Xiahou Dun Pt_1

* Attention* If your not familiar with dynasty warriors, the romance of the three kingdoms, or just ancient Chinese wars in general then your going to be lost. Sorry in advance.

 

                  Omitted Desires

Forced from Chang an because of his murderous betrayal to Dong Zhuo, feared general Lu Bu wandered east amassing a small army in order to keep himself and his love Diao Chan safe. This army consisted of war criminals, prisoners and starving peasants. With this Lu Bu attempted to gain control of Yan Province, which was under the protecting of Wei. Though stronger than any man alive, Lu Bu's forces were no match for the Army of Wei. He soon was defected and had no choice but to flee. He found safety under Shu's Lui Bei in Xu Province. Taking quick advantage of the situation, Lu Bu claimed the castle of Xiapi for himself. Fearing the strength of Lu bu, and unable to quell him his-self,  Lui Bei gained assistance from Cao Cao the prime minister of Wei in order to repel the beast from his lands. Cao Cao sent a force lead by his general Xiahou Dun to aid Lui Bei.  With barely a thousand men at his command, Lu Bu soon found himself held up in Xiapi castle. Surrounded on all sides by both Shu and Wei...

"So that is Xiahou Dun? He's quite handsome." I remark without thinking as I gaze over the castle wall.

 The sun is sits high atop the clouds, burning bright, so I cannot see him clearly Yet the ferocity radiating from his muscular form as he commands his men tells me everything I need to know. It's times like this that I wish for a different life. I do love my dear brother, he has done his absolute best to care of us after mother died, but still sometimes I find myself yearning for more.

  Especially in situations like this. We arrived at Xiapi castle only months ago, hopping to find work, but  that monstrous general Lu Bu arrived only a fort-night later, causing everything changed. At first, under the control of Lord Lui Bei, I felt safe and the future was looking bright. But because he is pron to showing mercy to even the most vile of men, Lord Lui Bei took in Lu Bu. The snake immediately took advantage for his generosity, taking the castle and everything inside without an once of respect or mercy. We all knew that the false peace that came after wouldn't last long. Which meant we'd soon have to take sides.

Both my brother Di Jo Yi and I knew the right choice would be to flee the castle with Lord Lui Bei, he had been given the title of Prefect over this land by lord Tao Qan himself. And Lord Lui Bei has always been a fair man, a caring and just ruler. Lu Bu the exact opposite. A giant boar of a man, who believed he ruled everyone. Not because of his birth right, which he did not have, or even respect. No, he believed he could untie the land through fear. Twenty good men died the day Lu Bu seized control of this castle, and countless others sense.

 

But my brother, though he meant well, saw the situation differently. Lu Bu promised all the men who followed him land, safety and comfort. Something that my brother couldn't refuse no matter the price. So he aided Lu Bu's men in taking the castle. And now here we are, surrounded, staring down our emanate demise for that exact crime. I did not want this, and I've begged brother countless times since that night to leave, but Jo Yi swears this is the right path. How will we gain a home when three thousand men want our heads!? Still, I must stay with my brother. For he is the only family I have in all the world. Without him, I would've died long ago. 

" Ching Si, stop being foolish. That man is an enemy general, you should be trying to shoot him down. Not fantasizing about laying in his, stupid girl. Now lift your bow and help out, we wont be getting anything for free. We must repel Wei or everything is lost!" Brother Jo Yi roars, Shaking me from thought and back into the battle.

Gripping his bow Jo Yi fires multiple arrows into the crowd amassing out side the castle walls. I follow his lead and begin firing them myself, and though I'm a much better shot so I don't miss any man I target. Still there is not enough arrow in the entire castle that would save of from Lui Bei's justice.

"I understand the stress of all this, brother, but you will not speak to me in such a way. It wasn't meant like that, and I know where we stand. Now, step aside, and I'll show you how to shoot a bow." I joke, keeping my voice leveled though everything I'm saying is false.

 

 Inside I'm more afraid than I ever have been before. Lu Bu will die before the weeks end, of that I am sure. And we are directly in the middle of the fight, so there's no hope for our lives either. Do Jo Yi must see through my smile to what I'm really thinking because he isn't of smiling as he usually would, instead he glares at me with fire in his eyes.

"I know you think this was a mistake little sister, but the choice has already been made. There is nothing left to be done about it but to fight for what we have now. I need your trust, or we'll never make it out of this."

"I do trust you brother."

"Then prove it. " Jo Yi hisses, sweat dripping down his face.

He pulls a iron tipped arrow from the case that's strapped to my back and hands it to me. 

"Though I've never admitted it aloud, I know you to be the better marksman Ching Si. Take this arrow and shoot Xiahou Dun down. Kill him, and save us all."

Slowly I look from both our hands wrapped around the arrow out onto the field, where I can clearly see the warlord, Xiahou Dun. He's perched atop a horse, borrowing his way through the crowd of our allies. I can make that shot, pierce his armor and then his heart.

"He is leading the force, Ching Si. Kill him and the rest will scatter. Do it." 

I hesitate, but Jo Yi's grip only tightens around my hand. I look into his eyes, trying to see what he's seeing. This is for our future, his gaze whispers, this is our only hope. Without a second though I pull my hands away, thread the bow and rise up towards the chaos before me.  Then take a deep breath and close my left eye. My target is slow moving, and high on horseback, so I easily take aim. But again I hesitate. If only my world was something else, somewhere else. But it's not. I exhale, this is for our future, then release.

The arrow seems to fly across the field in slow motion, all our hope placed on that sliver of wood a metal. Then, when it's only yards from Xiahou Dun, I realize my hesitation has set the aim off. It isn't going to hit his heart! With the that thought time speeds back into real life, the arrow hit Xiahou Dun. In the eye.

