Hi! My first Dynasty Warriors Fanfic, Vastly inaccurate, you've been warned.

Whoa, I just read this hilarious post on some random website that said Xiao Qiao assassinated Zhou Yu and pinned the blame on Zhuge Liang. So weird...

Cao Pi was 21 during the battle of red cliffs and Zhou Yu was 33, whoa a big age gap, I did my research. I usually do a ton of research for stories because I'm pretty dedicated. Oh well. They appear as they do in the game so *shrug*

HOLY COW! I got Dynasty Warriors 8! But in Japanese so I can't understand a word TT^TT but regardless I think I'm doing well. Should've waited a bit but oh well. I'll get the english version when it comes out. I love Zhou Yu, Dynasty Warriors 8 is probably the best one so far! Zhou Yu's movements are so fluid and wasn't so awkward or restrained as it was in Dynasty Warriors 7.

Warning: Inaccurate Timelines, Characters may not act like themselves, violence, suggestive themes, awful grammar and etc.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or anything save for my imagination and writing


"We'll crush those weaklings, Wu and Shu in one blow! It'll be like-"

An idiotic private boasted as he led the sulky prince along the ships. Cao Pi hated how he just couldn't just tune people's voices out, damn his noble training...

His father made this idiot show him around and show him how things were going. Preparations were estimated to be done by evening, his father's orders, and his father intended to attack Wu as soon as possible. It was only a few days since they had received the blank reply from Wu.

Cao Pi smirked, he wished he was there to see his father's reaction when he saw that letter devoided of words or bribes. Sun Quan could've never thought of this anyway... That Wu ruler was too cowardly and stupid to think of such a thing. Cao Pi mused as he followed the soldier along. The blank letter basically meant: "You're not worth my time to reply back."

Cao Pi chuckled softly to himself as he remembered his father's rants about that despicable Zhou Yu's attitude and how that arrogant strategist needed a good beheading to teach him his place. It was such a shame that they were on opposing sides... Cao Pi would've have loved meeting that man, he's heard rumours about the man's eccentricity and intelligence. Then again it was a good thing they're on opposing sides... They can test their abilities against each other.

Speaking of abilities, Cao Pi glanced down at the sides of the boats then he glared at the soldiers that milled around. How pathetic, the great Wei army was weak against sea sickness, so weak that his father had to baby them and chain all the ships together. Cao Pi rolled his eyes, yes he had his doubt about the wisdom of chaining their ships together but his father said they would defeat Wu with their superior numbers and strength.

Then again... Chaining their ships made it harder for them to retreat but gave them a high boost on offense. Zhou Yu was known for his naval feats but against larger enemies he used tactics that aimed for a weak spot rather than a direct fight. Zhou Yu was never known for direct combat, he always had some kind of trick to ensure his victory.

Cao Pi smirked, how will Viceroy Zhou Yu defeat them? Their forces were like an advancing, impermeable wall. They had no gaps... Not that Cao Pi could think of. Though he never boasted that his knowledge in strategies were... Exceptionally good. He was cunning, yes, but not strategic.

He glanced up at the blue sky, he watched the clouds heading north western direction.

"And then all those pathetic Wu cowards and their useless ruler will be wiped off and then I'm gonna..." The private rambled on, swinging his fists around like some kind of ape.

Cao Pi sighed, what an incompetent soldier... All talk and hot air when the real battle comes, he'd be the type to be cut down in the front lines. No wonder why his father put these fools in the front lines and save his most trusted in the back. At least fools like these are useful for tiring the enemy out.

Speaking of soldiers...

Cao Pi glanced at the towering muscular figure of the new recruit. The man sported bandages and fresh whip wounds.

"Ah, that's Huang Gai! That idiot Zhou Yu punished Huang Gai severely for openly challenging him during a war meeting so this big guy's on our side now!"

The private said nudging Cao Pi. Cao Pi ignored the man and stared at Huang Gai, he looked formidable indeed but something nagged him about the whole defection thing.

"And father trusts him?" Cao Pi asked,

"Only for reinforcements." The soldier said, Cao Pi nodded slowly.

