The Lost Prince

by Shadow-Hawk2

Is Trowa Barton the lost prince or is he being used by a beautiful alien? Relena dumps Heero. So why is he unhappy? 3xOC, 1XR

2. Trowa and Heero become bachelors

Royal Palace, Cinq Kingdom

"Benton, I can't do it!"

Relena Peacecraft glanced across the room where her sister-in-law, queen consort of the Cinq Kingdom, sat before an elaborate table setting at a small table with the royal advisor, Colonel Benton, who tried to instruct her on the use of the flatware. She held two forks in her hands, and tears rolled down her cheeks to spill onto the other two forks remaining before her. Nothing new there, thought Relena. Lucrezia Noin Peacecraft had been crying constantly for three weeks, and in those rare moments when she had dry eyes, she could usually be found hovering over a toilet. She was thin and pale and haggard although the doctors pronounced her healthy. Relena decided she would never have children if she would be forced to live through that. And there were seven more months of this torture to live through.

Benton graciously handed her his handkerchief – he had an unending supply lately – then stood behind her to massage her shoulders. "Your Excellency, I know you can master a few forks."

"I can't even master the spoons," she sniffed.

Relena rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her Teen magazine. She flipped a page and began to read an article called, "How to catch and hold your man." No matter how many of these advice columns she read, she could not catch and hold Heero Yuy! Perhaps the advice offered in these magazines was not intended for use on trained assassins and gundam pilots. Just that morning at school Relena had to physically force Heero to walk her to classes again. The sight of Duo Maxwell and Trynity Stryfe together made her stomach turn. They didn't even walk together half the time, and yet they were more together than her and Heero. She hated them! If she hadn't invested so much time and energy into Heero Yuy, she would dump him and look for someone who would appreciate her, someone like Lars Nelson. Relena sighed dreamily. Where was she when Hilde was sinking her claws into him? Well, Hilde needed someone now that Duo had fused with Trynity, so Lars Nelson was a logical substitute.

The door to the salon opened and her brother walked in. Relena noticed his panicked look when he saw his wife sniffling. Relena wondered if he had heard her sobbing and waited in the hall until she had calmed before entering. If it weren't for Benton, their marriage would be a wreck. Although Miliardo loved her dearly, she was completely unsuited for her new position. The reporters were not kind to her. Then again, they were not all that kind to the king either for their shocking behavior before their marriage. It would be years before they lived down the Roxy Rivera scandal. Served them right! Relena was still angry about being left in the dark about Noin's little masquerade when Colonel Nelson had sent an assassin after her future sister-in-law.

Miliardo replaced Benton in massaging her shoulders after he leaned down to kiss her cheek. "Are you feeling any better?"

"Do I look like I am?" she snapped.

Relena lifted her magazine to hide her smile.

"The doctors say to be patient and it will pass," he offered, his tone meant to be soothing. Big mistake thought Relena. Miliardo still hadn't learned that lesson.

"Be patient? It will pass? That is easy for you to say! Yes, it will pass, and then I will be a fat cow until I suffer all the agonies of hell!" Noin turned to glare at him, her red, puffy eyes making her look even meaner. "This is your fault!"

Relena sunk down in her chair wishing she were somewhere else. How would Heero feel if she went to live at Seaside Laboratory? Miliardo would never let her do it, but still it was an interesting fantasy.

"Let's not argue," he said softly as he stroked her hair.

Noin slapped his hand away. "There is nothing to argue about! It is all your fault!" She looked at Benton who was edging toward the door. "Tell, him, colonel!"

"I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about."

Relena put down her magazine. "May I be excused?"

"May I?" asked Benton.

"No!" They responded at the same time.

Relena sank back with her magazine.

Benton shoved his hands in his pockets and stared at the floor.

"Benton, whose idea was it to run away to the desert for a week with not so much as a toothbrush? Refresh my memory!" demanded Noin.

"Why were we in the desert in the first place?" asked Miliardo, his tone not so gentle now. "Refresh my memory, Colonel."

Benton looked from one to the other. They were waiting for his answer.

Relena felt sorry for him.

But Miliardo sighed as he relented yet again. "I am sorry, Lucrezia."

"What for?" She blinked her long lashes at him. Relena thought she was going to be sick. When they started kissing, she hid behind her magazine again. She stared at the article and wished some advice would help her situation. How could she get Heero to return her affection? At this rate, he would never kiss her like Miliardo was kissing his wife.

Benton cleared his throat. "Your Excellency, you do have an appointment with Dr. Stryfe in ten minutes."

Noin reluctantly released him. "What does Dr. Stryfe want? Having trouble with the boys? Or with his own vicious daughter?"

Miliardo chuckled. "You can't forgive her."

"For trying to kill me? Fat chance! And I won't forgive you for giving her my gundam."

"What did you plan to do with the Valkyrie? If I can give up the Epyon to Nelson's brother, you can give up the Valkyrie. She is an excellent pilot, you must admit."

"So what does Dr. Stryfe want?" Noin placed the forks she had in her hands on the table, and Relena noticed that Miliardo absent-mindedly put them in the correct position.

Benton stepped forward. He was a font of information as well as the peacemaker who was going to keep Noin from exploding. "Dr. Stryfe has been doing extensive research in high speed travel. He would like to test his new fuel at the L10 colony which is far enough from heavily populated areas in case there is trouble with his highly volatile formulas."

"He'll need protection," commented Miliardo. "There has been some fighting in space between the colonies."

"Lady Une," said Noin under her breath.

"No one can prove that."

But everyone knew it, thought Relena.

"Since his daughter will accompany him, he will doubtless be joined by Duo Maxwell," thought Miliardo aloud. "And I have been seriously considering incorporating L10 into the Cinq Kingdom. The place was abandoned long ago, so I doubt the Federation will cause any trouble."

"According to his petition, Heero Yuy and Trowa Barton have requested to go also," said Benton.

Heero! Relena looked up from her magazine. Heero was going to leave? No! He couldn't do this to her! She wouldn't let him get away with it. "Miliardo, you aren't going to let them go?" She set aside the magazine and stood.

