The Road to T'se

[Wei Yan]

Since his time in Shu, The Beast of Chang An had been roaming bits of land here and there, speaking with people and learning the rumors. This time had served his well. He'd learned of what he thought was the death of Liu Shan at first, and his heart ached. The boy was barely of age and he life had been ripped away, but that was wrong. In fact, the boy had recovered from his illness at Qi Ning Pass and taken a whole city! Though there was a death. The main advisor to young Liu Shan, Huang Hao, had passed. It seemed the man he heard to be a serpent in Shu, had finally died. Though, it seemed the rumors said another man was helping the young boy now. Yan Yu or something along those lines is what he'd heard. So, tired of rumors, the Beast came to Luo Yang, to discover himself what had happened to the boy who'd aided Wei Yan at Chang An.

The streets of Luo Yang came alive when they saw The Beast of Chang An. People came to see him, people came to greet him, some people spit in his path, having heard his rumors of his time in Shu. They'd been malicious. Some said he'd gone so far as to punch the King of Han Zhong in the face and rape the women of Cheng Du. Some of the rumors made him a hero though. Above all though, most people learned quickly how different this man was. A woman came into the road to see him, but he kept riding. She chased, he kept riding. Finally she got infront of the horse, hoping to stop him. He rode through her. There was no second guessing, he merely kept riding, she'd either move or be shoved down and rode over. She chose to be shoved down. It was her own choice, so the Beast felt no remorse. It wasn't until he got to the palace that he even felt the need to speak. Dismounting he approached a gaurd and looked him over for a moment, before speaking.

"Liu Shan? You know the name?" asked the Beast bluntly, and the guard nodded quickly. "Good. Where can I find him?"

The guard looked over the famed warrior and just pointed up the steps into the palace. It was clear that was all the Beast would get out of his fear struck man. Sighing a bit, the Beast just pushed up the steps, stopping and glancing at the guard. "Guard my horse."

With that, the Beast pressed on into the palace and stopped at the first set of guards he saw. They looked to be wearing the symbol of Liu Shan, so he decided it was good to ask them over anyone else. Sizing the men up, he spoke bluntly.

"You two, take me to Liu Shan. I wish to speak with him." There was no question in the Beasts voice. Hell he still wore his axe and carried his spear. There was no doubt that the guards would take him to Liu Shan politely or be forced to. The Beast was in no mood to play games.

[Liu Shan]

The Imperial Capitol, or what it once was called, the great city of the Royal family that had now been destroyed and the only family linked to the Han royalty was locked away in Chengdu. However, there was on boy that had the hopes of surpassing the very linage, the young Liu Shan. Being the son of Liu Bei, the former Imperial Uncle, meant that through the veins of Shan flowed the blood of the Royal family and this was the perfect vice for Yan Yu to use. Using this very boy gave him rights within the palace far above his station, some disliking that fact and some merely didn't care... To most, the Han was dead. There was no direct Emperor in these warring times and with the Son of Heaven's quarters bolted until that day, Liu Shan was placed into the rooms of the Crown Prince. It had seemed Yan Yu was performing acts against Heaven, however, he had done nothing wrong yet as the proclamations from Yan Yu had not reached the level of 'Liu Shan, Prince to the throne'- though, that was indeed the plan.

Going about his usual business Yu ordered every Palace guard to inform him of any mention of people trying to seek Liu Shan and today was the same. But, the name that was stuttered from the guards made the military minister's eyes grow.... Wei Yan? "What does such a man want with Lord Liu? No doubt sent from that 'King of Hanzhong'.. The only King he is, is King of my a-" The guard shook his head as the minister nearly allowed his tongue be carried away with him. Chuckling a little Yan Yu turned to the guard to dimiss him, though not wanting to have any trouble he felt it best to tell. "Lord Liu helped the Lord Wei during the battle against Lord Ma of Xiling. I believe he would be here to speak with him, seeing as Lord Liu's health made him retreat."

Yu thought guards weren't supposed to be that smart, but nonetheless he was probably right. The gates were opened on the order of Yan Yu and Wei Yan was given entrance, the minister did not appear himself but allowed a handful of guards escort him to the chambers in which harboured Liu Shan. Through the once great halls of the Han, Wei Yan was lead and one could have imagined what this would have been like in the height of the great Han dynasty.