"How many men?"

"Couple hundred."

"Hm."

Cao Pi stared at the whip wounds that criss crossed all over the veteran's back and the angry look the man had on him. Those wounds looked painful and vicious as if the person who whipped the man had the strength of a tiger. Cao Pi winced in sympathy, he could see the black and blue bruise marks underneath the cuts. The soldier noticed the prince's observation,

"Oh yeah, he said Zhou Yu himself personally whipped bloody and blue." The soldier's nasal voice informed, Cao Pi's eyes widen. Zhou Yu was capable of such strength? All he's heard about Zhou Yu was that he was bookworm with amazing musical talents but... A capable warrior?


Zhou Yu's clasped hands trembled,

"So you need me to hold off the enemy forces until you give the signal?" Zhou Yu asked looking at Zhuge Liang, ignoring Liu Bei who was standing in front of his desk. Zhuge Liang nodded while fanning himself self lightly, his nervousness hidden by his fanning. Zhou Yu was the one whom they need approval most from because Sun Quan will go along with whatever the tactician deemed fine. Zhou Yu had Sun Quan's complete trust and faith but did they have the eccentric viceroy's trust and faith?

"I see... And when will this signal come? You do not know?" Zhou Yu asked, Zhuge Liang paused and replied,

"I am afraid it is so but if I am not disturbed, the prayer will require less time."

Zhou Yu glanced back down on his desk, "I see... I will do everything in my power to hold Cao Cao's forces off until you are ready."

Zhou Yu said, standing up and walking out of the meeting room.

"Lord Zhou Yu..." Xiao Qiao said softly as she followed him, he turned and smiled at her. He could not keep the sadness out of his smile, this was the first time he's... He's ever been this cornered and helpless. Was this truly the right path? No! It must be, Sun Ce would turn over in his grave if Wu surrender and became Cao Cao's lap dog. But...

"It's alright, beloved, I may not be adept at direct combat but I should be able to hold them off. I am not so weak that I cannot do such a feat." Zhou Yu said but the worry and sadness in Xiao Qiao's eyes was still there. Zhou Yu ruffled her hair,

"You don't trust me?"

Xiao Qiao's eyes widen as she shook her head, clenching her fists, her earnest eyes staring deeply into Zhou Yu's eyes.

"No way! I believe in Lord Zhou Yu! Lord Zhou Yu would never lose!" Xiao Qiao yelled as she ran off, "Bleeh! Lord Zhou Yu is the biggest dummy in the whole wide world! I just wanted to help you! Stupid Zhou Yu!"

Zhou Yu's lips quirked up against his will as he turned away laughing. Why was Xiao Qiao so cute? Damn it... Curse his weakness for cute things! But slowly his laughter died away, a cold expression stole over his face. He had no choice... To complete Sun Ce's dream... Lying to allies and friends alike... Hurting the people around him... He had to do it.

"I'm sorry..." He said softly to her shrinking back; he knew she couldn't hear his voice which was fine with him. He didn't want her to hear the regret in his forlorn voice nor did he want her to hear the weakness in him. In her naive and innocent eyes, he was someone that'll protect her forever and shelter in her little sandbox but...

"I'm not the man who deserves your love..." He said as he turned back to his room, fatigue settled over him like dust over an abandoned scroll.

Xiao Qiao closed the door quietly behind her. She sat down on her bed, hugging her panda pillow.

"Stupid Zhou Yu..." She said softly, how could he be fine after his most trusted comrade Huang Gai deserted them in their time of need? She could see the sadness in his eyes and sometimes she would hear him lament on how he should not have punished Huang Gai so harshly... How could Huang Gai just leave them?

Huang Gai has served three generations of the Sun family as have Zhou Yu and yet he leaves to join the enemy side over a dispute he had with Zhou Yu?

"Poor Zhou Yu..." She said squeezing the pillow harder; sometimes she felt like Zhou Yu was a million billion gazillion miles away from her. Normally she wouldn't make a fool of herself but she felt deep down Zhou Yu needed her to act all stupid and cheerful. As if he was falling apart and needed her to hold him together.

"Xiao Qiao?"

