Author's note: So this is my first Dynasty Warriors story. I want to thank you for taking the time to read this. It's a story revolving around Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao and yes it's a ship. I don't exclusively do gay couples, and I don't usually ship, but I just saw so much potential in these two characters for really interesting chemistry that I just couldn't get this idea out of my head. How I intend to realize that potential...well, I hope you stick around for the rest of this fic to find out.

I'm not sure if I want to include yaoi in this fic as of yet, but when I decide, be prepared for a shift to M rating.

Disclaimer: Dynasty Warriors is owned by Koei Tecmo. I own nothing.

And without further delay, here's chapter one. Don't forget to leave a review. I'd love to hear your feedback.


He couldn't be more strained.

Everyone knew Lu Bu as the unmatched warrior that served Dong Zhuo. He knew him better as the man that betrayed his own father to serve the tyrant, only to betray him as well. Lu Bu was an untamed dog with not an ounce of loyalty to anyone.

So to say that he didn't trust him around his lord Liu Bei was an understatement. In a single day, Lu Bu had practically claimed ownership over him and his army. He called him "little brother" to try to keep his lord's trust. He could tell that Liu Bei's sworn brothers didn't like that...well Zhang Fei really. Guan Yu was skeptical no doubt, but Zhang Fei didn't buy it for a second, and had no problems putting it out in the open.

That evening, Lu Bu was hosting a banquet for his new "family." No one was buying it - well at least not the people who mattered. Guan Yu was skeptical, Zhang Fei was pissed the hell off (and drunk, probably), and Liu Bei himself was...obviously uncomfortable about the validity of his new "big brother." As for himself...well, all he cared about was the safety of his lord Liu Bei. And he knew there was no chance that his lord was safe around that rebellious dog.

Lu Bu's personal servant Diaochan was performing one of her country famous dance recitals on stage when Guan Yu approached his table. He sat down next to him and leaned back in his chair with a sigh. "So how long do you think this will last?" He asked.

"Until Lu Bu gets a new concubine, I suppose. Best to enjoy it now." He replied sarcastically.

"No, I mean Lu Bu's 'family' pleads."

"Oh, well, probably as long as it takes for Zhang Fei to get drunk again. I give it two more times before Lu Bu stops trying."

"This is utterly pathetic," Guan Yu scoffed, "Liu Bei would never take an oath of brotherhood with someone like Lu Bu."

He gave the bearded general a smirk. "Do I pick up a hint of jealousy in your voice?"

"Of Lu Bu? Don't be ridiculous! What of value does he have for me to envy."

"Well, there's that magnificent horse for starters," he chuckled.

"Whatever Lu Bu has in strength or possessions, he lacks in honor and dignity. Brother can see him for what he is; treacherous, detrimental to his vision of a land of virtue."

"If you say so."

Picking up on his friend's sardonic tone, Guan Yu's tone suddenly became questioning. "Are you alright, Zhao Yun? You seem unusually sarcastic this evening."

"I'm a bit on edge."

"Too much to drink?"

"I guess you could say that."

He simply went along with it his friend's suggestion, but it wasn't a lie. He had been drinking to get his mind off of what had been bothering him.

Liu Bei was under Lu Bu's "protection" for the time being. It was no question that Lu Bu's rather small army was swarming with brutes, the flying general himself being a prime example. His dedication to Liu Bei's aspirations required that he feared no one. But upon further inspection it was clear that his lord was treading on thin ice.

First, there was Lu Bu himself. Despite his questionable morals, the fact that Lu Bu was among the fiercest warriors in all of China. By challenging him by brute force there was no stopping him.

Then there was maiden that performed on stage, Diaochan. It was clear that she was a cunning one, but see just how far her scheming ways delved was treacherous venture. By the time you knew what she was planning, you were already woven deep her silky web, ready to be preyed upon by the venomous spider that she was. It was rumored that she was the mind responsible for Dong Zhuo's demise.

Finally, there was that one. The one who wielded the twin axes. He did not know his name, but his appearance told him much about him. He saw him from a distance when Lu Bu's forces first came to Xu. His stern expression, his impressive build, the way he kept to his position, in his place, watching, observing like a wolf in the shadows. But the most striking of his features, was his eyes. They were neither cold and calculating, nor lost and naive like the lord that he served. On the contrary, they were filled with a flaming passion, a burning will of an honest and true warrior. He had seen that man in battle at Hu Lao Gate, where he first met Liu Bei. Being in his presence made his hair stand on end.

His lord was in danger on all sides. There was no telling when Lu Bu or any one of his followers were to seep their terrible fangs into his lord at any unsuspecting moment. If, and when, that time ever came, he feared that he may not have what it takes to keep Liu Bei out of harm's way.

