The Jasmine and The Pine

Chapter 5

By Destiny

Triniti fastened the sparkling diamond necklace around her throat and stepped back from the mirror. She hated social functions. She didn't mind the dressing up part, though, she thought as she smoothed a wrinkle in the satin skirt of her blue gown. She had tried everything to get out of Javin's invitation to this ball. First, she had tried declining, but when she saw his blank look, she knew that would not work. Then, she had tried using the lack of proper attire. Javin had only smiled condescendingly and told her that he had a complete outfit already ordered and on its way. With no other excuses, Triniti had reluctantly agreed to go.

At least she was going with Kegan, who considered her to be a friend and colleague. Looking at the clock, she noted the good doctor should be here. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than there was a knock at the door. She opened it to see whom she expected....dressed in sweats.

"Please, tell me you're not wearing that," she said. Kegan responded by coughing violently.

"I'm sorry Triniti," he whispered. "But I found someone else for you to go with."

Triniti almost pushed him back out the door. She could guess who his stand-in was.

"Tell me you didn't."

"Mr. Bloom already said he would be more than happy to go with you," Kegan said, attempting to pacify the woman.

"He said that?"

"Well, not in so many words."

"I'm not going," she shrugged.

"You have to."

"Javin won't miss me."

"You're the reason for the function."

"What?" Triniti asked surprised.

"You're the backbone of his mission. This is to present you to the leaders of Chiasmus."

Triniti realized she really didn't want to go now. Javin had once again succeeded in outwitting her. How can he do this to me! He was right when he said he could make my life miserable. Well, I'll play his little game, only he had better be prepared.

"Please," Kegan pleaded, "Be civil to Mr. Bloom. He wanted to do this for me. When he found out I was ill, he immediately offered to take my place. I beg you, be nice to the poor man."

Triniti nodded her head reluctantly. "Fine."

"Good."

There was another knock at the door and Triniti shot an annoyed look at Kegan before answering it. Triton was dressed in a black tuxedo, white shirt and black bow-tie. He looked very handsome, that she had to admit, regardless of how she felt at the moment.

"Good evening, Miss Barton," he addressed her, bowing slightly.

"Good evening, Mr. Bloom."

"Are you ready?"

"Yes."

Trowa offered her his arm, which she gingerly accepted. Kegan watched as she swished out the door. His plan had worked. He only wondered if she would figure out his sickness was faked. Well, none of that mattered now. Javin's ideas had worked, and it was time to begin his "personal inspections."

Trowa glanced at the stiff body beside him. Triniti had barely placed her hand in the crook of his arm and was walking as far from him as possible. He knew her eyes must be blue cauldrons of fury. He loved her eyes, especially since they would be even bluer because of the color of her dress. He had to calm her down before the dinner or else she would blow the whole thing.

"Your ankle seems to have healed sufficiently."

"Yes, thanks to Dr. Kegan’s expert attention," Triniti knew that Triton was the one who really should be given the credit, but it gave her a bit of satisfaction to ignore his help. "Unfortunately, the break has not kept me from having to attend this ridiculous function."

Trowa turned to look at her profile. After a few blinks, he turned to stare straight ahead again. He had been more than willing to escort Triniti when Kegan had first approached him with the suggestion. Then, when he found out she was to be the guest of honor, he knew that he needed to be near her in order to protect her if things went awry. Her resentment was no longer a factor to be considered.

Trowa paused before entering the huge doors that led to the dining room. "Triniti, I know you hate everything about this even more than I do, but please try to get control of yourself. Javin is not a man to trifle with."

Triniti whipped her head around to glare at her escort. Without even answering, she took a step toward the brightly lit room almost dragging Trowa with her. The room burst into applause as the couple entered. Despite her anger, Triniti felt her face flush; all this attention made her nervous.

Heero stood in the balcony of the expansive ballroom and fixed the blond-haired woman's face in his mind. His assassin instincts kicked in. But it wasn't the woman that disturbed him. It was the man who was seated to her right. Heero could not figure out why Trowa was here. Had he turned traitor and joined with Chiasmus or had he become involved thinking his friend was in danger?

"Heero," Wufei's voice sounded in his ear.

"What?" he answered, pushing in the earpiece.

"Did you see our dear friend down there?"

"Trowa? Yeah."

"The blond is the friend that was kidnapped, or so I'm thinking."

"How do you know that?" Arys' voice came over the comm.

"She was in Marimaia's Army. She and Trowa were close then. I didn't know what happened to her till now."

"Well, that'll make things difficult," Arys acknowledged.

