((SXH: I'M BACK~! So, so, so sorry guys. My computer is finally fixed. Sorry there haven't been many updates. But me and my friend got into a little argument so she stopped posting for me. But I'm happy to say I'm back with the next part to the TH&BA series! I really hope that you guys will like this new chapter and I will be working on chapter 18. Now I would also like to inform you that I might end this at chapter 20 and start a the next part as TH&BA Part 2. Then again I may not. The poll will be posted on my account. Don't be afraid to tell me what you want. Anyway... ENJOY!))

Warning:

Disclaimer: I no own except for the storyline and Little Ying.

To Hell & Back Again

Chapter 17: Identity

Zhou Yu awoke in a strange room with someone playing with his hair. He sat up straight and looked at his surroundings. It was a little plain but had a fairly nice bed; one fit for a prince. The bed was covered in expensive silks and soft pillows. This was the first time he woke up somewhere nice. However his senses told him to keep his guard up. He felt a presence behind him and quickly turned around. Yu came face to face with the only other occupant in the room. This time it wasn't someone he expected. It was Zhen Ji. He didn't know the woman very well so he had no idea whether it was a good change or a bad one.

Zhen Ji surprised him with her look of concern. "Are you alright, Zhou Yu?" That surprised him even more. He knew he didn't tell her his name. More so he didn't even know how he got in there!

"Where am I? And how do you know my name?!" Yu questioned, backing away from her until he was at the edge of the bed. Her eyes showed concern, then hr entire expression showed understanding.

"You were distraught last night," she stated. "That was when Cao Pi carried you here." Yu took a moment to think. He did remember being carried. "Your face is still red from your sorrow. As for knowing your name; I remember your face from the battlefield, unlike some men around here," she went on.

"You still have not answered my first question," Yu reminded. "Where am I?"

"You are in Lord Cao Pi's room, Zhou Yu," Zhen Ji replied. "Cao Pi is currently in a meeting with his father and strategist." Zhou Yu visibly relaxed a little. "May I ask why you were crying?" Yu thought about it for a moment. He debated on whether he should tell her or not. He didn't know her so why should he say anything at all. But Yu realized that he might feel a little better if he talked about it to someone. Zhou Yu then went to explain the most recent changes in his life. In other words, he told her about the past two days.

By the time he was done, he realized that he was sitting next to her. Zhen Ji was rubbing his back and holding his hand lightly.

"I once was married to a man like that. I put up with him because it was just a marriage of convenience. There was no love in it from the start. I met Cao Pi on the battlefield. I have to say I was enchanted by him. I left my last one and married Cao Pi," Zhen Ji told. "But you... Even if you were not married, you loved him very much. And then to just be given off to another right after you left. I could only imagine your pain."

"I have heard that many times before," he said. Zhen Ji stopped rubbing his back and put both her hands on his.

"Cao Pi would not like me telling you this," Zhen Ji started. She leaned her head against his shoulder. "When he came in with you, he laid with you on the bed and refused to leave until you stopped crying in your sleep."

"Really?" Yu asked. Zhen Ji nodded.

"Yes. He laid next to you, not getting closer to you than you would probably like," she went on. I doubt it. "He took the hair pin out and started to pet your hair. The way he looked at you reminded me of how he looks at me." Zhou Yu turned his gaze to her and she smiled at him. "I knew he fancied you before you or him told me you were to get married. Also, judging by your reaction, you do not feel the same."

"Even if he is a nice man, I just ran away from a terrible relationship. I need some time," Yu argued.

"He is a nice man," Zhen Ji said a little dreamily. "When I ask for some time alone, he would grant my wish without hesitation." Zhen Ji moved a little closer, making Zhou Yu feel a little uncomfortable by the closeness. "And when I ask for him to spend time with me, he would drop everything and keep me locked in his room all night. Cao Pi will do anything for the ones he loves."

"Speaking of which," Zhou Yu began, trying to get off the subject she was insinuating. "Are you not expecting, Lady Zhen Ji?"

"Just call me Zhen Ji," she replied instantly. "And, yes, I am." She looked at her own slightly distended stomach, putting her left hand on it. "I would love to have a family of my own and see my husband happy. Even though I am the first person he had married, I would not mind one bit if he married someone else that made him and me happy." Yu stared at her as he processed what she had just. Did she just say...? He opened his mouth to say something but closed it again. Zhen Ji smiled at his reaction.

