Authors Note: My apologies for how long it's taking between chapters. Life has been fairly crazy, unfortunately. To everyone who's still with me on this, THANK YOU. Also, just a reminder: In the series, Trowa Barton was originally the name of Dekim Barton's son, until he was killed and the pilot Trowa Barton (previously Nanashi) took over his identity and place as a Gundam pilot. In this chapter, you'll see why I'm using the name Nanashi for the pilot Trowa.


Dorothy was a clever one, that was for certain. But then, Treize had known that before he sent Duo on this mission. He just hadn't expected her to exact his voice as a price. And Old Man G? His involvement was troubling indeed.

Treize just couldn't be sure what she was playing at. Was this just an attempt to thwart his objectives? Or was it spite? But no, that couldn't be. What could she possibly gain from the humans rediscovering the truth about the mer? Of all the mer who had survived the war, she had arguably lost the most.

"I still believe Hilde should have gone in Duo's place, your Excellency."

This from Une, his Master of the Guard, snapping him back from his musings.

"His inexperience with Singing is what got him into this mess in the first place," Une continued. "We should have sent someone more skilled, and she's the best."

"We've been over this, Captain Une. Hilde's knowledge of human culture and behavior is restricted to what can be learned at that museum she dotes over. Without firsthand experience, she would never be able to pass herself off as a normal human."

"And Duo will, with his inability to speak? Which he never should have agreed to! How can he fulfill the mission if he can't Sing?"

"Dorothy would have exacted the same price from Hilde, so she'd have faced the same difficulty. And the solution is simple, really. If Heero does know the truth, all Duo must do is lure him to a beach or river bank. If he Sings to the Prince there, he'll be able to escape once the spell is broken."

"As you say, your Excellency," Une conceded, bowing her head slightly. Then, after a pause, "What do you plan to do about Old Man G?"

"There's nothing can be done until we know the task he's setting. For now, we watch and wait. Quatre and Iria will act as Duo's points of contact. As it is, we know that Prince Heero and his companion have taken Duo back to the castle, and from what Iria has observed, he's to be lodged in the same wing as they are. Thus far, the circumstances are ideal."

"I dislike having our only line of communication depending on a seagull. They may live near the sea and depend on the ocean's bounty for their sustenance, but they are also creatures of the land. Can she truly be trusted?"

Treize pursed his lips. He didn't like it either, but they didn't have much of a choice.

"She's bonded to Quatre, and his bond with her is stronger than that with any other of his creatures. He refers to Iria as his sister, for Tritus's sake. If not her, then there is no other we can trust. Or do you suspect him of disloyalty?"

"Archduke Winner is your rival for the throne. Everyone knows he'll do anything short of violence to overthrow you. What's to say he's not employing his son to those ends?"

Treize smiled.

"My lady, what you say about Zayeed is true. What you forget is Quatre's devotion to the heir. Have you not observed him when he's with Duo? They are best friends, certainly, and I've oft wondered if perhaps there isn't more there besides. Quatre will do nothing to jeopardize Duo's safety."

"As you say, your Excellency."


Dekim was a patient man. He knew this about himself, and prided himself in it. It was to this quality he credited much of his success as a ruler. Decisions made in haste had too many unforeseen - and usually negative - outcomes. Impatience was the provenance of fools, and Dekim did not suffer fools gladly.

His son was a fool, and though he would never admit it to another living soul, he hated his son too. Blonde haired, blue eyed and by all accounts handsome, the man's rakish good looks and natural charisma did little to make up for his love of strong drink and idle pursuits, at least in his father's mind.

"Why do you insist that I be the one to convince Prince Heero that he should marry Mariemaia?" Trowa demanded. "Can't you just tell him that you'll affect an embargo on Wingarian steel if he doesn't? It would ruin them! Let's just be done with this. He's been here for ages and I'm sick of entertaining him. He's boring as hell and I have better things to do with my time!"

Dekim narrowed his eyes at his son and waited. It was enough. Trowa closed his mouth rather than continue on with his pointless ranting. He was clearly frustrated, but Dekim had long since instilled in Trowa a healthy respect for his father's wrath. Likely, Dekim's belt featured in some of his earliest memories.

