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, I know I took ages. Sorry about the wait. Things just kept on cropping up. Besides, it wouldn't be any good if I rushed it, would it? This is a sad time --; sniff It's the final chapter... Though I suppose they do say 'all good things must come to an end'. Here it goes :)

Chapter Nine: Wedding Bells

"We need to find a way to stop this, or they'll both regret it," Gan Ning called to Lu Xun who was in the next room. He took a large drink from his goblet.

"I've got just the plan," Sun Ce said upon entering the room.

Gan Ning spat out his wine in shock, turning his attention to their visitor "Lu Xun, don't let me have any more wine okay. I'm hallucinating. It's never been like this before."

"What is it?" Lu Xun called back from the other room.

"Sun Ce's standing right in front of me."

Sun Ce standing before Gan Ning...? How could that be? Lu Xun considered this. Gan Ning was known for being able to hold his drink, so Lu Xun went to see if Gan Ning was really drunk this time. He froze, staring at the vision before them. Then quietly he said "I must be hallucinating also."

"Hmm, we can't both have the same hallucination. Besides you haven't been drinking. Unless there's something you haven't told me." Gan Ning shut his eyes and splashed the rest of his drink at his face, hoping that would wake him up. Then he stared back at the figure before the doorway. "Maybe this is that miracle you said we needed, huh, Lu Xun?"

"Miracle...?" Sun Ce laughed. "That's the most amusing explanation yet."

"It really is you," said Gan Ning.

"Has it really been that long?"

"Well no, it's just that…" he stopped shortly, "Hah, join me for a drink," Gan Ning continued in high spirits once again.

Then Lu Xun began slowly "How did you –"

"Forgive me for the interruption," Sun Ce let out a heavy sigh. He couldn't blame them for asking, but he was getting a bit tired of everyone asking him about what they saw as his miraculous return. "You'll all know in good time, but first things first. I hear we have a wedding to stop."

Gan Ning and Lu Xun nodded simultaneously.

"This is what we're going to do," Sun Ce started to explain. "There are two passes on the way to Shu from Wu. The shorter one heads through the mountains, and the longer by the river. Do you know which way Shang Xiang's carriage will pass?"

"I have been charged with driving her carriage," answered Gan Ning. "Sun Quan has told me to take the pass by the river. It is true it is longer, but he wishes her to have a more comfortable journey."

"Of course," Sun Ce paused. "What about Sun Quan?"

"He is to go ahead, with Lu Meng and Taischi Ci, and await us with Liu Bei."

"Is there anyone else going with you?"

"Lu Xun and Su Ling I believe will also be accompanying Sun Shang Xiang."

"Right then... Gan Ning I need you to stop at this point," Sun Ce told him, pointing at a spot on the map. "Another carriage identical to Shang Xiang's will be waiting there. You, Lu Xun and Su Ling will take that carriage to Shu and keep up appearances."

"Hopefully that should buy them some time."

"Lord Sun Quan won't be happy."

"Don't worry, he'll get over it," Sun Ce assured him, "Besides, I'll take it from there."

"It's great to have you back, Sun Ce."

"It's great to be back, Gan Ning. I've missed out on a lot… my friends, my family. I won't let anyone down ever again."

"You never let us down, Sun Ce. We all hoped we never let you down."

"None of you let me down. You all stood by me and you're all still standing by me. What more could I ask for?"

Lu Xun entered the room "Are you sure this is necessary?" He asked looking back, concern on his face. Su Ling came in after him.

"Su Ling how's the dress going?" asked Sun Ce.

"I just have to make a few adjustments. Then it'll be perfect," she smiled.

"I don't think this is such a good idea," Lu Xun let out a sigh.

"Lu Xun I understand how you feel," Sun Ce began, "but I thought you would be able to handle it. Think about why you are doing this. You're our only hope and it is for your friends."

"Zhou Yu thinks highly of you Lu Xun," Gan Ning intervened. "He told me he took you under his wing because of your spirit."

"Sun Shang Xiang also told me once that you could always trust 'Lu Xun' to do the right thing," Su Ling added.

"She did?"

"Of course, you're a sweet guy."

"She said that as well?"

"Well, not really," she blushed, "that was me."

"I'll do it," Lu Xun agreed with a renewed attitude.

"That's the spirit Zhou Yu was talking about," smiled Gan Ning.

"On one condition," Lu Xun said looking serious.

"Name it," said Sun Ce.

"I want you all to promise to forget about this once we are through."

"Lu Xun, would I ever make fun of you?" Gan Ning asked him.

