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. 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.

Hi everyone! I just wanted to say thanks for all your support in reading.  I am glad that you like the story. I wanted to know what happens next too. I've still been busy with assignments; haven't started exam revision yet. Anyway, good luck to everyone else who has got exams in January. To everybody: I hope you have a great Christmas and new year! Enjoy!

Chapter Six: "All's Fair in Love and War"

"Brother Sun Quan!"

"Sun Shang Xiang!?" Sun Quan called back, looking for the source of the voice amongst the crowd.

"Over here," Sun Shang Xiang called to him, waving.

"Sun Shang Xiang! You're safe!" Sun Quan replied catch sighting of her. A smile appeared on his face. His sister was safe. Except Sun Quan's expression of joy didn't last very long. As she came closer, he noticed who she was with. Nevertheless, Sun Quan descended from his steed to receive her.

Sun Shang Xiang dismounted from the horse and ran to her brother with arms wide open.

"Brother!" She hugged him tightly. "I knew you'd come for me."

"Of course, my dear sister," he replied, "What else is a big brother for?"

There was an awkward silence. Sun Shang Xiang and Sun Quan slowly parted. They were both thinking about Sun Ce. If only he was there with them. Sun Shang Xiang started smiling again. At least they had each other.

"Sun Shang Xiang," Sun Quan spoke now with a more serious tone. "Where is Zhou Yu?"

"He is at the front gate, brother," she replied.

"Did he just abandon you?"

"No, brother," she paused. "Liu Bei was worried for my safety. I was defenceless. I felt like a burden to Zhou Yu. It was my decision for Liu Bei to bring me here."

Sun Quan folded his arms in stubbornness.

"I am sorry Sun Quan, if I have offended you in anyway," Liu Bei dismounted and walked over to them.

"Brother," Sun Shang Xiang intervened. "From what I saw, Wu and Shu were working together. Am I right?"

Sun Quan looked at Sun Shang Xiang with a sigh and then nodded in reply. He turned to Liu Bei. "Thank you, Liu Bei for bringing my sister back to me."

"You are most welcome, Sun Quan," replied Liu Bei.

 ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~

Back in Shu, Liu Bei asked Zhao Yun to report on his mission. "Is the report ready, Zhao Yun?" he asked him.

"Not entirely my Lord," Zhao Yun was down on one knee, "but please ask me what you will and I will answer to the best of my knowledge," he replied.

"Very well," said Liu Bei. "Were you able to retrieve the seal?" he asked him.

"We did my Lord, but –" Zhao Yun began.

"Then where is it?" Liu Bei interrupted.

"It was lost to us."

"Did someone take it from you?"

"No, it fell, my Lord," Zhao Yun said quietly.

"Please refrain from speaking in riddles General," Liu Bei told him firmly.

"I –"

"It was my fault brother," Zhang Fei said as he placed his weapon on the ground. Then he rushed to where Liu Bei was seated and sank down at his feet. "We had the seal… Zhao Yun had it… but I was the one who knocked it from his hands," he paused. "Please forgive me brother," Zhang Fei whined.

"Then it may have fallen into the hands of Wu."

"No, my Lord," Zhao Yun spoke up. "It fell into the moat, which is linked to the river. So it could have drifted almost… anywhere." As soon as Zhao Yun said these words, he realised their futility. Zhao Yun had tried to reassure Liu Bei that Wu did not have the seal. Instead, he had brought to his attention the fact that the seal could now be in his words 'anywhere' and in anybody's hands. At this point in time, saying that Liu Bei was not pleased was an understatement.

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

"You wanted to see me brother?" Sun Shang Xiang asked him.

"I was thinking about our future… your future," said Sun Quan.

"My future…?"

"When Lu Bu took you from me, I realised how much you mean to me."

"You're important to me too, brother," she said compassionately. "If there's ever anything I can do for you, please let me know."

"That's what I wanted to speak to you about."

"What is it?" she asked in surprise.

"You are a princess, my dear sister," he began. "In your heart you have always known that some day you must do your duty to the kingdom as a princess… and as a woman." Shang Xiang considered her brother's words for a moment. Was he suggesting marriage? "Brother," she said, her expression was very serious, "please get to the point of all this."