They looked at her as if they were surprised she could speak. Relena knew she did not offer her opinion often, but she couldn't remain silent now.

Her brother smiled. "Don't worry about him, dear sister. He would be safe."

"He will be gone for several months," commented Benton. "But it won't seem that long."

"Several months!" Relena was beside herself. How could she live without Heero for several months? Just exactly how many months were they talking about?!

Miliardo came to put his arm around her shoulders. "Look on this as an opportunity. A little break from him might be just the thing you need."

I need Heero! she wanted to shout, but she forced herself to nod in agreement.

"That's much better." He chucked under her chin. "Don't worry about him, Relena. He can take care of himself, and if you're worried about his finding another girl, well, how could he do better than you?"

"Especially when there aren't any women way out there," remarked Noin, "except for she-devil Trynity Stryfe."

How could they be so unsympathetic? They were so wrapped up in themselves that they couldn't see the misery of others! Relena had no intention of sitting still for this separation! She knew it would be a waste of time to ask her brother for permission to accompany the Stryfe expedition to L10. Relena had nothing to offer as a skill, nor did she wish to work. Somehow she would think of something.

Royal Academy

"Nelson, make yourself useful and look out there to see if Relena Peacecraft is lurking in the hall."

Trowa glanced at Heero as Lars Nelson strode past them where they stood by the mirror in the men's restroom. "Are you going to tell her?"

"Are you crazy?" Heero narrowed his eyes. "Don't you tell her either."

"She's not out there," stated Lars, shutting the door he had opened a crack. Suddenly the door slammed open, knocking Lars to the floor.

"The god of death is here!" Duo glanced down at Lars. "What are you doing on the floor, Nelson?"

Lars stood over Duo and Trowa thought Maxwell had guts. Nelson was bigger and stronger than the pilot of the Deathscythe was, and he could probably wipe the floor with him. But before Lars could do anything, the door was shoved open, knocking Lars down again while Duo hopped out of the way, and this time Quatre walked in.

"It's a beautiful day!"

Trowa glanced at Heero. Their eyes met, and in unison they said, "Dorothy is absent."

Quatre giggled, then noticed Lars getting up from the floor.

"Don't ask," grumbled Lars.

Trowa chuckled, then looked back at Heero. "If you don't tell her and she finds out on her own, I would hate to be in your shoes."

The door opened again, but this time Lars jumped out of the way. Wufei raised a brow at him, then looked at the others. "Relena Peacecraft has just arrived. I thought someone would give us a break from her screeching and go out to meet her."

"I will do it," said Lars gallantly and started toward the door.

It slammed open hard, knocking into his head and dropping him to the floor. Relena stood in the doorway, and she looked from pilot to pilot until her gaze rested on Heero. She stepped over Lars and marched to Heero.

"Heero Yuy, I think there is something we need to discuss."

Trowa gave Heero a sympathetic look and walked out, stepping over Lars as did the others. Someone really should notify the nurse. Shrugging, Trowa made his way to his locker and was surprised that Catherine was not waiting for him. Duo was at his heels, so he turned to him as he dug out his physics book.

"Have you seen Catherine?"

"I saw her when I first got here. She was outside with one of her circus freak friends."

Trowa didn't care to have their friends from the circus referred to as freaks. Trowa did not even know the circus was in town. Since the return from space three weeks ago, Trowa hadn't had much time for the circus. There had been constant training missions, and all the pilots had been on alert against any possible retaliation by the World and Space Federation to the withdrawal of the Cinq Kingdom from the Federation. There had been no sign of trouble, however.

"Duo, I'm not coming to math."

Trowa turned to see Trynity Stryfe. He still found it difficult to believe this was the same obnoxious witch who had made their lives hell in more ways than one. Gone were the glasses and the untied shoes. She wore black like Duo except that she preferred to wear a skirt that might be considered a tad too short. Her messy hair was pinned up, and Trowa thought she was quite pretty. Where did Maxwell get off winning the prize?

"Not coming to math?" Duo scratched his head.

"My schedule has been changed. I have been placed in advanced calculus."

"What the heck is that?"

"Don't worry your pretty little head about it," said Trynity with a laugh.

Trowa chuckled too, then noticed Catherine approaching. As Trynity and Duo left for assembly together, Trowa met Catherine, and when she didn't kiss him, he felt obligated to do his duty and was surprised when she moved her head to avoid him.

"Trowa, we have to talk."

That didn't sound good! Isn't that what Relena just said to Heero? Was there a conspiracy afoot? What did they have planned now?

"How about the supply closet?" he suggested although he didn't really feel like being mauled this early in the morning.

Apparently she didn't either. "Here is good enough." She took a breath. "There really is no other way to say this Trowa. Our relationship is going nowhere. You don't love me, and I don't want to spend the rest of my life hoping for you to feel something for me."

Rest of her life? Love? They were only eighteen! "We do have fun, Cathy," he said, although his heart wasn't really into trying to keep her.

Catherine smiled and put her hand on his cheek. "Yes, we did have some fun. I am leaving school to travel with the circus. I know that you cannot, and I doubt you ever will again." She kissed his cheek. "Your place is with your gundam. If the circus is in town, don't forget to stop and say hello."

And with that, she turned on her heel and walked out with a springy step. Trowa felt as if a beam rifle had blasted him. He had been with Catherine for three years, and just like that she walked out? What about the CDs she had borrowed? Was he going to get them back? And he had a sweater of hers hanging in his closet and…But she was gone before he could ask such important questions.

The door to the men's room opened and Relena marched out without Heero. A moment passed before Heero stepped into the hall, and he had an amazed look on his face. Trowa thought it must match his own.

"What happened to you?" asked Trowa.

Heero looked at him. "She…she dumped me!"

Trowa raised his brows and watched Relena disappear into the auditorium before looking back at his friend. "She dumped you? I didn't know the two of you were an item."

"She thought so."

