Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors by KOEI. If they did, I would let them live in my apartment for all eternity. All I own is the plot plus the romantic sap and teenage drama that comes with it. AND a reference So This is Love from the Disney classic Cinderella and the beautiful and sweet lullabye Right Here in my Arms from the movie Barbie as the Island Princess is credited to Melissa Lyons and is added for the atmosphere of the chapter (because there needs to be more sisterly scenes with the Qiao sisters).

Main characters:

Da Qiao: Daikyou

Xiao Qiao: Shoukyou

Sun Ce: Son Saku

Zhou Yu: Shuu Yu

Other characters in Chapter 10 are as follows:

Cai Wenji: Sai Bunki

Guo Jia: Kaku Ka (mention)

Bao Sanniang: Hou Sanjou

Guan Suo: Kan Saku (mention)

Author's notes: This is it! The final chapter is here! It wasn't easy to get it done when you are swamped with family, friends and shopping in Singapore :) Whew! It has been quite a wonderful literary journey and I really enjoyed writing this beautiful story for two beautiful couples that really rock the Dynasty Warriors world.

Chapter 10 - Cinderella's Glass Slipper

Son Saku-kun's face turned shy again as he pulled out a glittering object.

I gasped when I saw it. It was-

"You dropped this when you ran out with your sister and your friends...I'm just sorry I couldn't give it to you in time before you left..." I watched him as he dropped onto one knee, "Will you do the honor to try on the slipper, Daikyou-chan?"

Cradled gently in his hands was my other shoe. He had it all this time? So that was what he clutching in his hand when he chased me. The red rhinestones twinkled softly in an almost angelic glow...how it looked so different now...it was like welcoming back an old friend. I had to smile as Otousan's words rang through my mind.

"For all you know, he could be your Prince Charming who will return you your glass slipper..." if I were to tell him that that's what exactly happened, he would also tell me with a huge smile, "I told you so, darling!"

"I will gladly fulfill the honor...Son Saku-kun..."

I took off my school shoes and socks and placed them aside. Son Saku-kun steadied the shoe as I slipped my left foot in. The shiny transparent plastic fit snugly around my foot and the red rhinestones shone brighter than ever. He grinned up at me.

"It's a perfect fit..." he stood up and held my hands still gripping my box of chocolates, "I found my princess...my beautiful Cinderella."

"Hold on..." I placed the box of chocolates on the piano and reached for my schoolbag. I pulled out my other shoe and showed it to him whose grin grew wider at the sight of the second shoe. I slipped it on my other foot, "Thank you...I was looking for that shoe everywhere...I was certain it was lost..."

"It led me to you...my beautiful princess," I blushed as Son Saku-kun gently gripped my waist to pull me close to his body. I placed my hands on his chest. I could feel his heartbeat against my fingers. He felt so warm and strong like a tall column of never-ending sunshine, "You know, that night when we were dancing...I really wanted to kiss you...before that damned clock ruined everything..."

"Son Saku-kun...I..."

He placed a finger on my lips, "Shhh...no more words..."

It was a déjà vu all over again. I watched in a daze as Son Saku-kun gently cupped the back of my head, closed his eyes and slowly leaned towards me. I stood on my tiptoes as best as I could to meet him halfway. After what it seemed to be an eternity, his lips were finally touching mine...I gasped at the contact but he held me close like I was his most prized treasure. His skin felt a bit chapped yet it was also so soft and strong. I finally closed my eyes and relished the sweet warmth emanating from my heart and the sturdiness of his arms cradling me. This was far better than I what I dreamed of. I could feel his hand sliding from the back of my head to rest on my cheek, gently guiding me in the kiss and combing my hair through his fingers. I felt a gentle rush of tingles up my spine and the new heat radiated in my cheeks. God, it felt so good...I was so happy that my heart has sprouted wings...I had died and gone to Heaven...

Unfortunately the necessity for air forced us to break the kiss. Our breaths warmed each other's faces as we opened our eyes. Son Saku-kun's sheepish smile was back on his face.

"My first kiss..." I felt his thumb gently rubbing my swollen lips.

"That felt really good, Daikyou-chan..." Son Saku-kun chuckled and pressed his nose against my cheek, inhaling softly, "God...you smell so good...like roses..."

I shivered at the intimate contact, "Son Saku-kun...there's something I need to tell you..."

"What is it, Daikyou-chan?"

"I like you...I truly like you since that first day you smiled at me..." Son Saku-kun's smile was bright as the sun...if I could make him do that smile over and over again, it would make me the happiest girl in the world, "I just needed to say it...my Prince Charming..."

Son Saku-kun's laughter was music to my ears as he picked me up and twirled me around in circles before setting me gently back onto the ground.

