Shinigami and the Dragon Pt 5/?
Jun. 8th, 2004 05:54 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
Duo obediently followed his master into his inner chambers. His mind was a whirlwind of confusion. Why was he chosen and not Akunin? It didn't make any sense to the violet eyed youth. Once the doors were shut and secured, the old man turned to the boy with a look of compassion. He understood all too well what the boy was about to go through. He had to go through the same ordeal himself, so long ago.
The young man opened his mouth to speak, but before sound had a chance to escape, the Shinigami spoke the very same question he had been about to ask.
"Why did I choose you over Akunin? That's what you want to know, isn't it?"
Duo shut his mouth and merely nodded.
"Akunin is savage and power hungry." Shinigami began bluntly. Now was the time to be frank, sincere and above all, honest. The boy must be made to see the potential dangers that could confront him. The sooner he understood the situation, the better. He continued, "With the total power of Death at his command, Akunin could eventually bring our world and that of the earth's to their knees."
Duo opened his mouth as if to negate such an accusation, but then shut it again quickly. How could he deny what he himself had come to realize some time ago, even if only on a subconscious level? Even if such thoughts had surfaced from time to time, he had never allowed his mind to linger on them. Still, he knew that they held the ring of truth. He had worked with Akunin many times and had seen how malicious he could be.
Shinigami nodded his head slowly. Smart boy.
"Please understand," Shinigami continued, "Death is not something to be enjoyed. But neither is it something to be feared." He placed his hands on Duo's shoulders and looked beseechingly into his violet eyes. "Withdraw your emotions from the job at hand, if you must, but try to keep your "humanity". Allow your friends to help you in this endeavor. It is not a burden that should be carried alone. Do not be afraid to ask for their support."
The old man sighed heavily. Duo looked so sad. How could he make the duty Duo had to perform any easier for the young man? Was that even possible?
( I suppose I should be grateful that Duo is so reluctant. How would Akunin have responded to a similar situation?) he shuddered at such a notion, (He'd have been only to happy. Always ready and willing to kill, that one.)
"Master...?" Duo began hesitantly. The old one seemed lost in some disturbing thought.
The Lord of Death gave himself a mental shake and continued, smiling at the boy before him. "You served that purpose for me, Duo, even before your appointment. You were always a great source of pride and happiness, someone I could relax around, be myself. You and your aunt both kept me in touch with my feelings. Your friendships kept me from becoming heartless and without mercy or compassion. For this I thank you."
Duo didn't know what to say. He was moved beyond words. He, too, had treasured their friendship. For him, the man called Death had seemed like the father he had lost long ago.
Shinigami continued, "A Death without these emotions, as Akunin seems to be, might possibly unleash great disasters on the world, merely for his own amusement." It had, unfortunately, happened before. He gently shook Duo's shoulders to emphasize what he was about to say next. "Akunin must never gain the power of the Shinigami. Never! You must never turn your back to him, never underestimate him. He is dangerous, boy! Beware!"
His dark eyes, which had witnessed profound joy and great depths of despair slid closed and his hands dropped from Duo's shoulders. He suddenly felt terribly old and tired. It was time. Time to pass his burden on to a new generation.
Duo hesitantly took his master's hands in his own. How thin, how frail they seemed to be with their thick veins and swollen joints. They, as a race, were not immortal, although with their life spans of centuries it might make them seem that way. They were not immune to the ravages of time. It just took longer. Bowing his head, Duo's eyes drifted closed as concentrated on the difficult task at hand.
Their hands, clasped together, began to glow faintly as with a sudden jolt, Lord Shinigami's life force, memories, and powers began the transference from the old man to the young one. Duo's head was thrown back with the sudden force of it. He gasped loudly, his eyes flying open. He clenched his eyes shut, trying desperately to focus his mind. Slowly, he felt his wings as they emerged and unfurled behind him. They began to change from white to black as the old Shinigami began to die.