Never before had Triniti felt so trapped in her life. Triton sat to her left and watched her like hawk. Javin was seated on her right and keep trying to make polite conversation. Carefully, Triniti answered his questions as little as possible. She knew she was walking a tight-rope with this man. Not for once would he let her forget that she was his captive. A Chiasmus soldier stood behind her chair. In all pretexts, he appeared to be Javin's bodyguard, but Triniti knew he was there for her benefit. She did not like this one bit; in fact it outraged her!

Triniti fiddled with her water glass and choked down her anger. She was glad that Trowa knew better than to try to talk to her right now. He glanced around the room at intervals, and occasionally she caught him watching her. He would send her a sympathetic, yet warning look, before turning back to his meal. She could feel his stiff readiness; he was prepared for something to happen even if she started it!

I have to get out of here! Triniti began looking for an escape route when Javin stood up and cleared his throat. The room hushed expectantly. When all was quiet, he smiled, satisfied.

"On behalf of the Chiasmus Corporation, I would like to thank the one person who has made this enterprise successful. It is none other than this illustrious young lady who is sitting on my left. Through her willing attitude and untiring determination, she has single-handedly revitalized our mission."

A polite applause interrupted his speech. Triniti glanced out at the smiling faces before her. Quickly she looked back down at her plate. Javin sure knows how to irate a person!

Trowa shifted in his seat. His hands fell into his lap as he turned to watch her more closely. Triniti stiffened her back. Her mind whirled as she tried to think of a way to escape or at least turn Javin;s speech against him. She had to lose Triton, too. Javin droned on and on as her finger circled the lip of her glass. Finally, he seemed to take a breath to sum up.

"As a fitting reward, I have given this dinner and ball for Miss Barton. Please join me in congratulating her." The room erupted into applause as people began standing to their feet. After what seemed like an eternity, Javin raised his hand and waited for everyone to be seated. "And now a word from our evening's honoree."

Triniti didn't move. She felt Javin sit down beside her, and she knew everyone was watching her. The rage in her heart was quickly turning into terrible defiance. She would show Javin that he was not master over her yet. With a slight wave of his hand, Javin's bodyguard stepped forward. Triniti felt her chair pulled backwards. Looking at Javin, she saw that once more she had angered him. He regarded her with a patient smile, but behind that smile seethed wounded pride. Because she had no other choice, Triniti carefully placed her napkin on the table. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Triton; his eyes held a sympathetic look that enraged her. Planting both hands on the table edge she rose to her feet with a stiff back. She felt a rush of andrenaline that made her bolder and more determined. She tried to appear as regal and as strong as possible.

"I must thank Mr. Lowe for his amazing generosity. This evening is something I never expected nor solicited. I must say that the honor of working here at Chiasmus has been forced upon me," Triniti deliberately cut her eyes toward Javin daring him to read the full import of he words. "Thank you all once again."

Triniti finished with a forced, but glorious smile. Regaining her seat, she scooted closer to the table. Triton clapped along with the other diners. He acted like he had missed her cloaked barbs, but she knew he had to have caught them immediately.

After a moment of wild applause, the musicians in the adjoining room sounded over the noise. Triton turned to Triniti to escort her from the table, but Javin beat him to the task. The corporation head grabbed the girl's elbow with his bony fingers and practically jerked her out of the chair. Triniti was startled by the suddenness of his gesture and almost tripped over her chair. Javin firmly secured her hand in the crook of her arm and held it there with his other hand. Triniti's anger momentarily gave way to fear as she felt the strength of his gundanium body. Trowa attempted to follow the couple, but the bodyguard fell into step immediately behind his leader. From a cautious distance the pilot joined the party; Javin's attitude made the situation even more touchy.

As the host of the ball, Javin led Triniti out onto the dance floor. At the center, he turned her to face him. His arm wrapped around her waist while his hand grasped hers. The cruel fingers dug into her side as Javin pulled her closer to whisper into her ear.

"That was a most unexpected speech, my dear! I sincerely hope, for your sake, that the full spectacle was lost on our guests."

Triniti could not suppress the gasp that rose to her throat as her partner continued to crush her hand. She tried to ignore the pain and fear in order to defeat Javin's attempt to scare her.

"Miss Barton, please put a smile on your face. People will think this dance pains you. Now, I regret to have to do this, but I must remind you of a little talk we had not too long ago. Do you remember, my dear? Well, I'll just give you the highlights: if you continue to balk at my demands, I will be forced to make you most unhappy. I hope this time I have made my point quite clear."

"Yes," was all Triniti trusted herself to say.

Trowa watched with mounting concern as he saw the strain on Triniti's face. If Javin hurts her, I'll......

His thoughts were interrupted as he realized Javin was handing Triniti over to the bodyguard that had appeared out of nowhere. He would wait a few minutes and then try to cut in. Maybe Triniti would be thankful for his intrusion this time.