"Of course, I would give you some time as well," she said finally. Yu didn't move an inch after she said that. It also didn't help that she reached up and kissed him on the cheek. "Now, I think you should rest some more. I will leave you alone if you wish," Zhen Ji offered. Zhou Yu nodded numbly and laid himself down on the soft sheets and pillows.

As soon as he laid down onto the bed he realized how sleepy he was. The soft blankets and pillows combined with the sway of the ship nudged him to go to sleep. As he fell asleep, he heard someone enter the room. In the very back of his mind he knew he should wake up, be alert, but he couldn't muster the energy to do so. As he was lulled to sleep by the light rocking of the ship, he felt a pair of soft lips press against his forehead.

/

Zhen Ji exited Cao Pi's chambers to let the Beauty rest. She walked down the hall, trying to get to the meeting room. When she turned the corner, she saw her husband sprinting toward her. He slowed to a stop and caught his breath.

"Come to check on him?" Zhen Ji asked. He nodded and straightened himself up.

"How is he?" Cao Pi asked. Zhen Ji smiled at him reassuringly.

"He is resting again," she answered. She began to walk past him, motioning him to follow.

"That is good," Cao Pi commented as they passed through the wonderfully crafted halls. Zhen Ji could see him relax a little. "How is he taking the change?"

"He is very worried," Zhen Ji began, focusing her eyes forward. "He has just gotten out of a very bad relationship with a man from Wu. He's worried that you would treat him he same way." Cao Pi's eyebrows furrowed, as though angered by the thought.

"How did the man treat Yu? Cao Pi asked as they turned a corner. The two come closer and closer to the meeting room. Zhen Ji scowled as she explained. When she finished her explanation, Cao Pi's expression was a mix of horror, pity and rage. "I will make him forget about that man. I will treat him better than that. You know I would."

"But, Milord, it does not matter what I know. To him, I could easily be lying," Zhen Ji argued.

"Why would he think you would lie to him?" Cao Pi inquired right outside the meeting room door. The two did not enter just yet.

"Maybe he had a bad experience with a woman," Zhen Ji offered.

"I do not know. Does he have a wife?"

"I do not think so," Zhen Ji replied. After that, the two dropped the subject.

The two of them entered the meeting hall. They were greeted with a full meal waiting for them with all the officers there. Cao Cao noticed the two enter from the corner of his eye. He stopped his conversation with Cao Ren to greet them.

"Welcome back, my son!" Cao Cao greeted merrily. "Where is your new fiancé?" With the help of that comment, everyone was now staring at him expectantly.

"Resting," Cao Pi responded, not paying any mind to anyone else. "He may not be a Beauty, but he is beautiful enough to be one. I am pleased we found him, Father." Coa Pi walked to his seat next to his father and sat down. Zhen Ji took a seat between Cao Pi and Zhang He, who was in a much better mood. Sima Yi sat to Cao Cao's right with Cao Ren next to him.

"Indeed. I did believe he was a woman at first sight. He just proves how looks can be deceiving. Am I wrong?" Cao Cao laughed.

"If he is such a beauty," Xiahou Dun piped in. "Then why not tell us about him." There were many agreements around the table.

"Very well..." Cao Pi replied.

"What is his name?" Xiahou Dun asked.

"Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to speak with him. I only know part of him name. His surname is unknowing to me," Cao Pi explained. "However my wife has had the chance to speak with him. Zhen Ji, do you know his full name?" Zhen Ji smiled smugly and nodded.

"Indeed I do. Although, I want you to guess," she said playfully.

"You are too cruel sometimes, Zhen Ji," Cao Pi replied, equally ss playful.

"Describe him. I'm sure we could guess if you did," Pang De spoke. Cao Pi nodded in agreement.

"He has long black hair that could put the night sky to shame," Cao Pi began. "Glowing pale skin that could match a lotus flower... He has Beautiful blue eyes that could rival the most beautiful of sapphires." Cao Pi smiled to himself, not even realizing that he was rambling. "And his lips... they are full, and the perfect pink; they look to be as soft as silk itself."

"Are you sure you are not describing a woman, milord?" Xiahou Dun asked.

"Yes, I am positive."