Trowa laughed. "Her loss is your gain."

"Freedom." Heero also laughed. "Why did you look so glum?"

"Catherine dumped me."

"Her loss is your gain."

"Freedom!" They both laughed and high-fived as the student body filed out of the auditorium. Another missed assembly. That would probably be marked in their permanent file. Maybe Trynity could hack into the system and remove such black marks. He shrugged. Who cared? It wasn't as if he was going to try to get a job!

Trowa felt strange carrying only his books to physics class, and he thought Heero looked a little disoriented too as they approached the room.

"Something's missing," commented Heero.

"The screeching," said Wufei who had come up behind them. "Don't look now, but the Dorothy-less Quatre is moving in on Relena Peacecraft."

They watched as Quatre took Relena's books and gave her his patented limpid look. Trowa felt his morning pastry threatening to pop up from his stomach.

"What does he think he is doing?" asked Heero, his brows drawn together as he watched Quatre walk close to Relena.

Trowa didn't look at Heero. He was embarrassed for him. The guy sounded jealous. "Let's get to Stryfe's class! He promised an experiment today."

"I need my safety goggles." After finding that requisite supply for Stryfe's class, Trowa made his way to the makeshift physics lab – the fourth in three weeks. The table at the head of the class was crowded with beakers and glass tubing as well as multi-colored liquids. Trowa wasn't surprised to see the back seats of the room already taken. Trynity was the only student brave enough to sit at the table closest the experiment table. Even Duo chose to sit back with Wufei and Heero. Trowa knew it was a direct result of having his bangs singed last week by one of Dr. Stryfe's demonstrations. So Trowa sighed and took the seat next to Trynity.

"Feeling brave today, Barton?" she asked with a raised brow.

Trowa smiled. "Which should I fear more? The god of death or the master of disaster?"

Trynity laughed as the bell rang. Students continued to talk while waiting for the teacher to arrive. Trowa decided to sit with his thoughts. It was better than trying to make conversation with Trynity. She might smile and he would be reduced to a mindless fool. That was one weapon she used sparingly.

The door opened and Lars Nelson stepped in, supported by Hilde who was only too happy to have him draped over her. There was a huge, ugly bump on his forehead. Too bad it marred his pretty face, thought Trowa until he saw the girls in class ooing and ahing over his injury.

Trynity made a sound of disgust and glanced at the clock. Dr. Stryfe was now five minutes late. It was still early for him. No one dared misbehave in his absence, not since the last time when Dr. Stryfe seized a paper airplane from Heero and dipped it into a beaker full of acid. Of course, it started on fire, and there was a small explosion, but Dr. Stryfe got his point across. He would not tolerate screwing around unless he was the one doing it.

So now he was alone, thought Trowa. He hadn't seen any sign that Catherine was unhappy in their relationship. Trowa had done everything she wanted, but it wasn't enough. He should have realized she was dissatisfied last weekend when they all went on a picnic and Catherine seemed to be obsessed with Duo and Trynity. They were happy together. So? Trowa couldn't imagine being in that type of relationship, and yet he found himself wishing he were. Was it Trynity? Was it Duo? What was it?

In the back of the room, Heero was wondering the same thing as Duo copied his math assignment. "Why aren't you sitting with your brain?"

Duo finished and looked toward Trynity, then slipped his assignment in the book and turned to Heero. "What for? She isn't in math any more. She is taking advanced calculating."

Heero raised a brow. "You are an idiot, Maxwell."

"Whatever. So what is Relena Peacecraft doing with Quatre?"

Heero looked across the room to see Quatre and Relena's heads together. "I don't know, and I don't care."

"Sure." Duo started to drum his fingers on the table. What the hell did he mean by that?

Glancing at the clock, Heero saw that fifteen minutes had passed. Heero wondered if Dr. Stryfe had gotten carried away that morning trying to kill the two headed Medusa in the Fog Shrouded Wasteland. The thought of the Medusa made him look at Relena again. She was laughing at something Quatre had said. Quatre gazed at her dreamily.

"What does he see that I don't," Heero asked himself aloud. He saw an annoying, spoiled rotten, rich princess. She had no concept that everything she did required a rescue. Her mouth ran away like a wild dog, and she never thought before she acted. Heero was better off without her pursuing him relentlessly. So why was he bothered that Quatre was braiding her hair now?

Before he could think about it further, the door swung open and Dr. Stryfe walked in. "Sorry I'm late, class, but I had a little trouble leaving my lab this morning."

"Defeated the Medusa," commented Duo.

"Mission accomplished." Heero chuckled when he noticed Trynity glaring back at Duo. "She doesn't care for Zelda, does she?"

"Nope! Says it's a waste of valuable time."

"She doesn't like the Zorbon Knight either."

Heero still hadn't been able to get her to play him again. If he had known she was a gundam pilot, he would have been relentless in his attack the one and only time she had played. But she had concealed such important tactical information, allowing him to believe her a novice. Well, she had her chance to rectify her deception. Now he would be forced to take his revenge to another arena. Their trip to space would serve two purposes: one to allow Stryfe to test his formula and the other to allow the gundams to do training exercises in deep space. During training, Miss Stryfe would never know what hit her, and there wouldn't be any gundanium laden meteors to save her backside.

"I don't like the look on your face," commented Duo.

"Maxwell, how about helping me with this experiment," said Dr. Stryfe.

Duo's eyes widened and he looked toward the front. "Ah…I forgot my safety goggles!"

A pair of goggles flung his way. "I will be happy to supply mine," said Lars Nelson.

"Appreciate it!" grumbled Duo, shooting him a glare as he grabbed the goggles and made his way to the front of the class where Dr. Stryfe waited.

Heero watched him with pity, then noticed Quatre sitting closer to Relena, his hand inching towards hers on the table. What reason did he have to do that? Heero couldn't imagine any logical reason for him to touch Relena.

"Now, Mr. Maxwell, I will take this blue liquid and…"

"Got you, Dr. Stryfe! I'll take this red stuff and pour it in and we'll have purple!"