"You just made me the happiest guy on Earth, Daikyou-chan!" he hugged me close...I could never tire of his strong muscled arms around me or his wonderful sunny smiles. His joyful laughter died down before he turned serious and cupped my face, "And I'll be damned if I see another guy look at you the way I do or try to steal you from me..."

"Son Saku-kun..." I nuzzled my cheek against his hand, sighing at the sweet soft contact, "You will never need to worry because I could never stray from you...not now...not ever."

"Good..." he hugged me close and kissed the top of my head before he pulled back, "Because I can be a pretty possessive bastard..."

I responded by hugging him tighter. Nothing could be more perfect than this.

"Hey uhm...I heard that you're going to the piano nationals in April, right?" I nodded at the question, wondering why he brought it up. He suddenly looked so nervous, "'Cause I was wondering...whether...well...I'd like to come and see it...to give you more support and maybe...we can do something for the Hanami festival that's coming up."

"Son Saku-kun?" I couldn't help but want to tease him...just a little bit, "Are you already asking me out on a first real date?"

To my surprise, his cheeks turned red, the small laughing smile still present on his lips, "I'm not doing a good job of it, am I?"

I giggled and kissed his cheek, "I'd like you to come...now I have a whole new reason to win the nationals. I will do it not only for my family and friends...but also for you."

"Really? Wow...I'm quite honored," Son Saku-kun laughed, his tone was so sweet and sincere, "But maybe we should first get to know each other better first before the day comes, huh?"

"Yes...let's do that..."

"Let's make it official," Son Saku-kun held out his pinky finger, looking at me expectantly, "Let's promise to make our first date memorable and no matter what happens on the piano nationals, I'm always going to be proud of you."

I linked my pinky finger with his as we shook them up and down, "You promised, Son Saku-kun...or there will be consequences."

"Yeah...I know..." he kissed my cheek.

Just then, we heard a loud vibrating voice instantly breaking the comfortable atmosphere between us. It couldn't be my phone because I switched off silent mode when I exited the classroom after final period. The ringtone of my favourite song, So This is Love would've instantly be heard. Son Saku's face looked frantic when he checked the caller ID after he finally fished his phone out of his pocket.

"Oh shit! Oyaji's gonna kill me!" he flicked it open and I could hear a gruff and irritated voice shouting on the other end.

I wonder what was going on...

"Oyaji?! I know! I know! I'm supposed to help out today with the kids for the upcoming basketball match! I had something to do in school and I lost track of time! Is there still time for me to make it for the remainder of the session?!" I watched as Son Saku's panicked face relaxed and the smile was back on his lips, "You're the best, Oyaji! Yeah, can you stall the kids for about 15 minutes or so? I'll be there in no time! Yeah...thanks, Oyaji!"

After closing and putting away his mobile phone, Son Saku looked at me apologetically.

"Hehe...sorry, Daikyou-chan. I have to get going before the kids get too rough on Oyaji," he hoisted his duffel bag more securely on his shoulder, "Time flies fast when I'm with you, Daikyou-chan."

"Do what you need to do, Son Saku-kun..." I reached up to kiss his cheek, "Have fun with the children."

"Next time, you'll have to come with me to the center to meet the kids and...and my Oyaji and siblings too. As I said before, they've been wanting to meet you since I've been talking about you all the time," at this, my cheeks turned red and Son Saku-kun chuckled and kissed my forehead, "I'll see you tomorrow, my beautiful princess?"

I nodded, my heart in a flutter, "See you tomorrow...my handsome prince..."

After sharing a quick kiss, I watched Son Saku-kun smile at me before he raced out of the music room, leaving me alone by the grand piano.

Son Saku-kun liked me...and I was officially his girlfriend...the princess of his heart...my healed heart felt so full that it made me smile even wider...

I touched my lips where he kissed me...my first kiss...and my forehead still tingled where his lips were...

But most of all...he called me...beautiful...and I truly believed him...

And I didn't care what the rest of the girls would say if they found out...they could call me whatever they want...but nothing could possibly ruin this magical moment...

"Onechan?"

I jumped out of my skin to find Shoukyou standing by the door with a big Cheshire grin on her face.

"Imouto?! What are you doing here?! I thought I told you to go on home without me!" I gasped then Sai Bunki-chan and Hou Sanjou-chan came out from behind my sister. Both of them had identical grins, "What, you girls are here too?!"

"He he! We saw and heard everything, Daikyou-chan! Nothing stands in the way of true love!" Hou Sanjou-chan giggled as she tackled me into a hug from behind, "Wow! It was so romantic! Just like in the Cinderella fairytale!"

"Onechan...your shoes..." I shyly smiled and extended my feet one by one to let the girls see. The beautiful shoes glittered under the room lights, "Son Saku-kun is really your Prince Charming after all..."

