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Darkness and Light: Fall From Grace By DuoLordOfDeath Disclaimer: As I have said MANY times before, I do NOT own these characters, although I’d like to!! Notes: Part Three in Duo’s POV "Demons! Hellspawn! It has finally come! No longer will we silently sit down here in these torturous fires while the angels and heavenly beings live in paradise! No longer will we watch as humans happily go about their so-called peaceful lives without a care! We shall show them true terror! We shall finally break free of this prison of fire and hellish wrought iron and bring the long awaited downfall of those above us who dared to banish you and I to this fiery pit for all eternity!" The booming tenor voice of the great Shinigami rang out through the flames of Perdition as he rallied his demonic army for war. He stood above them on his blackened pedestal, the flameborne winds moving his ebony pants and long braided hair raucously as he raised his slightly muscular arms and leathery black wings powerfully. His amethyst eyes sparkled with evil malice as he heard his army cheer in response to his commanding words. Even his second in command, the great Demon of Destruction, was cheering a vicious battle cry in his deep strong voice. At this enormous force of sound, the flames that surrounded the creatures of the night flared brilliantly upwards towards the crimson sky. The fierce firelight glinted off of the God of Death’s sweat sheening chest as his brought his arms back down, his strong hands gripped in fists as he continued his speech. "No longer will we sit down here in these hellish depths silently! We will break free of this imprisonment of flame and brimstone and finally rule the heavens as we were meant to!" With these last strengthening words, Shinigami spread his ebony wings and caught the scorching winds of Hell; his handsome face tense with premature victory. But he could sense something ahead in this battlefield…what was it? Even the God of Death could only speculate as to what this battle was going to deliver to him… "No…it can’t be. Surely he wouldn’t be so bold…" "I think that we should gather the troops. He will begin his assault on the Earth without us there to defend it." "Right…I will get the battle plans ready. Trowa, Wufei, gather the soldiers to the pavilion. I shall meet you there." "On our way." "Thank you both." The brilliant Angel of Light watched silently as his two comrades, the tall and solemn Golden Messenger Angel and the tall and proud Angel of Judgment, spread their ivory wings and took to the sky to gather the most powerful Seraphim and Teraphim for the upcoming war. Grimness was quite evident in his marine eyes as he walked towards a small platinum cabinet and pulled from it a few long, elegant scrolls, each bearing his own battle plans and a few others that he hoped would come in handy. Trowa’s message rang over and over through his mind as he opened his large elegant wings and flew into the sky… "Quatre!! Shinigami has begun ascending to the Earth with an extremely powerful army. It’s obvious that he’s trying to overthrow the Heavens once and for all. We need to assemble our army quickly and strike before casualties began to increase!" The radiant aura that engulfed the angel’s soft golden hair flared up a bit with apprehension as he neared the pavilion; his mind racing. What were they up against? Shinigami himself had ascended to this battlefield; so this was going to be a tough encounter. The wind beat gently against him as he landed upon a tall marble platform and gazed down upon his comrades. He sat the scrolls and plans upon the podium before him and took a breath. He could feel his army’s eyes on him, curious as to why they had been called so urgently. "Today…I received some very distressing news…" Quatre began seriously, "Shinigami and his army of hellions, demons, and Hellspawn have ascended to Earth to do battle with us. They wish to overthrow the heavens and bring the God of Death up as the new ruler of the heavens." A hushed whisper swept over the crowd, and Quatre continued. "This is why I have summoned you so urgently. We must waste no time in descending to the battlefield. We cannot risk any human casualties, for with each death, their army grows stronger. Their God of Death was very crafty in deciding their battle zone." Quickly, he searched the crowd before him, making decisions. "Trowa, Wufei!" The Angel of Light called. Almost immediately, the Messenger Angel and the Angel of Judgment flew up to meet him. "Trowa, you will lead the faction with Relena, Catherine, and Lady Une as your seconds. Chose the rest of your faction after consulting with them. Wufei, your seconds will be Sally, Merian, and Lucrezia. Do the same as Trowa is doing in choosing his faction. Send your wife up here quickly. I need to converse with her." Trowa and Wufei nodded quickly, and as Trowa flew off, Wufei asked a quick question. "Why would you need to see Merian?" "Do not delay, my friend. Time is of the essence. You will see why soon." Wufei nodded and descended back down to the soldiers. While he was waiting for the spirited Angel of Honor to meet him, he gathered his scrolls and papers. Her voice startled him a bit. "Why did you wish to see me?" Merian asked, her slender yet strong arms crossed over her chest. Her onyx eyes regarded him with a curious yet somewhat defiant gleam; she obviously wasn’t afraid. Quatre smiled. "Merian, I need you to be my battle strategist. You are the only one I can think of that would be best suited for this job." She nodded quickly. "Thank you! I will not fail you. It would dishonor both myself and my family." Quatre nodded. "That was what I was counting on. Now quickly rejoin your faction. We must prepare to leave for the Earth." Merian nodded, and as she flew back to join her husband and his team, Quatre took to flight and hovered silently over them, the golden aura above his head flaring with urgency. "We will stop those fiery hellions before they