Welcome to My World

by SerenityMoon

This Story is an an end...It was written over a decade ago-And I'm pleased to say that my writing has improved since then. Forgive me for not wishing to continue this.

3. Hello Minako. Holy Heero! Poor Duo. Good...

Author: ~*SerenityMoon*~
Title: ~*Welcome to My World*~
Chapter: ~* Three*~

Hey, Gomen this chapter is late, but my Internet has been down for nearly a month.

*I Don't Own the song in here, it's in *----*, Savage Garden made it.

If you wish to see the evil, petty, disclaimer that asinine law firms make you write, see the first chappie. K? K.

______________________________________________________________________________

LAST TIME

"Do you accept this mission?", Dr. J asked her suddenly. "Mission Accepted.", Serenity replied gathering her necessary items. She was still wearing the same clothes from before, however she wore a concealing trench coat over it. It had small invisible pockets where medium sized gun's could fit, along with bombs and necessary items. When patted down you couldn't find the pockets or feel the weapons. She grabbed a wad of chewing gum and popped it in her mouth. With a smirk she strapped a few gun's to her thighs, just so Oz would have something to take off. Two black heart shaped clips in her hair were actually bombs. With a smirk she jumped into her Gundam and took off.

______________________________________________________________________________

WITH SERENITY

She jumped out of her Gundam steadily, walking at her own leisurely will.

'Thank Kami for shielding mechanisms.', she thought decidedly.

A plan had already taken place in her mind, the only thing left was to execute the plan, and they would be in and out. She had already retrieved the disk from the other side of the base without anyone noticing.

"Let's make those doctor's proud Apollo.", she murmured to the bird flying in the sky, who gave a loud screech in response.

Her mission was to complete what the G-boys had failed, and to bring all five of them back to her base. She walked out in the middle of the Oz patrol yard unnoticed. Then she shot off three shots, attracting every guards attention in a mile radius. The search lights were trained on her, and in seconds around twenty guns were pointed at her. She raised both hands in the air, the gun back at her waist.

"What are you doing here?", one guard asked shamelessly roaming her body with his eyes.

"Well, you see, Mr. Guard Sir, you seem to have my boyfriend. And I want him back.", she stated turning at batting her eyelashes at him innocently.

"Search her.", the guard ordered.

Two men stepped out of line, and quickly patted her down, finding two small handguns on her thighs, in a thigh holster.

"Two issue 47 handguns sir. Nothing else.", the guard reported handing the gun to his superior.

"Who's your boyfriend, sweetie?", one guard asked also eyeing her.

'Men, such pigs.', she thought in disgust.

"Gundam Pilot 01.", she replied in a cold voice, earning widening eyes, and disbelieving stares.

"Oh, really? Well let's go see what he says. A young girl firing off guns in an Oz base is a serious offense. Take her away.", the one in charge stated lowering his gun and watching three men take her towards the cells.

"Make sure she's locked up. Sarge 'll see her in the morning.", he called as he continued his rounds.

IN THE BASE

"When do you think he's gonna wake up?", Duo asked his head resting on his wrists which were raw from friction.

"Don't know.", Trowa replied softly almost inaudible.

Heero sat against the wall eyes closed, much like Wufei, although Wufei was meditating. Heero was positive if they didn't break out soon, the Innocence would die. Although he had killed many soldiers in his lifetime, the thought of Quatre dying disturbed him. Wufei pondered an escape route in his head.

'We could sneak out when the guards come, but Quatre would be dead weight, and we wouldn't be able to escape fast enough. Plus that would be useless anyway, considering they are heavily guarded. Weak Onna's.', he muttered in his mind.

Leaving Quatre was not an option, the young man was more than just a comrade. He had become a friend in such short time. Suddenly his eyes snapped open as he heard noise.

"Let me go you weak BAKA'S!", a female voice raged.

"Sure we'll let you go, babe , straight to our barracks.", one guard joked.

Light flooded the holding cell area, as they heard the sound of scuffling feet.

"I dare you to touch my ass again.", came the female's voice in a cold deadly monotone that spoke more volumes that her previous screaming.

"Oh, and what are you going to do about it?", the same guard retorted. "Castrate you and change your religion.", came her reply in the same tone of voice.

Duo couldn't help but smirk, the girl had spunk. Wufei stared at the cell doors, an eyebrow raised at the girls choice of words.

"Aww, you know you want it sweetie.", the same guard replied, finally coming into their view.

The girl in question, jerked away from the two guards holding her arms, and kneed the hormone driven guard in the groin area. Before the other two guards could recover, she lashed out and punched the man in the nose.

"AHHHHHH!!! BITCH!", the guard screamed as her knee came into view, the sharp tip of the top of the boot bloody. She was going to swing again, but was restrained, just in the nick of time.

"Let me GO!", she growled angrily, while one guard unlocked the Gundam Pilots cell.

As one guard tried to push her in the cell her hand grasped the door frame, right where the lock should bolt.

"Get her in there Fred! Moody's in real bad shape here, I think she really cut it off!", one of the guards yelled.

"Stupid, wench!", the guard holding her elbows growled, suddenly rearing her back, and throwing her in the cell. She flew off the ground and smacked her back on the wall with a sickening crack. She slid to the ground and didn't get back up again.

"Have fun with her 01.", the man who threw her in the cell called while all Heero did was glare.

"Come on, Moody, it's not completely cut off, if we hurry they can sew it back on.", the guard that had yet to be named stated.

"Shut up Dave, his damn nose is broken too.", Fred retorted helping Moody up.

"She told him not to touch her ass, it's his fault.", the other one replied helping him down the hallway.

"Come on, let's get outta here.", Fred replied, as they shut the main door leaving the lights on.

"Baka's.", the girl muttered, standing up and stretching like a neko.

Trowa watched her with mild interest. She had just been slammed into a wall, quite hard judging by the sound it made, and now she was standing up no problem.

"Are you the Gundam pilots?", she questioned leaning against the wall.

"Who wants to know?", Duo snorted standing up.

They couldn't trust anyone in Oz. Even if she was a babe, one of his friends had been hurt already he wouldn't allow another.

"Dr. J.", she replied pushing herself off the wall, and taking off her coat, laying it on the ground.

"Who are you, onna?", Wufei demanded standing up also.

"Shi Tenshi, pilot 06 of Gundam Tsuki Hoshi.", she replied pulling a switchblade out of her boot.

At the same instant all the boys realized exactly what she said, and their eyes widened.

'Now they've got weak Onna's doing this........... baka's.', Wufei thought.

She stalked towards Duo and pulled his hands infront of her. She had stuck the tip of the blade into the lock of the cuffs, when Duo jerked away.

"Hold still, do you want out of these or not 02?", she questioned deeming him the pilot of Death Scythe, due to his long braid.

Duo didn't reply as he replaced his wrists. She stuck the blade in the lock prying it open, then jamming the switchblade hard into the hole. With an audible click it opened, and fell off his wrists. She then swerved around Duo to Wufei who was bound with thick rope. She quickly hacked through it, and then turned to Heero who was now standing up silently. She did the same thing she did to Duo however instead of letting her go, Heero grabbed her shoulders and slammed her into a wall.

"Who do you work for?", he asked in monotone squeezing her wrists, making her drop the knife.

"Dr.J.", she replied jerking out of his grasp, grabbing her dropped knife, and flipping over him to her out stretched out coat.

Slicing down the inside of the middle, she threw two inner layers of padding out. Then she split it the rest of the way open, revealing an arsenal of weapons. Duo whistled appreciatively, and eyes a few of them, with a child like glee. She grabbed two guns identical to her Kassan's and four extra clips for each side. She attached them to her thigh holster, and put the guns in place, placing the switchblade back in her boot.

"01?", she called out tossing two smaller guns at him which he caught effortlessly.

"02?", she continued throwing him a knife, with drugged darts.

"03?", she called out tossing a gun with a knife.

"04?", she continued, sensing no response she looked up and glanced around.

It was then that she realized the boy leaning on the wall was unconscious. He looked strangely familiar to her.

'Quatre.', she thought absentmindedly.

'Iie, Quatre is gone.', she thought to herself blinking and turning away.

"05?", she continued fighting back a sting of tears as she remembered the blood seeping through 04's clothes.

She threw him a long knife with a small gun.

"Grab 04, and let's move. I've already retrieved your oh, so important disk, so all we have to do is get out.", she started walking towards the wrought iron bars.

"Oh, and how pray tell do you plan to get us out, onna.", Wufei snorted.

"The miracles of chewing gum.", she replied going back to the empty coat pulling a small spray bottle out of it.

She took the wad of gum from her mouth and spread it all around the lock hole, then she sprayed it. The gum fizzed a greenish tint while the iron started to melt away.

"Acid Chemical Reaction.", she replied waiting a second then spraying a little more. Then she suddenly wrenched the door open, and the still melting lock fell to the floor with a resonating clang, then disintegrated into nothing.

"What are you all waiting for?", she questioned them walking out quickly.