"Indeed he is..." I let out a dreamy sigh.

"I'm so happy for you, Daikyou-chan," Sai Bunki-chan exclaimed as she gripped my hands, "You two are really meant for each other. I hope he'll be a good boyfriend to you."

"And speaking of boyfriends...Sai Bunki-chan! Why didn't you tell us you had a boyfriend too?" Hou Sanjou looked at Sai Bunki-chan deviously, making her blush. That's right...she was with Kaku Ka-kun that night, "You were with Kaku Ka-kun, the hottest boy in the Drama Club! Any girl would kill to be in your place!"

"I...I...uhm...Kaku Ka-kun is only a friend...nothing more..." I had to laugh at Sai Bunki-chan...she looked quite funny when she got flustered.

"Suuuuuure. Keep telling yourself that," Hou Sanjou-chan teased, making Sai Bunki-chan flush even more.

"Onechan, these are your White Day chocolates?" my little sister asked as she took the little white box and peeked inside, "Wow...they are so pretty...did Son Saku-kun really make them for you?"

"But it was so un-gallant of him to leave you alone like that!" Hou Sanjou-chan huffed, "I know Kan Saku-kun wouldn't do such a thing like that!"

"He was in a rush, Hou Sanjou-chan. It's ok," I found myself smiling fondly, "He really liked me, that's what all matters..."

"I can so see us going on group dates...this is going to be fun!" Hou Sanjou-chan squealed.

"One step at a time, Hou Sanjou-chan!" Sai Bunki-chan smiled at her enthusiasm.

"Come on, onechan, we'd better get home," I snapped out of my brief reverie to find Shoukyou tugging my hand insistently. Her free hand held my school shoes and socks still tucked inside, "We still have to go home and prepare dinner, remember?"

"Right...let's all go home then."

I followed my best friends and little sister out of the music room and finally out of the school gates. We eventually went our separate ways and Shoukyou and I boarded the train to head home to prepare dinner before Otousan reached home.

During the journey, I listened to my little sister babbling about how wonderful Shuu Yu-kun was and about a promise he made to her about taking her somewhere on the day of the Tanabata festival after a few dates. My glittering slippers and Shoukyou's golden comb shone with the late afternoon sunshine all the way home, as if mirroring the happiness in our hearts.

Otousan was most quite amused by the dreamy looks my sister and I had on our faces when he finally returned home from work. During dinner, we shared stories on what was happening in school. As he brought out a fruit platter to share, we showed him our White Day chocolates to him.

"My goodness, I really hope that your new beaus won't distract you girls from your studies and your extra-curricular activities!" Otousan exclaimed with a smile, "I'm really happy for the both of you but let's not forget you're still in school. I can't excuse you for slacking off just because you are finally with the boys you like."

"We're not so little anymore, Otousan!" I retaliated with a smile of my own, "But you don't have to worry about us. You were right about Son Saku-kun. He really is really nice."

"So is Shuu Yu-kun, Otousan," Shoukyou piped in with an enthusiastic nod.

"Well, well...the next time I see them, I will have to properly interrogate them to make sure that they treat my daughters right. Now come along, girls. The dishes won't wash themselves and make sure you do your homework!"

"Yes, Otousan!"

After finishing off my homework and preparing my schoolbag for tomorrow, I went to Otousan to wish him good night. He was reading a novel when he saw me. He bookmarked the page he was reading before he hugged and kissed my cheek.

"Thank you, Otousan," Otousan looked at me questioningly, "If it weren't for your advice, I wouldn't have listened to my heart and give Son Saku-kun a chance to tell his side of the story."

"I'm just happy for you, sweetheart," he tenderly brushed my hair, "And Okasan would've been so proud of you if she was still here with us."

Then I spent a bit of time with Shoukyou to thank her for all she did for me. I sat beside her to help her finish the rest of her homework and waited patiently by her bed as she packed her school satchel for tomorrow. When she was finally done, she snuggled next to me, resting comfortably against her familiar spot on my shoulder.

I kissed Shoukyou's forehead, "Thanks, imouto..."

"What for, onechan?" she asked me curiously.

"If it weren't for your encouragement to go to the school ball, I wouldn't have ended up where I am now," I said sincerely as I gripped her hand, "I wouldn't have found out that Son Saku-kun had a mutual crush on me and acted on those strong feelings."

Shoukyou's smile was sweet and caring as she hugged me tightly in return, "I would do anything to make you happy, onechan."

"I want to reward you all that you done for me. Why don't we go shopping again when the weekend comes?" I saw her eyes perk up at the prospect of more sisterly bonding time over retail therapy, "Do you know anywhere that sells nice hair accessories? And perhaps we can find some new clothes as well back at Haruka-san's shop..."