"I cannot for the life of me think of who it could be," Cao Ren commented. "Lady Zhen Ji, would you give us a hint?" Zhen Ji nodded.

"He is a warrior," Zhen Ji stated bluntly. All eating stopped, as did most of the sound in the room. Cao Pi's head snapped to his wife, his expression held high disbelief. But then he began to laugh.

"Zhen Ji, that was very funny. Now what is the real hint?" Cao Pi chuckled.

"Milord, I was not joking. He really is a warrior," she persisted.

"Zhen Ji," Cao Pi said slowly. "He did not look as though he had a scratch on him."

"Believe me," Zhen Ji assured. "Close up, you can see the thin scars from many battles. On his hand, I could feel the fading calluses from wielding a weapon."

"Then he must be from Shu. They have not made a move in months. Not to mention that Wu is full of barbarians. They never stop fighting, even if they were forced to stand down, they would find a way to fight against you." Xiahou Dun spoke.

"I do not know about that. Wu has not made a move either in just as long," Xu Huang countered. "Besides, Lu Xun is admired by many from both sexes."

"Even so, Lu Xun has brown hair and dark skin. He could not be the one," Sima Yi said in a very bored tone, continuing with his meal.

"It could be Jian Wei," Xiahou Yu threw out.

"No, that boy also has brown hair," Sima Yi countered. Zhen Ji rolled her eyes at all their guesses. While they guessed away, Zhen Ji turned her head to Zhang He. As she stared at him, she could see his growing irritation.

"Who could it possibly be?" Cao Pi said to himself, but all those around him heard.

Suddenly, Zhang He stood up, knocking his chair over in the process. All the plates and bowls were jarred as he slammed his hands down on the table. Sima Yi and Zhen Ji saw it coming so they were the only ones who didn't flinch; Sima Yi simply continued eating as though nothing was happening.

/

Zhou Yu awoke very suddenly. He had no idea as to why or as to how. He sat up on the bed and looked around the room in search on any possible reason. When he didn't find any, he stood up and stretched his limb. He heard many of his joints pop back into place and smiled. How long has it been since I slept that well?

Yu looked around the room again, noting that he was all alone. He looked outside the door and curiously noted on how empty the halls were. Zhou Yu stepped out and began to walk in search of any other person around. After not finding a single one he began to wander aimlessly through the halls. As he walked he noted how there symbols carved into the boat's inner walls. When he looked more closely, Yu realized that they were words and the Cao family crest.

It was strange to look at first. Yu decided to read some of the words. Strange... These are symbols normally used for prayer. It actually wishes the ship good sailing. Yu thought over this for another minute. Why do I get the feeling that such a thing is not going to happen?

Zhou Yu moved on down the halls, having that nagging feeling again. He tried to get his mind off of it, deciding that it would come back to him when the time was right. He began to wander aimlessly yet again. This time, however, it was cut short. A lot of noise came from the door next to him. He opened it very slowly, so as not to draw attention to himself.

Zhou Yu made it just in time to see Zhang He slam his hands down on the table and scare everyone. He looked at all the people in the room, knowing that he had fought all of them. He had always been a quick learner and that is why he knew all their names.

"What is it Zhang-?!" Xiahou Yuan tried.

"Are you all idiots?" Zhang He yelled. "Have you no memory of our battles with Wu? Do you not remember all the officers you have ever fought? You have part of his name! That should have given you the biggest clue!" Is he talking about me? Zhou Yu wondered. There was silence in the room. It wasn't like anyone didn't have anything to say; it was just that everyone was too scared to say anything. "I know who it is! I have fought him before. I have seen him basically dance across the battlefield." Zhang He paused, taking in their thinking faces. "He has fought for Wu for many years and I have seen his grace on the battlefield. I have crossed swords with him. Cao Pi, you have crossed swords with him! And yet you sit there, unknowing of who he is?" I will now assume that he is talking about me. Now I am at least relieved that I will not be surrounded by complete idiots...

"Zhang He..." Xiahou Yuan began. "Yer not talkin' about yerself, are ya?" Zhang He stopped his rant for a moment and stared at the man. His expression gave nothing of his true emotions, which was a first since he was usually so melodramatic about everything. Then Zhang He picked up his empty goblet and threw it at him, grinning inwardly when it hit Xiahou Yuan square between the eyes. Nice shot. Zhou Yu thought, smirking to himself and trying not to laugh.