"You will do as I say, Trowa, because I say it. Yes, we could force the issue, but that would make Heero liable to impose tariffs or embargoes on our own trade goods, and probably to favor the Sanq Kingdom in future trade negotiations even more than he already does. It's to our benefit that he agree to this marriage without coercion. Mariemaia is doing her part, though you and I both know that the last thing she wants is to marry a man. It's time you did yours."

"Yes, Father. Of course," Trowa said, clearly unhappy, but ceding control to his father and King as he very well should.

"That's settled then. Now, he'll be seated across from you at the banquet tonight, as if he were my left hand man and you my right. Mariemaia will be on his other side, of course. You are to discuss with Mariemaia happy memories from her childhood that will portray her, and you, in the very best light."

Trowa looked very confused.

"What happy memories? She never liked me, refused to call me Uncle, and always managed to escape from any official activity she was supposed to be present for, running off to play in the forest or on the beach!"

"Mariemaia will tell you what these supposed memories are. These won't be true stories, of course, just ones that present Mariemaia as a dutiful and well behaved niece of proper breeding, and you as the affectionate and beloved uncle. We want Heero to believe that we are a happy family, that Mariemaia will make a good queen, and that you're not a complete asshole, though by your behavior since his arrival that last part might be a hard sell. She and I have discussed this at length."

"Alright, fine," Trowa said petulantly. How any self-respecting man of forty-two years could possibly allow himself to appear petulant, Dekim didn't know, but he let it pass. Trowa would do as he was ordered, if for no other reason than the prospect of shipping his niece across the ocean and out of his life.

Dekim looked over to Jetzen, his chief advisor, who had stood silently by throughout the exchange.

"Jetzen, send for Mariemaia. She and Dekim are to confer in the Green room."

"Very good, sir," Jetzen replied, then left promptly on his errand.


Meilan easily dodged Hilde's tail, ducking under the flip and countering with a left-hand jab to the other mermaid's exposed back. Hilde pivoted, countering with a one-two punch that Meilan blocked effortlessly.

Hilde was a good fighter, well trained and more than capable, but she was no match for the Champion of the Shenlong Empire. Meilan had held that title for three years running, much to Wufei's fury. The man just couldn't tolerate coming in second place, to a woman no less.

Still, Meilan reflected as she dodged another tail flip, she enjoyed their sparring sessions. And they were well worth it, since Hilde helped her improve her Singing in exchange.

But Singing lessons weren't what Meilan was after this time. She needed to know more about Duo's mission to the surface. Wufei hadn't been included in any of the briefings since it began, and Quatre had been tight-lipped about his involvement. That meant it was her turn to seek out information.

Hilde finally tapped out when Meilan got her into an armlock she couldn't escape. Meilan released her, and couldn't help but return the wide grin the other mermaid aimed her way.

"Maybe someday I'll finally beat you," Hilde said good naturedly.

"Keep practicing and it won't be long before you do."

"Pff, yeah right. A girl can dream though, right?"

Meilan smiled, deciding not to correct her. Hilde was right – it was highly unlikely that she would ever best Meilan.

"You've improved markedly this past month. At the least, you'll be able to give Quatre and Wufei a run for their money."

"Wouldn't that be grand? Showing them up in something other than Singing? Speaking of, did you want to work on that today?"

"Actually, I was hoping..." Meilan hesitated. How to put this without seeming too pushy?

"Let me guess? You're wondering about Duo?"

Meilan blinked. She hadn't thought her intentions were so transparent.

"To be honest, I am too," Hilde confided. "I'm not typically included in briefings related to the surface, and I've been too busy teaching to ask Quatre about it."

Meilan pursed her lips, then relaxed them as soon as she realized what she was doing. No need to let Hilde know just how frustrated she was.

"Tell you what. When I get the chance, I'll talk to him. I can't promise it'll be right away, but when I do, I'll let you know what I can."

"I appreciate that," Meilan said, tamping down on her sense of triumph. The last thing she wanted was for Hilde to realize just how vital this information was to her.

"You understand I won't be able to tell you everything?"

"Of course. Thank you."

Now, all Meilan had to do was wait. Patience was hardly her strong suit, but for this, it was worth it.

~tbc