Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Dynasty Warriors except my fanfic! Well done KOEI! Great game!  ^ _ ~

Author's note: This is my first Dynasty Warriors fanfic. Most of the focus will be on the interaction of certain characters rather than the battles…. Sorry. The focus is on Wu. Sun Quan is in charge, as Sun Jian and Sun Ce are dead. The pairing in my story is Sun Shang Xiang x Zhou Yu. Please don't flame me, especially if it is because you don't like the pairing. Any suggestions, friendly feedback welcome.

Thank you all for reading and reviewing. I noticed that you weren't happy with the length of the chapter; therefore I tried to make it a bit longer. So here's the next chapter. Hope you like it.

Chapter Three: Unexpected Encounters

"Yes, Princess, these are my quarters," he said light-heartedly. "Now how can I be of assistance?"

"There was something," she paused "that I wanted to discuss with you."

Zhou Yu nodded in acknowledgement.

"I was just passing by and thought I'd come by."

"Yes…?" He inquired with a smile.

Sun Shang Xiang knew that she hadn't just happened to pass by and she was sure that the young commander was aware of this, too. Zhou Yu's quarters were located on the far side of the palace, away from anywhere she needed or would want to go. Zhou Yu's quarters were in proximity with his troops. He had wanted it that way. However, Zhou Yu was very grateful when Sun Quan insisted that his quarters be just as luxurious as his own.

Sun Shang Xiang continued: "I wanted to talk to you about earlier… Shall we go on to the balcony?"

"If that is your wish, Princess," he replied.

Zhou Yu approached the entrance to the balcony, and then waited. He looked up at Shang Xiang whose eyes had followed him. He made a gesture for her to draw near. She did this slowly.

"After you, Princess, he said bowing politely.

Shang Xiang accepted and walked out onto the balcony. Zhou Yu followed. The moon was full and the light was so intense that it made it look even more beautiful.

"Please continue, Princess."

"Before I do, can I ask you just one tiny favour?"

"Of course," Zhou Yu replied.

"Don't call me Princess," she sighed. "I know what you said to my brother about titles and all, but I came here informally. We can speak on equal terms. I would never dream of disturbing anyone this late," she laughed nervously.

"Why did you come so late?" He asked.

"I… I don't know. I hoped that you weren't here."

Zhou Yu had a puzzled expression on his face.

"I mean," she added quickly. "I was thinking about tomorrow…"

"What about it?" His tone was one of concern.

"Oh, just how it's important that we have no regrets… so that we can focus on battle."

"You have regrets?" He turned to face her.

"Well no." She said looking up at the moon. "I mean, sort of. Yes."

"…And do these concern me or are you here for my counsel?" Zhou Yu asked.

"Yes…."

"Which one…?" He persevered.

"It does concern you." She paused. "…but it's more to do with my own feelings."

Zhou Yu raised an eyebrow.

"I…" she started. "I just wanted to apologise."

"You came to see me to apologise? For what…?"

Shang Xiang said nothing for a moment. Was he that unaware of what happened earlier? Or did he just want her to say it?

She turned her body so that it faced his and made eye contact. "I don't blame you, Zhou Yu," she elaborated without blinking.

Zhou Yu's expression changed as if a heavy burden had lifted. She could see once more that same gentleness that she had discovered in their earlier meeting. She waited for him to respond but he remained silent.

"I am sorry… sorry if I ever made you feel like it was," she continued. "My brother chose his own path, like we all have to choose our own." She paused. "It was his time… I believe in fate. Destiny… call it what you will. Sun Ce thought very highly of you. He wouldn't want you to feel like that. Neither would he want anyone to think that you were responsible for –"

Zhou Yu put his fingers to her lips, proposing that she should pause. He spoke: "… And what do you think… Sun Shang Xiang...?" He moved his hand away, in order for her to reply.

"I have already told you… I don't blame you."

"I know… but what do you think… of me?" Zhou Yu sounded slightly nervous.

"I only know what I hear of you from others. They say you are a great warrior and strategist. People think very highly of you and… you have always been a close friend to my family. I am almost certain that it is not just out of duty, is that so?"

"Yes, without a doubt. Duty is important to me, but so is your brother's friendship," he replied. Do you believe what people say and think of me in the same way?"

"I cannot give you a simple answer for I do not know you that well."

He lowered his eyes to the ground as if in dismay.

"...but… I would like to get to know you, Zhou Yu….very much," she said gently.

He looked up at her at her words. His eyes were lit up.

"However, to begin with" she started in a more serious tone, "I hope that you will accept my apology."

Zhou Yu just smiled as if he had won a victory in battle. Sun Shang Xiang blushed in return.

"Oh!" She exclaimed suddenly.