Duo smiled slightly and followed her, he was convinced she was on their side. After all she was a Gundam pilot, and she had gotten them out of the cell. In a way he figured she had let the guards take her to the cells, just to look weaker than she really was. She slinked down the hallway in the shadows, for all the world acting like Heero.

'Heero? Female Heero? GREAT.', he thought sarcastically watching Trowa's back as he was carrying Quatre.

"Get her!", he heard men scream suddenly from ahead of him.

In six quick disturbances of air, all six men were dead.

'Whoa.', Duo thought ogling the girl now that he could see her better.

"The exit is just up ahead.", the girl murmured to them back pressed against the wall.

"Where are your Gundam's?", she questioned stopping suddenly.

"N12 , by E26.", Trowa calmly replied careful not to hurt the boy in his arms.

"I was right then. My Gundam is right next to yours, I could see the air disturbance.", she continued softly motioning them to follow her.

"Dr. J said for me to bring you guys back to my base because it's closer.", she continued receiving a 'hnnn' from Heero.

A burst of cool fresh air hit them in the face as they walked cautiously outside. Heero now lead the way shooting all that got in his way. Silencers were a great thing. Serenity and Wufei both flanked Trowa and Quatre, while Duo stood behind Trowa, taking care of the back. In around fifteen tense minutes later they still had not gotten to their Gundam's. That's when they heard the alarms go off.

"The pilots have escaped! Hurry they can't be far!", they heard shouts call closer and closer.

"Haul ass people.", Serenity muttered pushing Trowa infront of her and pushing him quicker than he was walking. Soon enough Heero's foot touched invisible solid gundanium.

"I'll take 04 if you want.", Serenity offered holding her arms out.

"I promise I won't hurt him, but there's more room in my Gundam because I'm smaller than you.", Serenity explained with hurried movements.

As if perplexed for the moment he carefully handed Quatre to Serenity.

'Hey, Tsuki , how bout a little help down here?', she asked mentally as her Gundam suddenly shimmered into existence, and the eyes glowed icy blue.

A deep icy cold color that reminded her so much of 01. The four boys stared in awe as the Gundam carefully bowed it's head at her, then kneeled in front of her. It placed it's metallic fingers infront of it's chest creating a makeshift stair well. In a few quick jumps Serenity was almost into the Gundam as she strained against the weight in her arms.

"Hold it!", called out a voice as a guard crashed through the brush.

Noticing Serenity about to leave he shot at her. A falcon with blue eyes swooped down and scratched the man's eyes. Serenity twisted in such a fashion that the bullet would hit her and not the already battered boy in her arms. The bullet lodged itself into her shoulder blade and she nearly dropped 04. Heero whipped out his gun and shot the man in the forehead, using a silencer. Serenity staggered all the way into the Gundam and the hatch closed. She buckled him into the seat belt and sat down beside him.

"Kuso.", she cursed as she realized moving her arm was going to be a big problem.

'Oh well, I'll have to do my best. Time to complete my mission.', she thought to herself, as her Gundam suddenly jerked upright.

"Hey boys you might was to get in the air.", she started as she saw the last of the boys hatches close.

She then started to open the crystal metallic like wings on the Gundams back.

"Why?", Duo questioned in the process of blasting off, her vid link closing.

His eyes widened as he caught sight of the wings on the Gundam. As soon as she was in the air she whipped out a buster riffle. She charged the energy, and then suddenly shot it off releasing a white hot beam. As the beam hit the base she realized she was too close to the blast. The other Gundams were up higher than she was and wouldn't be hit, but she would be caught in the inferno. In a quick action the translucent wings closed over the Gundam shielding it from the blaze. As the smoke cleared away her Gundam stood amidst the flames, then rose in the air.

"Your mission, boys, from Dr. J is to accompany me to my base. If you do not choose to accept I'll just have to force you to go. Understand?", she questioned as the screen flicked onto 04.

"Yeah, Jeeze lady. Lead the way.", Duo replied to her with a wink. Heero turned off the vid com, along with Wufei, and Duo. Trowa however stared at her with one visible eye, a question in his gaze.

"I'm not going to hurt 04, 03. It was only a scare tactic to get stubborn Gundam pilots such as 05 to come with me.", she explained feeling slightly woozy from the lack of blood.

Trowa nodded and flew next to her as she lead the way home. Dawn peeked over the horizon promising a new day of war, trials, and peace.

______________________________________________________________________________

WESTCROFT HANGER

"Dr. J, they're coming in!", called Bryce happily opening the door.

"It's about time.", Dr. J huffed walking over to meet them.

The three Gundam pilot's Gundams flew in first, followed by the new Gundam. As soon as the hatches opened the four boys slid out of the mecha's and landed infront of Dr. J. Serenity's wings flexed then closed as her Gundams eyes glowed. The hatch opened and the Gundam placed it's hand in front of the cock pit, as Serenity stepped out into it's hand. It slowly, carefully lowered her and and the unconscious Quatre to the bridge. As Serenity carefully stepped off the Gundam she nearly buckled at the weight in her arms. The Gundam nodded at her closed it's hatch, and walked over to it's resting place. As it reached it's spot it's eyes stopped glowing.

"Dude.", Duo muttered eyeing the girl.

"Hey Bryce, make yourself useful and take him to the upstairs infirmary. Tell Hilary to prepare five rooms, but until this one wakes up, he'll stay in my room.", Serenity ordered with a smile of gratitude as he effortlessly lifted the boy into his arms.

" You really should take care of that.", Bryce told her respectively just noticing her heavily bleeding arm.

"It's fine, Bryce, I've had worse.", she stated waving it off.

Suddenly in a flutter of wings the black falcon that had scratched the guard flew into the room.

"Apollo!", Serenity called eyes twinkling, as she held out her good arm.

The hawk screeched and landed on her skin, lightly so not to pierce her with his falcons. The bird leaned up and affectionately nipped at her chin, while she painfully stroked his back feathers, smoothing them out. Serenity laughed slightly as the bird ruffled it's wings and snuggled against her chest, closing it's eyes contentedly.

"Dr. J.", Heero stated in a chilling monotone, staring hard at the doctor.

"Ahh, I'm assuming your all wondering who this amazing young lady is.", the doctor started amused at the looks on the pilots faces.

"If you would please introduce yourselves to her......", he continued watching intently.

"I'm Duo Maxwell, I may run, I may hide, but I won't tell a lie.", Duo started winking at her.

"Trowa Barton.", Trowa stated nodding at her slightly.

"Chang Wufei, onna.", Wufei bit out a bit embarrassed at being saved by a female.

"Heero Yui.", came the cold monotone, sending the room into silence.

"It's nice to finally know who you are.", Serenity commented lightly as Apollo flew out of her arms,"Considering the fact that J wouldn't even allow me to see a picture of any of you. Let alone be told your names."

" And what's your name, babe?", Duo questioned slyly, hoping to score.

She was obviously on their side, otherwise she wouldn't be a pilot, so a bit of flirting wouldn't hurt.

"I am Lady Serenity Usagi Croft.", Serenity stated as etiquette had taught her, bowing at the waist.

Duo's, and Wufei's eyes bugged out, as she bowed respectfully to them.

"Serenity C-Croft?", Duo sputtered out blinking rapidly.

"You called?", she smirked, tempted to laugh.

"Iie, you cannot be her, Serenity Croft is nothing but a weak pampered spoiled brat.", Wufei snorted the shock leaving him as he realized that couldn't be true.

This Onna was quick minded, and nothing like the brat. He had met Serenity Croft before he was a pilot, when she and her Kassan had taken a trip. Apparently Lara Croft had connections with his clan, and was welcomed with open arms. Serenity Croft had refused to fish, hunt, or do anything of use. All she did was stay at her Kassans side and work with technical things. This Onna and Serenity Croft had nothing in common, except maybe the stance they both took when apparently angry.

"Dr. J onegai explain to him that I am who I say I am. Then give him to me when I get this damn bullet out of my shoulder, so I can stick my foot up his ass.", Serenity snapped stalking angrily out of the room. She did NOT appreciate being called weak, or spoiled, let alone a brat.

"Ouch, Wu-man got burned. That's gotta sting.", Duo chortled laughing at the sputtering pilot.

"DIE MAXWELL!!", Wufei yelled unsheathing his beloved katana that he had left in Trowa's Gundam.

"Ahhh! Trowa! Save me!", Duo yelped diving behind the taller boy.

"Barton, Get out of my WAY!", Wufei roared tightening his grip on the sword.

Trowa shrugged and got out of his way, like any sensible solider should.

"That braid is MINE, Maxwell!", Wufei threatened chasing the boy around the Dr.

"Ahhh, Iie! My baby!", Duo yelled as he pulled his braid infront of him, avoiding it being sliced off.

*BAM**BAM*BAM*

Heero held his gun up in the air, smoke coming from the nozzle.

"You do realize Lady Serenity is going to kill you for putting holes in her ceiling.", came a voice from the hallway as Hilary rounded the corner.

"State your purpose.", Heero uttered at the man leveling the gun at point blank range.