"No!" I scream, as the impact knocks him from his horse and out of my line of sight.

If I can't finish him here and now, he'll die a long drawn out, and horrible death. He may be the enemy, but no one deserves such a fate.

"Yes!" Jo Yi roars in my ear, "You hit him. One more Ching Si, finish him off. Do it. We can finish this!"

Again, I thread my bow and lift it back towards where he fell, ready to shoot the moment he stands. Three of his men immediately crowd around him, their shields held high, blocking my view. But I keep my stance poised and ready for any opportunities. I see the tips of his slick black hair as one of his men raise him off the ground, but still they shield him completely, there's no opening. Then suddenly the men are begin being pushed back, and  Xiahou Dun comes into full view. My arrow still embedded within his eye socket. But he stands alone yelling over the cry's of men and clashing of metal. As if he's begging for me to try again, challenging me to try.

"Shoot him now Ching Si!" 

My hands remain still however. I don't understand  how is he's still standing on is own? Any other man would be on his back, or being carried off the battlefield, but he stands strong even when fatally  wounded. Then to everyone around's amazement, including mine, Xiahou Dun grips the arrow embedding in him and rips in out. Impossible!

I lower my bow expecting Jo Yi to bark at me, but he's gone silent as well. This general isn't going down easily, so doubt the others will either,  we're in deep trouble.

The battle rages on though the day, with the opposing force gaining ground with each passing hour. They will reach the wall by the next day, and then the real battle will begin. Xiapi's walls are resilient, I don't think there break through the gates immediately. But they will, and when they do. We all will die. But then just before day break, the Wei army pulls back. Though only our walls stand between them and their goal, so I'm sure their be back even more determined.

 My fingers are rubbed raw from using the bow for hour on end, so brother tells me to eat and get some much deserved rest. Immediately I agree, not only because my arms go limp the moment I lower my bow, but because Wei has pulled back for the moment and I'll need to retain my strength for the morning. I believe their draw back is only to plan for the next attack, a way to break down our defenses. And judging by the number of men we lost toady, it won't take long. I head for the dining hall, softly rubbing my aching wrists, but just as I am about to turn the corner I hear a group of men laughing and cheering. What is there to be joyous about!? 

"Coa Xing is the best bowmen I've ever met, I swear! I was yards away but I saw him shoot that arrow. I watched as it flew across the field and hit that monster, Xiahou Dun. Even if he got up, he'll die before this is all over."

"Yeah, and with generals like ours how could we lose."

"Let's drink to our victory men. and to the dragon Coa Xing!!!"

I hear them all howl before moving into the dining hall. I hold my breath and try to remain calm. I know I made that shot, and half the men on that wall do as well. But because I'm but a simple women saw it differently, they saw Coa Xing.And I'm sure he won't do anything the quell that misconception either. I shot down that monster today, I deserve some damned respect! I stand stuck to the wall for a good time, willing myself not to go inside and start a fight, before I hesitantly turn away and head back to the wall. My appetite is long gone.

 Intending to find some shelter so that I can tend to my burns, and try to calm my mind, I instead find myself wandering the left section of the castle walls. Everyone has gone inside to celibate so I'm finally able to be alone. Why they celebrate is beyond my understanding, that shot didn't even slow Xiahou Dun down, this battle is far from won. Foolish men and there misguided pride.

 I've given all that I have today, not one of them killed as many as I today. Yet still I am invisible. Invisible until the time comes for one of then to bed me, then I'm sure I'll have plenty of attention. I smile to myself, I feel sorry for the man that tries. I'll take the dagger in my boot and cut him for gut to groin. 

My smile fades quickly though. No matter how this battle turns out, I will never have the life I want. A life of adventure and romance, and freedom. Jo Yi protects me, yes, and always ensures we survive another. But he has a controlling nature and with him I'm never free, I never will be. It's not that I want to leave him, but I just need something of my own.

 I could try my luck under the Wei army. I know the secret to crushing the castle walls and winning this battle within the same hour. I could barter for a position.

  The evil thought washes over me without any apprehension, but I quickly brush it away. Jo Yi would be so furious. And I don't want to be labeled a traitor. But then again they do not respect me now, and they all may be dead in a sev-night anyway. 

  This could save Jo Yi's, and my life. Maybe we could both have a better life. I've heard Lord Cao Cao awards determined solders. And Jo Yi is more then determined. I'm sure right now he still stands at the west wall, waiting for the enemy. And he'll remain there until the next battle begins. We could be resourceful to Cao Cao. 

No..

Yes! Forget these evil people. Curse Lu Bu and Coa Xing! I will alter our destiny, I will take my freedom!

Reviews

[quinfinn]

while i am not fond of this type of story usually (because i hate reading subtitles and would love to see some of these epic tales told in English) this has all the elements of a great epic. you have indeed done your homework and have presented a well written and lavish drama adventure here. very good write. i don't read books these days, i prefer movies, but this is very good.

[Ana Drake]

Thankx alot. I kindov been feeling the same way, regarding the movies. But you've gotta admit there's been alot of s****y films coming out lately. :P

[Asilem]

AWESOME!

[Ana Drake]

Do you play Dynasty Warriors?

[Asilem]

Nope. Never heard of it. But the story was good all the same

[Ana Drake]

XD

[Anonymous Girl]

I would agree with Rachel!! Imagery!! :)

[RachelReaper]

imagery! :)

[Ana Drake]

Thankx :)

[Felicity's Eve]

I like the plot very much! Exciting indeed... :)

You may want to go over this quickly though. I saw some major spelling mistakes and comma misuse. :)

[Ana Drake]

I will be going through it. I only reviewed it once, because I just wanted to finally post it after ignoring it for a week. But thankx for the review. :)

[Felicity's Eve]

:)