((SXH: Hey there, my lovely wonderful readers! I am currently having to take a couple of summer courses, but that's fine! I'm still trying to write chapters. The courses only last a month, but it is going to be hard because of how fast pace it is. I'm going to get this to you now because I have no idea when I'll be able write the next chapter. I will not give up on this story though! I refuse to! I have worked on this for years and I will finish it, damn it! Sorry… I tend to get emotional when it comes to this story. You guys just don't know how much this story means to me. I love you all and hope you continue to enjoy this story.))

Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors or its characters. I only own this storyline, the twins, Grandmother, Grandfather and Little Ying and the story of Rosarium.

Warning: Fluff and angst.

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To Hell and Back Again

Chapter 46: Innocence

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Diao Chan stomped to her room in anger. Once there, she picked up the nearest weapon and threw it across the room. The fan soared beautifully through the air and imbedded itself in the wall. She picked up the matching one off the wall and chunked it as well. It curved in the air and landed next to its twin. In her anger and frustration, she continued to throw weapons everywhere. It felt good to take her anger out on something, anything. But it wasn't enough. At some point she picked up her whip and used that to throw the items.

How could he? How DARE he? That worthless whore had no right to speak to me in such a way! LU BU LOVES ME! So why did he just stand there? Why did he hold me back? Suddenly, before she knew it, the weapons were flying around on their own accord. She stood in the middle of her room, staring off angrily into space. Why did Lu Bu not punish him?! Diao grasped the nearest floating object and chunked it again. She watched in satisfaction as it shattered before it could hit the wall.

The sound of footsteps outside her door made her and the rest of the room freeze in place. The weapons stopped midair. Diao Chan waited until the footsteps passed before she waved a hand dismissively. All the weapons returned to their places, including the shattered flute which had pieced itself back together. The walls stitched its wounds back and the bed sucked in its lost cloth and feathers. She didn't need someone to walk in on that. They would know that she wasn't just a dancer or a strategist.

She growled at the thought. If someone had walked in, she would need to kill them too… Or cut out their tongue. If the servant cannot write then there would be no need for them to die. Perhaps I should purchase a servant without one. I could teach them to be loyal to me and me alone in no time. Diao shook her head of the thought. It was much too late for that. Gou Si was killed in order to keep him silent and she was going to silence Zhou Yu once and for all. A scowl graced her features, morphing them into a hideous look. What on earth was that messenger doing there? Was he giving or receiving a letter? She couldn't even get a look at him before she was forced away.

That was yet another incident that angered her. It seemed as though the entire castle was beginning to conspire against her. Diao couldn't just do anything she wanted anymore. She had to be more intelligent about her actions. She needed solid reasons to do what she wished because she was now seen as vulnerable. It had become worse while the little parasite was within her. She will have to think over her actions much more carefully. For now, Diao could reel in the fact that there was no way for Zhou Yu to be considered innocent.

His questionable display earlier may have brought doubt to even Liao's mind. But, of course, the former Wu strategist was innocent. The wine was supposed to get rid of the little bitch, but this was so much better. Now Zhou Yu will be tried and found guilty for murder. That is better than the "suicide" she had planned. Now, with Zhou Yu out of the way, she could focus on reigning her beloved back into her arms.

Good think that messenger drank it. Even if he had seen Zhou Yu read the note he won't be able to tell anyone. The White Kiss is the most powerful poison. No matter what, the man will be in the arms of Haiden by daybreak. Besides a small burning charm helped to get rid of the little note.

(SXH: Haiden is part of the story of Rosarium. Do Not Take Him. He is one of the Brothers of Death in my story.)

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Later that night, Diao sought Lu Bu. She stepped into the room with red rimmed eyes. Lu Bu was at his desk with the report. He was writing something on it. She hoped that he was closing the case. When he was done writing he read back over his work. He rested his head on his left hand and rubbed his temple. Diao strode over and kissed his other temple softly.

"You should rest, milord," she spoke, placing her hands over his shoulders. She leaned in slightly to try and read what he added to the report but frowned when she couldn't read a word of it. Lu Bu needed to work on his penmanship, quite a bit.

