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.

Sorry about the delay, had trouble with the computer again. I also started a part-time job and I have to start studying again; so much for the summer holidays. This would have been up sooner, but guess what. I caught a cold. *sneezes* Anyway, here's chapter four. Hope this is okay. Let me know. If it's no good… maybe I'll re-write the chapter…. *that'll take forever* or maybe not. Who knows, eh?           ^_~

Chapter Four: Divisions and Alliances

"My sister abducted! How did this happen! Who would dare do such a thing!?" Sun Quan shouted angrily. Everyone stood still and remained silent. Dawn had not yet come about, but a council had been called due to the turn of events; Zhou Yu was the only person absent.

Lord Sun Quan was, naturally, devastated. No one dared to converse as usual unless Sun Quan required it; for fear of angering him further. "Answer me!" He ordered. "Do not tempt my patience!"

"It was Lu Bu, my Lord," Gan Ning spoke up bravely, bowing.

"Lu Bu…?" He paused. Sun Quan rested his chin on his hand. He looked as though he was in deep thought. "But why…?" He said, slamming his fist on the table in front of him. "Why would he take my baby sister?" His eyes filled with tears. "Leave me! All of you."

"As you wish my Lord," the officers said this one by one, bowing as they left the room.

Everything was quiet now. Sun Quan held his head in his hands. The plan had been to lead the Wu army against Dong Zhuo. This was because during the Wu Empire's conquest against the yellow turbans, Dong Zhuo had taken control, by force, of nearby towns. His own people he ruled with oppression; therefore his treatment of the people of Wu would be no different. Dong Zhuo's army had grown considerably and there had been rumours that he had made an alliance with Cao Cao. With warriors like the mighty Lu Bu there were few that dared to oppose him. Sun Quan swore to help those in need, promising to free those under his tyrannous rule. However, now, his sister's life had been added into the equation. Heading out to war now would endanger his sister's life; but how many more lives would be put at risk if Dong Zhuo wasn't stopped?

'You were always stronger than me brother. Why did you leave me with this heavy burden?' he thought to himself. "How can I choose between the people of Wu and Sun Shang Xiang?" He said out loud.

"We must save her," a familiar voice replied.

Sun Quan looked up. It was Zhou Yu.

"Zhou Yu…?" He started.

"We must save her, Sun Quan!"

Sun Quan stood up from his chair, leaning over the table. His palms flat down supporting him. "Don't you think I know that?"

Zhou Yu nodded.

"The people of Wu are also my responsibility. I cannot always choose to do what I want."

"The people will understand."

"Understand what? That my blood is more important to me than theirs?" Sun Quan waited for a response, but Zhou Yu made none. "You are wrong this time, Zhou Yu."

"We can save Sun Shang Xiang and help the people of Wu, too."

"Save her? Zhou Yu.... you missed your opportunity," he paused. "Lu Bu was there right in front of you and you didn't do anything!" He raised his voice. "What would you hope to do if you came face to face with Lu Bu again?"

"I am sorry, Lord Sun Quan," Zhou said quietly and went down on one knee.

"You couldn't save her then just like you –

Lu Xun entered the room and interrupted. "Lord Sun Quan! It wasn't like that. We took the best possible actions we could. If we attempted to fight Lu Bu, we would have put Miss Sun in danger."

"I thought I asked to be left alone," Sun Quan said in anger.

"I am sorry my Lord." He bowed. "During my service to you and Wu, I have learnt that not stopping an injustice is as bad as causing one. Commander Zhou Yu is not at fault here. If I let Zhou Yu be wrongly accused, I am not worthy enough to be a soldier of Wu."

Sun Quan was speechless. It was only hours earlier that Sun Quan had praised Zhou Yu. He had let his anger take control of him. As a result he had scolded the Commander of his army and more importantly… a friend.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

Zhou Yu looked out at the horizon. The sun was rising. He had watched the last one set with Sun Shang Xiang at his side. How he yearned for her. The sun rise seemed so cold without her. He closed his eyes and tried to visualise. He could see her face, the way she smiled at him. How he wanted to reach out and touch her… but she was out of reach. He remembered how she struggled in Lu Bu's hold... then how Lu Bu took her from him. He opened his eyes suddenly and looked at the space beside him. He was alone.    

"I will save you Sun Shang Xiang," he said out loud with a great enthusiasm.

"Of course we will, Zhou Yu. Not to worry."