Xiao Qiao looked up, her eyes shining but then she frowned when she saw her older sister rather than her beloved.

"Oh... It's you, Da Qiao." She said dejectedly, Da Qiao paused at the door before walking in. She placed a comforting hand on Xiao Qiao's shoulder,

"Is it Lord Zhou Yu?" She asked quietly, Xiao Qiao nodded, tears filling her eyes,

"He never trusts me and he never tells me anything! Sometimes I wonder if he really does love me or not! I feel like he's trying to keep me in the dark so I won't be sad but... But I feel sad when he doesn't tell me anything!" She cried.

Da Qiao paused, should she tell Xiao Qiao that Cao Cao offered to spare Wu if they gave her sister and her up? Xiao Qiao noticed Da Qiao's hesitation. She gritted her teeth as anger bubbled inside of her.

"You're keeping stuff from me too! I hate you! I hate you and Zhou Yu! Always keeping secrets from me!" She shouted throwing her pillow at her sister. Da Qiao held her hands up exclaiming

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Stop please!"

"No you're not! You're still not telling me!" Xiao Qiao shouted hitting her sister harder, Da Qiao finally blurted out

"Cao Cao said that he'll spare Wu if Zhou Yu surrendered you and me to him!"

Xiao Qiao froze,

"What?" She said, her mouth hanging open in surprise. Da Qiao nodded,

"Lord Zhou Yu was extremely unhappy when he got the message... I-I-I think that's why he lost his temper when Huang Gai spoke against him... Lord Huang Gai said Lord Zhou Yu was being irrational because he was so upset about the whole thing..."

Da Qiao explained, Xiao Qiao sat there with a blank expression plastered on her face. She didn't know if she should punch Zhou Yu for keeping this a big secret or kiss him because he's the best husband in the world. Her lips involuntarily curved up as a blush colored her face, she squealed and snuggled against her stuffed panda.

"Eeeei! Zhou Yu loves me!"

She squealed, her insecurities blown away in an instant. Da Qiao watched her younger sister, her smile looked strained and her hand rested over her throbbing heart. Why? Why was it so unfair? Zhou Yu... She thought grounding her teeth, why did he have everything? It was so unfair...

Back when Sun Ce was alive, he and Zhou Yu would hang out together... Go into battle together... Drink together... Sometimes she felt as if Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were more than sworn brothers... Even when Sun Ce went with her... Zhou Yu was usually close by or Sun Ce would invite him and he simply would decline politely while giving her a look that said "I am only lending you Sun Ce. he does not belong to you."

At first she was happy for Xiao Qiao for marrying such a wonderful and seemingly perfect man but she could barely stand watching him act so lovingly and sweet to her sister. Every caress, kind word, kiss or affection he traded with Xiao Qiao was a knife to her broken heart. And she would see that glint in his eyes... That mocking glint!

"I'm so happy Da Qiao! Thank you for telling me! You're the best big sister in the whole wide world!"

Xiao Qiao exclaimed grabbing her frozen sister's hands and jumping around. Da Qiao's lips curved up as she laughed shakily. What was she thinking? Zhou Yu is her brother in law... He was a man! He couldn't possibly like men like that right? Yes, he was beautiful for a man but... He loves Xiao Qiao, right?

"I... I'm so happy for you." Da Qiao said with a forced smile that Xiao Qiao did not notice.

At night in the Allies Meeting Tent...

Zhou Yu hunched over the map of Red Cliff, his eyes closed as if he was sleeping and his forehead resting on his folded hands. The sound of waves gently lapping over the rocks was faintly heard in the tent. Everyone milled about nervously while glancing at the commander of Wu. Soldiers whispered and gossipped with one another,

"Cao Cao claimed he had 800,000 troops!"

"Oh we're done for! We only got 70,000! Including those losers from Shu!"

"Shhh! They'll hear you!"

"Well Lord Zhou Yu said Cao Cao only has 120,000 troops!"