can even retaliate! To the Earth, before death reigns supreme!" "Sir, the Teraphim haven’t even shown their faces. Even my most simple strategies would get us a head in this war. And with J, O, G, H, and S spreading plagues and pestilence over the Earth, our power will be growing immensely. I can use this to my advantage with my strategies." Duo nodded as Dorothy, Demon of Chaos and his battle strategist, laid out her ideas before him. He continued to listen to the words and strategies that flowed from Dorothy's lips. But something was putting him in a feeling of unease. There was some reason why Heaven was holding back. He knew it, or rather felt it and when it came somehow he knew it wouldn't be good or rather bad. A dark chuckle escaped his lips. "Something funny, Shinigami?" Dorothy quipped at him. "No, I was just trying to think of why the Heavens are holding back." Duo stood and stretched his wings to their great length, the sounds of tormented souls and the shrieks of his Hellspawn like music to his ears. He saw in the distance a flying being coming towards him, her dark hair waving as viciously as her leathery, hellish wings beat, carrying her quickly towards him. She landed a few feet away, her dark eyes narrowed with hatred. "Ah, Hilde…what have you discovered?" he asked, his tone fairly triumphant. He smirked evilly as she neared him, yet her brow remained creased. "It’s the Teraphim. They’ve breached our front line. Heero and Zechs are regrouping, while Treize and his faction are fighting them at our second line. Their general was able to break through both barriers though…he’s coming for you." Duo crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "So they are here…let that Angel of Light come. I’ll dispose of him easily…" He then spread his wings and took to the blood red sky while Hilde took off in the opposite direction. The awesome Shinigami watched the smoky horizon for his adversary as he landed on a jagged rock and stood, his arms crossed and an arrogant grin on his face. "Foolish angel…coming to meet your damnation…" A beacon of light quickly appeared on the horizon, brighter than anything the God of Death had seen before. It was a juggernaut of power and purity, and as it grew nearer to Duo, he saw that it was indeed that fabled Angel of Light. His ivory wings were proud and erect as they moved, propelling the blessed being closer. The brilliant aura of light that surrounded his golden hair flared magnificently, and his pale snowy pants, his only attire, whipped viciously as he flew. Keen marine eyes glared angrily at Shinigami, and Duo chose to meet his enemy halfway and engage him in the air. He again leapt into the air, his amethyst eyes sparkling with malice and premature triumph. "Come to me, angel. You shall soon meet your end at my hand." "I have found him…so this is the Shinigami that reigns over the morbid realm of flames…" Ahead, Quatre could see his adversary, lean and tall, his long hair pulled back in a braid that waved as maliciously as the darkness that surrounded him. His ebony pants whipped viciously back and forth as his black, hellish wings beat. He bore a deadly, gleaming scythe in one hand; it glittered with otherworldly power as he brandished it. Quickly, the Angel of Light heightened his speed, his halo flaring intensely with supreme determination. "So, you have come to meet your demise…I truly appreciate the thought…with your death, my armies will have enough strength to overtake the heavens and cast your kinds down to the torment that I have had to endure since time began!" cried Shinigami, his voice dripping with arrogance and cruelty. "I will stop you, God of Death…no matter what it takes. You will not succeed in your attempt at dominance; I won’t let you." Quatre’s voice came levelly and serious, his marine eyes narrowed. Shinigami let out a quite humored laugh, full of pitiless spite. "Angel, I aim to disagree…with every second we stand here, my armies are gaining me more and more power…by the deaths of those who fear us the most. Men, women, children, infirmed, healthy, wounded, homeless, it doesn’t matter. All will be sacrificed for my soldiers and I. I will spare no living creature on this deplorable lump of molten rock and soil, and soon, it will be you who will bow to me!" At these last words, the braided god closed his eyes and let his scythe liquidate into his surroundings; letting his strong hands fall to his sides, balled in fists. He opened his eyes, revealing their eerie, possessed blood-red glow and grinned assuredly. Suddenly, it felt as though two invisible hands had taken hold of Quatre’s ivory white wings and attempted to rip them relentlessly from his back. He cried out in pain; pain that he had never before felt before; and grimaced in anger at he who had attacked him and his evil, haughty laugh. Those eyes had held such evil in them…it chilled Quatre to look into them. "I…will never bow to a being as evil and corrupt as you…I will not!" Quatre cried as he brought himself up from his inflictions and flew forward, hands outstretched towards his foe. Duo quickly noticed this and darted agilely out of the way. However, he did not account for the Angel of Light’s own speed, as he felt a searing pain wash over him as the angel’s quick and nimble hands pressed against his back. He felt their cleansing power lash at his being, draining his power. He quickly maneuvered his injured body from the angel’s painful touch and stared into his opponent’s glimmering, serious aqua eyes. He saw no trace of triumph in the seraph’s eyes, but pity and divine strength. Had Duo been any lesser demon or Hellspawn, he would have cowered at this archangel’s awesome might. But he would not cower; he refused to be intimidated by this bearer of good; this being that considered himself the better. " I was hoping to spare you of a horrendous death, Angel…but I see that you wish to fight me to your full extent…very well…I will not relent!" The battlefield raged where the two deities clashed, flashes