Duo did his best to make sure there was no pain for his beloved teacher, though if he had wanted too, he could have made the last few moments of the elderly man's life a screaming agony. Unfortunately, there was no dulling the pain for Duo. Not only physical pain, although there was a great deal of that on his part. His mental torment was even greater. He was killing the one person he loved more than anyone in the universe, save his aunt, Melisan Chapel. The one man who had treated him with love, compassion, and understanding. The one he thought of as "Father". Even through his tightly clenched eyes, his tears streamed down his face.
As his wings finished their transformation, Shinigami went limp and slumped slowly to the ground, hands still clasped in Duo's. The braided youth's breath ripped through his throat in great gasping sobs. His heart, beating way too fast, felt like it would explode. Black spots danced around and crowded the edges of his vision. Duo fought to regain his composure for what felt like an eternity, but was actually only a few moments. Slowly his body resumed it's normal functions. The dizziness passed.
A little unsteadily, Duo knelt down and gathered his friend's body in his arms. The old man's eyes fluttered open as he felt a gentle caress on his wrinkled cheek. He gazed up at the youth. His mouth worked, but no words came forth. He put the last of his strength into an attempt to comfort the boy whose tears fell like rain on his upturned face. His voice was so weak, Duo had to lean forward to hear. "...have always loved you...my...son..." The Shinigami's dark eyes slid closed for the last time. His chest released his final breath and did not rise again.
Duo held the frail body, all the while rocking back and forth, crying and sobbing for the lose of his friend, his father, and for himself...
*****
Quatre and Heero, two of Duo's best friends, stood among the crowd of spectators who were still milling about the chambers of Shinigami. As if by some telepathically link, the group reformed their ranks and watched expectantly for the new Lord of Death to emerge. The hall became silent as Duo reentered the room from behind the dais. He mounted the steps and faced those assembled. His gaze wandered the faces before him. He found Quatre and Heero and a tired smile played briefly on his lips, then was gone.
Duo took a deep shuddering breath. His wings, now black as night, unfolded for all to witness. Quatre and Heero were the first ones to begin the applause. Then slowly, others joined in until the sound rumbled like thunder in the vast hall. It was done. Only Akunin stood with hands crossing his chest, his face an unreadable mask.
Quatre could not help but notice Duo's red, puffy eyes. The teenaged boy knew how much his friend had cared for the late Shinigami. It could not have been an easy task for the long haired youth. Quatre sighed quietly and shook his head sadly. Things would not likely get any easier for his friend. He gave himself a mental shake. Death was not a job for the weak, he concluded, and if there was anyone who could pull it off, it was Duo. He would get by with the help of his friends.
Heero stood silently beside Quatre. The two friends were exact opposites in almost all respects. Heero had unruly brown hair, somber Prussian blue eyes, and a reserved and quiet manner. Only in the company of his true and trusted friends did he allow himself to relax and let his guard down. To the casual viewer, he may appear cold and emotionless, but that was not the case at all. He was merely cautious and did not give his trust or friendship lightly. When he did claim someone as friend, it was for life.
Quatre, on the other hand, was blond haired and fair skinned with laughing blue-green eyes and an open and friendly [some would say naive] view of the world. He always seemed to have a smile on his face and a kind or helpful word for all those he encountered. He had many acquaintances, and was well liked by many, but Quatre knew only a handful of people he considered to be real friends. To those lucky few individuals, he swore undying devotion.
Despite their differences in appearance and temperament, both Quatre and Heero were fiercely loyal of their friend Duo, whom they had known since early childhood. The two unlikely friends would do anything to help their companion through this trying time.
As one mind, one soul, one voice, the group assembled made the proclamation that rang off the walls and filled every corner of heaven, "HAIL SHINIGAMI, LORD OF DEATH, LONG LIVE THE GREAT DESTROYER."
TO BE CONTINUED...
