Hear thy, hear thy. Yes it is true. Angel finally made another update. Yep I know it took me way too long. Please don't be angry with me? Bet yah all thought I gave up on the fic didn't you? Well you where right. I did give up on it at one point. My best friend died of cancer last month and I really didn't feel like doing anything whatsoever. But I picked it all up again and so here's a new chapter. Next chapter will have a little more action in it ;)

Warning: I realise Trowa might be a little oc but well I tried my best to fix it for you.


Trowa's pov

Trowa leaned slightly over the terrace, looking out over the flowerbeds of the garden below. Small lights illuminated the paths giving the place an almost magical vibe. His heart ached thinking of his blonde angel. He would spend hours and hours on the same spot he was now, remembering the countless times he had spent here with Quatre. He
remembered the indignant expression on the pretty blonde's face if anyone would dare say all those lights were a useless waste of energy, and times of simply watching his lover stare at his own creation with an almost childish
admiration.

Trowa shook himself out of thought. Even though he didn't wear a watch he knew it was late by simply watching the full moon. He half expected Erynn to poke her head around the door or storm onto the terrace any second now to scold him for still being outside, but then remembered she had gone to bed right after dinner with a headache. The day of the masque ball was nearing and she had probably overexcited herself. Trowa himself felt his stomach flip just thinking about tomorrow. Selfish as it might be, he hoped with all his heart that the pilot would be Quatre.

When he turned back inside the first thing he noticed was that the lights in the living room were on. "Can I get you some hot chocolate and cake?" As a self pronounced chocolate and cake addict she would probably jump at his offer. Anyway he didn't mind getting it for her.

Erynn momentarily looked up from the book she had been reading. She had comfortably settled down on the couch, with the radio on in the background. "Only if you are getting some yourself," she answered with a smile before
returning her attention to the book.

Even now she still insisted he did nothing for her unless he did it for himself as well, although she had gradually given into the idea of letting Trowa cook. It had taken him some time, but she seemed to be at peace with the idea that cooking was not her forte and that eating was much less uncomfortable without the danger of food poisoning.

Trowa put the kettle on the gas and sat down to wait. It was strange to be in Quatre's mansion without the others there. Part of him was eating away with guilt. There was no doubt that of all pilots, he was best off, and Quatre... Quatre was probably worst off. Trowa shuddered to think of what they were doing to his lover. He knew the others would be all right somehow but Quatre...Somewhere in his thinking process he picked up a knife to slice of the cake but he worked on autopilot.

"Hey, be careful!"

Erynn's cry yanked him away from thought. A painful stinging sensation drew his attention to his hand. Blood? Trowa stared at it distantly; he hadn't even felt it when he had cut himself. Erynn tore the kitchen knife from his hand and tossed it in the sink. "What were you doing?" she gasped, her eyes still wide with shock. "Are you all right?"

Trowa nodded, drawing his injured hand away from her grip to wash the blood away under the tap. "It's only a small cut," he mumbled, refusing to look her in the eye. "I wasn't paying attention. Sorry."

Erynn hardly listened to him at all. She was turning one of the cabinets upside-down in search of a first aid kit. Ignoring his protests, she poured some rubbing alcohol on a piece of cotton to clean the cut.

Trowa winced slightly, but let her have her way as she bandaged up his finger. He quietly obeyed the hand that pushed him in direction of the living room where she sat him down on the couch. Minutes later she returned to hand
him the hot chocolate he had been going to get and sat down next to him.

"You really scared me just now. I thought you were cutting your finger off."

Trowa glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Erynn was openly staring at him over the edge of her mug. "I'm sorry..." he repeated before sipping his drink. It had been so long since he had had hot chocolate he wasn't sure
if he liked the taste of it anymore, but he drank it nonetheless.

"Are you nervous?" Her question drew his attention. "About tomorrow I mean," she continued when he didn't answer.

The silent pilot watched her for a moment with an unreadable expression on his face, and then returned to sip from his drink but still looking at Erynn. Her eyes were half closed and she glanced at him suspiciously from under her lashes, one hand massaging her temple.

"Well I know I am" she said before falling silent for a while. This was quite unusual since she usually chattered nonstop, but then he figured it must be the nerves that silenced her.