of light and strikes of darkness ripping across the blood-red crimson sky. All that could be heard over the shrieks of the tormented were the battle cries of the archangel of radiance and the deity of bereavement for days on end. Neither would relent nor win, and they were each growing weaker from each other’s strength. Also unbeknownst to them, the influence of the other’s powers and energy was gaining each a tolerance…Darkness was growing to endure Light’s dazzling aura, and Light was beginning to resist Darkness’ evil pull. Although, in the heat of battle, neither noticed this growing tolerance, which was why perhaps that neither gained nor lost anything in their confrontation. For days their combined fury tore at the land as well as each other, a combination of two of the most powerful forces in the celestial dominion. But the final blow was to come soon, although the hand that at first perceived that he had delivered it, was in fact, upon the receiving end of it. "Shinigami!! You will not leave this arena victorious. You will be beaten, as all evil beings are in the end…" Quatre said seriously, arms crossed over his bare chest and his ivory wings untainted by the deathly blackness of hatred. Through the fading smoke that wafted into the sky, an evil, dreadful chortle punctuated the death-scented wind, and through the black air, the angel could see the powerful Shinigami ahead, surrounded by the flames of his empire of wrought iron and pain. His grin was pure malevolence, and his eyes were smoldering like the fire that encompassed him. "I think not." Before the magnificent angel could react to these three strong words, he felt the force of a dark army a thousand strong thrusting their demonic weapons of devastation into his holy body. He felt all the heat and destruction of the flames of Perdition flare up against his body, as though he himself were being cast down into the Pit himself. His wings were immobile and unable to hold him aloft any longer; his body was thrown backwards to the earth, propelled by the wickedness of all that was unholy. He felt the true incurred wrath of Shinigami; a merciless and swift opponent. As he struck the ground, the fallen archangel opened his eyes and gazed up at the triumphant incarnation of hell as he smirked knowingly down at him. "The mighty and renown Angel of Light; possibly the most powerful and strong of the archangels…if I was able to defeat you, I can only laugh at your so called army that you’ve sent to annihilate me…" "It’s not over…yet…" Slowly, Quatre pulled up on weak arm and grimaced, focusing his remaining strength. What he was about to do was possibly his last resort; the blond could only speculate as to what kind of effect this would have on the very embodiment of death. "Thou…of darkness overwhelmed, thou who has wandered aimlessly in sin, come forth into…the light and see the works of thy hand…no longer in wickedness shall thee tread!" Quatre said firmly, his hand still outstretched towards the sky. He could feel the unseen forces flowing from his palm; he only prayed that it worked. Duo surveyed his acts triumphantly as he gazed down upon his fallen challenger; but stopped as he heard the soft blessing fall from the angel’s fair lips. It was almost instantaneously after these words were spoken that he felt something enter his blackened soul. He saw the pestilence his demons had created; all the devastation…he saw humans calling out for the mercy that they never received…and he saw the fallen yet conquering form of the Angel of Light, his brilliance faded and his body broken and bruised, yet smiling tiredly. He felt all this cruelty and anguish melt away from him, and he saw his wrongs. The once cruel god sank to the earth, staring at his hands in shock. The red, evil gleam vanished from his eyes, leaving them a cool amethyst full of disbelief. He raised his face to look at the devastation that he and his men had caused, and fell to his knees in the dust. "Sir!" cried Dorothy; she stood a few yards behind him, confusion in her blue eyes. "What has that wretched angel done to you?" Her voice dripped with acidic hatred. "Nothing, Dorothy…he’s done nothing." Duo raised his face to meet his strategist, and she was surprised to find that it was firm and serious, void of any spite, evil, or malice. His clear violet eyes stared at her firmly. "Call off the army…we’ve lost this war. Tell the Teraphim that I will return their leader as soon as he is well…" This left Dorothy very confused. Why was Shinigami offering compassion towards his enemy? Nonetheless, she nodded and rose into the air; headed for the battlefront. Duo watched as his messenger departed, then reverted his attention back to the archangel that lay upon the hard, worn earth. "Why did you let yourself lose, Angel? Both you and I know that you could’ve easily defeated me…yes, even though I boasted, I knew and almost feared your power…" Duo paused and smiled coyly. "Almost…" The seraph smiled back weakly; this fatigue that he was so unaccustomed to tearing at his consciousness. "I’m not sure…but in a way…we both lost…" "Perhaps…" the God of Death paused for a moment. "Angel…what do your friends call you in those heavens that I shall never lay eyes upon?" Near unconsciousness, the weakened angel took a shaky breath. "Quatre…they call me Quatre…" As the angel closed his eyes and fell into blessed sleep, he saw the awesome Shinigami step towards him, a strange gleam in his amethyst eyes. "So…you are Quatre, the blessed Angel of Light…you stopped my corrupt ways…thank you." The quiet Shinigami watched that slumbering, injured angel from across the room, slightly awestruck. He didn’t know why he had brought Quatre here, to the tainted world of fire and brimstone, but he had. The gentle glow that radiated from the seraph cast a pure, divine glisten over the gnarled bronze and granite walls of Duo’s chambers. After a few hours of watching and contemplating his own motives, Duo noticed that the aura surrounding the angel was brightening. "He