"What would you say about marrying?" He now asked her frankly. "You are of age."

Shang Xiang felt a little frustrated, but she kept her cool. After all, she was curious to know who the eligible bachelor was. "Who do you have in mind?" she asked him.

"His leadership skills are fitting and well… he is a respected individual in his part." Sun Shang Xiang felt excitement flowing through her veins. Maybe her brother meant Zhou Yu. Certainly, Zhou Yu was a very skilled leader. The reason for her brother's playing down of his skills must have been because of his own pride. Zhou Yu was a great leader, even greater than her brother. She smiled subtly. She couldn't believe that she even dared think it. Then again… why not? As long as she didn't say it out loud.

"Come now brother, don't leave me in this suspense," she asked him impatiently. She crossed her fingers behind her back, as a little child would. Hoping and wishing intensely that her brother would say those words that she wanted to hear.

Sun Quan looked at her intently, "Liu Bei."

"You want me to marry Liu Bei?" Shang Xiang had an expression of shock on her face. Her dreams had been shattered instantly. Sun Quan shook is head in response. "What has come over you brother…?" She paused. "You hate Liu Bei."

"There is a fine line between love and hate, dear sister. Maybe it is about time that Wu and Shu were at peace."

"…but, through marriage?" She said this quietly. "I don't understand."

"You are a beautiful young woman. Not even Liu Bei could turn you down. Neither would he dare. Besides… he did save you."

"Yes in a sense, but it was Zhou Yu who –"

"Zhou Yu is a fine General. He did his duty to Wu and its ruler."

"His duty…?" Sun Shang Xiang lowered her head and considered this for a moment. Surely, it was more than that. Zhou Yu hadn't risked his life for duty. He had risked it for her… hadn't he?

"My dear sister," Sun Quan began with his hand under her chin. Shang Xiang looked up at him. "I do not wish for you to worry needlessly," he told her. Shang Xiang didn't respond, her expression blank. "Come now, forget I mentioned the matter" he continued more firmly, "We will speak of this again another time. Perhaps, things will be much clearer then." Sun Quan turned to step away, but then stopped. He looked back at his sister. She was standing still with her arms folded defiantly. Her gaze was fixed on him.  

Sun Quan sighed and began gently, "You know, I do have your interests at heart. Wouldn't it be much better if we could put a stop to the fighting between Wu and Shu?" 

"In an ideal world… yes. Except that we do not live in an ideal world, brother."

"I do not wish for anything to happen to you," he added quickly.

"What do you mean?" she asked him quietly.

"I – I don't want you to be alone if… if anything happens to me," he kissed her forehead. There was silence for a moment as neither one of them said a word. Until, suddenly, Sun Shang Xiang spoke "Why do you dwell on such things, brother…? Certainly, it is fate that one day we will be parted. Everyone shares this fate. We should not ponder on times to come. We should be spending the precious time that we do have," Shang Xiang held her brother's hand.

"I don't want you to carry any burdens on your own," said Sun Quan.

"I am not a little girl anymore," she continued. "I…" she thought about Zhou Yu. No. Her brother was wrong. She couldn't believe that Sun Quan had made her doubt Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu cared for her deeply. She was sure of it. "I won't be on my own," she said confidently.

"You were always the brave one," he said with a smile. Shang Xiang smiled back. "I'll leave the matter with you, dear sister," he continued, "You don't have to make your decision right now." She glanced at him adamantly. Then in a more serious tone, he said Excuse me, Shang Xiang. I must be going now. More issues require my attention."

"Take care, brother," she replied just as Sun Quan left room.

She thought about her brother's words. A marriage of convenience… That's what he had suggested. It would be an alliance of friendship. ….but then, why did she feel as though her brother was hiding something from her…? No… If she knew her brother as well as she thought she did, then there had to be more to it… another objective. What it was, though, she didn't have the slightest idea. She was certain about one thing, however. She couldn't marry Liu Bei. Not if she was being true to herself. She didn't love him. Her feelings lay elsewhere. Just then, almost instantaneously, an image of Zhou Yu formed in her mind. Was this love…? She remembered the way that he had looked at her, with those gentle eyes, his – The image vanished just as quickly as it had appeared. Sun Shang Xiang realised then that she hadn't spoken to Zhou Yu since she had left the battlefield with Liu Bei. She had to at least thank him for rescuing her, didn't she? Well… that's what she told herself anyway.