"Do you want me to get you an aspirin?"

"Huh?" Erynn opened one eye to give him a questioning look.

"For your headache..." he clarified, frowning when she didn't put up a protest about him not being her servant, slave and whatever more. She just nodded once and stood up.

"Do you mind bringing it to my room? I think I'm gonna go lie back down
for a bit."

Trowa escorted her to the stairs and watched her climb up before doing as she asked him. He couldn't but to wonder if anything more serious was going on then she was letting on.

The next morning, however, she seemed cheerful as ever. She bounced excitedly throughout the house, knocking over chairs, spilling coffee on herself and more of the usual clumsiness. Trowa watched it all from a safe distance and
sighed, not even bothering to try and calm her down, knowing by now it was no use. But with Erynn acting like a hyperactive Skippy ball he wondered if they would be able to pull it all off tonight.

By the time it was five she headed upstairs again, taking the aspirins with her. She claimed not to be hungry so Trowa resigned himself to heating a can of soup and eating alone. The ball wouldn't start until about ten o'clock so there was plenty of time to get ready. That morning both a suit and a mask had been delivered to the mansion on behalf of Edward Silverman. By the looks of it the suit was a formal army uniform, the New Alliance insignia pinned to the chest with a colourful red ribbon. It was a perfect fit. A little red velvet mask, much like the masks people wore at Mardi Gras, covered the upper part of his face. It almost felt like betrayal to his friends to wear Alliance colours, but knowing it was for a good cause he swallowed his pride and wore it nonetheless.

"Ahem." Someone coughed to get his attention and Trowa looked across the hall towards the main staircase, where Erynn was descending. A white velvet strapless dress clinging lightly to her curves and flowing as she walked. Erynn smiled at him, nearly tripping over the rim of her dress. She gave an embarrassed grin and stopped at the foot of the stairs to adjust the red velvet mask, which resembled his in a more feminine form, and held out her hand expectantly.

Trowa inwardly laughed over her small charade and played along by making a curt bow and taking her gloved hand in his own. It felt good to laugh; it made him relax, if only slightly. Gently he started guiding her down the driveway. It was chilly that evening. The moon and stars were crystal clear in the dark blue sky, shining just a tad brighter than they
usually did as if to wish them luck.

Erynn, in her role as sophisticated lady of upper class society, stuck her nose in the air with an air of confidence. "Very well my lord, you may escort me if you please." She pressed her hand against her mouth, unable to stop a giggle from passing her lips. "You look like a real gentleman tonight Trowa," she said when she calmed down again, glancing at him through her mask.

"Thank you." He smiled curtly opening the door of the limo. They passed the ride in
silence. Erynn could probably tell he was nervous by the way he stiffened, blankly staring out of the darkened windows and refusing to even look at her. He heard her sigh a couple of times, and as they turned into the huge driveway she placed her hand on his shoulder.

"We'll be okay," he heard her whisper. "Just whatever you see, promise me you'll stay calm." When he didn't answer she urgently gripped his upper arm. "Trowa...?" she pressed, trying to get him to look at her.

He still wouldn't look at her but nodded once and opened the door. He knew she was right. He would have to keep his cool or he could endanger them both, but truth be told he wasn't sure if he'd be able to. For the moment, though, he forced himself into steady breathing and allowed Erynn to rest her hand on his arm. She seemed completely at ease with herself as she handed the invitation to one of the soldiers at the entrance, smiling at them from under her mask, before swiftly pulling him into the pulsing warmth of the ball room.

Whatever else could be said of the Alliance, their ballroom was beautiful. The marble hall was decorated with red roses everywhere they looked; there were servants handing out champagne in crystal glasses and people scattered about, dancing or talking. The couple stopped for a moment to take the entire scene in. Suddenly Erynn jerked his arm ever so lightly. "Dance with me,"

Trowa complied. It made sense to blend in, rather then stay passive and be noticed.

Surprisingly, Erynn was quite good at dancing. The steady waltz came along with many twirls and paces, and for a tiny moment he felt as though he were enjoying himself. Not for a second, however, did the mission leave his mind. His eyes kept casting about the hall in search of even the slightest hint of another pilot. Without thinking, he lifted Erynn to swing her gracefully to his left hand side as all the other dancing couples did. He smiled faintly, remembering how he used to dance with Quatre as a practise for this same ball. The blonde had fit perfectly in his arms, being light as a feather.