"Don't point that at people, you might accidentally shoot someone. I only came down here to inform you all that your rooms are ready.", Hilary replied seeming unfazed by the presence of a gun pointing at him.

"You may retire for the night now, or you may wait for the Lady of the house to accompany you.", Hilary continued turning around.

"We'll wait.", Trowa replied wanting to find out something's from Dr. J.

______________________________________________________________________________

IN THE MEDICAL LAB

"Kuso.", Serenity muttered as she pulled at the bullet in her shoulder bade with a sterilized pair of tweezers.

She bit her lip so hard blood flowed, and her eyes stung with tears.

'Damn that hurts.', she thought in her head as she finally got it out.

With a repulsed glare she picked up the alcohol and started to dab it on her wound. She unintentionally screamed as it touched her. Dropping the cotton she clamped her hand over her shoulder and concentrated. She didn't care if her Kassan had told her never to use her powers unless necessary, to her this WAS necessary. A small silver glow flew from her fingertips, and her wound sealed up.

'Long sleeves and sweatshirts for me.', she thought darkly.

If one of the pilots had noticed the lack of a wound on her arm, she would have far too much explaining to do. She walked out of the room, and went to the room she had used during training. She quickly hopped into the shower and washed off all the blood that had collected on her skin, and in her hair. She grabbed black flare jeans, with a blue angora sweater. She took her hair down and placed it in an odd ball shaped style. Two buns were perched on her head, with long streamers with silvery blonde hair flowing from them. Smiling in satisfaction she put on a pair of blue sketchers, and walked out of the room.

______________________________________________________________________________

IN THE HANGAR

"She is the one and only Lady Serenity.", Dr. J confirmed for the tenth time since the arguing had stopped.

"She's a Onna.", Wufei pointed out, a bit put out, after being wrong.

"Hai, an onna.", Dr. J replied most nearly tempted to roll his eyes at 05.

"A weak Onna.", Wufei continued throwing a glare the doctors way.

"Iie, she is NOT weak. If she fought you, I assure you, that you would not win.", Dr. J replied.

Wufei snorted and turned away in disbelief.

"Why weren't we informed of 06?", Heero asked suddenly from his spot against the wall.

"Because 06 was not trained from a young age like you. She started her training just recently.", J replied coolly disregarding the boys gaze.

"Just started?", inquired Duo from his spot in the computer chair. You wouldn't believe the fun you can have with a computer chair.

" A month and a half ago I believe.", Dr. J continued watching as Duo's jaw dropped.

"That's not possible, It took us years to learn how to operate a Gundam and fight.", Duo retorted pushing his jaw back up.

"Oh, but it is. Understand boys that her Okassan is Lara Croft, she has been trained since birth in the ways of fighting and survival. Most of the tests I gave her were complete child's play. It is well known that the Croft lineage has a few strange abilities, and learning things, quickly, and easily is one of them. Wufei, when she went to go visit your clan, she wanted to fish and hunt, however she was stuck inside perfecting her hacking skills. Hell, she found Dr. S in two minutes.", he explained pushing up his glasses.

"Is this the same Serenity Croft that Quatre was friends with", Duo spoke up suddenly.

"Hai, I'm afraid she hasn't realized it is Quatre yet, she had thought it was, but banished it from her mind.", he continued turning as he heard foot steps coming from the direction of the lab.

"J, I swear to Kami if you don't get some less painful antiseptic back there, you will die a horrible, not to mention highly painful death.", Serenity grumbled as she watched Shiro pace irritably in the shadows.

"Shiro-chan?", Serenity called watching the tiger eye the boys.

'Shiro-chan?', thought the boys at the same time each scanning part of the room for an intruder.

In a black and white blur, the tiger raced past the boys and skid to a stop infront of Serenity. As Duo took a step forward Shiro let out a menacing growl, as Duo continued another step, the mighty beast roared in rage. The noise reverberated throughout the entire hangar, and then continued to make all the pilots step back.

"Shiro-chan.", Serenity scolded in a mocking tone.

" I'm sorry he doesn't trust new people very easily.", Serenity explained while Duo cowered behind Trowa.

"Is that thing tame?", asked Duo tentatively.

"Of course he is, he wouldn't hurt anyone.", Serenity laughed patting the now purring tiger behind the ears.

"Unless I tell him to.", she continued as her voice changed into that of a soldier.

Trowa got her point loud and clear. Serenity still didn't trust them with a ten foot pole, and that was probably a good thing.

"Call off your beast Onna.", Wufei ordered leveling his Katana at it. If Shiro could have smirked he would have.

'Baka.', the tiger thought watching his fuming mistress.

"I have a name Wufei Chang, use it.", Serenity retorted eyes flashing.

"Why don't you make me Onna.", Wufei shot back, angry that she defied him.

Serenity stomped up to him and in a few quick movements his katana was
knocked aside.

She then proceeded to poke him in the chest accentuating each word.

"You are the most, ignorant, pig headed, chauvinistic, ego-maniac, jerk, that I have EVER had the immense displeasure of meeting!", she stated in a deadly voice eyes burning holes into his.

"And I don't waste MY time, with people like YOU.", she bit out.

*SMACK*

Serenity slapped him, and turned on her heal, the exquisite tiger following her. She headed out towards the 'elevator' and was soon on her way to her home.

______________________________________________________________________________

BACK IN THE HANGER

"Dude.", Duo commented watching her stomp out of the room, hair flowing behind her.

Wufei stared speechless as his cheek burned angrily. Glancing at his face in the polished steel he knew he was going to have a bruise.

"I think that's enough for tonight.", Dr. J interrupted, walking towards the same way Serenity went.

"Get some sleep boys.", he commented to the youths following him.

"Hai, sir!", Duo mock saluted trying to break the tension.

"Shut-up baka.", Wufei muttered darkly, while Duo retorted by sticking his tongue out at him.

"Please buckle up, and when your ready press the go button.", Dr. J instructed as each of the boys eyed it suspiciously.

"Good night.", Dr.J called as the doors slid shut, and light flooded the tiny room.

"Hnn.", Heero stated pressing the button just as Duo buckled up.

______________________________________________________________________________

IN THE LIVING ROOM OF CROFT MANSION

"So, Hilary, how is 04 doing?", Serenity questioned as she continued to hook up her bungee harness.

"You mean Quatre?", Hilary questioned from his dusting spot.

"Q-Quatre?", she stuttered, she never had found out 04's name.

"Hai, Lady Croft, Quatre Winner. You must remember him.", the wise old butler replied climbing down from his ladder.

"Hai, I do remember him. I -I just never knew he was a pilot.", Serenity replied smoothly, covering up her shock.

She had never thought that kind Quatre could become a pilot.

'So that was why he left.', Serenity mused turning on her stereo, then turning it up as high as it would go.

She had reasons for putting 04 in her room, he would need his sleep, and her room was sound proof so she wouldn't wake him. She had changed her clothes for that of a long sleeved baby blue, button up, silk pj shirt with matching draw string pants. The CD that blasted out of her player made her smile.

*She's taking her time making up the reasons*
* To justify all the hurt inside*

She heard the lyrics and stood up on the fourth floor railing, spreading her arms like a bird she dove off the railing, relishing in the feeling of being free. Inches off the ground her bungee cord tensed and caused her to fly back towards the ceiling. Hilary bopped his feather duster to the tune of the music, moving his head from side to side.

______________________________________________________________________________

WITH THE BOYS

"I am so going to do that again!", Duo exclaimed happily walking infront of the boys.

"Hey, who's in here?", a voice called out from behind a huge, nearly destroyed robot.

Suddenly it spit out a disk which landed in front of the boys. It read 'Serenity's Party Mixx'. Trowa picked up the disk and watched as the robot started to spark.

"It's us!", Duo chirped coming from around the other side of the robot.

Bryce pushed up his goggles and looked.

"Oh, hey, if you'd just wait a second I'll get Hilary to show you to yours rooms.", he commented taking the goggles off all the way.

"What happened to this thing?", Duo asked his nose wrinkled.

"Serenity trained with it. She somehow found a way into the circuit board and rewired it to play her music, instead of attacking her. I STILL don't know how she did it. If she was going to rewire it she should at least laid off the guns.", Bryce explained pointing to the metal swiss cheese.

*Every one's got a theory about the bitter one.*
*That's why she shies away from human affection,*
*But somewhere in a private place she packs her bags for outer space*
*And now she's waiting for the right kind of pilot to come*

Heero cocked his head to the side as he heard the music filtering through the air.

"She must be bungee jumping again.", Bryce commented leading out the lab doors.

*I would fly to the moon and back, if you'll be ........*
*If you'll be my baby.*
*Get a ticket for a world where we belong*
*So will you be my baby?*

They turned and twisted down the halls following the music, while it continued to get louder.

*She can't remember a time when she felt needed*
*If love was red than she was color blind*
*All her friends, they've been tried for treason.*
*And crimes that were never defined*

Duo walked briskly, finding himself humming the words, realizing the song to be that of a popular, yet older, band.