The doors to the chambers of the 'Crown Prince', so many had lived behind the doors, children that had become Emperors and even consorts that were soon Empresses. But now, it harboured the son of a former Imperial Uncle, Liu Shan. When the doors opened Shan was during tutolage, being taught the history of the Imperial household. Startled the mentor was excused to leave Liu Shan and Wei Yan alone, the guards patrolling outside ready for anything that may happen. It took some time till Shan raised his head to meet with the Beast of Chang'An. The way Shan looked, his cheeks were full of life and the very illness that struck him had clearly gone...He looked so at home within the Crown Prince quarters, as if it were meant for this simpleton of a boy; after all, he had conquered a city through speech alone. "L-lord W-Wei Yan?" Emerging from the small table with many books upon it, the young Liu threw himself to his knees before the Beast of Chang'An, touching his forehead to the floor. Yan Yu had clearly great plans for this young boy as he was dressed in finer silks than Huang Hao forced him to wear. "I-I thank the H-Heavens that you are s-safe... I-I wish my troops w-would you protect you, p-please take my apol-pologies for retreating.. I-It was Z-Zhang Fei.. H-He was there....... I-I was scared." His voice failed him as the last words fell from his mouth, 'I-I was scared'.. It was evident in the crumbled voice that it was true and even thinking of that very moment made his body freeze. There the young Liu remained, head on the floor the bow one would give to the Emperor.

[Wei Yan]

There was no love in the air for the guards that had escorted The Beast of Chang An. His spear was gripped tightly, and it was very apparent that if one stepped out of line he'd never step again. If some of them dared glance at him, they were quickly greeted with a snarl and nothing more. The Beast hated feeling so caged when he knew he could easily kill his retainers. They were nothing to him, and men who were nothing, were not men at all.

Finally though, when he though the containment would consume, the doors to room of Liu Shan were pushed open. It had first grieved for the boy. The Beast had thought that atleast the Imperial Nephew could atleast command his own guards, but it seemed the whispered name, Yan Yu, did all the commanding. Now though, his heart found solice in the fact that the boy was submerged in history and education of all types. That was what the generations to come needed. They didn't need blades, but quills. There would be peace when men could wage war over debates and at the end of the day everyone could shake hands and not present heads to their lord. In the end though, the beast again grieved when the boy threw himself at the Beast's feet.

"Get up, Liu Shan. You're aid at Qi Ning Pass was unmatched. I believe you alone are the reason that the Cowardly King of Han Zhong did not come to the aid of the Golden Horde to begin with." the warrior paused as he thought about the man, the boy had mentioned. Zhang Fei...? Brother of Guan Yu and Liu Bei... Brother of nothing but scum... What makes him any different? thought the Beast while he continued to speak.

"You have no reason to fear Zhang Fei. He's nothing more then a coward hidden behind a spear. While men like Sun Yuan Ci and Sun Liao are your allies, Zhang Fei will never be a threat. Plus, the way you've aided me at Qi Ning, I owe you a hundred lifetimes, as do I the rest of the allies. If ever you trouble with a warrior or battle that you fear you cannot win, you need only call for me, and I'll route all that wage war against you." The Beast spoke very straight-forward. His tone was rash, but honest. He had a sense of gruff respect to him. The Beast of Chang An, humbled by a boy who could barely speak without stuttering.

"As for why I have come. I've come to see how you are doing in these dire times. I hear many sad and horrid rumors. Though, it seems that Huang Hao has truly died. My heart goes out to your loss, but this man that replaced him, rumors say he's keeping you almost like a prisoner here in Luo Yang." he paused as he walked over to the door, and leaned against it, making sure if anyone came in, that he'd know about it first, "Is this true, Liu Shan? You do not need a ring leader. You are the Imperial Nephew!"

Then the Beast was quite after nearly roaring the final line. Though, it was no secret what he had said. The Beast always talked loudly, and anyone who could have been outside the door could have heard all his words clear as day. Again the warrior gripped tight to his spear.