"Well…"

"Lu Xun, what you are about to do takes a lot of courage," Sun Ce tried to reassure him.

"Yeah," Gan Ning muttered, "Rather you than me."

"You are an asset to Wu and a true friend."

"Thank you, Lu Xun," Su Ling said hugging him.

"Huh?" Lu Xun said in surprise.

Gan Ning and Sun Ce laughed. Su Ling quickly let go of Lu Xun. Feeling bashful Lu Xun looked at the ground.

"I'm sorry, I forget my place," she apologised, fearing that she had offended him.

Lu Xun's face was red "It's okay Su Ling, really," he told her gently. Then they exchanged brief smiles.

"This is such a great thing we're doing," she spoke now to no one in particular. "Shang Xiang's like my sister," she paused and looked at Sun Ce.

"It is fine, Su Ling. I think of you as a sister too. After all, we did grow up together," he told her with a smile.

Su Ling continued "I just want her to be happy and Lord Zhou Yu too."

"Love… it is really worth fighting for," Lu Xun sighed.

"Yeah, they both deserve it," said Gan Ning.

"You're right about that," Sun Ce drifted off for a moment. Then coming to his senses he added "but if we want this to work out, we're going to have to hurry. It'll be time to leave soon."

Everything was now arranged. With the wedding on the horizon, Liu Bei would be waiting for his bride in Shu. There an alliance would finally be formed between the kingdoms of Wu and Shu. The key in all this was Sun Shang Xiang. Gan Ning, Lu Xun and Su Ling watched her as she walked slowly towards the carriage. Adorned with gold and the brightest crimson, it was the carriage that would carry her on her journey. Then her path would set things in motion. There was no turning back now.

"Are you ready Princess?" Gan Ning asked her.

"As ready as I'll ever be, Gan Ning," she replied.

"You'll be fine."

"Thank you," she said quietly. Then Sun Shang Xiang gave Gan Ning a quick embrace.

"It'll all work out you'll see," he added, trying to reassure her.

She released him from her hold and looked down at the jade that was still tied to her wrist, half of which was with the man she truly loved. Then she looked up, a tear in her eye, "I just wish I could believe that too."

"I wish you good fortune," Lu Xun told her. He was about to bow when Shang Xiang stopped him.

"Lu Xun, it's all right," she began. Then she held her arms out to him. They also embraced briefly. "You and Gan Ning are like my – no, you are my family. You've both always been there for me. There's no need for these formalities, especially not when we're alone." Sun Shang Xiang paused for a moment. Her eyes filled with water so she turned her back to them and dabbed her eyes gently with her sleeves. "Just promise me you'll both come by and see me."

"Wherever you are, we will come," Gan Ning said placing his hand on her shoulder.

"That's a promise," affirmed Lu Xun.

"Are you all right?" Su Ling stepped forward now and whispered, unable to hide her concern. Shang Xiang nodded in response.

"Su Ling, have you got everything we need?" asked Gan Ning.

"Yes," she answered.

"Lu Xun…?" Gan Ning gave him a questioning look.

"Everything seems to be in order," Lu Xun replied.

"Then let us go," he declared, opening the door of the carriage. Then Sun Shang Xiang stepped inside, followed by Su Ling. Gan Ning Shut the door. Then he and Lu Xun made their way to the front of the carriage. "Let's hope we can pull this off."

Sun Shang Xiang didn't speak a word during the journey. It was as if she was caught in a trance. Su Ling watched the princess. She sat still without blinking for long periods of time. "Hold on," Su Ling whispered softly.

The journey had been quite pleasant so far. In terms that he road they had taken seemed quite smooth. Just then the carriage came to an abrupt halt. "The carriage it's stopped," Shang Xiang spoke suddenly.

"Are we there already?" Su Ling asked her in a tone of surprise.

"I'll go and see what has happened." She edged her way along the seat towards the carriage door.

"No wait. You can't," Su Ling paused then for a moment. Sun Shang Xiang gave her an inquisitive look. "What I meant to say, Shang Xiang, was that it's your wedding day. I'll go and see."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course," she smiled sweetly. "I'm sure it's nothing really." With that Su Ling left the carriage, closing the door behind her.

Shang Xiang sat as patiently as she could, her thoughts began to wander. Was she doing the right thing? She knew where her heart really was but then… wouldn't she hurt Liu Bei? Just because she didn't want to marry him, didn't mean he deserved that. He deserved someone that would love him back, like she loved Zhou Yu.

There was a knock on the carriage door. "Su Ling, is that you?" she called out. The door opened, but standing before her was a cloaked figure. "What is the meaning of this? Show me your face!" The figure did as the princess beckoned and let the hood down.

