"A Course Through the Empty"

Floating I lay adrift so that I may join in the singing

The chorus of the all is forever inviting

Floating, adrift my soul is singing

Sleeping, my eyes can not foresee the end

Druparia- The River Above

The river of stars ripped through the sky, the sights and sounds unlike anything Zhao Yun ever saw in his life. The once blue firmament that he knew so well had bid the world goodbye, now was an endless expanse with stars, and stars within stars, pink, blue, purple, orange, yellow, green, every color he could name. All of it congealed into an enormous bright river. The howling of the expanse chilled him to the bone. Yun was terrified.

"Is mommy on the other side of that?"

"Yes Tong, she is. Into the basket, please. You too Guang, into the other basket." His two small boys, Zhao Tong and Zhao Guang did as they were told. Yun grabbed the stick joining the two baskets and threw it over his back. He gave the horrifying, awesome expanse one final look before bowing his head, giving all of his strength to his legs and pushing. Instead of a jump, he started floating, drifting towards the expanse. He looked down and saw the visage of his beloved friend Titan beneath him, his heart wrenched. Titan had passed on quite some time ago, but he told Yun he would be there when he most needed him. This seemed like the time. "Thank you, my friend." The horse's visage whinnied a reply.

The drifting seemed to continue for hours, bright balls of light rushed passed at blinding speeds. Yun looked down and could not see the earth anymore. Are these… stars? He asked himself. As he got closer to the center of the blinding river, he felt a weight. A weight so enormous he thought he was going to crumble to dust. Looking down once more he saw his hands had shriveled, a gray beard flowed to his chest.

"Mother, we miss you!" Shouted Zhao Guang,

"Mother, don't forget us!" Tong joined in.

"My boys," he sobbed, "my beautiful boys." The two children who had stepped into the baskets were replaced by young men, strong and healthy. "She'll be there, she hasn't forgotten." He told them, mostly reassuring himself. What Yun could hear of his own voice past the whirl of the expanse was aged and unfamiliar to him.

Yun trudged along, now kicking his feet. He looked down to see more celestial objects, yet these were slower, as if flying with him. "Magpies?" Yun hated the bugs, but they didn't seem to dislike him. A section of the swarm huddled together, followed by another, and another, all laid out before him. Yun hesitated for a moment, before stepping on the "bridge" created by his new friends. While still fragile, it provided at least a moment of reprieve while he gathered his strength. The magpies he stepped on fell away, dead. "I'll never forget your sacrifice." He sobbed again,

"I think I see her! Father, is that her?" Yun turned his attention forward. He smiled wider and brighter than the stars around him.

"She's there, boys she's there!" He sobbed even louder, tears gushing from his eyes. The faint visage of his beloved, long-lost wife was swimming towards them from the other side of the expanse. The weight of years bore similarly on her shoulders, yet she hadn't aged a day in Yun's eyes. Rain softly peppered Yun's face and he could see from the distance that she was similarly weeping.

"Mother!" Guang cried again, a break in his voice as he also began to sob.

"We're coming mother!" shouted Tong, regal and strong.

Then, a sound touched Yun's ears that played a symphony in his mind, louder and more majestic than the song of the celestial bodies around him. The sound of home. "I'm coming!" Diao Chan shouted from across the expanse. So quiet yet so loud in his heart. Yun gave one final push from his very core off the Magpie Bridge and soared off again, faster than before. The center of the expanse grew wider and wider. Light hit Yun's eyes again but this time it was daylight. Yun had awoken.

*Jing Province

Zhao Yun gasped and pulled himself up. His face was soaked, he inhaled and felt a sob. He'd been crying. He wiped his face with his blanket and let out a few more soft sobs. He just lay there as his body did what it needed to do, before being interrupted by the shout of an officer just outside his tent. The shout was unintelligible to him but he understood it as the beginning of a drill. Yun whipped himself into shape, he remembered he was to be a part of Liu Bei's army's march to Yi Province.