*She's saying,"Love is like a barren place",*
*And reaching out for human faith*
*Is like a journey I just don't have a map for*

They rounded another corner and could just see blue flutter down then fly back into the air just as quickly.

'What was that?', Trowa wondered watching as it came down a few minutes later.

*Send a signal that she's*
* Hanging all her hopes on the stars*
*What a pleasant dream.....*

Bryce motioned them to enter the room from the far side of the hall, so they wouldn't make contact with the fluttering blue object. As they entered the room they saw Serenity attached to a bungee cord, eyes closed. She flipped and turned in as many different positions as possible.

*Get a ticket for the world where we belong*
*So would you be my baby?*
*Hold on*
*5, 4, 3, 2,1*
*Hold on*

The song then launched into an instrumental part as Serenity's movements became more graceful and long. Near the end of the song she unbuckled one side of the harness, and she started spinning, faster than the eye could follow. Suddenly she unbuckled the other side of the harness, and she fell towards the ground. Duo tensed and prepared to catch her, however he noticed the way she was going to land, and if it hurt any one it was going to hurt him. As the music stopped she landed on one knee in front of them eyes wide open.

"Hai.", she asked calmly standing up.

Bungee jumping had always relaxed her nerves.

"We were looking for our rooms.", Trowa stated in a soft tone.

Serenity glanced around looking for Hilary. Apparently he had left to go to another room.

"I can show you where they are.", Serenity replied slowly as a sudden thought appeared in her head.

"Hey, Bryce do you still have the plans for that security system?", she asked taking the harness off her waist.

"Hai, Serenity-chan, Why?", Bryce asked confused.

"Good, I want them installed by tomorrow night. Things aren't going to be so peaceful around here any more.", Serenity started, but then glanced back at him,"Get some sleep, you look like the dead.", She told him walking away with the boys in tow.

"To make it easy on you, all your rooms are on the second floor, except Quatre's. His is on the third floor down the hall from mine.", Serenity commented walking briskly up the stairs.

"Hey, Dr. J said you didn't know that was Quatre.", Duo interrupted, as Serenity turned to grin at him.

"I didn't know until Hilary told me.", she replied turning down the hall.

"If you have any questions, just go to the big oak doors with the carvings on the third floor, or walk around till you find someone. There are various maids, servants, and whatnot.", Serenity continued as if Duo's question had never been asked.

"Any way, Duo this is your room.", she told them opening a double door.

The huge room was decorated in darker shades, and Duo hopped into the room yelling, "Cool!".

"You'll find clothes in each of your closets that fit your taste.", Serenity told them all, then turning to walk out leaving Duo to his own devices, which consisted of jumping on the bed.

"Chang, this is yours.", Serenity stated coldly still pissed at him.

She threw open the door, and revealed a large room decorated in various shades of red. Serenity then turned on her heal, with the other two boys followed her.

"Why is Quatre's room on the third floor?", Trowa asked suddenly breaking the silence that had ensued.

"Because that's where his room always was. When his father had to go on business trips, and his sisters were busy, he'd stay here with us.", she explained turning down another hallway.

"Here you go Trowa.", she stated opening a door decorated in a forest green colors. Trowa gave her a nod of gratitude and quickly slipped into the room. They then continued on to another room down the hall a ways.

"Heero, I know you don't like me on this little team of yours.", she started quietly, keeping her gaze on the hall.

"Hn.", Heero replied in a monotone.

"However you will have to learn to like it. I will be here until this war is over, so we might as well get along now.", she muttered opening a door.

The room was decorated in shades of dark blue and black, with a laptop in the corner.

"That laptop is the best on the market, don't go blowing it up.", Serenity scolded lightly backing away and shutting the door softly.

Serenity breathed a sigh of relief as she walked away from Heero's room. The boy unnerved her for some odd reason. It was probably for the fact that she couldn't feel his emotions very well. Usually, by just looking at a person she could tell what kind of person that person was like. Wufei just plain and simple annoyed her and pissed her off all at the same time, which really wasn't a good habit to get into. Duo really wasn't all that bad, just purposely acting naive. Trowa was quiet and perceptive, actually kind of interesting. With a sigh she walked up the grand staircase towards her room. Tonight she would watch Quatre, tomorrow she would sleep.

______________________________________________________________________________

WITH LARA AND ALEX

"Well, this is relatively easy.", Alex murmured aloud as he and his wife read the hieroglyphics adorning the wall.

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch Alex.", Lara replied as she came to a break in the writing.

"What?", he asked as she touched the stone wall.

"Shit.", she stated flickering her flashlight onto a higher power.

"The break means there's a break, or a pit, somewhere in here, and we, meaning you and me, really should watch out for it, unless you fancy scorpions.", she continued walking cautiously, down the narrow passage way.

Alex made a grimace at the word scorpions, he wasn't very fond of the little creatures.

"Lean against the wall!", Lara yelled as she saw a metallic glimmer in the distance.

A round blade came flying down the hall, tearing up the dirt where, seconds ago, they had just occupied.

"We really need to be more careful.", Alex reminded as he reread some of the ancient writing.

"Wait, that's the trap.", Lara stated noticing the sudden darkness in the floor.

"Which means----", Lara started checking out the wall opposite to them.

"That the door is right here.", Alex finished for her pushing open the wall which was actually a door.

"Oh, my..........", Alex trailed off as he walked into the new room.

"My thoughts exactly.", Lara agreed as she observed the large stone emperor.

It was surrounded by gold and jewels of all kinds.

"Let's find that Gemini Diamond.", Alex murmured stepping forward.

"Stop!", Lara started, but it was too late Alex stepped into a trap. A rope closed around his leg and he was soon lifted into the air.

"How many times do I have to tell you, think before you act.", Lara scolded laughing at him.

The blood was rushing to his face as he hung upside down by one foot.

"Lara, onegai get me down?", Alex requested, using a puppy face.

"Nope, get your self down.", Lara replied laughing at him still.

"It's not funny!", Alex fumed fighting with the rope on his foot.

"Hai, it is.", Lara corrected smirking.

"I think Serenity would like to see this.", Lara continued pulling a small disposable camera out of her pouch.

"You wouldn't.", Alex begged eyes wide.

"I would.", she replied snapping off the camera numerous times while Alex tried to cover his face.

______________________________________________________________________________

THE NEXT MORNING IN THE CROFT MANSION

"Lady Croft! Lady Croft!", cried out Nakuru, one of Serenity's handmaids.

"Wha--?", Serenity asked a bit of drool coming out of her mouth.

She had fallen asleep around six a.m., not being used to staying up late on very little energy. She looked up and saw Quatre still sleeping, as she had fallen asleep in the chair leaning on the large canopy bed.

" Lady Aino is here!", Nakuru announced more softly noting the sleeping boy.

Serenity's eyes widened as she looked at the clock and realized it was one in the afternoon. Then they widened even more as she realized exactly who was visiting her. She virtually flew into her wardrobe, grabbed a forest green sun dress, and ran to the shower. Ten minutes later she came out with her hair dried, and curled in tiny ringlets, flowing freely down her back. She tied a matching green scarf on her neck, and slipped on matching sandals. She applied a bit of lip gloss, and literally flew out of the room, past Nakuru, and down the hall.

Serenity ran down the first flight of stairs, straight past Heero, and walked more slowly down the rest of them, catching her breath.

"Serenity, oh, my darling chibi niece.", cried out her 'Aunt' Rachel Aino.

Rachel Aino was a very distant relative of her mother, and the only other living relative of the Croft family, aside from her daughter, who happened to be just a couple of months older than Serenity. Serenity gave a bright pasted on smile and tried to breath as her Aunt squeezed the air out of her.

"When I heard your parents was leaving for six months, I just had to do something about it!", she crooned as if Serenity was a two year old.

Serenity grimaced as she tried to breathe, and suddenly heard snickers to the left of her vision. She then heard snickers from above her head as well. She finally pried herself out of Rachel's arms. Rachel stood back and gave Serenity a good once over.

"Your such a beautiful young lady, I'm so glad you wear more feminine clothing, unlike your mother.", Rachel told her with a slight scowl as she thought of her beloved 'sisters' attire.

"Yeah.......", Serenity trailed off shakily as she heard more snickering from both places.

"Really, Kassan, let her breathe.", a feminine voice scolded from Serenity's left.

"Oh, hush Minako.", Rachel scolded lightly turning to her child.

"I can tell when I'm not wanted.", Minako sniffed pretending to be hurt.

Her blue eyes watered, and she started to walk away.

"Awww, mummy's sorry, how can I make it up to you?", Rachel apologized falling hook, line, and sinker for Minako's ploy.

This time Serenity looked up when she hear the snickering, and saw Duo watching the scene from behind a pillar on the second floor. She also saw Heero on the other side of the hall watching in the shadows. Wufei was nowhere in sight and, Trowa was watching from the third floor leaning on the rail, amusement showing in his visible emerald eye. Serenity smirked at Trowa and blew a silent kiss at him, letting all three of them know she knew they were there. A small tinge covered Trowa's cheeks, and his head turned away slightly.