"What is it?" Zhou Yu asked looking worried.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to alarm you," she reassured him. "It's just that… I have to get back, you know." She paused. "You know, long day of battle in the morning and I just remembered that Su Ling's covering for me."

"Yes, of course," he replied. "I'll see you out."

"That's not necessary, Zhou Yu, but if you insist."

"The pleasure's all mine." They exchanged glances, smiling once more.

They reached the doorway, where Sun Shang Xiang had entered Zhou Yu's quarters. Shang Xiang stopped suddenly and listened intently for any voices as a sign of anyone hanging about in the corridor.

"What are you doing?" He asked.

"Shsh," she whispered. "I'm just making sure the coast is clear."

"Clear of whom?"

"Where are you going soldier?" said a voice from the corridor.

"It's Lu Xun," she whispered.

The soldier replied: "I have to pass on this message to Commander Zhou You."

"Lord Sun Quan did say not to disturb Zhou Yu. Can it keep?" Lu Xun asked the soldier.

"I'm not sure sir."

"Give it to me then and I'll make sure he gets it as soon as possible."

"Yes sir." The soldier passed the scroll to Lu Xun.

"That will be all." At this Lu Xun's last words, the soldier saluted and left.

In Zhou Yu's chambers, Sun Shang Xiang was panicking. "Is he gone?" She whispered. "I'm sure I only heard one set of footsteps."

"Relax," Zhou Yu told her calmly. Next he raised his hands to draw back the velvet curtains. However, before he had managed to open the curtains Sun Shang Xiang pulled him back.

"What are you doing?" She whispered in frustration.

"Lu Xun has a message for me and… you do want to get out of here don't you?"

"Yes…."

"Well then, wait here and I'll get rid of him."

Zhou Yu pulled back the curtains and stepped out into the corridor. Shang Xiang hid quickly behind one of the curtains.

"Lu Xun," Zhou Yu called.

"Zhou Yu, you're still awake then?" Lu Xun said looking up from the scroll that the soldier had given to him.

"When battle is just over the horizon it's not easy to sleep."

"That's true."   

"What about you?" Zhou Yu gestured at the parchment in Lu Xun's hand.

"Oh, this is some sort of message for you," he replied handing it over to Zhou Yu. I was going to give it to you when I saw you."

"Well, you've seen me now."

"Sun Quan said that you were not to be disturbed so I –

"It is fine Lu Xun, don't worry. I am just teasing you. I trust you completely. We are friends after all."

"Thank you."

"When will you get some rest, Lu Xun?"

"I'm done now, just had a few things left to deal with. It's all under control now."

"That's good. Our path, tomorrow, will not be an easy one."

"Yes." He paused. "That's why, since you're awake, I was wondering if we could have a drink together."

"A drink…?" Zhou Yu looked surprised. "But Lu Xun you don't drink."

"That is true," he paused. "I just wanted to do something in commemoration of the years we have known each other. I am glad to have served Lord Sun Quan with you."

"There will be other times, Lu Xun. You speak as if this battle will be our last."

"I am troubled, Zhou Yu. There is something in the air this night. I cannot explain it, but I feel something will truly happen against us."

"They may have the warrior Lu Bu on their side but our armies are more greatly skilled than theirs. What is one skilled man against a thousand?"

"I guess. Thanks for not letting my mind wander, on negative thoughts."

"I am sure you would do the same for me."

"I'd like to talk for a while longer, if that is okay?"

"Sure. I don't think I could sleep even if I tried. Where…?"

"Well, not out here," Lu Xun paused. "War is upon us, so who knows who may be listening. What about you're quarters? We are already here?"

Zhou Yu said nothing. Suddenly he let out a muffled groan with an expression of discomfort upon his face.

"What's wrong?" Lu Xun looked puzzled.

"Nothing… It's just that my quarters aren't very tidy and not really ready for guests," he said, quickly changing his frown into a grin.

"I am not a guest. I'm sure it can't be that bad, Zhou Yu. What's a mess between friends?"

"All right, Lu Xun," he said slowly. Just wait there one second and I'll be right back."

"Where are you going?"

"…To find something for you to drink, of course," replied Zhou Yu.

"I think I'll pass. I'm not really a drinking sort of guy, but you go ahead. You've made me see more clearly we'll have many more victories and good times ahead of us."

"Okay, Lu Xun."

Zhou Yu moved to one side of the doorway letting Lu Xun enter first. He had a cool exterior, but on the inside he was hoping that Shang Xiang had heard enough to have the sense to hide.

When they were both inside, Lu Xun had a shocked expression on his face. "This is what you call 'untidy'? I was expecting something a lot worse."

 "Well, it's not up to my usual standard."

"I see."

"Take a seat," said Zhou Yu, placing the scroll on the small table.

"Thanks."

Zhou Yu looked round the room. There was no sign of Sun Shang Xiang.