"I cannot rest," Lu Bu replied. "Zhou Yu is innocent and I cannot rest until it is proven." Diao's brow furrowed deeply.

"How can you be so sure of his innocence? If he was the lead on the case, he could have provided you with false information. He could have been covering his tracks. Besides, an informant said that is was a woman who saw Gou Si, correct? It is undeniable that Zhou Yu is very effeminate looking. Perhaps they were mistaken? Zhou Yu even had a reason to ill our friend," Diao reasoned. "At Chi Bi, Gou Si had attempted to take him by force. I would have intervened but his people came and retrieved him. As… a woman who had faced such unwanted attention before, I can vouch that a person does not easily forget that horror…"

Lu Bu continued to stare down at the paper. Diao had a point. But he couldn't give up yet. He knew Zhou Yu. He had seen him not only on the battlefield but also in his bed. That time made a wave of sadness wash over him. That strong man broke down before his very eyes. He knew how torn he was when he spoke of his wife's death. He had the same drained, shaken posture in the hospital as he did at Shrine Inn. Sadly, the smaller man still had guilt written on his features. He needed to speak to Zhou Yu, ask him questions of his own.

"Diao, he is innocent. Believe me, I will prove it," Lu Bu said and stood from his seat.

"Why are you so sure? All the evidence is stacked against him," Diao demanded. She locked down and found a new medical report. She skimmed over it very quickly and picked it up. "Even the new report proves it! The bottle was the same as the one given to Gou Si! Since the poison is the same, that man will not be able to tell you what happened in that room! Lord knows you cannot go ask Zhou Yu what happened. If he did it, he might lie!"

"What reason would he have to kill a man at night in secrecy and one in broad daylight and then call for help?" Lu Bu argued.

"Maybe to throw is off! Maybe he wanted you to doubt him enough to rule him out!" Diao shouted. "He is a strategist after all!"

"Zhou Yu may be strategist, but he would not do that!" Lu Bu yelled right back.

"HOW DO YOU KNOW?!" Diao screamed.

"YOU DO NOT KNOW HIM LIKE I DO!" Lu Bu roared, his voice resonating off the walls even when they had both gone silent. Diao seemed stunned, her silence speaking her thoughts. What did Lu Bu mean by that? What did he mean by that? Why is he looking at me like that? What does that guilty look mean? Before she could stop him and ask, he was out the door and walking away.

/

Lu Bu knew that he couldn't be around Diao right now. What was he thinking? He didn't try to stay her worries even though he saw them behind her eyes. He said nothing. Diao would come to the conclusion on her own. She was a great strategist in sight of everything. She was brilliant. Whatever conclusions she came to about his relationship with Zhou Yu were probably correct. Lu Bu let out a sigh. Since when had they been in a relationship? Where exactly did they stand as of now? It has been months since they were intimate and they have not spoken a word of that day to each other. Lu Bu wondered if perhaps the smaller man had felt the same conflict and confusion as he.

Before he knew it, he was standing outside the door to Zhou Yu's room. He took the key out of his pocket and unlocked the door. Once inside, he took in the sight of the room. It was a neat, well-organized room. The bottle of wine was gone but the goblet was still on the floor. Its contents were splattered everywhere, nothing but a damp stain now. He noted the glass of water on the desk as well as a scroll that remained unbound. He took it in hand began to read.

Once he finished, his heart sank. If he remembered correctly, "Ce" was the infamous Sun Ce. At one point he was Zhou Yu's friend. At another point he was the strategist's lover… He was there when things began to go bad. He witnessed the separation but didn't know the reason as to why. Maybe one day he would pluck up the courage to ask Zhou Yu someday.

Judging by the content of the letter, Zhou Yu was close to the Sun Family and still held some close ties with its members. But, if Sun Ce was truly becoming as bad as described, he should be wary of his dealings with Wu.

His head snapped to the door when he heard a soft knocking. Zhang Liao stood in the doorway looking a combination of sad, tired, and sheepish. Liao strode over and took a seat on the desk next to Lu bu.