It was Lu Xun again.

Zhou Yu looked uneasy. "Lu Xun…" he started calmly; deep down, he was hoping that Lu Xun wouldn't read into his last statement. "Thanks for before."

"Don't mention it," Lu Xun began. "There was someone who once told me that they trusted me completely and that I was a friend." He stopped to see Zhou Yu's reaction.

"Tell that to Sun Quan," said Zhou Yu.

"I also found that in times like these people need their friends."

"Lu Xun, look –

"I know you're angry Zhou Yu and hurt," he interrupted him, "but we will get her back, you know."

 Zhou Yu looked at Lu Xun in surprise. "You know…?"

"Of course I do. I'm not stupid."

"How did you find –

"Hey don't insult my intelligence," he laughed. "It's obvious."

Zhou Yu looked worried.

"Not that obvious," continued Lu Xun.

"How did you find out?"

"Well… I guess friends just find it difficult to keep things from each other."

"Come on, Lu Xun, tell me," said Zhou Yu, looking more relaxed. Lu Xun smiled. It was exactly what he was trying to achieve.

"When I came to see you I – Oh, I nearly forgot. This is for you." Lu Xun handed Zhou Yu a wine flask.

"Isn't it a bit early?"

"I don't know. You tell me."

Zhou Yu opened the flask and took a sip. "Thanks again."

"Anyway," he continued, "I saw a foot appear from behind the curtain and kick you. It was when you looked like you were in pain."

Zhou Yu feeling embarrassed took a larger drink of the wine.

"Then when you got that letter you said that you weren't looking, I realised that it must have been because you had already found someone."

"I suppose."

"Then my last clue was that I saw" he hesitated, "I mean, I heard you speak her name out loud."

"What sort of clue is that?" Zhou Yu asked him. "It's a name, anyone could have said it."

"No one ponders over a name, if it is not important to them. Besides you've already confessed."

Zhou Yu looked perplexed.

"You thought I knew when I told you we'd get Sun Shang Xiang back. That was your mistake. At that point I definitely knew."

"You amaze me, Lu Xun," he said just before taking another deep drink.

"I was just waiting for you to tell me," said Lu Xun.

"Lu Xun, I wanted to tell you, but there was nothing to tell… I probably don't even stand a chance."

"But you do love her, don't you?"

"Yes, more than anyone could ever know."

"Then just let nature take its course." He paused. "I'm not an expert or anything, but my sources tell me that it is highly likely that she feels the same way."

"Lu Xun, this wine's good. What's in it?" Zhou Yu put one hand on his head. The other still clutched the flask. Zhou Yu swayed a little.

"Are you all right?" asked Lu Xun.

"I feel great," Zhou Yu replied. All of a sudden the flask fell out of Zhou Yu's hold and he collapsed to the ground.

Lu Xun was now looking out at the landscape. "Oh, I forgot to mention something, Zhou Yu. I added sleeping powder to it. Sorry."

Lu Xun had achieved his goal. When explaining to Zhou Yu how he had discovered his love for Sun Shang Xiang he had been hesitant to mention the fact that Sun Shang Xiang was far from her quarters and nearer to Zhou Yu's when Lu Bu had come. Lu Xun had consequently decided against this for he had wanted to help his friend relax. Surely, he'd thank him some day and maybe he'd help set him up with Su Ling.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

"Why did you bring me here?" demanded Shang Xiang. She had been tied to a chair.

"We have no intention of harming you, Miss Sun. We just want some of our demands met," replied Lu Bu.

"You mean Dong Zhuo's," said Diao Chan entering the room.

"Diao Chan…" Lu Bu looked surprised.

"Lu Bu my Lord, why must she have a place among us? Surely her place should be in the dungeons with the other prisoners."

"She is not a prisoner, Diao Chan," he smiled. "She's our guest."

Diao Chan moved closer to Lu Bu. She rested her arms against his chest. "Don't we need some time, my Lord?" He took hold of one of her hands gently. "We will, Diao Chan… but today we have company. I trust you'll take care of her."

"Of course," she said, quickly moving her hand away before Lu Bu could kiss it. Lu Bu just smiled and left the room. He closed the door behind him. Then there was the unmistakable sound of a key turning in a lock. They were being locked in.

Diao Chan slowly wandered over to a chair, in movements that looked very much like a dance. Diao Chan stared at Sun Shang Xiang for a moment. Then after a moment, she walked over to her and untied her.