"Hah! After his fit of rage on Huang Gai... I think Cao Cao may-"

Zhou Yu slammed his hands down on the table as he stood up, his face tight. Everyone quieted down when they saw his stormy expression. Zhou Yu looked at Zhuge Liang,

"They're here... I can hear the change in the waves. Cao Cao was not bluffing when he said he had an exceptionally large fleet... But the number of his men..."

Zhou Yu said as he gestured at the map, slowly tracing the river. His expression grim,

"Zhuge Liang..." He commanded, the Shu strategist nodded and ordered his men to prepare the altar. Zhou Yu glanced back down on the map, he only had 2 hours before Cao Cao arrive.

"Men..." Zhou Yu said softly but sternly, "This is a battle we cannot afford to lose... This will decide whether Wu will survive or not! Whether we are our own kingdom or not!"

Zhou Yu shouted, his voice getting louder and louder,

"We shall hold Cao Cao's forces off until Zhuge Liang is finished with the preparations! Trust me and I shall bring us to victory!"

As Zhou Yu gave orders out, a single soldier quickly sneaked off on a stray boat and began rowing silently toward Cao Cao's fleet. The tall reeds and water plants hid his boat. Zhou Yu opened his eyes once the paddling sound was gone, he looked around and saw that all the soldiers and generals were busy preparing for war. Zhou Yu grabbed a jug of wine and walked off with it.

Some soldiers who saw him whispered among themselves,

"Look at Lord Zhou Yu... Why is he drinking?"

"Maybe we are going to lose the war after all..."

"Poor Huang Gai... His men worry about him and refuse to fight without him..."

Zhou Yu ignored them all as he sneaked over to one of the tents and casually leaned against it. The pale general glanced around once more, making sure no one was tailing him. He took a cautious sip of the bitter drink and said,

"Ahhh! Such fine wine!

The rats have gone back to dine.

Prepare a feast for the North

Of fire and broth

The wind is coming."

Zhou Yu placed the wine jug down as a large muscular hand extended out of the tent to grab the wine jug.

"Hohohoho... Perspective as always Lord Zhou Yu." A burly voice exclaimed, chuckling, Zhou Yu laughed lightly,

" I knew you would enjoy such wine, Huang Gai."

The tall muscular man laughed as he passed the jug to his 'traitorous' troops.

"Have all those rats left?"

Huang Gai whispered, Zhou Yu nodded,

"Now you can prepare the fire boats. I will personally give you the signal to burn down Cao Cao's fleet."

"Yes my Lord!" Huang Gai said, standing up then he winced a trickle of blood ran down his side. Zhou Yu looked at his comrade with worry,

"Huang Gai... You don't have to force yourself-"

"I must! It is my duty! Cao Cao will be suspicious of my troops if I am not there, his son already suspects me..." Then the old man smiled at Zhou Yu's concerned expression, "Lord Zhou Yu, like you, I have things I must do even at the cost of my life."

Zhou Yu's face turned blank then he smiled ruefully,

"Indeed..." He said softly, Huang Gai smirked

"I pray for the southern winds."

Zhou Yu nodded and watched silently as Huang Gai led his men to the fire boats, piling hay and kegs of oil on the boats. Zhou Yu took a deep breath; he kept it a secret about Huang Gai...

He told the troops that Huang Gai was resting from his injuries so that Cao Cao's spies would believe that he knew nothing of Huang Gai so called defection. He made sure to be very vague about Zhuge Liang's role in the battle in hopes that Cao Cao would leave him alone. He even sent very little troops to protect Zhuge Liang in hopes of keeping the prayer altar quiet. He focused his troops in the front to seem as if he was fighting Wei troops head on.

He left some bases in the front for Cao Cao's troops to take to make the man feel overconfident fighting him. Cao Cao had never fought him... So he doubt Cao Cao knew his styles or moves. Zhou Yu grabbed his staff and made his way back to the front. He could feel the allied troops nervousness and fear as Cao Cao's boats came into view.

Zhou Yu's eyes widen... 200,000 men... Cao Cao's army was 200,000 men strong... How could this be?

"Che... It doesn't matter." He said gripping his staff, "Men! We must hold them off until Master Zhuge Liang is done! Forward!"


"Hmmm..."