"I take it you found something you do not like…" Liao commented. "The sour look on your face gave it away." Lu Bu grunted and turned his attention back to the scroll. Liao glanced at it for a brief second. "To think that Sun Jian is dead… It is both sad and worrying, no? I cannot imagine what Zhou Yu must be feeling at the moment."

"Why do you say that?" Lu Bu queried, skimming the letter again. Liao raised a brow.

"You do not know much of Wu culture, do you?" Liao asked. Lu B didn't deign that an answer, raising his own brow. "Right. I forgot, it is your job to know. Zhou Yu's parents died in a fire when he was a child. They burned alive, but made sure he got out. Sun Jian took him in and raised him like his own son."

"He never told me that…" Lu Bu murmured.

"Frankly, I do not know why he would. You two are not particularly close," Liao stated. Lu Bu felt his heart clench at that. Liao tore his eyes away and looked around the room. "If you look around, it is obvious what happened. The Wu messenger must have come in after I left. He gave Zhou Yu the letter before he was offered a drink. Can you imagine learning that a man who was a father to you most of your life was murdered and then another man, the messenger, just drops dead while in your care? I would be rather shaken after that. To a person with so many responsibilities and insecurities, they would probably feel like it was their fault."

"Zhou Yu did not exactly act like he was upset," Lu Bu commented. Liao stared at the warrior, dumbfounded.

"Lu Bu, just because a person seems all right on the surface, does not mean they are inside," Liao informed. "Both you and I are prideful men, as you know. If we were to be upset, neither of us would wish to show it. Zhou Yu, though more sensitive, is from Wu, a very prideful kingdom."

"I already know this, Liao," Lu Bu snapped. Liao said nothing ad then looked out the window into the night sky.

"I apologize, my friend. I thought you would also like to know that in Wu, it is very shameful to cry when grieving. Can you imagine that?" Liao replied eventually. Lu Bu's head turned in Liao's direction so quickly that Liao heard a crack or two sound. The warrior winced and rubbed his neck until the aching passed. Zhang Liao shrugged and bid his friend a good night. Lu Bu was left there with the realization that the only time he'd seen Zhou Yu truly cry was because he never properly mourned. All the rest had been from pain or panic…

/

Lu Bu strode into the cell, ready to demand answers. He stopped mid-step when he saw Zhou Yu looking out the window into the clear night sky. The window was barred and stretched passed the cell bars, so that even a guard could sit on the bench and enjoy the night view. Zhou Yu's pale face shone in the light. The sight of the strategist's eyes made the warrior's breathe hitch. They seemed to reflect the sky in brighter color. Lu Bu felt like he was staring at a doll, a shell…

"Did you need something, milord?" Zhou Yu called out calmly, jolting Lu Bu out of his thoughts.

"Are you ready to give the information you withheld?" Lu Bu asked, attempting to keep this encounter professional. Lu Bu mentally scoffed at his own thought. There are very few times my encounters with you have ever ended professionally… He was proven right when Zhou Yu gave a hollow laugh.

"You make me sound like a common criminal," he commented. Lu Bu's heart skipped a beat when those beautiful eyes turned to him. They shone bright in the light. The smaller man's eyes roved over him, analyzing him. After a moment, Yu's eye's widened. "Something happened… Something happened between you and Diao." Lu Bu looked away guiltily. Zhou Yu frowned lightly and turned away. "You should not be here. It will only strengthen her suspicions, if you did not outright tell her."

"What happened between the two of us is none of her concern," Lu Bu stated.

"It is her concern if she is carrying your child," Zhou Yu snapped. "I am sorry, Lord Lu Bu, but I am most exhausted. I do not wish to speak anymore." Lu Bu sighed and walked over to the cell. He sat on the bench in front of the other half of the window. Lu Bu thought long and hard about what he was going to say, what he needed to say.