"Where are they?" asked Liu Bei. "Do you think something is wrong?"

"Lu Xun is accompanying the carriage and Gan Ning is driving it," Sun Quan told him. "They will come. We can rely on them."

"I do not doubt the abilities of your officers, Sun Quan, but my mind will not be at ease until we have some word from them."

"What do you suggest?"

"I will send Zhao Yun to scout ahead."

"So be it, if that will settle your mind."

"Zhao Yun, ride ahead and check what the hold up is," Liu Bei told him.

"At once my Lord," he replied with a bow.

"Lu Xun, hold still," said Su Ling.

"Hey is everything all right in the back there?" Gan Ning called from the front of the carriage. Just then he saw a rider approaching. So he slowed the carriage down, bringing it to a halt.

"Why have we stopped?" Su Ling asked Lu Xun. "Are we there already?"

"Gan Ning, what's wrong?" Lu Xun called to him. "We're still not out of the forest. It can't be time to stop yet."

"No not yet," Gan Ning called to them. "We've got company," he paused, "but don't worry. I'll handle this."

The rider brought his horse to a walk and then dismounted before the carriage. It was Zhao Yun.

"Zhao Yun, what can we do for you?" Gan Ning asked.

"My Lord Liu Bei and your Lord Sun Quan were concerned. You are running a little late."

"Yes, a little late. You know how long women take to get ready?"

"I see your point." Zhao Yun looked towards the carriage door. "May I pay my respects to the Princess?"

"You could… but it's customary for the Princess to see the groom first."

"A superstition...?"

"Yeah, something like that," Gan Ning replied.

"Then I will honour it. I will go now and inform our Lords that you will be arriving there shortly."

Gan Ning nodded in acknowledgement as Zhao Yun mounted his stallion. Then he watched as Liu Bei's General rode off into the distance and released a sigh of relief.

"Look, here they come," Taischi Ci said gesturing towards the approaching carriage. Liu Bei and Sun Quan were the first to dismount, then the others followed suit.

"Sorry about the delay," said Gan Ning as he pulled on the reins. The carriage was now still.

Gan Ning got down from the carriage, made his way to the door and opened it.

"Where is Lu Xun?" Sun Quan asked him, looking displeased.

"Lu Xun had something else to take care of, my Lord," Gan Ning holding the door open winked at him, hoping to discourage him from inquiring any further. It worked. Sun Quan had a bewildered expression now, but he decided he would get his answers later. His attention was on Liu Bei, who was standing beside the opened door of the carriage.

"My Lady," Liu Bei said offering his hand to his bride to be. She accepted and slowly stepped outside. Su Ling followed after her.

"Is that veil necessary?" Liu Bei asked her, letting go of her hand and eyeing the veil. "Why do you hide your beauty?"

"Forgive me, my Lord," Su Ling intervened. "Her Highness is feeling rather emotional and she doesn't see this as the right time to remove her veil."

"I see," Liu Bei paused briefly. "Then I will respect her wishes."

"I can't go through with this," Lu Xun said suddenly pulling off the veil. Everyone stood still, shocked by what they were seeing.

"Sun Quan, what treachery is this?" Liu Bei was furious.

"You dare to dishonour my Lord?" Zhao Yun said raising his spear.

"Liu Bei, I assure you I had no idea about all of this," Sun Quan told him, "but I will resolve this at once."

"Then I will give you the benefit of the doubt," Liu Bei said hesitantly. Then he motioned to Zhao Yun to lower his spear.

"What is the meaning of this?" Sun Quan turned to Lu Xun.

"Forgive me, Lord Sun Quan," Lu Xun knelt down and bowed his head. "I meant no dishonour."

"No dishonour indeed," he said mockingly. "Gan Ning, were you also a part of this?"

"Yes, Lord Sun Quan," Gan Ning said rather casually.

"And you show no remorse for your actions?"

"None, my Lord."

"Then tell me what did you hope to achieve?"

"I was simply following orders, my Lord."

"Orders…? My orders were for you to bring Princess Sun Shang Xiang here. Instead, you dared to make a mockery of me."

"I can only apologise, my Lord," Gan Ning bowed.

"Sorry for my interference, Lord Sun Quan," Zhuge Liang paused, "but shouldn't we turn our attention to the whereabouts of Lady Sun Shang Xiang?"

"Zhuge Liang speaks most wisely my Lord," added Lu Meng.

Sun Quan nodded in agreement "I will deal with you later," Sun Quan told Gan Ning, his tone full of annoyance. "Now someone tell us where Princess Sun Shang Xiang is?"