"No!" Trynity ducked, grabbing Trowa to drag beneath the table with her, and Heero quickly flipped down his safety goggles.

The flame that shot out of the beaker reached the ceiling and started the tiles on fire. Dr. Stryfe watched it for a moment with what appearing to be a smile before reluctantly seizing the ever-handy fire extinguisher and spraying it. Was the man a pyromaniac? And they were headed to space with him carrying a load of highly unstable fuel? Had they all lost their minds?

Unfortunately, the sprinkler system was activated, and the students scrambled to get out of the room. Dr. Stryfe gathered the students together, those that didn't use the disaster as an opportunity to have a smoke somewhere. Heero wished he had slunk off with Trowa. He could use a little bit of whatever he was smoking. Duo checked his hair frantically and was visibly relieved that his hair had escaped damage.

"Now, students, I was going to point out that the 'red stuff' was highly unstable, but I think Mr. Maxwell proved my point. Tomorrow we will be discussing the exact compounds and chemical equations."

"Huh?" Duo rubbed his temples. "Dr. Stryfe, may I go to the nurse? I don't feel well."

"You're not getting out of Literature class that easily," he said as he clamped a hand on his shoulder.

"Dr. Stryfe!"

All students turned their head to see Mr. Himmler, the headmaster at the end of the hall. Water was starting to seep out from the classroom from under the door, and smoke still lingered in the hall. Physics was one class where the headmaster chewed out the teacher more than the students.

"A little accident, Mr. Himmler. No one was injured."

Himmler looked as if he were about to split down the middle. "I would like to see you in my office in five minutes!" He turned on his heel and marched away.

"Oh, father," lamented Trynity. Then she frowned at Duo, clearly blaming him for the incident. He couldn't help being a moron.

"What!" He had the decency to be ashamed.

"You are such an idiot!" She walked away.

Heero wondered if that meant they were through as a couple. Well, he didn't have a girl anymore, so what did he have to lose? They had a lot in common.

He followed after her and found himself apace with Trowa who had suddenly reappeared.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

Trowa looked at him suspiciously. "What are you doing?"

"Going to Literature class."

"As I am."

Duo shuffled past them, mumbling under his breath.

"All right, I admit it," stated Trowa. "I was going to ask Trynity to help me with my math."

"Now I know you weren't smoking cigarettes!" Heero snorted derisively. "And I was going to ask her to help me fix my gundam."

Trowa suddenly laughed. "Are we crazy? We just got rid of girls!"

"She's not a girl," commented Heero. Not like Relena. Not like Catherine. Not like Hilde, or Dorothy or any other girl in this ridiculous school. She understood them. She was one of them.

"She's also not available." They both looked at Wufei who nodded in the direction of the Literature room. Duo was kissing Trynity, at least until Mrs. Drivel threatened them with a trip to Mr. Himmler's office.

Relena passed Heero without glancing at him. She was holding hands with Quatre who tossed a smug look his direction before turning his full attention back to the princess of the Cinq Kingdom. Both Heero and Trowa were almost knocked over by the two girls helping Lars to his next class while Hilde walked ahead carrying his books.

"What the hell is going on around here?" asked Heero as they entered into Mrs. Drivel's classroom.

"Mr. Yuy, need I remind you yet again that such language will not be tolerated. As to the answer to your expletive peppered question, I have graded your papers. Take your seat."

Heero wished he had his gun. Mrs. Drivel needed to be popped right between the eyes. But Dr. Stryfe had forbidden him from taking his pistol to school, and Heero didn't want to get the guy into any more trouble. Yet, if he had his gun, he would pull it from behind his back, take aim between Mrs. Drivel's narrowed eyes and squeeze the trigger. Then he would aim his gun at the back of Quatre Raberba Winner's blond head and…Now why would he do that? Quatre was doing him a favor! Wasn't he?

"Are our papers as bad as usual?" asked Duo.

"Mr. Maxwell, the raising of a hand is the first step in asking a question. I suppose I should just consider myself lucky you are even here."

"I almost didn't come to class! There was a big explosion in Physics!"

"I believe that has become routine." She dropped Heero's paper before him. He stared at the grade. Not good. "Although I was enthralled with your tale of the Zorbon Knight's defeat," She was interrupted when Trynity made a very loud sound of disgust. "Miss Stryfe, do you have a problem?"

"Mr. Yuy reported incorrectly," she stated, her green eyes blazing.

"Mr. Yuy reported what might have happened if he hadn't been cheated by a lying bitch." Heero challenged her with his eyes. "Care to have a another round?"

"Mr. Yuy, I think you should remain after class so that we may discuss your questionable choice of vocabulary." Mrs. Drivel glared at him and walked away. Heero lifted his fingers and silently shot her in the back.

Trowa chuckled.

Trynity fixed him with one last scowl before she turned to the paper Mrs. Drivel placed on her desk. "A D? A D?"

"I'm sorry," said Mrs. Drivel with false concern. "I must have had one too many glasses of wine when I graded your paper." She leaned down and changed the grade.

"D minus?" Trynity stared at her paper in disbelief. "D minus!"

"Don't worry, Trynity. It only hurts for a couple of minutes, then you realize its better than an F." Duo chuckled, then looked at his own paper. "Ah, Mrs. Drivel, there must be some mistake! I have an A."

"A!" Trynity shrieked, grabbing his paper. Heero looked at Trowa and they both chuckled. She deserved to be knocked down a peg or two. Trynity Stryfe was too damn smart. She threw Duo's paper back at him.

"Indeed, Mr. Maxwell, you have earned your A. I was never so entertained to read your story. Miss Stryfe should thank you for her over generous grade because the only reason I allowed her a passing grade on the garbage she scribbled on paper was because I liked the idea of her beating you senseless. Your description was delightful." Mrs. Drivel clapped her hands. "What I wouldn't do to see it!"

"I'm sure there is still some footage of it in my gundam," offered Duo.

