Camaraderie ( Record of Ragnarok AU Week 2021 - Day 2 )

Camaraderie

A long, long time ago in the Wuyang County.

There lived a boy who dreamt of being a scholar, 

It was an innocent ambition, that is the envy of many,

Little did he know, a fateful encounter would change his life forever.

+Chen Gong's POV+

"The weather is extremely hot today. Even old Fusang here is complaining."

Attentively, Chen Gong listens to the woes of the elderly transporter as he laments on the heat with his small talk.

Although Chen Gong prefers to revise his studies in order to pass the time, the turbulent journey on a travelling cart across uneven terrains makes it hard for him to concentrate.

Uncle, aunt, cousins.. oh, how much he misses them.

It was that time of the year again, where everyone will reunite with loved ones and celebrate the coming of the new lunar year with glee.

All he wanted was to meet his relatives again. He closed his eyes, imagining the festive lights of the city, exciting performances as well as the fragrant smell of tasty dishes and aroma of tea.

Not too far, just a day's away. And he'll be there.

Just as he was about to fall into a slumber, he felt his entire being violently shook as the entire cart toppled over to it's front, throwing Chen Gong and the transporter over. 

Still in shock but gratefully, slightly injured, Chen Gong carefully got up and tried to get his bearings.

Unfortunately, to his dismay, the transporter wasn't as lucky and laid collapsed under the travelling cart. The reddish earth told of his fate.

Nearby, he could see the horse, Fusang who was keeled over, whining and groaning in intense pain.

Several figures started to gather around the pit that he had fallen in.

It was then he realized that he wasn't alone.

Desperately, he tried to climb out of the pit, only to be met with a sudden blow to the jaw.

Huh?

His vision fades to black.

-

+Lü Bu 's POV+

No! No! No! 

By the river bank, a well-built boy is seen spearfishing as a horse observes close by.

Again!

This time, the spear slashes the water in sharp waves, splitting the fish in half.

Could have been better..

The boy's name is Lü Bu. To become the strongest, he left his tribe, travelled far and wide, continuously seeking out stronger beings than himself.

Collecting the remains of the fishes, he laid them on a large stone to prepare for a meal.

However, his meal time was short-lived as he heard of a commotion nearby.

Cries of a boy, distinguishably about his age, not far from his location.

Curious, and not one to run away from danger, Lü Bu beckons Red Hare over and head to the supposed site.

Hush, stay here, Red Hare.

Red Hare the red-haired horse, nods in understanding and hid itself among the forest trees, away from possible prying eyes.

In one quick motion, Lü Bu closed in on the group of raggedly dressed men.

Noticing the boy of small stature struggling to not be confined to a cage, he took advantage of their inattention to launch an ambush.

One! Two! Three!

He slammed onto the unknowing men in neck breaker fashion.

Four! Five! Six!

Caught by surprise, the group fought back, only to be met with his devastating blows.

Seven! Eight! Nine!

And then, all that was left standing was the two boys among the pile of bodies.

-

+Chen Gong's POV+

I-I'm saved!

In a trembled voice, Chen Gong thanked the bloodied boy profusely, only to be met with eyes of annoyance.

The bloodied boy then turns to leave without a word.

"Wait up! Do you know where the nearest city is?"

Chen Gong, not wanting to be lost, decided to follow him.

"Or village..?"

"..."

"What's your name?"

Spotting a horse, the bloodied boy stopped in his tracks as he replied,

"Lü Bu."

-

+Lü Bu 's POV+

There was no reason to introduce himself.

So why did he do it?

Lü Bu pondered, as he leads Red Hare, who was carrying a sleeping Chen Gong along the path, possibly to a human settlement. The day was slowly but surely turning to night soon.

Regardless, Chen Gong turned out to be an interesting friend.

He smiled as he recalls their earlier conversation.

-

"I'm studying to be a scholar."

"..."

"So, what do you want to be when you grow up, Lü Bu?"

"..."

"Lü Bu?"

"Why just a scholar?"

"Eh? I mean who doesn't wan-"

"You should aim higher."

"Well, you still haven't answered my question."

Lü Bu sighs, and with full confidence, he replies, 

"To be the strongest."

"Stron..gest? Like a warrior or a general or a-"

"The strongest of everyone."

"I see. If it's you, I'm sure you can do it, Lü Bu!"

"..."

"Then, I should work hard to repay the debt. I'll be your greatest ally!"

"Ally?"

Lü Bu laughs wholeheartedly, as Chen Gong goes red in embarrassment.

"That would be nice, I look forward to it." said Lü Bu.

-

+Chen Gong's POV+

"He left before I woke up! I still have so many questions to ask!"

Regretting his actions, is the now awake Chen Gong who has made it safely to his relatives' house.

Woken up at a stable by a passerby, he found himself inside the city where his relatives lived.

Fortunately, it seems his kidnappers didn't manage to take him to a far away place.

Lü Bu. I wonder if I'll meet him again...

Chen Gong holds up a teacup to the sky. 

In the name of my friend, Lü Bu...

In belief that he'll see his friend once more, Chen Gong offers his cheers to the gods before taking a sip of freshly brewed tea.

+The End+