As Yun got himself and his equipment ready, his mind drifted to the dream again. What in the hell was that? He hadn't had a dream of that magnitude in months, if he ever did it was always another bout with Lu Bu, but he hadn't even had one of those in weeks either. His thoughts about Diao Chan had dwindled to almost nothing since the last time he saw her at Xia Pi, and he only ever had one other dream about her, it was not at all like this. But this was clearly her, in a dream- no an experience so profound. He also had… children? Sons. Never once in his life had he considered settling down with a family, how could he in times like these? What parent would be able to provide a happy upbringing to a child in a time like this? Strangely though, he felt a happiness unlike any he'd ever felt. Possibly even joy, at the thought of raising a family in a time of peace. If peace were to ever happen in his lifetime. He was shaken, but his training and discipline moved his muscles how they needed to and he readied himself and set off for the officer's tent. A thought came over him as he got ready, he dug through his sack to find the jade pendant Wang Yun had given him so long ago. He never forgot the promise to return it to Diao Chan but as the months went on, he became less optimistic he could fulfill the task. He stopped wearing it as it brought him more anxiety than it did peace but he kept it away safe. Today though, he felt like he should wear it once more.

All of Liu Bei's generals and advisors gathered around the table as usual. Liu Bei had launched a few campaigns in Jing to better secure territory for himself, surprisingly all to the delight of the people. It seemed the common folk welcomed Liu Bei's rule. During that time, a few new faces had joined them since Chi Bi. Along with the mighty duo of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Huang Zhong, an old veteran with the sharpest eye Yun had ever seen was one of them, as well as the quiet yet fierce Wei Yan. Along with Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei also secured a man known as the Fledgling Phoenix, Pang Tong. The strange hermit covered his face and smelled like he didn't wash much, but Yun grew fond of the strategist. His humor was a rare gift in wartime. Next of which was the fresh young face of Liu Bei's new wife, Sun Shang Xiang. The Wu princess was arranged to marry Liu Bei as a token of friendship between Wu and Liu Bei. Despite the arranged marriage and the two being newlyweds, Yun could tell the two were growing rapidly close. Liu Bei wasn't too thrilled with her joining in on the fighting, but Shang Xiang had already proven herself to be more than capable on the battlefield, her unique style and weapon choice was an absolute sight to behold. Yun would even say she could probably best her husband in a duel, hell she could probably beat most of the army one on one. Alongside her, was Zhuge Liang's wife Yue Ying. The wise woman might not have the fighting strength of Shang Xiang but she more than made up for it with her genius, particularly for machinery and siege weapons. Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong laid out the battle plans, nothing super new to Yun, he was to be a part of the rear left guard to the vanguard forces, once the outskirts of the castle were secured, Yue Ying's siege weapons were to do their part. Yun and some of the more veteran officers like Zhang Fei were stationed towards the back and were mostly to assist as reinforcements anywhere that was needed. Zhuge Liang wanted the newer officers to wet their feet in the battle. Yun had no objection but Zhang Fei was obviously not happy with this. Guan Yu stayed behind entirely to defend Jing.

Liu Bei had a somber look on his face, he had expressed his distaste for assaulting his distant relative multiple times, but each time, someone made a case for why he should follow through with the assault on Liu Zhang. Once the plans had been discussed and orders dispersed, the officers went off to disseminate the information to their men. After Yun had done so, he stepped outside of his tent and took in the magnificence of Liu Bei's army. "We've come a long way since Chang Ban." He told himself, it lifted his spirits to see just how large their forces had grown. Zhao Yun believed in Liu Bei with all of his heart, but he had felt that the entirety of Yun's time with Bei was spent either running away from the enemy, or joining up with a much larger force to fight back. This had been the first time Liu Bei had a proper army to stage an offensive campaign and actually be a force to be reckoned with.

"General!" Wang Xi, a lieutenant under Yun, spoke, "Provisions have been dispersed, we await your attendance for the spear drills." Since the army added more followers, many of them seemed to look to Yun for spear techniques. Yun never felt he was much better than his peers but he had received compliment after compliment on his abilities and was more than happy to share what he knew to his fellow generals and infantry as well.