Wufei raised his hand. "Mrs. Drivel…"

"As usual you do not wait for me to acknowledge you which would be the second step in asking a question." Mrs. Drivel didn't like anyone, thought Heero.

"I was about to suggest, when you rudely interrupted," said Wufei, "That we skip to the drama section of our book and Miss Stryfe and Mr. Maxwell can re-enact the events described in his composition."

"Mr. Wufei, I like the way you think!"

Heero raised his hand.

"Yes, Mr. Yuy?"

"Would she be allowed to shoot him again?"

"Hey!" Duo looked a little worried. "I don't like that idea."

Mrs. Drivel actually laughed. "Rest assured, Mr. Maxwell, I wouldn't allow firearms to be discharged in school."

Quatre's arm shot up. "We could go on a field trip! I know just the place! We could all bring a picnic basket and watch Miss Stryfe knock the snot out of Mr. Maxwell, then shoot him."

Now Mrs. Drivel threw back her head and laughed. Maybe she wasn't such a hag after all. Heero glanced at his paper. Maybe he did deserve the grade he had received. It was crap, afterall. As for Trynity, he doubted she could put two words together to form a coherent thought unless it had to do with physics or mathematics, so he didn't doubt she deserved her grade.

"Oh, I think we shall have to table this discussion. I doubt Miss Stryfe would shoot him again anyway."

"Don't be so certain," commented Trynity, still staring at Duo's paper.

"Well, we will not be skipping ahead to the drama unit. We will be discussing mythology for a few weeks. I think there is enough sex and violence in those stories to keep you all entertained."

"Are we still talking about Duo's composition?" asked Trowa.

"Mr. Barton!" But Mrs. Drivel was smiling.

Heero glanced at Trynity and saw that she was red-faced and fixing Trowa with a look that would kill him if it were connected to a beam canon. He noticed that Relena didn't seem pleased with her grade, but then he didn't really care. If she were still deluded enough to believe them a couple, she would spend the entire lunch period whining about it. Quatre was wiping tears from his eyes as he stared at his illustrated prose.

Heero glanced at Trowa. "What did you get?"

Trowa showed him his paper. The score matched his own. "Maybe now that we don't have girls harassing us, we can concentrate on our studies."

Heero snorted. "I don't give a rat's…"

"Mr. Yuy!" Mrs. Drivel cut him off. "I don't care if the Cinq Kingdom is reliant on your skills as a pilot, I am not going to allow you to use vulgar language in my classroom."

Heero noticed Relena staring at him, but when she saw his eyes on her, she turned her attention back to Quatre. So she was playing the jealousy card? Well that wouldn't work with him! He had absolutely no interest in the nagging shrew. Quatre was welcome to her.

Mrs. Drivel tortured the class with excessive notes, which she had typed onto an overhead transparency in the smallest type possible. In order for them to read them, she had pulled the overhead projector against the wall so that the entire front of the room was filled with notes. Heero wrote a few lines of them, then grew bored and decided to steal Trynity's notebook and scan it later. She was writing so feverishly that her curls were falling from the barrettes holding them up. Duo wasn't writing either, but Heero knew from hearing many heated arguments between the two that she wasn't going to let him copy because she didn't want him taking advantage of her. So he wondered who was taking advantage of whom down on the beach just about every night, and maybe she should fit in a little scholastic tutoring with whatever else they were up to. Trowa was writing one of every ten words, and Quatre was drawing pictures to illustrate his notes. Wufei pulled out a digital camera when Mrs. Drivel's back was turned and shot a few pictures then pretended to write.

The bell finally rang, and Trynity remained behind to finish copying while Mrs. Drivel laid into Heero for his gutter language. She finally concluded with a warning that King Miliardo would be informed of his inappropriate behavior. If that wasn't irony!

Heero joined his friends in the hall.

Duo didn't bother waiting for Trynity as they headed toward Miss Dimster's classroom. "What was that all about? Did we do something to piss off Drivel?"

"Attendance at her class is enough," remarked Wufei.

"Will you be sharing your notes?" asked Trowa who must have seen Wufei and his photography.

"For a price."

"Hey, the price will be your broken nose if you don't give us a copy," stated Duo with a raised fist.

"I am going to steal Trynity's," announced Heero. "But I'm going to wait until later while she is sleeping tonight, because I know when we get back home, she will research and add to hers."

"Good idea," said Duo. "Let her do all the work."

"Who are you talking about?" The girl in question had arrived.

She looked like she had been through battle. Then again, she probably was the only student who had actually copied Mrs. Drivel's notes.

They stared at her dumbly for a moment, then Heero said, "We were talking about Relena."

"In that case, I don't want to hear any more."

At that moment, Lars arrived with Hilde hanging on his arm. "Trynity, do you mind if I borrow your notes? My head was aching, so I couldn't get it all written down."

To their amazement, she pulled out the sacred notebook and tossed it to Nelson. "Get it back to me later. There are some points I want to look up."

Lars smiled smugly at the group and continued on his way to math class. Duo looked at Trynity. "Why don't you ever let me…"

"I have to get to Calculus class!" She walked away without answering his question.

"She's dumping you," predicted Wufei. "Everyone else has been dumped today."

"You, too, Wufei?"

He folded his arms. "Sally has decided to remain at the Dover Base."

"A shame." Heero didn't really care. Sally could do better anyway.

Quatre joined them, but Relena had gone ahead to math. "Guys, let's have a going away party before we leave for space!"

What did he have up his sleeve? Heero just knew it had something to do with Relena Peacecraft. Was it her idea? She had a plan. Heero did not doubt it one bit.

"Yeah! A party!" Trowa was anything but enthused. "I'll bring cookies."

"I'll bring the punch," offered Wufei with a sneer.

"I'll bring the chips," added Duo.

"I'll bring the hotdog buns." Heero said.

"Come on you guys! It would be fun! The night before we take off from Dover, we can have a party at the base."

Quatre was obviously emotionally committed to the idea. Sometimes Heero just wanted to clench his fists and repeatedly pound the little weenie. By the looks on Duo's, Wufei's and Trowa's faces, they would likely assist.