"A credit card?", Minako sniffed, looking even more pitiful than before.

Rachel fished in her purse for one of her various credit cards, and finally pulled out the chosen card.

"There you go, happy?", Rachel asked in a two year old voice, handing it to her daughter.

"Yup!", Minako chirped happily, all previous traces of tears gone.

"Any way, your mother and I decided that Minako is going to stay here with you while I go do business in Japan for three months, and in America for six months.", Rachel announced brightly.

Serenity replied with a happy smile, and an enthusiastic hug for Minako.

'Not good, not good, definitely not good.', Serenity mused listening to her Aunt ramble on and on.

How was she going to cover up being a Gundam pilot now that Minako was staying with her?

"But, girls I've got a flight to Tokyo in forty-five minutes, so I have to leave.", Rachel stated regretfully, twenty minutes later.

"Bye-bye.", Minako called as she was pulled into a tight hug.

"Ja ne.", Serenity replied also receiving a death hug.

After a few more hugs, and a teary good-bye, on Rachel's part, the older woman left. As soon as the door shut both girls leaned against it letting loose a big whoosh of air.

"Life, is good.", muttered Minako eyeing Serenity.

"Nice dress, Usa-chan.", she commented mirth dancing in her eyes.

"Yours is great too.", Serenity commented the same look in her eyes.

Minako was wearing a spaghetti strap yellow dress that ended at the ankles with a slit to the knee. She also had a scarf on her neck only in yellow. She wore yellow sandals, and had her hair down almost like Serenity, except her hair was to her waist and was a pure golden yellow, and held back by a big red bow.

"Time to change.", they stated in unison racing up the stairs to the third floor, where their rooms were.

Minako's room was down the hall in the opposite direction of Quatre's. Ten minutes later they came out in a much more comfortable attire. Serenity wore navy blue flare jeans with a white long, flare sleeved baby-T with the logo 90% Angel on the front written in blue with silver sparkles. Minako wore black pleather pants and a white button up shirt with three quarter sleeves. They both wore sketchers only Serenity's were blue, and Minako's were white.

"I forgot to introduce you to a few a few people who are staying here. They're friends of mine.", Serenity started as they walked down the stairs, Shiro trailing them out of nowhere.

"Who are they, bishoonen?", Minako asked playfully, knowing full well that Serenity's friends were more than likely men.

Her cousin didn't get along with many of the female persuasion, due to the fact that Serenity disliked most of their attitudes. Or maybe it was the fact that Serenity tended to attract many males attentions, in more ways than one. The worst part was that an older classmen had fancied her, and she in turn, had abhorred him. The man was self centered, arrogant, not to mention a conceited jerk. He thought of himself to be the best because of the fact that he was fifty-second in line for the throne of Spain. In other words if fifty one other people croaked he'd be King, highly unlikely of course. He had proposed to Serenity numerous times, and each time she turned him down cold.

"Well, where are they?", Minako wondered as they continued down the stairs to the foyer, where four boys were loitering.

Four boys. Four very kawaii boys. VERY kawaii boys.

"Ren, onegai if those are a dream, don't ever wake me up.", she murmured as she surveyed each one.

"Minna-chan?", Serenity called out to see four heads turned towards her.

"This is my cousin Minako Aino. Minako, meet Heero, Duo, Trowa, and the ass.", Serenity stated sweetly flouncing down the stairs. She received a death glare from Wufei, but pointedly ignored it.

"Actually, his name is Wufei. But I prefer ass, baka, kono yaro, anything with a derogatory meaning behind it.", Serenity explained plopping down between Duo and Heero on the couch.

" Please tell me you have more cousins that look like her.", Duo commented to Serenity who rolled her eyes.

"Nope, I'm the only one.", Minako replied with a wink in his general direction.

"Oh, and Quatre is here too, he was injured so DO NOT wake him, or look for him, Mina.", Serenity continued seeing Minako's face brighten.

She had met Quatre before and had taken a liking to him, although it was two or three years ago.

"Lady Croft, The mail has arrived.", Nakuru called walking into the room, brown curls framing her face.

"Arigatou, Nakuru-san, and please, call me Serenity. What do I have to do grovel and beg?", Serenity joked receiving the mail.

" Fine, I won't call you that, after all it is quite confusing with your kassan. I'll just refer to you as the tabloids do, Princess Croft.", Nakuru replied a small smirk playing on her lips.

"Wha--, That's worse!", Serenity cried out plopping down on the couch.

Duo snickered at her misfortune, and Wufei muttered,"Weak Onna."

The word 'Princess' rang in her ears and she had to shake her head to clear the fog.

"That reminds me, wait just a second.", Minako muttered racing up the stairs at lightening speed.

"Oooooo.... What's this?", Serenity asked opening the add.

It was an advertisement for so-called quality weapons.

"Junk, those things would break within two uses, max.", she muttered throwing it on the table.

"I'd give it less.", Duo interrupted noticing the poor craftsmanship.

"Bill.", she muttered,"Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill.", she continued putting them in a pile on the table, she'd deal with them later.

"Awww, Kuso.", she muttered falling back on the couch the last letter in the pile on her lap.

"Princess Croft, what would your mother, wait a minute, no your father say about that tone of language?", Nakuru scolded lightly, amused at the look of frustration on her charges face.

"Nothing, Kassan would tell him to leave me alone.", Serenity smirked.

"True.", mused Nakuru a thoughtful look on he face.

"What's the matter Ren?", Minako asked plopping back down again, holding a newspaper in her hand.

"Baka, Chiba.", Serenity replied waving the letter in the air.

"I see, well open it. Maybe he's giving up.", Minako advised helpfully.

"I'm sorely tempted to give in, just to save me the aggravation.", Serenity stated sourly.

"Ren, come on I'd love it if bishoonen men would send me diamond rings every other week.", Mina scolded hearts in her eyes.

The boys exchanged glances in question as Serenity opened it. An extravagant diamond ring fell out into her palm, and Serenity groaned.

"I don't know Minako, I think this diamond is slightly smaller than the last one, maybe he is giving up.", Serenity stated sarcastically in her cousins direction.

"You could sink to the bottom of the ocean with that rock.", Duo commented eyeing the ring.

Minako shrugged with a sheepish grin, as Serenity read the letter.

"Oh, dear god, where does he get this stuff? The Internet?", Serenity questioned laughing, as she handed the note to Minako.

"Read it aloud Lady Aino.", Nakuru requested from her standing point next to Heero.

Minako read the first line and cleared her throat pretending to be aristocratic.

*My dear sweet Serenity,

Why do you refuse me? You are almost better looking than myself, we are made for each other! Was the ring the wrong size, color? Is there something wrong with my hair, my face? No, there's nothing wrong with my face, I'm sure of it, I just checked. Is there another? Well, don't worry, I'll dispose of him for you. Why the harsh words when you replied to my last letter? I'm sure you didn't mean any of those things. After all I'm not conceited, or vain, nor am I a selfish pig. Besides hell could freeze over, and on that day we will be wed. Someday I will be King, and you ,my dear, will be my loyal Queen. I'm sure your parents would approve, after all, I am in line for the throne. Do consider my proposal, and accept.

With all my love,

Lord Darien Chiba*

Duo was rolling on the floor in laughter at the man's stupidity.

'And I thought Duo was a baka.', Heero thought his eyebrow raised *slightly*.

'Weak Onna.', Wufei thought still scowling.

"Nakuru take this down will you?", Serenity questioned standing up which showed a bit of stomach as she stretched.

"Hai, Princess Croft.", Nakuru obliged with a smirk.

"Don't call me that!", Serenity growled as Duo and Minako laughed.

"Anyway,", Serenity started glaring at the two, which immediately chilled Minako to the bone," Dear Mr. Chiba.", She started as Nakuru balanced the embroidered notebook paper on the table.

The notebook paper had the Croft insignia on the four corners of the paper, and was used for most nearly everything. The insignia was an upturned crescent moon, with a tiny silver eight point star in the middle. Golden lines swirled in beautiful script in the margins of the paper.

"Again I decline your horrendous offer, and yet again I demand that you quit asking. I will never marry you, I will never be your wife, thus, stop courting me! If you don't I'll be forced to explain this to my father. He gets very ugly when baka men harass his daughter. Take this letter and that hideous ring, and shove them, where the god given sun chooses not to shine.", Serenity preached having written nearly the same thing millions of times.

"And sign it with that stamp that has my name on it, it's so much more impersonal.", she smirked.

"Isn't this a bit cruel?", Nakuru asked scrutinizing the letter.

Serenity put a finger on her chin and thought, "Nope."

Minako laughed then held up one of the papers.

"Nakuru-san, was right, the tabloids do call you princess, just with a derogatory adjective in front of it.", Minako explained handing the paper to Heero, who passed it to Duo who snickered, who handed it to Serenity.