"Zhou Yu, you are no common criminal," Lu Bu began. "I do not believe you are a criminal at all." With this, he gained the strategist's attention. "You are strong, intelligent, cunning, modest, beautiful…" Zhou Yu opened his mouth to reprimand hi, but Lu Bu cut him off. "You are also stubborn, irritating, you have a habit of speaking out of turn, and getting yourself into trouble. That combined with your temper in not exactly something to be desired." Zhou Yu blinked but felt his anger flare at the insult. He raised his left fist and aimed it at Lu Bu through the bars

"You… You bastard!" Zhou Yu growled and swung. Lu Bu didn't have to look. He caught Zhou Yu's hand in his own. He really should let people finish… Lu Bu thought affectionately. Lu Bu turned his head to face Zhou Yu. All the fire left the strategist when he was met with those warm chocolate orbs.

"But, all those traits combined… They make you noticeable," Lu Bu went on. "It is to be expected that not all attention is good or even wanted. Aside from that, there are those like me who are struck in awe. You are not a mere Beauty, strategist, soldier, object to be owned… You are a person I am more than happy to call my friend. You are fascinating."

"Zhou Yu felt his heart warm at Lu Bu's words. Those who didn't know Lu Bu would be in amazement that he even knew that many words. Zhou Yu was honored that such as amazing human being was his friend. Before he knew what happened, Lu Bu was in his arms. Though the bars were in their way, Zhou Yu found himself embracing the man. He wanted to, so badly, tell the man that such flattery would do nothing for the warrior. Zhou Yu smiled, feeling Lu Bu's arms wind around his waist. I'll tell him some other day…

/

Zhou Yu brought his cupped hands to his lips and drank what little water he could stomach. The water was cold and somewhat soothing to his itchy throat. He was sure he was getting over a cold. He had felt dehydrated despite the amount of water he took in. He didn't wish to touch the water again, but he knew he had to.

Having drank only as much as he could withstand, he wiped his hands on his clothes and sat on the bench again. It had been rather quiet the past two days he had no visitors since Lu Bu came. His heart ached at the thought. Not even Liao had graced him with his presence. Zhou Yu felt isolated. It did not help that whenever the servant came in to deliver his water and food, he could have sworn he hears her speak. A few times he actually caught himself before he could ask her what she had said. He knew the answer. Nothing. The servant cannot speak… Zhou Yu reminded himself. Dong Zhuo had her tongue cut because she dared to defend me. I must be losing my mind if I am hearing voiced like that.

Zhou Yu sighed, letting his head rest on the cool stone wall. It soothed his headache. He listened carefully to the soft chirps of the birds, as well as the clanging of swords in the distance. It was about time for Ying's training to start today. If Liao had already begun teaching Ying swordplay, he would need to have a word or two with him.

The strategist closed his eyes. He didn't know how long he sat there for. For all he knew, he had fallen asleep. If so, his sleep was abruptly ended by the door to the room slamming open. Zhou Yu jolted up, eyes wide open and searching the room. When he saw Lu Bu, he knew the man was angry. Before he could stop it, he flinched in fear. His nightmares the past two days consisted of something like this.

Lu Bu seemed to notice the change and softened a bit. Not a moment later a guard stumbled into the room. It took one nasty glare from the warrior to make the guard drop the keys and run. Lu Bu grunted and picked the keys up from the ground, then proceeded to walk over to the cell.

"Lord Lu Bu?" Zhou Yu asked, confused and worried. "What are you doing?" Lu Bu gave him a reassuring smile and unlocked the door.

"I am releasing an innocent person," Lu Bu answered easily. Zhou Yu shot him a questioning gaze. "A servant has some forward and confessed to bringing the bottle to your room. However, I can say no more than that." Lu Bu stepped into the cell and embraced the smaller man. He said nothing as he did, leaving Zhou Yu with even more questions.

"Lu Bu, wait," Yu began, raising his weak arms to push away him away, to no avail. "I need to know what happened to the servant. What will everyone say when they see me released so suddenly? What would Diao sa-?!"