"Why did you do that?" Shang Xiang asked, in disbelief, rubbing her wrists where the rope had dug into them.

"You heard him, didn't you? You're a guest."

Sun Shang Xiang looked around the room. It was comfortable enough, but if her captors believed that this and a dancer could contain her. They were truly mistaken.

"You can help yourself, if you're hungry," Diao Chan said with a tone of boredom.

Sun Shang Xiang stood up and began to examine the room for any routes of escape. Diao Chan watched her like a hawk, hunting its prey.

Shang Xiang glanced at the curtains, which undoubtedly concealed windows. That was her way out. Slowly she walked towards the curtains; Diao Chan's eyes still followed her. She reached the curtains and opened them slowly, as if half-expecting Diao Chan to stop her, but she did nothing. It was obvious why. The windows were barred. Shang Xiang quickly ran over to the other curtains and opened them as well. All the windows were barred. Sun Shang Xiang felt a feeling of suffocation come over. She was trapped, like some animal in a cage.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

Zhou Yu awoke, bleary eyed. He surveyed his surroundings. He was in his own bed, but he couldn't understand how he had ended up there. The last thing he remembered was talking to Lu Xun about 'Sun Shang Xiang!' he thought to himself. Zhou Yu stepped out of his bed and rushed over to the balcony. He opened the curtains leading onto the balcony and glanced up at the Sun. It was around noon. How could he have overslept at a time like this? Maybe it was all a dream. No. Not a dream, but a nightmare. Maybe Sun Shang Xiang was safe and he could start over.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

"Lord Sun Quan, a messenger has arrived from Shu. He asks for an audience," announced the herald.

"From Shu?" said Sun Quan trying to comprehend the reason. 'Liu Bei?' he thought to himself, 'but why?'

"Should I send him in, my Lord?" the herald asked.            

"Certainly," replied Sun Quan with an expression of suspicion on his face.

"I present to you, Zhuge Liang of Shu."

Zhuge Liang entered and bowed.

"My Lord Liu Bei offers his assistance," Zhuge Liang explained.

"We sent out no such request," replied Sun Quan. "What does your Lord want?"

"I understand that he believes that Dong Zhuo is a mutual enemy."

"He is suggesting an alliance then?"

"No not an alliance. He knows how you feel about that issue. He solely wishes to help those who need it."

"What makes him think Wu needs his help?"

"He is aware that Lady Sun Shang Xiang has been kidnapped."

"That is none of his concern," Sun Quan was becoming angry. "What does he want in return?"

"Do not take this to be rudeness, but I have already told you, Lord Sun Quan. He does not wish to gain anything." Zhuge Liang gave another bow. "I apologise if you have been offended in any way." At Zhuge Liang's apology and show of respect, Sun Quan felt much calmer.

"What does Lord Liu Bei have in mind?" Sun Quan asked him, now holding his chin.

"Zhao Yun will be placed under your command."

There was a sudden silence at Zhuge Liang's last statement. Sun Quan now placed his hand on the arm rest of his chair. The others present in the court just looked at one another looking confounded.

"I have plenty of officers, Zhuge Liang. I do not need anymore."

"But do any of your officers know how to get into Dong Zhuo's territory undetected?"

"Tell, your Lord, that I will consider his proposal. I will send a messenger with my decision."

"I do not wish to offend you, but do not worry, Lord Sun Quan, I will return to collect your answer personally."

"So be it," Sun Quan replied sternly.

With that Zhuge Liang bowed and then left the royal court.

"What do you think Taishi Chi?" asked Sun Quan.

"My guess is as good as yours, my Lord. However, it does feel as though they are neglecting to mention something," Taishi Chi replied.

"My thoughts exactly…but what are they hiding?" Sun Quan paused; his face full of deep thought. "Gan Ning, what about you?" he continued.

"I am sorry my Lord, but politics was never one of my strong points. What about Lu Xun?" Gan Ning asked in reply.
What about him?" he said abruptly.

"Surely, he would be able to understand the other side and give you some meaningful insight."

"Yes, Lu Xun always understands the other side," Sun Quan remembered how he had sided with Zhou Yu. A look of annoyance emerged on his face. "However, as disappointing as it is, I am afraid that Lu Xun will not be joining us today, Gan Ning."

"Yes, my Lord."