The music came to an end and he bowed as she did the same. A servant handed them both a glass of champagne and they moved to the edge of the dance floor as new couples entered for another waltz. She sipped lightly from her champagne without really drinking it. Her nose scrunched slightly at the taste of the drink and she kind of nonchalantly attempted to place her full glass on one of the many tables.

Trowa watched her act with justified concern. The glass wobbled slightly, falling of the edge and shattering to pieces.

Erynn blushed fiercely as people turned their hands toward them. " Ah sorry..." She exclaimed to the servant that quickly came to clean up the mess, pouting slightly.

Trowa took her arm and quickly let her away.

"Have you seen him?" she asked when they where a safe distance away.

He shook his head and couldn't help but feel anxious. What if the information was wrong? What if there would be no pilot?

"Don't worry..." she whispered, taking his hand and squeezing it lightly. "We'll find him." It wasn't supposed to be hard. If a pilot was indeed brought here for his master to show off, she figured there would be a small crowd somewhere to see him. She bit her lip lightly, looking around for any clues.

"Let's split up," he suggested. "It will be faster that way." He could tell she was reluctant to leave him alone but he figured he would be all right for a while.

She eyed on him suspiciously for a moment but then gave in with a sigh, seeing the reason behind his words. "Okay."


Erynn's pov

She couldn't see Trowa anywhere. Maybe splitting up wasn't such a good idea after all. What if something had happened to him? Erynn sighed in frustration, casting her gaze on the dance floor again to make sure she hadn't missed him there. Then again, why would Trowa go near the dance floor at a time like this? Most likely he would be in one of the more quiet areas looking for his friend. She leaned lightly against the white marble balcony. From her position she could overlook the entire ballroom, and yet she didn't spot Trowa or a hint of the other pilot.

Suddenly a heavy hand landed on her shoulder and she gave a startled cry,
spinning around to crush her fist into the side of the stranger's face. She was probably a bit more jumpy then usual. For all she knew that could be an alliance soldier who caught onto her and... What was she doing?! She had just
punched a random stranger in the face. So much for sophisticated and invisible. But then, bringing her eyes up to shamefully meet those of masked stranger, she realised something.

"Marcus...?!" she gasped weakly, taking a few steps back.

"Yep it's definitely you." He grinned, rubbing his bruising cheek. "I don't know any other woman who has one hell of a punch like you do. Erynn I didn't know you hated me so much, babe."

"Don't call me babe!" Erynn hissed, quickly gaining back her posture. "How did you know it was me?!"

"I took a guess. Besides your mighty punch, there is also no other woman I
know who carries the smell of lilies. Your perfume gave you away, but don't
worry, I won't tell anyone else." He winked and resumed grinning. "Actually I want to talk to you for a moment. Dance?"

She quirked a brow, even though he wouldn't be able to see, and thought about her options. She had to find Trowa, and the more time passed the more she worried something might have happened, but Marcus sounded like he had something important to tell her and she had known the young heir of the tropical wood plant too long to simply ignore him.

"Just one... since my escort vanished into thin air." She gave in with a curt nod, allowing Marcus to lead the way as another waltz started. Ever since childhood she had known him from the society parties they where forced to attend. To say she knew him well would be an exaggeration, but he was quite nice and she liked him. "So why do I have the honour?" she asked as she stepped into his arms. It was a quiet dance; many old couples and newly found
lovers were now dancing. The perfect place to talk without being heard.

"I needed to talk to someone. From all the people I know, you're the only one I think won't judge me harshly," he answered, leaning slightly into her ear, his warm breath tickling her neck. Erynn listened silently, but kept looking around for a sign of Trowa.

"You know my father's plant burned down a couple of days ago..."

Erynn nodded. It had been plashed all across the newspapers, so it was kind of hard to escape attention. "Yes, I heard about the storm. The lightning..." She tried to be polite even though she wasn't sorry at all. After all she despised their business.

"It wasn't the lightning. It was me." Marcus left a small silence, looking at her from behind his mask. "I started the fire."

