AN: I do not own Gundam Wing or any of its characters.

{-}

Relena gazed at the crowd gathered below in the grand ballroom. There were so many of them. She breathed deeply as she took her first step down the stairs. Her dress felt heavy from all the yards of fabric. Though she had insisted on something simple and tasteful, Relena could tell the royal dressmaker had to throw in some elegance. The rich blue fabric was adorned her and there with rhinestones that shimmered when hit by the candlelight. The long flowing sleeves were elegant and Relena's tiny waist was accented by a gold cord that wrapped around her small frame and hung down to the bottom of the dress. Relena had insisted on wearing her hair down, because she did not want to look too extravagant, so the hair dresser curled it, pulled several pieces back from her face, and let it cascade down Relena's shoulders and back. A gold circlet encircled her forehead to complete the look.

She felt every bit like the part she was suppose to play; elegant, graceful, and beautiful. Everyone else in the room agreed as they stared at her with awe. Her young, pretty face glowed and her sapphire eyes sparkled as she made her entrance.

Relena walked confidently and was almost at the bottom of the stairs when a particular pair of eyes caught her own. Heero was staring at her intently, along side his companions, with an unwritten emotion on his face. Relena could feel her heart skip a beat. There was something so very strange about him. His Prussian eyes were full of danger and mystery. Yet, there was something else there that Relena could not quite touch at… pain?

"Relena, you look ravishing!"

Relena smiled as she greeted her father and kissed him on the cheek. He held out his arm to her and escorted her to the dance floor, where the two of them shared a dance, while everyone else looked on.

"I shall always remember you as you were tonight, Relena."

"Father, you spoil me with compliments. Do not speak so sullenly! You shall see me again tomorrow and the day after that. I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful party. It is the best gift ever."

"I aim only to please you my dear."

"I thank you, my Lord."

The song ended and a round of applause broke out. Relena and King Darlian bowed to each other, and the King waved his hand to strike up another tune, this time inviting others to join in.

"Do dance with one of the young men, Relena. I can tell they are anxiously awaiting you."

Relena blushed and bowed and her father kissed her quietly on the forehead. He then departed the dance floor as a young noblemen asked Relena to dance.

Meanwhile, three young men watched the dancing intently. Wufei had taken it upon himself to be anti-social for the evening; he had turned down nearly every offer to dance, even when Duo practically thrust a girl into his arms. Trowa watched Quatre, quietly, as the blonde haired man twirled a young girl about the dance floor. Heero had taken to the shadows. He was currently watching Relena as she was passed from one partner to another. 

Something had startled Heero when he saw the young woman walk down the stairs that evening. She was, no doubt, the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. But who was Heero to know what beauty was. After all, he had never been anything more than a cold-blooded killer. How could someone, as immaculate as she, fascinate him so much? There was boldness about her; something Heero had never encountered before in a woman.  He found he could not take his eyes off her.

Duo, on the other hand, was enjoying the party with several young ladies who proved to be excellent dancing partners. Had the former thief even tried to get within three feet of a noblewoman a month ago, he would have hanged for sure. But now, things were different and definitely looking up. The girls talked about silly gossip and teased Duo about his long braid. He joked with them and made them giggle with amusement.

Several times Duo glanced around the ballroom for his companions. Quatre was dancing and at the current moment, introducing a young lady to Trowa, Wufei was watching the party in disgust, and Heero was nowhere to be seen. Frowning at Heero's disappearance, Duo glanced over at Relena, who seemed to be suffocating from all the noblemen dying to dance with her. Smiling widely, Duo politely excused himself from the group of ladies he was conversing with and began to search for his stoic companion.

After what seemed liked forever, Duo caught glance of a shadow over by the balcony. Moving towards it, Duo could tell it was Heero, who made no notions greet Duo. Heero simply stared ahead, his eyes fixated on the party. Duo stood next to him and tried to focus in on what Heero was looking at. Suddenly, a devious scheme formed in his head.