[Liu Shan]

The young Liu was used to being ordered around, but one thing Shan knew was Wei Yan was a strength he did not wish to anger; though it seemed he felt know threat from the man, but when Yan Yu was around...It was confusing to the small boy, he couldn't understand. Cowardly King of Hanzhong? That very line made Shan slightly giggle, to think that his reputation surpassed his father's on the battlefield; perhaps he was not so useless after all? In all truths Liu Shan liked Wei Yan, that was why he turned up at all, though Huang Hao had indeed wished for him to join T'se. Huang Hao? Of course... "Lord W-Wei, the land is in dire situations... You're life is v-vital." Looking to the books, Shan smiled as he remembered the Eunuch's order for tutors to be paid for his education; something Liu Bei had yet to even think of. "H-Hao shall always be remembered, h-he was the one who had me learn.. H-He saved me from ab-bandonment."

Turning back to Wei Yan the young Liu saw him against the door, usually a small bow would be worried however the casual stance that Yan took was calming. Owing Liu Shan a hundred lifetimes? Quite surprised by his words the young boy could only bow in thanks for such kindness. "All I w-wish is that you are safe" The matter of Yan Yu was expected, not by the mind of Liu Shan that is, though he had not heard of the rumours outside the Palace..Shan was not allowed to venture so far. "I-I haven't heard anything, Lord Y-Yan has me busy st-studying. I-I enjoy it, so interesting. I-I am clearly blessed to have such a rich heritage." It seemed that not even knowing it that Wei Yan was proven right, in some ways Liu Shan was being detained within the Palace of Luoyang but the move was to have Shan's education stepped up so his mind can advance quicker.

Imperial Nephew? Liu Shan did not know if that could be worth anything, as his own father had not been referred to as the Imperial Uncle for many years... Ever since Dong Zhuo had the Emperor and Empress murdered. "I-Imperial N-Nephew? That died with the H-Han..." Sitting back down behind the desk the young Liu looked at Wei Yan, the brutal honesty gave Shan a sense of trust to him. "T-Though.. I have been having dreams of late. I-I want to be like these men in history, the family I w-was born into." Having the mindset of a child Shan could imagine all these things unfold before him, strangely giving him confidence in speech and soon the usual stuttering disappeared. "I want to be of worth.. To save people and protect this entire land, like Emperor Gaozu did and all his descendants. But.." Looking down, there was one man stopping him and one he knew he could never stand against. "W-While my father st-still lives, I shall be forever be-behind him.. In his sh-shadow."

When mentioning Liu Bei the visions vanished and the stuttering returned, Shan knew that his own father had to die before he could make any move for the throne.. It seemed so close, the way Yan Yu explained it, but in the young Liu's eyes- it was so far away. "F-Forever the pointless ch-child that was unwanted b-by his own f-father.." It was quite sad that the son was being abandoned by a father, locking himself away in Chengdu and not even showing signs of tending to his own kingdom. Whereas Liu Shan was starting to have independant dreams of owning the Empire, for such a small boy he had more courage than any; not even realising it himself... Appearing in a battle that killed many and taking control over a city through words, so many did not believe in Shan, ignoring his accomplishments so far...

[Wei Yan]

So they were true? This Yan Yu keeps the boy like a caged animal. He keeps him for show, almost flaunting his power nonetheless, and with a child like Liu Shan, so much power but with no backbone, he's running the show. Hmmm... thought the warrior as he listened to all the boy had to say. He stroked the stuble that had been growing upon his chin, and nodded a bit.

"Well it seems your dreams far surpass that of your wretched blood. I believe it's time you left Luo Yang. Have you heard of the banquet in T'se? Lord Sun Yuan Ci is holding a banquet for all the regional lords. I've been invited and told to bring a second. Needless to say, my second died with Lu Rai. So I'm looking for another. Do you see where I am going?" asked the Beast rhetorically.

A smile crept over the warriors face as he thought more about the death of Liu Bei and how he was not alone in the quest. Sighing happily, he continued speaking though.