"Did that answer your question?" Zhang He asked, not caring for his answer. "Think hard about what you just said. When have I ever been an officer of Wu?" Xiahou Yuan did not answer since he was still stunned from the blow to his head.

"Zhang He, Zhen Ji, please, tell us. I grow very tired of this game," Cao Cao spoke. I suppose one would be if someone were surrounded by these idiots.

"Zhou Yu!" Zhang He yelled in frustration. Upon hearing this, Sima Yi choked on his food. Really, Sima Yi? I thought you would at least be one of the smarter ones... "He is Zhou Yu. For lord's sake, Cao Pi, you should have known. You have fought against him before. You have been on the other end of his staff!" Silence reined the room.

"Zhou Yu," Sima Yi began. "I have never remembered him to be so feminine. I mean to say, I have seen him in meetings many times, although, then he only wore his battle robes. What changed?" Zhou Yu felt a little irked about the feminine comment but decided to let it go. After all he had been through, he really couldn't say anything, especially with his emotional reactions. I have had enough of this.

"Absolutely nothing," Zhou Yu answered from the door he was at. All eyes landed on his. He fought against the snappy comment that urged its way up his throat as they all looked at him in awe.

"Zhou Yu," Cao Pi said and stood. Zhou Yu held up his hand to stop him. He already knew there was going to be many questions. He was prepared to answer them, too. Yu thought he might as well get to know the people he would be living with for most likely the rest of his life.

"If you have any questions about me, I will answer you. It may not be the answer you will like, but it will be an answer," Yu stated simply. Cao Pi nodded.

"I think this is a conversation best said while sitting down," Cao Pi said.

"He can have my seat then," Zhang He piped up, lifting his chair back up off the floor. "I will be retiring to my room soon anyway."

"Thank you, Lord Zhang He," Zhou Yu spoke. As Zhou Yu made his way to sit, the others realized that Cao Pi didn't exaggerate. Yu really did look just like a woman, and could easily be mistaken for one if he never spoke. Zhou Yu sat down and waited for their questions to begin.

"Why are you here? I thought you were resting," Cao Pi began.

"I tried resting but I ended up staying wide awake. I began to wander around and I just happened to come across your conversation with your officers," Yu explained.

"Why are you not with the Wu forces?" Cao Ren asked next. Yu felt another irk come along, and forced yet another sly comment down. Did it just happen to slip Cao Pi's mind to tell them that he bought me?

"I was captured by Dong Zhuo's forces and have not returned. I am sure they will do just fine without me as their strategist," Yu answered with a small hint of sadness.

"Why are you dressed like a woman?" Pang De asked. I should have expected that to come up...

"Diao Chan decided she wanted to dress me up and offer me to Lord Cao Cao in exchange for en alliance."

"And you did not fight her?" Zhen Ji inquired.

"I do not want to die an early death via Lu Bu's hands," Yu said curtly. Everyone could understand that.

"My turn," Xiahou Dun said. "Why were you with Dong Zhuo's forces?"

"As I said, I was captured. However, the rest is something I wish to never speak about," Yu answered. Xiahou Dun frowned at the answer. "I did say that I would answer, whether it be an answer you like or one that you do not."

"Last question," Sima Yi spoke with great seriousness. "There have been rumors going around about you for a while. Is it, or is it not true that your wife is dead?"

/

SXH: CLIFFHANGER! Sorry, but that's how I originally wrote the chapter. Right now I'm just going by what I wrote. Hope you liked!

Zhang Liao: *turns to Zhou Yu* You had a wife?

Zhou Yu: Need I remind you that this is only a story?

Zhang Liao: So you don't have a wife?

Zhou Yu & SXH: *facepalm*

Cao Pi: He has a wife.

Zhang Liao: WHAT?!

Zhou Yu: *mumbles* A wife who I am currently divorcing.

Zhang He: Why?

Zhou Yu: Reasons you will find out in later chapters... I need a cup of coffee.

SXH: Not before the ending! 1... 2... 3!

Everyone: We all hoped that you enjoyed this chapter! Don't be afraid to tell us what you think with a REVIEW! Again sorry for the cliffy! See you next time!

Bye~!