"I can answer that," Sun Ce said approaching them on horseback.

Everyone turned to look in Sun Ce's direction. Sun Quan's face filled with fear at the thought that Sun Ce's ghost was before him.

"Sun Ce… how can this be?" Liu Bei looked intently at their visitor.

"You see him as well…?" Sun Quan glanced at Liu Bei.

"Of course, I see him," Liu Bei paused, "but what I don't understand is what is going on here. I demand an explanation, Sun Quan."

The others just stared in silence at the spectacle, expressions of surprise evident on their faces.

"You all want to know where Princess Shang Xiang is, right?" Sun Ce said breaking the momentary silence. "She is safe."

"Safe? What do you mean safe?" Liu Bei's voice was full of anger.

"You are a good man, Liu Bei," began Sun Ce, "which cannot be said of many men in this age," he gave a quick glance in Sun Quan's direction. "For that reason it is unfortunate that things had to turn out this way. From what I have heard about you, Liu Bei, I would gladly accept you as a brother. However, Shang Xiang is my sister and I have to do what is best for her."

"I would never hurt her, Sun Ce," Liu Bei declared.

"I do not doubt that and I know she would not hurt you intentionally either. The truth is Shang Xiang was going to go ahead with this marriage for the sake of the alliance and for not wanting to hurt you. What she didn't realise was that she would still hurt you since her heart lay elsewhere." Sun Ce paused briefly, giving Liu Bei time for the words to sink in and also so that he himself could find the right words to continue. He did not want to humiliate Liu Bei, for he was not to blame. Sun Ce would break it to him gently. There was no doubt that Liu Bei would bear a grudge for a while because of this, but he deserved the truth.

"You came for me," Sun Shang Xiang smiled

"Did you really think I'd let you marry Liu Bei?" Zhou Yu asked her.

"I had hoped you would stop me," she began, turning her back to him, "but what makes you think my heart is still yours?"

"You're as stubborn as ever, Shang Xiang."

"And you're just as confident."

"But I nearly lost you," he said with a sombre expression, recalling past events between them.

She turned back to face him "But we're together now."

Then slowly he pulled her closer to him "I love you, Shang Xiang," he began, in a gentle tone, "your fiery temper, the passion in your eyes, your energy. You are an embodiment of fire." His face was serious now. She laughed and he blushed.

Then gently Zhou Yu began to let go of her, but just before he parted Sun Shang Xiang threw her arms around his neck. "I love you too, Zhou Yu," she whispered, "with all my heart."

Liu Bei lowered his eyes to the ground, no doubt contemplating what Sun Ce had said. Sun Ce continued, looking round the gathering now "Marriage should be a union of two hearts. If one heart is unwilling to make the union work then the other shall also break. If there are two hearts willing to make the union work then it is indeed true love. Without love there is only hatred. So consider this, could any of you live in a world of hatred?" Sun Ce waited for some sort of response, but he received none for everyone remained quiet. Their expressions were blank, as any anger that had been present had disappeared. "By your silence, I think not. As in war, in love there are also casualties – this cannot be helped – but isn't love a true cause and worth fighting for?"

"You have my blessing, Shang Xiang, now go," Sun Ce told her as she hugged him tightly.

"Gan Ning, how can we ever thank you?" Shang Xiang began.

"No need, princess," he said affectionately. "You two are good together." Then playfully he hit Zhou Yu in the back. "I always knew you'd be the one to settle down first." He told him with a big grin.

"Shang Xiang I will miss you, but this is your chance to be happy."

"I'll miss you too, Su Ling," she said taking her in an embrace.

"Make sure you grab this chance with two hands, okay?"

"Yeah, true love doesn't come very often," Lu Xun elaborated with a smile at Su Ling. "Besides," he continued, "you have to go now. Look at what I had to go through."

"Thanks Lu Xun," Sun Shang Xiang said kissing him on the cheek.

"We will be eternally grateful," added Zhou Yu, "to all of you."

"Zhou Yu make my sister happy okay?" Sun Ce said putting his hand on Zhou Yu's shoulder. "Or you'll have to deal with me." They both laughed.

"Don't worry, brother, I can look after myself," Shang Xiang smiled.

"You've got a point there," replied Sun Ce. Then he turned to address Zhou Yu. "Don't give in too easily, Zhou Yu. Shang Xiang's got a tendency not to give up until she gets her own way, and that's putting it nicely."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, if you're anything like before, your temper isn't one of your better traits."

"Ha, ha, brother," she said mockingly.