"Thank you, Lieutenant. Did the men get their letters?"

"Yes sir, we thank you for the parchment and ink." Yun nodded, after receiving such horrible treatment during his time as an officer for other warlords, Yun swore that if he ever had the power, he would treat his men fairly and give them as many pleasures that could be afforded during times of war, that included writing letters to their loved ones.

Yun approached the training grounds with his Dragon Spear in hand. "Hey Zhao Yun!" The high pitched scream of Sun Shang Xiang startled Yun for a moment,

"Yes my lady, what can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if you'd give me the honor of a few sparring bouts, I haven't had much experience with spearmen and from what everyone tells me, you're the best in the army!" Yun found himself blushing,

"Well, I don't know about that but I'd be more than happy to do as my lady wishes after I've met with my troops."

"Of course, but I'm holding you to it!" Sun Shang Xiang was a breath of fresh air in the camp, her spirits and lively attitude always brightened Yun's day, even if some of the others found her a bit annoying. It wasn't hard to spot that the sight of a lovely woman raised the spirits of men who'd been away fighting for months, maybe even years.

Shang Xiang gave Yun a salute that Yun wasn't sure was serious, but he bowed to her anyway and she turned to tend to other business. A few of Lady Sun's handmaidens in turn bowed to Yun, some softly giggling with smiles on their faces, Yun was puzzled but brushed it off. He was about to turn back in the direction of the training grounds when he made eye contact with one of the handmaidens who did not approach him and bow. Like the others, her face was heavily adorned in makeup and she wore a veil that hid most of her features, but he caught a flash of familiarity in her face. She instantly turned away and made a labored effort not to look in his direction for a few moments after. Yun found himself starting to stare a bit too long before snapping himself out of it. No, it couldn't be… Yun was reminded of his dream the previous night for a moment, but as quickly as it came, he shook the thought aside and headed to the training grounds.

Cheng Du, Yi Province

The familiar squelch of parted flesh rang in Yun's ears as his Dragon Spear made purchase on a poor soul. The first stage of the battle went almost too smoothly, but I guess that is what's to be expected now with a force as capable as Liu Bei's, some of the strongest generals in the land along with two of the strongest minds; they were prepared for anything. But this smooth fight so far made Yun nervous, high morale can lead to overconfidence which can lead to arrogance, then to carelessness. The siege units began moving the siege weapons to their positions. There was some talk going around of Pang Tong's unit, but Yun couldn't make it out what it was.

As the main force made their way to the gates of Cheng Du, Yun heard cries and commotion coming from the left flank. Yun rode out to investigate; a new force had joined the battle on what looked to be Liu Zhang's side. This detachment was headed by an officer clad in what appeared to be gold, but Yun couldn't tell for sure from this distance. The general was shouting all sorts of words as he cut down swathes of Liu Bei's men with precision from what looked to be an ornate spear. From Yun's position, he could see panic and confusion start to set in in the vanguard forces. Yun kicked Titan and set off, "Hold your positions!" He shouted, "Keep your formations on the front! I will handle the straggler!" Yun set off at full speed toward the loan champion.

Upon reaching the edge of the skirmish, the spearman in gold spotted Yun charging after him, this at least gave Liu Bei's men a moment of reprieve from the slaughter. The spearmen took up a defensive posture, one commonly used against calvary. Yun expected it and removed his feet from the stirrups and hoisted himself on the saddle, Dragon Spear in hand. When he got close enough he launched himself into the air as Titan expertly skidded and fled from the enemy officer. Yun came down with a thunderous slam, knocking his opponent's spear out of the way. The two clashed and traded blows at lightning speed, none finding any purchase.