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

Sun Shang Xiang was just a few metres from Zhou Yu's quarters. She stopped suddenly and looked in both directions. There was no one around. She continued walking slowly so that she stood before the entrance. "Zhou Yu?" Sun Shang Xiang called out as quietly as she could.

No reply came. Maybe he was elsewhere. Therefore, she decided that perhaps she would see if he was there later. As she turned to leave she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Hi," she said with a startled expression.

"You wanted to see me," he said.

"I wanted to thank you… for saving me," she told him, smiling.

Zhou Yu nodded in acknowledgement of her apology.

"I knew you'd come," she continued.

"You don't have to thank me, Sun Shang Xiang. Liu Bei was the one who took you to safety."

"Liu Bei?" Shang Xiang looked puzzled. Why was he being like this? He felt so distant.

"Zhou Yu, we both know if it wasn't for you I'd –", she stopped suddenly. Could it be that he had been jealous of Liu Bei. "Were you jealous, Zhou Yu?" she said teasingly with a smile.

"Jealous…? Me…?" he laughed.

"Don't you feel…," Shang Xiang paused. Her smile had disappeared. "I'm sorry," she sighed. "Perhaps I got it wrong," she muttered to herself.

"Are you all right, princess?" he asked her.

Sun Shang Xiang froze. Many questions entered her mind. He had called her Princess… he was being so cold. Then had it all been an act? Was Sun Quan right? Did Zhou Yu save her because it was his duty?

"I – I've got to get going, Zhou Yu," she told him. "Maybe I'll see you around," she added quickly. As she turned away from him and started down the corridor, she saw Lu Xun.

"Greetings, Lady Shang Xiang," Lu Xun gave a slight bow.

"Hi, Lu Xun," she said forcing a smile.

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

"Zhou Yu…?" Lu Xun started. "What happened?"

"It was all a dream, Lu Xun," Zhou Yu replied.

"Is that really how you see it?"

Zhou Yu hesitated. "Sun Quan told me something today."

"Was it about Sun Shang Xiang?"

"Yes," Zhou Yu paused. "It was about an alliance."

"An alliance…?" Lu Xun had a bewildered expression. "Yes?" Lu Xun said hoping to get him to continue.

"He told me that he wished for Shang Xiang to marry Liu Bei." Silence filled the room.

Lu Xun was speechless. He had wanted to comfort his friend, but he couldn't find the right words. It really did seem hopeless.

"What influenced him to arise at that decision?" Lu Xun asked him shortly. "He has never considered it before."

"I do not think the marriage was intended as a treaty, but quite the opposite. He wishes to take back the Jingzhou province."

"What does Lady Shang Xiang say about this?"

"I don't know. We didn't discuss it. It is likely though that she may not even know yet," he sighed. "Sun Quan told me he was going to mention it to her today."

"Are you sure you don't worry unnecessarily. I mean… surely she wouldn't agree to the marriage if she knew of its purpose."

"Do you honestly think that Sun Quan would tell her of its true purpose?"

Lu Xun thought about this and almost immediately he shook his head slowly in response. Sun Quan would only tell his sister what she needed to know. She was to be used as a pawn in his fight against Shu. How could he stoop so low and risk his sister's happiness? Sun Shang Xiang didn't love Liu Bei. She had fallen for Zhou Yu, just as he had for her. Lu Xun was sure of it. He had seen it in the way that they had looked at each other. They were in love. Yet, because of their stubbornness and negativity they were ready to throw it all away. Lu Xun couldn't just sit back and watch. They were his friends. Somehow, he had to convince Zhou Yu that there was still hope.

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

Zhou Yu still in his quarters, now lay on the couch. He thought about how cold he had been towards Sun Shang Xiang. He was doing the right thing wasn't he? Why give her false hopes? Sun Quan would never accept for them to be together. As a Commander of Wu's forces, his first loyalty had to lie with the ruler of Wu. At this time it was Sun Quan, whether he liked it or not. He pulled out his flute from his robes and before his lips touched the mouthpiece he lowered it back down. He held it in cupped hands and stared at it for a moment. The last time he had played it, was the day that he had had some hope that he and Sun Shang Xiang were going to be together. Zhou Yu threw the flute aside in despair. He did not have the care to make such sweet music as he usually did.