Relief washed over Triniti's face as Javin finally relinquished her to the guard. It was not much of an improvement, but she could probably handle this man easier. Trowa knew her anger would escalate now that she was out of danger, so he had to be ready for anything. Trowa watched Triniti as she moved around the floor with her new partner. He was just about to step forward when a lady appeared at his elbow.

"Excuse me, sir."

He looked down at the red-haired woman.

"I was wondering if your evening was filled yet?" she asked with a flirtatious smile. "My dance card still has a few openings."

"I'm afraid I don't have opening."

"Oh," she said, slightly taken back. "Well, if you get one, come look me up."

Trowa watched as the figure walked away. She turned to fling a smile over her shoulder before vanishing into the crowd of swirling dancers.

Triniti noticed the girl that approached Triton. Oh, good! Finally, someone to take his attention off of me. But when he politely turned the girl away, Triniti's anger flared again. What's wrong with him! her mind screamed. He won't....

"Miss Barton! Are you feeling well?" the concerned voice of her partner interrupted her thoughts.

"Huh... Oh yes, I'm..."she started. What am I doing? This is the perfect chance. "I'm fine...I think. Just a little..."

"Are you sure? Your face suddenly got flushed, and I wasn't sure if you were feeling well or not."

"Well, I am a little faint feeling. It must be... the...heat. The room seems... so...hot!" she brushed a shaky hand across her forehead.

"Let me take you to the chairs along the wall. Maybe some cool air and some punch will help."

"Well, that would be very nice. I...I... hate to spoil the evening."

"Don't worry. I understand perfectly."

Triniti allowed the guard to lead her to the chairs. She cautiously lowered herself into a chair, and then watched as the man hurried off for her refreshments. As soon as he was out of sight, her eyes flew to the French doors that opened onto the moonlit gardens. Quickly scanning to room, she edged out of the doors.

Heero watched as the band struck up a waltz and the guests took to the floor again. The blonde woman edged her way along the dance floor and slipped out the open French doors.

"I'm going," Heero said, leaving his post.

"Heero, Trowa followed her," Arys told him.

"I know," Heero answered. "If he gets in the way, I'll shoot him too.

Triniti was thankful for the cool night air. Her highly excited brain raced over the events of the past few hours. She hated speeches almost as much as social functions, especially when they were directed at her. The night breeze cooled her flushed face, as she wandered around in the gardens. Despite the warmth of her face, she shivered as she remembered Javin's clutch. She flinched as she gingerly touched her bruised side. This is only a little of the power that a gundanium body can exert. I’m glad I erased Javin’s files. If I can only get rid of him, such monsters can never be revived.

Her walk took her to a break in the hedges that overlooked a skipping creek. It seemed like an eternity since she had been outside. As she was staring at the full moon, a small sound directed her attention away from the scene. She was slightly surprised to see someone who was not Triton. This man was of medium height, slender build and Japanese origin.

"Hello?" she questioned. She was answered by a gun.

Turning to fully face her assailant, Triniti lifted her chin, "Go ahead, complete your assignment."

Before the man could react, a tall figure stepped out of the shadows and stood in front of the dazed Triniti.

"Out of the way, Trowa," Heero said emotionlessly.

"Triton, leave me alone. He was sent after me, not you!"

"Wait, Heero." Trowa said. "She's not the bad guy here."

"Are you?"

Trowa shook his head.

"Explain," Heero ordered, not lowering his gun.

"The suits that are being built have design flaws."

"That makes you good?" Heero shrugged.

"It doesn't make us bad," Trowa answered.

Triniti frantically grabbed Trowa's arm trying to push him aside. "Get out of here! Why won't you just leave me alone!"

Heero continued to stare at the taller pilot, who met his gaze. Triniti's pulling on his arm seemed not to phase Trowa in the least.

"You have two more weeks, Trowa," Heero finally said. "After that, I'll come back and finish my job."

Trowa solemnly nodded his head and watched Heero disappear into the shadows. The quiet sound of heels clicking on the flagstones turned his attention to the retreating figure of Triniti. He followed her till she came to a stop and leaned against one of the garden walls as if she was too weak to stand.

"Are you alright?" he asked, reaching out a hand to her. She spun around, angry tears falling down her cheeks and fury written on her face.

"Why did you just do that?"

"I saved your life."

"Maybe I didn't want my life saved. Did you ever think of that? If he would have killed me, I wouldn't have to worry about Javin executing me. I'm sure your friend would have done the job quick and easy. I can't be so sure about Javin."

"I wouldn't allow Javin to kill you."

"How can you promise such a thing?"

"Why do you think I'm here?"

"Just why are you here, Triton? Why did you come?"