"Relena looks beautiful doesn't she? I don't think there been a lady like that since Queen Laetitia of Alderon. She was a member of the Peacecraft family you know. They say she came from the fairy realm in the South. Princess Relena does resemble her in some ways."

"Hn," was Heero's only reply.

"Yes, yes, very pretty indeed," continued Duo roughly. "So… why don't you ask the Princess for a dance?"

"The Princess would not dance with a soldier."

"Ah, but she would dance with you! You saved her life, remember?"

"Hn," was all he said again.

"Oh come on, Heero! I will bet the girl is dying for you to ask her to dance! You can tell those suitors are boring her to death."

"She is not significant to me," said Heero coldly as he walked away, rather annoyed.

"You should not pester him so much," said a voice behind Duo.

The braided man spun around to see Wufei leaning against a column. The oriental man was smirking at Duo's unscrupulous efforts.

"I'm just trying to help him out. Princess Relena fell for him the moment she saw him. Anyone with eyes can see that!" exclaimed Duo.

"Heero is clearly not interested," retorted Wufei.

"He never said he wasn't…"

"Women make men weak. Heero is not weak. He does not need a hapless woman to burden him." With that, Wufei walked away to stand near Martin, who was watching the dancers.

Duo pouted for a moment but would not be defeated. Suddenly an idea formulated in his mind. The braided young man ran across the great hall and grabbed Quatre's arm. Surprised, Quatre walked away with Duo, and he whispered into the blonde man's ear. Quatre frowned slightly but reluctantly nodded his head. As he walked away from Duo, Quatre shook his head and smiled. That man was going to be in big trouble if Heero ever found out.

Quatre made his way through the crowd and approached the dance floor once more. He walked over towards Relena, who was dancing with a young man.

"Excuse me, your highness," said Quatre as he bowed, "may I cut in?"

Relena smiled at nodded, relieved to be dancing with someone interesting for the moment.

"Thank you Quatre. I was hoping one of you would ask me."

"I'm sure I am not the one you were hoping for though," smiled Quatre.

Relena frowned slightly, "I don't know what you mean by that remark."

"Excuse me then, your highness."

"No, dear Quatre, please don't. Call me Relena. I am not as noble as you may think I am. I choose not to set myself above others."

"Ah princess, in my household, I was always taught that nobility receives respect by my father. I feel it is my duty to address you so."

"But, Quatre, I do hope that you and I will become friends. So, please, call me Relena."

"As you wish," smiled Quatre as they whirled around the dance floor.

{-}

"Is everything in order?" asked Lady Une as they crouched down in the shadows of the palace. They were outside, hiding themselves along the stone walls. The sound of music and merriment rang through their ears, but it was no time for them to celebrate.

"Yes, my Lady," replied Noin.

"Good. General Merquis, you may proceed."

Zechs looked at her sharply. He had his mask drawn down about his face, to hide his definite features. "Who is to go after the King?"

"I will take care of Darlian," replied Lady Une and she loaded an arrow into the shaft of her crossbow. "This arrow is poisonous and I have never missed. I will take care of the King; you shall make sure I am not disturbed."

"Very well," said Zechs. He was about to move out when Noin grabbed his arm sharply.

"Look!" she whispered.

Looking over, Zechs stared at the Lady Une. Her eyes were white and she sat still in one of her trances. Suddenly her head snapped back and she blinked. A wicked smile started to form across her lips.

"Take me to the King's study," she said viciously.

{-}

"Relena, I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for letting us remain here at the palace."

"It has been my pleasure. Besides, it has been long since we have had any hope," replied Relena sadly.

"What hope can we offer you?"

"Five mystical warriors coming to fight for my father, has given hope to the people of Mythica. Lord Trieze threatens to destroy us all. And after that horrible massacre at the Cinq Kingdom a few weeks ago, nobody is safe. My only wish is that I may do something to help as you and the others will do," said Relena with determination.

