Hey guys!!  Here's chapter 6 of Minako's retreat.

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Minako doubted she would ever get used to this place.  It was more like a country of it's own than a mansion!  After many twists and turns they finally arrived at the dinning room.  It was a grand room to say the least.  A beautiful crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling.  The table was huge.  It seemed to stretch across the entire room, which was odd since only four people sat at it.

Minako took a seat next to Quatre, the only one she felt comfortable with at the moment.  She decided now was the best time to present her question.

"Can you tell me what happened to everyone else who was with me?" Minako asked bluntly.  By the looks in the men's eyes it wasn't good news either.  Quatre coughed suddenly, "Well you see…" Quatre began.

"Fifteen of your men are counted dead, including you.  The rest are being held until Relena decides to question them," Trowa answered instead.  Minako looked down for a second.  Fourteen people.  Fourteen people she had picked to go with her on this mission were dead because of her.

"What about…the queen?" Minako asked suddenly. 

"She's alive," Duo told her sympathetically. 

At least Melin was alive.  That meant everyone still believed the queen of Venus was still alive.  It was better this way.  Usagi could always use that to her advantage.

"Good," was all Minako was able to say before the food was brought in.  Quatre shot her a quick sympathetic look before turning to his own dinner.

The dinner was delicious and Minako quickly finished it.  It had been a long time since she had tasted anything other than Usagi's cooking. 

"Minako!"

Minako looked up at the sound of her name.  To her surprise though, it was Itasha.  The small child dashed forward to were Minako was sitting.

"Oh I'm so glad you're here!  Come on, lets go play with my dolls!  Oh this is going to be so much fun!" Itasha squealed gleefully.

"Itasha let Minako eat first, why don't you wait until tomorrow to play?" Quatre asked his Daughter, though in a way in sounded more like a command. 

Itasha looked disappointed for a second before nodding and sitting down in a chair next to Minako.  Throughout the dinner though, Itasha was constantly asking Minako questions and telling her all about her dolls.  Before dinner was over Minako already knew the doll's life stories.

"Minako, will you read me a story?" Itasha asked quickly before her father could shoo her off to her room.  Minako gave her assent and the girl dashed to her room to find a book.

"Sorry, she seems to like you though," Quatre, told her apologetically as they stood from dinner.  All the other men had already left, each with their own reasons.

"No, it's fine.  She's a sweet girl, though she does seem rather lonely," Minako hinted.  Quatre flushed and turned away obviously not wanting to talk about it.

"Well then, I suppose you want to retire to your room?" Quatre said instead.  Minako nodded.

"I'm getting kind of tired, but uh…can you show me to my room please?  I kind of forgot which way it was," Minako said blushing.  How could she forget the way to her room!

Quatre smiled, "It's fine, I'd be more than happy to take you,"

Minako smiled thankfully.  As they walked though, Quatre didn't notice Minako taking note of every door they passed and window.  Though the reason wasn't just to remember her way back to her room.

Minako needed to get to Usagi.  As nice as Quatre had been to her, she needed to escape.  There was always the possibility he would hand her over to Relena or something like that.  She needed to get out.

"Minako?"

Minako blinked in surprise and looked up at Quatre, "Ya?"

"We're here," He said grinning.  Minako looked up and saw the door to her room, "Oh!  Well then, thank you for showing me to my door," Minako said cheerfully as she began to walk into her room.

"Minako?"

Minako stood and looked at Quatre again, "There's going to be a ball in a few days.  Here at the mansion.  Would you like to attend?  It's a masked ball so I doubt anyone would recognize you," Quatre said smiling.

He understood… maybe he had no plans of turning her over… no, the plan was still the same.

"Is there a specific reason to the ball?" Minako asked curiously.

"Well…" Quatre hesitated.

"Please tell me," Minako whined slightly.

Quatre sighed, "It's to commemorate the war…"

Minako suddenly smiled, "I'd be happy to go," and before he could question her motives, she had disappeared into her room.

This was perfect!  Minako practically danced around the flourished room.  This ball provided so many openings.  She could easily slip out, she could gather information about their plan of attack, oh so many possibilities!

"Minako?" came a small voice from the door.  Minako didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"Come in Itasha," Minako said smoothly.  The small girl flounced into the room with a large book in her hand.

Minako climbed into her bed, then patted the spot next to her.  Itasha didn't need to be told twice.  She jumped into the bed alongside Minako, still holding the book lovingly.

"So, which book are we going to read?" Minako asked.

Itasha shyly held the book out to her.  The book was old and well worn.  The title, which had once been golden was now faded and almost unreadable.

Nevertheless Minako figured out what the book was, and she was surprised to say the least.

"They made a book about u…I mean them?" Minako corrected herself.  Sure enough, the book was actually entitled, 'The sailor Senshi'

Itasha nodded fiercely, "Oh yes.  It's my favourite book in the whole world!  The sailor Senshi are amazing!"

Minako cocked her head to the side and looked at the small girl, "Is that so?"

"Ya!  They fight bad guys and save the world!  I wish I was just like them." She said wistfully, "You know, saving peoples lives,"

Minako looked thoughtful for a second, "But you have saved a persons life before,"

Itasha gave her a confused look, "Who?"

"Me," Minako said smiling.  The small girl stared at her for a second before turning her head and looking down,"No I didn't.  If I hadn't of ran out there you wouldn't have been hurt…"

Minako shook her head, "If you hadn't of ran out there I would have been dead.  You really did save my life whether you think so or not,"

Itasha smiled brightly at her.  She leaned her small head on Minako's shoulder and with Minako reading her book; she slowly drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

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^_^ okay there chapter six!!

Next chapter – Striking a deal and shopping!!