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

Gan Ning explained the events of the council to Lu Xun.

"What do you think of it Lu Xun?"

"I have heard of Zhao Yun. He is a great warrior," replied Lu Xun.

"Yes, but like Lord Sun Quan said, we have 'plenty of officers'," Gan Ning explained.

"For that reason, Gan Ning, I find it highly likely that the enemy must have something that they want," Lu Xun paused. "It would, however, be useful to have them on side. Especially useful, if they can get us in undetected."

"Lu Xun?" started Gan Ning.

"Yes?"

"There was something that I wanted to know," he continued.

"What do you wish to know?"

"You were absent from the council, today… but not just you. Zhou Yu wasn't there either."

Lu Xun nodded in acknowledgement, gesturing for him to continue.

"There was also the fact that when I mentioned your name to Lord Sun Quan, he didn't seem very pleased," said Gan Ning, with a puzzled look.

"You wish to know why?"

"Yes."

"His sister has been kidnapped, Gan Ning. Doesn't that seem like a reasonable explanation for his behaviour?"

"But how does that involve you and Zhou Yu?"

"We were there Gan Ning. We were there, when Lu Bu took Sun Shang Xiang and we couldn't do anything?"

Gan Ning looked baffled.

"What were you doing awake at that hour?" he asked Lu Xun.

Lu Xun remained silent.

"Oh, I get it!" Gan Ning smiled. "You've found yourself a woman. Lucky you, I never thought that you'd meet someone before me."

"There is no woman, Gan Ning," replied Lu Xun, sounding irritated.

"There isn't anyone… else… either… is there?" Gan Ning asked him slowly, raising an eyebrow.

"What on Earth are you suggesting?" Lu Xun asked in anger.

"Nothing, Lu Xun, I'm sorry."

Lu Xun folded his arms in outrage.

Neither of them spoke for a moment. Gan Ning tried to recall the events of the night of the kidnapping. "I was on watch duty; just my luck eh?" began Gan Ning. "I saw Lu Bu leave through the gates. I felt really helpless, too, but… what I don't understand is how he managed to get into the palace in the first place. That... that, animal!"

Lu Xun, now composed, spoke "Well, Gan Ning. If anyone should know, you should. You were the one on duty?"

"Ha, ha…" Gan Ning laughed sarcastically. "I'll let you have that one, Lu Xun; then we're even." Lu Xun and Gan Ning shook hands, and then laughed. "Just like old times, eh?"

"Yes," Lu Xun replied. "On a more serious note, I believe that the abduction must have been planned. There is either a passage unknown to us or there are traitors among us."

"Exactly," Gan Ning said with a smile. "How else would anyone get past when I'm on duty?"

"Certainly," smiled Lu Xun.

"So… what were you doing that hour?"

"I had a matter to discuss with Zhou Yu as well as a message."

"That makes sense I guess… but why were you and Zhou Yu near Sun Shang Xiang's quarters?"

"We weren't."

"But you said that you were there when she was…" Gan Ning's words drifted in realisation. "You went to see Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu was in his own quarters wasn't he? Then you were all there? Including… Sun Shang Xiang? Only, why would she be wandering around at that time on the other side of the –"

"– It was my fault, Gan Ning."

Gan Ning and Lu Xun looked up.

"Zhou Yu?" said Gan Ning with his face full of surprise.

"I couldn't save her, just like… I couldn't save Sun Ce," his tone changed into that of rage.

"How can you say that, Zhou Yu?" Lu Xun started. "Shang Xiang didn't want you to blame yourself. How do you expect to help her when you are like this?"

"Lu Xun is right, Zhou Yu. It's not your fault that she was wandering around carelessly," added Gan Ning, trying to reassure him.

"You don't understand, Gan Ning. Sun Shang Xiang came to see me. I went to speak with her. I don't know why I did, but I felt I had too. She was thinking about her brother. She was feeling hurt and she had a right to feel that way so she blamed me." Zhou Yu paused. "I know that many of you still blame me but this time it mattered more to me. Except then, she wanted to apologise," he paused again. "If she hadn't come to see me then she may still have been with us now."

Now Gan Ning spoke "You worry yourself needlessly, Zhou Yu. Sun Quan won't let Lu Bu get away with this. He'll –"

"Yes, he told me," he sighed. "He told me that the people of Wu are also his responsibility."

