding winter sun and harsh northern gale from months before. Despite the moonlight, the grave markers were so small this particular visitor had to do his best not to trip and fall over them. Some of the workers he conscripted had even done just so. It didn't matter, these were not graves that were tended to often. The officers, rich men, and those who came from important families who had fallen that day were all interred and given proper burials at their chosen resting places. Those who were poor, had no family, or were overall abandoned by the world were laid to rest here. Some, who were just so despised that they were intentionally kept from any proper burial place, found their final resting place in gravesites like these. A makeshift graveyard about one li from the now accursed castle. Only a few inches of topsoil was given to the bodies to protect them from the elements and hungry scavengers. Many at the ends of the grounds had been trifled through nonetheless. For those lucky enough to be identified, a crude stick with their names barely legible scribbled on the surface served as a gravestone. The majority in the cemetery were not so lucky.

Graveyards like this were more and more common as the Great Han Dynasty came to a spectacular and violent close. Sima Yi, like for most things, held little sympathy for the men buried here. He was here, illegally, for but one grave. Noticing the burial mound at his feet was a good deal larger than the surrounding ones, he bent down to read the 'headstone.' With a newer and cleaner memorial, the mound was better tended to than the others.

The brute still has adoring fans after death, how touching...

Yi's hand shot up, "It's here!" He exclaimed with a whisper that might as well have been a shout. Guards under Cao Cao's employ were still stationed at Xia Pi castle and while graverobbing and disturbing the dead were still illegal, they didn't waste much energy in stopping such actions at this particular cemetery. Nonetheless, Sima Yi wanted as few witnesses as possible to what was about to happen.

One of the laborers rushed forward with a heavy, ornate box. "My lord" He bowed and whispered. Yi carefully set the box down and kneeled down once more to inspect the 'headstone.'

"Yes." Yi said with more of a slither than a grin. "Let's begin." The sound of farming tools moving earth quickly followed and the moon shined bright enough to just make out the name on the headstone. 'Fengxian'

*Present day Henan Province

The sounds of dirt slapping against the wood casket soon gave way to dirt slapping against dirt. The first of the offerings had been placed delicately around the freshly dug grave. Soft sobs and sniffles could still be heard. Funerals were a luxury in times of war, especially for a front line officer. Xiahou Dun had been fortunate enough to be given this luxury for his fallen nephew. Xiahou En was lost at the Battle of Chang Ban. Rumors of a rider atop a white horse who swore fealty to Liu Bei wreaking havoc in Cao Cao's back line had been stirring since before the Battle of Chi Bi, En happened to be cut down several hundred yards away from the front line. It was possible this spearman was the one who delivered the final blow to his nephew, but Dun did not focus on it much nor did he fully believe the story. A loss in the family is never pleasant but truth be told, Dun did not know En much. He was too excited to see battle for the first time but lacked the discipline to properly train and study tactics. In fact he was intentionally kept from the front lines for this very reason, but as harsh a lesson as it was, there are no truly safe places on the battlefield. His family name carried him through the ranks that he earned, even becoming Cao Cao's "Sword Bearer," a title the lord invented to give his distant relative somewhat of an important purpose. This was all for formality, Cao Cao had many swords in his collection and simply let the young En keep hold of one of them. That particular sword, The Sword of Light as Cao Cao poetically called it, was never found from Chang Ban. What a pity, thought Dun.

While a few of the Cao family attended, Cao Cao himself could not due to his schedule. Others at the service growled and complained under their breath about this but it didn't bother Dun at all, in fact he understood. Much more important business needed to be attended to, especially after their defeat at Chi Bi. Of the people who did come, Dun's brother Yuan was one of them. Dun sat back beside his brother after he placed his own offering.

"I'm worried brother," whispered Dun

"Mmm," Yuan nodded and grunted, "Doesn't surprise me."

"Does cousin seem... more distant lately? Even before the battle."

"I hadn't noticed. He's been busier, that's for sure."

"What about this... strategist that's come aboard? Wasn't he supposed to help us win battles? Where did he even come from and why is he so close to Cao? We were practically defeated before he came along, why did we need him?" Some of the attendees shot the two of them glances, some about to say something but had second thoughts upon recognizing who the two gossipers were. Still, it made the conversation awkward.

Yuan just shook his head, maybe the service and the sharp glances got to him more than it did Dun. Dun took the message and backed off, but Yuan still replied.

"I don't like it either, maybe we should talk to him then, huh?" Dun grunted and turned his attention back to the service. As he turned his head he caught a glimpse of someone, a woman. He snapped his head around again for another take. His eyes took in Zhen Ji's unmistakable portrait.

Why was she here?

"I'll be back brother," Dun said, Yuan just shrugged.

Dun made his way over to Ji, "Excuse me my lady, I did not expect to see you here earlier."

