*...* denotes thought
------ lines between these symbols connotate a flashback
******* identifies a break in scenes
[1,2,3,4,...] signifies author notes at the bottom of fic
Author's notes: um, geez, it's been way since... July that I've updated this fic... wow... heh heh heh ^_^ but I've gotten sooo many lovely comments on the prologue that I decided to put my nose to the proverbial grindstone and write this next part. It's not that long... but at least it's something, ne?
Shinigami VS Duo Part 1
The Game Revealed
A brilliant flare of lightning, followed by a partnering crash of thunder, illuminated and reverberrated throughout the skies of the heavens. The denizens of this celestial resting place looked up at the darkening skies in consternation, giving each other looks of worry and apprehension. Never before, in any of their varied lengths of memory, had the skies of the third realm ever been anything but light and carefree. This atmosphere of peace and happiness was responsible for the tranquil state of its inhabitants. However, now it looked like something had disturbed the normal state of affairs in the afterlife, and it didn't look like it was something good.
A storm was brewing and the ramifications were not yet known.
Groups of angels and eternal souls huddled together in small groups, whispered murmurs flying fast and furious like wildfire. Speculation as to the cause of this cosmic disturbance varied from the plausible to the impossible. As the whispered rumors continued, every now and then a haloed head would rise from its gathered group to peer up at the closed, ornate doors that guarded the inner sanctums of the heavens.
The doors, ornate and a bit ostentatious, were usually found open, granting free audience to any interested passing spirit, soul, or angel. However, now they were firmly shut, keeping the inner proceedings hidden from prying eyes, guarded by a pair of fiercely determined archangels. A new storm of gossip erupted from those that had been privy or present to just whom had passed through those same doors before they had been firmly closed.
After all, only once before had every single member of the Tsuriai no Senshi ever been gathered together to meet in one place. [1]
And that had been at the creation of the world.
Yet, here and now, the Warriors of Balance were gathered together, deeply esconced in their discussion of whatever could be momentous enough to warrant such a reunion. The ranks of the Tsuriai no Senshi were made up from the most revered members of the heaven's elite angels, with a motley sprinkling of elementals and other eternal souls. Often found working alone or with a few partners, the eternal guardians were never seen all together, gathered in one group.
However, within minutes of the beginnings of the cosmic storm, each warrior had made his or her appearance, only to be swiftly escorted through the parted doors. Brief glimpses had been seen of the legendary deities by those with eagle eyes. As soon as they had all appeared, the doors had been closed and guards set firmly into place to keep the bravest of the curious away from the inner proceedings.
Rumors continued to spread as it became common knowledge that all of the Tsuriai no Senshi had arrived, except for one. Speculation arose anew that the missing warrior was probably the subject of the meeting, although none could imagine what the Lord of Death could have done that would warrant such an unusual event.
But, the gathered beings all reassured each other, no matter what Shinigami had done, the other senshi would be sure to discuss it calmly and collectively. After all, the Tsuriai no Senshi were known for their level-headedness. They would never let their emotions get the better of them, and this little matter would be cleared up in no time, with very little fuss.
**********************
SLAMMM!!!
Or maybe not.
The other gathered warriors winced as Inferno's massive fist landed on the table top, threatening to split the age old marble. The passionate deity, whose fiery temper matched his element, seemed intent upon doing some physical damage to alleviate some of his frustrations at their current situation. In his deep rumble, the Guardian of Fire muttered, "I cannot believe that Shinigami would be so foolish and selfish as to directly interefere with the affairs of mortals!"
Aquina, the Muse of Water, attemted to calm Inferno's temper. "Perhaps Shinigami had good reason. We haven't asked him why he has tempted the balance of the cosmos with his actions."
"Inferno is right. No reason can excuse the fact that Shinigami has broken one of the cardinal rules. The results of his hasty actions is apparent in that brewing storm. The God of Death has upset the very balance between the worlds and it must be restored," murmured Elena, the Goddess of Light.
Murmurs of agreement rumbled through the other gathered deities as they nodded their collective heads. However, two of the gathered gods made no verbal or physical agreement. One was cloaked in his traditional cowled cloak, made of the brightest substances of the heavens, his angelic features hidden.
His attention was not focused upon his gathered companions, but rather on one of the room's many celestial windows adorning the outer boundaries. A scene from the mortal world below was playing in the window's clear panes, capturing his interest and prolonging him from speaking his thoughts to the council. As the tension in the room, not to mention certain deities' voices, escalated, his white, feathered wings bristled in agitation. Yet, as soon as the other silent companion spoke, his ruffled feathers smoothed and lay calm against his back once more.
Shade, Mistress of the Shadows, tucked her whispy cloak around her form more securely, even as she spoke in her calm, albeit disembodied voice. "What I still do not understand, is why Shinigami's actions would have such an impact on the cosmic balance. After all," and with this she spearheaded Cupid with a direct look. "It would not be the first time a deity has taken a mortal for a lover or mate. Perhaps you would care to explain this to us, Destiny? As to why this sudden behavior of Shinigami should threaten us so?"
Destiny, the elusive voice of what was, what is, and what will be, placed his hand on his book and spoke, commanding the attention of all. "It is not Shinigami's actions which have initiated this chaos, but rather the person he chose to abduct."
This new information caused speculation to spread like wildfire among the guardians. Terrania, the Mother of Earth, arched a slender eyebrow at her friend and said, "One human could be so vital that his absence would affect the very balances? No human is that important."
Destiny merely shook his head and said, "Never underestimate the importance of a single soul. Many events in human history have revolved around the actions of just one man or woman. I cannot say just why this particular human is so important as I am sworn by my duty to never reveal the future, but I will say the Earth and the colonies will be thrown into turmoil if he is not returned to the mortal realm and allowed to live his life."