"Yay! It's a promise, onechan! I can't wait!" her exuberance gave way to a large yawn.

"Time for bed, little sleepyhead," I held out the covers and watched her making herself comfortable among the soft cool sheets.

"Hmmmm...sing for me, onechan...please?"

"Sure...which one?"

"Mmmmm...the one where the princess sees her mother again..."

"Whatever you want, imouto..."

After setting her IPod to her favourite lullaby, I smoothed the comforter and sang to my little sister.

"Sun goes down and we are here together...fireflies glow like a thousand charms...stay with me and you can dream forever right here in my arms..." I smiled as her eyes grew droopy and her lips murmuring the lyrics with me, "It's magic when you are here beside me...close your eyes and let me hold you tight...everything that I could ever need is right here in my arms tonight..."

"Sounds of day...fade away..." despite her sleepiness, Shoukyou managed a small smile and sang the next line.

"Stars begin to climb..." I replied back.

"Melodies...fill the breeze...sweeter all the time..." we both sang together although Shoukyou's voice slowly tapered at the end and so I picked up the last verse to finally push her to sleep, "Sun goes down and we are here together...fireflies glow like a thousand charms...stay with me and you can dream forever right here in my arms tonight..."

I smiled at the serene sight. She's so much like a little Sleeping Beauty. I kissed her cheek and wished her goodnight before retreating to my room. Knowing her, she's going to have wonderful dreams about Shuu Yu-Kun tonight and every night after that.

After I turned on my own IPod to play some piano music, I turned my attention to my glittering shoes that was left on my bedroom floor. I picked them up as I walked to my wardrobe. Sliding one door open, I turned to the space where I kept my most special clothes. The gossamer train with embroidered butterflies peeked out, which led to the empire dress I wore at the ball. It had been freshly dry-cleaned by Otousan and it looked as good as new. Carefully I set the shoes on the floor...just underneath the dress. Although I knew that I wouldn't be wearing them so soon, I had a good feeling that I would need this outfit for any future dates and parties with Son Saku-kun...

I sat down on my bed and reached for a white chocolate butterfly from the box I left on my bedside, allowing the sweet taste to linger on my tongue. Son Saku-kun...things did work out after all just like Otousan said...I was pretty sure Okasan would've said the same thing too...

I thought the magic would disappear once midnight struck its toll during the Royal Masquerade Ball on last Saturday. But somehow it lingered in the form of my missing shoe and allowed the boy of my dreams...my Prince Charming...to come and find me despite of the terrible misunderstanding and the hurt I inflicted upon him. I was so glad that it happened the way it did...and who knew that a school ball would help bring us together.

As I laid my head onto the pillow and clutched my teddy bear close, I closed my eyes, imagining Son Saku-kun was kneeling before me with his enchanting smile on his face, his hand cupping my cheek to brush away a stray hair and kissing my forehead gently.

I could imagine him softly whispering to me, "Good night, my sweet and beautiful princess... Daikyou-chan..."

Lulled by the soft music and imagination of my prince, I sighed happily and fully succumbed to my exhaustion from the day. I hoped that Son Saku-kun would have peaceful dreams tonight and that he was thinking deeply of me as I was of him now...I couldn't wait for tomorrow to come now. The good thing about accomplishing an old dream was that a new one would take its place. I had finally achieved my dream of finding my Prince Charming. Now I already had a new dream of being by Son Saku-kun's side for as long as time permitted me to do so.

Otousan and Shoukyou always told me that I was beautiful. Now that I finally had my sweet handsome prince...their words seemed to ring true and I believed them...for the first time since the masquerade ball, I truly felt beautiful inside and out...

Just like Cinderella...

...I had found my happy ending...

...or rather my beautiful new beginning...

"Good night...my handsome prince...Son Saku-kun..."

The End!

Author's notes: THE END is right! I wish to thank you guys for sticking around and giving this story a chance. All the reviews, favorites, followers and alerts are greatly appreciated and it makes me so happy that you enjoyed reading it. And I think that even though the story is officially finished, I am dabbling on the idea on writing a bonus story/epilogue on what happens to Da Qiao during her upcoming piano nationals now that she has Sun Ce to support her as well. What do you think? I think it could work :) and I'm also thinking to write a collection of bonus scenes for Xiao Qiao and Zhou Yu within this story as well...it's in the planning stage...but for now...I have a family dinner to attend :) I still accept more reviews and feedback, flamers are to be thrown in the garbage bin for a bonfire...and once again, thank you for reading my story!

And another thing, I have a special oneshot in store for Valentine's Day and...it's within the universe of Beautiful Cinderella and...it's a Zhou Yu/Xiao Qiao pairing...but you will have to wait for it...

Until Valentine's Day, my dears!