"Would you accompany me to Ye as my second? I believe we share a common goal, seeing your father out of power. Though you want him dead, I want him to suffer. I want him to live to see the unity of China. I want him to be able to taste the peaceful air. I want him to hear the children laughing, and when he's first done this... I'll carve out his eyes, take away his tongue, and drill out his ears! He'll never know that solice again! Forever he'll walk, blind, deaf, and dumb!" Now the Beast was getting excited at the thought. He went from leaning against the door to standing up right, almost bouncing a bit. His heart was racing, his smile was wide, and he wished the end of Liu Bei would come quickly! But, he composed himself.

"So what say you? We can have all these books packed. We can leave as soon as you are ready. Even your dear Yan Yu can come if he wishes, I honestly could careless about the man, but he is close to you and thus worthy of my support. Will you be my second at the banquet in T'se?" The warrior crossed his arms as he finished, the spear still tightly gripped in his hands. He was honestly tired of all the words he spilled in the last couple days, he just wanted a straight forward conversation and to get to T'se to see Sun Liao again, and all the allies he owed so much. Maybe even Cao Mengde would be there. He was another one of the men Wei Yan had owed so much, the Beast would thank him.

[Liu Shan]

Lu Rai? Wasn't he a bodyguard of some sort for Wei Yan? Such a great honour to take his place to the banquet. But back to T'se? Shan had already came from the Sun's, how could he face Sun Yuan Ci and Sun Liao? However, the young Liu was excited to hear of a time where he would not worry of his safety. "I-I guess I should tell Lord Sun o-of my success in Bei Hai.. Also, so-so many deserve a time of lull in the battling." A smile appear on the lips of the young Shan, the feeling of enjoying himself was quite tempting.. But of course, Yan Yu did not want him to leave the capitol. However, something far worse was on Shan's mind as he moved closer to Wei Yan. "W-What of Shu?.. The knowledge of w-wine will bring Z-Zhang F-Fei." As if Wei Yan had turned into the rash general of Shu, Liu Shan backed away still scared of the very name; after all it was the cause of his decrease in health.

'You're the Imperial Nephew'. Those words had been heavily imprinted now in his mind, especially after the way Wei Yan said them. Shaking his head the young Liu began to think, something that took some time, it was about his very stature in this land. It was not too late for the Imperial line to rise and therefore his very being could help those opposing his father, so he would be attacking him indirectly. Smirking Shan looked up to Wei Yan who had become quite excited about the prospect of torturing his father. "I-I shall go with you. Y-Yu will not oppose, especially w-with you here in person. I-It shall give him the time to sort his plans." Turning back to his books, the young Liu gathered that he would be made to stay in T'se kingdom but this was not so.. The Sun's wanted the throne for themselves and now having the desires for himself, Shan would not know what to do; Yan Yu would know.. "Though I d-do not know if I would st-stay in T'se, m-my desires to t-take the throne match theirs."

No, he must go and see Sun Yuan Ci. It would be too rude not to report the taking of Bei Hai in person and thank him for the help and kindness that he had recieved, from both Sun Liao and Sun Yuan Ci. "No.. I-I must go.. W-We shall leave today, b-by relay carriage. I-I can not ignore such kindness from the Sun's." Smiling the young boy became quite excited about the idea of the banquet, to be surrounded by people that he thought liked him and wanted him alive. However, if any Shu generals showed up he would have to deal with it as he comes, he was part of the Imperial Line.. He should act like it. "I-I am the Imperial Nephew.. Wh-What my father has done would dis-disgrace Emperor Gaozu, th-the very man the Liu's owe their l-lives to.. Therefore, m-must be punished."

Approaching Wei Yan the young boy could sense the beast of Chang'An was at unease, was the death of Lu Rai so touching? The man must have been so close, whatever that feels like. The lips showed an innocent smile, one that would melt the heart of a mother and giggling slightly Shan did something unbelievable... His soft fist had punched Wei Yan on the shoulder, not that hard seeing as he was quit weak, but it was clear Shan was merely playing- trying to lift the spirit of Yan. "L-Lets see if y-you can beat me in a drinking game L-Lord Wei. I-I may not be as strong as you, b-but I can b-beat you another way." Laughing Shan had transformed into quite the charismatic being. This was the Liu Shan many people knew, where the subject of his father left his mind.

[Wei Yan]

This boy... He's constantly locked in thought. If I ever I thought there was someone so close to the battlefield as I, it would be him, thought the Beast as he watched Liu Shan. He's constantly waging war in his head, and I have a hunch this Yan Yu is not fighting on his side...