"So this is one of the famous expert spearmen under Liu Bei!" The attacker shouted as he swatted Yun's spear aside and counterattacked. Yun parried and launched a thrust at the soldier's midsection. "You face Ma Chao the Splendid, soldier! Come and witness what real combat is!" The two struck each other with such ferocity, the wind seemed to eddy in their wake. The soldiers around them had stopped their fighting, they could only watch in awe. Yun stayed silent as he thrusted and defended, slashed and parried, all the while watching for his opponent's next moves. He noticed the gold spearmen started to slow down, ever so slightly. The attacker had exhausted too much energy in his initial flurry against Liu Bei's infantry. Yun pressed the attack and quickened when his opponent slowed. Sure enough, Ma Chao's response slowed and he was forced onto the defensive. Yun made one more series of rapid thrusts at Ma Chao and just when one of the officer's parries slipped, Yun cashed in on the mistake. Stepping inwards, Yun wedged his spear between Ma Chao's spear and his torso and flipped his opponent's spear away with a mighty slash and it slipped out of Ma Chao's fingers. Yun swung his spear back the opposite way in a backslash that forced Chao's torso forward and at the same time Yun kicked Ma Chao's feet from under him. His opponent slammed onto the ground face first, had it not been for his free hands he might have smashed his head into the ground at full speed but he was quick enough, or lucky enough to catch himself.

The gold warrior rolled over out of breath to be greeted by the head of the Dragon Spear. "You're beaten, Ma Chao The Splendid!" There was a roar around him as Yun's men cheered at their general's victory. Ma Chao snarled,

"Why does a soldier of your caliber fight for a man that betrays his own family? Where is your sense of justice?!" Ma Chao shouted from the ground, Yun didn't let up.

"Justice is a fickle thing, lord Ma Chao. I respect your pursuit of it, but in time you will see that Liu Bei's rule is virtuous and fair." Yun responded, "I too fight in the name of justice, justice against men like Cao Cao who sully the land with their tyranny!" At the mention of Cao Cao's name, Ma Chao's face changed from furious to curious.

"Tell me your name, soldier in white." Yun lifted his spear for the moment but kept his guard up.

"I am Zhao Yun of Chang Shan, general under Liu Bei."

"You have beaten me Zhao Yun, do what you must." Ma Chao snarled again, Yun pondered a moment.

"If justice is what you seek, why not join us, Mighty Ma Chao? Let Liu Bei prove to you his virtuosity and benevolence." Ma Chao became puzzled once again, "If you do not see eye to eye with Lord Liu Bei or with everyone else fighting with him, you can leave as you see fit, you have my word as a general." Yun extended his hand to the fallen officer, Ma Chao pondered a moment himself,

"What do I have left to lose? I've already lost everything to Cao Cao, if you and your army mean to defeat him and fight for justice and virtue, how could I not see for myself?" Yun nodded,

"At least see, then you can leave as you like, unharmed. I swear it." Chao nodded and took hold of Yun's outstretched hand, he pulled the golden warrior up. Yun never realized the man was probably a good half a head or so taller than him.

"I'll take you up on that, General Zhao Yun!" Ma Chao clenched Yun's fist with such force Yun's armor creaked in protest and a pain surged up Yun's arm, Yun laughed.

"Well I can see you haven't lost your fighting spirit, Liu Bei needs as many capable men as possible, but for now you'll have to forgive me, my new friend." Yun yanked Ma Chao's arm down and forced him to his knees and bound his hands behind his back.

"What the hell!" Chao shouted,

"Only until the battle is over, my good man. This is just a precaution, I hope you understand." Ma Chao grunted and growled, when Yun was finished he hoisted Chao up and turned to his men, "If anyone harms a hair on this man's head, I will personally execute them! He is to be kept safe until the battle is over!" Yun commanded. Ma Chao was then taken by a squad to be held prisoner.

"You'll hear from me, Zhao Yun!" Chao shouted as he was taken away, "I know who you are now, I'll face you again and win!" Yun smiled,

"And I can't wait," Yun said too quietly for the general to hear.