must’ve healed himself…he should be awakening soon…" "My men call me Duo…"came a familiar voice through the ebony waves of darkness. Quatre could feel an unnatural heat around him, and as he opened his aqua eyes, he was met with a dim, dark room. Fiery torches of mangled bronze cast an eerie glimmer across the room, and in the shadows stood a tall, lean figure. "What? Where am I?" Quatre demanded, sitting up. As he realized that he had been laying in an unfamiliar bed, the figure stepped forward, silent. "After you blacked out, I felt indebted to you…and I couldn’t very well leave you; our armies were still fighting. So, I brought you to my home…my name is Duo…" Quatre watched the ominous Shinigami melt from the darkness, awestricken. In his former opponent’s eyes, he suddenly recognized that strange gleam. It was something quite foreign to those borne of Death’s eternal flames, and yet it was there, mingled with compassion that was as true as any being in the skies. ‘It can’t be…could it?’ "These are my chambers, Quatre. I’m afraid that they hardly do you any justice; I feel as though, by bringing you here, I’ve committed sacrilege." Quatre smiled a bit as he regarded that alien glisten in the God of Death’s eyes, understanding that the braided god had no knowledge of the love that he bore. "Duo, do not worry about sacrilege. I won’t." Duo nodded as Quatre stood and fluttered out his renewed wings; quickly discovering that he found the archangel a beautiful spectacle. Never before had he seen glory and beauty in anything but death and corruption… "I want to thank you for your kindness, Angel…I stand amazed at your valor. Many of your kind have come against me and fallen victim to my dark power. And yet, you sent me, an unworthy bring, a blessing…" As Quatre listened to the god’s smooth tenor voice, he heard no trace of his previous arrogance and hatred. His clear violet eyes glittered with conviction; the firelight danced across his graceful yet powerful body as he stepped towards the archangel. The blond found himself enraptured by the humbled god’s movements. "No, I should be the one thanking you, Do. My men would have attacked you anew had they found me in that state. You did the right thing in bringing me here." Silence reigned for a few moments as the brilliant Angel of Light and the portentous God of Death regarded one another. Calm marine eyes met gleaming amethyst ones for a brief moment before another word was spoken. "I must return to the heavens…soon, they will start to get anxious for my return…" Quatre saw a glimmer of sadness waft over that glisten of love in Duo’s eyes as he began to walk towards the door; and something compelled him to make a bold move. "I understand," Duo said softly, closing his eyes for a moment. Then, he felt a gentle touch upon his cheek, like a feather gracing his skin. He opened his eyes slowly to find Quatre standing a few inches from him; the angel’s radiant hand caressing his face. Duo looked at the seraph’s gentle expression and met his loving gaze with one of apprehensive confusion and wonder. But the silent Shinigami was so lost so much in Quatre’s tender touch that he almost didn’t hear the blond’s soft reservation. "Duo…have you ever been kissed?" Duo looked at him searchingly. "I…I don’t understand…what is a…kiss?" A thought struck Quatre as these words escaped the deity’s lips. He was the embodiment of death; immersed in hatred since time began. A kiss was as unknown to him as love was, although ironically, he bore it. Quatre shook his head gently and smiled softly as he continued to trace Duo’s face with his hand, gracing his lips with his fingertips. "Allow me to show you…what a kiss is, Shinigami…" Then, slowly and carefully, the Angel of Light leaned forward and pressed his lips tenderly to the God of Death’s own, dropping his hands lightly to Duo’s warm shoulders. A sharp breath escaped Duo as he felt the angel’s mouth against his own. The seraph’s warmth was soothing and sweet; and as he felt Quatre’s lips dance smoothly across his, he found himself slowly returning the sweet gesture. He closed his eyes and let himself be swept up into the angel’s arms, his mind singing in this new experience. He could feel the gentle brush of feathers against his skin; it was a cool and refreshing sensation to his fevered body. He laced his arms around Quatre’s trim waist, the soft, snowy cloth rustling underneath his fingertips. As the two parted, Quatre slowly opened his eyes and looked upon the features of the Shinigami in his arms. His eyes were barely open, his face calm, yet saddened. "You, of all the creatures of Hell, are unique. Only you know of remorse, pain…and love…because of this, you will never truly be the same…" Duo smiled a bit, his long chestnut bangs mingling with Quatre’s own blond hair. "And for this, I thank you also…" Quatre looked back towards the silent Shinigami as he stepped through the gnarled and scorched gates of Hell; preparing to leave for his skyward home. Behind Duo, the flames of his home leapt up viciously; the cries of the damned increasing in intensity with each flare. "Farewell," Quatre said softly, unfurling his wide majestic wings. But before he took to the air, a strong yet placid hand caressed the soft feathers over his shoulders. "Quatre…promise me that you’ll return…" came the tender, pleading voice. Quatre turned to face Duo, his eyes filled with remorse. "Duo…there’s a law…you and I both know that…" "I don’t care about that damn taboo…" Duo said sternly. He paused briefly and gently put his fingertips on the seraph’s chin up to bring his marine gaze to meet his own. Quatre looked at him, and Duo noticed a tear fall from his eyes. "Angels…do not cry…" Duo said firmly in a soft voice. "Death isn’t supposed to love either…" "Promise me, Quatre…both Hell…and myself…need a little light…return to me again someday…" Quatre smiled as Duo wiped the tear away and sighed a bit, "I promise…" ~*Part Two: Taboo*~ Ominous darkness...symbolic of death and pain. Ancients