Under a Glass Moon

By blinkie

Author's Note: The title is a song on Dream Theater's 1991 album "Images and Words". If you're into progressive rock, check it out ^_^. Obviously this is a songfic – my first one, at that.
This is dedicated to Nataku Taishi (the fanfic author), who asked me to write a fic on Nataku, and to all Nataku/Shien fans out there. I hope you like this.
Each part starts with lyrics of the song. The actual song's structure is as appears in this fic.
Standard disclaimers apply.

Part One: Disclosure: Nataku

"Tell me, remind me

Chase the water racing from the sky

Always beside me

Taste the memories running from my eyes"

The searing chill of the mountain wind cut his exposed face, yet the serene smile never left his face. He relished the way it sank deep into his bones, freezing his limbs and making the tiniest movement excruciating.

Despite all these, he still smiled.

The suffering reminded him of his vulnerability. Being a god did not mean one was invincible; more so if one is the God of War. Eyes half-shut against the constant swirl of snow, he surveyed the jagged white with a mixture of pleasure and sadness.

Nanga Parbat of the Himalayas, one of the highest peaks in the world at 26, 660 feet and held to be the most treacherous. What was he doing in such a place?

The answer was simple enough: the need for a reality check which always tugged at him before a mission. The massive peak of the mountain combined with its unforgiving elements of the mountain never failed to humble him.

Despite his godhood, he felt small in comparison with Nanga Parbat. And he needed his feet planted even more firmly on the ground now, since the upcoming mission would most probably kill him if he was not careful.

Introspection ultimately led to self-pity. What a pitiful being he was, a euphemism for bloody murder. He laughed to himself. What a pathetic being he was.

A violent gust of wind made his eyes water, forcing him to shut them completely. Now his world was complete darkness and bitter cold.

This is how my world has always been. And always will, perhaps. Even his love is not enough to dispel this gloom.

So deep into meditation was Nataku that he did not notice the presence of the other. It was only when a soft cough sounded a few feet behind him that he realized someone was with him.

Startled, his eyes flew open, immediately narrowing to slits as the wind blew tiny needles of ice onto his face. He bit the inside of his cheek to compose himself. He knew who it was without turning to face him. It hurt his already raw feelings that someone he respected see him in such a vulnerable state. A trifle ashamed, he nonetheless spoke in a strong yet calm voice:

"I don't recall sending for you, soldier."

A voice sighed; a voice he knew well, a voice that had always soothed him in his darkest moments.

"I know."

"Why are you here, then?" The answer was one of the things I knew he could possibly say, but nonetheless never expected to actually leave his lips:

"I am always with you, Nataku-sama."

~end, Chapter 1~

Author's Note: I've always been fascinated by the relationship of Shien and Nataku. "Festival", which is episode 42 of the anime series, is especially intriguing. Forgive my "shameless plugging" (as my dear Mrs. Rusalki would say ^_^) but I recommend you read chapter 1 of my fic "Fatal Bonds" for more Shien/Nataku.

Chapter two needs some minor tweaking. Hopefully it will be up before the week ends ^_^

Thanks for reading! Reviews would be much appreciated. ^_^