Shinigami and the Dragon Pt 4/?
Jun. 8th, 2004 05:45 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
yellowhordeDisclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing and I make no money from this or any other fanfic I write.
Pairing: None
Category: General
Rating: R
Warning: None
Title: Shinigami and the Dragon
Author: yellowhorde
Purple shadows gathered in the corners of the vast chamber, barely held at bay by a scattered multitude of incense laden torches. As the world hung on the cusp of night, everyone assembled in the Master's Hall to witness the upcoming ceremony.
The passing of the title and powers of Shinigami was literally a once in a lifetime event and there was a barley contained aura of excitement and tension in the air. Many of those present were there to show support and to bid a silent farewell to the elderly man who had been friends to so many over the centuries. Others waited to celebrate the appointment of the new Lord.
Dressed in a rich garment of royal purple, Shinigami peered out over the gathered crowd from behind the thick, red drapes behind his throne. So many faces, old and new. So many memories... He scanned the crowd quickly, and caught sight of Duo, looking very handsome in his formal robes, standing in the front row besides Akunin, who seemed to exude calm arrogance.
The old man smiled briefly, his heart filled with pride. This would be hard on the youngster, he knew, but he seemed to be handling it well. The ancient Lord sighed wearily. He'd been Shinigami, the 'God of Death' for centuries and the time of his passing was swiftly approaching. At least he could go to his ancestors with an easy heart, knowing that the title would be in good hands.
Taking a deep breath to steady his old nerves, he stepped out from behind the velvety material and mounted the dais. Silence swept over the assembly. It was time for the Ceremony to begin.
Lord Shinigami called forth his two Lieutenants. Both men, wearing formal robes, Akunin's the color of freshly shed blood and Duo's the same blue as the sky, approached. They knelt, heads bowed before their master.
"The future of our world rests on the backs of these young men before me," the elderly Lord began in a clear strong voice. "It is a terrible burden, yet, a necessary one, for there can be no Life without Death." He paused so the full weight of his words would be felt. The crowd shifted uneasily. They understood only too well, and each was glad that it was someone else taking up that burden.
In a quieter tone, Shinigami began to speak to the two men before him. He praised his two disciples for their long years of loyalty and hard work. He told them how difficult it had been for him to choose between them. However, after careful consideration, he had finally made, what he believed, to be the best possible decision.
(Why doesn't he get to the point?) Akunin fumed silently. He was a bundle of nervous energy, ready to leap up and claim the power that was, finally, within his grasp. (No one cares what he has to say anymore.) he thought irritably. (Just make the damn announcement already!)
Beside Akunin, Duo sat still as stone, his face solemn. The teenaged boy stared down at the subtle patterns of gold flecks in the white marble floor, without really seeing it. His heart ached. Tears threatened, but he grimly blinked them back. After tonight he would never see his mentor again, a man who was more than just his master, but also friend and father figure. He didn't want to see his old friend go, but there was no other way. It was tradition.
Finishing his speech, Shinigami paused and glanced down at his two students, still kneeling before him. He took a deep breath, then forced it through his lips slowly. (There's no turning back now...we've passed the point of no return.) The crowd seemed to lean forward, eager for the name of Death's chosen. The moment of truth was at hand--the tension that filled the air was nearly palatable.
"I have chosen as my successor...Second Lieutenant, Duo Maxwell."
Duo's head flew up, his wide, startled eyes seeking those of the man he had served under for so many years. The young man shook his head slowly in denial. His voice, when he finally found it, was small, barely a whisper.
"...no..."
His eyes pleaded silently with his ancient teacher. This as not what he'd expected...not what he wanted. (It's a mistake. A mistake!)
Kneeling besides the Second Lieutenant, Akunin was enraged, but he did an admirable job of concealing the fact. With his bowed head hiding his face and eyes, only his fists, clenched tightly at his side, betrayed the intense emotions he felt.
(How is this possible?) His mind screamed in confusion.
Murmurs and exclamations of shock and surprise were heard from the crowd. It was traditional for First Lieutenant to be named as the successor! Why was Duo, the Second Lieutenant, chosen? What was the old man thinking? What about Akunin?
"Silence!" The old Shinigami's voice rang out above the commotion. The force of that voice was not to be ignored. All other's fell silent before it's power.
"Second Lieutenant Duo Maxwell, rise and come forward." the elderly man commanded in the same voice that had silenced the assembly. Duo did as he was bid, his head spinning in confusion.
(Why? Why was I chosen and not Akunin? I don't understand! I don't want to be the Shinigami! )
He stood before his Lord, back stiff, shoulders squared, his head held high. He gave no outward indication as to the inner turmoil he was suffering. The ancient being removed a pendant from around his neck slowly. It was an ornamental chain that had been passed from one Shinigami to the next since the beginning of time. It was the symbol of their power. He held it out to the braided young man. Duo bowed his head, his bangs falling to obscure his face, as the medallion was carefully placed over his head and around his neck. It's insignificant weight settled on his shoulders seemed, at least to Duo, to be that of the world.