"Then again, a master strategist of Wu shouldn't have that much trouble. It should be a challenge for you, Zhou Yu. Do you think you're up to it?"

"Yeah, master strategist, are you ready?" she gave a little bow.

"Certainly," he answered, also bowing in response. Then he held out his hand "Shall we?" Shang Xiang took it without hesitation and they walked over to the horses that Gan Ning had brought for them for their journey. Just then a rider approached them. It was Zhao Yun.

"If you want to get to them, you'll have to get through me," Gan Ning told him firmly, making his way between Zhao Yun and the couple.

"You'll have to go through me too," Lu Xun said as he moved to stand beside Gan Ning.

"Me too," said Su Ling, rushing forward.

Zhao Yun dismounted "I have no wish to fight anyone, for I did not think this was a battlefield. However, I never back down from a fight. If that is what you wish, then so be it."

"I haven't had a good fight in a while. This may be fun," Gan Ning grinned.

"Gan Ning, wait," Sun Ce told him. "Zhao Yun is not here to stop anyone."

Gan Ning stepped to one side, whilst Lu Xun and Su Ling stepped to the other side to allow Zhao Yun to pass.

"Thank you, Sun Ce," Zhao Yun said bowing his head slightly.

"Princess Sun Shang Xiang," Zhao Yun gave a little bow. "Zhou Yu. So she has chosen you," he paused briefly. "Sun Ce told us it was true love. It is a rare thing, so I had to see it for myself."

"I'm sorry Zhao Yun that I hurt your lord, Liu Bei. I wish I could have spoken with him."

"At least you wanted to confront him. I know it was not possible, under the circumstances."

"I hope someday, Liu Bei will find his true love."

"I hope she is as worthy as you, my Lady." Then Zhao Yun mounted his horse. "A word of advice, my Lady," he called from his horse. "Your brother, Sun Quan, has some of his troops scouting the area. If you wish to leave together, then you should do so swiftly. One heart has already been broken, but it will mend with time. If given a chance to break and your love is true, your hearts may not mend so easily." With that Zhao Yun departed.

"What will you do now, Sun Ce?" asked Zhou Yu.

"I've decided to stay in the palace. With you two gone I'm sure Sun Quan could do with the company, whether he likes it or not. I'll let you know when he's got over this. Lu Xun and Su Ling seem quite happy, but I think Gan Ning needs someone to explain that wine isn't the only good thing in life. Who knows, then when you come back I may even be introducing you to my own wife, or you could be introducing your little ones."

"Our… little ones…?" Shang Xiang glanced at Zhou Yu. Their expressions were of shock.

"Of course," Sun Ce laughed. "I can't wait to be an uncle." Then he sighed, "On a more serious note, you two have to get going."

"It's not fair, brother. We shouldn't have to leave."

"I know, Shang Xiang, but it's the only way for now."

"I've only just found you and now it feels like I have to lose you all over again," her eyes filled with tears.

"You're not losing me, Sis'." He dried her eyes. "We'll see each other again soon. When things are better, we'll all be waiting for both of you," he paused. "Think of it this way, you'll have a long honeymoon. So enjoy yourselves out there, see part of the world. Don't ever think of it as running away, okay?"

Shang Xiang nodded.

"You promise?"

"Yes brother, I promise."

Sun Ce turned to Zhou Yu "Look after each other, brother." So for the first time they embraced as brothers.

Everyone said their farewells for the last time and Sun Shang Xiang and Zhou Yu departed.

"Wait a minute, you guys," Gan Ning called to them. He was running, trying to catch up with them. So Zhou Yu and Shang Xiang brought their horses to a halt. "I figured you needed some kind of wedding present. Since it was short notice, you can have one of these." Gan Ning held out one of the bells he wore at his waist. "I'm afraid you can't keep it though. They're one of a kind. If I let you keep it, then one day I might find myself with only one, and I can't be called 'Gan Ning of the Bell'. It just doesn't have the same ring to it, but it'll remind you of us and give you a solid reason to come back. Oh, and the others say they owe you."

Shang Xiang let out a little laugh, "Thank you, Gan Ning."

With that, Shang Xiang and Zhou Yu continued on their journey. Gan Ning watched them until they entered the forest and they were out of sight. Then turning, he strolled back towards the others.

Well that's as far as it goes for now. Who knows what will happen. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading this story. I really enjoyed writing it. The characters are great.
For those reasons, I have decided to write another 'Dynasty Warriors' fic. It's a new pairing. So if you enjoyed this fic, I would be grateful if you gave that a chance too.

Thanks for all your reviews and support,

Lady Leonhart 10/08/04