There were many more thoughts rushing through the Beast's head, but they were quickly silenced when an unfamiliar nudged hit his arm. It was like someone had crumpled up parchment and tossed it at him, but when the Beast looked down, all he saw was Liu Shan. An awkward smile crept over the Beast's face. He's trying to fit in. He looks almost like Wei Li, if she was ever a boy. Am I wrong to tie this much of my past into my future? I am.. the noose..

A bit of unrest crossed the mind of the Beast, but he just shook it away and wore the awkward smile all the while. A soliced laugh came from his throat and another shake of the head followed. The Beast was without words for a moment, trying to picture the boy matching him in a drinking game. Images of puke and spilt wine were all he saw, and that brought a full blown laugh from his lips.

"Haha! Very well, Liu Shan. If you think you can best me at drinking, we will try this at Ye. Pack your things, as I'm sure word has most likely already been sent to Yan Yu." scowled the Beast, looking back towards the door, almost peering through the wood to the guards he thought was there. Were they really? The Beast had no idea, but he wasn't going to not give them notice if they were.

[Liu Shan]

When the snake misses, it will always turn to bite a second time

Yan Yu had found himself deep in thought as he looked down at the writing he had just produced, how much he detested this lowly minister position; he knew he was of greater substance than doing the administration for the military. However, thought like that had to wait as a guard quickly slipped past his view and gathered close to his ear. Yu's eyes grew, his mind now furious and the guard, a little worried, made a haste exit as the snake reared its head. Standing the militant minister took a few deep breaths at the news of Liu Shan's soon departure to Ye, even when he had ordered him to stay in Luoyang until his order. Looking at the papers Yu knew that this would not last for long, but this banquet could be something of beneficial futures. Smirking the snake would make his way to the chambers of the heir apparent, and soon guards built behind with lower ministers coming to his side. "Prepare the relay carriages, one for our Lord Liu and the other, for Lord Wei." With the smirking remaining on his head, these two carriages would seem usual protocol after all, Liu Shan was part of the Imperial Family..but most importantly, Yu did not want this Wei Yan getting too close, the chains could break.

Amongst the thorns, rises a rose

The young Liu looked at Wei Yan as he began to laugh, claiming doubts of the amount of wine he could consume; in all truths, Shan knew he couldn't compare to men like Yan. Smiling the young Liu turned around to pile the books on top of each other, contently readying himself for the move from Luoyang back to Ye. But as interruptions go, the timed appearance of Yan Yu saw that Shan was in agreement to this. "If my Lord wishes I have prepared a carriage for the transportation for some belongings, however, there are still many things you have to do in Luoyang.. Meaning after the banquet you must return to the Capitol." Bowing graciously to both Liu Shan and Wei Yan, the snake soon made his way from the room knowing if he stayed the Beast of Chang'An will question the motives of Shan's stay in Luoyang.

Shan merely shrugged the words off and stopped preparing for any move of his belongings, trusting Yan Yu and naivingly let everything fall into his hands. "Shall we make our way to the carriages? I d-don't particularly like the rel-lay carriages, their sp-speed makes you feel every b-bump." Chuckling the young Liu was a little excited about the banquet, seeing many that he knew did not want him dead, though some wouldn't care if he was dead or alive. As the gap between Liu Shan and Wei Yan closed, the young Liu lowered his voice..the whisper contained some traces of fear. "If a-any Shu g-general comes, p-please, w-will you prot-tect me?"

Before any answer could be spoken from Wei Yan, the young Liu opened the double doors and was ready to make their way to Ye; this journey would not take long, thanks to the relay carriages. Shan wondered what he would say to Sun Liao and Sun Yuan Ci, or what would they say to him? Barrate him about his recent leave of T'se? If so, he would explain, he had to. When they would reach the carriages, they would be escorted to Ye in seperate carriages and also, with the absence of Yan Yu; it was quite strange, but Shan knew he would come with the main bulk of his belongings.. Or not, though Yan Yu would not stray too far from the young Liu, when the snake arrived, Shan would know it was time to return..if he had not already spoken to the two Sun's by then..