Focusing his attention on the rest of the battle, Liu Bei's forces had broken through the defenses at Cheng Du castle and stormed inside. Yun missed the foray but he didn't mind, the vanguard forces consisting of Huang Zhong, Wei Yan, and even some of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei's children who had come of fighting age did more than enough to quell Liu Zhang's troops. As Yun's troops moved into the castle as back up, they found little resistance and soon enough, shouts from Liu Bei's men were heard all throughout the castle; they were victorious. Yun went to regroup with the rest of the generals when more commotion came about the ranks. Then came a shout,

"Pang Tong! It's Pang Tong!" the shout sounded desperate, Yun's heart dropped. With more haste than he'd had the entire battle, Yun jumped onto Titan and sped off to where he determined the source of the commotion to come from. Once he arrived, sure enough, Pang Tong was doubled over, a pool of blood amassing beneath him. Several doctors were already looking at him, Liu Bei himself among them.

"What happened?!" Shouted Yun,

"An arrow wound from the looks of it," one of the doctors grimly replied.

"But the battle is over!" Yun shouted again, "how could the enemy loose-" Pang Tong raised a hand to silence the white general. Tong then collapsed to the ground, assisted by the doctors so he didn't hurt himself further. Yun leapt off of Titan and ran to the hermit general. "My lord… how?" Yun asked quietly. Tong did his best to laugh but it quickly turned to a violent cough.

"His lung may be pierced," added one of the doctors. Liu Bei shook his head, still holding Pang Tong's hand.

"It must've happened earlier in the battle, but why not seek help, Pang Tong?" Bei asked, Tong just looked at him with regal eyes.

"And ruin everyone's day so quickly? How lowly do you think of me, my lord?" Tong said with little breath. Yun clenched his fist in anger. "You all did beautifully, I couldn't have been more proud." Tong looked to Liu Bei, "I'm glad… that I was able to finally choose… and that it was you… my lord." Bei embraced him, Tong's body slowly relaxed.

"We're losing him!" Shouted one of the doctors and they all rushed to do what they could to revive him.

"We need more pressure on the wound, he's lost too much blood." The scramble did little to disturb Liu Bei, the doctors forced him out of the way but he still held onto Tong's hand. It was then that Yun noticed the jade pendant he was wearing started to glow.

"Let me through, please!" came a shout to Yun's right, it was from a woman. Not just any woman… this voice was familiar…

"It can't be…" Yun said to himself, one of Sun Shang Xiang's handmaidens pushed her way through the crowd, features still hidden by a veil. Yun stared at her intently, analyzing any features of her he could. "... how?" To Yun's bewilderment, the handmaiden ran right up to Yun. She stared at him for just a second as he took in her face, it was unmistakable. "You're-" Before Yun could get a word out she snatched the glowing pendant from around his neck and made her way to Pang Tong in a flash. She kneeled down next to the fallen strategist, she delicately placed her hand on his forehead and said something to him, Yun couldn't tell what it was. Whatever it was, Pang Tong nodded his head at the girl. For a moment, everything seemed to stand still. A few moments later a blinding light erupted from the girl that made Yun turn his head away. The light then tempered to a steady glow around the girl and around Pang Tong. Yun stared in wonder at the enveloping yellow light swirling from the girl to Pang Tong, nestling him like a cocoon or a mother swaddling a baby. Yellow particles and balls of light all swirling in unison around the hermit strategist and then it stopped. All of the light sucked into the man's chest and he let out a groan and then an enormous inhale and Pang Tong shot right up, clutching his chest and breathing rapidly. The woman slumped over and the doctors all ran to Pang Tong to inspect him. After they examined him for a few moments, he waved them off. Yun could make out an "I'm fine, I'm fine" in the hermit's voice. Tong then sat up clutching his chest but slowly starting to become more active. The woman, however, did not get back up. She appeared to be exhausted. Pang Tong turned to the woman and knelt beside her with his hand on her shoulder. Her head started to nod and she then collapsed completely to the ground. Yun ran over but before he could make it to her, Sun Shang Xiang was on top of the woman. "Everyone give her some air!" The princess shouted, Yun made his way to Shang Xiang and grabbed her arm.

"My lady," he said solemnly, "Is that… Diao Chan?" The look on Shang Xiang's face told him everything.