*The Ice Princess of the Croft Mansion Strikes Again!*, read the headline on the English Channel. On the front cover was a picture of herself in the winter dress she had worn four months ago to her Aunts Winter ball. It went on with far to much rubbish as to how she ignored all men she deemed useless. Chiba was featured next to her in a black tux, that most likely cost more that her attire times four. *Lord Darien Chiba announces that the Ice Princess is considering his proposal.* That was followed by even worse rubbish on how smitten she was with the big oaf.

"Ice Princess I can handle, that even works for me, but smitten? For Chiba? Not a chance.", she muttered standing up and tossing the paper in the fire place.

"I thought you'd say that.", Minako replied laughter dancing in her eyes.

"Soooooo..... What do you guys want to do?", Minako asked the four boys.

"Hn.", Heero replied stonily placing a glare on her.

"Weak baka Onna.", Wufei muttered, as Minako raised her eyebrow elegantly. 'Now I see why Ren calls him an ass.', Minako thought as she unconsciously glared at the boy.

"Do you have any video games?", Duo asked hopefully glancing at Serenity.

"Sure we have tons...... I've got just the one.", Serenity replied with a wink towards Minako.

"Oh, I remember! You'll love it.", Minako continued a grin covering her face.

Trowa gave a discrete look of suspicion as he watched the two girls. They were up to something.

"Is there a gym, Onna?", Wufei asked standing up and looking her in the eye.

"Yup, go straight down that hall and down three flights of stairs, to the right, up one set of stairs, go down again two more flights, then go straight, then to the left, then the third door on the right.", Serenity replied passively pointing down the hall to her right.

Wufei nodded, walking away, repeating the directions in his head figuring that he was already as good as lost.

Suddenly Serenity's silver watch beeped and she frowned as she stared at it.

"If you'll excuse me for a moment.", she started with a slight smile. She walked into the library and flipped open her communicator.

"06 you are to go with 01 and pick up the other two Gundams from Quatre's desert base. Leave as soon as you can. I've already phoned Rashid about Quatre's current state, and he said he's looking forward to seeing you again. Take your Gundam over there, and set it on auto pilot on the way back. You get Quatre's Gundam, and Heero can get Wufei's.", Dr. J informed from the tiny screen.

"I heard your cousin Minako Aino is staying with you. She must have no idea that you are a pilot, or she must be eliminated, understood?".

As soon as Dr. J stopped talking the screen flashed dark. It took Serenity a few moments to process the information she yelled," KUSO!".

'This could present a problem.', she mused in her head tapping her finger on her chin.

She'd have to leave to go with Heero soon, and she'd need a legitimate excuse, or Minako would suspect something, then she'd snoop, then she'd put herself in extreme danger. A small plan formed in her ever calculating mind, and with a slight grimace she walked out of the room.

______________________________________________________________________________

BACK WHERE LARA AND ALEX ARE

"Aww, come on hunny. I didn't mean it!", Alex whined pitifully outside the door.

"Go AWAY Alex West!", Lara yelled angrily back at him.

They had tried to call Serenity from their base, when the lines had went dead. He had muttered that J had probably gotten his child killed by then, and Lara had taken it the wrong way.

"I'm just as worried about her as you are!", he continued.

Suddenly the door was opened and Alex sighed in relief. He started to walk in when a barrage of pillows and a blanket hit him, knocking him down.

"Good NIGHT!", Lara stated slamming the door shut. Alex groaned and just lay down in the middle of the hall.

'It's gonna be a long night.', he thought to himself arranging his pillows on the floor.

At least he wouldn't freeze this time, last time she only gave him a sheet.

______________________________________________________________________________

IN THE CROFT MANSION

"So babe, what's this video game like?", Duo asked nonchalantly his arms behind his head, feet resting on the table.

"I can't tell you or it would take all the fun out of it.", she sniffed putting her nose in the air.

Suddenly they heard Serenity yell angrily.

"She's not having a good day, now is she?", Minako mused as the door opened, and Serenity walked in a sweet smile on her face. Heero continued to stare at her as she came towards them, from his perspective a little unsettled.

Serenity walked in front of Heero and causally dropped down and sat in his lap.

"We have a mission.", she murmured discretely as she settled herself comfortably into his lap, Her head leaning back on his shoulder.

He gave a small nod of understanding as the initial shock of Serenity in his lap passed over him. He then realized that she was plotting to keep their identities of them being pilots a secret from her cousin, in that aspect he couldn't agree with her more. Playing into her game he wrapped his arms around her waist, and leaned his head on hers. Serenity smiled as she caught sight of the stunned look on the others faces. Duo stared openly his mouth agape, and Trowa merely had both his eyebrows arched in surprise. Minako opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water, her head tilted to the side eyes wide as saucers.

"What?", she asked innocently lacing her fingers through his.

She suddenly felt a tremor race up her spine, as she felt his heart beat against her back.

"Whoa, when did this happen?", Duo demanded still in shock at seeing the perfect soldier display a bit of emotion.

"When did what happen?", Serenity asked innocently, curling up against him.

Heero felt his insides twist as they had never before, as she became as close as she could possibly be to him. The closest anyone's ever been to him.

"T-that.", Minako stuttered out pointing at them.

"Is there something on my shirt?", Serenity asked playing her part as being naive very well.

"Serenity....... you don't date. Men are the scum of the Earth, remember?", Minako explained looking at her cousin worriedly. Serenity then looked as if she just realized what they were hinting at.

"Oh, you mean us? Well, my theory changed. All men are all still scum, especially Chiba, except for a select few, Hee-chan being one of them.", Serenity replied looking straight at Minako, miraculously keeping a straight face.

'Hee-chan?', thought Heero, his eyebrow twitching slightly. As he breathed in deeply he felt her shift, so that her legs were entangled with his. He could smell the spicy rose shampoo she used, and he started to feel a bit light headed.

"I don't believe it, no way, they're joking.", Duo started shaking himself out of his stupor.

"We're not joking.", Serenity replied looking at Duo, ignoring the feelings rising within her.

"Fine then kiss 'em.", Minako replied smartly expecting Serenity to stop there.

Serenity shrugged her shoulders, and pecked him on the cheek.

"Iie, Iie, she means KISS him, kiss 'em, not like that.", Duo corrected, leaning on his knees, a smirk on his face.

Serenity shrugged again and pecked him lightly on the lips.

"Iie, Iie, Really kiss 'em, like boyfriend/ girlfriend.", Minako corrected a sly look in her eyes, positive Serenity would back down.

Heero felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through him, and left him tingling slightly. His cheek and lips burned where Serenity's lips had touched. His eyes widened slightly as he heard Minako's correction, and looked down at Serenity. She was looking up at him, questions in her eyes. They bespoke two things. Do you want to stop this hoax now, or continue on now that we're this far. Heero contemplated for a millisecond on weather he wanted to possibly sacrifice his identity, or just a simple kiss. He realized as a soldier it was his duty to keep his identity secret, and if that was what it took he'd do it.

He lowered his head, and saw her eyes flutter shut, as his soon followed. He pressed his lips to hers and almost pulled away at their surprising sweetness. Her lips were so soft and warm....... He couldn't stop himself as he kissed her softly again, and she responded likewise. It was as if any will power he might have obtained evaporated more and more the longer he stayed close to her. Her hands tangled in his hair at the base of his neck as the kiss became more firm and demanding.

'Who would've thought that the perfect soldier could kiss? Very well infact.', Serenity mused in her head.

She would have continued longer however her lungs were starting to scream for air. Serenity's eyes fluttered open to see his prussian blue orbs glazed over with passion. Something that she suddenly realized that he had never known.

Heero breathed in deeply, calming his nerves, and resetting his perfect soldier standards. For some reason his hands were shaking. He knew that he wouldn't even be able to hold a gun, let alone fire one. What had she done to him? What had happened to him? A kiss was a kiss, they don't cause anything. He mused in his head, unconsciously pulling Serenity closer to him, as they sat on the couch. Serenity, barely aware of her surroundings leaned comfortably on his chest hearing his heart beat frantically.

"Duo, are you all right?", came the voice of Minako barging into her sweet thoughts of previous bliss.

Serenity opened her eyes again to see Duo on the ground out cold. She gave a small giggle, and it caused three people to look at her. Trowa stared questioningly, while Minako stared in shock, and Heero just stared.

"Mmm..... Minako, I just had the strangest dream.......", Duo yawned sitting up dizzily.

"You weren't dreaming.", Minako replied pointing at the disheveled pair.

"My Kami.", Duo muttered plopping back on the floor, dazed.

"Oh, Duo Trowa, I need to show you the base floor plans of the house so you don't get lost.", Serenity stated suddenly figuring it was time to explain things to them now, no matter how much she had enjoyed it.

Heero reluctantly let go of her waist, as she stood up unsteadily.

"In here.", she continued walking into the study she had been in earlier.

The two boys got up and followed her, quite quickly by the way, somehow knowing it wasn't about floor plans.

"Do you ever get the feeling that everyone knows something you don't?", Minako questioned Heero who was currently deep in his own little world, contemplating on the newest problem in his life: Serenity.