CHAPTER SIX
Pairing: None
Category: General
Rating: R
Warning: None
Title: Shinigami and the Dragon
Author: yellowhorde
Duo obediently followed his master into his inner chambers. His mind was a whirlwind of confusion. Why was he chosen and not Akunin? It didn't make any sense to the violet eyed youth. Once the doors were shut and secured, the old man turned to the boy with a look of compassion. He understood all too well what the boy was about to go through. He had to go through the same ordeal himself, so long ago.
The young man opened his mouth to speak, but before sound had a chance to escape, the Shinigami spoke the very same question he had been about to ask.
"Why did I choose you over Akunin? That's what you want to know, isn't it?"
Duo shut his mouth and merely nodded.
"Akunin is savage and power hungry." Shinigami began bluntly. Now was the time to be frank, sincere and above all, honest. The boy must be made to see the potential dangers that could confront him. The sooner he understood the situation, the better. He continued, "With the total power of Death at his command, Akunin could eventually bring our world and that of the earth's to their knees."
Duo opened his mouth as if to negate such an accusation, but then shut it again quickly. How could he deny what he himself had come to realize some time ago, even if only on a subconscious level? Even if such thoughts had surfaced from time to time, he had never allowed his mind to linger on them. Still, he knew that they held the ring of truth. He had worked with Akunin many times and had seen how malicious he could be.
Shinigami nodded his head slowly. Smart boy.
"Please understand," Shinigami continued, "Death is not something to be enjoyed. But neither is it something to be feared." He placed his hands on Duo's shoulders and looked beseechingly into his violet eyes. "Withdraw your emotions from the job at hand, if you must, but try to keep your "humanity". Allow your friends to help you in this endeavor. It is not a burden that should be carried alone. Do not be afraid to ask for their support."
The old man sighed heavily. Duo looked so sad. How could he make the duty Duo had to perform any easier for the young man? Was that even possible?
( I suppose I should be grateful that Duo is so reluctant. How would Akunin have responded to a similar situation?) he shuddered at such a notion, (He'd have been only to happy. Always ready and willing to kill, that one.)
"Master...?" Duo began hesitantly. The old one seemed lost in some disturbing thought.
The Lord of Death gave himself a mental shake and continued, smiling at the boy before him. "You served that purpose for me, Duo, even before your appointment. You were always a great source of pride and happiness, someone I could relax around, be myself. You and your aunt both kept me in touch with my feelings. Your friendships kept me from becoming heartless and without mercy or compassion. For this I thank you."
Duo didn't know what to say. He was moved beyond words. He, too, had treasured their friendship. For him, the man called Death had seemed like the father he had lost long ago.
Shinigami continued, "A Death without these emotions, as Akunin seems to be, might possibly unleash great disasters on the world, merely for his own amusement." It had, unfortunately, happened before. He gently shook Duo's shoulders to emphasize what he was about to say next. "Akunin must never gain the power of the Shinigami. Never! You must never turn your back to him, never underestimate him. He is dangerous, boy! Beware!"
His dark eyes, which had witnessed profound joy and great depths of despair slid closed and his hands dropped from Duo's shoulders. He suddenly felt terribly old and tired. It was time. Time to pass his burden on to a new generation.
Duo hesitantly took his master's hands in his own. How thin, how frail they seemed to be with their thick veins and swollen joints. They, as a race, were not immortal, although with their life spans of centuries it might make them seem that way. They were not immune to the ravages of time. It just took longer. Bowing his head, Duo's eyes drifted closed as concentrated on the difficult task at hand.
Their hands, clasped together, began to glow faintly as with a sudden jolt, Lord Shinigami's life force, memories, and powers began the transference from the old man to the young one. Duo's head was thrown back with the sudden force of it. He gasped loudly, his eyes flying open. He clenched his eyes shut, trying desperately to focus his mind. Slowly, he felt his wings as they emerged and unfurled behind him. They began to change from white to black as the old Shinigami began to die.