The nervous soldier glanced around while fiddling his Wu disguise. Cao Cao held his report and notes casually, barely glancing at it,

"So... Is that all?" Cao Cao asked dangerously, every bit of information was important! That devious Zhou Yu was acting all cocky and arrogant! Sending him that blank letter! Zhou Yu wouldn't mock him out in the open without some kind of back up plan or a secret that'll turn the tables!

"Well um... Well... Zhou Yu sent some men to help Zhuge Liang with some kind of construction but it can't be that important 'cause Zhou Yu didn't give him much guards or anything..." The soldier said wiping his nose in a dismissing manner.

"How many men?" Cao Pi's voice pierced the flickering shadows as he closed the tent flap behind him. His eyes cold, the spy glupped. Cao Cao was cruel but Cao Pi was worse. Cao Cao will kill/maim you but with Cao Pi... Your wives and children won't be spared.

"Uh... It's not important, you-"

"I will be judge of that." Cao Pi hissed, the spy threw his arms over his head.

"I think 10! I'm sorry I don't know exactly! Please forgive me!"

"10?" Cao Pi asked in a condescending tone, the filthy spy whimpered as he nodded. Cao Cao held his hand up to keep his son from advancing any further.

"What can you do with only 10 men?" Cao Pi mused then he glanced at "You! Go take down Zhuge Liang, we need to be cautious when dealing with snakes such as Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu."

"As you wish, my lord... But what of Zhou Yu?"

Cao Pi smiled grimly as he replied,

"I shall deal with the devious Zhou Yu..." Cao Pi said as he pulled out his dual fang, its smooth surface gleaming under the light. "And Zhuge Liang..."

"How?" An insolent captain asked, crossing his arms. Cao Pi narrowed his eyes, a newbie... A fool. Questioning him? Still that fool was crossing his arms and squaring his shoulders, looking down at him. Cao Pi could smell the arrogance oozing off the man and without looking, he knew there were soldiers watching... He knew they were like a pack of hyenas, ready to join the stronger of the two and... Cao Pi wasn't exactly popular.

Other older soldiers saw Cao Pi's glare, they shrank back. When the young lord had that glare, it usually meant someone was going to die... Painfully. They knew better than to question the short-tempered man. As much as they didn't like him, they had to admit he got things done.

Cao Pi glanced at his father, he could also see the distrust in his father's eyes. Cao Pi felt his heart clench a bit, even his father... Huh... What did he expect. It's happened so many times and still he feels pain. Cao Pi smiled,

"Easy... Zhou Yu, as devious as they say he is, is also known for protecting his troops hence the brotherly loyalty Wu soldiers have for each other. Zhou Yu is making Zhuge Liang an obvious target... He believes we'd be too afraid to attack him because of how easy it seems. So we can't let him down."

Cao Pi said coldly as he moved a big blue piece toward a small cluster of green and red pieces.

"And if Zhuge Liang is as important as he sounds then... I am willing to bet my life that Zhou Yu will rescue Zhuge Liang."


"And I am willing to bet my life that we will win this battle, men!" Zhou Yu shouted, the Wu soldiers cheered and clapped. Zhou Yu smiled tiredly as he sat down on his chair. He half listened to Sun Quan ordering everyone to enjoy their feast... Zhou Yu sipped his tea, he felt a hand grasp his sleeve. He turned and smiled at his wife.

Xiao Qiao leaned against Zhou Yu, in a small timid voice she asked,

"You'll win, right?"

Zhou Yu looked at her tenderly, fixing her hair a bit,

"Of course, whenever I bet my life I work twice as hard to win."

Then Zhou Yu looked at the feasting crowd,

"And if I lose..." He stopped when he saw Xiao Qiao's teary eyes, he smiled and rubbed her cheek, "I won't lose... My beloved." He added awkwardly.

Xiao Qiao nodded and buried her face into Zhou Yu's chest, Zhou Yu gave a small gasp before chuckling and wrapping his arms lightly around her. His hand, stroking her hair.

Xiao Qiao leaned against his touch. She loved Zhou Yu... He was one of the only guys who never groped her or used hugs as an excuse to feel her up. Yet at the same time it made her feel insecure... She shook her head. NO! Zhou Yu loves her and she loves him. Period!