The old man nodded in satisfaction as the young man raised his head to look directly into his eyes.
(Don't do this to me...Please! I'm not worthy of the honor.)
Next, the Lord of Death presented Duo with a wicked looking scythe. From this weapon came the real power of the Shinigami. With this, the lives of mankind were cut asunder. Duo held the awesome weapon in his hands, feeling its solid weight...hating it... and all it represented.
(It's so cold!) Duo thought with revulsion. Even as he held it in his hands, it remained frigid. He resisted the almost unbearable urge to drop the weapon and wipe his hands off on his robes. It made him feel unclean. (How can he stand to touch it?)
The old man nodded again and smiled briefly, reassuringly, at the youth. He could read Duo's thoughts as clearly as if he had spoken them aloud. He himself had felt much the same way on that long ago day of his appointment. It seemed like almost yesterday, although hundreds of years had passed. Where had all the years gone?
Duo took his new position to the right of his master, facing the assembly. His gaze found that of the former First Lieutenant. He was taken aback by the sheer volume of hatred he saw in those onyx eyes.
(If looks could kill...) He quickly averted his own eyes, a soft blush coloring his cheeks. It wasn't as if he had wanted to be here on this dais in front of all his peers. He had not wanted the position, he had not even wanted to be Second Lieutenant, but it was a great honor to be chosen and was not to be refused. He had been left with no choice.
Lord Shinigami took Duo's left hand with his right and raised both over their heads. His gaze swept the crowd. In a deep, powerful voice, he addressed them for the last time as the Great Destroyer.
"I present to you, Duo Maxwell, the new Lord of Death."
The crowd cheered mightily and applause thundered. Some responded with less enthusiasm than others. The two men on the dais bowed low to the assembly, then rose and departed through the scarlet drapes behind the throne for the second half of the ceremony which would be held in private. Two men left, but only one would return.
After the two figures on the dais left, those gathered in the assembly broke rank. Women entered the hall bearing trays laden with an exotic selection of food and drink which was placed on the tables to the back of the room. Groups began to form to discuss the unexpected turn of events. The hall buzzed with excited conversation.
Akunin held himself separate from the crowd. His mind was a jumble of confusion. Intense emotions battle within him; hatred, anger, jealousy, and disappointment. All of which he bottled up inside him. He arranged his features into a mask of indifference as several of his friends sought him out to offer their support and sympathy.
TO BE CONTINUED...
CHAPTER FIVE
Pairing: None
Category: General
Rating: R
Warning: None
Title: Shinigami and the Dragon
Author: yellowhorde
Purple shadows gathered in the corners of the vast chamber, barely held at bay by a scattered multitude of incense laden torches. As the world hung on the cusp of night, everyone assembled in the Master's Hall to witness the upcoming ceremony.
The passing of the title and powers of Shinigami was literally a once in a lifetime event and there was a barley contained aura of excitement and tension in the air. Many of those present were there to show support and to bid a silent farewell to the elderly man who had been friends to so many over the centuries. Others waited to celebrate the appointment of the new Lord.
Dressed in a rich garment of royal purple, Shinigami peered out over the gathered crowd from behind the thick, red drapes behind his throne. So many faces, old and new. So many memories... He scanned the crowd quickly, and caught sight of Duo, looking very handsome in his formal robes, standing in the front row besides Akunin, who seemed to exude calm arrogance.
The old man smiled briefly, his heart filled with pride. This would be hard on the youngster, he knew, but he seemed to be handling it well. The ancient Lord sighed wearily. He'd been Shinigami, the 'God of Death' for centuries and the time of his passing was swiftly approaching. At least he could go to his ancestors with an easy heart, knowing that the title would be in good hands.
Taking a deep breath to steady his old nerves, he stepped out from behind the velvety material and mounted the dais. Silence swept over the assembly. It was time for the Ceremony to begin.
Lord Shinigami called forth his two Lieutenants. Both men, wearing formal robes, Akunin's the color of freshly shed blood and Duo's the same blue as the sky, approached. They knelt, heads bowed before their master.
"The future of our world rests on the backs of these young men before me," the elderly Lord began in a clear strong voice. "It is a terrible burden, yet, a necessary one, for there can be no Life without Death." He paused so the full weight of his words would be felt. The crowd shifted uneasily. They understood only too well, and each was glad that it was someone else taking up that burden.
In a quieter tone, Shinigami began to speak to the two men before him. He praised his two disciples for their long years of loyalty and hard work. He told them how difficult it had been for him to choose between them. However, after careful consideration, he had finally made, what he believed, to be the best possible decision.
(Why doesn't he get to the point?) Akunin fumed silently. He was a bundle of nervous energy, ready to leap up and claim the power that was, finally, within his grasp. (No one cares what he has to say anymore.) he thought irritably. (Just make the damn announcement already!)