Zhou Yu was abruptly silenced by a pair of roughened lips sealing over his own. The warrior pulled his closer, until their bodies were flush against each other. Zhou Yu was left with almost no room to struggle, not that he could even think to do so. It had been so long since he felt those wonderful lips on his. The sweetness and love behind the kiss made the smaller man's knees weak. He had to grasp onto the warrior's shoulders so he would not fall. He felt Lu Bu's arm wrap around his waist, making him shiver in unexpected pleasure. He found himself kissing back with just as much passion. Without thinking he buried his hands into the warrior's hair, pulling the man closer. He opened his mouth, allowing the kiss to deepen.

Lu Bu pressed forward, pushing Zhou Yu back. Following his lead, Zhou Yu found himself pressed against the cold stone wall. He sighed as it cooled his heated skin. When he finally broke the kiss, Lu Bu dipped his head down to trail more kisses down Yu's neck. The smaller gave a loud moan of appreciation, his head falling back against the wall with a dull thud.

You should not be doing this. A nagging voce in his head spoke. He is married. He is going to be a father.

"Zhou Yu…" Lu Bu moaned and kissed Yu again, pressing flush against him. It made Yu's body buzz in pleasure and sparks fly behind his eyes. You love him. Gods you love him. The voice went on. But does she deserve this? Does she deserve the pain you felt? That thought had Zhou Yu's eyes snap open. He suddenly felt a cold chill, like a bucket of water was being dumped over him.

"Lord Lu Bu," Zhou Yu tried, placing his hands on the other's shoulders. The warrior either didn't hear him or thought that Yu was enjoying his ministrations. Zhou Yu shivered when a rough calloused hand he didn't know he missed found its way under his robes and onto his hip. "Lord Lu Bu… Stop." Yu tried again, pushing on the other's shoulders lightly. This didn't seem to get his attention either, as the hand slid down into the strategist's trousers. Zhou Yu's eyes rolled back when the hand came into contact with his neglected member. He let out a broken moan.

No matter how much pleasure you get out of it, this is not right! Zhou Yu bit his lip hard, attempting to gather himself. When he did, he shoved Lu Bu back with as much strength as his could muster. "I said stop!" he spoke, sending Lu Bu back a few steps. Lu Bu started at Zhou Yu, studying his disheveled form. He looked so gorgeous with his hair messed up, cheeks flushed and lips bruised and red. When he took a step toward the smaller, Zhou Yu raised his hand, stopping him in place. Yu took a couple of minutes to compose himself.

"Why did you stop me?" Lu Bu asked. Zhou Yu met his eyes and spoke evenly.

"This is not right. You and I should not be together. Diao Chan is your wife and if…" Zhou Yu grit his teeth briefly before continuing. "And if you wish to take part is such activities, then do so with her, not me." With this Zhou Yu stumbled out of the room, his head still light after having a taste of Lu Bu again. I think I miss the taste of wine on his lips…

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SXH: Another chapter down! About ten more to go for you guys! I am currently working on the next script, so do not worry. Diao, you did very well today.

Diao: What can I say? I do well in all I try to achieve.

SXH: …. Just because of that narcissistic attitude, I'm cutting you out of the next chapter.

Diao: WHAT?!

SXH: Don't complain, missy. I know you messed with the script, albeit for the better, you still messed with it.

Diao: Fine then, what did I change?

SXH: The part where Zhou Yu gets sick. That wasn't in the script but I have found a way to incorporate that into the story itself. In the meantime, you are on probation. One more slip up and I'll have someone else playing as you instead…. Say… Da Qiao? She hasn't made an appearance whatsoever in this story so it could work. Can you imagine that? Instead of your face for Diao Chan, it is Da Qiao. It's like to ask the readers to state their comments on the matter in a review please?

Diao: You can't do that!

SXH: *clicks pen over paper* Watch me, bitch.

Diao: *gives frustrated growl and stomps away*

SXH: *smug look. Goes back to writing. Looks up* Oh. You're still here? What? I haven't done my outro yet? Sorry about that. Zhou Yu, would you like to do it this time, I'm kind of busy with the story and my summer course work.

Zhou Yu: I do not mind. We hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave like if you enjoyed and do not forget to leave a comment to tell us what you thought about the story. We look forward to working on the story's next chapter and seeing you when it is posted. We send you our love, reader. Until next time…

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Bye~!