"Hi," Gan Ning said on entering Zhou Yu's quarters. "I found something that belongs to you." He held up the flute. "Nearly tripped over it, you know. I didn't know music could be so dangerous."

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Zhou Yu asked him. 

"Lu Xun told me everything," Gan Ning began. "I speak for the both of us when I say… Are you crazy!?" He asked him, getting straight to the point. "I thought you loved her."

"Of course I do. I can't stop thinking about her," Zhou Yu told him.

"Then, do something about it, before she gets another offer. It can't hurt to tell her how you feel." Gan Ning pulled out a flask; no doubt containing ale of some kind.

"But Sun Quan wants Shang Xiang to marry Liu Bei. Is it really fair to make her choose?"

"Forget Sun Quan," Gan Ning told him. "Shouldn't you be asking her what she wants?" He paused. "And besides, haven't you ever heard the saying 'all's fair in love and war'?" Zhou Yu considered Gan Ning's words. Meanwhile, Gan Ning took a large gulp from the flask. 

"That's exactly what the problem is with people today. Too much thinking that's what it is." He put the flask to his lips once more. "I say, just go for it."

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

"Sun Shang Xiang…?" Zhou Yu called from the doorway of her bedroom. Shang Xiang appeared from the adjoining room.

"What are you doing here?" she looked uneasy.

"Forgive me." Zhou Yu took a step into the room. "I didn't mean to intrude. Su Ling said that it would be all right," he told her.

"Then I will be having stern words with her."

"She did not give in easily, Shang Xiang. She assured me that you would not receive me well and that you –"

"Enough," she cut him short. "State your business and then I suggest that you leave. My brother would not consent to your being here." They exchanged glances. Zhou Yu smiled, but Sun Shang Xiang refused to show any sign of caring. "Tell me, why did you come here?" She was only a metre away from him now.

"There was something I wished to discuss," he began, "concerning you."

"What could I possibly do for you?" she asked.

"Tell me that you feel the same way about me as I feel for you." Zhou Yu's face was serious. He awaited her response but she said nothing. He fixed his gaze on hers determinedly. Shang Xiang felt his eyes upon her. How they weakened her. She looked away once more, breaking their eye contact. She laughed nervously.

"You came to tell me that?"

Zhou Yu moved closer to her, "I love you, Shang Xiang," he persisted, "and I believe that you love me," he paused. The beginnings of tears were now evident in Sun Shang Xiang's eyes. "If you cannot tell me you love me, tell me that you don't and we will never speak of this again."

 "Why do you talk idly of love when you do not know what it entails?" She pleaded with him.

"I know what I speak of," he replied.

"No, the love you talk of cannot become in a place of war. A soldier's life knows not the meaning. One cannot dwell upon their own dreams, when the hope of others is in the balance." Shang Xiang turned her back to him and looked towards the ground.

"Why are you doing this?" He implored, convinced that she felt same way.

Shang Xiang turned round suddenly, "Because…!... I'm scared."

With that Zhou Yu pulled her close and they kissed. They paused, looking at each other. Examining how close their bodies were. They closed their eyes and kissed again. Sun Shang Xiang placed her hands on Zhou Yu's forearms as he held her head. He stroked her hair. They were still kissing, only stopping for a breath of air.

They stopped again, smiling at each other. Next Shang Xiang directed Zhou Yu's hands behind her to the lace of her bodice. He had always been a gentleman so he did not advance further. Sun Shang Xiang however pressed her lips against his once more and began with the removal of his belt and then his cloak. Again she pulled his hands to the lace. Hoping to encourage him, she began pulling at the cords herself. Mesmerized by her passion, he did as she beckoned. She pulled him closer to herself as if the air she needed to live she had to breathe in from him. The bed was just a step away. Therefore, Shang Xiang stepped back and rested herself her arms pushed out behind her. She had the fire of passion in her eyes.

Zhou Yu stood still in silence.

"What's wrong?" She asked with worry.

"I can't," he paused. "I just can't…"

"Is it me…?"