feared the inky blackness, afraid of the demons that might rise from the depths of damnation and destroy them. Darkness, portrayed as unloving, unforgiving, and merciless, a ruthless entity of destruction.Beautiful light...representative of heaven and hope. The halos of angels carry this beauty with them, and use it to banish the foreboding black of night. Kind, lovely, and divine, light symbolizes the power of the celestial beings and the grace of their presence. Unloving and gentle. Merciless and kind. Darkness and light. Complete opposites in every way, enemies in the heavens and in the Pit. They say that darkness cannot love and light must obliterate darkness. And, above all else, they must never fall in love with one another.... Hell's gates. He knew them well. Gnarled black iron bars twisted into grotesque shapes held the horrid fires of damnation within, and it bathed its immortal, evil prisoners in eternal torture. The screams were deafening in his ears, and insane cries of acknowledging his new presence filled the air as the prisoners' long, writing arms stretched out to him from the bars. But it was unusual to see an angel of light flying near the gates of Hell. Usually, the only angels who traveled here were messenger angels. Even more serious was the fact that he was forbidden to come here, and had to sneak here. A figure caught the angel's keen aqua eyes, a figure he knew well from his previous, also secret visits here. He landed lightly on the dark crimson ground and approached the stoic demon. The demon looked quite human, except for the blackened red wings that stretched from his bare back. His Prussian blue eyes regarded the angel with recognition, and nodded. "Heero...I'm sorry to trouble you...but I wanted to see him again..." "Don't apologize, Quatre. Follow me, and I'll escort you to his chambers. Don't mind any of the shouts from the Flames, just keep your eyes on me." Quatre nodded, and tucked his snowy white wings against his back, shielding them from the searing embers. He silently followed the Demon of Destruction through the maze of misshapen black walls, his mind only on one thing. His forbidden love. The dim torches cast an eerie glow upon the pacing, winged figure as he walked around his small, darkened room. The dim firelight glinted in his shaded amethyst eyes, and cast his shadow over the walls and floor of the room. His strong yet slim arms were crossed over his toned, bare chest, and sheened lightly with a slight coating of perspiration. As he walked, his long chestnut braid moved slightly over his leathery black bat like wings, and brushed against the top of his long, loose ebony pants. "Damn it..." he muttered, putting a hand to his forehead. "What are we supposed to do? Angels and demons aren't supposed to love one another...and yet we do...Quatre...I wish you were here to give me some calm...if only we didn't have to risk everything...." A knock upon the black stone and iron door brought the distraught Shinigami out of his thoughts. He straightened his hair and clothing and cleared his face of emotion, then stood straight. "Come in." The door opened, and Heero walked in, a stern look upon his features. The Japanese boy stood for a moment, then spoke. "Duo, you have a visitor. I’ll make sure that you aren't disturbed." "Oh, okay. Send them in." Heero nodded, then walked back out into the stone corridor. "Here you are." "Thanks again, Heero." Duo took a deep breath at the second voice, and gaped as an all-too-familiar being entered his chambers. The pale golden hair, surrounded by a lovely aura of light, moved slightly with his gentle movements. His whole body glowed with heavenly radiance, his ivory wings tucked behind him. The snowy white pants that he wore rustled slightly, held up with a slender golden cord. "Duo..." Quatre whispered after Heero closed the door. He smiled gently. "Quatre!" the God of Death cried, rushing forward. He grasped the angel's hands tightly and pulled the blond to him. "Quatre, you shouldn't be here! It's dangerous! What if we were caught?" Duo looked into the Arabian's determined aquamarine eyes, and sighed with a smile. Duo pulled him into his embrace and gently touched the wings upon Quatre's back. "But...I am very glad to see you, my Angel of Light.." Quatre smiled, and put a hand to Shinigami's warm cheek. The light that emitted from his body danced across his face gently, lighting up his darkened eyes and gently soothing the troubled god's nerves and emotions. Duo smiled back, and kissed his forehead gently. "Who'd have thought that the God of Death himself would fall in love with an angel....we've risked a lot to see each other...what would happen if we were caught, Quatre?" "Let's not think about it right now, Duo...I.." Quatre smiled a bit and blushed lightly, looking down a bit. "I...Duo, please...make love to me...if we get caught soon, then we will already be one, and can never really be separated no matter what the punishment may be....please...I love you, Duo.." Duo, although a bit surprised by the angel's tender request, smiled softly and leaned in, gently pressing his lips against his angel's own sweet mouth. Quatre gently elongated his wings and wrapped them around him and Duo, encasing them in a feathery white world, just the two of them, The God of Death and the Angel of Light. Thus, the Darkness and the Light became one... "Hmm...where could he be? I've been looking for him all day..." Trowa Barton replied softly to himself. He opened his long white wings and took to the sky, continuing his search. He was thankful that he hadn't received a message to deliver today, because he needed to speak with his best friend, Quatre Winner. Trowa had noticed that he had been acting peculiar for a while, and wanted to see why. He landed near a young woman and approached her. "Iria, have you seen your brother?" The blond woman shook her head. "Not today, Trowa, but I do have something for you to deliver. It's from the Hall of the Dead. They need a consensus from