Beside Akunin, Duo sat still as stone, his face solemn. The teenaged boy stared down at the subtle patterns of gold flecks in the white marble floor, without really seeing it. His heart ached. Tears threatened, but he grimly blinked them back. After tonight he would never see his mentor again, a man who was more than just his master, but also friend and father figure. He didn't want to see his old friend go, but there was no other way. It was tradition.
Finishing his speech, Shinigami paused and glanced down at his two students, still kneeling before him. He took a deep breath, then forced it through his lips slowly. (There's no turning back now...we've passed the point of no return.) The crowd seemed to lean forward, eager for the name of Death's chosen. The moment of truth was at hand--the tension that filled the air was nearly palatable.
"I have chosen as my successor...Second Lieutenant, Duo Maxwell."
Duo's head flew up, his wide, startled eyes seeking those of the man he had served under for so many years. The young man shook his head slowly in denial. His voice, when he finally found it, was small, barely a whisper.
"...no..."
His eyes pleaded silently with his ancient teacher. This as not what he'd expected...not what he wanted. (It's a mistake. A mistake!)
Kneeling besides the Second Lieutenant, Akunin was enraged, but he did an admirable job of concealing the fact. With his bowed head hiding his face and eyes, only his fists, clenched tightly at his side, betrayed the intense emotions he felt.
(How is this possible?) His mind screamed in confusion.
Murmurs and exclamations of shock and surprise were heard from the crowd. It was traditional for First Lieutenant to be named as the successor! Why was Duo, the Second Lieutenant, chosen? What was the old man thinking? What about Akunin?
"Silence!" The old Shinigami's voice rang out above the commotion. The force of that voice was not to be ignored. All other's fell silent before it's power.
"Second Lieutenant Duo Maxwell, rise and come forward." the elderly man commanded in the same voice that had silenced the assembly. Duo did as he was bid, his head spinning in confusion.
(Why? Why was I chosen and not Akunin? I don't understand! I don't want to be the Shinigami! )
He stood before his Lord, back stiff, shoulders squared, his head held high. He gave no outward indication as to the inner turmoil he was suffering. The ancient being removed a pendant from around his neck slowly. It was an ornamental chain that had been passed from one Shinigami to the next since the beginning of time. It was the symbol of their power. He held it out to the braided young man. Duo bowed his head, his bangs falling to obscure his face, as the medallion was carefully placed over his head and around his neck. It's insignificant weight settled on his shoulders seemed, at least to Duo, to be that of the world.
The old man nodded in satisfaction as the young man raised his head to look directly into his eyes.
(Don't do this to me...Please! I'm not worthy of the honor.)
Next, the Lord of Death presented Duo with a wicked looking scythe. From this weapon came the real power of the Shinigami. With this, the lives of mankind were cut asunder. Duo held the awesome weapon in his hands, feeling its solid weight...hating it... and all it represented.
(It's so cold!) Duo thought with revulsion. Even as he held it in his hands, it remained frigid. He resisted the almost unbearable urge to drop the weapon and wipe his hands off on his robes. It made him feel unclean. (How can he stand to touch it?)
The old man nodded again and smiled briefly, reassuringly, at the youth. He could read Duo's thoughts as clearly as if he had spoken them aloud. He himself had felt much the same way on that long ago day of his appointment. It seemed like almost yesterday, although hundreds of years had passed. Where had all the years gone?
Duo took his new position to the right of his master, facing the assembly. His gaze found that of the former First Lieutenant. He was taken aback by the sheer volume of hatred he saw in those onyx eyes.
(If looks could kill...) He quickly averted his own eyes, a soft blush coloring his cheeks. It wasn't as if he had wanted to be here on this dais in front of all his peers. He had not wanted the position, he had not even wanted to be Second Lieutenant, but it was a great honor to be chosen and was not to be refused. He had been left with no choice.
Lord Shinigami took Duo's left hand with his right and raised both over their heads. His gaze swept the crowd. In a deep, powerful voice, he addressed them for the last time as the Great Destroyer.
"I present to you, Duo Maxwell, the new Lord of Death."
The crowd cheered mightily and applause thundered. Some responded with less enthusiasm than others. The two men on the dais bowed low to the assembly, then rose and departed through the scarlet drapes behind the throne for the second half of the ceremony which would be held in private. Two men left, but only one would return.
After the two figures on the dais left, those gathered in the assembly broke rank. Women entered the hall bearing trays laden with an exotic selection of food and drink which was placed on the tables to the back of the room. Groups began to form to discuss the unexpected turn of events. The hall buzzed with excited conversation.
Akunin held himself separate from the crowd. His mind was a jumble of confusion. Intense emotions battle within him; hatred, anger, jealousy, and disappointment. All of which he bottled up inside him. He arranged his features into a mask of indifference as several of his friends sought him out to offer their support and sympathy.
TO BE CONTINUED...
CHAPTER FIVE