"Are you going to open the message? I bet it is from a young woman. It is scented with a sweet perfume."

"I wonder who could have sent it."

"Here," said Lu Xun, picking up the scroll and throwing it towards Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu missed the scroll and it fell behind the couch he was sitting on.

"You missed?" Lu Xun laughed. "That's very unlike you. You must be really tired or just distracted."

Zhou Yu laughed in return. He turned around and climbed onto the couch and leaned over the top to pick up the scroll. To his surprise he saw Sun Shang Xiang crouched down, hiding from their visitor. She made some sort of hand signal of someone walking and pointed towards the door. Then she passed him the scroll.

"Can't you find it?" Lu Xun asked.

"I have it," said Zhou Yu turning round and holding it up. Next he sat back down in a more comfortable position. Zhou Yu opened the scroll.

"It's a letter," he said.

"From…?" Lu Xun inquired.

"It doesn't matter," said Zhou Yu putting the letter on the table.

"Can I have a look?"

"Sure."

Lu Xun picked up the letter and read it. "You should be flattered. What's wrong with you?"

"I'm not really looking at the moment."

"Listen to this," said Lu Xun. He began to read out loud:

"Dearest Zhou Yu,

I wish you many more victories. I wanted to tell you of a war that you have not won yet. For, you have won the battle of my heart; but I hope that you will win my war soon so that we may share the victory. With deep affections,

Your yin,

Lady Fah Ying."

Lu Xun looked up at Zhou Yu: "She is a noble woman though I doubt she has much between the ears." He paused. "Maybe you're right."

"About what…? Zhou Yu looked puzzled."

"We're always on the battlefield. It would be difficult to settle down and spend the deserved time with our loved ones."

"There will be better days, Lu Xun."

"I know," he sighed.

"Have you ever been in love?" Zhou Yu asked him.

"No. Not yet," he replied. "I have heard, though, that the feeling is like being lifted to the heavens. What about you?"

 "I've been waiting for the right person too. Why put someone's hopes up if you aren't really interested?"

"True. Then may we both meet our true soul mates."

They both went quite for a moment. Their minds were wandering. Suddenly Zhou Yu's mind wandered on Sun Shang Xiang. She was still hiding in the room.

"Since we're still awake, do you want to go over some of the plans for tomorrow?" He asked quickly, breaking the silence.

"Yes why not."

"Oh. I forgot. There is a slight problem."

"What is it?"

"I left all my charts with Lord Sun Quan. He wanted a copy."

"Not to worry," Lu Xun replied. "I'll go and get mine. As pleasant as this has been, I could do with stretching my legs."

"Okay," he said. Zhou Yu had been counting on it.

Zhou Yu walked over to the doorway with Lu Xun.

"I'll be as quick as I can."

"Don't worry, take your time. There's no rush."

Lu Xun left and Zhou Yu closed the curtains. He remained still for a moment, listening for Lu Xun's footsteps until they grew fainter and fainter and then couldn't be heard at all.

Sun Shang Xiang stood up from behind the couch. "Who's Fah Ying?" she said.

"Why did you kick me?" Zhou Yu asked her.

"I thought you had forgotten I was there. I was trying to bring you to your senses. Instead, you just invited Lu Xun in."

"What was I supposed to do?"

Shang Xiang moved closer to Zhou Yu.

"You still didn't answer my question?" She paused. "Who's Fah Ying?" Shang Xiang had a hint of jealousy in her tone.

"Are you jealous?" Zhou Yu laughed.

"No. I'm not. Should I be?" she asked innocently.

"You tell me?"

"I have to go," she paused. "I guess I'll see you on the battlefield then."

"You're just avoiding the question," he smiled.

"No I am not," she smiled back.

"Well then, sleep well Princess," said Zhou Yu pulling one of the curtains aside.

"Good night, Commander," Shang Xiang replied as she went out.

Zhou Yu watched as Sun Shang Xiang left. Everything was going right. War was only a few hours away, but what use would a Commander be if there were none? He was confident in his skills as a military leader and he knew that Lord Sun Quan believed in him too. They had been planning the attack on Dong Zhuo for months. Their preparations had been long so Zhou Yu was almost certain that they would be victorious. The subject of war, unusually, was at the back of his mind. Not because he believed that their campaign would be a success, but because of love. He felt carefree and so relaxed. Zhou Yu walked over to the couch and then willingly fell backwards onto it. He couldn't stop thinking about her. It's true she was stubborn at times, but her fiery temper was one of the things he loved most about her. He pulled out his flute and began to play. He made sweet music that would soothe even the most savage beast. He stopped suddenly. What if she didn't return his feelings? He thought about this for a moment. Sun Shang Xiang had come to apologise to him, he hadn't expected her too. Also, she had said that she had wanted to get to know him. What more could he have asked for? Today, he had seen another side of her. She had seemed shy, nervous even; the opposite of her usual self. Zhou Yu put the flute back to his lips and began playing again. Now that they had broken the ice he was sure that he had a chance.