Shinigami. I need you to deliver this message directly to Shinigami himself. No one else." Trowa sighed and shook his head. "Okay. Guess my search will have to wait. Thanks." And with that, Trowa spread his wings and began his long, lonely descent to Hell. The wind whipped his hair a bit, moving it away from his eye repeatedly. He ignored this though, his mind elsewhere. As the gloomy gates of his destination came into view, he noticed that the guardian of the gates wasn't there. He thought it odd that the Demon of Destruction wasn't there, but shrugged it off and flew over the gates and landed on the scorching ground. The hellish creatures that were gathered near his landing spot scurried away, afraid of his heavenly powers. Only the most powerful demons and Shinigami himself were invulnerable to an angel's powers. Only the more powerful Teraphim could combat them. He walked through the blackened corridors until he found the God of Death's chambers, and the Gatekeeper of Hell guarding the door. The stern demon regarded the angel stoically as he drew nearer, and crossed his arms. "What do you need?" "I have a message for Shinigami." "I cannot let anyone disturb him. He has given me strict orders not to let anyone enter his chambers. Give me the message, and I shall relay it to him as soon as he is finished." "No, I have strict orders from the Hall of the Dead to deliver this to Shinigami directly as soon as I get here. Please, step aside." "The Hall of the Dead?" Heero could not argue when it came to the Hall of the Dead, even if he had orders from the God of Death. Reluctantly, he stepped aside, closing his eyes as Trowa walked to the door and opened it. Trowa walked into the dim room, and gasped at the sight before him. He stood stark still, silent and unmoving. Two figures lay asleep in the bed before him, the arms of Shinigami around the other, slightly smaller being. The light from the smaller boy and the white wings quickly gave away that he was an angel, and Trowa immediately recognized him. "Quatre!?" The halo around the sleeping angel quickly brightened as he was shaken out of sleep, and he gasped as he took in the sight of his best friend. He did not look ashamed, but afraid. "Trowa! Please...listen to me..." Duo looked upon Trowa silently, his greatest fear becoming reality. Behind the messenger, Heero stood, and Duo knew that there was nothing that the demon could have done to stop the angel. He brought himself back to the conversation between Trowa and Quatre, and closed his eyes. "Quatre...is this why you have been acting so strange? Disappearing without a trace, fidgeting whenever I got a message to deliver to Shinigami? Is this why?" Trowa's voice remained calm and level, not accusing and degrading. Trowa was not angry, but he had wished that Quatre had told him sooner. Then maybe there would have been time to help the two lovers. Quatre silently nodded, his gaze never breaking from Trowa's. "Please, Trowa..." Quatre's voice was stern and smooth. "Please don't tell the Hall of Judgment...at least, don't let them accuse Duo...let them take me...but not him..." Trowa shook his head. "I wish...I didn't have to tell them about either of you...but as a messenger angel, it is my duty to tell them about you both. I wish I could help you...I'll make sure that your judgments are fair...I hope you can both forgive me..." "I understand...." Duo replied. He nodded to Trowa quietly. "We wanted to be together, and now we must pay for breaking taboo..." Quatre nodded. "It's okay, Trowa...you are obligated to do this... I don't blame you...." Trowa nodded, then turned around. "I'll leave to let you get ready. Be ready in about 3 minutes...oh, Duo?" "..Yes?" "Whom do you want me to give the message to?" "To Heero..." Trowa nodded, and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. He turned to Heero and told him what he was supposed to tell Shinigami. Heero nodded, and walked off to begin the task of maintaining a consensus. A few moments later, Duo and Quatre emerged from the room, and Trowa nodded. "Follow me..." Duo and Quatre sat at opposite ends of the great hall, Trowa standing near the large podium in the center. Angels, Seraphim, and other heavenly beings had gathered to see the spectacle, and many were shouting about the desecration that Quatre had committed against himself. Rage boiled in Duo's mind, but it was quickly silenced as Trowa clapped his hands curtly, and stepped aside. In walked a thin but imposing angel. His ebony eyes were firm and serious as he walked to the center of the room, a book in his hands. His black hair was smoothed back into a small ponytail, and his wings were of gleaming golden feathers. He took a stand at the podium and took a breath. Quatre knew him well. Wufei, the Angel of Judgment...he was one of Quatre friends as well, and he could tell that it would be hard for Wufei to rule against him and Duo. "Silence!" Wufei's smooth voice rang out through the hall. The assembly became quiet, and Wufei took a breath as he looked from Quatre to Duo then back to his book. The aura around his head wafted with thought as he read what had happened, then he looked back up. "It says here, that you," the Chinese youth replied, pointing to Quatre, "Quatre, was seen sleeping with Duo, the God of Death, by Trowa Barton, who was to deliver a message to Shinigami. Is that correct?" Quatre stood and took a breath. "Yes, this is true." His voice was clear and serious. A hushed whisper echoed about the hall as he stood, unmoving and proud. He was not ashamed of his love. "And how long have you been seeing him, exactly?" Quatre paused for a moment, thinking. "About two and a half years, Your Honor." Wufei managed to keep a serious face, devoid of surprise. "And you have been secretly seeing him ever since?" "Yes, sir." Wufei nodded, and wrote this down. "And did you know that it is strictly forbidden by celestial law for an angel and a demon to associate in this manner?" "Yes, I am quite aware of this." As Quatre stated his