The gradual rising of applause pulled the white general out of his trance. The songstress had ended her dancing spell.

Zhao Yun stood up, suddenly feeling more anxious than before. "I'm going to um...step out for a while. Keep an eye on our lord."

"You don't have to tell me." Guan Yu shrugged.

He exited the banquet hall, and walking some distance, he found himself at a courtyard. The cool, night breeze shifted across the skin of his face. The dead of autumn brought with it the first whisks of winter, blowing, teasing him as if calling him to a cold battlefield drenched in crimson snow.

The wind's direction blew toward him. In the distance he heard a grunting sound. He looked into the distance through the cold night and saw him, the warrior that wielded dual axes, training in solitude. Alerted of another presence, he felt his skin run dry with coldness of the coming winter. His legs carried him over to him. He stopped some feet away from him, unsure if he wanted the warrior to notice his presence or not.

The warrior, standing with his back turned to Zhao Yun, his black armor shining underneath the moonlight, gripped his twin axes in his hardened knuckles. The gesture kept Zhao Yun restrained, anticipating his next move.

"Banquets aren't your thing?" The warrior spoke up, bringing Zhao Yun out of his trance. His voiced jarred him in the night's silence. Deep, commanding and confident, but... calm, a far cry from the raging roughness of his lord Lu Bu.

"I just wanted to enjoy the night. Should I be asking you that same question?"

His grip on his axes remained tight as he turned to Zhao Yun. "I have my reasons. I must be alert at all times. Pressure rises on the shoulders of my lord Lu Bu, and I must be prepared to make up for any ground he loses."

"You... protect Lu Bu?"

"With my life."

It was hard to imagine those circumstances. Putting aside the fact that Lu Bu needed protection, the premise of Lu Bu having a bodyguard of sorts seemed like an unlikely situation, given' the man's arrogance. He thought maybe this man was just saying that to make himself feel useful.

No, that wasn't it. Just hearing his voice, he could sense his honesty and determination, and his stern expressions did not betray that. Either that or he was a really good actor.

And yet, just one glimpse of eyes, seeing the crystal clear integrity in them, spoke volumes of his character.

He saw in his essence what his outward appearance didn't break; a true warrior. Looking in his eyes, he saw himself.

"I'm sorry, this must be uncomfortable for you." The black cladded general glanced down at his blades and loosened his grip on them, "My apologies."

"No it's, uh..." Zhao started blushing with embarrassment. How long had he been staring at him? He hoped that the dark night was enough to keep the warrior from seeing the full intensity of the reddening in his face. He switched back to face the black general. "My lord, I am at fault here. I came to you without a proper warning."

"I am no public official. I don't have servants to decide who I speak with. I let my skills in combat do all of the talking, as do you, I can tell."

And he was right. The truthfulness of his statement made him wonder if the warrior saw in him the same thing he saw.

After a few seconds of no response, the warrior turned his gaze away, seeming to get an idea. He walked over to a tree in the courtyard, and came back with a spear in his hand, holding it out to him "You fight with a spear, right? How about a sparring match?"

Just as suddenly as he had laid the question, Zhao Yun was eager to accept his invitation. If his skill and integrity in combat was anywhere close to the honesty in his words, it would be an honor to spar with him "I'll gladly accept, Master...um..."

"Zhang Liao is my name. Again, I apologize. I had forgotten my manners earlier."

"As did I. I am Zhao Yun." His introduction was punctuated by quick bow. "I fight so that I can help Lord Liu Bei restore the glory of the Han Dynasty, and bring peace back to our country."

"Is that so? Well then..." Zhang Liao gripped the axes in his hands as he stood ready for battle. "Show me if your skills with a spear match the convictions of your words. Come! Let the clashing of our blade ring through the night."

Despite his initial hesitation, Zhao Yun couldn't help but smirk. He was about to see what this elite member of Lu Bu's army could do first hand. He tilted his spear, and stood ready for combat.

"It would be my pleasure."

The whistling of the nighttime wind set the stage for their battle. They faced each other, ready and anticipating, their eyes focused, cold. Even in practice, the air of danger and hostility shrouded them. The feeling made his skin crawl, but he didn't falter.

The axe wielder was the first to move. He dashed at the spear wielder, both axes behind him, one over his shoulder and the other to his side. The axe to his side came at him first. Zhao Yun reacted fast, tilting his spear downward to deflect him, but this was just a distraction. As anticipated, the axe behind his shoulder came down on him, but he flipped his spear in it's downwards position, deflecting it up.

Not wanting to stay on the defensive, he swung his spear at his disoriented opponent. Zhang Liao jumped backwards, however, anticipating this in his vulnerable state. Before he knew it, Zhao Yun was back on the defensive, deflecting a flurry of relentless thrusts. He felt his stamina draining to keep his pace with the other warrior. He knew he couldn't keep up with him for much longer.