"Did you tell Relena Peacecraft about our mission?" demanded Heero. This party sounded like something she would cook up.

Quatre looked at him with wide eyes. "Me? No! Why would I tell her?"

Wufei took a step toward him.

"All right! I mentioned it! But she already knew!" Quatre looked at each of them. "She's not stupid! Her brother is the king, you know, and they do live at the palace together. Did you think you could keep it from her forever?"

"That might explain her gracious gesture towards you, Heero."

"What gesture?" asked Duo.

"She dumped me," stated Heero, somehow not liking how it sounded. If anyone was going to do the dumping, it should have been him, but since he had not ever officially dated her – the whole relationship was in her head – he didn't really have the right to end it. So where did she suddenly get the nerve to tell him she would no longer be seeing him? Did that mean she wouldn't be dropping in at Seaside uninvited? That she wouldn't force him to accompany her to any official Cinq Kingdom functions? That she wouldn't be pawing him in the halls at school? Shrieking his name? God, he couldn't possibly miss that! And yet…

"I still think the party is a great idea. One last fling before we blast off to regions unknown. I'm sure Trynity will agree. She's the party type! Lars said so."

Duo gritted his teeth. "That Nelson is long overdue for his appointment with the god of death."

That evening, as they all sat in the recreation room pretending to do homework under the watchful eye of Dr. Stryfe – he was snoozing in a recliner with a Zelda game hints magazine over his face - Quatre suggested the party to Trynity. She was at a computer researching mythology to supplement her notes, but she spun to look at him as if he had sprouted another head.

"What did you say?"

"I said, Lars told me that you like to party."

Quatre seemed oblivious that Nelson was playing him for a fool. Trowa glanced at Nelson who was slouched on the futon, his feet on the coffee table while he had his face buried in a history book. Trowa could see that he was actually reading a comic book. Spiderman, to be exact.

Trynity rose and turned toward the futon. If Trowa were any judge of Trynity Stryfe's mood, he'd say Nelson was in big trouble. "He's right, I do like to party! I'd like to party with him right now."

"He's invited to the god of death's party first," growled Duo.

A snort from under the magazine made them lower their voices.

"I didn't mean any offense," said Lars, not bothering to look up from his comic book.

"So, Trynity doesn't like to party?" Quatre seemed confused. "I was hoping she would help me plan it."

"What party?" Dr. Stryfe took the magazine from his face as he sat up. "Are we having a party?"

"A great idea, Dr. Stryfe!" exclaimed Quatre.

Dr. Stryfe grimaced. Trowa didn't think he appreciated Quatre's exuberance any more than the rest of them. "Calm down, Quatre! I never said anything about a party. Nor do I intend to sponsor such an event."

Quatre was clearly disappointed. Trowa could see he was on the edge of tears. "Maybe it's not such a bad idea," he said before he could stop himself.

Heero glared at him.

Wufei gave him an obscene gesture.

Trynity turned back to her computer with a sound of disgust.

"Well, I suppose it can't hurt," started Dr. Stryfe before Quatre jumped up.

"We can have it at the Dover Base! There can be an orchestra…"

"No dancing!" interrupted Heero.

"There has to be dancing!" Quatre sighed and held his hands to his chest as he twirled around the room.

"I agree," said Lars. "Trynity, put me on your dance card."

"Put the god of death on yours," growled Duo again.

Dr. Stryfe chuckled. "Now don't get excited, Quatre. I will have to clear this with King Miliardo."

"No problem. Relena is handling that!"

"What!? I knew it!" Heero stood clenching his fists. "Another night of dancing with that…that…"

"I will be escorting Relena," Quatre told him quickly.

"Escorting?" Duo scratched his head. "Does this mean tuxedos and tight shoes…"

"You might even have to bathe," remarked Wufei.

"I'm not going!" stated Trynity, not bothering to look away from her computer.

"If I'm going, so are you!" declared Duo.

"I've already spoken for a dance," Lars reminded them.

Trowa wished he had kept his mouth shut. Now he was going to a formal party with dancing and no date. What the hell had happened?

"Forget it, Nelson," snapped Trynity.

"You may as well put me on your dance card too," said Wufei with a smug smile.

Trynity glared at him.

Heero grunted. "Me too."

"Father! Put a stop to this," demanded Trynity angrily.

Trowa shrugged. "Leave a spot for me."

"What about me?" asked Duo.

Trynity turned away. "Sorry, Maxwell, no more room." Trowa heard her laugh and he smiled to himself. What did Maxwell need to dance with her for anyway? He could do that anytime.

Duo got up and walked out after shooting Trynity a dark look.

Lars Nelson laughed until Dr. Stryfe grabbed his comic book and smacked him over the head.

"You failed three straight tests, Nelson. You are supposed to be studying."

Lars grabbed his book and walked out of the room. Trowa thought Stryfe was taking his job as guardian a little too seriously as he followed Nelson. Sally never cared how they did at school. Then again, Sally wasn't really interested in their education, only in keeping them trained for possible attack. Quatre waltzed out, singing something about calling Relena to plan the party, and Heero followed him threatening him with bodily harm if his name came up in their discussions. Trowa glanced at Wufei, silently telling him to leave. Wufei raised his brows, then left without a word.

Now was his chance. He walked over to the computer where Trynity sat adding to the margins of her notes. "Are you finding more information?"

She started, then turned to look at him. "What is it to you? I didn't see you attempting to copy Mrs. Drivel's notes."

Trowa was surprised she had time to notice anything but the writing on the wall. "You can't win in her class anyway."

"I will," she vowed through clenched teeth.

Trowa suspected the harder she worked, the less credit Drivel would give her. Trynity Stryfe did not endear herself to her teachers. "I was wondering if you would help me with my math."

"Fractions?" Trynity folded her arms and looked up at him. "Give me a break, Barton. If Duo can do them, you certainly don't need help. What do you really want? I don't have time to play your silly games. I must know everything about these ridiculous gods and goddesses before I walk into Drivel's class tomorrow."