"You do enough already, taking the people in, caring for them, and leading them. You do enough Relena. Do not think so little of yourself."

Relena smiled. She was enjoying this conversation. Relena could tell Quatre was of noble birth from his manner and conduct. She had even heard of the Winner family, a wealthy merchant whom her father spoke of very highly at times.

As the two new friends danced about the room, a pair of Prussian blue eyes watched them bitterly. Something stirred deep inside Heero to see Relena with Quatre. The way she smiled and laughed as he spoke made him even more uneasy. What was wrong with him? Heero continued to glare in the pair's direction until Quatre caught his eye.

The blonde haired man was no fool. Heero was giving him a glare that could kill him. Slowly, he began to make his way closer and closer to the stoic warrior.

"Relena, how do you find Heero?"

"Why, what do you mean?"

"What is you general opinion on him?"

"Well I scarcely know him…" she stopped. Her eyes drifted off as she caught sight of him staring at her intensely in the crowd. She was fixated for a moment until she snapped back into reality. "Has Heero always been so cold, Quatre?"

"For the short time I have known him, yes."

"He suffers greatly, from what I cannot say, but there is pain in his eyes," she said as she stole a glance at him.

"He touches you?"

"He is mysterious; a man without emotion. Can a person truly be thus?"

"Heero does not appear to be human from what I can tell," Quatre stated with a touch of sarcasm.

"He is human, just as you or I, he feels pain. I can see it in his eyes," she said somewhat sadly.

Suddenly, they were right before him. Relena gasped and stood transfixed upon his face. Quatre stopped dancing with her and approached his companion,

"Heero, we were just speaking of you! Come; share a dance with the Princess!"

"I would rather not…" muttered the cold man.

Duo jumped in, "Of course you would, and it is her birthday!" He shoved Heero towards Relena, forcing the man to take her hand.

Blushing, Relena dropped her head as Heero took her into his arms. Uncomfortably, the two began to dance. Heero shot several death glares towards Quatre and Duo's direction. Duo only smirked and Quatre blushed and backed away. Turning back to his partner, Heero could see she was just as embarrassed as he was. She looked down at the floor, following Heero's lead. After a few moments she spoke to him,

"Thank you, Heero. For what happened earlier today… and for coming here tonight. I appreciate it more than I can say. I also want to thank you for what you are doing… you mission I mean. My father is extremely grateful."

Heero simply nodded as he stared down at her small figure. She looked beautiful in her ball gown. Her eyes sparkled like sapphires, and there was a particular emotion coming from their blue depths that touched him. He felt himself lost for words although for the first time in his life, Heero Yuy wished desperately to say something.

"Princess…" he began.

"Relena," she answered quietly.

"Relena…I" he stopped short unsure of what to say next.

"You don't need to say anything Heero. Just do me the honor and dance with me," pleaded Relena as Heero lifted her hand and guided her smoothly around the dance floor.

{-}

King Darlian sat in his study all alone. As soon as Relena had begun dancing, he made a point to disappear. He would not ruin her party. It was important not only to her, but to him to maintain a peaceful atmosphere that evening; although, the peace was not about to last much longer.

He sat in his heavy chair with his head in his hands. How he would miss his daughter so. It was unfair to leave her so quickly. True, he could avoid the coming danger and run, but fate has a cruel way of playing itself out. Besides, closing the door on his life would open up a new window and era for Relena's. Yes, it had to be done; there was no escaping it.

He heard a rustle in the shadows and turned to face his attacker. Slowly, a figure emerged, that of a woman. She smiled wickedly at the King. Behind her stood two soldiers, both ordinary enough in appearance. The woman turned to one of her men and barked at him,

"Go and tell your General to proceed."

The soldier nodded and climbed out the open window.

The woman then proceeded to step closer, and as she did, Darlian could see her features now. He recognized her instantly,

"It's you," he said coldly to her, "I was expecting the Lord himself. It is a pity he sends a woman to do his dirty work."