The soon-to-be-empress didn't turn to her head when she spoke, "I'm here on behalf of the Cao family to express my condolences to the Xiahou family."

"Well…" Dun said wryly, "I am from the Xiahou family, I never had any condolences expressed my way." Ji continued to face ahead of her but her eyes drifted to the side, away from Dun. The people around them started shuffling as the service came to a close.

"I was busy tending to those who were actually grieving." she answered, Dun smirked,

"So you did see me." Dun toyed, Ji stayed silent. "If you don't mind me asking about other matters, my lady." Most of the attendees had left, "Of the political sort." Ji now turned to him with a look of utter annoyance, Dun was shocked at how this look made him feel, he shuddered it away for the moment.

"I thought I'd be free from that kind of talk when I agreed to come here!" She started to get up, Dun gently grabbed her arm.

"Please, my lady," all the aura of sarcasm gone from Dun's voice. Ji hesitated for a moment, before begrudgingly nodding. "What do you know of this new strategist that's joined us, Sima Yi?" Ji was flustered,

"I never thought much of him," she answered, "to be honest most of what happens in Cao Cao's court doesn't interest me much."

"He is dangerous," Dun interjected, "I don't think he wants to merely advise Cao Cao. You heard him and Pi talking before Chi Bi, doesn't that worry you?"

"Why are you telling me this? If you're found to be plotting against someone in the court, you could be executed." Ji asked,

"Are you going to tell them?" Dun asked, "If something happens to Cao Cao, it could mean the same for his son and then ultimately you." Dun added, "Unless… Cao Pi knows about this?" Ji shot him another frustrated look that again made Dun feel some sort of unfamiliar way but again did his best to brush it aside.

"You think my husband and I are in league to commit regicide? I should have you executed right here!" Dun was glad they were the only ones around now, save for a few stragglers that seemed to pay the two of them no attention.

"Again I ask my lady… are you going to?" Sarcasm involuntarily sneaking its way back into Dun's voice. Ji just glared at him with an iron face for a moment, then to Dun's surprise she relaxed.

"I… have noticed things are different." She began softly, "Pi is… deviant as ever."

"Isn't he normally?" Dun asked, Ji looked at him sternly again but this time there was a hint of fear in her eyes. It also bothered Dun in a way he didn't understand.

"He's… difficult… to understand." Ji trailed off,

"My lady, I fear for my cousin's life. I am sworn to protect him and that means investigating any sign of mutiny or revolt." Dun spoke softly yet with intent. "If there is anything you think is strange between Sima Yi or even your husband, please know that you can trust me to speak to." Dun wasn't lying when he said the words, but he also felt another meaning as he said them, and he wasn't sure if it was on purpose but that meaning he also felt just as strongly about. Dun knew that Cao Pi was not a good man, raised in privilege and wealth, he never knew hardship or struggle and was left unhumbled by life until adulthood. By sheer luck and good genes was he able to hone his fighting skills to a decent level of prowess, a fact that Dun did not like at all.

Dun's second cousin treated everyone around him like they were his servants, including his wife. Dun was sure Cao Pi did his best to behave himself in public but he caught the glares, the words said through clenched teeth, the out-of-the-way arguments that made Ji shrivel up to him like a misbehaved pet, the incident at Chi Bi, it enraged Dun. He still wasn't sure why.

Zhen Ji looked at him gently, "Should anything happen, General Xiahou, I will report it to you." She continued to stare at him and Dun noticed a tinge of helplessness behind her eyes that tugged at him deep, she quickly broke eye contact and started to stand. "If you'll excuse me, General. I have other matters to tend to." She stood and bowed to him deeply. "I thank you for your concern," she delicately muttered. Dun watched her leave, still not sure what was happening to him.

Dun's emotions never ran the gamut diversely, it was either anger, frustration, or joy in victory on the battlefield. What he felt now, he had never known before. A strange combination of sadness, rage, happiness, and… love?

No! Dun scolded himself, this was the prince's wife! To even consider as much will mean the noose. Dun tried to shake the feeling, but his mind's eye would not turn away from Zhen Ji's distressed gaze. Could she have been calling for help? Would she even be able to? Dun's concern now doubled, not only for his cousin but now for Zhen Ji.

He aggressively stood up, now the only one left at the service save for the final steps taken by the undertakers to bury the coffin. This was too much, he needed to figure out what he was feeling and what to do about it.

"I need a drink"

*Jing Province

"Absolutely not, I forbid it!" Liu Bei shouted, had he been shouted at by anyone else, Zhao Yun wouldn't have cared but his lord seldom turned to anger and this time it bothered him.

"My lord, you must understand-"

"I've heard enough, Zhao Yun. Do you realize what this could do to us? We have just struck a deal with Sun Quan to allow us a temporary foothold in Jing, but he would use any excuse to destroy us right now!"