Erynn blinked a few times, maintaining a blank expression on her face. "Come again? I thought you just said..." She trailed off, trying to make out whether or not he was fooling around with her. "You're being serious aren't you?" She hoped he was playing a prank on her. Argh this was no time for troublesome situations like this. "Oh my god. Oh my..."

"Before you start flipping let me explain."

Marcus interrupted her train of thought, preventing it from spinning out of control. She realised somewhere in between the first minute and the next she was gaping at him and picked her jaw up off the floor, dumbfounded, and nodded. "Humour me..." she muttered abruptly, stopping their dance and pulling him aside. She had a hard time keeping up with the paces as well as listening to him. "Why on earth would you do such a thing?"

"For love..."

Okay now she knew he was playing a joke on her and it was not funny. She was wasting precious time she couldn't afford to loose. Erynn scowled at him, giving him her best death glare, and turned on her heels. "You're crazy," she stated, giving him another hateful look over her shoulder. "And you're wasting my time. Bye Marcus."

"Erynn wait!" His hand grabbed her wrist, painfully yanking her to his side, nearly causing her to loose her footing. "Please hear me out."

"You better have a damn good excuse for this," she hissed, indignantly rubbing her sore wrist.

"I know you're thinking I'm playing a prank on you but I'm not. I did it because a slave asked me to."

This was getting crazier by the minute. Erynn was not altogether sure whether she wanted to listen or slap him across the face, but she bit her tongue and choked back an icy commend. As if the "love" statement weren't bad enough already, now he practically declared he had fallen in love with a slave who asked him to set the very plant he would inherit on fire, and he had actually done it. Erynn massaged her temples, feeling an instant headache coming up. "Okay I give up. Do pardon me for saying this but you are in need of some professional help. Even if you do love her, which is kind of hard to believe seeing as you have more girlfriends in a week then your father has slaves, why would you do such a ridiculous thing?!"

Okay that might have been a little below the belt. She could see he was a little hurt by her words but at this point she really couldn't care less. Her patience was growing thin and all she wanted to do now was find Trowa to make sure he hadn't gotten into trouble.

"Because I love her and she asked me to help free the Gundam pilots..."

Erynn found herself blinking again, realising once more she was gaping at him. "The Gundam..." She trailed off once more. "Which ones? Where are they now?" Maybe this was their chance to find the other pilots as well.

If he found her suspicious he hid it well. Or maybe he mistook her questions for admiration of his deed and every teenage girl's interest in ex war heroes. Well, to a certain extent she did admire what he had done, but she didn't think to tell him that.

"Their names where Duo and Heero. I'm not sure where they are now. I arranged a car, supplies and money for them but they couldn't have gotten far. One of them was injured quite severely. My brother planned to dispose of him the next morning so I had to act fast. Mae came up with the idea of the fire. If everyone thought they died in it then their chips would be deactivated and they would be free. Erynn...?"

Erynn was already walking away. She couldn't wait to tell Trowa about this. Turning around she blew Marcus a kiss. "I have to go now. My date will looking for me." Adjusting her mask slightly she lifted her skirt, making a hasty disappearance.

Gone before he even half realised and leaving a very baffled boy behind. He wanted to tell her so much more. Like the fact he knew she had pursued Trowa Barton at a very shady slave market in the suburbs of town and that he knew what she was trying to do, but she was gone before he could even open his mouth. He would probably never understand the inner workings of the twisted girl's mind. Or maybe twisted wasn't the good word. Marcus absently sipped his drink. "Not twisted..." He reasoned with himself. "Desperate..."


Angelofsecrets; So, this is all for today folks. Pfffh I'm totally whooped now. Hope you enjoyed it. As you might have noticed by now I'm not really a very faithful updater but I do promise I won't make it too long this time.

Heero walks onto stage to hand Angel a card, nods to the audience and disappeared behind the curtain again

Angelofsecret: He's so talkative don't you think? Ahem anyway, I want to remind you all to leave a review, so that I will update again soon, you all know the deal by now. Oh Oh Oh and I wanna thank Ness Frost for doing all the beta work for me. Owari!

Angel walks off stage and Duo pokes his head around the curtain; She also wants to thanks everyone who reviewed so far!