Cao Cao stared at Cao Pi.

His son was devious and dangerous indeed. Cao Cao stood up and swept his cape behind him as he walked off his , his personal guards flanked him. As his footsteps echoed in the empty halls, he thought of Cao Pi. Perhaps, he should leave the Battle of the Red Cliffs to his son... His son was truly the son of the devil. He would make even Zhou Yu run for his money.

"Leave Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu to Cao Pi... I shall deal with Wu and Shu. Soon... The Qiao Sisters will be mine." Cao Cao announced before leaving. "Time is of the essence!"

The generals and captains nodded before running off, they dare not tarry because that would incur Lord Cao Cao's wrath.

Cao Pi kept his head bowed, his lips curved into a cruel and sadistic smile. Yes... This was his chance! To kill Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang... It would cripple Wu and Shu... Then... Then he could wipe out the thorns on his great and powerful father's side. Maybe, his father would finally acknowledge him.


Zhou Yu sighed as he carried Xiao Qiao to her room. He placed her gently on her bed, she stirred a bit in her sleep before turning over. Zhou Yu smiled sweetly at her, how young and innocent his wife looked when she slept. He placed a finger over his lips and quietly shushed Xiao Qiao's personal maids as they closed the curtains and prepared for the next day.

Zhou Yu shifted a bit as he adjusted her pillow. He smiled when he saw all her stuffed panda plushies. Each one had their own lovingness... One had a messy sewn ear, another with stains that won't come out... Xiao Qiao treasured every one of his gifts... If only he could say the same for the gifts she gave him... He only kept them in good condition but he never loved them the way she loved his gifts. She carried his presents with her and sometimes, he would see her chatting excitedly with them... He had yet to truly use her presents. He just couldn't bring himself to... It felt like a lie...

"Nmm..." Xiao Qiao murmured in her dreams.

He winced when his body weight made the bed concave a bit on the side. Xiao Qiao stirred some more. Zhou Yu quickly retreated back but her small hand grasped the edge of his jacket,

"You love me, right, Zhou Yu?" Xiao Qiao asked, her eyes slightly open but not seeing. Zhou Yu felt his heart throb with pain. He leaned over her and smoothed her hair before placing his hand over her eyes,

"Yes... I do..." He said sadly, his fingers ran down her eyelids, her perfectly formed cheeks and soft full lips. A tear ran down Xiao Qiao's cheek as she slept on.

Zhou Yu got up and left. Soldiers waiting for him, quickly handed his his staff and armor. Zhou Yu composed himself.

He gave Xiao Qiao's room one last glance before turning back to the soldiers, he slipped his cape over.

"Goodbye." Xiao Qiao

He glanced up and saw the night sky. Dawn was only a few hours away... And during that time... Countless friends and foes will die... Dawn will see either the demise of his world or the new beginning of Wu.

"Tomorrow will be the dawn of a new age, right Sun Ce?"


Thank you to all those who reviewed. Sorry for not getting to the battle yet. I have yet to decide how this story will go.

SilentTactician: Oh really? I remembered seeing one but it didn't categorize itself as ZhouYuxCaoPi though it was. It was about Zhou Yu getting captured by Cao Pi and Zhou Yu was the seme. Thank you for your review. It has ways to go. My grammar is really bad. :P Yes, I didn't want to make Xiao Qiao a bad guy but I don't support XiaoQiaoxZhouYu so *Shrugs shoulders* Well I decided to pair CaoPi up with Zhou Yu because they're my most favorite characters in DW. At first I wasn't going to make a fanfic about them because it seemed outrageous but I saw a ton of ZhaoYunxCaoPi so I thought why not? Plus it seemed interesting.

Kairacahra1869: Thanks for your review! It pushed me into finishing this chapter! It'll get better in the next few chapters, right now it's kind of slow. :)

Please review!

The next chapter will definitely be the battle and since I want it to be epic I will put a lot of details and effort. It will be where Cao Pi and Zhou Yu meet, the chemical reaction! Until next chapter!