"Because I told you six years ago something that hasn't changed."

"And what was that?"

"I love you. I loved you then, and I still do."

It was enough to stop her angry tirade. She hastily wiped away her tears with the back of her hand and started to walk away. "Then, I'm sorry you still feel that way."

Trowa reached out and grabbed her arm, turning her around to face him. "If you don't love me, tell me so."

"I don't love you," she muttered looking down.

"Look me in the eye, and tell me."

She looked up at his face and started to repeat what she had said. But the intensity of his dark green eyes subdued her. There were so many emotions going through them, it surprised her. She had forgotten his eyes were that expressive. She could see that she had hurt him in the past weeks with her words and aloofness. But yet his love for her had pushed all that aside and still continued to reach out to her. She could also tell that he had reached the end of his rope in dealing with her.

"Tell me you don't love me. I will turn around and walk away; you will never see me again," he told her with a firm voice, but his eyes pleaded otherwise.

"I...I don’t….I can't," she whispered.

Relief spread over his face, and a small smile tugged at his lips.

"Good," he said, sliding his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. Triniti tried a last-ditch attempt to escape by placing her hands against his chest and pushing, but her efforts were only half-hearted. He took this as an odd form of encouragement, and leaned down to kiss her. Memories flooded her mind as soon as his lips touched hers-- bittersweet memories that had remained bitter for too long. Triniti moved her arms from his chest and wrapped them around his back. She felt the warmth of his kiss wash over her. All the years of resistance could never erase the safety and contentment she had always felt when Triton kissed her.

When he broke the kiss, she laid her head on his chest, still hugging him. Then it seemed, common sense kicked in. Triniti realized that she had allowed this man to capture her heart once more, but she quickly snatched it back. Taking a step away from him, she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Trowa knew that he had lost her once again.

"Don't you ever do that to me again," was her deadly cold reply as she turned and walked away.

Trowa watched her go, the familiar feeling of rejection settling in his chest. Sighing to himself, he went and leaned on the wall that overlooked the ocean. Why did he even try any more? She had stopped loving him years ago. He shook his head. He knew why, it was the same reason why he had stayed up late every night, running a name search for her. It was the same reason why he often had wondered where she was, what she was doing, and if she were safe.

"Why are you doing this to yourself?" Arys asked, coming up to the thoughtful Trowa.

"Because I still love her."

"She doesn't love you anymore, Trowa."

Trowa looked over at her for a moment and then started walking away. "I disagree."

The sounds and lights from the on-going ball poured out of the high windows. Triniti knew she could not face Javin or his party at the moment. Instead, she turned to walk along the garden paths. She had to get away from Triton, Javin, and everything. How could she escape? If only she had her Oracle or even her crossbow. But no, her abduction had allowed no time for last minute preparations. Without either weapon, she felt extremely vulnerable, even though she had never used them that much.

Walking along the brick walks of the cultured gardens, she headed deeper into the trees. She allowed the night sounds and the sighing wind to wash over her. Slowly, the soothing sounds seeped into her body and soul. The lonely tones of the breeze among the leaves seemed to correspond with her feelings at the moment. The consolation had a calming effect on her otherwise troubled spirit. In the distance she saw the outline of an old wooden footbridge over a dried up creek bed. Once at the ancient structure, she sat down on the edge allowing her legs to dangle over the weather-worn sides. The chorus of night creatures filled the darkness around her. Little by little all of her anger and tension faded away.

Click!

Triniti stiffened as she recognized the intruding sound. Slowly, she turned to find the source. As the mass of shadows moved, she stood to her feet, "Who is it? Triton, if that’s you, I have nothing more to say!"

A short Chinese man stepped forward with a raised gun.

"You, too? Well, go ahead; I’m unarmed and willing. But let me warn you: it’s already been tried once tonight and was thwarted."

"I haven’t come to kill you, Triniti, just to talk." Wufei carefully holstered his weapon to illustrate his remarks.

"Oh, I know you--another face from the past. Chang Wufei, if I’m not mistaken. Sorry, but I’m not in the mood to talk tonight!" She started walking away from the bridge.

"Wait. There are things you need to know. I once tried to warn you about Trowa…."

"I’m not interested in anything you have to tell me about him."

"Woman! Will you listen to me!"

"What did you call me?" Triniti turned and raised a hand warningly. "Look, I’ve had a rough night, and I don’t feel like putting up with you right now."

"My warning about Trowa still stands; he isn’t all he seems." He received no answer as the girl walked away. "Let me also warn you about Javin. This whole operation is going to blow up in your face if you aren’t careful!"

"Tell me something I don’t already know," the retreating figure flung over her shoulder.

As the darkness closed around him, Wufei muttered, "Women!"