Duo did his best to make sure there was no pain for his beloved teacher, though if he had wanted too, he could have made the last few moments of the elderly man's life a screaming agony. Unfortunately, there was no dulling the pain for Duo. Not only physical pain, although there was a great deal of that on his part. His mental torment was even greater. He was killing the one person he loved more than anyone in the universe, save his aunt, Melisan Chapel. The one man who had treated him with love, compassion, and understanding. The one he thought of as "Father". Even through his tightly clenched eyes, his tears streamed down his face.
As his wings finished their transformation, Shinigami went limp and slumped slowly to the ground, hands still clasped in Duo's. The braided youth's breath ripped through his throat in great gasping sobs. His heart, beating way too fast, felt like it would explode. Black spots danced around and crowded the edges of his vision. Duo fought to regain his composure for what felt like an eternity, but was actually only a few moments. Slowly his body resumed it's normal functions. The dizziness passed.
A little unsteadily, Duo knelt down and gathered his friend's body in his arms. The old man's eyes fluttered open as he felt a gentle caress on his wrinkled cheek. He gazed up at the youth. His mouth worked, but no words came forth. He put the last of his strength into an attempt to comfort the boy whose tears fell like rain on his upturned face. His voice was so weak, Duo had to lean forward to hear. "...have always loved you...my...son..." The Shinigami's dark eyes slid closed for the last time. His chest released his final breath and did not rise again.
Duo held the frail body, all the while rocking back and forth, crying and sobbing for the lose of his friend, his father, and for himself...
*****
Quatre and Heero, two of Duo's best friends, stood among the crowd of spectators who were still milling about the chambers of Shinigami. As if by some telepathically link, the group reformed their ranks and watched expectantly for the new Lord of Death to emerge. The hall became silent as Duo reentered the room from behind the dais. He mounted the steps and faced those assembled. His gaze wandered the faces before him. He found Quatre and Heero and a tired smile played briefly on his lips, then was gone.
Duo took a deep shuddering breath. His wings, now black as night, unfolded for all to witness. Quatre and Heero were the first ones to begin the applause. Then slowly, others joined in until the sound rumbled like thunder in the vast hall. It was done. Only Akunin stood with hands crossing his chest, his face an unreadable mask.
Quatre could not help but notice Duo's red, puffy eyes. The teenaged boy knew how much his friend had cared for the late Shinigami. It could not have been an easy task for the long haired youth. Quatre sighed quietly and shook his head sadly. Things would not likely get any easier for his friend. He gave himself a mental shake. Death was not a job for the weak, he concluded, and if there was anyone who could pull it off, it was Duo. He would get by with the help of his friends.
Heero stood silently beside Quatre. The two friends were exact opposites in almost all respects. Heero had unruly brown hair, somber Prussian blue eyes, and a reserved and quiet manner. Only in the company of his true and trusted friends did he allow himself to relax and let his guard down. To the casual viewer, he may appear cold and emotionless, but that was not the case at all. He was merely cautious and did not give his trust or friendship lightly. When he did claim someone as friend, it was for life.
Quatre, on the other hand, was blond haired and fair skinned with laughing blue-green eyes and an open and friendly [some would say naive] view of the world. He always seemed to have a smile on his face and a kind or helpful word for all those he encountered. He had many acquaintances, and was well liked by many, but Quatre knew only a handful of people he considered to be real friends. To those lucky few individuals, he swore undying devotion.
Despite their differences in appearance and temperament, both Quatre and Heero were fiercely loyal of their friend Duo, whom they had known since early childhood. The two unlikely friends would do anything to help their companion through this trying time.
As one mind, one soul, one voice, the group assembled made the proclamation that rang off the walls and filled every corner of heaven, "HAIL SHINIGAMI, LORD OF DEATH, LONG LIVE THE GREAT DESTROYER."
TO BE CONTINUED...
CHAPTER SIX