With all the strength he could muster, he caught the axe with his spear and blocked it to the side. He'd provided himself with an opening. He thrusted the back of his spear into the other man's torso, pushing him away from himself

The effort to give himself breathing room left him partially drained. Such strength. Just trying not to get struck down by those axes is taking such a toll on my body, Zhao Yun thought as he reoriented himself, gasping for air.

Zhang Liao was slightly shaken from the last attack. He rarely found himself exerting this much effort while sparring. How is he able keep up with both of my axes with just one spear? His speed is impeccable.

Zhao Yun saw the warrior's questionable state and decided to take advantage of it. "Had enough already?"

The taunt didn't seem to work, as it only seemed to lift his spirits back up. "Oh no. I'm just getting started," Zhang Liao chuckled confidently through a smirk.

This time, Zhao Yun was the one to take the offensive. He rushed forward and initiated a series of thrusts, each rapidly increasing in speed. Zhang Liao deflected each of them, until he used both of his axes to throw the spear and Zhao Yun with it off course. He thrusted his axes straight forward in his opponent's vulnerable state, but the agile spear wielder jumped back. The axe wielder, wanting to take back the upper hand, sliced at the recoiling warrior, but he rolled out the way. Zhao Yun threw himself at Zhang Liao, and soon sparks of weapons clashing lit up the night around them.

Zhao Yun saw it again. That glint of determination and honor in his eyes. They were so focused and true...

In his distracted state, Zhao Yun found himself losing ground as the older warrior pushed him back. After a last ditch push, he jumped back. They came down from their adrenaline high as they slowly strafed each other, eying their opponent with intense focus. They gripped their weapons with assertion and alertness, gasp after gasp racking their bodies from the effort they were exerting.

"No doubt about it," Zhao Yun heaved between breaths. "I've definitely met my match."

...and not just in skill either, he added to himself.

"You have no idea." Zhang Liao responded calmly, if also tiredly.

"Then come on. I'm not through yet!"

They each noted other's words of confidence, and they both rushed to the offensive. Zhang Liao thrusted one axe forward, blocked by Zhao Yun's spear, followed quickly by the other, which was quickly dodged. With finesse, his maneuver lead into a thrust of his spear, which was blocked again.

Their weapons spun against each other, mimicking the determination to overcome a worthy opponent, creating an elegant dance of blades to the joyous nightingale. In their bid to overpower each other, they became one, in sync with each other's movements and convictions. Their speeds, their energy, they grew with the music of the whipping and clashing blades. The sounds brought something in the air shrouded in the night. The feeling of each pouring their very purpose and existence into this dance. On the brinks and premonitions of the bloody fields of battle, they felt alive...

-Slash-

He didn't quite see it, but he felt it. The other warrior pushed himself back, crouching in a dazed and disoriented state. Zhao Yun caught the sight of Zhang Liao kneeling, only to see him rushing at him again, both axes coming down on him a force so full that it was jarringly readable. The spear wielder pushed himself forward in resistance, clashing and locking blades with the other. In their struggle for dominance, their eyes caught each other as their blades did, strained gasps racking their bodies.

Zhao Yun caught a dark blare of crimson past his opponent's heated gaze. Blood trickled down the axe wielders forearm where his skin was exposed and dripped off his elbow. The sight brought him crashing back down from the mesmerizing flight of their blades.

His breath faded as the fiery glint in his eyes inched away. He ceased pushing back against the older warrior. Zhang Liao followed this gesture, the power and passion in his expression fading away. The last note of their clash closed out the night.

"I think we should stop now." Zhao Yun said, overtaking the silence that had replaced their clash.

"Yes...I think so as well."

There weapons lowered to their sides, nothing blocking the view of each other's gazes. Zhao Yun saw the passion in his brown eyes winding to a mere ember, replaced by an abrupt softness and consideration. The look was hard to read, if only because it was unusual coming from him.

He had to look away to keep from blushing, despite himself. His eyes shifted to his arm "You're...bleeding." He muttered with a hint of guilt in his voice.

"Don't worry about it. I just want to thank you for sparring with me. You're a magnificent warrior, Master Zhao Yun."

His words brought his eyes up to lock gazes with him once again, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw the warriors smiling at him. The way the moonlight's white canvas painted his stern face outlined by his sharp beard, glistening in his eyes like the ocean, bore his breath away into the night. This man, he had to say, was quite handsome in a warrior-esque, rugged way. He wanted to return the compliment, but he was speechless before the axe wielder. The only thing he could do was return the smile. It was a simple gesture they shared, and yet, it held an entire world's worth more than the words he attempted to speak.