"Of course they are," agreed Gan Ning. "Though, I am certain that he wouldn't just abandon his own sister."

Zhou Yu now turned his back to Lu Xun and Gan Ning and reached for a flask at his belt. Lu Xun pointed to Gan Ning's sword and then at Zhou Yu.

"What…?" whispered Gan Ning with a shocked expression. "This…?" Gan Ning now moved his hand quickly from one side of his neck to the other.

"No…" Lu Xun whispered, shaking his head. Next Lu Xun put his hands together and lifted them, resting his head on his hands if indicating sleep. 

Gan Ning nodded in acknowledgement.

Zhou Yu took a drink from the flask. "I will find a way to save her. I must," he said out loud.

Meanwhile, Gan Ning had crept up behind Zhou Yu and hit him over the head with his sword hilt. Zhou Yu collapsed to the ground once more.

"What's he been drinking?" Gan Ning asked Lu Xun.

"Don't look at me," he replied, shrugging his shoulders.

They glanced down at Zhou Yu.

"You do realise Gan Ning that I must ask you not to tell anyone about Zhou Yu?"

"Oh you mean about…," Gan Ning winked.

"Yes, but we will, however, understand if you cannot keep this secret because of our oath."

"You know what, Lu Xun? You don't have to worry about me; but I'll give you some advice. We're going to have to do something about him. It's written all over his face."

"We are?"

"Of course," he smiled. You didn't think you could do this without me, did you?"

"Hmm… Thank you, Gan Ning."

"Right then, shall I carry him, or will you?"

"I think once was enough for me. You can do the honours."

Gan Ning's face went blank. "I'll explain later," Lu Xun smiled.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

Sun Quan was troubled. He tried to sleep but he just tossed and turned. His sister had been kidnapped by Lu Bu and he, Sun Quan, had taken his anger out on Zhou Yu whom he had known for many years. Zhou Yu never gave Sun Quan any trouble. He never did anything to defy him. He just made suggestions; it was part of his job, after all. Sun Quan had just been telling Sun Shang Xiang that day that Zhou Yu had many matters on his mind. The main issue being, how difficult Sun Ce's absence was for Zhou Yu. How he had explained to her that their brother's fate had not been in Zhou Yu's hands. Then, why did he express the opposite to Zhou Yu? Sun Quan thought about this as he lay in his bed. He had been angry. Everyone should have understood why… but did that justify it? No… Sun Quan had been wrong and he knew it. How could he have acted that way towards a friend? A friend…? Was he really his friend? Or was their link the link between a general and a leader? Sun Quan had had Zhou Yu as an advisor because of Sun Ce's wish. Sun Ce… Yes, Zhou Yu was Sun Ce's friend since childhood. They had been so close… closer than Sun Ce had ever been to Sun Quan. Did he then feel some kind of resentment towards Zhou Yu? This was Sun Quan's final thought, as tiredness overcame him; he drifted of to sleep.

There was a cool mist…. 'Where am I?' Sun Quan thought to himself. The mist parted and there was a small pool of still water before him. Sun Quan stepped closer to the pool and looked down into it. Where was his reflection? 'What trickery is this?' he cried out loud. Sun Quan turned his back to the pool and decided to head in another direction. He stopped suddenly. His face was a ghostly white; he had an expression of horror upon his face. He could have sworn he heard Sun Ce calling his name. He listened intently, hoping that he had been mistaken.

"Sun Quan…" Sun Quan looked around for the source of the voice. It seemed to be coming from the pool. Slowly, Sun Quan made his way back towards it. Uneasily, he looked into the pool once more. This time he could see his own reflection – but wait – the water began to ripple violently, but there didn't seem to be anything that disturbed the water. Then just as suddenly as the water had started to wave, it stopped.

"Sun Ce!" Sun Quan shouted in alarm. His own reflection had disappeared and Sun Ce's had taken its place.   

"Brother…" began the voice. "Why do you fall out with Zhou Yu?"

"How can this be?" Sun Quan was still in shock.

"You are my brother and he is my sworn brother. I hoped that both of you would be close too," the voice paused. "He was there for me, watching over me…I hoped he would do the same for you. Has he not always been loyal to you?"

Sun Quan didn't know what to do. Was he going insane? The voice was silent for a moment. Was it waiting for a response… should he say something back?

"Sun Quan, why the hesitation?" said Sun Ce's voice.

"You do not understand…" Sun Quan knelt beside the pool. "Our sister… she's gone."