There was a CRASH! Zhou Yu stopped playing and listened intently. He heard the clash of steel upon steel. He arose quickly and rushed out into the corridor, to see what the commotion was all about. He looked up the corridor. It was Sun Shang Xiang! She was up against Lu Bu! A soldier lay wounded on the ground beside them. The soldier had tried to help Shang Xiang; there was no doubt about it. Zhou Yu drew his sword in anger and ran towards them.

"Lu Bu!" he shouted.

Sun Shang Xiang looked for the source of the familiar voice. "Zhou Yu," she said gasping for breath. Lu Bu looked in Zhou Yu's direction and just smiled. Lu Bu disarmed Sun Shang Xiang, taking hold of her arm and forcing it behind her back. He held her against himself. In his hand he had a knife. Shang Xiang struggled.

"You're a coward!" She shouted. "If I had my chakrams you wouldn't be the one laughing." 

Zhou Yu drew closer, but stopped suddenly, now two metres away. Lu Bu had moved the knife closer to Shang Xiang's neck and was still smiling.

"There's no way out of this, Lu Bu! Let her go!" Zhou Yu demanded.

"Drop your weapon!" Lu Bu responded.

"Don't do it!" Sun Shang Xiang shouted.

"You should know by now." He paused. "I don't bluff."

Zhou Yu laid his sword down on the floor. 

Lu Bu, still holding the struggling Sun Shang Xiang, moved backwards until he was against a rail. Lu Bu glanced back over the rail for just a second. That was the way out. Below was the courtyard and a little further were the gates. It was, however, a long way down. Lu Bu, now looking at Zhou Yu, smiled again.

Zhou Yu stayed calm and stared back at Lu Bu. He knew that no one would be crazy enough to jump down. There was no other way. Lu Bu's best option to escape was to try and use Shang Xiang as a hostage and make his way down through the palace and that was something that Zhou Yu would not allow.

"Why don't you just let her go, Lu Bu? This is crazy," Zhou Yu said coolly.

Lu Bu just laughed.

"I'll fight you."

"You're no match for me," Lu Bu laughed even louder. "I'm not looking for a fight."

"Then… why…?"

"I am doing only that which has been asked of me. You should understand that."

Just then Lu Xun arrived. He saw the hostage situation and quickly picked up the sword of the fallen soldier.

"Lu Xun, no!" called Zhou Yu.

Lu Xun saw Zhou Yu, who signalled to him to drop the sword. Lu Xun did so.

"Two famous warriors of Wu," he sneered, "and neither one is able to save the lovely Princess." He paused. "What will Sun Quan think? When he finds out that you couldn't save his baby sister." Sun Shang Xiang gazed longingly into Zhou Yu's eyes. Zhou Yu returned the look. "It'll be just like when you couldn't save his brother." Lu Bu continued. "Looks like you could benefit from more training."

"Leave them alone! If anyone needs training it's you. Then maybe you'd learn some manners," yelled Sun Shang Xiang.

"And if I were you Princess, I'd watch your tongue. You wouldn't want to give me any cause to remove it now, would you?" He told her.

Zhou Yu filled with rage. "Lu Bu! I'll get you! Even if it's the last thing I do! I promise you!"

"Now… now... Zhou Yu. You shouldn't make promises that you can't keep."

There was the sound of hoofs down below; a horse neighed. Lu Bu looked down over the rail once more.

"Perfect!" He said with a smile. "I have to get going now. Give my regards to Sun Quan." With that, Lu Bu, lifted Shang Xiang with one arm and held her at his side.

"Remember Zhou Yu, it's not your fault!" Sun Shang Xiang shouted, trying to reassure him.

"Sun Shang Xiang!" Zhou Yu called in return.

With the princess in his arm Lu Bu stood up on the rail and jumped.

"No!" Zhou Yu shouted. Lu Xun and Zhou Yu gave each other a quick glance. Was Lu Bu crazy, they wondered? Hurriedly, Zhou Yu and Lu Xun approached the rail and looked down. Crazy or not… he had made it. Lu Bu rode out of the palace gates, with Sun Shang Xiang.

"Lu Xun...? What are we going to do? It's, all, my fault!" Zhou Yu slammed his fists on the rail.

Hoping to comfort his friend, Lu Xun placed his hand upon Zhou Yu's shoulder. "She said it wasn't your fault, Zhou Yu. There was nothing we could do."

Hmm, was that long enough, I wonder? Is it still okay? Please review. ^ _ ~

Thanks for reading.

~Lady Leonhart~