"I must agree, Master Zhao," chimed Pang Tong, "This is an unfortunate accident, but if Sun Quan is none the wiser to the cause of Zhou Yu's death, the better. You said it yourself that you're not positive it was you, correct?"

"If you'll please!-"

"I highly suggest we be more discreet." Interrupted Zhuge Liang. A short silence followed before Lord Zhuge spoke again. "We understand your need for providing closure, Zhao Yun. It speaks to your honorable nature and we commend you for it, however. An admission like this to Lord Zhou Yu's family could spark a war with us and Wu, a war we are most definitely not prepared for."

"And especially when our Lord is betrothed to Sun Quan's sister-" started Pang Tong before Liu Bei interjected.

"Zhao Yun, if you do this, you will leave me no choice but to discharge you from my service. I cannot risk the lives of my people and soldiers for your need to get this off of your chest. It is war time, accidents happen, it is unfortunate. But please, for my sake and everyone following me keep this between us, my friend."

Zhao Yun bowed his head, thinking of something to say. Liu Bei gently touched his shoulder, "I don't want to lose one of my best officers." Zhao Yun raised his eyes to meet Bei's and the young warlord seemed to be on the verge of tears. Yun couldn't help but to stare into them for a moment before bowing his head again,

"I will not speak of this anymore to anyone, you have my word." Yun replied.

"Thank you my friend, now please get some rest." and Liu Bei dismissed him.

As Zhao Yun trudged to his tent, he played the skirmish over and over in his mind. Is there something I missed? Maybe I am innocent? But every way Yun dissected the fight, it ended up with him being the cause of the young Wu commander's fatal injury. Yun never felt so invigorated after a defeat and demoralized after a victory before. He saved his Lord's son and heir at Chang Ban despite having been routed, and he was part of the reinforcements that secured a victory for the allies at Chi Bi, but at the cost of the Wu commander Zhou Yu's life, presumably to Yun, at Yun's hands.

As Yun made it back to his tent, he splashed his face with water from a bucket and peered into the rippling reflection. War was not glorious or poetic as the stories and elders made it out to be. The bags under his eyes, the ragged beard now growing under his chin, the calluses that had formed, broken, bled, and reformed on his hands all made him seem much older than he was. He couldn't even remember how old he really was, 24? 25? Not sure that it mattered. He freshened up the best he could before slumping onto his cot and despite his mind being a mess, drifted into a deep slumber.

*Chi Bi

"Why tell me this?" The girl stared at Cao Cao in bewilderment

"Think about it. A world with no strife, where everyone had a say, lord, vassal, kings, peasant." He turned to her again. "Man or woman."

Diao Chan's bewilderment continued, "You... would bring this about?"

"What has the Han done to be worth preserving? Had you had a normal upbringing, you would be dolled up to be a bride and bear children and nothing more, correct?" Cao questioned.

"There's more to life than glory and fame, for some people marrying and having children in a peaceful land is all they wish for." Chan responded,

"Is it what YOU wish for?" Chan glared at him. "What of the other people? Because a man is born of no status, is he not able to contribute positively to the world?"

"Like Liu Bei?" chided Chan, Cao Cao snapped at her.

"Liu Bei doesn't have it in him to rule! He'd rather run to the weakling of the emperor and hand over the very land for which he fought and bled for, he doesn't have the GUTS to conquer anything. How could he hold any power?" Chan stared, she honestly didn't know, nor really care. She mostly said what she said to get a rise out of her captor. And yet he shared with her something he supposedly never told anyone before. "His name is the only reason he has the followers he does."

"Why go through all of this, why terrorize thousands of people if you mean to... free them?" Chan asked, changing the subject.

Cao Cao turned back to the battle, "In order to build anew, you need to destroy the old. Hierarchies, customs, kingdoms. It must all be laid to ruin."

"But why tell this to ME?" Chan chided again,

Cao Cao turned to her, she couldn't make out his expression in the dimly lit cabin of his flagship but she could almost swear he wore a face of endearment. The likes of which she'd never seen in the time she was forced to be around him. "Your response to my question inspired me, my lady. You have more potential than anybody I've met. YOU prove my theories correct. Think of what you could accomplish, had you been born a man?"

Chan wasn't sure what reaction the warlord was expecting but she quickly gave way to anger, "Like not being beaten, kidnapped, and thrown to live in the stables?!"

Cao Cao frowned and looked away, "I didn't mean-" A great flash of light and searing heat interrupted the conqueror and Chan was thrown backwards into the hard wood of the ship. The shock of cold, rushing water snapped her eyes open.

She awoke and stared blankly, the same dream again.

A/N Any DM's or Reviews about comic commissions will be deleted and blocked.