He let out a long breath. This wasn't a good idea.

"Actually, Trynity, I was hoping you would take a walk with me."

She raised a brow. "Why would I do that?"

Time to shamelessly look for pity. That usually worked with a girl. "Catherine left today." She had to know he felt bad and offer to listen to him pour out his hurt feelings. Could he actually think of any to speak of?

"So?" She stared at him without blinking. "What does that have to do with me?"

This wasn't going well. How did one go about snatching another guy's girl? He reached out to touch her curls. "I never noticed how pretty your hair is."

She slapped his hand away. "Get away from me Barton, or I swear you will regret it." Trynity spun back to her computer.

This was a disaster, and yet Trowa didn't want to give up. He dropped his hand to her shoulder to massage like Catherine seemed to enjoy. "Just forget about Drivel's class for a little while. We can walk in Quatre's garden."

Bad choice of words. "Quatre's garden? I will not walk in Quatre's garden." Trowa suddenly felt such intense pain in his ribs that he doubled over. "Defensive move number two, Barton. Get away fast before I use number one."

He stumbled from the recreation room almost bumping into Heero.

"What happened to you?" he asked with a raised brow.

"Stryfe!" He rubbed his sore ribs.

Heero snorted. "You didn't actually make a move for her, did you?"

"She's pissed at Duo! I thought it was a good idea."

"Those two are connected with a rubber band," said Heero. "They keep snapping back to each other."

Trowa wanted that in his life, but he hadn't want Catherine that way. "It was worth a try." Whatever magic Duo had worked on Trynity, Trowa didn't seem to have. Deep down inside he knew Trynity wouldn't be interested in him.

The door to the recreation room opened and Trynity stepped out. She looked disgusted. "I am sorry, Trowa."

Heero raised his brows.

Trowa wondered if he was getting another chance. How could he handle this without screwing up?

"Let's go sit in Quatre's garden," she suggested. She turned on her heel and walked toward the elevator.

Heero grabbed Trowa's arm. "Remember the rubber band. Don't do anything that will get you seriously hurt."

Trynity didn't say anything to him until they were actually in the moonlit garden and seated on the bench beneath the roses. Trowa didn't dare sit too close to her for fear of defensive move number one. He'd heard enough from Wufei and Duo to know he did not want to experience that particular pain.

"So, Trowa, what's your problem?" She leaned back with her arms crossed over her chest. "Are you sulking because Catherine left? You didn't love her anyway and she knew it."

He didn't really have a response for her. Trowa didn't understand what he was feeling lately. Something was definitely missing in his life, but he wasn't sure what it was. He had felt comfortable with Catherine because she had always taken care of him. But he wanted more. Seeing Trynity with her father and Duo made him feel empty, not having had a family of his own. Trowa did not even have memories of a childhood. It was as if a curtain had raised on his life as a gundam pilot and he had been playing the role since the time the production began. Somehow, he had lost his past. Did he have a family? He had given up hope of every knowing.

Trynity was looking at him, and Trowa realized he had nothing to say.

She frowned. Trowa knew that Trynity hated these moments of silence. Maybe that's why she liked Duo. He never shut his mouth.

"Ah, I was wondering what you saw in Duo," he said.

"What do I see in Duo?" Trynity suddenly laughed, and she looked up at the moon. "I see my future with him. I like being with him, even when he is his most annoying. I didn't feel whole until I let Duo into my life."

Her words depressed him even more. "Did you know right away?" Maybe he hadn't given Catherine a chance.

Trynity dashed his hopes. "I did, but I fought it. After all, he's not the brightest star in the sky."

Trowa chuckled. "That is a fact."

"I guess it was just inevitable." She patted his hands, which were nervously clasped on his lap. "My father says it happens to everyone. For some it takes longer." She stood. "It will happen when you least expect it, Trowa Barton, and when you least want it."

She left him in the garden, and when she was gone, he heard a voice above him.

"Don't think too hard about what she said."

He looked up to see Heero on the balcony above.

Trowa stood. "Did you scan her notes?"

Heero gave him a thumbs up.

One less thing to worry about.

Imperial Palace, the Planet of Calabria

Arora bowed low to the prince and stayed bent over as he spoke to her. It was better that way. She didn't want Prince Dilan to see just how much she hated him.

"It was good of you to respond to my summons so quickly," he said softly.

She didn't look at him. If she did, she might draw the dagger hidden in the folds of her clothing and plunge it into his black heart. Although Arora could not prove it, she was certain Prince Dilan had murdered his own brother four years ago. Her heart still ached as she thought of Prince Trey's death. Space pirates had attacked his ship – so Prince Dilan said – on his way to meet the princess of Bayman.

Arora's heart had been broken when he left, and it shriveled to nothing when she had learned of his death.

"Rise, Arora, I want to see your face when I give you this news."

She did as he commanded, but she did not look at him.

Prince Dilan chuckled and put his hand under her chin to force her to meet his gaze. "My dear Arora, I have need of your special talents."

She jerked her chin away. "I have no special talents that you would need."

"Being the only female warrior in the imperial guard gives you a special advantage," he said with a raised brow. "Truth be known, you are the best imperial soldier."

His own bodyguard cleared his throat. Arora glared at her brother Apolo who stood behind the prince with his arms crossed. The prince had insulted him. Did he care? Her brother gave every indication that he was nothing but ambitious and selfish. His friendship with the crowned prince was nothing short of betrayal in her opinion. He had been Prince Trey's closest friend, but he quickly forgot about him and Prince Dilan's suspected role in his death.

"What can I do to please your highness?" she forced herself to ask, surprising herself with the even tone.

"See, Apolo, I told you that your sister would not disappoint me."

"You have not told her what you want." Apolo's tone was bored.

Prince Dilan looked at her again. "As you know, I am to marry Princess Ryana."

"What does this have to do with me?" Princess Ryana had been the choice of his parents for Prince Trey. Although she did not know the only daughter of the royal house of the planet Bayman, she wished her well of Prince Dilan.