"Master Zhang Liao."

Their trance, shrouded in silence, was broken by soft voice calling for the warrior. They turned to see Diaochan, in all of her starlit beauty.

"I hope I am not interrupting."

"It's alright. What is the matter, Lady Diaochan?"

"Lord Lu Bu wishes to see you."

His gaze met with Zhao Yun again, his smile replaced with a questioning look. Zhao Yun sent him a nod, a gesture he found himself doing with some hesitation, with a look that said to him "go do what you must."

"Okay. Tell Lu Bu I'll be there shortly."

After giving the general bow, the woman was gone, leaving the two warriors alone again. Zhao Yun watched her leave, then faced the general again only to find him gazing into the moonlight. For a moment they were silent, knowing that the axe wielder had business to attend to, but neither of them wanting quite ready to go there separate ways.

"I'll take my leave now. My lord requires my presence." Zhang Liao broke the silence with a rather grim undertone. Zhao Yun felt disappointment at the man's words. He understood that he had duties to attend to as Lu Bu's loyal general, but he didn't seem to want to leave this man's presence, for some reason. When Zhang Liao noticed his sadness, he patted his shoulder, "It's been an honor, Zhao Yun. I won't forget our encounter tonight."

"No, the honor is mine." Zhao Yun responded, surprised at the friendly gesture. "You've shown me that I still have much to learn."

"That makes two of us then. Perhaps we can help each other grow stronger in the future. For now, I bid you farewell."

"Wait! When can we see each other again?"

He bit his lip as he considered his boundaries. He hadn't meant for his question to come off so clingy. They lived in the same castle - for now - after all. Despite that, the general smiled before answering. "Perhaps we can meet for drink later on."

"So it's a date?" He saw the warrior stiffen the slightest bit, and cringed inwardly. Where did that question come from?

If he were still facing the white general, Zhao Yun might have noticed the reddening in his face "Yeah, I guess you could say that." Zhang Liao responded uneasily.

As he departed to tend to his duties, Zhao Yun watched him until he was finally out of sight. He rubbed the back of his neck in his solitude, unsure of what to think of his encounter. He knew that his lord Liu Bei would soon be at odds with Lu Bu's forces, despite being "allies." He feared that he may have to face that general soon. Yet, it was hard to view the man he had just met as his enemy. He came off as anything but hostile, even after being injured by his spear. In fact, he seemed to respect him more for that. Surely Lu Bu's men wouldn't want be seen forming ties with the soon-to-be enemy. So why would he be so kind to him? Perhaps Lu Bu's men really did want peace.

No. That couldn't be it. It wouldn't be long before Lu Bu betrayed his lord, like his other "allies" before him. This was all just trap. Yes...a trap. It all adds up! The banquet, Lu Bu's brotherhood proposal, and...Zhang Liao... Zhao Yun shook his head. He wasn't the cold and judgmental type. He couldn't bring his accusations to overcome his sense of righteousness. This man was no trickster, and he immediately felt guilty for thinking so. This Zhang Liao, he carried himself with honor and loyalty.

So with that in mind, it begged the question; why would someone like him serve one such as Lu Bu?

Thinking about these questions, and lacking answer, he began to feel weariness overcome him. He returned to the banquet hall to find that most of the men had departed to their quarters. So he decided to turn in for the night.

Guan Yu was one of the men still present. Zhao Yun approached him at the table he left him sitting at earlier.

"There you are, Zhao Yun." He called to his comrade, before pouring himself some wine. He looked upon the younger general's face with concern "You look like there's something on your mind. Care to discuss it with me over one last drink?"

He thought over invitation. "I am just...strained. Perhaps a good drink will help me rest tonight."

"It's a good idea to be well rested, my friend. We never know how long we have until we have to take up our blades once again."

With a simple nod, Zhao Yun sat next to the general, who poured wine into his cup. He reached for it when a thought formed in his head. "Master Guan Yu. What do you know of Lu Bu's officer, Zhang Liao."

"Zhang Liao? I remember him; I dueled with him at the Battle of Hu Lao Gate." His answer was punctuated by taking a gulp of his wine. "He was a formidable warrior, who prided himself on his aspirations to becoming a true warrior. Though I must say, to serve someone such as Dong Zhuo, or Lu Bu for that matter, he is surely lost and misguided. To find what he seeks, he walks the wrong path."

"That's most unfortunate." Zhao Yun replied sheepishly. "Tragic even." He was met with a simple hum of agreement from the bearded general. Still, that just doesn't seem right, he thought, No, there's more to that man. Maybe even more than he's aware of.

Soon, Guan Yu retreated to his quarters, leaving him alone with his thoughts about Zhang Liao.