Lady Une smiled, "You have not changed at all; still stubborn and full of pride. Time will change all that though."

"You toy with me. I know what you will do, so get on with it!"

"Do not think me so rash," warned Lady Une. "I've come to deliver a message from Lord Trieze."

"What is it?" asked the King in confusion.

"That you may have a slow and painful death!'" cried Lady Une as she unveiled her crossbow and pulled the trigger.

The arrow struck his heart violently and the King fell out of his chair to the ground. He rolled over on his back, gripping at anything to pull himself back up. Suddenly, a burning sensation came from the wound and he felt his whole body quake and collapse. Darlian fell to the floor gasping for air as he felt the poison seep through his entire body…

{-}

At that same instant, Relena felt a twinge in her heart. Something was amiss. She stopped dancing with Heero immediately and looked around struggling to discover the source of her uneasiness. Heero, sensing her unknown fear, turned his gaze sharply to Martin, who had been watching the couple dance.

Martin, along with the other Four, began to walk forward when he stopped. A tremble was rising in the ground. The other dancers stopped and looked around in fear. Heero grabbed Relena and pulled her closer to the others. Then, it happened.

An explosion knocked them all off their feet. People screamed and before the Five Warriors and Martin knew what was happening, they were under attack. Arrows streamed through the air, striking some of the noble men and women. The entire ballroom was trembling still from the unknown blast. Debris was falling from the ceiling. As people recovered from the quake of the explosion, they glanced around to see a catastrophe.

Heero shook his head and looked around. He was slightly dazed and confused. What had just happened? He felt something underneath of him, wait it was someone. Glancing down, Heero saw Relena. Without knowing it, he had shielded her body with his own when the explosion had occurred. His arms were around her back holding her close to him. Heero felt a strange emotion take hold of him. Why had he protected her? Only a few hours earlier, he had held the tip of his sword to her neck, hadn't he?

Snapping back into reality, Heero realized she was unconscious. He shook the princess gently, and climbed off top of her to allow her to breathe. Relena moaned slightly and fluttered her eyes open. She gazed in sheer confusion at Heero before remembering the events that had taken place in the past few minutes. She sat up with a start to peer around and the ruined ballroom.

Before she knew it, Heero pulled her to her feet and shoved her over behind a column where she wouldn't be hit with falling debris. He glanced around him. There were several men, dressed in civilian clothing, with crossbows and swords, terrorizing the surviving guest. Their manner was much like those men Heero had saved Relena from earlier. Then he saw him.

It was the man in the mask that he had fought with; the only one to escape Heero's sword. The man barked out orders and raised his sword to rush through the throng of people. Heero looked to see Martin and his other companions already engaged in combat and defending themselves as best they could. Snatching up a dagger he stored in his boot, Heero ran through the crowd towards the man with the mask. With a cry, Heero flung the dagger at the soldier as he turned around to face him. Quick as lightning, the masked man deflected HHHHeero's dagger and sent it flying across the room. Glaring at Heero the masked man approached.

Heero stood his ground firmly and set his fists. He had no weapon now but his own two hands, but it did not matter. Odin had trained him well in such situations. Stomping, the masked man lurched forward towards Heero. Suddenly, he was stopped though by another soldier. No…it was a woman.

"General, we must leave! The wizard approaches!"

The general looked up sharply and turned around with the woman. "Retreat!" he cried to his men. But his efforts were to no avail. Heero rushed after him without paying any heed to the cries that the wizard, Martin, was about to do something extraordinary.

"Hina hamor ani!" cried a booming voice. Heero stopped his expedition to catch the general and turned around. There was a bright light. The remainder of the enemy stood stunned as if they had turned into stone. Heero glanced in amazement, then, turned to see if the general had suffered the same fate, but it was too late. The general and the woman had escaped and were well on their way out of the castle.

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