Order spoke up next, moving the discussion on to the next logical problem. "With that information established, the next eminent problem would be to decide how to proceed. What shall we do to rescue Shinigami's claimed?"
"What can we do? Shinigami has total reign over the second realm and I, for one, do not dare step foot into it."
"Elena is right. Only a select few of us have ever dared to seek out the God of Death, or even visit him, in his own realm. And he must surely know we will seek him out now and demand a reason behind his actions. His realm will be even more inaccessible than usual. What will we do?"
"We will do nothing."
As one, the heads and attention of all gathered turned and focused upon the up-to-now silent guardian standing separate from the others. Eyebrows raised on their own accord, even as disbelief and puzzlement stretched across divine features.
The speaker did not turn around from his perusal of the room's mirror windows, did not even deign to shift his gaze or removed his cloak's cowl. His white wings continued to lay placid against his back, as if sheltering his form from the brooding glares of his fellow guardians.
Even if he was aware of the glares and pointed looks thrown in his direction, the speaker did not utter another word, nor explain his statement of inaction. Finally, Inferno's temper got the better of his judgement and he bellowed, "What do you mean we will do nothing! Have you gone daft?!"
The silent guardian finally tore his attention away from his musings and turned to face the others, although he kept his face hidden behind his pristine hood. "I assure you Inferno, that I am in full control of all my facilities, but I meant what I said. We will do nothing."
"Then you just plan to let Shinigami get away with destroying all three realms?!" came the outraged cry.
Unfazed by the storm of anger blazing at him, the deity merely turned his attention to the more calm and steady members of the council. In clear, concise tones, he said, "Shinigami is bored. He is merely playing a game to amuse himself. The outcome of the game does not mean as much to him as the thrill of the chase. No matter what happens, he does not believe he will be any worse for the wear."
"A game? He is playing with the balances and harmony of existence all for the sake of a game?!"
A wry comment shot out from the middle of the assembled crowd, the speaker unknown. "Well, this is Shinigami we're talking about. He's never been one to do anything by half."
"Shinigami has given the human friends of his claimed a chance, albeit a slim one, to rescue their friend and restore the balance of reality. If he was truly intent on keeping the mortal, he wouldn't have given them the challenge."
Destiny chose this moment to speak. "You said we will do nothing, but, what will you do?"
A low, musical chuckled escaped the other's lips, even as he spoke. "Well, since Death has chosen one side of the playing field, then surely Life must choose the other. I believe I will help the humans rescue their friend."
A flash of dark blue pierced the shadows created by the speaker's cowl, even as his wings began to flex in preparation for departure. Destiny merely nodded his own cowled head, even as he clutched his book closer to his body. "Then good luck, my friend. I sincerely hope you win, for all our sakes."
"So do I, Destiny. But I'm afraid in this circumstance, there are no winners or losers, merely the game."
**********************
Panic and concern were the two overriding emotions being displayed in Heero and Duo's bedroom. The other pilots had managed to burst into the room shortly after Duo's cry of alarm, only to find the braided man sitting on the carpet, bare butt naked, staring into space.
Being ever mindful, Quatre managed to unravel one of the covers on the large bed and wrap it around Duo's bare form, granting the disheveled man some semblance of decency. Duo's obvious state of distress and the absence of Heero, whom none of the other pilots had seen or heard leave, were of two concerns to the others, but they attempted to focus in on actions they could perform, rather than sink into the depths of speculation. Getting Duo comfortable and coherent among them.
Quatre, being the most empathic and emotional of the three, attempted to draw Duo out of the shell into which he had retreated, using his gentlest and soothing voice. However, even his best attempts did not draw a reaction, and he reluctantly allowed Trowa and Wufei to try.
However, their efforts, which consisted mostly of shaking Duo until his teeth rattled and shouting at him, did not draw any reactions either. Eventually, Wufei gritted his teeth and left to question the Maguanaarc corps, hoping to discover the whereabouts of their missing comrade. Trowa had left to stalk to the kitchen in an attempt to make some tea for Duo and to call a doctor. Hating to be helpless, he attempted to busy himself with mindless tasks until the doctor could arrive. Quatre was elected to stay by Duo's side, hoping to draw the braided man out of his mental seclusion and find some answers.
So it was that only two of the gundam pilots were in the bedroom when a celestial visitor arrived on an array of light. Quatre, being the only coherent of the two, gasped and mindlessly clutched at Duo's unresponsive hand as the god made his appearance. With all the pomp and circumstance befitting a deity, the new stranger unfurled his white, majestic wings and said in a commanding voice, "Duo Maxwell, I am here to help you."
TBC...
[1] tsuriai is japanese and literally means equilibrium, balance, or harmony, and senshi is the most common japanese anime term used to mean warrior. Anyone ever read the Sandman mangas? Well, I guess you could say that I've taken that idea that the aspects of existence have flesh and blood forms and expanded on it a bit... oh, and yes, the names for the deities tend to jump around from mythology to Japanese to even my own created names... what can I say... I'm being a bit inconsistent with names... it's my fic... ^_^
So, was that part worth the wait?? *dodges projectiles and other things* just kidding! I know it wasn't and that this part does hardly anything to quell the curiousity over what will happen between Shinigami and Heero, not to mention the other pilots, but I just wanted to get this part out to let everyone know that I haven't forgotten about this fic. The next part, if I still have interested readers, will focus more on the pilots and perhaps a bit between Shinigami and Heero. Let me know what you thought! Ja ne!
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