"Then you know what you must do," replied the voice.

"What can I do?" asked Sun Quan.

"Why do you doubt yourself, brother…?"

"I'm not like you, Sun Ce. There is no easy choice for me."

"Choices are never easy for anyone, Sun Quan…but if there were no choices there would be chaos."

"Please… help me brother," he pleaded.

"You must clear your mind. Then your path will be clear as well."

"Yes brother."

"You are not alone. Those around you will help you… but before they can do this, you must seek it and allow yourself to be helped," the voice paused. "You are the ruler of Wu. You must ensure that Wu's glory does not diminish. Those around you share this task…To the people of Wu; you are like a father, a brother, a son. Sun Shang Xiang is also loved by them too. "

"I understand now, Sun Ce… Thank you."

"Remember Sun Quan… We will always be brothers… In Zhou Yu, we both have another brother."

Sun Ce's face in the water now disappeared. Sun Quan could see his own reflection now and he could hear birds chirping…

Sun Quan awoke and sat up. The birds were chirping and the sunlight had found its way through the gap between the curtains. It was morning. He was still in his bed. It had all been a dream; but it had been a favourable one. Sun Quan felt like a heavy burden had been lifted. He now knew what he had to do.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

"What news from the council, Lu Xun?" Zhou Yu asked him.

"Oh good, it's finally worn off," he said out loud by mistake.

"What's worn off?"

"The adversary we know as sleep," Lu Xun replied calmly.

Zhou Yu nodded in acknowledgement although he was not entirely satisfied with the answer. However, before Zhou Yu had time to ponder over this, Lu Xun quickly began "I have not been able to attend the councils, either, Zhou Yu."

"There must be someone we can ask," said Zhou Yu.

Gan Ning entered the room. "There is."

Zhou Yu glanced at Lu Xun who nodded.

"What news do you have for me then Gan Ning?" asked Zhou Yu.

"Well, Lord Liu Bei sent Zhuge Liang as a messenger of his proposal."

"Was it an alliance?"

"No, but he offered the aid of Zhao Yun."

Lu Xun began "We believe that the enemy has something that belongs to them. Therefore, it seems that Zhao Yun's aid has been offered so that he can retrieve whatever they are after."

"But why do they think that Lord Sun Quan will accept the offer of one of their men?"

"Zhuge Liang claimed that Zhao Yun can get into Dong Zhuo's territory without detection," explained Gan Ning.

"That is an ideal advantage. If Zhao Yun truly knows the way, then we should be able to rescue Sun Shang Xiang without much trouble."

"Yes. With her safe, Lord Sun Quan can deal with Dong Zhuo," said Lu Xun.

"A great plan, but there is a slight problem," Gan Ning told them.

"What is it?" Zhou Yu asked Gan Ning.

"There is a rumour, amongst the others in the council that Lord Sun Quan is not prepared to accept Lord Liu Bei's help." He paused. "Lord Sun Quan is very proud, and Lord Liu Bei already has some of Wu's land due to the alliance during Sun Jian's rule. He has no further intentions of losing more land."

"Has Lord Liu Bei asked for anything in return?"

"No. That is why Lord Sun Quan is suspicious," Gan Ning explained.

"Then we must find a way to remove his suspicions."

"I agree, Zhou Yu," added Lu Xun. "No matter Shu's intentions we must hope that Lord Sun Quan accepts the proposal,"

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

"Lord Liu Bei, I have put across the proposal to Lord Sun Quan, though I regret to inform you that he has not made a decision on the matter yet."

"Then he suspects something?"

"Yes sire, however I believe that the odds are against him this time. Our aid is not something to be turned down lightly in his present situation."

"Hmm, that is true. Thank you, Master Zhuge Liang. You have done all you can for today."

"Yes, my Lord."

"What will we do if he disagrees, Lord Liu Bei?" Zhao Yun asked him.

"Then he will not have our aid," Liu Bei replied sternly.

"Yes, my Lord," said Zhao Yun. "I will take my leave then," he continued, waiting for Liu Bei's acknowledgement.

"As you wish Zhao Yun," Liu Bei responded.

With that Zhao Yun made a quick bow in respect of Liu Bei and then of Zhuge Liang and then made his way to leave the room.

"Lord Liu Bei, you should not worry yourself," started Zhuge Liang. "Your ill health will not be much use to Shu."