Most problems in his life were immediately terminated, but no, this problem was not so simple.

______________________________________________________________________________

IN THE ROOM

"So, let me get this straight, that kiss, that big wet sloppy kiss, was a hoax?", Duo questioned disbelieving every word that exited Serenity's mouth.

"Duo the only reason we did it was to protect our identities.", Serenity countered pacing.

"If Minako somehow found out that we were the pilots, she might accidentally tell someone, and how long do you think it would take for Oz to find us then?", Serenity hissed a bit frustrated with Duo.

"Not long.", Trowa answered for him, grasping her point.

"J told me that if she found us out, we'd have to kill her.", Serenity continued running a hand through her hair.

"But you two also have a mission, to keep her as far away from the lab as possible. Take her horse riding, video game playing, or to the mall, just keep her away from the lab.", Serenity instructed for obvious reasons.

"Mission accepted, high and mighty, babe of all babes.", Duo saluted waltzing out the door, while Trowa followed shaking his head sadly.

______________________________________________________________________________

LATER THAT AFTERNOON WITH SERENITY AND HEERO

The two walked briskly down the hangar hall making sure to have no physical contact with one another. They hadn't discussed that mornings events, or the feelings they had mutually shared. Serenity was dressed in mission garb and a trench coat, with a fake bandage on her arm, while Heero wore a green tank top with black jeans, and a black trench coat as well. They both nodded silently to Dr. J, then continued over towards Serenity's Gundam which was already awake and waiting for her. The Gundam gave the now familiar nod, and lowered it's hand for the two to step into. Getting into the Gundam was the problem. Heero was of larger stature than Quatre, thus Serenity sat in his lap once more. She maneuvered the controls and soon they were in stealth mode, auto pilot, to the desert base.

Serenity was forced to lean back because of the way they were traveling, and was biting her lip to keep self control. She knew she wasn't hurting him because her total weight wasn't nearly enough to do so. She could feel his breath on her neck as his lips occasionally brushed her shoulder. The bitter metallic taste of blood soon flowed into her mouth because of the fact that she was biting her lip so hard. She knew it was all ludicrous that she felt unmentionable certain feelings now, and so soon, but she couldn't squelch them from growing. No amount of training could have repressed them. In some ways she just wanted to smack herself upside the head, but in other was she wanted to congratulate herself. There really was no point in musing over things now, she was on a mission. When on a mission she was no longer Serenity Croft. Serenity Usagi Croft no longer existed, No, now she was the Shi Tenshi.

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AT THE MANSION AFTER, AND DURING THE 'INCIDENT'

The platinum blonde watched the scene unfold before him unable to utter a sound. His eyes widened and his hand gripped the third floor railing so hard it made a dent in the hard wood.

"Iie, Iie, Iie.", he whispered as the two lovers kissed passionately in the foyer.

His hand slipped slowly away from the rail and he backed away. He turned on his heal and went back the way he came. He knew the halls of the mansion like the back of his hand, and soon wandered past the room he had occupied for so long. He had dressed and showered before he had left the room, finding clothes on the end of the bed, exactly his size. He wore a white long sleeve tight-knit sweater, that clung slightly to him, and slightly baggy khaki's with white sneakers. He soon found himself in a balcony of the Solarium, overlooking the well kept indoor gardens. He shut the doors of the balcony and leaned against them with labored breathing. He then pushed himself away from the doors and walked towards the rail.

"Serenity........", he whispered to no one plucking a blood red rose off a vine that had grown up the balcony.

The brutal thorns tore into the callused skin on his hand, and soon red droplets started to fall. The red droplets were thinned by crystal clear liquid mingling with it. Salty tears silently flowed down his angelic, bruised face, dropping one tear at a time. The rose was dropped to the floor of the balcony, as the boy suddenly took notice of his new self inflicted wound.

"Every rose has it's thorns.", he murmured to himself, as his tear ducts overflowed once more.

He did not cry for the pain in his hand, nor did he cry because of the previous torture he had been put through, but he cried for the mere fact of a broken heart. He slowly lowered himself to the ground and leaned his back against the stone rail. He brought his knees up to his chest, and buried his face into the crook of his left arm. His right arm lay limply beside him, the red life giving fluid flowing drip by drip out of his wound. Soon enough his silent tears slowed as the boy fell into a heavy slumber.

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IN THE GAME ROOM

"Now Duo, just go straight through that door.", Minako instructed pilot 02.

Duo was wearing a virtual reality suit, although he didn't quite realize it.

"Are you sure that's the game?", Duo asked inquisitively, peering into the darkness of what seemed to be an empty room.

Duo received no answer as he was suddenly pushed into the black abyss, holding his breath the entire way as he fell.

"Mina! I'll get you for this!", he yelled as he suddenly stopped falling, and solid ground appeared beneath him.

[Hello, player one. Please state your name?}, a computerized voice asked him.

"Duo.", he replied slowly an eyebrow raised.

[Welcome Duo, please choose your destination.}, it continued as the vast space was suddenly brightened by bright lights.

Portals that lead to different virtual reality games were lined up along the walls, with labels above them.

'I wonder what that is?', Duo thought walking towards a portal that decripted

'Super Smash Melee'. He entered the portal and soon bright light filled his vision.

{Please enjoy your stay at the Hyrule Temple.}, the computerized voice stated as Duo knew no more.

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IN THE GAME ROOM

"He is going to get creamed!", Minako crowed as she watched with Trowa which portal Duo entered.

"Why?", Trowa asked watching the enormous T.V. screen with interest.

"He just entered an extremely hard fighting game. If he didn't choose any weapons, the computer will choose them for him, according to his personality. I sent him to the Hyrule Temple just for kicks.", Minako explained a laptop in her lap that was connected to the big T.V. screen.

Trowa nodded as Duo reappeared wearing some odd clothing.

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IN THE HYRULE TEMPLE

"Whoa.", Duo cried out as he fell off a glowing invisible platform, into some very old ruins.

There was moss growing from here and there, with no other living soul as far as he could see. He looked down and gasped at his clothing. He wore a black tunic with golden trimming, with black ....... tights, and had a wickedly curved sword in his hands. Attached in a holster at his side was a large gun, that glowed an odd blue color.

{Prepare to Begin!}, came the same computerized voice loudly. It was then that the grass began to sway in an invisible wind. He could smell the scent of flowers, and pine trees, along with the old smell of rocks. The clouds moved in the sky and it was then that he realized that he was on a floating island.

"How dare you infiltrate this holy place! Your not welcome here!", came a strong female voice to his left.

"And who are you?", Duo asked cockily turning around. The beautiful elfin girl he saw startled him. She wore a blue and white dress, with designs on the front of it. She had an elfin face, startlingly clear blue eyes and a small delicate frame, with insanely long yellowish orange hair.

"I am Zelda, Princess of Hyrule, and as far as your concerned, your undertaker.", the girl replied stonily, her blue eyes flashing. She held her hands up in the air and created a small fire ball.

With alarming accuracy she threw it at him. He raised his hands up in a blocking fashion, and to his great surprise it worked. A red and white ball appeared in front of him, and out of sheer curiosity, he picked in up. He then noticed another fire ball coming his way, and threw the ball in the air and ducked. When the ball landed it opened and light came from the opening. A medium sized creature with boxing gloves on chased after the princess, punching her in the chest area. The girl did a flip and righted herself as the odd creature disappeared. With a glare she threw her arms up in the air, and in a POOF of magical pixie dust she transformed into something else.

"I am Sheik, prepare to meet your doom.", came the ninja clad girl angrily. Duo gulped and backed away slowly from the intimidating woman.

"MINAKO!", Duo yelled running as the skilled fighter chased him around the temple grounds, attempting to take his life.

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IN THE GAME ROOM

"This is great!", guffawed Minako watching Duo get punched by the irate princess.

"You know, that character was modeled after Serenity. No one has ever been able to defeat that character, except for Serenity herself.", Minako continued sending down this thing she assumed was a sword into the game.

"Lady Aino, Lady AINO!", cried out Hilary worriedly racing into the room.

"Hai, Hilary, What's wrong?", Minako asked him worry clearly evident in her eyes.

She swerved her chair around and stood up, quickly, almost smacking into Hilary.

"Master Quatre is gone! Missing! No one can find him!", Hilary explained using his hands as gestures.

"Oh no ..........", Minako trailed off turning quickly back to the computer.

Her fingers flew light lightening across the keys, and soon enough the metal doors opened up with a hiss. Duo stumbled out of them, a bit disoriented. He clumsily took of the suit, and only then did he bother to glare at Minako.

"Quatre's missing.", Trowa stated softly standing up.

"Are you sure?", Duo asked his attention immediately focused on Trowa.

"We can't find him anywhere, the staff has been searching for around two hours, there's no trace of him anywhere.", Hilary confirmed looking straight at Duo.

"Unless we want to have to face the Croft temper when Serenity gets back, we better find him.", Minako pointed out hands on hips.

"Duo you go look for Wufei in the gyms with Hilary, Trowa we'll go search the computer rooms. Let's move!", Minako ordered as her demands were met.

