Hey there! This is Keeper writing a somewhat sad story, starring the adorable Xiao Qiao.

Disclaimer: I own nothing of Dynasty Warriors, nor Xiao Qiao.

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Loss. None of us are strangers to it. I mean, we're all soldiers, warriors; its our duty to fight. As generals, we're bound to lose men; men who have family and loved ones, men who knew what risks they were taking and still joined our cause. Having experienced loss at a young age with the passing of my father, my lessons grow more blunt the more we assault or are assaulted in turn. Sister Da and Lord Yu are the most important to me and to lose one would mean losing myself.

A soft hand caressed her cheek, drying tears she hadn't known she shed. "My darling Xiao, whatever is the matter?"

"*sniffle* Oh, nothing my lord. What are you doing here?"

Looking skeptical, he persisted. "My beautiful Xiao flower, why do you lie to me?" He gently laid a kiss upon her lips. "Your eyes do not contain their usual happiness. Please," another kiss, "tell me what troubles you."

Donning her usual cheerful smile, she replied, "Do not fret, my lord. I will stay by your side and protect you for as long as I may live."

With concern and a heavy heart, Yu hugged her close and murmured into her hair, "Very well, I will leave the subject be." Kissing her head, he exited her tent. Though his love warms her like nothing else, Xiao could not shake the feeling of dread that was overtaking her. A hand gently gripping her shoulder shook her from her reverie.

"Yu said to check on you" stated a calm voice.

"Sister Da, nothing is wrong. I'm fine, so please don't worry about me." As the last words slipped out, her voice cracked.

"Xiao, you can tell me. I'm your sister and love you, OK? If you need to talk, I'll always be here."

Giving her same bright grin, the younger girl replied, "It's nothing. Would you allow me to rest up for the battle tomorrow?" With a nod and a tight hug, Da murmured "Rest, little sister. I love you" before departing. One would think seeing both the people she would give her life for would calm her, but it just indulged her unease. She gazed thoughtfully at the table upon which rested her steel fans. Carefully, Xiao flipped open both fans. These fans, though meticulously cleaned, had taken the lives of thousands of men.

"Father, wherever you are, I will ensure that no more blood is shed, that the people no longer have to endure the loss of loved ones!" Startled by the touch of a hand on her shoulder, Xiao slashed out behind her. The liquid ruby that spilled from the wound was less of a shock than who it came from. Lying upon her floor, his life slowly leaking away, was Sun Jian