"You know that I do not worry needlessly, Zhuge Liang. For you know what troubles me."

"Yes, sire." He paused. "You must remember my Lord, however, that what you seek is deserved by you. The fighting will be put to an end someday soon and Shu will prosper."

"I always knew that you would find the way through," he smiled. "What does Zhao Yun know about the matter?"

"Only what everyone else knows. Except, I have mentioned his importance in aiding Wu and what his actions are to be. I have told him that although fighting alongside them as their ally, he must retrieve something that belongs to us."

"Good. Zhao Yun shall only be told of what he is to locate, if Sun Quan agrees. If not, we will have to find another way." Liu Bei paused for a moment. Then starting with a sigh he said "We have searched long and hard for it. If it was passed to Diao Chan then it must be there."

Zhuge Liang shook his head in agreement. "Now, rest assured, my Lord. I will leave early tomorrow to receive Lord Sun Quan's decision. I trust it will be a favourable one."

"Let's hope you are as good a fortune teller as you are a strategist, Master Zhuge Liang."

"Yes. In time, we will know."

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

Zhou Yu and Lu Xun were sharpening their weaponry skills in the private training area. The suggestion was made by Gan Ning, who thought that it might make them feel better. Since the kidnapping, their spirits were low. They felt useless. Another result due to recent events was that the war against Dong Zhuo had been delayed; with good reasoning of course. Sun Shang Xiang was behind enemy lines. The strangest thing was that they had not heard of Dong Zhuo's demands regarding her release. Zhou Yu was feeling the most restless. They were wasting so much time.

"When is it my turn, guys?" Gan Ning asked with a sigh. He sat waiting on the bench. "It was my suggestion."

"Yes, a very good one at that," said Lu Xun dodging Zhou Yu's sword. 

"Lord Sun Quan," said a startled Gan Ning. He stood up quickly in respect.

Zhou Yu and Lu Xun stopped suddenly to look upon their visitor and just lowered their swords.

There was an awkward silence, which Lu Xun soon broke, "We didn't realise that you wanted to use this area, Lord Sun Quan. We will take our leave."

"That isn't necessary, Lu Xun. Please… I have something I wish to speak to you all about." Sun Quan took a seat on one of the benches. "There has been a question of loyalty, because of recent events," he began. "It is a difficult time… for all of us. In times like these, it is in human nature that we often get confused, consequently acting irrational and being judgemental. It is not always the right way to deal with things, but at times, it is unavoidable. Not even the wisest can say this has never happened to them. How this is dealt with is vital." Sun Quan faced Lu Xun. "You were right Lu Xun and I admire you for it. Standing up for what we believe to be right is what makes Wu great; knowing the difference between right and wrong. I forgot that and I was wrong. I let myself fall into despair and then I lost control. Sun Ce would never have acted that way. He was always stronger than me and he always will be. It is Sun Ce's strength that helped me realise the truth. I know how loyal you all were to my brother… just as loyal as you are to me now. He trusted you completely and you trusted him. You never broke your trust in me either, but by letting anger cloud my judgement I broke my trust in you, Zhou Yu." Zhou Yu and Sun Quan now looked at one another. Zhou Yu said nothing.

"You have some very loyal friends, Zhou Yu," said Sun Quan, his face full of anxiety. "I am just sorry that I distanced myself and hence cannot be counted among them. I am sorry for my recklessness. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

"I forgive you… friend," replied Zhou Yu.

"Man… About time," Gan Ning smiled. "I was going to go crazy."

Zhou Yu, Lu Xun and Sun Quan laughed.

Sun Quan put out his hand with his palm faced downwards. "Then let us bring glory back to Wu."

Zhou Yu placed his hand on Sun Quan's hand, "For the glory of Wu."

"For Wu," said Lu Xun, placing his hand on top of the others.

Gan Ning placed his hand on the top, "Let's drink to Wu!"

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

"What is to be your decision, Lord Sun Quan?" Zhuge Liang asked with a bow.

"I have considered your Lord's offer." Sun Quan paused.  "Zhao Yun's knowledge of Dong Zhuo's territory is valuable. With much counsel, I accept the proposal."

"Then I will let Lord Liu Bei know."

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

Hope it all made sense. Was it okay? *coughs and sneezes again* Does it need to be re-written? Please review.

Thanks for reading,

Bye-bye,

~ Lady Leonhart ~