"I cannot be expected to travel to Bayman, so King Seighen has agreed to our escort of his daughter here where we are to be married. Because of what happened to my brother Trey, I am entrusting her safety to precious few. An elaborate entourage would only attract the attention of the pirates."

Arora raised a brow. "I would be only too happy to lead an attack on the pirates."

"I'm sure you would, Arora, but I have a more important task."

"He wants you to bring the princess here," said Apolo with a smirk.

Arora looked at him with surprise. "Me?" He could not have chosen a worse protector for the princess. Arora still resented the Princess Ryana. If it were not for her proposed marriage to Trey, he would still be here. It did not matter to her that she was not noble enough for Trey in the eyes of his parents. He had told her that he loved her, and she still loved him although he was lost to her forever. She would always feel connected to him.

"I trust you, Arora."

"A mistake!" snapped Apolo. "She does not have your best interests in her heart."

She took a breath. "I am an imperial guard. I will do as I am ordered."

Prince Dilan clapped softly as he stared at her. "Very well done, Arora. But trust you or not, you are the only guard who is qualified. I have heard that Princess Ryana is very beautiful. Do you think I can trust Apolo with her safety?"

Arora glanced at her brother. His exploits with women were legendary. He couldn't be trusted to escort the ugliest of hags across the street.

Apolo smiled smugly at her. He certainly enjoyed this humiliation being forced upon her. The task of escorting a spoiled princess was insulting for an imperial guard of her rank.

"You will travel in disguise," stated Prince Dilan, taking for granted she would accept the mission. How could she refuse? Go to his father? Emperor Zeno could not be approached for such a matter. The man allowed his remaining son to do as he wished. And Dilan's mother was a dragon who had pushed for the alliance with Bayman in the first place. Arora had no choice. Her own father, High Imperial Guard Dax, had washed his hands of her many years ago. As far as he was concerned, she was an embarrassment to his house.

"When do I leave?"

"On the morrow's first sunrise." He motioned back toward Apolo. "Your brother will accompany you. He will keep an eye on you, and you will keep an eye on him."

Arora bowed to him. "I thank you for the honor of serving you."

He caught her face in his hands and lowered his head to hers. "There are many ways you could serve me, Arora. Why do you resist?"

Her eyes gave him his answer, but instead of releasing her, he turned her hand where a faint line marked all that remained of an old scar. "You gave a blood oath to my brother. Will you give one to me?"

"You know that she cannot," stated Apolo. He seemed tense.

Prince Dilan looked at Arora.

Reluctantly, she drew her dagger. There was no way to avoid this ritual. "I am the loyal servant of the Imperial house of Calabria."

Prince Dilan took the dagger, and without taking his eyes from her face, he took her unmarred hand and drew the blade across the flesh, drawing blood. He then did the same with his own hand. For a moment, Arora thought her brother would intervene as he took a step toward them, but he did nothing as Prince Dilan pressed their hands together.

"We are bound," he said.

Although his face was flushed, she felt nothing but disgust for him. Any woman would trade places with her, but Arora would rather be the lowest dog in the empire than to suffer his attentions.

When she reached the door, he said, "Do not fail, Arora."

"I am honored to serve the Imperial house of Calabria."

The servants closed the door behind her, and she let out a long breath. Arora dared not fail Prince Dilan, and yet she wished she could pass this duty on to any other. Despite her words, this was no honor. Dilan was punishing her for her refusal of his affection. He had known of her love for Trey, and yet he still made no secret of wanting her. Arora reached into the folds of her clothing to touch the dagger. Someday she would kill him and free Calabria from a tyrant.

She headed to the women's quarters, but was intercepted by a messenger from the emperor himself. Frowning, she followed the messenger not to the Emperor's receiving hall, but to his private suite. As far as she knew, the Emperor hadn't shown her any interest, but then Emperor Zeno hadn't shown any woman the slightest interest since the death of Prince Trey's mother. Even his concubines were ignored, although Lady Xuxa wielded great power as the mother of the crowned prince.

Emperor Zeno was not alone. High Imperial Guard Dax was with him. Arora did not look at her father as she made the proper obeisance to the emperor.

"I hadn't noticed," commented the emperor, "how lovely my son's imperial guard had become."

Dax did not respond. As far as he was concerned, she did not exist. Arora felt ashamed. She was not proud to be the only female born of an imperial family. Females were used to breed. They were weak, helpless creatures that required too much energy to protect. As a consequence, imperial families refused to keep female children. Arora did not know why her father had not exposed her as a newborn infant as was custom amongst people of their rank. She could not thank him for her life.

"What are you doing here?" snapped Dax.

"I sent for her," Zeno said before Arora had to speak to her father. "You have many duties, Lord Dax. You should attend to them."

Zeno did not speak again until Dax had gone, then he said. "Show me your hand."

Reluctantly, she showed him the hand had still oozed blood.

To her surprise, he reached out to take her other hand, and when she opened it for him, he traced the scar with his finger. "You were an innocent child when you gave an oath to Trey, yet I think you meant it more than any oath you may have given Dilan today."

Arora couldn't respond. He was right.

Sighing, Zeno released her and turned away. "The time will come when you will make a great sacrifice for Calabria." He drew his sword, and Arora resisted the urge to cower. The emperor could kill her and no one would notice she was gone. But he handed the sword to her, the bejeweled handle first. "Take my sword, Arora, and guard it with your life. Use it to protect my son."

She stared in awe at the sword now in her hands. "I …I am honored…"

"Go!" he snapped. "One day you will return my sword to me."

Although she did not understand him, she left his presence with the emperor's sword hidden amongst her clothing.

As she left the palace, she felt eyes upon her, and she looked up expecting to see Prince Dilan watching her from the balcony overlooking the courtyard.

Instead, her eyes met the menacing dark gaze of her father.

Arora lowered her head and looked away.

She would not fail in this mission, she vowed. She would not give her father the reason he needed to be ashamed, no matter how repulsive her duty was to her.