"No…"

"Zhou Yu… You told me you loved me…," she said. Tears began welling up in her eyes.

"I do love you, Sun Shang Xiang."

"Then why are you doing this to me? I… I thought you wanted this."

"I care so deeply for you that I'd wait forever," he said gently. "I wouldn't want to take advantage of you."

"Oh, Zhou Yu," her eyes lit up. "I'm so happy to hear you say that." She stood up and hugged him. "We should do things properly. I was only going to go through with this because I thought that otherwise I'd lose you." She paused, her head now on his shoulder. "I don't want to have a relationship based purely on desire."

"It's not right," he started. "You –"

"Yes," she interrupted, "I agree."

"You're a princess…"

"What…?" Sun Shang Xiang lifted her head from his shoulder and placed her arms at her side. Her expression was that of shock.

"It won't work… I keep thinking it over in my mind… We can't be together. You're royalty."

"I don't care, about that, Zhou Yu," she paused. "All I know is that I've fallen for you," she sniffed.

"What about your brother?"

"What about him?"

"I swore my allegiance to him. How do you think he'll react?"

"You're a good person."

"… but sometimes that's just not enough."

"If I am royalty I have a right to choose."

"Yes, but Sun Quan will want you to marry royalty… I can't compete with that."

"I'll make him see that it is what I want." She sighed deeply. "Zhou Yu, you are Commander of the Wu forces, your bravery is ten times that of any prince."

Zhou Yu said nothing.

"Hold out your hand, Zhou Yu."

Zhou Yu, although puzzled, did as she said.

Shang Xiang placed a piece of lilac jade in his hand. It looked as though it was half of something else. "This is for you," she paused. "I have the other half." She held up a green piece of jade.

Zhou Yu looked up at the green jade in Shang Xiang's hand, then at the jade in his. The pieces were the same size; the only difference was the shape and colour. The pieces looked like they had been made for each other.

"What is it for?" he asked.

"Our union in marriage will bring the pieces together. If not we will have bad luck"

"Why do you continue this?"

"This will be a symbol of our love for one another."

"But -" started Zhou Yu, but Sun Shang Xiang put her fingers to his lips.

 "I was hiding my feelings for you as soon as I realised that they existed. There was something I hadn't expected," she told him.

"What was that?"

"How strong my feelings for you really are."

"Shang Xiang… why make it any more difficult than it already is?"

"If I mean as much to you as you say, you don't need me to answer that."

Zhou Yu tightened his grasp on the jade in frustration and turned round. With his back to her he said "Then what about the alliance?"

"Alliance…?" She paused. "What do you mean?"

"Don't do this Shang Xiang." He paused and turned to face her once more. "You know what I speak of." He placed his hands firmly on her shoulders. "Do you deny this?" He gazed into her eyes.

Shang Xiang felt uncomfortable now. She wanted to look away, but she loved him. "Yes, I deny it." Zhou Yu looked shocked. If there was no honesty then their relationship wasn't really worth much at all. He let go of her slowly. He sank to the floor.

"Has our love been based on dishonesty then?" He lowered his eyes to the ground.

Sun Shang Xiang dropped to her knees in front of him. She took hold of his head and gently tilted his head back so that he was looking straight at her.

"I deny it, because… I do not accept the proposal… " She took a deep breath. "I don't know how many times I have to tell you, Zhou Yu…" A tear ran down her face. "I love you," she whispered. "Now… please… don't punish us…" she said quietly. Another tear fell down her cheek. "We have done no wrong…unless…" she sniffed. "…it is wrong to fall in love…" Slowly she removed her hands from his head and placed them in her lap, and then closed her eyes as she lowered her head. She had nothing more to say on the matter as she had been emotionally exhausted. If Zhou Yu wouldn't trust this to work, then she would just have to accept it. 

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

Did you like it? I hope so, because I don't think it will continue until late January now. Sorry *sigh* How I hate exams.*a bigger sigh* Anyway, please review. Let me know how it reads.

Thanks again for reading,

Bye for now,

~ Lady Leonhart ~

P.S.: Sorry, if there are any mistakes. I tried to check it over.

Well… got to go now.

~ Good luck and best wishes for the new year. ~