case, Duo felt deep admiration for his angelic lover grow. He was not afraid at all. He stood proud and tall, wings slightly outstretched, hands at his sides. "Alright. Quatre, as punishment for breaking this taboo, you are hereby stripped of your status, and are banished to live on Earth as a human, amidst chaos and devastation. People will shun you, and others will accept you." Wufei closed his eyes as he spoke. "I have spoken." Quatre bowed his head, and looked over to Duo as his wings began to vanish. Duo, realizing that this may be the last time that he would ever see his angel, stood up abruptly, knocking his chair over with a clatter. He rushed across the hall, the audience of beings gasping at his bold, sudden move. He brought the blond into his arms just as he began to fade, and kissed him deeply. Quatre kissed back and pulled away gently, aqua eyes brimming with tears. "I love you..." And he was gone. "Duo, it is quite obvious from your rash actions that you have the same testimony as Quatre. Am I correct?" Wufei asked levelly, watching him seriously. Duo raised his head, not caring that all of the Heavens would see the God of Death himself weeping. "Yes, Your Honor. Exactly the same. I have no shame in what I have done, because I loved that angel, and no one can sway me to speak otherwise. I am ready to receive whatever punishment you have in store for me." Wufei nodded, and sighed. "Then, I bestow upon you the same punishment that Quatre received. Except," Wufei added," That you will be living amidst poverty and endless death, and there will be only one thing that will stop this curse of death. But that you must discover for yourself." Wufei slammed his book shut, signifying the end of the trial. Duo bowed his head and nodded. As he vanished, he turned to the crowd, and spread his wings and arms out to the crowd, speaking one last statement before he disappeared. "Imagine...the Darkness in Love with the Light..." Those were the last words of Shinigami.
~*Part Three: Regrets of a God of Death*~ It has been lonely this past year. A year of poverty, death, and searching....a search that most likely is in vain. I stared quietly as I passed a tall, lovely statue of an angel, with feathery yet stony wings outspread, clad in ivory colored robes. Quite lovely, but not the angel I have been searching for. I have been searching for him ever since I came to Earth, and it feels as though I've been all over, when I know that I have only covered a mere distance. It seemed as though my search would never end, and I would be forever doomed to walk this planet, waiting and looking. Ironic, isn't it? I had been banished from Hell, only to return to Purgatory. The sky was horridly gray, and I pulled the black trench coat I wore closer to my body as I continued to wander through the graveyard. Many have wondered why I call myself the God of Death. Sometimes, I even ask myself that, considering my fallen status, but then I remember that I had inadvertently killed an angel, stripping him of his heavenly radiance...I had committed sacrilege.... The rain began to pour. Wordlessly, I jammed my hands into my pockets and bowed my head, the cold water streaming down my face. While others ran for shelter, I continued my trek through the rain, my chestnut bangs plastered to my forehead. The streets were deserted, with the exception of the few cars that passed by, cascading water upon the sidewalk on which I walked. I found myself shivering as night neared, and my body quaked with the advent of illness; most likely pneumonia. I had foolishly forgotten that this new, frail human body that I possessed wasn't as strong as that of a god. The rain had become harder, and, weary with illness and hunger, I stopped upon the muddy side of the road. I had been walking so far that I had long left the town. The rain showed no sign of stopping, and I was burning up with fever, though I was freezing. I tried to take another step, to keep going, but I found that my knees no longer seemed to work, and my feet felt nearly nonexistent. I tried desperately to regain my balance, but I was feeling horribly lightheaded, my vision blurred. As I fell to the cold, wet asphalt, victim to illness, I heard a car door slam in the distance and a pair of voices come near me. Then, my world faded to darkness, into blissful unconsciousness. I was...I was flying. I could feel the steady beat of leathery wings against my back, the gentle breeze blowing against my body. I opened my eyes, and saw the cheerful white billows of cumulus as I soared. Many times had this dream come to me, and it always was the same. Once again, I was among the clouds, just like before I had been proclaimed God of Death, gliding through the skies carelessly. Then, I would always hear a laugh of joy below me. And, every time, I would look down through the thin clouds-and it always ended there. I continued to coast the breezes, when, just as I expected, I heard the laugh. I glanced down, subconsciously ready for the dream's end. But...this time it didn't. From the clouds emerged a beaming angel, hair of palest gold and wings of whitest snow. The feathery wings moved in perfect unison with mine as he neared me, aqua eyes gleaming. "Duo...I've missed you..." came his gentle voice. It made my heart leap and ache at the same time, I had heard his voice again, yet it had only been a dream. "I've been searching for you...all this time...and now..." His marine eyes were glistening with tears, "I have found you..." "...Quatre..." His touch felt so real...so warm and inviting against my skin. His gentle fingertips against my cheek, the heavenly warmth that radiated from him...it was pure euphoria. Pure, false euphoria...yet I had waited so long to taste his sweet lips and hold his warm body in my arms. Finally... I lowered my lips towards Quatre's, ready to feel his silky caress again...I had been more starved for his touch than food itself. But suddenly, my angel had vanished, along with the sky, and left me in darkness. Lightning