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WITH SERENITY AND HEERO

"Lady Croft, it's been ages since we've last had the pleasure of your company." , Rashid greeted warmly, enveloping her in a giant bear hug.

"It's nice to see you too, Rashid.", Serenity replied calmly, returning the hug.

A pair of black sunglasses covered her eyes due to the unrelenting rays of the bright sunlight.

"I understand Master Quatre was injured, he will be all right, won't he?", the tall burly Maganac asked worriedly leading them to the hanger.

"I assure you, he will be fine.", Serenity replied, brushing her long braid behind her shoulder, and flicking her sunglasses up.

"When did you become a pilot, I never thought that you would be one to kill.", Rashid inquired opening a secret panel in the study.

" I became a pilot not long ago, and as for the killing, I must do what is necessary to protect the people, in both the colonies and the Earth.", She replied truthfully descending the stairs at a fast rate.

They went through several more doors, and down several more stair cases, before the came upon the hanger.

"My Gundam has already started it's trek home, we will be picking up Altron, and Sandrock now.", Serenity stated starting her way towards the white and yellow Gundam.

"I trust you'll come back to see us after the war?", Rashid asked hopefully.

"That's a promise.", she replied giving him a wink.

"See you then!", Rashid called as Serenity and Heero both jumped into the respective Gundams, and started to power them up.

Soon enough they were in the air and more than ready to return to Serenity's hangar.

_____________________________________________________________________________

TWO AND A HALF HOURS LATER

"I wonder where everyone is?", Serenity mused walking into the foyer.

J had said the house was in an uproar for some reason or another, but he couldn't get a straight answer out of anyone.

"LADY CROFT!", cried out Nakuru racing into the room frantically.

Apparently the rest of the house heard her arrival and, soon the foyer was loaded with noise and worried chatter.

"Ren, Ren?", called Minako forcing her way through the crowd.

"Mina, what's happening?", Serenity asked as she was forced to back up against Heero due to the massive amount of people in one room.

"Wellquatredisappeared,andwecan'tfindhim.", Minako spat out rather quickly, in fact far to quickly for Serenity to follow.

"Excuse me?", Serenity asked tapping her foot on the ground.

"Master Quatre's gone. He's missing.", Hilary repeated shying away from the slowly angering girl.

"Quatre Rababera Winner was unconscious, and comatose....... how could you possibly LOSE HIM!!!!!!", Serenity yelled as the majority of the people hushed down.

"We didn't lose him, he just ........ disappeared.", Duo supplied slowly and deliberately, as if he were speaking to someone who was mentally unstable.

"Is he here?", Serenity questioned her temper growing by the second.

"No......", Duo replied slowly.

"Well then, YOU LOST HIM!!!", she screamed at him throwing her coat on the rack.

"We would have found him already, but you, and your mother are the only ones who can access the new security system, and Andromeda.", Nakuru explained calmly, trying to soothe the enraged girl.

"Andromeda!!!!!", yelled Serenity, and soon a tiny pillar of light appeared in front on her.

"Hai, Serenity-chan!", called the apparition of a small girl with shoulder length jet black hair, pulled into twin pig tails, with jade green eyes.

"Hello Andy-chan, can you show me where Quatre-kun is?", Serenity asked calmly smiling at the girl who looked to be about the age of seven.

"Of course I can show you where Quatre-kun is, come with me!", called the small hologram.

The girl suddenly solidified and miraculously grabbed Serenity's hand. They started to leave when suddenly the hologram named Andromeda stopped.

"Quatre-kun needs Serenity-chan, not you four. Stay.", the girl ordered eyes glowing an demonic red.

Duo, Wufei, and Trowa stopped in their tracks, and stared miraculously at her.

"State your name and purpose.", Came Heero's monotone voice, his magnum pointed directly at Andromeda.

"My name is Andromeda Croft, I'm Serenity-chan's little helper! I help her find things, launch attacks, organize the weapons, and secure the mansion.", Andromeda giggled, hopping around Serenity.

"No one leaves this house without my consent, or a Croft order.", she continued stopping and glaring at the four pilots.

"Let's go find Quatre-kun, Rena!", the child called grabbing Serenity's hand and skipping down the hall once more.

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IN THE HALL

'I wonder where he went?', Serenity mused letting the tiny girl lead her blindly through the mansion.

"Quatre-kun, was not happy, no no, he was sad. So very sad.", Andromeda stated suddenly slowing her walk.

"How do you know? What happened?", Serenity asked the girl with the artificial intelligence.

"He made tears, then he cut his hand, then he fell asleep.", she replied turning down down another hall.

She motioned to a balcony at the end of the hall, and said," He fell asleep in there."

Serenity nodded and hugged the girl as a thank you, and in a small white glow the girl was gone.

Serenity waved a hand and then turned down the hall, her temper nearly dissipate.

'I wonder what he cut himself on?', she wondered walking at a quick speed down the hall.

When she reached the door, she slowly carefully opened, hearing the soft click of the door, she pushed it open, just enough for her to slip through.

"Quatre?", she called softly looking around the spacious balcony, then it dawned on her to look down.

"Oh my........", she trailed off dropping to her knees as she spotted the angelic figure clad in white.

"Hey, Quatre, time to wake up.....", she trailed off shaking him gently. The boys head shot up his clear blue eyes alert and ready.

"Hey, it' only me.", Serenity stated watching him visibly relax.

With a grimace she realized exactly how bruised and battered he was.

"What are you doing here?", he asked brushing a platinum blonde strand of hair out of his eyes.

"I live here silly.", she replied grasping his hands.

In his right hand she found several tiny incisions, and quickly healed them in a tiny silver flash.

"Hold still.....", she murmured placing a hand on is cheek.

In a brighter flash all of his major wounds were healed, and the bruises that covered his face faded away.

"I thought your mother said your powers were only for emergencies.", Quatre reprimanded softly, feeling energized.

"Since when have I listened to my parents.", she replied sitting down next to him.

"Shouldn't you be with Heero?", Quatre asked bluntly, a somewhat sour look appearing on his face.

"No, why would I be?", Serenity asked a bit confused.

"I know you two are together.", he continued avoiding her gaze.

Serenity let out a silvery laugh, and Quatre looked at her with an elegant eyebrow raised.

"We were only pretending for Minako's sake. If she found out that all of us are pilots .........", she trailed off letting him process the rest of the information.

"When did Mina get here?", Quatre asked feeling a heavy weight lift off of his heart.

"This morning, she's going to be staying for six months.", Serenity replied leaning on his shoulder.

"Not good.", he sighed running his fingers through his hair, it had become quite a habit for him to do so.

"I know.", Serenity replied suddenly feeling fatigue wash over her.

"Hey, the new security system Andromeda was set up this morning, I'll explain later.", she started stretching and standing up.

She offered him her hand and he stood up as well.

"We should go tell the boys that you were found, I think Duo thought you died.", Serenity stated walking down the hall.

"Yeah, that's Duo all right.", Quatre replied laughing.

They walked in silence the rest of the way to the foyer. Further chat could wait till the next day, she was far too tired.

"Hey Sere, Did you find him?", called Mina cheerfully seeing the blonde hared girl first.

"Yeah .........", Serenity mumbled stumbling down the stairs, to rest on the couch.

She pulled the afghan of the back of the couch, curled up in the corner of the couch, and was almost asleep before her head hit the armrest.

"What did you two do this afternoon?", Mina asked Heero suspiciously as he stopped staring at her sleeping form.

Heero shrugged, and turned to Quatre obviously awaiting an explanation.

"You see, I kind of fell asleep in the solarium.", Quatre started a blush covering his features.

"You baka.", Minako muttered with an Anime sweatdrop.

"Fine Minako, don't even say hello. Just sit there and call me a baka.", Quatre stated his bottom lip quivering.

He have the greatest puppy dog face to ever see society, and it had it'd desired effect.

"Oh, Quatre-kun, I'm sorry. ", Minako called throwing her arms around him.

"I've missed you too.", Quatre stated through laughter.

"Oh, wait I have to go make sure the game system is shut down.", Minako stated after letting Quatre go.

She literally flew up the stairs, at the thought of what her Aunt would do to her if she left the game system on all night, and broke it again.

"Hey!", Bryce called walking into the room.

Noticing there was no Minako, he sighed in relief.

"You guys have got a mission.", Bryce continued in a hushed voice, "Accept or Decline?", he finished.

"Accepted.", rang out five voices in unison.

"Good, I'll see you six downstairs when your ready.", Bryce admonished spying Serenity asleep on the couch.

"So, who wants to wake her?", Duo asked looking at her carefully.

Silence met his ears as he turned to look at his fellow pilots.

"I'm not doing it.", Duo stated firmly, there was no way he was going to wake her.

Ten minutes later Duo Maxwell, had a black eye and a hand prints across his face.

"She's awake.", Duo stated glaring at men that were supposed to be his friends.

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Review A.S.A.P.!

I apologize for the lateness! Forgive me!

Much Love Serenity Moon