flashed outside, and thunder cracked in harmony with the roar of wind and rain. I was in a house, safe and away from the elements, though I still shook a bit from fever. Those voices...they must've brought me back to their home and cared for me. I hoped that they came to check on me soon. I wanted to thank them. I curled into the warmth of the large, soft bed, clinging desperately to the image of Quatre that my dreams had given me. It was then that I realized that my caretakers must know good medical procedure. They had freed me of my soiled wet clothing, and had dressed me in non-restricting light pajamas, without even waking me. I was impressed. The door creaked open, and a dim light flicked on. I glanced over, and saw a young man, perhaps the age of 23, walk in, carrying a wet washcloth, food, and some sort of medication. He was obviously of Middle Eastern descent; I could tell from his dark hair and onyx eyes, as well as his attire. He was very handsome, and wore white, slightly billowy pants and a loose tan shirt with a vibrant red vest over that. Atop his short black hair sat a jaunty red fez. He smiled warmly and walked near me, setting the food tray and medicine on the nightstand. "Ah, so our nameless visitor has awakened!" He chuckled cheerily and pulled up a chair, sitting on it backwards. "How are you feeling?" I sat up rigidly and smiled weakly. "I think I'm a little bit better...I want to thank you for helping me." The Arab man smiled again. "Don't thank me, thank my master. He feels that he should help those in need. Someone he helped once called him a "Guardian Angel". And he's only about your age, I suspect. You both appear close to the same age." He handed me the washcloth then went to the food tray. "My name's Darius. I won't be the only guy coming to check on you though. About 5 of us Maguanac soldiers have been assigned to keep tabs on you. We had to convince that kiddo not to come up here until your fever has gone down." Darius nodded good-naturedly as he sat the food in front of me. "My name's Duo...I'd really like to meet your master when I feel better.." I replied as I began to eat gratefully. Darius nodded. "Let me check your temperature. Abdul and Auda were giving me a hard time about playing wet nurse, but I don't mind. I know more about medical stuff than those two any day!" He grinned, then looked at the thermometer that he had pressed into my mouth. "Am I still contagious, Darius?" "Just barely. I'll call him on up. He'll be delighted. Do you like tea?" I nodded, although truthfully I had never drank tea. Sure, I knew what it was, but I had never tasted it. I continued to eat while Darius walked to a small intercom and called to his master. I smiled a bit. This man called a boy barely my age "master", yet this boy didn't treat him like a servant, but more like a fellow soldier or comrade. I concluded that it was just a term of endearment for a well-beloved leader. The Maguanac walked back over to my bedside and administered the medication to me. I made a face, as it did not taste exactly like cherries and cream, and swallowed it with a grimace. Darius laughed. "Yeah, we know it isn't the best tasting stuff. He should be here any time now." As if on cue, a small knock sounded from the other side of the door. "Oh, that would be him! Come in!" Darius stood to leave. I watched fixedly as the door opened and in walked a boy no younger than I. He was carrying a tea tray, laden with two cups and a steaming pot of tea. I drew in a sharp breath. "Q-Quatre?" The tea tray clattered to the floor, dropped from the young man's grasp in surprise. The china shattered, spilling tea all over the dark cranberry carpet. "Master Quatre? Are you alright?" "Yes...I'm fine...Darius...I'll take care of the mess..." "Sure thing, kid." He smiled curiously, then left, closing the door behind him. Silent surprise hung in the room as we stared at each other in awe, the shattered tea cups lying forgotten at his feet. I couldn't take my eyes from his crystal clear gaze. His pale hair framed his graceful face, long blond bangs not obscuring tears of mixed emotions in his brilliant marine eyes. He gasped softly, hands fallen limply to his sides. He was just as lovely as I remembered him. "...I don't believe it...oh my God..." Frankly, neither could I. There he was, a fallen angel reborn, standing before me. It had been a year...a long, harsh, lonely year...time had been kind to him; he still appeared the same beautiful angel that I remembered from what seemed so long ago. Silently and shakily, he stepped towards me, his soft lips curved in an awed smile. When he got to my bedside, he sat down upon the bedding next to me and grasped my hands, tears glimmering in his eyes. He placed a hand upon my cheek, tracing my face with nimble fingertips. His touch felt like velvety silk, a touch that I never thought I would feel again. It was as though he was trying to rekindle a memory, long forgotten. He was so close, after so long. I pulled him into my arms, mustering all the strength I could, but I was glad to have his strength and warmth with me again. "Duo...I never thought...of all places...it's been so long..." Quatre looked at me, blushing at his lack of words. His fathomless eyes glittered with gentle light, a reminder of the beautiful halo that once encompassed his golden hair. "Shh...." I whispered, putting a gentle finger to his lips. I smiled, and leaned up. For a brief moment, we hesitated, content with watching each other, then I breathed deeply as Quatre's lips pressed gently and hungrily against mine. I could taste and feel his tears against my cheek as they mingled with my own, and smiled to myself as his arms wrapped around my shoulders and held me nearer, as though I was going to vanish into thin air, just as he had to me only a year ago. Finally, we were whole again...and my search was over... Darkness...searching for Light...not even Heaven's taboo could stop me...and I had succeeded.
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